Let's Talk About Birth, Disparities, and Shifting the System: With Mama Nurse Tina!

Women's health needs a ton of work, and it is a hill we are willing to die on. In this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Tina Bitangcol—widely known as Mama Nurse Tina—for an urgent, unfiltered conversation about the realities of women's healthcare, maternal mortality, and systemic disparities. From navigating birth trauma and postpartum complications to addressing the critical gaps in Indigenous health and cultural competence, Amie and Tina shed light on the untold stories of the healthcare system. Together, they discuss how we can break down institutional barriers, the vital role of doulas, and why patient empowerment and knowledge are our greatest tools for change. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a mother, or an advocate, this episode is a call to action to reclaim autonomy over our bodies and our care. In this episode, we dive into: Systemic Disparities: The critical gaps in tracking maternal mortality and addressing women's health disparities. The Reality of Birth & Postpartum: Navigating birth trauma, postpartum mental health, and underrecognized medical complications. Advocacy & Cultural Competence: The intersection of Indigenous health, institutional challenges, and the vital role of community support and doulas. Patient Empowerment: How to navigate the healthcare system safely and confidently using the power of knowledge. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Motherhood and Nursing Journeys  01:20 Exploring Maternal Health Disparities 04:10 The Importance of Tracking Maternal Mortality 07:06 Challenges in Women's Health and Care 09:54 Empowering Women Through Knowledge 12:50 Personal Experiences in Maternal Care 15:49 Reflections on Birth Experiences and Outcomes 16:32 Postpartum Complications and Awareness 21:12 Navigating Healthcare as a Patient 26:55 Indigenous Health and Systemic Challenges 30:24 Cultural Competence in Nursing 31:46 The Role of Doulas in Women's Health 34:19 The Importance of Community Support in Birth 34:52 Exciting Trends in Women's Health 37:06 Addressing Birth Trauma and Mental Health 42:14 The Intersection of Comedy and Nursing Connect with Tina B (Mama Nurse Tina): Website & Courses: Bump to Latch YouTube: @mamanursetina Instagram: @mama_nurse_tina TikTok: @mama_nurse_tina Facebook: Mama Nurse Tina Featured News Profile: Global News Feature