Femammal

Signing Off

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Today's episode will be my last. I reflect back on the season, explain my reasons for signing off, and share some exciting news. For more information about hosting a high school exchange student, visit EF Exchange

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Doula Download

Wed, 01 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Kimberly Sharpe, who has practiced as a postpartum doula, explains the role of a doula in pregnancy, delivery, and after delivery, and discusses others forms of women-centric birthing care a mother may receive. She shares these resources:
In the Flo, by Alisa Vitti
The Business of Being Born
Pacific Birth Collective
DONA International

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Being a Foster Mom

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Today's guest is Rachel Bergin. Rachel is a middle-grade science teacher in Nashville, Tennessee. In her freetime, she is also a contra dance caller who is particulary adept at calling family-friendly dances as well as techno/pop dances. In this episode, she shares the story of how she and her husband became foster parents, with all of the joys and challenges that the role of a foster mom brings.

Contact Femammal:

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Shifting Fertility in Perimenopause

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Today's guest is Christina Valenzuela, who is the owner and creative director of Pearl & Thistle, LLC, where she offers a unique blend of theology and science to bring better body literacy to Catholics. She has been a certified instructor in the Boston Cross Check™ method of Natural Family Planning since 2013. Her latest book, The Language of Your Body: Embracing God's Design for Your Cycle, is scheduled for release with OSV in 2024. In this conversation, she shares information from her Perimenopause Prep: Navigating NFP with Shifting Fertility resource, and reflects on the transitions she is getting ready to navigate as she approaches perimenopause. She also shares these resources:https://fertilityscienceinstitute.org/directory/https://readyourbody.com/educators-directory/https://www.larabriden.com/hormone-repair-manual/https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/perimenopause-prep-navigating-nfp-with-shifting-fertility

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Marriage Equality and Authentic Identity

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Today's guest is Meli Barber, who works in the field of family social services in Indianapolis. She holds a Master's of Social Work degree and a Master's of Arts in Theology degree. She shares the story of her marriage to her wife, Carli, and the professional transition out of Catholic parish ministry she had to make to prioritize her relationship. She also reflects on the ways in which her imagination for what her family could be expanded after coming out in college and after marriage equality was federally recognized in the United States.

She shares this resource for LGBTQ+ Catholics and allies:
Dignity USA
https://www.dignityusa.org/

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Motherhood Supported by Surrogacy

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Today's guest is Mia McCarthy. Having navigated a long journey to parenthood, Mia is a proud mother of one who works in the area of sustainability. Having spent many years working focused on social justice issues, both professionally and personally, Mia is currently running in local elections in Ireland hoping to bring her knowledge and experience to ensure equitable access to the infrastructure needed to ensure a connected liveable community for residents. In this conversation, Mia shares about her journey to parenthood, which included several rounds of IVF and ultimately included surrogacy.

For another perspective on surrogacy, she shares this information about a new short documentary from Netflix, entitled "Two Mothers," by filmakers Anna Rodgers and Zlata Filipovic (not available in all countries):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CRxJAgIYtY

https://www.joe.ie/movies-tv/two-mothers-netflix-documentary-irish-films-790944

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Motherhood through Embryo Adoption

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Amy Houghtaling is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary and has spent most of her career working with people struggling with homelessness. She now holds the position that she believes will do more good in the world than any job she’s ever had: she is a stay at home mom to her son and daughter, biological siblings adopted as embryos. In this episode, she shares about the process she went through to adopt six embryos and attempt to give birth to each of them. She reflects on how she grew into her motherhood and developed a deep sense of connection to all six embryos through this challenging process. And she's offered to be in touch with anyone considering embryo adoption who would like to connect with her personally—you can do that by emailing femammalpodcast@gmail.com, and I will make sure your message reaches Amy.

