Pregnancy

The Benefits of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing – Dr. Annelise Swigert

Dr. Annelise Swigert, a partner and OB/GYN at Southdale OBGYN, in Minneapolis, Minnesota joins eHealth Radio and the Female Health and Pregnancy Channels. Dr. Swigert will be answering questions about Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing, and a groundbreaking NIPT called MaterniT 21 PLUS. She will also be offering her tips on encouraging optimal health during pregnancy.
 
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Annelise Swigert discuss the following:
What can women do to ensure optimal health during pregnancy?
What is Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing?
Do you recommended that all pregnant women consider NIPT? Are there specific tests you recommend?
What conditions are identified with NIPT?
How long does it take to get results back?
 
Annelise Swigert, MD is board certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology at Southdale OB/GYN Consultants. “I have wanted to be a doctor as long as I can remember,” says Dr. Annelise Swigert. Although she originally wanted to be an orthopedist, Dr. Swigert developed a passion for obstetrics after her first year in medical school. It was then that she worked closely with a maternal fetal medicine specialist, researching HIV transmission in pregnancy and spending hours with pregnant women and new mothers. Pregnancy’s combination of simplicity and complexity, along with the continuity of care for women through all stages of life, are what she loves about the specialty of ob/gyn.
Website: www.Sequenom.com
Facebook: facebook.com/MaterniT21PLUS

Expert physician creates the new Pregnancy Power App – Pregnancy Power

Dr. James Betoni, board certified high risk maternal fetal medicine doctor and Founder/Creator of the new app, Pregnancy Power, from Boise, Idaho joins eHealth Radio and the Female Health and Pregnancy Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. James Betoni discuss the following:Tell us a bit more about yourself and your credentials for starters.Why did you decide to create the Pregnancy Power App?  How is it different than any other pregnancy app that is out there?Did you develop this app to replace your published workbook due to the change in times and people using apps?What are your goals for this new app?
Duration: 7:44
Dr. Jim’s journey towards writing The Pregnancy Power Workbook began in 1967 when his mother gave birth to his little sister; who was born with Down syndrome. In an era when children with her condition were put into homes for special needs, his parents lovingly chose to parent and raise her in their home. As the five-year old big brother, young Jim soon became the family expert on chromosomes and learned that his sister had an extra one. His first hand experiences of living with and caring for his sister who suffered through many health conditions, played a major role in inspiring him to pursue a career in health care.
Through 20 years of refining his skills as an OB/GYN physician, he has come to recognize the vulnerability that many women experience during their pregnancies because of their lack of knowledge. Our medical system does not consistently allow adequate time for determining patients’ levels of understanding. As the co-author of The Pregnancy Power Workbook, he feels privileged to help create a meaningful pregnancy guide that changes the way women and their providers approach prenatal care. Rather than being thrown into a system that does not support their needs, women using this workbook will experience the reassuring and motivating power gleaned from real knowledge.
45 years after learning about his sister’s extra chromosome, Dr. Jim realized his dream. In 2010 he completed his fellowship subspecialty training in Maternal Fetal Medicine. “Now I can better care for women with high-risk pregnancies, including those carrying a baby with Down syndrome, with compassion built from many years of personal experience.”
Dr. Jim enjoys his new practice with the University Perinatology Consultants in Colorado Springs where he lives with his wife, three active children, his mother, and his sister. When time allows, they all enjoy theater, dining, and traveling.

Website: pregnancypower.org
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PregnancyPower
Twitter: @DrBetoni
The views and opinions expressed on any program are those of the persons appearing on the program and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the eHealth Radio Network.

