True Birth

Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak & Kristin Mallon, RN, CNM
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Helping women have better births and better birth experiences. Our experts share their perspectives on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. These are raw, honest stories about the experience of labor from the professional's point of view. Listen and get inside your OB/GYN or midwife's head. Our goal is to share the truth about pregnancy and birth with the listener and to explain our thought process. We see our role as one in which we guide and inform, presenting facts so that the laboring mother can make the best decisions for her. If there are concerns during pregnancy or issues that need to be addressed before the birth, we present them, opening a dialogue and encouraging conversation; we give the options, but we can not and will not decide for the patient. We leave it up to her and her family. We are here to be as straightforward and transparent as possible and help a birthing woman have the optimal pregnancy, labor and birth experience. We serve the truth straight up in common English and steer clear of medical jargon. Our goal is to make medicine, obstetrics, and all relevant information as easily digestible as possible for the listener to enjoy, share and learn from. Each episode covers birth and prenatal topics through the eyes of Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak, a NYC metro area Perinatologist and Maternal Fetal Medicine Doctor, and his trusty side kick, Certified Nurse Midwife Kristin Mallon.

  1. 2 FEB

    Late Preterm Birth: The Space Between Early and Term: Episode #197

    In this episode of True Birth, we explore late preterm birth which are deliveries that occur between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, and why this window matters more than it is often given credit for. Late preterm babies are frequently described as "almost term," yet that framing can obscure the very real physiologic differences that exist in these final weeks of gestation. We begin by defining what late preterm birth actually means and why it occupies a unique clinical and emotional space. Babies born in this window often look mature and strong, which can make it easy to underestimate the developmental work still happening in the brain, lungs, feeding reflexes, and metabolic systems during the final weeks of pregnancy. From there, we talk about why late preterm births happen. This includes spontaneous preterm labor, preterm rupture of membranes, and medically indicated deliveries due to maternal or fetal conditions. We discuss how these decisions are made, the balance between continuing a pregnancy and intervening for safety, and why timing can be one of the most nuanced clinical judgments in obstetrics. A central part of this episode focuses on outcomes, not to create fear, but to offer clarity. We discuss the most common challenges late preterm babies may face, including feeding difficulties, temperature instability, low blood sugar, jaundice, and breathing issues. We also talk about how these risks compare to earlier preterm births and why many late preterm babies do very well with appropriate monitoring and support. We then shift to the postpartum experience for families. Late preterm birth often comes with unexpected separations, longer hospital stays, or feeding plans that look different than anticipated. We explore the emotional impact of this liminal space when a baby is not critically premature, but not quite ready in the way parents expected and how families can be supported through that adjustment. Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of preparation and communication. Understanding the possibility of late preterm birth, even in otherwise healthy pregnancies, can help families feel more grounded if plans change. We also discuss how care teams can better frame expectations, provide anticipatory guidance, and avoid minimizing the experience simply because a baby is "close to term." This episode is about honoring the complexity of late preterm birth: medically, emotionally, and developmentally and recognizing that those last weeks of pregnancy matter, even when outcomes are ultimately positive. For more episodes and resources, visit truebirthpodcast.com and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming. We love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be featured in our next episode. For additional resources and information, be sure to visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/ You can also connect with us on our social channels to stay up-to-date with the latest news, episodes, and community engagement: YouTube: youtube.com/maternalresources Instagram: @maternalresources Facebook: facebook.com/IntegrativeOB TikTok: NatureBack Doc on TikTok Grab Our Book: The NatureBack Method for Birth—your guide to an empowered pregnancy and delivery. Shop now at naturebackbook.myshopify.com

