MommyMatters

“People need to shift the narrative in the family. It is not about the time you are spending but the energy you are giving. Wellness is about giving that energy.” - Cecile Edwards, M.Ed “I don’t need to wear all of the hats-all of the time because I am able to rely on other people in my corner that is helping me do those things.” - Katie Germain, Occupational Therapist It was a pleasure to have a conservation with Katie Germain! This is a little about Katie Germain: Katie is an occupational therapist with over 7 years of experience working with both adults and children. She is certified as a PMH-C and PCES. Katie is a partner at Strengthen Mama, an occupational therapy practice that provides in-home rehab for pregnancy and postpartum. She is a self-published author of The Honey Bees: Recharge Mommy Bee, a children's book that teaches kids why the mom needs rest. Katie is a wife and mother, to two little boys, and enjoys visiting upstate New York. Katie Germain discuss her business, Strengthen Mama, and their collaboration with mothers during pregnancy/ postpartum. Additionally, her realization on the amount of resources available to mothers once she became an occupational therapist. Other topics included accessibility, cultural support, and wellness in motherhood. Link to The Honey Bees: Recharge Mommy Bee https://a.co/d/9OwFHJA --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

What a pleasure to discuss this critical topic with the brilliant Turquoise Brewington!  A little about Turquoise: Turquoise Brewington is a recent graduate from Princeton University where she majored in the School of Public and International Affairs with certificates in African American Studies and Spanish. Her academic research was focused on improving maternal health outcomes and combating racial disparities particularly through perinatal workforce policy initiatives. Turquoise is currently a Maternal and Infant Health Intern with the Burke Foundation where she supports transformative investments to bolster and diversify the midwifery and doula professions. In the future, Turquoise plans to continue work in maternal health at the intersection of business, technology, and policy upon completing an MBA/MPH in the near future. In the current social and political climate around birth equity and maternal and child health many groups are looking for a solution and the research/data behind it may seem boring but is essential to the sustained progress.  Mommy Matters is personal, communal and political.  In this episode we discuss the following questions at length: Definition of maternal mortality? In your research you state that there has been much turning to doulas to make birth "more safe" why is that? What are the pros and cons of this? What is the historical connection between midwives and OBGYN's in the construction of birth safety in the USA? Why the focus on NJ, NC and Washington in your research.  What is unique about these states and what is happening in NJ specifically that you found interesting? What are the primary similarities/differences between the obstetric and midwifery models as they relate to birth safety? What are Medicaid restrictions for low income birthing options and the doctors that desire to serve them and the connection to maternal health outcomes? What is the difference between CM's(Certified Midwives), CPM's(Certified professional Midwives) and CNM's(Certified Nurse Midwife)? Just to name a few.  As parents being able to advocate for the needs of families is critical.  This episode shares some ways to make this possible. While also teaching about birth options.  Please leave your thoughts! I look forward to hearing from you! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

For Black History Month I wanted to honor the lives and Legacies of Midwives.  Affectionately called Granny Midwives they are the predecessors to current birth and postpartum doulas as well as hospital based midwives.  They birthed and cared for moms, especially black and brown mothers in the rural areas of America when hospitals would not take them in because of the color of their skin.   It was an honor to interview Diamond Redden who comes from a legacy of these amazing women.  She continues to carry the torch as an Advanced Holistic Doula and Master Herbalist.  She is also a student Midwife.  Her mother and grandmother are still practicing midwives and have a legacy of "catching" a while street of children.  Her services can be accessed at www.mammissi.org.  For further reference and to learn more about Midwives in America and their awesome legacy and work, which is critical knowledge in understanding birth work, here are a few resources:  * Listen to Me Good: The Story of an Alabama Midwife By Margaret Charles Smith * The Women Who Caught the Babies: The Story of African American Midwives by Eloise GreenField * Motherwit: An Alabama Midwife's Story by Onnie Lee Logan * The Archaeology of Mothering: An African-American Midwife's Tale by Laurie A. Wilkie I'd love to hear from you! Share with me what you want to know more about and we will complete and episode. Happy Listening! With Joy & Gratitude! Cecile  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

This episode is dedicated to all of us moms who make resolutions each year to do something specific and may or may not complete it. I hope you never torture yourself into doing something but instead you create what you desire with grace and ease through reflection, intention setting and visualizations.   People make resolutions each year on January 1st and by January 31st, have abandoned these altogether. I am not here to judge, just to ask, when are we going to stop being on this rollercoaster of self-betrayal and instead embrace envisioning and inspired actions?  I've learned through trial and error that we do not have to force or fight ourselves to make what we desire manifest. You desire it because it is yours to have. Let's talk about that #mommymagic we all have and learn to embrace it a little more. *Grab your intention setting journal here.  Drop a comment on some things you've manifested through intention setting and visualization. Connect with me ---> IG: @mommyevolve; FB: @momevolve Affiliate link --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

