Start to Finish Motherhood with Aisha

In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Natasha, also known as the Medical Tourism RN. We dive deep into important topics surrounding reproductive health, fertility options, and the growing trend of medical and fertility tourism. From understanding a basic fertility workup to navigating international healthcare systems, we cover a wide variety of topics that are crucial for women, especially those in the Single Mother by Choice (SMC) community. Whether you're considering IVF, looking for cost-effective healthcare options abroad, or just want to understand your reproductive health better, this episode is packed with valuable information. Don't miss out—tune in to empower yourself with knowledge and make informed decisions about your fertility journey!     MedicalTourism RN   Reproductive Health: Navigating Wellness For Black Women to Prepare to Go Abroad   00:00 Introduction and Podcast Goals 01:40 Introducing the Guest: Dr. Natasha 02:19 Fertility Conversations and Advocacy 06:10 Understanding Fertility Workups 16:20 International Perspectives on Fertility and Healthcare 25:08 Understanding Your Health Plan 25:22 Preparing for Travel During Pregnancy 25:42 International Coverage and Reimbursement 26:17 Personal Experience with International Coverage 28:25 Researching International Healthcare Options 28:37 Accreditation and Quality of Care 30:26 Key Considerations for Fertility Treatment Abroad 32:24 Financial Feasibility of Medical Tourism 33:27 Local Fertility Laws and Regulations 39:17 Popular Countries for IVF Treatment 41:31 Increasing Trend of Medical Tourism 44:06 Final Thoughts and Resources    

Erika was gracious enough to return this week and share the often untold story of her breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy. She shares her thoughtful decision-making process, overcoming challenges, and the emotional highs and lows of her journey. This candid conversation offers invaluable insights into the decisions, surgeries, and considerations involved in breast reconstruction, all while highlighting the importance of support, self-awareness, and medical guidance. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and discover the strength and resilience that fuels her recovery. If you know someone on a similar path or seeking support, share this episode with them! 00:00 Introduction to Breast Reconstruction Journey 00:20 Choosing the Right Surgeon 00:46 Deciding on Double Mastectomy and Implants 01:26 Challenges and Delays Due to COVID 02:33 Deep Flap Surgery Explained 04:22 Nipple Reconstruction Options 10:15 Chemotherapy and Radiation Differences 13:03 Triple Negative Breast Cancer 14:17 Deep Flap Surgery Details 18:46 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

  In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Erica, a courageous member of the Melanated Single Mothers by Choice community, to discuss her powerful journey through single motherhood, adoption, and a breast cancer diagnosis. Erika opens up about her decision to become a single mom through adoption, the emotional impact of her cancer diagnosis, and the strength it took to fight for her life while raising two young children. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, the support of her loving village, and maintaining an optimistic outlook during tough times. Erika's story is one of resilience and hope—don't miss it!   00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning 00:33 Erica's Journey to Single Motherhood 02:53 Breast Cancer Diagnosis 03:20 Ground Rules for the Conversation 05:45 Navigating the Diagnosis 10:10 Understanding Triple Negative Breast Cancer 11:57 Receiving the Diagnosis and Mobilizing Support 19:42 Undergoing Treatment and Managing Life 25:44 Support System During Treatment 26:26 Parenting Through Treatment 29:18 Coping with Hair Loss 33:45 Life After Treatment 41:30 Advocacy and Self-Care

Join Aisha as she chats with Regine, founder of Solo Mom by Choice (SMBC) Resources, for an insightful conversation about the stages of the Single Mother by Choice (SMC) journey. From contemplation and deciding the right path, to preparing, waiting, and ultimately welcoming a child, Aisha and Regine break down the intricate steps involved. They share personal experiences, the importance of community, and the emotional and financial aspects of this unique path to motherhood. Tune in to learn more and get practical advice if you’re considering or navigating the SMC path. Reach out with your questions or join the conversation on @smbcresources on Instagram!   00:00 Welcome to Start to Finish Motherhood 00:31 Introducing Regine and Her Journey 00:55 Stages of the SMC Journey 01:25 Regine's Story and SMBC Resources 03:41 Contemplation and Research Stage 05:31 Choosing the Path: Adoption or ART 09:51 Emotional and Physical Preparation 15:22 Waiting and Coping with Uncertainty 16:18 Pregnancy and Placement 24:45 Financial Considerations and Challenges 26:43 Welcoming the Child and Parenting Realities 28:28 Building Community and Support 29:57 Conclusion and Resources  

