Welcome back! The format of today’s episode is different in that my guest, Amoy Jacques, is actually pregnant at the time of this recording.  So, for the first time on Caribbean Birth Stories we get to hear from a pregnant woman about her expectations, fears, anxieties just before she gives birth.  In addition, Amoy’s journey to pregnancy was not a smooth one and we both hope her story offers optimism to the listener who may also be having a difficult time trying to conceive. Interested in working with Amoy, see her details below: Website: https://wombcareclinic.ca/ Instagram: @wombc ..read more

Today’s episode is the second part of my fiery chat with Daniella, Kiola and Naette.  If you haven’t yet listened to part one, please check out episode 22 before listening to this one.  These three ladies discuss the sacrifices that they have made in their lives, with a major one being not residing in their place of birth, yet they’ve been able to find joy and peace as they navigate parenthood.   Here are the beautiful songs mentioned by the ladies:   “Before the Day Star” by Kobo Town: https://youtu.be/I1Qfjh3QuNs “Space for a Heart” by Freetown Collective: https://youtu.b ..read more

Welcome to part 2 of the Season finalé!  In this episode we jump straight into the nitty gritty of the postpartum period from both parents' perspective. Please subscribe, rate and share so our Caribbean voices can be heard around the world! IG:@_miss.informed_ @steadyimagemediagroup YouTube: search Chanol Ottley Allen ..read more

Surprise! Today’s episode is my treat to you my wonderful listeners.  Many of you have asked me “when do we get to hear your birth story Chanol?” so it is with great pleasure I share our birth story with you today. My husband, Adrian, joins me on today’s episode reminding us that men do need support during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as the emotional toll during this transitionary period for both persons can feel overwhelming. I recruited one of my most articulate, jovial and clever friends to host today’s episode to allow my husband and I to truly focus on sharing our story as a ..read more

As many of you know Trinidad and Tobago has been hailed as the land of steelband, calypso, limbo, parang, chutney, soca and carnival.  So it is with great excitement I welcome today's guest, Anya Elias former bandleader of Spice Carinval band and a private section owner and designer at Tribe carnival, to Caribbean Birth Stories. As the title of today's episode suggests, Anya's path to motherhood has been anything but bland and I am truly in awe of her strength in steering her way through it all. Anya has had more miscarriages than she can recount before the arrival of her rainbow baby. Sh ..read more

What do you do when the obstacles seem to get in your way of manifesting the family you’ve dreamed of?  My guest on today’s episode walks us down her path from Catholicism to Islam on her journey to motherhood.  Kristy is authentic and brave in our chat, discussing how choosing a person of a different faith to her own impacted the decisions she has made in parenting. We also discuss: - Being pregnant during a pandemic - The differences between singleton and twin pregnancies   - The power of nature/gardening as self-care - Spending time with family and having family support Krist ..read more

We ended off episode 16 with my guest Chantal describing how her mother supported her choice to not have children and the impact that abscence of parental pressure had on her journey. Let's tune in to hear what Lani and Jan Yves have to contribute to the discussion! No surprise, these ladies stumped me with my own question, I promise to reveal my song choice in the season finalé, so stay tuned. Find the ladies: Chantal @theclrcode on IG, Lani www.mooredaisely.com and Dr. Jan Yves Remy on LinkedIn Please subscribe, review and share so our Caribbean voices can be heard around the world! IG:@_mis ..read more

Yes, this podcast is about Caribbean women narrating their story of giving birth, but what about the Caribbean women who choose not to have children or circumstances have never aligned to have a child, these same women may be bombarded with THE question...'any children yet?' Well, my guests Chantal, Lani and Jan Yves do not disappoint in today’s first fireside chat; sharing with us their deeply personal, candid and sometimes provocative points of view of being a young woman in the Caribbean without a child. We address difficult questions from the jump examining ideas surrounding being a woman ..read more

Nicosia (or you can just call her Nic) is a time management strategist and Attorney-at-Law. Nicosia hails from the Cayman Islands and tells us all about delivering her baby in Hong Kong. As a time management strategist, Nicosia helps her clients manage the use of their time in an effective, efficient and productive manner. You can keep up with Nicosia on her blog at www.justcallmenic.com and on Instagram @justcallmenic Please subscribe, review and share so our Caribbean voices can be heard around the world!     ..read more

Dr. Juan Michelle Martin is a licensed Physical Therapist of 14 years with an extensive background in patient care and competitive athletics.  She formed JMM Health Solutions with a focus on pelvic floor dysfunction in adults and children and provides services in Atlanta and many other U.S. states and International locations. On the heels of episode 13, Dr. Martin is clear about the need for partnered support education and training and believes that becoming a mom drove her passion for addressing the needs of pregnant and post-partum individuals. Being a Physical Therapist offers us such ..read more