Advertise on podcast: Discover Midwives

Recorded live at the 71st Annual ACNM Meeting in Kansas City, this episode of Discover Midwives welcomes Amelia Henning, CNM, IBCLC, a certified nurse-midwife and lactation specialist at Mass General. Amelia focuses on breastfeeding, lactation, and postpartum care. She explains how midwives can diagnose and treat lactation complications just like any other health concern. Keywords: breastfeeding support, lactation consultant, midwife podcast, mastitis treatment, postpartum care Hashtag #DiscoverMidwives #MidwifeCare #Midwifery #ACNM #ACNM2026Topic: #Breastfeeding #BreastfeedingSupport #LactationSupport #IBCLC #Lactation #PostpartumSupport #FourthTrimester #NormalizeBreastfeeding #Mastitis The Discover Midwives Podcast was created to empower you with accurate, compassionate, and evidence-informed answers to your most pressing questions about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and women’s health—delivered from a uniquely midwifery perspective. Our goals are to normalize conversations about reproductive health, offer clarity in a landscape saturated with misinformation, and build public trust in midwifery care! Tune in, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you want to support our work? Leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify to help us bring you more inspiring and informative conversations. Screenshot this episode and share it on your socials!Tag @discovermidwives + #DiscoverMidwives Visit our website for more info and resources: Discover Midwives Connect on Socials:Instagram — @discovermidwivesFacebook — ACNM MidwivesYouTube — Discover Midwives Podcast The Discover Midwives TeamJessica Brumley, PhD, CNM — HostRussell Chapa — Producer, Sound Engineer, Original Music A Buyride Production Presented by the American College of Nurse-Midwives  Brought to you by our sponsors: MomCozy Biogen

In this episode of  Discover Midwives, our host, Dr. Jessica Brumley sits down with Jamie Swietlikowski, Certified Nurse-Midwife, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and founder of Perinatal Mental Health Partners. Jamie shares her inspiring journey from community birth centers and high-acuity academic centers to expanding her midwifery scope into reproductive psychiatry. Together, they explore how applying the midwifery model of care which focuses on prevention, relationship-building, and holistic support—can radically transform how we handle mental health across reproductive transitions. Timestamps / Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Discover Midwives & Introduction of Guest Jamie Swietlikowski  01:30 – Zooming Out: Mental Health Across the Entire Reproductive Life Cycle  04:16 – Jamie’s Journey: From Dutch Maternity Systems to Mental Health Midwifery  11:31 – Specialized Reproductive Psychiatry & Keeping the Mom-Baby Dyad Together  15:19 – What Preventive Perinatal Mental Health Care Really Looks Like  22:01 – Rethinking Psychiatric Medication During Pregnancy & Lowest Effective Dose  32:42 – Perinatal Mental Health Partners: Innovating Access to Care  40:52 – Structural Factors: Paid Parental Leave, Social Support, and Systemic Change  46:36 – Defining "Mental Health Midwifery" for the Future of Healthcare  Primary Keywords: Discover Midwives podcast, Mental Health Midwifery, Jamie Swietlikowski, Perinatal Mental Health, Postpartum Depression, Reproductive Psychiatry, Maternal Mental Health, Lowest Effective Dose, ACNM, Midwifery Care. Hashtags: #DiscoverMidwives #MentalHealthMidwifery #MaternalMentalHealth #PerinatalMentalHealth #PostpartumDepression #MidwivesMakeADifference #reproductivehealth  The Discover Midwives Podcast was created to empower you with accurate, compassionate, and evidence-informed answers to your most pressing questions about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and women’s health—delivered from a uniquely midwifery perspective. Our goals are to normalize conversations about reproductive health, offer clarity in a landscape saturated with misinformation, and build public trust in midwifery care! Tune in, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you want to support our work? Leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify to help us bring you more inspiring and informative conversations. Screenshot this episode and share it on your socials!Tag @discovermidwives + #DiscoverMidwives Visit our website for more info and resources: Discover Midwives Connect on Socials:Instagram — @discovermidwivesFacebook — ACNM MidwivesYouTube — Discover Midwives Podcast The Discover Midwives TeamJessica Brumley, PhD, CNM — HostRussell Chapa — Producer, Sound Engineer, Original Music Presented by the American College of Nurse-Midwives  Brought to you by our sponsors: MomCozy Biogen