Contact Femammal:

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Infertility and Deciding not to Parent

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Today's guest is Catie Eichhorn. Catie and her husband, who have been married for over a decade, are not raising any children, a decision which was impacted by Catie's endometriosis diagnosis. She shared the story of her struggle with endometriosis in the first season, so if you missed that episode, be sure to check it out. Catie has worked as an engineer, a nonprofit business manager, and currently a full time professor of business. She does have two fur kids that keep her on her toes. In this episode, Catie reflects on how she was able to reframe her image of family, and how she intentionally builds community and finds joy in her connections within extended family, her friends, and her church.

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Persisting through Postpartum Depression

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Jessica Mannen Kimmet reflects on her battle with postpartum depression, how it impacted her family and her choices, and how she got to a healthier place. She recently published the book, Groaning in Labor, Growing in Hope: Scripture Reflections for the Hard Days of Early Motherhood, in which she draws from her own experience of postpartum depression to help women find spiritual resources to accompany them through similar experiences.

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Stories of Family Formation for Season 4

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This season, we are listening to women share their stories of how they formed their families, especially when health factors or medical issues impacted their decisions. Women's health matters for its own sake. At the same time, for many women, health issues not only impact their own quality of life but also their paths to forming families, and many women have wanted to share those stories here, too. For our purposes, “forming families” means the creation of any home-life that generates safety, belonging, connection, and joy, and it doesn't exclusively mean becoming a parent and raising children. I hope you will listen to each story this season with a sense of curiosity and compassion. And if you're going through something in your life right now where you're not in a place to listen to stories like these, I hope that you find compassion and support for what you're going through, and you can return to this podcast when you're ready.

Contact Femammal:

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Combatting Shame with Empathy through Story-telling

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I wrap up Season 3 by reflecting on how we can reduce shame by building empathy, and how telling our stories and listening to the stories of others is a tool to do just that. I share more about my own story, and look ahead to January when Femammal will return for Season 4.

Contact Femammal:

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Neurodivergence, Mental Health, and PMDD

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Today's guest is Jessie. Jessie's pronouns are she and they; Jessie is a public librarian from KY who identifies as neurodivergent and as having a disability. In this interview, we dive into the ways in which Jessie's experience of neurodivergence and disability are also impacted by gender and hormones, creating a Venn diagram of overlapping challenges and symptoms. Jessie reflects on childhood memories and professional adult experiences to understand the ways in which our society is not set up to embrace the diversity of experiences like hers. Finally, they share how they are advocating to meet their needs and the path they are taking to get the medical interventions and professional accommodations they need to flourish.

Jessie would like to share these resources:

What is PMDD: https://mevpmdd.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001915211-PMDD-and-PME

Me v PMDD app: https://mevpmdd.com/

RAADS-R test: https://embrace-autism.com/raads-r/

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Hypothyroidism and Functional Medicine

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Rae Thompson is a certified functional medicine health coach based in Louisville, Kentucky. Her battles with hypothyroidism and osteoporosis led her to search out the underlying causes of her health issues, rather than just medicating her symptoms. She believes that our bodies were meant to heal themselves given the right environment to do so, and I use my unique experience and skills to assist clients in setting realistic goals, providing educational and emotional support, while promoting self-management, accountability and compliance. In this episode, she shares about her thyroid issues, and how they eventually led her to functional medicine, which has improved her quality of life and has even become a second career at Indwelling Health. I really appreciate her reflections on the ways in which functional medicine practitioners can come alongside mainstream western medicine to enhance the level of healthcare that patients receive.

She shares these resources:

Rae's practice is Indwelling Health: https://www.indwellinghealth.com/

Dr. Mark Hyman: https://drhyman.com/

Bobby Approved App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bobby-approved-food-scanner/id1571725006

Function Health Platform: https://www.functionhealth.com/

Abundant Health Family Care: https://www.abundanthealthfc.com/?fbclid=IwAR0qed53qCAqPCN8rbzKM2FAmGbkIA8HtddbWNXwrO889IntMwKM7MkHWYQ

Radiant Integrative Health: https://www.healthbyradiant.com/

Contact Femammal:

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Living with Parkinson's Disease

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Holly Cooper is mother to two young men, and wife to a man she considers to be a saint. She loves to be outside, especially gardening, and finds the outdoors therapeutic. She has survived breast cancer, and now she has been battling Parkinson's Disease. While Parkinson's Disease is half as prevalent in women than men, women often experience a more rapid escalation in symptoms and a higher fatality rate from Parkinson's. In this episode, Holly shares the interventions that have most improved her quality of life, especially boxing practice and deep brain stimulation. She takes a resilient attitude of hope and persistence to her diagnosis and has found meaning in connecting with other Parkinson's patients, especially through boxing.

