The Birth Squad

Dr. Ijeoma Okwandu & Dr. Kimeshia Thomas
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Birth Squad

Welcome to The Birth Squad! Join best friends and colleagues, Drs. Ijeoma Okwandu and Kimeshia Thomas, two black obstetricians and gynecologists who use the power of storytelling and interviews to explore the pregnancy and birth experiences of real people. Join us two Sundays a month to discuss reproductive health, gynecology, and all things in between. Follow and tag us on Instagram: @thebirthsquad | Twitter: @_thebirthsquad Use hashtags #thebirthsquad and #thebirthsquadpodcast

  1. OCT 13

    Her Story Series #6: Birth Advocacy- Ngozi's Story

    In Episode 6 the Her Story Series, Ngozi discusses how she became a fearless birth advocate, championing the rights and voices of Black mothers everywhere through her company MotherMode LLC, based in Los Angeles, CA. The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in their village, these stories offer real insights into the multifaceted journey of motherhood for Black women. Gain valuable insights into Black maternal healthcare. Learn from real-life stories that resonate with mothers across the globe. Discover different birthing options, challenges, and triumphs. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! 👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾👶🏾✨ Let's build a village of support together. @thebirthsquad @birthbyus @mothermodeLA

    24 min

  2. OCT 13

    HerStory Series #5: Black Birthing Joy-Dr. Robinson's Story

    Episode 5 of "Her Story" series explores Dr. Robinson’s Story A positive and inspiring birth story that focuses on empowerment and joy in childbirth. "Her Story" series brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in their village, these stories offer real insights into the multifaceted journey of motherhood for Black women. Gain valuable insights into Black maternal healthcare. Learn from real-life stories that resonate with mothers across the globe. Discover different birthing options, challenges, and triumphs. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! 👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾👶🏾✨ Let's build a village of support together. @thebirthsquad @birthbyus #blackmaternalhealth #HerStory #BirthByUs #TheBirthSquad #MotherhoodJourney #BlackMomsMatter

    24 min

  3. OCT 13

    Her Story Series #4: Unplanned Pregnancy & Postpartum Struggles-Ayana's Story

    In Episode 4 of The Her Story Series, Ayana discusses navigating the emotional journey of an unplanned pregnancy and postpartum struggles, offering comfort and solidarity to many. The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in their village, these stories offer real insights into the multifaceted journey of motherhood for Black women. Gain valuable insights into Black maternal healthcare. Learn from real-life stories that resonate with mothers across the globe. Discover different birthing options, challenges, and triumphs. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! 👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾👶🏾✨ Let's build a village of support together. @thebirthsquad @birthbyus

    21 min

  4. OCT 13

    Her Story Series #3: Homebirth vs Hospital Birth-Shayla's Story

    In Episode 3 of The Her Story Series, Shayla compares her experiences with hospital birth vs. home birth. The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in their village, these stories offer real insights into the multifaceted journey of motherhood for Black women. Gain valuable insights into Black maternal healthcare. Learn from real-life stories that resonate with mothers across the globe. Discover different birthing options, challenges, and triumphs. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! 👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾👶🏾✨ Let's build a village of support together. @thebirthsquad @birthbyus

    30 min

  5. OCT 13

    HerStory Series #2: Pre-Eclampsia, Preterm Lupus- Raedell's Story

    Episode 2 The Her Story Series listens to Raedells discuss her battle with pre-eclampsia, lupus and the challenges of preterm birth. A story of resilience and care. The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in their village, these stories offer real insights into the multifaceted journey of motherhood for Black women. Gain valuable insights into Black maternal healthcare. Learn from real-life stories that resonate with mothers across the globe. Discover different birthing options, challenges, and triumphs. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! 👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾👶🏾✨ Let's build a village of support together. @thebirthsquad @birthbyus #blackmaternalhealth #HerStory #BirthByUs #TheBirthSquad #MotherhoodJourney #BlackMomsMatter

    32 min

  6. OCT 13

    HerStory Series #1: Meet The Birth By Us Founders

    Episode 1 of The Her Story Series features the founders of Birth By Us and how they are changing the narrative for Black mothers. The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in their village, these stories offer real insights into the multifaceted journey of motherhood for Black women. Gain valuable insights into Black maternal healthcare. Learn from real-life stories that resonate with mothers across the globe. Discover different birthing options, challenges, and triumphs. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! 👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾👶🏾✨ Let's build a village of support together. @thebirthsquad @birthbyus #blackmaternalhealth #HerStory #BirthByUs #TheBirthSquad #MotherhoodJourney #BlackMomsMatter