Birth plans get a lot of attention on social media, with numerous templates offering advice on everything from fetal monitoring to essential oils. But what is the actual point of creating one,especially when labor can be so unpredictable?In this episode of Discover Midwives, host Dr. Jessica Brumley breaks down why a birth plan should not be approached like a rigid script, but rather a powerful tool for communication, team building, and self-advocacy. From understanding historical shifts in childbirth to navigating unexpected scenarios in labor, Jessica shares practical ways to structure your birth preferences so you feel safe and empowered. Links & Resources Mentioned: • Subscribe to Discover Midwives on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. • Share your birth plan questions or experiences with us in the episode comments! #BirthPlan #Midwifery #Pregnancy #DiscoverMidwives #MaternalHealth #LaborAndDelivery#BirthPreferences

Many people believe that midwives only care for women in pregnancy and during labor and delivery. In this episode of Discover Midwives, our host Jessica Brumley explores the full scope of midwifery care that goes far beyond the delivery room. Joined by clinical insights, this conversation breaks down how midwives act as primary healthcare partners for individuals across their entire lifespan.From annual wellness exams, PAP tests, mammogram referrals, routine contraception, menopause management, tracking blood pressure or thyroid health; midwives offer a holistic, personalized anchor in a complex healthcare system. Tune in to discover how midwifery care prioritizes shared decision-making, continuity, and your unique health goals at every stage of life.

Genetic screening tests like cell-free DNA (sometimes called NIPT) are becoming more popular across the country. What does this screening really tell you? Should we think of it as “just a routine blood test”? What does a positive result actually mean? And what happens when prenatal genetic screening gives you information you weren’t expecting? In this episode of Discover Midwives, we sit down with Julie Knutson, CNM, Assistant Professor with the Brown OBGYN Residency Program, to unpack one of the most complicated topics in prenatal care: cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, also known as NIPT or non-invasive prenatal screening. Julie brings years of experience in birth centers, public health clinics, and hospital settings, along with her work on genetics education for midwives and her article on cell-free DNA testing. Together, we explore what midwives need to know to help clients make informed decisions about prenatal genetic screening. We talk about: • What cell-free DNA/NIPT actually tests, and what it doesn't test • Why NIPT is considered a screening test, not a diagnostic test • Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13 • Why a positive screening result does NOT necessarily mean the baby has the condition • False positives, placental mosaicism, and the importance of diagnostic follow-up • What an “indeterminate” or “no-call” result can mean • Sex chromosome screening and some of the unexpected information families may receive • How NIPT can influence birth planning, pregnancy decision-making, and emotional preparation• Why more testing isn't necessarily better testing • The financial and emotional “cost” of prenatal genetic testing• Genetic privacy, and what happens to your DNA after testing • Emerging uses of cell-free DNA, including fetal RhD testing • How genetic counseling and MFM consultation fit into the process• Why shared decision-making is at the heart of midwifery care One of the most important messages from this conversation is simple: a prenatal genetic test is not just a test. It is information, and people deserve to understand what that information could mean before deciding whether they want it. For midwives and other maternity care providers, this episode offers a practical framework for counseling clients without overwhelming them. For pregnant people and families, it provides a starting point for asking better questions and making decisions that align with their own values and circumstances. You don't have to say yes just because a test is offered. And you don't have to say no because you're afraid of what you might learn. You deserve the information and support to make the decision that's right for you. Listen, subscribe, and share Discover Midwives with a pregnant person, midwife, student, or maternity care provider who could benefit from this conversation. Keywords: NIPT, cell-free DNA, prenatal genetic testing, non-invasive prenatal testing, prenatal screening, Down syndrome, trisomy 21, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, amniocentesis, CVS, genetic counseling, midwife, midwifery, pregnancy, prenatal care, informed consent, shared decision-making, genetic privacy #DiscoverMidwives #Midwifery #NIPT #PrenatalTesting #Pregnancy #Midwives #GeneticTesting #PrenatalCare #BirthChoices #SharedDecisionMaking