She shares this resource from Norton Healthcare:

https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/parkinsons-disease-support/#:~:text=The%20Norton%20Neuroscience%20Institute%20Cressman,disease%20and%20related%20movement%20disorders.

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Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

R.S. Hurley uses her experience of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity to advocate on behalf of others with that diagnosis. MCS disproportionately affects women. Ms. Hurley authored a Multiple Chemical Sensitivity guide for HUD housing, a resource to help people secure their rights and accommodations when living in housing funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development

But You Look Good booklet https://invisibledisabilities.org/shop/ida-store/invisible-disabilities-book and "Choose Friendships over Fragrances" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu0_wP5hxyo

2009 CDC Policy Limits https://www.chemicalsensitivityfoundation.org/pdf/CDC-2009-Indoor-Environmental-Quality-internal-policy542.pdf

Amputated Lives by Alison Johnson http://www.alisonjohnsonmcs.com/

http://chemicalsensitivityfoundation.org including Ms. Hurley's own guide

https://annmccampbellmd.com/

https://www.drsteinemann.com

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Jet-setting and Jetlag

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Pania Elmsley lives in the South Gippsland region of Australia, which is Boonwurrung country. She grew up in Melbourne, she belongs to the Maori people of New Zealand, and she travelled the world as a flight attendant. She teaches the Maori language online, and in this conversation, which we recorded in-person onsite in Wonthaggi, Victoria, she shares her insights into meeting our physical and emotional needs while travelling and encountering new cultures with confidence.

Contact Femammal:

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Recovering from Narcissistic Abuse

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Today's guest is Dr. Tracy Kemble, who works in the abuse and trauma recovery space, and she herself is a survivor of narcissistic abuse. Her book, the Narc-tion-ary, helps survivors make sense of their experiences by naming the complex dynamics of narcissistic abuse. It includes over 350 words and terms, as well as a self-assessment for anyone questioning their own experience. In this episode, she shares her insights into how trauma fuels both narcissists and the people they victimize, and speaks to the centrality of self-love and self-respect for recovery.

Contact Femammal:

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Navigating Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as a Mother and Entrepreneur

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Today's guest is Michele Mateus, who is an entrepreneur and a mother. She founded Mateus Studios, an award-winning portrait studio based in Vancouver, which seeks to help women feel alive and free through a radical celebration of self, especially in boudoir photography and editorial inspired portraits that have a chic artistic vibe. In this episode, she shares her experience of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, and the path she has chosen to create greater wellness in her life even with this chronic auto-immune condition. She brings her expansive sense of purpose and possibility to this conversation.

She shares these resources:

National Multiple Sclerosis Society: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/

MS Canada: https://mscanada.ca/

Vancouver MS Clinic: https://www.ms.ubc.ca/

Dr. Gabor Maté: https://drgabormate.com/

Contact Femammal:

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Scents and Sensuality

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Today's guest is Amy Anthony, who is one of America’s most influential aromatherapists, and is currently the New York State representative for the Alliance of International Aromatherapists and has her private practice called NYC Aromatica which includes one-on-one customized aromatherapy sessions, online class offerings, corporate consulting and article writing. She is host of the Essential Aromatica podcast, while also tending her own aromatic garden on the North Fork of Long Island where she distills her unique products. She recently offered an immersive experience at the Museum of Sex in New York about the positive impact essential oils can have on sensuality and our sense of smell; and how they work to connect the body and mind in sexual experiences to create greater intimacy and joy. In this episode, she shares her journey from the corporate world to becoming an aromatherapist, and the health benefits she has experienced from her practice. She also gives us insight into incorporating the benefits of aromatherapy into our lives to address health issues and cultivate greater mindfulness.

