Push Thru Podcast

Welcome to today's episode, where I have the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Oni Thiemens, a postpartum and newborn specialist dedicated to filling the gap in care and information surrounding parenthood. Much like many of us in the birth work community, Oni embarked on this journey after recognizing the need for more comprehensive support following the birth of her own child. As a Birth Arts International Postpartum Doula, a Birthing From Within Childbirth Mentor, and an Early Childhood Educator and Parenting Mentor, Oni brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the table. In our conversation, we dive into the challenges faced by families living at a distance from their own support systems and explore how communities can come together to bridge this gap. Join us as we explore the concept of "Building A Birthing Village" with Oni Thiemens. Together, we delve into practical strategies on creating tribes and networks of support for families, utilizing resources such as doulas, neighbors, church members, friends, and various others who can cater to diverse needs. Discover how to navigate parenthood with a sense of community, ensuring that no family feels alone or isolated in their unique journey. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on building connections and fostering support for a more empowered and connected parenting experience. Find Oni: https://www.butterflybirthcare.com/ Follow Oni at @butterflybirthcare Follow us: @keisha_Reaves @pushththrumom website: www.keishareaves.com and www.pushthrumom.com Email us: keisha@keishareaves.com

It's Giving Tuesday! And I'm excited to tell you about an amazing fund that's supporting those seeking perinatal mental health. The Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health is a grassroots crowdfunding effort to pay for fully funded therapy sessions for perinatal moms and families in Georgia. This fund is rooted in the practice of mutual aid, with the understanding that our state’s healthcare systems have failed to meet the primary mental health needs of moms and parents. Georgia currently holds the highest (#50) maternal mortality rate and the worst (#50) record for mental health care access in the US. And in this episode I get to speak with the incredible founder, Bridget Cross, LPC, PMH-C. Bridget and I talk about how she came into the speciality of perinatal mental health. We discuss her own motherhood journey and how it influenced her work. And we also talk about how birthing parents in Georgia are suffering and how the Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health is here to assist in solving this problem. Give to the Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health on Giving Tuesday: https://www.gofundme.com/f/5vj6kf-georgia-fund-for-perinatal-mental-health?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer Learn more about Bridget, Here: https://www.bridgetcrosslcsw.com/ email us: keisha@keishareaves.com follow us: @pushthrumom @keisha_reaves

I have always wanted to know how do boss women do it, juggling being a mom and also building a business empire. Like many women who are entrepreneurs I've struggled with the back and forth of mom-guilt, wondering if I'm giving the business enough and wondering if I've given myself enough. So, it's needless to say that I was delighted when The Lola co-founder, Eileen Lee, agreed to sit down with me and discuss her journey of motherhood and leaving corporate America to build a work culture that fits with her life and personal mission. Suffering from lack of purpose early in her career as a corporate management consultant, Eileen switched gears and started a company that grew nationally to help recruit recent college graduates into startups called Venture for America. She quickly realized a lot of the challenges women face in the corporate world were alive and well in the startup environment. As COO of Venture for America, she made an impact by creating an internal women’s and diversity initiative to support 1,000+ Fellows and aspiring entrepreneurs and a supportive culture with a benefits program that was second to none regarding parental leave for her 30+ and growing team. However, Eileen knew starting a family of her own meant she needed to find a better way to work and became committed to being purposeful with her next company she wanted to build. Sit back and enjoy my chat with Eileen Lee.

In today's episode, I sit down with inspirational super woman, Tiffany Conyers. Tiffany shares her experience of motherhood, a devastating diagnosis, leaning on faith to power through pregnancy, and pregnancy after loss. Tiffany is not only candid, but also offers a vulnerability in sharing her story and path to parenthood. She gifts us with her own personal experience and teaches providers through out the entire country about perinatal mental health. Tiffany is a licensed therapist, lactation consultant, podcaster, author, and several others things. Enjoy this heartfelt conversation. Learn more about Tiffany at https://www.tiffanyconyers.com/ Email us: keisha@keishareaves.com Follow Us: @keisha_reaves @Pushthrumom website: www.keishareaves.com

In today's episode of the Push Thru Podcast, I sit down with fellow therapist, Kelsey Mizell. Kelsey is certified in perinatal mental health, she does work in parenting and reparenting as well as brainspotting and trauma. She also talks about how she applies Internal Family Systems within the work that she does and how it's beneficial to the working or transitioning mom. Kelsey talks about her own motherhood journey and the different parts of her that were adjusting to the new journey of parenthood. She talks about her support systems and how her own new role in life led her to the work that she does. Learn more about Kelsey and sign up for her upcoming workshop: https://www.likeamothercounseling.com/ Today's Sponsor: https://www.magicmind.com/push And get up to 56% off your subscription for the next 10 days with my code. Pormo Code: PUSH20 Your code will be valid forever as a 20% off for both one time purchases and subscriptions. In the first 10 days, it’s up to 56% off if applied to a subscription (it stacks with the subscription discount from the website for up to ~56% off on the 30 pack subscription) Follow Us: @pushthrumom @keisha_reaves email: keisha@keishareaves.com Music: Cozy by Peter Kuli