5 Time Olympian and Founder of Tootsies Brand, Jacqueline Edwards

Jacqueline Edwards, a 5-time Olympian and Stanford University graduate, who competed in the sport of Track and Field joins eHealth Radio and the Female Health and Pregnancy Channels. Jacqueline is the Founder of Tootsies Maternity Compression Socks, high quality compression socks designed to alleviate the discomfort of swollen legs and feet and all the associated side effects that women experience during and after pregnancy.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Jacqueline Edwards discuss the following:Tell us about your background if you would, I'm sure you have a lot to talk about.
Aside from pregnancy, what are some other reasons people may need compressions socks?What makes Tootsie compression socks different?Since you competed in the sport of Track and Field, will you be watching the Olympic Games in Rio?
Tootsies is the brainchild of Jacqueline Edwards, a 5-time Olympian and Stanford University graduate, who competed in the sport of Track and Field (long jump). As an athlete, for many years Jackie wore compression socks to help with recovery, blood circulation, muscle soreness and muscle tone. As a result, she was uniquely aware of their many benefits and actually cites compression socks as one of the reasons why she was able to have such longevity in her athletic career.
One day while in conversation with a pregnant friend whose feet were swollen and achy, she recommended that her friend try a pair of compression socks to alleviate her symptoms. Upon receiving feedback regarding the immediate impact and relief that her friend experienced, confirming that it was medically recommended for pregnancy and then realizing there was a space for it in the market, in an instant, the very original but much needed idea for Tootsies was born. She decided to create a fun, colorful and fashionable line of compression socks specifically branded for the maternity market.
Jackie was born in Jamaica and moved to The Bahamas at the age of 7. Her athletic career began there at the age of 11 and she earned a full scholarship to Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA, where she was a 2-time NCAA champion. She graduated with a degree in Psychology. She also earned a Master's degree in Sport Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, CA. She is a NASM certified personal trainer and has a flourishing personal training business in Los Angeles.
Jackie went on to compete in 5 consecutive Olympic Games beginning in Barcelona in 1992 and ending in Beijing in 2008. She competed in a record 9 consecutive World Championships and was ranked as high as 5th in the World.
In 2008, Jackie was one of 7 people inducted into Stanford University's prestigious Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2003, she was named as L'Oreal Cosmetic's Face of a Generation, appearing in ads in Vogue, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Self, Allure and Lucky magazines. She is also a very powerful international motivational speaker who engages her audience through her athletic experiences. Jackie is extremely passionate and excited to have launched Tootsies Brand, LLC with her 2 business partners Dr. Ross Flowers and Mr. Chris Johnson. She is a healthy lifestyle advocate and so in addition to the sock line, she created Tootsies Fit Club, aimed at encouraging women everywhere to have healthy pregnancies by providing them with exercise and nutritional information. She hopes that by sharing her experiences in the athletic world, Tootsies will help moms and moms-to-be not only look good, but feel great!

Website: www.tootsiesbrand.com
Social Media Links:
Facebook: Tootsies Maternity Compression Socks
Twitter: @tootsiessocks

Women's Health with Dr. Denise Jagroo

Dr. Denise Jagroo, Board-Certified Women's Health Specialist in women's health physical therapy who specializes in providing patient-centered treatment for pelvic, obstetric, and orthopedic pain and dysfunction joins eHealth Radio and the Female Health, Orthopedic & Pain Management Channels. She is also the author of the book, "Your Best Pregnancy: The Ultimate Guide to Easing the Aches, Pains and Uncomfortable Side Effects During Each Stage of Your Pregnancy”.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Denise Jagroo discuss the following:You are one of the only 200 Board-Certified Clinical Specialists in women's health physical therapy in the US. Tell us the story about how you came into this field, as well as your new book, "Your Best Pregnancy".You speak all over the country about all things women's health and rehabilitation with topics that range from pregnancy to pelvic pain to postpartum recovery. What are some of the most common issues your patients encounter, and what are some of the recommendations you have for listeners who may be going through similar issues?I see from your galleries online that you're also an avid athlete and have even completed trialathons! What's your advice to listeners who want to compete in a marathon, or mud run, or any type of an event, but don't know where to start?I've read that you're a big believer in vision board, mantras, and positive psychology. Tell us about any success you've had with this in your own life and how you believe it plays a role in one's mental/emotional health. In addition to doing all this, you're also committed to the veterans and soldiers community! Tell us a little more about the work you do with that, both inside and outside of your private practice. 
Duration: 15:11
Dr. Denise Jagroo (PT, DPT, MTC, WCS), is a celebrated physical therapist, world renowned speaker, new author, and expert in women’s health issues, with a focus on pelvic physical therapy. In fact, she is one of the only 200 Board Certified Clinical Specialists in Women’s Health Physical Therapy in the country.
Her new book, “Your Best Pregnancy: The Ultimate Guide to Easing the Aches, Pains and Uncomfortable Side Effects During Each Stage of Your Pregnancy” is available now on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.
Most recognized in the medical community for her national and international speaking engagements, Dr. Jagroo frequently lectures to healthcare providers and clinicians on pelvic health and rehabilitation, including coping with pain, dysfunction, pregnancy, exercise and post-partum recovery.  For several years, her highly attended seminars have attracted thousands of clinicians including obstetricians, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, midwives, physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, and dietitians. In recent years, she has presented at the National Conference of the American Physical Therapy, where over 10,000 physical therapists attend the conference annually.