Contact Femammal:

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Heavy Menstrual Periods

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Gretchen Addison is a running coach and fitness instructor in southwest Virginia through her business, Run 4 the Hills Coaching. Her passion is helping others to live fit and healthy lives in a way that is sustainable for them. She loves to talk about women's health topics with anyone and everyone, because it affects everyone in some way, and women especially need to know more about how their bodies work so that they can advocate better for themselves. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her horse, hiking, cooking, and reading. In this conversation, she shares her story of experiencing extreme pain and heavy bleeding during her menstruation for over two decades, until she finally got a prescription for a medication that relieves those symptoms significantly. Some of the tools that contributed to her treatment included the Creighton Model of cycle tracking, and a certified NaPro physician who was able to think beyond birth control to find a more targeted treatment.

She shares these resources:
Pearl and Thistle by Christina Valenzuela:
https://pearlandthistle.com/

Femammal Episode: "Energy and Mood Throughout the Menstrual Cycle" with Christina Valenzuela:
https://femammal.buzzsprout.com/1996844/11156748-energy-and-mood-throughout-the-menstrual-cycle

NaPro Technology:
https://naprotechnology.com/

Creighton Model:
https://creightonmodel.com/

FAbM Base with Emily Frase and Mary Bruno
https://fabmbase.org/about-fabm-base/the-founders/

Ashwood Fertility Care
https://www.ashwoodfertilitycare.com/

Lysteda information from the National Institutes of Health:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3183964/

Contact Femammal:

Email femammalpodcast@gmail.com
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Sexual Trauma and Healing

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Today's guest is Tara Galeano, who is an author and a certified sex therapist who has worked with women and couples for over two decades to get their sexy back. She knows that there is pleasure in the body, beyond our wildest dreams, and everyone can access it. In her book Rediscovering My Body Tara teaches readers how to show up for pleasure. Through reconnecting with her body, Tara was able to understand what was right and pleasurable for her, how best to proceed from this wisdom, and most importantly, how to teach these valuable lessons to others so that they too can transform their lives and reclaim their sensuality. Tara offers unique couple’s retreats, and ceremonial, sensual journeys that open doors to new experiences and communication with oneself and partners. In this episode, Tara reflects on sexual trauma and healing. She shares the story of her own healing journey after experiencing sexual violence, and she shares her wisdom about reconnecting with our bodies and with pleasure. Sexual violence is a widespread occurrence and the trauma it causes is real. While this conversation is not graphic and it does not discuss specific acts of violence, people who have experienced trauma may still find it triggering. If you are struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call the national crisis Lifeline at 988 to receive the help and support you deserve.

You can find Tara's work at: https://rediscoveringmybody.com/

You can find information about Dr. David Berceli's Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises at:

https://traumaprevention.com/about-dr-david-berceli/

You can find information about Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, at:

https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/

Contact Femammal:

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Being an Endurance Athlete

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Tia Wishart is an endurance athlete. She lives in the Victorian Alpine region of Australia, which is Jaitmathang country. She enjoys activities like trail running, rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking. In this episode, she talks about her passion for endurance sports, how she has learned to sync up her training schedule with her menstrual cycle, and how she sets healthy boundaries even while pushing herself to extremes.

She shares this resource:

Dr. Stacy Sims on physiology and nutrition science:

https://www.drstacysims.com/

Contact Femammal:

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Discomfort and Anxiety with Sexual Intimacy

Wed, 31 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Eleni Economides is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of NY, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and a Certified Life Coach through The Life Coach School. She runs a full private practice where she sees individuals and couples for relationship and sex therapy, and a coaching practice where she helps women with low libido manage stress around sex and develop sexual confidence so they can relax in the bedroom and enjoy the intimacy and pleasure that they deserve. Eleni has been married for 15 years and has three children. She loves being a student of the human mind, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. She is passionate about helping women embrace imperfection and learn how to love themselves unconditionally. She offers listeners these resources:

Receive a FREE session through this link https://www.newintimacy.com/free45minsession if you mention Greer's Femammal Podcast

FREE Sexual Confidence Challenge Week: https://www.newintimacy.com/sexualconfidencesignup

newintimacy.com

eleni@newintimacy.com

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Season 2 Wrap Up on Breast Health

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

I reflect on what I learned in Season 2 on breast health, and I share the plan for Season 3. I will be taking a break for May, and I'll be back with new podcast episodes on May 31.

