In this episode of The Mommy Mentor, I sit down with Dr. Phindile Chowa, a Harvard-trained emergency physician and expert in compassionate, personalized postpartum care. 🌟 Dr. Chowa shares her "superpower"—guiding new mothers through the fourth trimester with individualized support to enhance their recovery and overall well-being. 🤱

We dive into some of the most pressing challenges new moms face, from mental health struggles to the difficulty of balancing self-care while caring for a family. Dr. Chowa highlights common obstacles mothers encounter when trying to prioritize their own health and offers advice on fostering a culture of self-care among mothers. 💪💖

The conversation also addresses the maternal health crisis in the U.S., particularly the disparities Black women face with higher rates of complications and mortality. While Dr. Chowa acknowledges that systemic changes are important, she notes that these improvements can be slow. Instead, she emphasizes the faster, positive impact that support at the individual and community levels can provide. Dr. Chowa shares practical strategies for empowering mothers and building supportive networks to ensure every mother feels valued and cared for during the postpartum period. 🏠💞

For information on this podcast and more, visit www.mommymentorpodcast.com, or my Instagram @mymommymentor. My name is Erinn Kennedy-Heldt & I am a registered nurse and a Mom of three. I have professional experience with moms & babies as a post-partum nurse, which keeps the newborn & post partum transition fresh in my mind. I have 18 years of parenting experience as well.

Episode Resources:

EMCare2U Instagram

Dr. Chowa's Instagram

Dr. Chowa's Facebook Group

EMCare2U Facebook page

Dr. Chowa's Book, What to Expect Next

Dr. Chowa's Podcast

In this engaging episode of the Mommy Mentor podcast, I dive into the whirlwind of early infant feeding! 🌟 I explore the challenges and joys that new parents face during those crucial first days. From the frantic "cluster feeding" nights where babies seem to want to eat all the time 🍽️ to the natural hormones at play that help milk production, I break it down in a relatable way. You'll hear about the realities of breastfeeding, including the struggles some parents encounter and the importance of seeking help when needed. 🤱💬 Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or a mix of both, this episode is all about reassurance and support. I encourage you to embrace the journey, remember that perfection isn’t the goal, and that every feeding choice is valid. ❤️ Join me for tips, personal stories, and resources to help you navigate this beautiful, yet sometimes overwhelming, experience of feeding your baby! 🌈✨

For information on this podcast and more, visit www.mommymentorpodcast.com, or my Instagram @mymommymentor. My name is Erinn Kennedy-Heldt & I am a registered nurse and a Mom of three. I have professional experience with moms & babies as a post-partum nurse, which keeps the newborn & post partum transition fresh in my mind. I have 18 years of parenting experience as well.

Stanford University Breastfeeding Resources

Key Topics and Corresponding Citations

Cluster Feeding:

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Newborn Care and Feeding. Retrieved from HealthyChildren.org.

Role of Oxytocin in Milk Production:

Lentz, A. J., & Brown, C. C. (2017). The Role of Oxytocin in Breastfeeding. Journal of Human Lactation, 33(3), 529-532.

Kevern, J. (2017). The role of oxytocin in lactation. Midwifery, 54, 36-40. doi:10.1016/j.midw.2017.06.002.

Supplementation Options:

Kair, L. R., & Ritchie, A. (2021). Breastfeeding: The Essential Guide. Healthline.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Breastfeeding: Supplementation Options. Retrieved from CDC

Lactation Support Resources:

United States Lactation Consultant Association. (n.d.). Find a Lactation Consultant. Retrieved from USLCA

International Lactation Consultant Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from ILCA

Peer Support Groups:

La Leche League International. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from La Leche League

Chocolate Milk Cafe. (n.d.). Support and Resources. Retrieved from Chocolate Milk Cafe

Breastfeeding Challenges:

Odom, E. C., Li, R., & Scanlon, K. S. (2019). Reasons for Not Meeting Breastfeeding Recommendations – United States, 2011-2015. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(3), 24-28.

Vickers, K. S., et al. (2018). Barriers to Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Study of Women’s Perspectives. Journal of Human Lactation, 34(1), 65-75. doi:10.1177/0890334417728951.

Emotional Well-being and Feeding Choices:

Sweeney, L. E., & McKechnie, M. (2019). Maternal mental health and infant feeding: A systematic review. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 15(2), e12646.

Thulier, D., & Mercer, J. (2009). Variables Associated with Breastfeeding Success. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 38(2), 209-220. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2009.01007.x.

Breastfeeding Benefits:

World Health Organization. (2023). Breastfeeding. Retrieved from WHO.

In this episode of The Mommy Mentor, I sit down with parenting expert and author Darla Noble to discuss the emotional and practical challenges parents face when their children transition from high school to adulthood 🎓. With four adult children and nine grandchildren, Darla shares her wisdom on how to give your kids independence while staying connected, the evolving role of a parent, and why raising children is the most important job we’ll ever do ❤️. Whether you're a parent of a teen, college student, or beyond, this episode is packed with advice and support for navigating this pivotal stage of life 👩‍👧‍👦. Don’t miss it!

For information on this podcast and more, visit www.mommymentorpodcast.com, or my Instagram @mymommymentor. My name is Erinn Kennedy-Heldt & I am a registered nurse and a Mom of three. I have professional experience with moms & babies as a post-partum nurse, which keeps the newborn & post partum transition fresh in my mind. I have 18 years of parenting experience as well.