Website: www.drjagroo.com

Breakthrough Documentary on Pregnancy Connects Parents-to-be through Personal Stories and Expert Information

Christopher Henze, Director of the new breakthrough documentary, Big Belli presents "40 Weeks" & Dominique Debroux the CEO of Big Belli and a Co-Producer of "40 Weeks" the movie joins eHealth Radio and the Female Health and Pregnancy Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guests Dominique Debroux & Christopher Henze discuss the following:What is "40 Weeks" the movie? How does it differ from other movies on pregnancy?In addition to very personal interviews with the 13 women, who else is featured in the movie?What do you hope to accomplish with the release of "40 Weeks" the movie?How does the movie fit in with the new website BigBelli.com?What are the future plans or projects from BigBelli?
Duration: 8:56
Christopher Henze, Director "40 Weeks" the movie, also directed over 100 commercials, including Andrea Bocelli's "Amore", award nominated music videos and industrials. He is the proud father of Gaia who served as the inspiration for "40 Weeks" and "One".
Dominique Debroux, Big Belli CEO and co-producer of "40 Weeks" and "One". She has 15 years experience establishing and managing US divisions for European companies. Past positions included VP Rosa Clara USA; GM LILITH, USA and GM Thierry Mugler. She also produced the Cannes premiered "The Shade".

Website: www.BigBelli.com

Precautions a woman can take to help prevent postpartum depression

Dr. Lisa Duggan, PHd, RN, FNP, and Assistant Professor of  Women's Health and Obstetrics at Clemson University; and Mary Apple, CEO of Pretty Pushers, Inc - manufacturers of Hospital Gown Alternatives for birth join eHealth Radio and the Female Health and Pregnancy Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guests Dr. Lisa Duggan & Mary Apple discuss the following:Many people would assume by the term Postpartum Depression that this is a disorder which begins after the baby is born.  Is that always the case, or is this something a woman is predisposed to during pregnancy or even before?  Are there precautions a woman can take to help prevent postpartum depression? How can we recognize postnatal depression? Are there certain behaviors that family and friends should be aware of?Are doctors screening for Postpartum Depression and other Maternal Mental disorders?  When and how do they do it?Many of us have a pregnant family member or friend.  How can the average person be of support once the baby arrives?
TIP: As the conversation about Postpartum Depression has become more open and more people are becoming aware, there are a growing number of resources available to mothers, fathers, and their families.  A handful of states in the US have recognized May as Maternal Mental Health Awareness month.
On the Postpartum Support International website (the web address is www.postpartum.net) there is a page with a huge list of very helpful links in both English and Spanish. There are websites, blogs, twitter conversations, help for new dads, treatment centers, and information for healthcare professionals, as well. The phone number is 1 800 944 4773.
Duration: 25:05

Dr. Lisa Duggan has over 13 years of experience working with women throughout the stages of pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care.  Her work has included patient education, throughout all aspects of prenatal care education including, antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, home preparation, and newborn care.
Since starting with Clemson University in 2007, as lead instructor and course coordinator, she has been in charge of the education of undergraduate nurses in the specialty of obstetrics, gynecology and women’s health. She also co-teaches the graduate level family nurse practitioner students in the same specialty of women’s health, obstetrics and gynecology.
In 2008, Lisa began mentoring students in an international service learning clinical experience in multiple different countries to enhance their cultural awareness. Each year she travels on a medical mission with undergraduate and graduate nursing students in a short term immersion experience to areas such as Ecuador, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.
Lisa mentors Honors students, Masters and Doctoral level students in various research projects related to the field of women’s health, obstetrics or gynecology. She also has created several webinars for health care professionals related to women’s health topics.

