Blog Archives

Nutrition Before or Between Pregnancies – S4E8

After you give birth, you want to make sure you’re taking the right vitamins. That way, you have all the nutrients you need to support yourself and your growing family. But with so much advice out there about specific brands and postnatal vitamins, it can be hard to tell what’s true and what’s not.

Host Jessica Stewart Gonzalez sorts it out with Susie Leo, a Professional Parent and Child Health Dietitian for the Arizona Department of Health Services and registered dietitian nutritionist with the Power Me A2Z program. Together, they explain everything parents need to know about prenatal vitamins and vitamin recommendations between pregnancies.

Beyond Baby Blues: Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders – S2E7

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) are mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy or within a year after delivery. Many families feel afraid to talk about PMAD, but we want families to know that they are not alone, it’s not anyone’s fault, and with support, things will get better.

In this episode, host Jessica Stewart Gonzalez talks with Rachel Flater, the Postpartum Support International Support Coordinator, about differentiating normal feelings from disorders and how to support people with perinatal mood disorders.

Special Edition: Prenatal Care with Jen Hamilton – S4E4

Prenatal care helps families have the healthiest pregnancy possible all the way up until the baby arrives. But the process can seem overwhelming if you haven’t done it before, or if you’ve heard some of the common myths about it.

That’s why Jessica sat down with Jen Hamilton, board-certified labor & delivery nurse and Founder of Hot Mess Express, to answer your questions about prenatal care. In this episode, learn about prenatal care, informed consent, what it means to plan your birth vibes, and more.

Gestational Diabetes: Serious but Treatable – S3 E5

Gestational diabetes occurs when your body can’t make enough insulin during your pregnancy. It can be scary for many folks but the good news is – the condition is treatable and often goes away after pregnancy.

Jessica speaks with Raquelle Weight, a Staff Development Specialist at the Arizona Department of Health Services in the Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity, to explain how this condition can affect your pregnancy and ways to prevent it from developing.

Vitamins and Pregnancy Health – S2 E2

Did you know the health of your baby starts long before conception? Vitamins play a major role in reducing the risks of birth defects. Even if you don’t plan to become pregnant, multivitamins with folic acid have numerous health benefits that can help you, and potentially a future baby, live a healthy life.

Susie Leo MPH, RDN from the Power Me A2Z program at the Arizona Department of Health Services helps us understand the vitamins expecting parents should take to ensure a more healthy pregnancy. She explains folic acid and tells us how it can decrease the risk of birth defects. Whether or not you plan to become pregnant, find out how you can receive a free 3 month supply of multivitamins from the Powerpack program.

Health Disparities and Stillbirth – S1 E17

Health disparities put Black mothers at a higher risk of stillbirth and other pregnancy complications. Because of this, moms need to know how to advocate for themselves in the doctor’s office. And they need to know how to spot the signs of stillbirth that are critical for their health and that of their unborn baby.

On this episode, we continue our conversation about stillbirth prevention with Stephaney Moody, Health Equity Coordinator at Healthy Birth Day. She talks with host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez about the health disparities facing Black mothers, how those inequities impact stillbirth rates, and ways that mothers can advocate for themselves throughout their pregnancy journey.

Your Postpartum Health – S1 E16

Bringing a new baby into this world is a lot of work. And while you take care of your little one, your own health is just as important. Knowing the warning signs for postpartum health complications can help you take care of your physical and mental health as you enter this new stage of life.

Heidi Christensen, the Maternal Health Innovation Program Manager at the Arizona Department of Health Services, joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to share what new moms should know about postpartum health complications and when it’s time to call the doctor.

How to Count Your Baby’s Kicks – S1 E13

For pregnant moms, feeling those first kicks, flutters, and movements of your baby can be an exciting pregnancy milestone! Those movements also are key indicators of your baby’s health. Abnormal patterns of movement can signal a health risk, so counting the kicks of your baby can help you understand what’s normal and when to be concerned.

Emily Price, executive director of Healthy Birth Day Inc., joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to share how counting kicks can prevent stillbirths. Plus, they tell you how to make counting kicks an easy and fun part of your daily routine!

The 4th Trimester – S1 E11

You’ve heard of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. But what about the 4th trimester? In the weeks following the birth of your baby, both you and your newborn will undergo major emotional and physical changes. And the sudden drop off in care, check-ups, and monitoring might leave you feeling overwhelmed, unsure, and even lonely.

To help you know what to expect during the 4th trimester, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez chats with Elizabeth Wood, Co-Founder and Educator at Matrescence 4th Trimester Planning and Support. Elizabeth tells you how you can care for yourself and your baby during the 4th trimester and how partners can lend a helping hand.

How To Practice Positive Parenting – S1 E7

As parents, we want nothing more than to have well-behaved children. But teaching kids right from wrong isn’t simple. When they throw a tantrum, do we put them in time out? Or do we just walk away?

To share best practices for discipline, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez chats with Dr. Randy Ahn, Implementation Consultant at the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P). Do you have a child that whines or throws tantrums? These positive parenting tips can help you resolve household conflicts in a healthy, constructive manner.