Contact Femammal:

Email femammalpodcast@gmail.com
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If you have feedback or want to be a future guest, please get in touch!

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Bras after Breast Cancer

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Carol O'Kelly is a Certified Mastectomy Fitter and the General Manager of Tomorrow's Woman, which is a specialty post-surgical bra store, and The Perfect Fit, a bra boutique with a wide range of sizes. Both stores operate under Med Center Health in Bowling Green, Kentucky. In this episode, Carol shares about the physical changes that women may experience during and after breast cancer treatment, and how that affects their support needs. She talks us through prostheses and the products available to make every woman feel whole again.

She shares this resource:

Tomorrow's Woman/The Perfect Fit at Med Center Health

https://medcenterhealth.org/location/tomorrows-woman-and-the-perfect-fit/

Contact Femammal:

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Hormone-Receptor Positive Breast Cancer

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0400

Barb VanEsseltine is retired from a long career as an IT Project Manager. She is passionate about her volunteer work with gun violence prevention efforts in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and she shows her dogs in dog agility competitions. In this episode, she shares her experience of hormone-receptor positive breast cancer, which was treated with a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy. She discusses the process of tapering off of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) as a precaution against future cancer recurrence, and dealing with a resurgence in post-menopausal symptoms as a result. She takes an attitude that health challenges are inevitable for all of us, which allows her to stay focused on treatment and recovery, and which gives her compassion for what others may be suffering from that we are not even aware of.

Contact Femammal:

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All About Bras

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0400

Kirsten Schofield is the founding Creative Director at Underpinnings Lingerie, a Louisville, Kentucky-based lingerie boutique which has been in business for four years. Underpinnings Lingerie caries 210 bra sizes, from 28A to 54N—the second largest size selection in the United States. In this episode, Kirsten demystifies bra sizing, and she makes the health case for getting the right support. She talks us
through a fitting, and she busts myths about our busts.

She shares these resources:

Underpinnings Lingerie Website:
https://www.underpinningslingerie.com/

Underpinnings Lingerie Blog:
https://www.underpinningslingerie.com/blogs/the-pin-board-a-lingerie-blog

A Bra That Fits Calculator:
https://www.abrathatfits.org/calculator.php

Contact Femammal:

Email femammalpodcast@gmail.com
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If you have feedback or want to be a future guest, please get in touch!

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Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT)

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Estefanía Lens shares about her experiece of Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT), a disorder that prevents sufficient milk production for successful breastfeeding. She is a wife and mother of three children ages four and under. She is originally from Uruguay, where she taught psychology to undergraduates and undertook research. She moved to the United States with her American husband in 2016. In this episode, Estefanía reflects on the ways in which IGT undermined her confidence as a new mother and how she was able to reframe her challenges and grow to become a better advocate for herself and her children, to become gentler with herself, and to become more empathetic with other women.

She shared these two Instagram accounts that have been good resources for her:

https://www.instagram.com/lowsupplymom/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/theformulamom/?hl=en

Contact Femammal:

Email femammalpodcast@gmail.com
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Surviving Breast Cancer

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Jamie Calzi is a breast cancer survivor who shares her story from early diagnosis, a double mastectomy, and breast reconstruction surgery. She is a wife, mother of two, fur mom to Presley, and her granddaughter and grandson on the way know her as Gigi. She is also a yoga instructor. Jamie reflects on the emotional challenges of her battle and the hard-earned wisdom she gained.