Mary Apple founded Pretty Pushers in 2008 as one of the first companies offering to the masses a hospital gown alternative specifically for pregnant women.
Mary's background studies in art and fashion respectively at Pratt Institute and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York provided a creative edge while taking on the sharp learning curve of the newly blooming Birth Empowerment Movement.
Mary holds a US Patent and the Gold Women in Business Stevie Award for Innovator of the year, 2014.  Pretty Pushers, Inc manufactures the #1 distributed Labor Gown throughout the US and Internationally.The product line continues to grow with apparel for Maternity, Birth, and Breastfeeding.

Website: www.prettypushers.com

Joy In Birthing Foundation with Giuditta Tornetta

Giuditta Tornetta, bestselling Author, Celebrity Doula, and Founder of the Joy In Birthing Foundation joins eHealth Radio and the Female Health and Pregnancy Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Giuditta Tornetta discuss the following:You are a birthing coach and Postpartum Doula, we have learned that you have delivered over 600 babies, if you could pick one tip for expecting moms what would it be, what advice would you give them for the best birthing experience?Your first book, Painless Childbirth, was a best seller and in that book you give readers the top ten tools for bringing harmony, health, and happiness to the birthing room...can you share some of these ideas?You also have a new book coming out early 2015 called Conversations With The Womb that inspires women to connect with their ancient feminine power, and to use the 9 Chakras of Creation to transform and manifest the life they want. What is the one thing you want readers to take away from this book?We have learned you are the founder of Joy In Birthing, a place our listeners can go to obtain a Doula, but tell us about your Loving The Mother workshops you are doing around the world, where is the next one and what can people expect out of attending a Loving The Mother workshop? We love talking with entrepreneurs that give back, In 2012, Tornetta founded the Joy In Birthing Foundation; a nonprofit organization that provides free doula care for families in need, tell us more and how people can benefit from the foundation.
Duration: 10:44
Giuditta Tornetta is a certified birth and postpartum doula, lactation educator, a certified clinical hypnotherapist, a NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) practitioner, and a certified shiatsu therapist. Giuditta practices clinical hypnotherapy and a method of natural childbirth that uses hypnotic techniques to reduce stress and fear during labor and delivery.  Her love for women and the birthing and parenting experience has  enabled her to help hundreds of women in her practice and thousands with her book and lectures, to obtain the birthing experience they deserve and desire.
She focuses on infant mental health and pre-post birth bonding, where she uses guided meditations and visualizations to help women communicate and empower their babies before birth. As a lactation educator and postpartum doula, Ms. Tornetta helps couples settle into a natural routine once the baby comes home. Through education, compassion, practical as wells as emotional support, Doula Giuditta teaches new parents how to decipher the newborn’s vocal and body language.
Giuditta is also a published author of the best selling book Painless Childbirth: An Empowering Journey Through Pregnancy and Birth and her second book will be available on Amazon at the beginning of 2015 titled Conversations With The Womb.

Website: www.joyinbirthing.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/virtualdoula
Twitter: @joyinbirthing
The views and opinions expressed on any program are those of the persons appearing on the program and do not necessarily
reflect the views and opinions of the eHealth Radio Network.

Kindara, fertility awareness in your hands with Courtney Miller

Courtney Miller, Community Manager at Kindara, a company that gives women the tools and knowledge to take control of their reproductive health joins eHealth Radio and the Female Health and Technology Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Courtney Miller discuss the following:What is Kindara?How does Kindara help women achieve better outcomes with their reproductive health?How is Kindara different from other fertility apps?Tell me about what Kindara has been working on lately.What’s one thing can women do now to improve their fertility?
Duration: 6:37
Courtney Miller is the Community Manager at Kindara, a company that aims to give women the tools, knowledge, and support to understand their fertility and achieve better outcomes with their reproductive health. Kindara's commitment is that every woman feels supported in navigating her fertility and reproductive health.
Kindara's first product: Kindara Fertility Tracker for iPhone is a top rated fertility app on the iOS App Store, helping hundreds of thousands of women get pregnant, avoid pregnancy naturally or better understand their cycles. Kindara’s future products will help women take control of their health in other areas.