The conversation with Julia was free flowing and powerful.  We touch on healing/understanding generational stories, the power of questions, what generational wellness can be and how to approach it.  Grief is discussed in a myriad of ways that allows us to transform the way we assist others and also ask for assistance.  We discuss the layers of grief and Julia shares powerful tools and nuances around grief for black women and self-care.  Julia Mallory is a writer, teaching artist, and cultural worker. She is a six-time author, including two children’s books. Her latest book, Survivor's Guilt is a multi-genre meditation on generational grief. In addition, she is the founder of the creative literary arts brand, Black Mermaids, serves as the Senior Poetry Editor for Raising Mothers, and hosts the Stop Shrinking Socialcast. She can be found on Instagram at  @thejuliamallory or at www.thejuliamallory.com and blackmermaids.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

******Trigger Warning!********  This is a sensitive topic about violence against women and should be listened to with care.  To educate and empower during this month - Domestic Violence Awareness Month - I wanted to discuss and shed light on this under spoken topic.  I was blessed to have the opportunity to speak with a survivor Lorina. Lorina was courageous and graceful in discussing this topic and gives copious details.  Lorina Coleman is a licensed esthetician and beauty educator with extensive knowledge in skin care, make up, nutrition, eyelash extensions and a resounding passion for the overall health and wellness of the skin and the body. She is a diligent and passionate beauty service provider that delivers above average service to each and every client.There is beauty in wellness. I’ve been in business over 15 years and naturally evolved into wellness and holistic healing. The esthetic is a reflection of the internal.MTM Solutions LLC is a solution based business that offers beauty and wellness services and products. Let’s find solutions to fulfill our potential and purpose. *Makeup Artist*Licensed Esthetician *Doula*Master Herbalist *Colon Hydrotherapist *Nutritionist*Author *Intuitive Healer https://linktr.ee/mtmsolutions Lorina can also be reached on instagram @mtmsolutionsceo.  Listen to her story and take note as we discuss the many tactics of abusers, the mental state of the abused, mother wounds, family care and connections and so much. more! Here are some statistics about Pregnancy & Postpartum and Domestic Violence that I think are critical to know:  :::Homicide is the leading cause of death among pregnant women in the United States.  Black women lead in these numbers. :::Up to 20% of pregnant women experience violence during their pregnancy, making it more common than gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, conditions routinely screened for in pregnant women by physicians. :::Women with unintended pregnancies are two to four times more likely to experience physical violence than women with planned pregnancies. :::Pregnant homicide victims are more likely to be killed with a gun than non pregnant homicide victims. :::Intimate partner violence during pregnancy is linked to depression, substance abuse, smoking, anemia, first and second trimester bleeding, less than optimal weight gain, and unhealthy eating patterns. :::Only 18% of pregnant women examined at an urgent care triage unit reported having been asked by their physician about intimate partner violence. You can find more statistics on the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Website www.ncadv.org I pray this episode saves lives. We were meant to be nurtured and restored - violence again pregnant women is a public health issue. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

Evolved parenting, conscious parenting, breaking generational curses - whatever you want to call it - many are looking for new ways to engage and interact with their children. Come to think of it, we might call it trauma informed parenting.  In this episode I share a recent experience I had with my daughter and some tips for practicing a more conscious way of parenting. Many of these tips are centered on releasing the conditioning you as a parent has developed through your experiences as a child. There is hope! Consider yourself the CEO of new ways of being and growing for yourself, your family and society.  Sign up for my newsletter, buy my book "Mama Reclaim Yourself...." or view and purchase services here: bit.ly/evolvingself  See you next episode.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

In this episode we discuss to discuss why the diet mentality keeps you from loving your full self, how to break the diet mentality, guiding healthy eating habits in your children, the error in "snap back" mentality and so much more!  It is important to me that while staying healthy we love ourselves and attach ourselves to our greatness. Self-Love is Self-Care and we can not hate the place we were that gave us greater realizations for our connectedness and ability to evolve. As we are continuously evolving. It is always my hope that these episodes help you to evolve and learn yourself a little deeper each day.  About our Guest: Kiara, Food Freedom & Body Acceptance Coach Kiara Raye is an Anti-Diet Coach For Foodies and also an ex yo-yo dieter and former food addict who transformed her life by completely healing her relationship with food and her body. Now, she specializes in teaching other women how to liberate themselves from the diet mentality and re-educate them on how their body was naturally designed to make healthier choices without restrictive dieting or excessive exercise. Find her on IG@ curvesncupcakes email: curvesncupcakes@gmail.com About our Host: Cecile is an educator, facilitator, Reiki Practitioner, Mindfulness and Self-care coach. She specializes in uncovering unconscious behavior and anything that is holding you back from evolving and transforming the mind and spirit using holistic solutions. Specifically, Cecile uses sacred deep self care, energy management and mindfulness techniques.  Cecile is a claircognizant of many generations of spiritually gifted women.  She loves to share her gifts and utilize them to assist individuals in centering themselves and accessing/using their power.”  MommyEvolve is for parents and caregivers looking to shift mindsets, energy and legacy.  It is a call to reignite the mother principle in our daily lives to bring the regenerative ideas of sustainability in our thoughts, actions and creations. Evolution Solutions, LLC is the umbrella that incubates Evolve Education and MommyEvolve. SUPPORT MOMMY MATTERS PODCAST simply by SHARE. LIKE. SUBSCRIBE. BE A PAID SUPPORTER. DOWNLOAD. MESSAGE. ENGAGE. LEAVE A REVIEW. EMAIL. MomEvolve@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