Bluebird Ink Beautique is the tattoo shop mentioned in the interview: https://www.bluebirdinked.com/

Contact Femammal:

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Lactation Support

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Leah A. Jacobson is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, the author of the book “Wholistic Feminism,” and the founder of The Guiding Star Project, a 501c3 non-profit organization. She earned a Master’s Degree in Health and Wellness and has spoken internationally on issues pertaining to women’s healthcare. She is the mother of seven children. In this conversation she shares her journey from growing up on a dairy farm to becoming a lactation consultant after she initially struggled to breastfeed her firstborn. She always starts from the standpoint of understanding and affirming the mother's health and well-being, allowing women to set their own lactation goals and supporting them in their choices.

She shared these resources:
IBCLC Directory
https://uslca.org/resources/find-an-ibclc/

Breast feeding myth busting
https://kellymom.com/

Leah Jacobson's website
https://www.leahajacobson.com/

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Milk Banks and Milk Depots

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Shemika Whiteside, MSSW, CSW is the co-founder and executive director of Zora's Cradle, a nonprofit organization in Louisville, Kentucky that provides essential services to expectant mothers through a holistic approach. Shemika earned her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville, and her research interests include maternal morbidity of Black and Latinx expectant mothers and dual-diagnoses. In this conversation, she shares her powerful personal story of giving birth prematurely to her daughter Zora, who only survived for a few days, and who inspired her to help other mothers access the resources they need for healthy pregnancies, healthy births, and healthy babies. She explains how milk banks and milk depots open up access to breast milk for babies in need. Zora's Cradle provides a milk depot in Louisville, KY, among other services.

https://zorascradle.org/

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Welcome Back for Season 2 on Breast Health

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0500

I share updates for Season 2, introduce this season's them on breast health, and tell my own story of dealing with recurring breast cysts and benign breast lumps in my 30s.

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How to Have More Open Conversations

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0500

In the final episode of Season 1, I share what I learned this season about how to create safe spaces where we can have more open conversations about women's embodied experiences. I offer seven tips for better dialogue, and I look ahead to Season 2, premiering in January.

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Self-Care When You're Struggling

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Shalah Bottoms is a Self-Care Coach and Founder of Shalah B Coaching. She earned a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and has over 9 years of experience supporting other women as they create visions of their best selves and work toward making it a reality. As a coach, Shalah empowers women who do it all to prioritize the peace, joy, and structure they need to thrive. In this interview, Shalah dismantles the commercial trappings of self-care and returns us to the foundational interior resources that help women to tend to their health holistically. Schedule a FREE discovery call with Self-Care Coach Shalah. Follow Shalah on Instagram for self-care inspiration and tips @shalahbcoaching.

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Navigating ADHD, PTSD, and Depression

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0400

This week's guest is Haley Smith, who is a mother of two and has worked professionally as a childcare provider. In this conversation, she opens up about her experiences with depression, ADHD, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She reflects on the challenges of misdiagnosis, finding interventions that help, and where the joy is in prioritizing her health and her family. Please be aware that suicidal ideation is a topic that comes up in this conversation. If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call the national suicide hotline at 988 and get the help you deserve.

Contact Femammal:

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Navigating Diagnoses as a Teen, including PCOS and Imperforate Hymen

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Callie Allison, RN shares her stories of dealing with a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) as a teenager, as well as undergoing surgery for an imperforate hymen. She reflects on navigating health issues as a teen athlete, what she wishes she had known as a teenager, and how she could have better advocated for herself. She now works as a nurse in Louisville, Kentucky. She has worked in healthcare for the past seven years in a variety of roles.

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Living in Harmony with the Seasons

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Jessica Mannen Kimmet shares her perspective as a birder, a gardener, and a mother on how to become more attuned to the changing seasons and what our bodies need in each season to live in a more integrated way.

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Logo design: copyright Darragh Hannan

Living with Endometriosis

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Catie Eichhorn shares about her diagnosis of endometriosis, undergoing multiple surgeries and finding hormonal medications to improve her symptoms. She opens up about how it has impacted her sense of self and her definition of family, and her joyful resilience in the face of a chronic diagnosis.

