In this episode of Heal Her Chronicles, Tasha sits down with Alseta Gholston for an honest conversation about postpartum depression, becoming a doula, old wives’ tales about pregnancy, family boundaries after birth, and why education before pregnancy matters so much.

Heal Her Chronicles is WORTHHH’s storytelling series spotlighting the voices who support postpartum families — doulas, therapists, and community members — in real, unfiltered conversations about the fourth trimester.

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#HealHerChronicles #PostpartumDepression #BlackMaternalHealth #WORTHHH #PostpartumSupport #DoulaLife #MaternalMentalHealth

The conversation covers Dr. Mary Lewis's journey into motherhood, from planning for birth to postpartum recovery and mental health. It delves into the challenges of preparing for motherhood, setting boundaries, and the importance of support during the postpartum period. Dr. Lewis shares her experiences and insights on navigating the complexities of motherhood and juggling responsibilities. Dr. Lew shares her journey of rediscovering freedom after becoming a mother, transitioning to a career in acupuncture, and finding a new path in Oregon. She discusses the healing power of acupuncture and the importance of reconnecting with oneself after giving birth.

Takeaways

• Preparation for birth involves detailed planning and research.
• Setting boundaries and saying no is essential for new mothers.
• Postpartum recovery requires support and self-care. Rediscovering freedom after motherhood
• The healing power of acupuncture

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Motherhood
• 02:02 Planning for Birth
• 02:59 Preparing for Motherhood
• 05:12 Setting Boundaries and Saying No
• 07:59 Postpartum Recovery and Support
• 22:01 Mental Health and Juggling Responsibilities
• 25:10 Rediscovering Freedom
• 29:12 The Transition to Acupuncture
• 32:05 The Journey to Oregon
• 38:14 The Healing Power of Acupuncture
• 45:50 Reconnecting with Self

Guest & Artist Highlight : Alana Yaa Ifanike DaCosta

She's a mother of two, a singer/songwriter, a yoga instructor, and a therapist and on this episode of Heal Her Chronicles, Alana Yaa Ifanike DaCosta joins host Tasha Lewis for an honest conversation about postpartum healing, creativity, and what it really means to hold space for yourself while holding everything else together.

Alana is also the founder of KR8TiVE Uprising, a creative arts and dance company, and brings her Jamaican American roots and whole-person approach mind, body, and spirit into everything she does.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Healing through movement, music, and creative expression

• What therapy and yoga taught her about postpartum recovery

• Building community and culture through KR8TiVE Uprising

• Honest talk on postpartum awareness and depression among Black mothers

If you're a mother, or you love one, this conversation is for you. Listen, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and remember — healing doesn't happen alone.

Connect with Alana: alanadacosta.com | IG & TikTok @alanadacostamusic | Facebook: Alana DaCosta

Connect with KR8TiVE Uprising: KR8TiVEUprising.com | IG @kr8tiveuprisinginc | Facebook: KR8TiVE Uprising

WORTHHH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to build back the community of healing.

worthhh.org | discord.gg/xmu9Cf7H4 | "Heal Her Workbook" on Amazon

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The conversation begins with an introduction to the guest, Ruth Ifakemi Efungbemi Jeannoe, and her diverse roles as a mother, author, founder, and spiritual leader. The discussion then delves into the founding of Fum Saj and the guest's social justice work, followed by a detailed exploration of the guest's postpartum experiences and the cultural traditions surrounding postpartum care. The conversation delves into the significance of doula support during pregnancy and birth, highlighting the role of doulas in providing advocacy, care, and preparation for mothers. It also explores the concept of reproductive justice and the need for advocacy, support, and community care for pregnant individuals and new mothers.

Takeaways

• Motherhood as a Multifaceted Role
• Restorative Justice and Healing Circles
• Postpartum Care and Cultural Traditions Importance of Doula Support
• Reproductive Justice and Advocacy

Chapters

• 00:00 Postpartum Experiences and Cultural Traditions
• 32:45 The Role of Doulas in Pregnancy and Birth
• 44:05 Reproductive Justice and Advocacy