In today's episode I sit down with pediatrician and fertility coach, Dr. Maya Eady. Dr. Maya gets candid about her personal experience of trying to conceive, path to motherhood, and what led her to help other mothers who face challenges with expanding their families. Dr. Maya coined the term "a fertility strategist" as her goal to educate, empower, and support women who are dealing with any form of infertility. Listen in as Dr. Maya shares about her own journey and how she's helping other women down their individual paths. To learn more about Dr. Maya: https://thedoctorswomb.com/ Follow: @thedoctorswomb Follow us: @keisha_reaves @pushthrumom email: keisha@keishareaves.com website: www.keishareaves.com www.pushthrumom.com Intro: Cozy by Peter Kuli Outro: When I'm In Your Arms by Cleo Sol

In todays episode I sit down down with registered nurse and perinatal certified practitioner, Emese Parker. We discuss her personal motherhood journey and how early beginnings of parenthood influenced her work in the perinatal space. Emese talks about her book To Carry Wonder: A book to nurture, inspire and equip you in pregnancy and motherhood! Emese’s book offers as a companion and emotional guide for any birthing parent from the conception up through the first year of parenthood. She writes from personal excerpts of her own journal entries which helps parents feel seen and understood. Sit back for this joyful chat! Find Emese Parker: https://tocarrywonder.com Follow: @tocarrywonder Follow us: @keisha_reaves @pushthrumom Website: www.pushthrumom.com

Candace and I, along with half of the state of Georgia and other surrounding states attended Beyonce's Renaissance concert over the past weekend at the Mercedes Benz Stadium. To say that the show exceeded our expectations is an understatement. In this episode, Candace and I break down Beyonce's career from her start in Destiny's Child to our first time attending her concert when she became a solo artist up until now. We also share our favorite songs from her most recent album and discuss how her lyrics can be anyone's mantras or affirmations in order to maintain their mental health and to stay focus on getting to the other side of a storm. We share our first impressions, our frustrations, and also our predictions. Enjoy our banter as we take you through Club Renaissance. Purchase your own Shot-Ah-Clock here: https://shot-ahclock.com/ Follow: @shot_ahclock Email us: keisha@keishareaves.com Follow: @pushthrumom @keisha_reaves website: www.keishareaves.com www.pushthrumom.com Intro: Cozy by Peter Kuli Alien Superstar by Beyonce Outro: Church Girl by Beyonce

Keeping the romance alive in a partnership can be difficult after having a baby. Communication can be difficult, resentment can arise, and losing that physical connection can be a side effect of new parenthood. Today, I sit down with a dear friend, Damaris Johnson, who is a Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health as well as couple's counseling. She not only shares her personal parenthood story, but she also provides tips and strategies to navigate the difficult waters of parenthood while in a partnership. She expounds on ways to communicate, how to vocalize your needs, and how to make time for one another. She also talks about her upcoming couple's Feel'd Day Event that you don't want to miss. Register for Feel'd Day here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feeld-day-tickets-641707092187 Learn more about Damaris: https://www.thewalkoflife.com/ Intro: Cozy by Peter Kuli Outro: Just the Two of Us by Bill Withers Folllow us: @keisha_reaves @pushthrumom Book an appointment with one of our clinicians: www.keishareaves.com Join the community: www.pushthrumom.com

In today's episode I sit down with OhNut founder and CEO, Emily Sauer. Emily became an inventor by necessity after experiencing painful sex for years. Emily wanted to create something that could help partners have enjoyable sex with one another. This is when OhNut was created. We deep dive into the discussion of sex, pleasure, female anatomy, and how OhNut has helped save several relationships and people's self esteem. To learn more about OhNut visit: https://ohnut.co/ Follow Us: @pushthrumom @keisha_reaves website: www.keishareaves.com email: keisha@keishareaves.com Intro: Cozy by Peter Kuli Outro: Let's Talk about Sex by Salt & Pepper