Web Site: www.kindara.comFacebook: facebook.com/KindaraFertilityTwitter: @Kindara_Inc

The cure to preeclampsia with Dr. Karine Kleinhaus of Pluristem

Dr. Karine Kleinhaus, Divisional Vice President for Pluristem a clinical-stage biotechnology company using placental cells and a unique, proprietary, three-dimensional (3D) technology platform to develop cell therapies for a broad spectrum of diseases joins eHealth Radio and the Female Health and Pregnancy Channels to discuss the cure to preeclampsia.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Karine Kleinhaus discuss the following:It has been announced that May is National Preeclampsia Month? What exactly is preeclampsia?Has there been any new developments in regards to the condition?Placental cell therapy being touted as a new approach to preeclampsia? If so, what is it and how does it work?When will see this in patients?
Duration: 7:44
Karine Kleinhaus, M.D., MPH, is the Divisional Vice President at North America at Pluristem Therapeutics. Prior to her joining Pluristem Therapeutics, she was an assistant professor in the departments of psychiatry and obstetrics and gynecology at the NYU School of Medicine. At NYU, Dr. Kleinhaus conducted medical research funded under a multi-year NIH grant. She published more than 25 papers in leading peer-reviewed journals such as the Annals of the New York Academy of Science, American Journal of Medical Genetics, and American Journal of Epidemiology.
Prior to that Dr. Kleinhaus practiced obstetrics and then completed two fellowships at Columbia University. Dr. Kleinhaus received her medical degree from Tel Aviv University, earned a Master of Public Health from Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health, and a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Princeton University.

Web Site: www.pluristem.com

Stephanie Arnold, Amniotic Fluid Embolism Survivor

Stephanie Arnold, Amniotic Fluid Embolism Survivor and the founder of AFEmom.org joins eHealth Radio and the Health News, Pregnancy & Female Health Information Channels.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Stephanie Arnold discuss the following:A big part of your story centers around overwhelming premonitions of doom you had during your pregnancy. Can you tell me more about the events leading up to the birth of your son?What happened the day you gave birth? Did your premonitions ring true?Can you explain what an Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) is? What should women do with that information?Because on your premonitions, you made sure to assemble a great medical team prior to the birth of your son. How did you approach the specialists you worked with? What kind of questions did you ask?Now that you’ve decided to share your story with the world and take on the role of a patient advocate. What are you hoping to accomplish from your efforts?
Duration: 19:20
Known for covering the story rather than being the news, Stephanie’s multi-talented 27 year television career generated her Emmy Nominations and a Telly-Award as she directed and produced numerous television series, reality shows, music videos and documentaries. Her personal life as wife and mother, on the other hand, recently took on a direction most broadcast media would love to produce, rather than star in it. Currently, in her “second” life, Stephanie’s entire world has changed, shifting gears from being behind the camera to being front and center.
Her headline?
Mom dies during childbirth and lives to tell about it, OH, and she predicted it would happen!
Stephanie was clinically dead for 37 seconds after giving birth to her second child Jacob.  She suffered a catastrophic amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) on May 2013.  Something so rare, most doctors have only read about it in their textbooks. Stephanie’s case is a raw look into wonders of human instinct and the human body. Not only did she survive such a rare occurrence, but surviving as well as she did months after and predicting what would happen, has led doctors to call her a true medical miracle.
Prior to her son’s birth, Stephanie was diagnosed with a complete placenta previa, which can cause serious complications during delivery.  Following this discovery, Stephanie experienced overwhelming premonitions of doom.  She told anyone who would listen to her anxiety and her intuitiveness, but was never taken seriously. She spoke to many doctors and specialists in hopes that someone would pay attention to her.  Unbeknownst to her, someone finally did and that doctor flagged her file and incorporated extra measures in the operating room at the time of delivery that ultimately saved her life.
With the gift of a second chance at life, Stephanie has devoted herself to making others aware of their own intuition. She encourages patients to become their own advocates when speaking to their health care professionals. She currently serves on the patient committee at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and has created a web site www.afemom.org as a resource for information and inspiration. “If you SENSE something, SAY something” is her message as she wants the world to know speaking up can ultimately save your life.
Stephanie is proud wife of Jonathan Arnold, PhD. economist, and loving mom to Adina, Jacob and stepdaughter Valentina.  She lives in Chicago.

Web Site: www.afemom.orgFacebook: facebook.com/afemomTwitter: @afemom