In this episode of Discover Midwives, we dive into birth innovation, patient engagement, and evidence-based care with Amy Romano, midwife, healthcare leader, and founder of Primary Maternity Care.Amy shares her 22-year journey in maternal health. From her clinical practice to co-authoring Optimal Care in Childbirth, she breaks down how systemic incentives and clinical choices impact the birthing experience. Together, we explore the crucial differences between routine electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) and intermittent auscultation (IA), examining how less invasive monitoring techniques can safely preserve freedom of movement, reduce unnecessary interventions, and support natural physiologic birth.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Shift to Human-Centered Care: How system design, funding, and clinical innovation can improve maternity outcomes and birth equity. Intermittent Auscultation (IA) vs. Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM): Why continuous EFM isn't always better for low-risk births and how it can lead to unnecessary C-sections. Preserving Freedom of Movement: How low-intervention monitoring allows birthing individuals to listen to their bodies and move freely during labor. Advocating for Choice: Tips for navigating birth settings and advocating for evidence-based monitoring options. "When we replace hands-on care and presence with continuous technology, we often trade true physiological safety for a false sense of certainty."Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Discover Midwives, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with friends, clients, or healthcare providers looking to humanize maternal care!

Did you know that midwifery care extends well beyond pregnancy and childbirth? In this episode of Discover Midwives, we dive into a core yet often overlooked aspect of midwifery training and practice: caring for healthy newborns.We are joined by Dr. Michelle Palmer (PhD, CNM), a passionate advocate for physiologic birth and Specialty Director at the Yale School of Nursing. Dr. Palmer shares her extensive clinical expertise on the critical first hours and days of a baby’s life.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Magic of the "Golden Hour": Why skin-to-skin contact, quiet environments, and sensory transition matter so deeply for a newborn's nervous system and development. Essential Newborn Screenings: What midwives look for during early clinical evaluations, including jaundice, blood sugar levels, pulse oximetry, and metabolic screenings. Navigating Red Flags: How midwives distinguish normal newborn behavior from warning signs that require pediatric or specialist intervention. Postpartum & Feeding Support: The role midwives play in supporting parents through the trials and triumphs of early infant feeding and transition. Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, and share Discover Midwives with expecting parents and birth workers!

What does it mean to have a voice in your birth? Far too often, "informed consent" is treated as just a checkbox. In this episode of the Discover Midwives Podcast, we sit down with Alison Shorten, PhD, RN, RM, a distinguished researcher, innovative educator, and Senior Associate Dean at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, with over 35 years of experience in nursing and midwifery. Alison dives deep into her pioneering research on Shared Decision Making (SDM) and the implementation of midwifery models of care. We explore how her work has shaped international evidence-based clinical guidelines, why a strong relationship between providers and families is the foundation of a safe birth, and how true shared decision-making can dramatically reduce unnecessary interventions and lower cesarean rates. Whether you are an expecting parent navigating options like VBAC or a birth worker striving to improve maternal outcomes, Alison’s insights offer a masterclass on shifting maternity care toward a truly collaborative, respectful, and relationship-driven model.