In today’s episode, I sit down with fellow southern girl and therapist, Tabria Corprew, who shares her personal story of loss and also how she maintained her mental health while becoming pregnant again shortly after having had a loss. Tabria shares how she helps clients who are unaware of resources available to them, how to advocate for themselves, and what questions to ask in order to determine if their provider is a good fit. Tabria even offers insight on her personal story of how she went on a difficult journey of finding her own healthcare provider. Where to find Tabria: https://www.compassionatecounselingllc.net/ Resources: https://operationmist.org https://www.keishawells.com Black Maternal Mental Health Summit: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wXpbvB7QTV2s5FuKhb83Ug#/registration

In today's episode I sit down with International Bestselling Author, Dr. Elaine Aron. Dr. Elaine Aron, world-renowned author of the classic The Highly Sensitive Person and other bestselling books on the trait of high sensitivity, has written an indispensable guide for these parents. Drawing on extensive research and her own experience, she helps highly sensitive parents identify and address the implications of their heightened sensitivity, offering: • A self-examination test to help parents identify their level of sensitivity • Tools to cope with overstimulation • Advice on dealing with the negative feelings that can surround parenting • Ways to manage the increased social stimulation and interaction that comes with having a child • Techniques to deal with shyness around other parents • Insight into the five big problems that face highly sensitive parents in relationships—and how to work through them In today's discussion we talk about all the challenges that Highly Sensitive Parents face, how to overcome those challenges, and how to tap into their superpower of being a highly sensitive parent. Find Dr. Elaine Aron: https://hsperson.com/ Today's Sponsor: https://shop.positivitywater.com/ Follow Us: @keisha_reaves @pushthrumom Email: keisha@keishareaves.com website: pushthrumom.com keishareaves.com Intro: Cozy by Peter Kuli Outro: Satellite by Harry Styles

In today's episode, I catch you on everything that has been going over the past few months since I've been on break. I discuss grief, my idol Tina Turner, books I've been reading, shows that bring about black boy joy, growth over at Push Thru Therapy, and how I've been maintain my health. This new season is one that can't be forgotten. I hope you enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed speaking with the experts I've met along the way. Shoot me a DM to let me know how you're enjoying the podcast and any questions you might have. Go Fund Me for Nkky Flloyd - https://www.gofundme.com/f/nykky-floyd The Yellow Wife - https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Wife-Novel-Sadeqa-Johnson/d Wildflower - https://www.amazon.com/Wildflower-Memoir-Aurora-James/dp/0593239458/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=wild+flower+book+by+aurora+james&qid=1687393036&sprefix=Wild+Flower+aur%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1 Gwyneth Paltrow x Peter Attia: Data-Backed Ways to Support Cognition As You Age The goop Podcast Peter Attia received his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine, trained for five years at Johns Hopkins Hospital in general surgery, and spent two years with NIH as a surgical oncology fellow at the National Cancer Institute. He is the founder of Early Medical, a medical practice focused on lifespan and healthspan, the host of The Drive podcast, and author of the #1 New York Times–bestseller Outlive. Today, Attia explains how to mitigate cognitive decline, the technologies he’s most excited about, and ways to optimize your sleep and exercise routines. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-goop-podcast/id1352546554?i=1000612287083 Follow Us: @pushthrumom @keisha_reaves email us: keisha@keishareaves.com website: pushthrumom.com keishareaves.com Intro: Cozy by Peter Kuli Outro: I Don't Wanna Fight by Tina Turner

In today's episode I sit down with my friend, Amanda Slater, as she talks about the beautiful and also challenging moments of motherhood. She shares how she began to establish boundaries with family while fighting COVID, how although she had supports in place she still wanted to do more than she had to, and how her body eventually told her to sit down. She shares a story that many of us can relate to of how it's hard to take this postpartum period as an opportunity to heal, but eventually we must learn to pace ourselves. To register for the mindfulness hike head over to our website, www.pushthrumom.com Thank you to our sponsors: www.prntdshop.com www.ayapaper.co www.pageelevenpapergoods.com www.shop.positivitywater.com Intro: Cozy by Peter Kuli Outro: Rolling Hills by Jill Scott email us: keisha@keishareaves.com website: www.pushthrumom.com

In today's episode, I have a friendly chat with Dr. Brooke David, a Doctor Of Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health Specialist. We learn a little bit about how she first discovered her passion of physical therapy and why pelvic floor health isn't something that is often talked about with pregnant women or new moms. We dive into debunking myths, how to observe what isn't normal, what to expect when booking a pelvic floor appointment, and how your pelvic floor changes when having a baby. She shares several unknown facts about the female body and how seeing a pelvic floor can offer you a better quality of life. Sit back and listen to this enriching conversation. Learn more about Dr. Brooke David: https://www.southernpelvichealth.com/brooke-david Follow us: @pushthrumom @keisha_reaves website: www.pushthrumom.com Email: info@keishareaves.com Intro: Cozy by Peter Kuli Outro: Lavendar Haze by Taylor Swift