    17 min

  7. AUG 11

    24-That's a Wrap x 2

    And that’s a wrap on Season 2 of The Birth Squad Podcast!  We hope you enjoyed the incredible stories and expert insights from this season. If you missed any episodes, they’re all available wherever you get your podcasts.  Stay tuned for more empowering stories and expert advice in our next season. Leave a comment and tell us what you want to hear next! To learn more and connect with some of our amazing birth warriors this season check out their information below! Season Two Birth Warriors: * Dr. Aldene Zeno  * https://draldene.com * @dr.aldene * Book-Thriving through Pregnancy with Fitness and Black Mama Magic * Dr. Brandye Wilson-Manigat * https://drbrandyemd.com/ * Book-A Committed Woman's Guide To Getting The Great Sex She Deserves * Dr. Jess Daigle  * @momandme_md  * Drs Martinez and Burton * Dr. Nikki Christian-Genius  * nicole.christian-genius@med.usc.edu  * Doulas Chandler Garrett and Mish Akoro * Chandler * https://thebumpculture.com/ * https://www.instagram.com/thebumpcult… * Mish  * https://homeofgoodmother.squarespace  * https://homeofgoodmotherdoula   * Dr. Rauvynne Sangara * Dr. Griselda Reyes * grisarlreyes@gmail.com  * Deja McCullough, RN * Dr. Nikki Liburd  * Allyson Felix  * @allysonfelix  * https://linktr.ee/allysonfelix

    15 min

  8. JUL 28

    23-"Going for the Gold"-Allyson's Quest for a Vaginal Birth After C-Section (VBAC)

    ven Track & Field Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix had to find her voice during her pregnancy. Join us as we close out season 2 with her, as she shares her birth story and desire for a VBAC with us! Don't forget to check out season 1&2 of The Birth Squad Podcast available now! Link to Preeclampsia Calculator https://fetalmedicine.org/research/assess/preeclampsia/first-trimester Terms: Preeclampsia (formerly called toxemia):  High blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy that leads to end organ damage.  Signs/symptoms include:  Swelling of your legs, headache unrelieved by pain medication, vision changes, protein in your urine, elevated liver enzymes, kidney failure, and low platelet levels.  Treatment:  Magnesium is usually used to prevent seizures and IV blood pressure  Eclampsia:  A seizure-related high blood pressure  NICU:  the intensive care unit of babies who are sick or born early.  Hospitals have different NICU levels that they offer: Level 1 NICU | Basic care - provide care for healthy full-term babies.  Level 2  NICU| Advanced care - offer care for babies born at or after 32 weeks. Level 3 NICU| Specialized care - care for very sick babies and offer access to a wide range of pediatric specialists and equipment.  Level 4 NICU| Highest level of care - provides a full range of healthcare providers and equipment for very sick babies.  Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC):  Patients who have undergone a previous cesarean birth have the option of proceeding with a trial of labor if they have had two or fewer cesareans.  Please talk to your provider to see if your hospital offer this option  Uterine rupture:  when the uterus opens and a part of the fetus, amniotic fluid, or the umbilical cord enters the abdomen.  A uterine rupture can cause abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, a change in the contraction pattern, or a nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracing. Fetal Heart Rate Tracing:  Monitoring of the baby’s heart rate.  Acceleration:  When the fetal heart rate goes up indicating good oxygenation.  Deceleration:  A drop in the fetal heart rate, which can indicate fetal head compression, umbilical cord compression, or a decrease in oxygenation. Hypnobirthing:  aims to help a woman deal with any fear or anxiety she may have around birth. It involves various relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to help relax the body before and during labor and birth.

    36 min
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Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Birth Squad! Join best friends and colleagues, Drs. Ijeoma Okwandu and Kimeshia Thomas, two black obstetricians and gynecologists who use the power of storytelling and interviews to explore the pregnancy and birth experiences of real people. Join us two Sundays a month to discuss reproductive health, gynecology, and all things in between. Follow and tag us on Instagram: @thebirthsquad | Twitter: @_thebirthsquad Use hashtags #thebirthsquad and #thebirthsquadpodcast

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Ijeoma Okwandu & Dr. Kimeshia Thomas
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Ijeoma Okwandu & Dr. Kimeshia Thomas
  • Show Website
    The Birth Squad

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