    45 min

  2. 26 JAN

    Pelvic Rest in Pregnancy - When you need it and when you don't. Episode #196

    In this episode of True Birth, we take a closer look at pelvic rest in pregnancy, what it actually means, when it is medically indicated, and when it may be unnecessarily prescribed. Pelvic rest is one of the most commonly given recommendations in pregnancy, yet it is often poorly explained and widely misunderstood. This conversation is about bringing clarity, nuance, and context to a topic that can feel confusing and anxiety-provoking for many families. We begin by unpacking what providers typically mean when they recommend pelvic rest. For many people, the phrase immediately triggers fears of strict limitations or complete inactivity. We explain what pelvic rest usually involves, what it does not, and why the language itself can create more stress than clarity when it is not carefully defined. From there, we discuss the situations in which pelvic rest is clinically appropriate. This includes conditions such as placenta previa, certain cervical changes, unexplained bleeding, or the presence of a cerclage. We explore the reasoning behind these recommendations and how pelvic rest is used as a precaution in specific, higher-risk scenarios to reduce cervical or placental irritation. Just as importantly, we talk about when pelvic rest is not routinely necessary. In uncomplicated pregnancies with normal placental placement and no concerning symptoms, pelvic rest has not been shown to improve outcomes. We address how pelvic rest has often been carried forward out of habit rather than evidence, and why many people are advised to restrict sexual activity or vaginal contact without a clear medical reason. This episode also explores the emotional and relational impact of pelvic rest. Recommendations around intimacy can affect connection, body image, and a person's sense of normalcy during pregnancy. We discuss how couples can navigate these changes with communication and flexibility, and why understanding the "why" behind a recommendation matters just as much as the recommendation itself. Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of individualized care. Pelvic rest is not a one-size-fits-all prescription, and pregnant people deserve clear explanations, shared decision-making, and the ability to ask questions about risks, benefits, and alternatives. This episode is an invitation to move away from blanket restrictions and toward thoughtful, evidence-informed guidance, care that respects both physiology and the lived experience of pregnancy. For more episodes and resources, visit truebirthpodcast.com and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming. We love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be featured in our next episode. For additional resources and information, be sure to visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/ You can also connect with us on our social channels to stay up-to-date with the latest news, episodes, and community engagement: YouTube: youtube.com/maternalresources Instagram: @maternalresources Facebook: facebook.com/IntegrativeOB TikTok: NatureBack Doc on TikTok Grab Our Book: The NatureBack Method for Birth—your guide to an empowered pregnancy and delivery. Shop now at naturebackbook.myshopify.com

    25 min

  3. 19 JAN

    More Stories About Birth: Episode #195

    In this episode of True Birth, we share more birth stories. As always, stories are honest, nuanced, and deeply human. Some are empowering, some are complicated, some are unexpected, and all of them are real. Birth is often spoken about in extremes. Perfect or traumatic. Natural or medical. Success or failure. But lived experience is far more layered than that. These stories remind us that birth unfolds within bodies, families, systems, and moments we can't always predict and that meaning is often found in how supported, informed, and heard someone feels along the way. If you are pregnant, postpartum, planning a future birth, or simply holding space for others, this episode is a reminder that your story matters too. There is wisdom in sharing it and healing in being heard. We want to hear from you. Have a birth story, a question, or something you're still processing? Send us an email or a voice memo. Your message may be featured in an upcoming episode. If this episode resonated, please like, comment, and subscribe. Your engagement helps us continue these conversations and bring more voices into the space. For additional resources, education, and support, visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/ You can also connect with us across our social channels: YouTube: youtube.com/maternalresources Instagram: @maternalresources Facebook: facebook.com/IntegrativeOB TikTok: NatureBack Doc And if you want to go deeper, explore The NatureBack Method for Birth, our guide to an informed, empowered pregnancy and delivery: naturebackbook.myshopify.com

    38 min

  4. 12 JAN

    The Partner's Role in Labor & Delivery: Episode #194

    In this episode of True Birth, we explore the powerful and often underestimated role partners play in childbirth. Birth is not something that happens only to the person giving birth. It is a shared experience, and the presence, preparation, and emotional steadiness of a partner can profoundly shape how labor unfolds. This conversation is about moving beyond the idea of the partner as a passive observer and into a role that is grounded, supportive, and intentionally engaged. We talk about what partners actually do during labor and birth, from providing physical comfort and emotional reassurance to helping maintain focus when things become intense or unpredictable. We discuss how partners can support without trying to fix, manage, or control the experience, and why simply being calm, present, and responsive matters more than doing everything perfectly. Communication is a central theme of this episode. We cover how couples can talk openly before birth about fears, expectations, and preferences, and how partners can communicate effectively during labor with both the birthing person and the care team. Advocacy is explored in a realistic and balanced way, focusing on how partners can help ensure the birthing person feels heard and supported without creating additional stress. We also address the emotional side of being a partner at birth. Many partners feel pressure to perform, to say the right thing, or to know exactly what to do. This episode reframes that pressure and offers a more compassionate and realistic view of the partner role, especially when birth does not go according to plan. We share practical guidance partners can use in real time, including ways to offer comfort, support coping through contractions, and stay connected during the postpartum period as recovery and adjustment begin. Whether you are preparing for your first birth or reflecting on a previous experience, this episode is an invitation to approach childbirth as a team and to recognize the meaningful role partners play in creating a safe, supported, and connected birth experience. For more episodes and resources, visit truebirthpodcast.com and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.   Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming.  We love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be featured in our next episode! For additional resources and information, be sure to visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/. You can also connect with us on our social channels to stay up-to-date with the latest news, episodes, and community engagement: YouTube: Dive deeper into pregnancy tips and stories atyoutube.com/maternalresources . Instagram: Follow us for daily inspiration and updates at @maternalresources . Facebook: Join our community at facebook.com/IntegrativeOB Tiktok: NatureBack Doc on TikTok Grab Our Book! Check out The NatureBack Method for Birth—your guide to a empowered pregnancy and delivery. Shop now at naturebackbook.myshopify.com .