What does it truly look like to be an active, empowered partner in your own birthing experience? In this episode of Discover Midwives, the host sits down with fellow Brooklyn native, Trinisha Williams, MPH, CM. With over 20 years of experience as a certified midwife and more than a thousand births attended across hospital, home, and birth center settings, Trinisha brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to the conversation. Today, she serves as the board president of the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC). Trinisha shares her personal journey into midwifery, which was sparked by witnessing her sister's empowering young pregnancy and birth. She unpacks the unique beauty, fidelity, and safety of the midwifery model of care in community-based settings. In this episode, we discuss: The Birth Center Advantage: Why birth centers offer an ideal, personalized environment where low-risk families can experience minimal interventions while letting the facility handle the logistics. -Home vs. Birth Center: Navigating the environmental differences, from the deep intimacy of birthing in your own curated space to opting for a simulated home-like environment. -Who is a Candidate? A clear breakdown of the criteria for a birth center birth, including low-risk pregnancies, head-first baby positioning, and normal blood pressure. -Safety & Voluntary Accreditation: How the AABC and the Commission for Accreditation of Birth Centers set evidence-based standards, monitor strict protocols, and review outcomes to keep families safe. -How birth centers navigate hospital transfers. The reality of non-emergent hospital transfers for stalled labor or pain management, and how to mentally prepare for shifting from a birth plan to continuous monitoring or higher-level interventions. -Busting Midwifery Myths: Trinisha hilariously debunks misconceptions and clarifies the rigorous clinical, gynecological, and primary care training that separates midwives from doulas. - The Future of Maternity Access: An introduction to the bold "Beloved Birth 50 by 50" national initiative, aiming to give 50% of birthing people access to midwifery-led care by 2050 to combat growing maternity care deserts. -Listen to the full episode now on your favorite streaming platforms to discover what respectful, relationship-centered maternity care can look like for you! Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with an expecting family.

In this inspiring episode of Discover Midwives, host Jessica Brumley sits down with Dr. Nikkia Grayson, a nationally recognized Certified Nurse-Midwife, Family Nurse Practitioner, educator, and reproductive justice leader. As Chief Clinical Officer of Choices Center for Reproductive Health in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Grayson has helped build one of the nation's most innovative Black midwifery-led models of care, where they offer birth center services, reproductive healthcare, abortion care, primary care, and community support all under one roof. Dr. Grayson shares her journey into midwifery and her vision for restoring community-centered care. Together, she and Jessica explore what "full-spectrum reproductive healthcare" really means, why relationship-based care matters, and how midwives are helping address the maternal health crisis, especially in underserved communities. You'll also hear an honest conversation about the realities of birth work, the importance of emergency preparedness, and why midwifery is both deeply compassionate and highly skilled clinical care. Whether you're pregnant, planning a family, seeking reproductive healthcare, or simply curious about what midwives do, this episode offers a powerful look at a model of care built on dignity, respect, and trust. Listen now and discover how midwives are transforming healthcare, one relationship at a time. About Discover Midwives Discover Midwives, presented by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), introduces listeners to the people, stories, and evidence behind midwifery care. Through conversations with midwives and healthcare leaders, the podcast helps consumers better understand their healthcare options and the benefits of the midwifery model of care

What if postpartum care didn't end at six weeks? What if new parents received the support, community, and care they truly needed after bringing home a baby?In this inspiring episode of Discover Midwives, our host Jessica Brumley, PhD CNM, interviews one of the nation's most influential midwifery leaders, Dr. Ebony Marcelle, Director of Midwifery at Community of Hope and the Family Health and Birth Center.Dr. Marcelle shares her remarkable journey into midwifery, from a life-changing gynecology visit to becoming a nationally recognized advocate for reproductive justice and maternal health equity. Together, Jessica and Ebony explore how racism, chronic stress, and systemic barriers contribute to disparities in maternal and infant outcomes, and how innovative, community-centered care can help change the story.You'll learn:• Why the postpartum period deserves far more attention than it receives• How Community of Hope has built a groundbreaking model of care that includes home visits, integrated mental health services, peer support, and year-long postpartum engagement• Practical ways families can prepare for life after birth during pregnancy• What friends and loved ones can do to support a new parent• Warning signs in the postpartum period that should never be ignored• Why community, continuity, and listening to families are essential ingredients for healthier outcomesWhether you're expecting a baby, supporting someone who is, or simply passionate about improving maternity care, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and actionable insights from one of midwifery's most powerful voices.Because birth is only the beginning, and we believe every family deserves support long after the baby arrives.

