Ep. 37: Nobody Told Me About That: Self-Advocacy & Maternal Near Miss

Casey Cattell and Dr. Ginger Breedlove, co-authers of Nobody Told Me About That: Surviving and Thriving the Early Weeks of Parenting, join me on this episode to discuss the newly released 2nd Edition of their book, as well as navigating life after birth trauma. Their 2nd Edition brings realistic examples and insight from experts. Casey and Ginger share some of their highlighted topics and the importance of advocating for yourself, your family, and your community - in that order.On this episode, you will hear:-The difference in maternal health care between America and other nations.-Casey's maternal near miss story including Bilateral Pulmonary Emboli and PPH. - Ginger's traumatic breastfeeding story, including how it resurfaced during her daughter-in-law's postpartum experience.-The common experience of shame and denial in asking for medical help.-The little things providers can do that play a big role in the trajectory of healing.-Highlighted topics in the 2nd Edition: bringing baby home to pets, navigating balance, and finding your postpartum voice.-Covid isolation and the impact it has on postpartum recovery.-Becoming an advocate in the birth trauma and maternal near-miss space. You can find Ginger Breedlove's book Nobody Told Me About That: Surviving and Thriving the Early Weeks of Parenting  on Amazon available in hardcover, paperback, and on Kindle.https://www.amazon.com/Nobody-Told-About-That-Surviving/dp/B0C5G9L57H/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22OACU18EO67F&keywords=early+parenting+ginger&qid=1687293275&sprefix=early+parenting+ginger%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-1Guest Bios:Dr. Breedlove is a past president of the American College of Nurse-Midwives and has led many national initiatives to address and improve perinatal health in the United States. In 2017 she formed a consulting company Grow Midwives LLC that has expanded to include GM Billing & Recovery Services. She is a widely published author in numerous journals and publications, national speaker, and has received over $5 million dollars as principal investigator in grant-funded projects related to health care for women. In 2017 she co-founded March for Moms with Dr. Neel Shah, serving as President six years. In 2018 Dr. Breedlove edited and launched a best-selling book for new parents titled, Nobody Told Me About That! The 2nd Ed., newly titled, Nobody Told Me About That, Surviving and Thriving Through the Early Weeks of Parenting was published in April 2023. Casey Cattell is a biochemist who shifted into freelance patient advocacy after surviving two near-misses related to her first pregnancy. She has worked alongside many organizations such as ACOG, AWHONN and serves as a member of her state’s Perinatal Quality Collaborative in addition to working alongside her local hospital. She has shared her story with many publications, including ProPublica, The New York Times and was featured on the Empowered Health Podcast. Casey facilitates an online peer-led support group for postpartum hemorrhage survivors and partners with Heroes For Moms, a platform that utilizes community blood drives to connect the dots between new mothers and the enormous need for blood. She blogs about severe maternal morbidity and the aftermath at www.theheartofhome.net. In 2018, Casey was invited to write a chapter about near-miss survivorship for the best-selling book, Nobody Told Me About That. The second edition, newly titled, Nobody Told Me About That: Surviving and Thriving Through the Early Weeks of Parenting was published in April 2023 and includes more information on mental health and recovery pathways. Find Casey on Instagram at @pphsurvivors.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.