    32 min

  5. 5 JAN

    Curve Balls in Pregnancy: When the Unexpected Happens. Episode # 193

    When pregnancy takes an unexpected turn, it can feel disorienting and deeply personal. In this episode, we talk about the curve balls no one plans for: pregnancy loss, placenta previa, emergency cesarean birth, and how to move through them with clarity, compassion, and support. This is a conversation about honoring grief without losing hope, finding steadiness in uncertainty, and reclaiming a sense of agency even when plans change. If your pregnancy story didn't follow the script you imagined, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, that your experience matters, and that there is still space for healing, strength, and meaning on the other side. Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming.  We love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be featured in our next episode! For additional resources and information, be sure to visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/. You can also connect with us on our social channels to stay up-to-date with the latest news, episodes, and community engagement: YouTube: Dive deeper into pregnancy tips and stories atyoutube.com/maternalresources . Instagram: Follow us for daily inspiration and updates at @maternalresources . Facebook: Join our community at facebook.com/IntegrativeOB Tiktok: NatureBack Doc on TikTok Grab Our Book! Check out The NatureBack Method for Birth—your guide to a empowered pregnancy and delivery. Shop now at naturebackbook.myshopify.com .

    34 min

  6. 14/12/2025

    Baby Aspirin in Pregnancy: Episode #192

    Low-dose aspirin, often called baby aspirin, is one of the most commonly recommended medications in pregnancy today. But despite how frequently it's prescribed, many patients still ask the same questions: Why do I need it? Is it safe? When should I start or stop? And who actually benefits? In this episode, we take a clear, evidence-based look at baby aspirin in pregnancy—cutting through myths, confusion, and mixed messaging. In this episode, we cover: What "baby aspirin" actually is (dose, formulation, and how it works) Why it's recommended in pregnancy, especially for preventing preeclampsia Who should take it—including high-risk and moderate-risk patients When to start and when to stop (timing matters) What the research says about safety for both parent and baby Common concerns and misconceptions, including bleeding risk What to do if you're unsure or were told conflicting advice Why baby aspirin matters: Preeclampsia remains one of the leading causes of pregnancy complications worldwide. Decades of high-quality research now show that low-dose aspirin, started early in pregnancy for the right patients, can significantly reduce risk—with an excellent safety profile. For many patients, this simple intervention can make a meaningful difference in pregnancy outcomes. Who this episode is for: Pregnant patients wondering "Do I really need this?" Anyone with a history of preeclampsia, hypertension, infertility, IVF, or pregnancy complications Clinicians counseling patients on aspirin use Anyone navigating pregnancy advice that feels unclear or contradictory The takeaway: Baby aspirin isn't about doing more—it's about doing the right thing at the right time, guided by evidence and individualized care. If you've been prescribed baby aspirin—or think you might benefit—this episode will help you understand why it's recommended and how to take it with confidence.   Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming.  We love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be featured in our next episode! For additional resources and information, be sure to visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/. You can also connect with us on our social channels to stay up-to-date with the latest news, episodes, and community engagement: YouTube: Dive deeper into pregnancy tips and stories atyoutube.com/maternalresources . Instagram: Follow us for daily inspiration and updates at @maternalresources . Facebook: Join our community at facebook.com/IntegrativeOB Tiktok: NatureBack Doc on TikTok Grab Our Book! Check out The NatureBack Method for Birth—your guide to a empowered pregnancy and delivery. Shop now at naturebackbook.myshopify.com .

