True Birth

Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak & Kristin Mallon, RN, CNM
  • 4.9 (106)
  • 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. 16H AGO

    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

  2. JAN 12

    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

  3. JAN 5

    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

  4. 12/14/2025

    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

  5. 11/17/2025

    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

  6. 11/10/2025

    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

  7. 09/17/2025

    The VBAC Playbook: Episode 189

    This show is about the VBAC Playbook—your complete guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. We bring together everything you need to know in one place: all of our experience, the risks and benefits, the latest evidence, and the practical steps to prepare. Whether you're weighing your options, looking for reassurance, or wanting to feel fully informed before talking with your provider, this playbook equips you with clear, comprehensive, and empowering information to help you make the best decision for your birth. 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 .

    43 min

  8. 09/09/2025

    When to Seek Out a Second Opinion in Pregnancy: Episode #188

    Pregnancy and childbirth are filled with important decisions, and sometimes the advice you receive from your OB/GYN or midwife can feel overwhelming—or incomplete. In this episode of True Birth, we take an honest look at when and why you might consider seeking a second opinion during pregnancy or for birth planning. A second opinion is not about questioning your provider's expertise—it's about ensuring you have the full picture before making decisions that impact your health and your baby's well-being. We discuss situations where a second opinion can be especially valuable: when facing a major intervention such as induction, cesarean birth, or surgery; when you're given limited options; or when your instincts tell you something doesn't feel right. We'll explore how different providers approach issues like VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), high-risk pregnancy management, and birth preferences, and why those perspectives can vary. Just as importantly, we share practical tips on how to approach the process: how to ask for your records, how to frame the conversation, and how to choose the right expert for a balanced perspective. Our goal is to empower you to feel confident, informed, and supported in your care. Remember: seeking a second opinion is your right, not a sign of mistrust. It's one of the best ways to advocate for yourself and ensure you're making decisions aligned with your values and goals. Tune in as we unpack real scenarios and offer guidance on making the second-opinion process respectful, productive, and ultimately reassuring—for a healthier pregnancy and a birth experience that feels right for you.     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 .

    35 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
106 Ratings

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
    194
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Integrative Obstetrics
  • Show Website
    True Birth

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