Join Aisha as she reunites with Shivonne, who shares her journey for a second child and the challenges of juggling motherhood. Discover the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, the reality of mom guilt, and the joy of completing her family. Shivonne opens up about the support she received, the adjustments she had to make, and the importance of giving oneself grace during this journey. Listen in for practical advice, touching moments, and a testament to resilience. If you’re a single mother by choice or supporting one, this episode is a must-listen! Follow us on Instagram or email Aisha at starttofinishmotherhood.com for more insights.   Click here to listen to the previous episode with Shivonne, S1E12   00:00 Introduction to Start to Finish Motherhood 00:26 Catching Up with Shivonne 01:39 Shivonne's Journey to a Second Child 04:31 Navigating the Fourth Trimester 08:42 Adjusting to Life with Two Children 09:31 Financial and Emotional Challenges 14:03 Preparing for a New Addition 20:10 Support Systems and Advice 23:08 Balancing Life and Motherhood 24:42 Essential Baby Items and Childcare Plans 28:03 Maternity Leave and Final Thoughts 30:54 Advice for New and Expecting Moms 33:56 Conclusion and Farewell  

In this heartfelt episode, I share the transformative journey of becoming a Single Mother by Choice (SMC) and how it has profoundly reshaped my life. From confronting my deepest fears to embracing a slower pace dictated by the tiny legs of my toddler, this path has taught me invaluable lessons about legacy, grace, and simplicity. Join me as I discuss the importance of health, estate planning, and maintaining perspective through the joys and challenges of solo parenting. Whether it’s reclaiming the simple joys of road trips and pillow forts, or navigating the complexities of dating as a single parent, this episode is filled with personal insights and reflections. Don’t miss out—listen now and discover how becoming an SMC might inspire changes in your own life! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others who might find it meaningful.

Join Aishaas she chats with Charon, a 28-year-old finance professional from Chicago, about what it's like to consider becoming a Single Mother by Choice (SMC) while living a balanced life. Sharron shares her journey through the thinking phase, highlighting the importance of self-reflection, financial preparedness, and the emotional rollercoaster of facing criticisms and support from different avenues. Listen as they discuss dating, managing ADHD and autism, and living life to the fullest. Tune in for practical advice and inspiring stories, and don't forget to follow Start to Finish Motherhood on Instagram or email Aisha to continue the conversation! 00:00 Introduction to Start to Finish Motherhood 01:45 Meet Charon: A 28-Year-Old in the Thinking Phase 02:26 Navigating the Thinking Phase: Challenges and Reflections 04:21 Support Systems and Safe Spaces 05:50 Dealing with Unsupportive Friends and Family 12:33 Dating as a Single Mother by Choice 18:12 Unexpected Encounters at Trader Joe's 18:27 Trader Joe's Love Language 20:41 Living Life: Fresh Starts and Haircuts 22:05 Content Creation Journey 24:50 Future Plans and Geographic Considerations 29:13 Advice for Aspiring Single Mothers by Choice 34:17 Final Thoughts and Social Media Handles

