Let's get real. More often than not, when a mom gives birth, the focus from loved ones and, sadly, most health care professionals, shifts completely to the baby. As a result, the maternal health space tends to focus on common concerns pertaining to the after effects of birthing and thereafter, it's generally check ups for the baby and mom as far as her body's health.

However, in this episode, Simeca speaks with relationship coach, Chelsea Skaggs and women's health physiotherapist, Kimberly Hoffman where they highlight why it's important to continue to focus on mom as much as baby.

From the relationship standpoint, Chelsea speaks about the changes that occur for relationship dynamics and strategies that parents and partners can implement to adjust.

From the physiotherapy perspective, Kimberly speaks on the importance of pelvic floor exercises and the positive impact it can have for mothers.

Key takeaways include:

- Acknowledging what normal looks like - what it was versus what it is in the current moment.

- Focusing on communication improvements with your partner as mind-reading is not real.

- As much as the process and experience in beautiful, it's not always pretty and glamourous. In fact, it's rarely a glamourous experience.

- Set realistic expectations for your process into motherhood leading up to birth and after. For example, the physical changes of the body, and the interpersonal changes within the unionwith your partner.

Yes, these conversations and more are part of maternal health. The experience doesn't exist in a vacuum.

Both guests highlight that seeking help from a relationship coach and women's health physiotherapist at all phases - before, during, AND after the birth of your bundle(s) of joy.

This episode might open some eyes and minds as to why maternal health goes beyond the cliché. Tune in and leave us a comment or two!

In keeping with our focus on the maternal, we found it important for a discussion about mental health and the postpartum experience. It is most appropriate as October is observed as Mental Health Awareness Month and October10th is observed as Mental Health Awareness Day.

In this raw and mostly uncut episode, Jhanille Brooks M.A, Licensed Associate Counselling Psychologist, joins Simeca in-studio to discuss mental health during the postpartum period for newborn moms.

Jhanille shares that working with postpartum mothers is about helping them to navigate the new responsibilities that they have and also trying to find balance within that new existence.

As you listen, you'll come across a number of eureka moments, "oh my gosh, mee too!" moments where you'll probably feel seen, heard, and understood, as the host and guest speak freely about the impact that being a new mom can have on the mind.

In a number of funny, and serious points throughout the discussion, you'll hear the common thread of giving yourself grace, knowing when to seek help from loved ones and help from professionals in the talk therapy space and beyond. Additionally, and most importantly, bear in mind that NO-ONE KNOWS WHAT THEY'RE DOING! So, be gentler with yourself as you maneuver this new experience. Even if you've had a child or children before your current bundle, it's a new experience as no one pregnancy, birthing, or breastfeeding experience is the same.

The aim of this episode was to speak on post partum's impact on the mental health, but it blossomed into so much more!

In this special podcast episode, Simeca speaks about navigating the breastfeeding journey before and after a breast cancer diagnosis. This episode is for new moms, survivors, or anyone supporting a loved one through their journey with breast cancer. It aims to honour the journey of countless mothers who have endured or are enduring cancer while caring for a newborn, especially in answering the question, "Should I or should I not breastfeed?"

You'll hear insights, including the benefits of breastfeeding, such as a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and more.

During a self-check of the breasts, Simeca explains, "There are cases where you might feel lumps. Lumps during breastfeeding are not necessarily associated with breast cancer. They can be due to a plugged duct, mastitis, extended engorgement, and it's not necessarily cancer." Most importantly, "if you're ever in doubt, visit your healthcare provider to check it out."

Simeca also shares a touching story about a friend who was diagnosed with pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Despite her diagnosis, she was able to breastfeed for two months before undergoing a mastectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy treatment.

Around the 7th minute of this episode, Simeca discusses radiology and radiography, two closely related fields within medical imaging, without making clear distinctions. Here’s some clarity:

Radiography

Radiography is the process of capturing images using X-ray technology. Radiographers operate X-ray machines, position patients, and ensure high-quality images are obtained. They do not interpret the images but work under the supervision of radiologists or other physicians.

Radiology

Radiology is a medical specialty that involves interpreting and analysing medical images to diagnose and treat diseases. Radiologists are medical doctors who specialise in interpreting various types of medical images, including X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasounds, and nuclear medicine scans.

Radiographers focus on performing the imaging procedures, while radiologists focus on interpreting the images and making diagnoses.

Though we are based in Jamaica, we don't exist in a vacuum. As such, we found it appropriate to release this episode in October as it's observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Notably, the week of October 13th was observed in the US as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. It began in 2009 and is meant to educate the public about the need for more money to go to the study of metastatic breast cancer and the development of new treatments. (This information about Metastatic Breast Cancer is adapted from breastcancer.org)

Locally, for help and support with any type of cancer, you may contact the Jamaica Cancer Society.

Tune in and let us know what you think!