The Empowered Health podcast also has an endometriosis episode:

https://empoweredhealthshow.com/2019/07/21/ep-19-opening-up-about-endometriosis/

My Endometriosis online support group:
https://www.myendometriosisteam.com/

Contact Femammal:

Email femammalpodcast@gmail.com
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Anti-Inflammatory Eating

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0400

A conversation with Kristen Drahos, PhD, about the challenges and benefits of eating an anti-inflammatory diet. She offers these resources for more research:
Autoimmune and AIP (Auto-Immune Protocol) specifically:

https://www.thepaleomom.com/start-here/the-autoimmune-protocol/

The Paleo Approach (https://www.ebay.com/itm/274389831320?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1Aqkk_6GkR5W0MucUknEBzA32&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-213727-13078-0&mkcid=2&itemid=274389831320&targetid=4580702891777578&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=418640321&mkgroupid=1233652283797640&rlsatarget=pla-4580702891777578&abcId=9300602&merchantid=51291&msclkid=6e0daae747b011bac7bdc8359f7249f7)

Whole30

https://whole30.com/

Mark's Daily Apple

https://www.marksdailyapple.com/

Intermittent Fasting

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/intermittent-fasting-4-different-types-explained/

https://drbrighten.com/intermittent-fasting-womens-health/

A few recipes:

https://minimalistbaker.com/thai-carrot-salad-curried-cashews/

https://www.theroastedroot.net/healthy-4-ingredient-chocolate-mousse/

https://www.justataste.com/sauteed-shitake-mushrooms-and-spinach-with-spicy-garlic-sauce/

https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-braised-coconut-spinach-chickpeas-with-lemon-recipes-from-the-kitchn-164551#comments-164551

Contact Femammal:

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Energy and Mood throughout the Menstrual Cycle

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Christina Valenzuela, who is a certified instructor in the Boston Cross Check method of Natural Family Planning, shares insights into the patterns of energy, mood, and social personality that women experience throughout the monthly menstrual cycle. She shares tips on how to use this cyclical energy pattern to our advantage, and red flags for when symptoms deserve medical investigation. She also shared these resources:

Dr. Lara Briden
https://www.larabriden.com
The Hormone Repair Manual
The Period Repair Manual

Megan Faller
https://thealignedcycle.com
The Aligned Cycle

Christina Valenzuela
https://www.pearlandthistle.com/#/
Cycle Prep curriculum

Telehealth through My Catholic Doctor
https://mycatholicdoctor.com

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack
https://thefifthvitalsignbook.com
The Fifth Vital Sign

Dr. Elisabeth Raith-Paula
https://second.wiki/wiki/elisabeth_raith-paula
What's Going on in my Body

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Living with Interstitial Cystitis

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 13:00:00 -0400

Melissa Hennessy, a health coach and new mother, discusses being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, a painful bladder and pelvic condition. She shares her health journey from getting a diagnosis to advocating for treatment and the quality of life she has now thanks to pelvic floor physical therapy and dietary changes. She also dives deep into how this diagnosis impacted her sense of self and her dreams for the future. This is an incredibly vulnerable and honest conversation about pelvic pain, pain during sex, self-advocacy, resilience, and hope. Here are some resources she wants to share:
UofL physicians of Urogynocology: https://uoflhealth.org/locations/uofl-physicians-urogynecology/
Dunn physical therapy: dunnptky.com/index.html

Contact Femammal:

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Welcome to Femammal

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Introducing Femammal, the new podcast dedicated to holding space for women to explore what it means to live well in our bodies. We will look for the joy in our experience of being female mammals through frank interviews with women about our bodies, life cycles, communities, and families.

Here is the article mentioned in the show, which is how this podcast came about: "Catholics Need Better Conversations about Women's Health. Here are Three Places to Start"

Contact Femammal:

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If you have feedback or want to be a future guest, please get in touch!

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