Healthful Woman Podcast

Now that Aviva has become pregnant, her journey is really just beginning, with two rare autoimmune disorders making her pregnancy care as unique as anyone could imagine. As an expectant mother, Aviva shares with Dr. Fox how important it was to have people around you who are empathetic, kind, and supportive as she navigated the (at times) severe ups and downs of worry, joy, and terror during her pregnancy. She also shares what it was like giving birth in the first few weeks of the severe COVID outbreak in New York City, only adding to the post-partum stress and depression that often accompanies mothers in the best of times.

Aviva describes herself as one of the "lucky" people walking around with two rare autoimmune diseases that not only make her pregnancy high-risk, but which could have taken her life before she would have ever met her kids or even got married. The miracles and extraordinary medical professionals that brought Aviva to becoming pregnant allowed her to witness something she hardly allowed herself to hope about: becoming pregnant with their first child. Aviva shares the importance of waiting for that second opinion that gives you hope rather than to worry.

Before, during, and after pregnancy, mental health is just as important as physical health. For this episode of Healthful Woman, Dr. Fox is joined by Dr. Susan Park, a reproductive psychiatrist, who talks about the awareness factor of your wellbeing, from your biological, psychological, and social health. Although medication is often part of a holistic approach to treatment for issues such as depression and anxiety, Dr. Park explains that creating a supportive environment both internally and externally, mentally and socially, is the key to sustained healing from chronic conditions.

Bridget Travinski shares her High Risk Birth Story and experience with HELLP Syndrome. Bridget already knew she had high blood pressure going into pregnancy, but was advised to stop taking her blood pressure medication due to growth restriction concerns. This resulted in a visit to the ER due to bleeding and dangerously high blood pressure, where doctors also find she has a blood clot on her cervix. Later, Bridget experiences abdominal pain and must return to the ER, and delivered her daughter at 27 weeks.

Dr. Melka returns to Healthful Woman to discuss forceps and vacuum deliveries, which are known medically as operative vaginal deliveries. In this episode, she and Dr. Fox cover common concerns and misconceptions, explain why obstetricians turn to forceps or vacuum deliveries, and more.

Chanie joins us to talk about VBAC and why she considered herself technically high risk, though not as high risk as others. Chanie tells the story of her first C-section birth, planning for her VBAC and having a second C-section, and working with a new practice and a doula to have her third baby vaginally.

Dr. Kostant returns to Healthful Woman talk about the first prenatal visit. In this episode, she explains what patients can expect in their first appointment with a new OB/GYN, when to schedule a prenatal appointment, and more.

Dr. Melka returns to Healthful Woman to discuss C-sections. In this episode, she covers the reasons why an obstetrician may recommend a planned C-section, choosing an induction date, and what patients can expect during the labor and delivery.

Dr. Bender explains the complex answer to a common patient question: what is your rate of cesarean delivery? Learn more about why cesarean delivery rates are higher than in the past, the importance of choosing an obstetrician you trust, and more.

Dr. Melka explains teaching hospitals and resident education: what they are, what they do, and what patients need to know. At a teaching hospital, unlike a community hospital, patients will interact with residents and fellows receiving ongoing training after earning their MDs. Dr. Melka explains why this experience can be beneficial for doctors and patients alike.