Understanding Labor Pain vs. Suffering In this episode of Discover Midwives, we tackle one of the most discussed and often misunderstood topics of the third trimester: pain in labor. In a culture that teaches us to fear the intensity of childbirth, we shift the perspective toward understanding the physiological purpose of labor and how to navigate it with confidence. What’s Inside: Pain vs. Suffering: Explore the critical distinction between the physical intensity of labor and the emotional experience of suffering, and why the two don't have to go hand-in-hand. The Midwifery Edge: How the midwifery model of care provides the education, advocacy, and hands-on support needed to transform the labor experience. Beyond Survival: We discuss why "surviving" birth shouldn't be the goal—feeling safe, respected, and supported should be the baseline expectation for every birthing person. Building Your Team: Practical advice on choosing your support system, from doulas to midwives, to ensure you emerge from your birth feeling stronger, wiser, and transformed from your experience. Key Takeaway: You deserve care that listens to you and includes you in every decision about your body. Tune in to learn how to move from a place of fear to a place of informed power. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe and share this with someone in their third trimester to help them prepare for a respectful and supported birth experience.

More Than Checkups: What Prenatal Care Is Really About Are prenatal visits just “check-the-box” appointments… or something more? In this episode of Discover Midwives, Jessica breaks down what prenatal care actually looks like, and why it’s so much more than quick checkups. From your very first visit to those final weeks before birth, you’ll learn what’s happening behind the scenes, what tests are offered (and why), and how your care can and should be tailored to your needs. She provides insight into the midwifery approach to prenatal care. Great prenatal care isn’t just about labs and ultrasounds. It’s about building a relationship with someone you trust, someone who listens, supports you, and helps you feel safe throughout your pregnancy. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: What really happens at your first prenatal visit. Which labs, screenings, and ultrasounds are offered (and your choices around them)How often you actually need to go, and why it can be flexible. The difference between home, birth center, and hospital-based careWhy bringing your questions (and your support people!) matters more than you think How feeling safe and respected in care can impact your birth experience

Menopause is something every woman will experience, but so many of us feel unprepared, unheard, or even dismissed when it begins. In this episode of Discover Midwives, we’re changing that. Join host Jessica Brumley as she sits down with Dr. Amy Giles, Certified Nurse-Midwife and educator, for an honest, empowering conversation about what menopause really looks like, and how midwives are uniquely equipped to support you through it. Together, they break down: What perimenopause actually is (and why symptoms can start years before your last period) The wide range of symptoms—from hot flashes and sleep struggles to brain fog, mood changes, and low libido Why menopause is a whole-body, whole-life transition Simple, effective lifestyle strategies to feel better now Natural remedies, supplements, and when they may help The truth about hormone therapy, what’s changed, what’s safe, and who may benefit How to prepare for a menopause-focused visit so you feel confident and heard You’ll also learn why midwives are more than just birth providers. They are experts in caring for you from your first period through menopause and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered,“Is this normal?”“Why do I feel so different?”“Do I just have to live with this?” This episode is for you. You deserve care that makes sense.You deserve options.You deserve to feel like yourself again. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s or supporting someone who is, this conversation will leave you informed, validated, and hopeful.

You have likely heard the phrase "eating for two" your whole life; but how important is nutrition in pregnancy? And does it really matter how much weight you gain? This week, Jessica sits down with Dr. Cecilia Jevitt, a midwife with decades of clinical experience and whose research is all about nutrition, exercise, and weight in pregnancy. They talk about what foods actually support a healthy pregnancy; and, maybe most importantly, how to navigate a healthcare system that doesn't always treat pregnant people with the respect they deserve. Dr. Jevitt even gets into how what you eat today could impact your grandchildren's health. This conversation is warm, eye-opening, and completely judgment-free. No calorie counting, no diet talk, no shame. Jessica and Cecilia just provide real information you can actually use. You'll walk away knowing: How much you actually need to eat extra Which nutrients matter most and where to find themHow to recognize weight bias at your prenatal visitsWhy your grandmother's pregnancy may have shaped your health today