"I think one of the most important things about fistula is that it is completely preventable and treatable. So this is a solvable problem. We used to have this problem here in the US and now we don't." – Bonnie Ruder

Obstetric fistula affects around 2 million women globally, with 50,000 to 100,000 new cases each year. This devastating, yet entirely preventable condition profoundly impacts women's lives, causing chronic infections, incontinence, and severe social ostracism and isolation.

In this powerful new episode, I’m joined by Bonnie Ruder, midwife, medical anthropologist, and co-founder of Terrewode Women's Fund. Together, we explore the:

• The definition and causes of obstetric fistula - and why this should never happen to any woman, anywhere in the world
• The nefarious history of obstetric fistula surgery on enslaved women in the United States
• The medical, personal, and social impacts of fistula on women's lives — and their incredible resilience
• Bonnie's journey from home birth midwife to fistula activist
• Holistic treatment approaches: medical care, social reintegration, and economic empowerment
• Efforts to prevent fistula through better access to maternal healthcare and the role of traditional birth attendants in fistula prevention

Tune into this heart-wrenching yet inspiring episode to learn more about the impact of obstetric fistula and the incredible work being done to confront it.

Terrewode Women’s Fund's mission to end obstetric fistula in Uganda are truly inspiring. 🌍 To learn more and support the work of Terrewode:

🔗 Website: terrewodewomensfund.org

📸 Instagram: @terrewodewomensfund

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Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

"What if your body had a greater ability to heal than you were ever led to believe?" - This question not only challenges conventional health beliefs but also underpins the empowering message that infuse today's discussion.

Welcome to this - literally - energy packed new episode of "On Health," where I’m joined by Dr. Casey Means, a Stanford-trained physician and the author of "Good Energy." Once on the path to becoming an ENT surgeon, Dr. Means experienced a personal health revelation that steered her towards a deep dive into metabolic health, ultimately leading to her leaving conventional medicine. Today, she’s a leading voice in proactive health practices and metabolic optimization, sharing her expertise to help others ignite their best health.

About Dr. Casey Means:

Dr. Casey Means is a Stanford-trained physician and a pioneer in the field of metabolic health. After leaving her surgical residency, she co-founded a health technology company focused on personalized nutrition and lifestyle optimization. She's an advocate for a holistic approach to health that emphasizes the role of diet, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices in improving metabolic function and overall well-being. Her upcoming book, "Good Energy," explores these themes in detail. Connect with Dr. Means through her website and on Instagram.

In This Episode We Explore:

• Life Shift: Discover why Dr. Means transitioned from a surgical career to focusing on metabolic health.
• Metabolism 2.0: Why metabolism is the mother of root causes - and why it's crucial to your health.
• The Powerhouses of Your Cells: Learn how environmental exposures and a SAD diet are harming our mitochondrial health - and how you can boost your mitochondrial function. (And learn a fun fact about the matrilineal nature of mitochondria).
• Lab Tests for Metabolism: Casey and I share the essential lab tests we recommend for monitoring metabolic health.
• Nutritional Guidance: Get practical tips on what to eat and what to avoid — to optimize your metabolic health every day - and how it’s easier than you might think.
• Nature and Health: Explore how reconnecting with nature - and our innate feminine bu tuning into your body's natural rhythms— can enhance your metabolic health.
• The Sickness Industry of Medicine: We discuss the backend healthcare incentives to keep us sick rather than help us be well!
• Casey’s top meal picks for protein rich, nutrient dense breakfasts, lunches, and dinners - that you can prepare in 5 to 30 minutes!

Don’t miss this episode filled with actionable insights that could redefine what you thought was possible for your health. Tune in to learn how you can harness your "Good Energy" for a life of vitality and optimal health.

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Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

In recognition of Maternal Mental Health Month I am re-sharing this 2023 conversation with the founders of The Motherhood Center in NYC. With Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS) being the #1 complication associated with birth in the US and the #2 cause of maternal mortality, this remains a critical conversation.

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It’s not just you. You're not crazy. You're not a bad mom. You're not alone. These are words and deep beliefs that resonate through and form the backbone of today’s guests, Catherine Birndorf, MD, and Paige Bellenbaum, LMSW. Catherine and Paige are dedicated to changing the perinatal mental health terrain, and they do it through The Motherhood Center, a place of radical acceptance, nurturance, and individual and group support. On today’s episode, we pull back the curtain on motherhood and redefine what is considered "normal" and "typical". With PMADs (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders) being the #1 complication associated with birth and the #2 cause of maternal mortality, this is a critical conversation. On today’s episode, we unpack why it’s so important that we talk more about these conditions, how to do your best to prevent PMADs, and what to do if you or someone you love has symptoms.

Aviva, Paige, and Catherine discuss:

• The definition of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS) and the different diagnoses that fall under the PMAD umbrella
• What PMAD taboos still exist today, why this needs to change, and how Roe v. Wade affects these taboos
• Paige and Catherine’s personal stories with perinatal mood disorders and what brought them to the point of specializing in PMADS and opening the motherhood center
• The kinds of physical and psychological feelings and symptoms associated with PMADs and signs birthing people and their providers should watch out for
• Why we need to move in the direction of making it mandatory for OB-GYNs, midwives, pediatricians, and any providers who come in contact with newer expecting mothers to begin educating their patients about PMADS and screening for symptoms
• The effects of the pandemic, social isolation, and potential cultural contributors on PMADS
• The role of medication and psychotherapy in treating conditions

For more information or to reach out visit themotherhoodcenter.com or call (212) 335-0034.

Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm and go to avivaromm.com to join the conversation.

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements