Fourth Trimester Voices Podcast

Wondered why things feel swollen, sore, dry, or just different postpartum, you’re not alone.

In this episode of Fourth Trimester Voices, Dr. Carine Ange Tagni, Intimate Wellness Expert breaks down the most common postpartum vaginal changes — and what’s normal, what’s temporary, and what deserves a doctor’s attention.

We’ll cover vaginal swelling after birth, changes in the labia, vaginal dryness and pain, and emotional and body image concerns postpartum.

Whether you had a vaginal delivery or C-section, this conversation is for you. Knowledge is power — let’s talk about the real changes no one warns you about.

If you want to hear more of this content, @drtagnimd is hosting an event September 25th in PA. Get tickets here.

Pregnant after 35? Let’s set the record straight. Being an older mom doesn’t automatically mean complications, but it does come with unique considerations. In this episode, I break down what “geriatric pregnancy” really means, the real risks vs. myths, choosing the right provider and place of birth, criteria for home or birth center deliveries, and how to prepare for postpartum—physically and emotionally.

Your journey deserves knowledge, planning, and support. Tune in now to feel informed, empowered, and ready for what’s ahead.

Every mom writes a birth plan. But what about the plan for AFTER birth?The truth is, the postpartum period is where most complications — and most gaps in care — happen. Your postpartum plan isn’t just a checklist…it’s your lifeline.

In this episode, I walk you through why every mom needs a postpartum plan, what to include (from medical support to mental health), and how to build your village before you need it.

Don’t step into motherhood unprepared. Let’s build a plan that keeps you safe, supported, and thriving beyond birth.

Dear Postpartum Me…

If I could go back, I’d tell myself to slow down, breathe, and trust that healing takes time. I’d remind myself that I was worthy of rest, of support, of not having it all together.

This week’s episode is a love letter to every mom navigating those raw, messy, beautiful first months. Whether you’re in it right now or looking back, this conversation is for you.

So many moms are told their fatigue, hair loss, mood swings, or low milk supply are “just postpartum.” But sometimes the answers are in your labs.

In this episode of Fourth Trimester Voices, I’m breaking down the 5 essential labs every mom should check after birth: Vitamin D, Thyroid function, Iron and Hemoglobin, and Hemoglobin A1C.

Understanding these labs could be the difference between feeling dismissed and finally getting answers.

Tune in and learn how to advocate for yourself at your next doctor’s visit.

Too often, women—especially Black women—are taught to stay quiet in medical settings. To be polite. To not “make a fuss.” But silence can be deadly.

In this episode, we uncover why the “good patient” mindset costs lives, the history behind women’s silence in healthcare, and how to reclaim your voice and advocate for yourself

Your voice matters. Your life depends on it.

Choosing where to give birth isn’t just about a room with a view it’s about building the right team for your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. In this episode, I break down how to decide between choosing your OB first or your hospital first, why your primary care physician matters for postpartum, and the key questions you need to ask your OB to make sure you’re supported long after delivery. If you’re pregnant or planning, this is a must-listen before your next appointment.

Click this link for a free list of questions to ask before picking your OB.

Postpartum women have been expected to suffer in silence for generations. From cultural expectations to gaps in medical care, the system has never been designed to support mothers after birth.

In this episode, we’re uncovering the historical and cultural roots of postpartum silence, why the 6-week checkup is not enough, how the healthcare system continues to fail moms, and what we must do to break the cycle—for ourselves and future generations.

It’s time to name the silence—and end it.

Bladder leaks after having a baby are more common than you think—and they’re not something you just have to live with. In this empowering episode of Fourth Trimester Voices, we sit down with Lauren Barker, CEO and Co-founder of Uresta, a revolutionary bladder support device designed to help women live leak-free.

Lauren who is currently postpartum herself shares her story and opens up about Uresta’s mission, how it works, and why restoring confidence, dignity, and spontaneity to moms matters deeply to her.

Whether you’re weeks or years postpartum, if you’re dealing with bladder leaks, know this: you are not alone, and there is support.

Learn more about Uresta and how it's helping thousands of women reclaim their bodies and their lives.

Share this with a mom who needs to hear it.

Ever wonder what a postpartum doula actually does? In this episode, we break down how doulas support new moms after birth—emotionally, physically, and practically. From helping you heal to holding space for your feelings, this is the support you didn’t know you needed. Tune in and learn why no one should do the fourth trimester alone.

The Big Beautiful Bill isn’t so beautiful for moms. In this episode, I break down how this bill could have devastating effects on pregnant and postpartum women. Here’s what you need to know—and how to advocate.

Let’s talk about something often overlooked but so necessary in postpartum recovery—your alignment.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brittney Christian, chiropractor and founder of Well Prepared Nest, to break down the real benefits of chiropractic care for moms before and after birth. We discuss when to start, what’s safe, and how targeted care can help with pain, posture, pelvic alignment, and even emotional regulation during the fourth trimester.

Dr. Christian brings her clinical expertise—and her personal journey as a mom—to the mic to help us all feel more supported, informed, and empowered.

Your back, hips, and nervous system matter, mama. Let’s take care of them.

You don’t need another onesie or wipe warmer—you need a plan. In this episode, we break down the three most overlooked but essential things every new mom truly needs postpartum. From building your village to protecting your mental health, we’re shifting the conversation from stuff to support.

“My son has a rare genetic condition.”

Those are the words Dr. Ogechi Nwoko never imagined she’d say those words.

During pregnancy, she had an unshakable feeling that her child was blind. After birth, small signs were brushed off by doctors and loved ones. But soon, the truth unraveled as he started having siezures: he was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition.

Her postpartum journey wasn’t about recovery—it was about survival, advocacy, and heartbreak. In this powerful episode, Dr. Ogechi shares how she navigated the darkest parts of new motherhood and how she finally made it through.

This is especially for any mom raising a child with a rare diagnosis—and searching for light in the chaos.

What happens when your birth plan collides with a medical emergency?

In this powerful episode, Dr. Bessie Lynnette Staplefoote-Boynton shares how her journey into motherhood was anything but expected. While still in medical school, she developed preeclampsia—forcing an early delivery and a sudden initiation into life as a NICU mom.

She opens up about recognizing the symptoms of preeclampsia, balancing the roles of medical student and new mom, her emotional experience postpartum, and why postpartum support is critical.

On this episode of Fourth Trimester Voices, I sit down with Dr. Shefali Chheda of Harmony Pediatrics to talk about why your baby’s doctor is also YOUR postpartum ally. As a mother herself, Dr. Chheda shares how her own parenting journey transformed the way she practices medicine.

We explore why a pediatrician should be considered part of a woman’s postpartum village—not just someone who cares for the baby. From informed decision-making to holistic, integrative care, Dr. Chheda’s approach puts families first. She also shares what it means to run a direct primary care practice in Atlanta and how she supports families by seeing newborns at home.

Don’t miss this powerful conversation that reframes pediatric care as a vital part of the postpartum experience.

Watch, subscribe, and share with an expecting or new mom who needs to hear this!

Postpartum isn’t just emotional—it’s physical. And for many moms, the journey back to feeling like themselves includes considering a Mommy Makeover.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Olatomide Familusi, founder of Eleve Plastic Surgery, who pulls back the curtain on what Mommy Makeovers really involve. We talk body image, confidence, the most common procedures, and how surgery can be a powerful tool for healing—not vanity.

Dr. Familusi shares why she’s passionate about helping moms feel amazing after childbirth, and how she’s redefining what it means to take care of yourself post-baby.

This is the conversation every mom deserves to hear—judgment-free, empowering, and deeply real.

Share this with a mama who deserves to feel good in her body again.

We’ve reached the end of Season One—and what a journey it’s been.

In this final episode, I’m sharing the story behind Fourth Trimester Voices, why I launched this platform, how it connects to my work with EMCare2U, and what’s next in the fight for better postpartum care.

I’ll be taking a 3-week break before launching Season Two—with even more powerful stories and expert guests.

Now’s the perfect time to catch up on any episodes you missed, share your favorite episode with a friend, and get ready for what’s coming next.

Thank you for being part of this growing community. Season Two is going to be something special.

Listen now. Follow the show. And we’ll be back soon.

This isn’t just a story about motherhood—it’s about survival.

I’ve walked through the postpartum season three times. Two ended in heartbreaking loss. One brought new life.

Each experience shaped me. Each one showed me how broken our system is when it comes to supporting women—especially after loss.

In this episode, I’m sharing my truth: the physical pain, the emotional toll, and how those moments of grief and recovery led me to create a space where no mother has to suffer alone.

If you’ve ever felt unseen in your healing—this one’s for you.

Tune in, share with a friend, and let’s break the silence around postpartum and pregnancy loss.

They’re asking for more babies to save the economy. But who’s saving the mothers? Before we talk about increasing birth rates, we need to talk about decreasing maternal deaths.

We need to talk about prioritizing postpartum recovery, mental health, and the lives of women who just gave birth. Because one 6-week visit isn’t care. It’s not enough. It never was.

Black Maternal Health Week Spotlight: This week, we’re talking about a silent killer that’s affecting Black moms at alarming rates: Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Black women are up to 15x more likely to develop this life-threatening condition, and many are dismissed or misdiagnosed until it’s too late. In this episode, I break down what PPCM looks like, how to talk to your doctor, the stats we can’t ignore, and why more research, listening, and postpartum care are the solution.

Tune in and share with someone who needs to hear this. If you're a pregnant or postpartum mom in Atlanta, I see you, and I’ve got you. Book support at emcare2u.com.

Moms, before you take that next social media tip as gospel—WATCH THIS. In this episode, we dive into the dangers of digital misinformation targeting pregnant and postpartum moms. From viral TikToks to mommy forums, not all advice is created equal—and some of it can be downright dangerous.

As a board-certified emergency physician and postpartum advocate, I'm breaking down how to spot red flags, what questions to ask, and how to protect your mental and physical health in the digital age.

Subscribe for more real-talk about motherhood, postpartum care, and what it really means to be informed in today’s world.

The 6-week checkup is often the only follow-up moms get after giving birth—and yet, it’s rushed, superficial, and misses the mark for so many. In this episode, I’m breaking down what the 6-week visit is supposed to cover, what often gets overlooked, the questions you should be asking, and what real postpartum care should look like.

This is your body, your healing, your life. Don’t settle for being told “you’re cleared” and sent on your way. You deserve more.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with OB/GYN and mother of two, Dr. Agena Davenport, to talk about what really needs to happen at your 6-week postpartum visit. From navigating neurodivergence after birth to recognizing when something doesn't feel right, Dr. Davenport shares how moms can show up informed, empowered, and heard. She reminds us that this visit isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a critical moment for your body, mind, and long-term health.

Whether you're preparing for your own postpartum visit or supporting someone who is, this episode is a must-listen.

Black mothers are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women—but what’s rarely talked about is that more than 50% of these deaths happen AFTER birth.

In this episode of Fourth Trimester Voices, we’re diving deep into why Black women’s pain and concerns are ignored and the history behind it, the Medicaid and insurance gaps that leave moms without care, the real barriers keeping Black mothers from getting the support they need, and most importantly—what we can do about it.

As birth shifted from home to hospital, medical advancements saved lives—but at what cost?

In this episode of Fourth Trimester Voices, we dive into the medicalization of birth and how it led to the decline of postpartum care. While interventions and hospital births became the norm, the support that once surrounded new mothers slowly disappeared.

What did we leave behind? How can we reclaim postpartum care in a system that prioritizes birth but often overlooks recovery? Tune in as we unpack the history, the impact, and what moms need to know.

Fatigue is a typical part of the postpartum period, but if you’re feeling unusually tired or weak, it could be a sign of anemia. We’ll explore what postpartum anemia is, how it’s linked to low iron levels, and why it can have such a significant impact on your recovery.

Whether you’re navigating this challenge or just preparing for postpartum, this episode is packed with vital information to help you feel your best.

Tune in to learn how to tell the difference between typical postpartum fatigue and anemia, and what steps to take for better health.

Dr. Sarah Ionescu, a family physician, mom of five, fitness enthusiast, and recently postpartum, joins us to share her incredible journey. From pivoting from full-time medicine to inspiring pregnant and postpartum moms to stay active, she opens up about how fitness transformed her pregnancies and postpartum experiences. Tune in as she discusses the physical and mental benefits of movement, how she balanced it all, and her mission to help other moms feel strong and empowered.

Dr. Ionescu continues to share her expertise and fitness journey on her YouTube channel and website, where she provides valuable tips and motivation for moms looking to stay active and healthy. Be sure to check her out for more inspiration!

Dr. Anikia Nelson walked into the clinic swollen, exhausted, and in pain—only to be told to go home, eat carbs, sleep, and hydrate. But her body was telling a different story. What was dismissed as stress and dehydration turned out to be postpartum preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition that could have been missed. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nelson, one of my own clients, as she shares her shocking journey of misdiagnosis, the dangers of dismissing postpartum symptoms, and the power of advocating for your health .Every mom deserves to be heard. Every symptom deserves attention. Don’t miss this powerful conversation.

Black mothers are dying at 3-4 times the rate of white mothers in childbirth—a devastating reality that demands change. Research shows that doulas make a difference, improving maternal outcomes by providing advocacy, emotional support, and informed guidance throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. In this episode, I sit down with Jet'aime McKinney, a dedicated Atlanta-based doula, to discuss how doulas empower Black mothers, challenge medical bias, and ensure moms are heard and supported in their birthing journeys. This conversation is a must-listen for a mom looking to learn more about Doulas or anyone who cares about birth justice, maternal health, and saving lives.