What a powerful conversation! I feel like every person needs to hear and understand how their inner guide is the best guide and that you get no awards for trying to save everyone. NONE! In fact, you can't save everyone, we all have our paths. Being SUPERWOMAN could delay your own path, which is the higher level of service to self, the divine and others.  An educator turned full-time entrepreneur, basketball mom, gymnastics mom, twin mom, mother of seven children (yes, you read that right), Tanai still finds time to inspire moms to travel the world. In 2013, Tanai moved her then three children to Abu Dhabi to build her “American dream” outside of America. While abroad, her children were able to learn Arabic, excelled in school and sports, had a live-in nanny, and traveled the world. Since returning to the US in 2016, she has continued to maintain the goal of granting her children a new passport stamp every 100 days. In 2019, Tanai got married and grew her family from four to seven people to love and in 2020, she made the decision to quit teaching and pursue her dreams full time! Please connect with Tanai : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanai.benard Instagram: @tenaibernardturner Website: https://tanaibenard.com/ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! SHARE. LIKE. SUBSCRIBE. SUPPORT. DOWNLOAD. MESSAGE. ENGAGE. EMAIL. MomEvolve@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

I came into information about this some weeks ago and thought it would be an interesting topic to broach. My personal experience didn't have these words to describe but I do understand it as I experienced it about 3 years after giving birth. Depression of any kind can happen due to a multitude of environmental, physiological, psychological and relational factors. Have you or anyone you know experienced this? Please share a testimony or observation. #parentalmentalhealth #maternalmentalhealth #communitycare #selfcare #empowerher #advocacy #education --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

In this episode we discuss a few Indigenous and postpartum ways.  What are some considerations among families with competing cultures and things that might be done or expected in that time?  What is your cultural ritual around pregnancy and childbirth?  What are some things you'd keep or not? In this episode I reference Indigemama business as well as thee following herbs: Stinging Nettle Red Raspberry Cersey Tuna Bitter tobacco boiled cobweb Love Bush for baby gripe Vervine for baby and mom if either have a cold inside Old woman bitters I would love for you to share some of your perinatal and postpartum ways. I would love for you to share.  DISCLAIMER: This episode is to share knowledge and information not to diagnose, treat or recommend any thing. Please consult with your doctor or herbalist and of course trust your path for wellness.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

In this episode Perinatal and postpartum mental health is defined and broken down with tips on how to improve wellness over all. We discuss: Baby Blues, Postpartum depression and anxiety, postpartum psychosis and paternal depression as well. Advocacy for health care provider knowledge and support is crucial to closing the gap between perinatal care and postpartum mental wellness. Quality of life is linked to mental health and wellness - we can not ignore this central piece.  Let's educate and empower ourselves on this topic. I hope you enjoy! email me with questions: momevolve@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

In this months episode Cecile discusses the definition of a self-care plan and how to lean in to creating a powerful plan and what some her self-care plans include.  Visit bit.ly/signupmom to join the Mommy Friends collective bit.ly/momappointments for your self-care plans momevolve@gmail.com for inquiries about this episode, workshops, speaking engagements and more! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