In this week's episode I sit down with sleep consultant, Nichole Levy of Little Peach Sleep. A mom herself, she obtained her Child Sleep Consultant Certification program through Family Sleep Institute. Nichole helps to answer many, many questions that so many moms want to know about sleep regressions, sleep training vs sleep hygiene, what are the staples to help your baby have a good sleep routine, and many more. We also talk about the need to have a sleep consultant come into the hospital when a baby is born just to introduce the concept to parents to prevent possible sleep deprivation and stress, which ultimately impacts a mother's mental health. We also talk about sleep schedules for older kids and how with consistency she can help parents create a sleep schedule for their little one in a matter of two weeks. Nichole shares a wealth of knowledge and debunks tons of myths on this week's episode. Press play and have a listen. Check out Nichole: https://www.littlepeachsleep.com/ @littlepeachsleep Intro: Cozy by Peter Koli Outro: Orange Moon by Eryka Badu follow us: www.pushthrumom.com @pushthrumom @keisha_reaves email us: info@keishareaves.com

In this week's episode I sit down with fellow therapist, Sarah Hightower, and we discuss the benefits of seeking out maternal mental health therapy for an expecting or new birthing parent. Sarah walks us through what a potential client can expect from that initial session and what work can be done no only on the presenting symptoms, but also how impactful therapy can be on the entire family. We discuss black maternal mental health, what additional work can be done in the perinatal space to create more access and decrease biases, as well as a little bit about us being two highly sensitive people and how that impacts the work that we do. Sit back for an enlightening conversation. More on Sarah: https://sarahhightower.com/ Follow Sarah @sarahhightowerlpc Intro: Cozy by Peter Kuli Outro: Mango by Kamauu our website: www.keishareaves.com follow us: @keisha_reaves @pushthrumom email us: info@keishareaves.com

In today's episode, I get to sit down and talk to Dr. Janelle Peifer. She and I chat about growing up in the south, the challenges of black motherhood, and the obstacles we face as we work towards change. We also deep dive into birth trauma, how to identify if you have experienced birth trauma, and how to get help if your birth story did not happen in a way you might have wanted. Dr. Peifer says something that really struck me in our conversation about trauma, she said "one of the ways that trauma is maintained is through avoidance". Those words speak loudly and I'm sure many people can relate. Sit back and enjoy our this enlightening conversation. Janelle S. Peifer, PhD, LCP is an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Richmond. She also leads Peifer Psychology (peiferpsychology.com) as a speaker and consultant for organizations committed to inclusive excellent and mental wellness. In addition, as a licensed clinical psychologist, she founded and leads The Center for Inclusive Therapy + Wellness (inclusivetherapywellness.com). Dr. Peifer earned her PhD in Clinical and School Psychology at the University of Virginia and is an alumna of Wake Forest University. Her research examines college student development with a focus on questions of identity, intercultural competence, and mental health with a focus on complex trauma. Website URLs: www.inclusivetherapywellness.com and www.peiferpsychology.com Follow us: @pushthrumom @keisha_reaves website: www.keishareaves.com www.pushthrumom.com email us: info@keishareaves.com

In today's episode, I sit down with the multifaceted, Julia Areh. Julia talks to us about fear, where it comes from and how we can overcome it. We discuss how as women we can shrink ourselves in order to fit into the status quo, but the best gift that we can give ourselves is by rediscovering our purpose. Julia talks about her transition from working for an employer to becoming self-employed and laying out her own path. Sit back for an inspiring conversation with transformational Leader, certified life Coach and DE&I Practitioner, Julia Areh. Find out more about Julia: https://www.juliaareh.com/ Merch by Julia Areh: https://my-store-5020391.creator-spring.com/ Snippet Monologue: LoveCraft Country Intro: Pete Kuli "Cozy" Outro: When We Jump by Jai'Len Josey Follow Us: @pushthrumom @keisha_reaves Website: www.keishareaves.come www.pushthrumom Email us: keisha@keishareaves.com

We're BACK!!! Hello 2023! In this episode I catch you up on everything that's been going on with me in the past few months and let you know about what's ahead. Join The Push Thru Mom Support Group: https://www.pushthrumom.com/events/push-thru-mom-group Black Birth Worker Meet Up: https://www.pushthrumom.com/events/black-birth-workers-meet-up Rouge Belle Photography: https://bellerougephotography.com/ Intro: Cozy By Peter Kuli Be My Own Boyfriend by Olivia Dean Outro: Get Out My Way by Tedashii Apple Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRPqGf8nc4g New Website: www.keishareaves.com Follow on IG: @pushthrumom @keisha_reaves email: keisha@keishareaves.com