    22 min

  7. 17/11/2025

    Tylenol in Pregnancy: What you Really need to know. Episode #191

    In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions in pregnancy of late: Is Tylenol safe? It's the medication nearly every pregnant person reaches for at some point, yet the internet is full of conflicting headlines and confusing studies. We break down what the data actually shows, when Tylenol is appropriate, and how to use it safely. What We Cover • Why Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered one of the first-lines in pregnancy We explain decades of clinical use, major guideline recommendations, and why it remains the preferred option for fever and pain relief. • What the research actually says about safety We unpack the difference between correlation and causation, discuss recent observational studies, and highlight what ACOG and SMFM currently recommend. • When Tylenol is truly needed Fever above 100.4, migraines, musculoskeletal pain, postpartum use, and how untreated fever or pain can create more risk than the medication itself. • How to use it safely Typical dosing, maximum limits in 24 hours, how to avoid hidden acetaminophen in combination products, and who should be more cautious. • What to avoid We clarify why NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) are not recommended in most stages of pregnancy and why people often confuse these medications. Resources Mentioned • ACOG guidance on pain and fever management during pregnancy • SMFM clinical recommendations • FDA medication safety overview (pregnancy and lactation) Call to Action If you have questions about medication safety in pregnancy or aren't sure what's right for your symptoms, talk with a clinician who understands the nuances of both maternal health and functional medicine. The right guidance can give you confidence and peace of mind.   Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming.  We love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be featured in our next episode! For additional resources and information, be sure to visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/. You can also connect with us on our social channels to stay up-to-date with the latest news, episodes, and community engagement: YouTube: Dive deeper into pregnancy tips and stories atyoutube.com/maternalresources . Instagram: Follow us for daily inspiration and updates at @maternalresources . Facebook: Join our community at facebook.com/IntegrativeOB Tiktok: NatureBack Doc on TikTok Grab Our Book! Check out The NatureBack Method for Birth—your guide to a empowered pregnancy and delivery. Shop now at naturebackbook.myshopify.com .

    21 min

  8. 10/11/2025

    Listener Mail: You Wrote in and We're Talking About it

    You wrote in, and we listened! In this special listener mail episode, we're answering your questions,reading your stories, and diving into what's been on your minds. From real-life experiences to the big "what ifs," we're here to talk, laugh, and think it through together. Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming — we love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be featured in our next episode! For additional resources and information, be sure to visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/. You can also connect with us on our social channels to stay up-to-date with the latest news, episodes, and community engagement: YouTube: Dive deeper into pregnancy tips and stories atyoutube.com/maternalresources . Instagram: Follow us for daily inspiration and updates at @maternalresources . Facebook: Join our community at facebook.com/IntegrativeOB Tiktok: NatureBack Doc on TikTok Grab Our Book! Check out The NatureBack Method for Birth—your guide to a empowered pregnancy and delivery. Shop now at naturebackbook.myshopify.com .

    41 min
See All (196)

Trailer

About

Helping women have better births and better birth experiences. Our experts share their perspectives on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. These are raw, honest stories about the experience of labor from the professional's point of view. Listen and get inside your OB/GYN or midwife's head. Our goal is to share the truth about pregnancy and birth with the listener and to explain our thought process. We see our role as one in which we guide and inform, presenting facts so that the laboring mother can make the best decisions for her. If there are concerns during pregnancy or issues that need to be addressed before the birth, we present them, opening a dialogue and encouraging conversation; we give the options, but we can not and will not decide for the patient. We leave it up to her and her family. We are here to be as straightforward and transparent as possible and help a birthing woman have the optimal pregnancy, labor and birth experience. We serve the truth straight up in common English and steer clear of medical jargon. Our goal is to make medicine, obstetrics, and all relevant information as easily digestible as possible for the listener to enjoy, share and learn from. Each episode covers birth and prenatal topics through the eyes of Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak, a NYC metro area Perinatologist and Maternal Fetal Medicine Doctor, and his trusty side kick, Certified Nurse Midwife Kristin Mallon.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak & Kristin Mallon, RN, CNM
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    196
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Integrative Obstetrics
  • Show Website
    True Birth

You Might Also Like