Postpartum care is an area I am passionate about for so many reasons. If you know my story, you know that my postpartum was rough - to say the least. In this episode we discuss the importance of mental, emotional, spiritual and nutritional wellness and how they connect. We also discuss the multi-layered factors that cause women to be obsessed with weight and their bodies even immediately after having a baby.  Many insights are shared that illuminate wellness not just for mom and baby but for the family generationally and dives into ways everyone can be supported during the joyous but stressful fourth trimester.  Jaren's expertise and experience with both eating disorders and postpartum nutrition adds to the MommyMatters corpus of information to continue our conversation about holistic motherhood.  Jaren's BIO: Jaren is a Registered Dietician and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who serves as an expert in women's health.  While continuing to serve in the field of eating disorder treatment, Jaren gained additional experience as an IBCLC to fuse her love of nutrition and women's health. Now working solely in private practice, Jaren combines her expertise as a skilled therapist and lactation consultant to support individuals looking to heal their relationship with food and their body.   FULL CRCL provides evidenced based practices to support women at all stages of the reproductive cycle, from preconception to postpartum.  Informed by her own journey and the hundreds of women she has counseled, Jaren’s experience comes full circle to support women in navigating pregnancy, birth and postpartum from a simple and intuitive framework. You can connect with Jaren and find out more about her services here: https://www.fullcrcl.co/ You can find her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Postnatal-Cookbook-Nutritious-Recipes-Trimester/dp/1646040996/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FE18Y89JEKAS&dchild=1&keywords=the+postnatal+cookbook&qid=1617405430&sprefix=the+postnatal+cook%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

Did you know that by the third week in January most people have abandoned their New Year Resolutions? They fall to the wayside.  In this episode we discuss that perhaps this is because most of us aren't getting to the bottom of what we truly desire, only the outcome that we see as what we 'should' want, be, do or have.  This episode urges you to get to the bottom of what you truly desire and to understand that this is about the feelings and interactions you will have on a daily basis, not just the achieving of the big goal. You may find you don't even desire that goal anymore once you get to the bottom of it all.   We also discuss generational intentions and what that has looked like for me and my daughter over the past few years.  See - resolutions/intentions require REFLECTION, MINDFULNESS and SELF-CARE.  There is no getting around it.  Listen in and leave your comments and questions.  Ciao for now. See you next month! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

Finding Calm is a global need for mothers and their children. This step by step guide given by the phenomenal owner or Black Mom's Guide to Calm is what every mother needs right now to center herself and therefore everyone around her.  Jamie discussed very practical ways to infuse C.A.L.M into your daily routine.  About Jamie: As the founder of Black Mom's Guide to Calm, Jamie Fleming works with mamas (and women) who are tired of being burned out, stressed out, and worn out and are ready to do something about it. She teaches them how to create calm in the chaos of their daily lives. Jamie's love of meditation and yoga was sparked after giving birth to her daughter, Nailah, in 2013. Her mission is to teach women how to overcome their overwhelm and find inner peace and calm. How to find Jamie: IG @blackmomcalm websites: blackmomcalmshop.com, blackmomsguidetocalm.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

This episode gets raw about intergenerational transference, self-awareness to destroy cycles and motherhood as a gateway to healing and self-discovery.  We discuss the power of self-care and define it in multi-layered ways so that you can access it at anytime.  GUEST BIO: Kerri Hummingbird, Soul Guide, inspires people to lead their lives wide awake with an authenticity, passion and purpose that positively impacts others. She catalyzes mind-shifts that transform life challenges into gifts of wisdom with her Reinvent Yourself programs for individual and group mentoring. She is the international best-selling author of "The Second Wave: Transcending the Human Drama" and the award-winning best-selling book "Awakening To Me: One Woman’s Journey To Self Love" which describes the early years of her spiritual awakening. She has served as a social activist, leader, and philanthropist for over three decades. She is the Founder of the Skills Not Pills Movement and Host of Soul Nectar Show. Host of Soul Nectar Show w: www.kerrihummingbird.com c: 512-809-9816 facebook: Kerri.Hummingbird linkedin: Kerri Hummingbird instagram: Kerri.Hummingbird https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/571093 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

It was my pleasure to interview Monica J. Sutton - an early childhood behavioral specialist and educator for 17 years.   In this episode Monica shares her WHY perspective and also tools to assist parents, teachers, and counselors understand and deal with children's difficult behaviors.   Monica explains her simple steps through P.A.P.S, which stands for: P = Pause A = Acknowledge P = Positive response S= Support You can reach Monica at monicajsutton.com, via Instagram @monicajsutton where she does a live each Tuesday evening at 9pm and you can sign up for her free challenge called "No More Yelling" at bit.ly/nomoreyellingminichallenge. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

Women are the fastest growing segment of entrepreneurs in the USA.  Entrepreneurship has always been the way for women to contribute monetarily to the family while making ALL the other contributions.  In this discussion I speak with Kenya Pope, The Goddess Builder about building a business and parenting.  Whether married or single, the insights are powerful.  As always, this will leave you thinking but also with tangible tools to use on your journey!  You can contact Kenya @thegoddessbuilder on Instagram.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support

Discussion of MommyMagic Handbook - A Mother's Guide to self-care, parenting and destroying negative generational cycles.  In this episode I discuss the book and some of its salient points. You can access this book at bit.ly/mommyhandbook.  Please share your thoughts, questions, etc at momevolve@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mommymatters/support