Join Aisha and guest Joudan from Noir Adoptions on this insightful episode of Start to Finish Motherhood. Discover the various pathways to parenthood, with a deep dive into adoption from an expert in the field. Jordan shares her personal journey, invaluable tips for prospective adoptive parents, hurdles for single Black women in adoption, and the crucial differences between private and foster adoption. Find out how Noir Adoptions supports Black families in the adoption process and get practical advice on home studies, ICPC, and creating impactful adoption profile books. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation and be sure to follow Start to Finish Motherhood on Instagram or email Aisha for more guidance! Click here to learn more about Noire Adoptions 00:00 Introduction to Start to Finish Motherhood 00:32 Exploring Paths to Parenthood: Adoption 01:24 Meet Jourdan: Founder of Noir Adoption 01:56 The Journey of Noir Adoption 02:45 Challenges and Successes in Adoption 04:42 Addressing Biases in Adoption 07:56 Understanding Different Types of Adoption 14:07 Navigating Adoption Costs and Legalities 18:40 Adoption for Single Black Women 22:30 Financial Aspects and Grants in Adoption 28:17 Navigating Interstate Adoption Paperwork 30:50 The Home Study Demystified 32:32 Background Checks and Financial Assessments 38:22 Creating Your Adoption Profile Book 42:02 The Role of Agencies and Consultants 44:04 Jordan's Role in the Adoption Process 50:05 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Join Aisha and her guest, Vero, in an enlightening and deeply personal conversation about breaking generational trauma, mother wounds, and the journey towards healing.  Aisha opens up about her challenging childhood and how it shaped her, while Vero shares her insights on mindfulness, mother wounds, and the finite pool of worry. Together, they explore the powerful impact of relationships, both human and with nature, and discuss how confronting fears and nurturing the spirit can lead to profound growth. Tune in to be inspired by their stories and grounded advice, and don't miss Vero's top book recommendations for further reading. Follow Vero's work with the AfriTech Fellowship on LinkedIn!   Vero's book Recommendations (includes affiliate links):   Discovering the Inner Mother, by Bethany Webster It Didn't Start with You, by Mark Wolynn Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer Taming the Tiger Within, by Thich Nhat Hanh About the Mother Wound        

In this insightful episode, we welcome back Nicole, a certified financial planner, to tackle one of the biggest fears for single mothers by choice - facing unexpected job loss, job interruptions, or health crises. Nicole shares invaluable strategies on partnering with financial planners, negotiating job offers, and preparing for both the unexpected and the future. We delve into the importance of having an emergency fund, life insurance, and disability insurance, as well as the often overlooked concept of FU money. Listen in as we discuss real-life experiences, the emotional aspects of financial planning, and how to build a solid support system or 'village' to help you navigate through life’s ups and downs. Don't miss out on these crucial insights that can empower you to secure a stable financial future! Reach out to Nicole at 2nd StoryWealth.com or call 215-714-7144 to start building your financial resilience today.

Aisha sits down with Dr. Maya, a dynamic fertility strategist, coach, and pediatrician, as she shares her compelling journey through the fertility ecosystem. From dealing with personal fertility challenges to advocating for maternal health, Dr. Maya opens up about the misconceptions surrounding single working Black women, her decision to preserve fertility, the intricacies of assisted reproduction, and her transition into a leading fertility coach. Tune in to hear about her experiences with egg freezing, IVF, and navigating the dating scene—all while empowering other women and birthing people along the way. Don't miss her invaluable advice on embracing transparency, breaking down barriers, and fostering a supportive community.   Dive deeper into her story and learn practical tips on fertility by following @TheDoctorsWomb on Instagram and other social media platforms.   Send your questions and join the growing conversation today!

In this episode Aisha sits down with Keisha to discuss her inspiring and tumultuous journey to motherhood. From navigating fertility challenges to finding donor embryos and ultimately turning to adoption, Keisha shares her story of perseverance, community support, and unwavering determination. Listen in to learn from her experiences, hear her advice for single mothers by choice, and discover the joy she found in finally becoming a mom. Follow Start to Finish Motherhood on Instagram or email Aisha to keep the conversation going! 

This is a rebroadcast of the Bonus Episode from season 1... In anticipation of Father's Day, Aisha Jenkins challenges the assumption that Single Mothers by Choice harbor resentment towards men. Her lens is shaped by her own positive experiences with her step father and close relationships with brothers and friends who actively participate in her children's lives. Aisha's guest, Clinton Johnson, joins the conversation as one of those trusted male friends. They discuss their collaborative work and exchange insights on navigating single parenthood. Clinton shares his experiences from two decades ago, allowing for a comparison with Aisha's current journey. The discussion delves into the stereotypes surrounding single parenthood and how these perceptions impact various aspects of life, from education to the workplace. Together, Aisha and Clinton challenge societal norms and shed light on the diverse experiences of single parents. Clinton Johnson along with Aisha and others are founders of NorthStar of GIS an organization focused on increasing representation and inclusion in geostem fields.

