Pregnancy & Culture: The Wisdom We’ve Lost (and Need Back)

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Zann for an illuminating discussion on bridging cultural wisdom with modern perinatal care. Discover how ancient postpartum practices and spiritual connections during pregnancy can transform your birthing journey. We discuss the profound impact of representation in healthcare, sharing personal insights on how cultural competency shapes the birthing experience.

Whether you're pregnant, planning to be, or supporting someone through their journey, this episode provides essential insights on building a strong support system and honoring both the emotional and physical aspects of the perinatal period. 

Guest Spotlight: Dr. Suzanne Mungalez, known to her clients as Dr. Zann, is a licensed clinical psychologist in California (PSY 35061), a certified perinatal mental health clinician (PMH-C), a childbirth educator, a certified lactation education specialist (CLES), and a trained doula. As a Black, Congolese-American, and queer practitioner, Dr. Zann brings a unique perspective to her work. A gender-expansive woman (she/they) and mother who has given birth, Dr. Zann's personal experiences and intersecting identities deeply inform her clinical approach and how she creates space for those she works with.

Episode Takeaways:

• Prioritizing mental health during the perinatal period is crucial for both parent and child wellbeing
• Traditional postpartum practices like the closing of the bone ceremony offer unique healing benefits
• Healthcare representation directly impacts patient experiences and birthing outcomes
• Pregnancy dreams can provide meaningful spiritual connections and cultural insights
• Partner involvement and healthy boundaries strengthen family foundations
• Community support and education create a vital network for new parents
• Holistic postpartum care should address both physical and emotional healing

Connect with Dr. Zann on Instagram and visit her website!

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Be Well Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward and Reem Elmaghraby. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.

Be Well Sis is an editaudio collaboration.

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