In this episode Aisha is joined by Karmen, a single mother and professional photographer, for an enlightening conversation on the importance of getting in the picture with your kids. They delve into Aisha’s personal story of cherishing rare family photos after losing her parents, the challenges and joys of being the family photographer, and practical tips for capturing candid, memorable family moments. Carmen shares her expertise on simple yet effective techniques for taking great photos at home, the value of professional photography, and creative ways to ensure moms are included in the frame, despite the messy realities of life. Tune in for heartfelt advice and inspiration on making every family moment count! Find Karmen on IG @kelainephoto Karmen's podcast @thingsiwishiknew.pod

In this episode, Aisha shares her personal reflections and experiences on the challenges and joys of parenting, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, seeking support, and embracing vulnerability. From navigating daily struggles to celebrating small victories, Aisha's candid storytelling offers a refreshing perspective on the realities of solo parenting. Tune in for heartfelt insights and relatable anecdotes on resilience, growth, and the unexpected joys of raising independent, spirited children.

Join Aisha as she converses with  Jamela, who shares her inspiring story of embracing her twin pregnancy.  In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of pursuing parenthood solo, from deciding to become a mom, navigating fertility treatments as a solo person, to the joyous discovery of expecting twins. This conversation sheds light on the resilience, hope, and community needed to support the single mother by choice's journey.  Tune in for an episode filled with personal insights, laughter, and the shared excitement of what it's like find out you are having and preparing to welcome twins.

Join Aisha in this super sized and enlightening episode which delves into the vibrant lives of expat single mothers. Through an engaging panel discussion, they explore the unique challenges and joys of parenting abroad, from the decision to move for a fresh start to the day-to-day experiences that shape their new lives in Mexico. Our panelists, including Key, Johna, and Pam, share their heartfelt stories and practical advice on navigating life away from the U.S., touching on topics like racism, community building, and the pursuit of a peaceful, fulfilling life for their children. Tune in to be inspired by these brave women who took the leap into expat motherhood, seeking a better quality of life and a community outside the US.   Path to Freedom: The Path to Freedom | Doing Life Afraid Exudus Summit: ExodUS Summit 2023 by ExodUS Summit (heysummit.com) Hermana a Hermana Female Entreprenur Collective FB Group

*This is a rebroadcast of the Season 2 Mother's day Episode* In this podcast episode, Aisha and Dawn discuss Dawn's life and career. Dawn is a chief scientist, keynote speaker, and author who became the first Black person to go to the deepest part of the ocean. Aisha and Dawn discuss the struggles of being the only Black person in their respective workplaces and the importance of diversity and representation. They also talk about the impact of Dawn's mother on her life and career, and how her mother's words of encouragement have stayed with her throughout her life. Additionally, they touch on Dawn's experiences growing up in Hawaii, her work as an ocean-going science technician, and her pursuit of a PhD at UC Santa Barbara, which led her to discover her passion for GIS. Overall, the podcast is a heartfelt conversation about the challenges of navigating academia and science as a person of color, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of supportive parenting. To learn more about Dawn's Expedition:   https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/08a75d3687e749989840e7d236aab74d

Welcome to the third season of Start to Finish Motherhood, a podcast where the vibrant Aisha partners with listeners navigating the unique journey of single motherhood by choice. In this first episode, Aisha warmly ushers in the new season with excitement, reflecting on the unexpected twists and turns of life and how each year offers new challenges and opportunities, and a delightful conversation around what it's like to be a mother who podcasts!

In this episode, Aisha is joined by Alease, an esteemed embryologist from North Carolina, to discuss the significant Alabama Supreme Court ruling on frozen embryos. This ruling has sparked discussions about the legal status of embryos and its effects on IVF treatments. Alease provides an in-depth look at Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), from the science behind embryo development to the steps leading to potential pregnancy. They also address the immediate concerns of patients in Alabama, including the impact on ongoing and future treatment cycles, legal uncertainties, and the situation for those with embryos stored in the state. This conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of reproductive technology, law, and ethics. Follow Alease: Alease Daniel Barnes, B.S. Embryologist (@alease_the_embryologist) • Instagram photos and videos RESOLVE’s Statement Regarding Alabama Supreme Court Ruling | ASRM Condemns Profoundly Misguided and Dangerous Court Decision in Alabama | American Society for Reproductive Medicine | ASRM