Tea with Jodi cover art

Tea with Jodi

Tea with Jodi

By: Jodi Graves
Listen for free

About this listen

 Tea with Jodi is a show that discusses 'modern' birth and postpartum issues affecting today's mothers and birthing people. And by 'modern' we mean that in the US we have not updated our birth and postpartum practices since at least the 1960s, if not before that! This show covers a wide range of birth and postpartum topics from medical practices and legislation to patient mental health and mother/baby safety and wellbeing. No subject is off limits in this forum, where we talk frankly about how 'modern' birth and postpartum practices affect the physical and mental health of birthing people.2022 Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • Tea with Jodi S2-E4 - Conversation: CEO of Gold Coast Doulas Agency

    Tea with Jodi S2-E4 - Conversation: CEO of Gold Coast Doulas Agency
    Dec 8 2025
    2025-TWJ-S2-E4 - Conversation with CEO of Gold Coast Doulas Agency Outline Kristin Revere's Background and Introduction Jodi Graves introduces Kristin Revere, CEO of Gold Coast Doulas, highlighting her education, credentials, and achievements.Kristin's background includes a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Central Michigan University and a Master of Management and Marketing from Aquinas College.She is the host of the "Ask the Doula" podcast and has been featured in various publications.Kristin was recognized as one of the 50 most influential women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal in 2016 and 2022. Introduction to the Book "Supported" Jodi Graves expresses excitement about Kristin's book, "Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby," co-written with Alyssa Vanna Claus.The book was launched on Mother's Day and focuses on understanding options and resources for pregnancy, birth, and postnatal recovery.It is divided into two sections: pregnancy and birth preparation by Kristin, and newborn care, feeding, and postnatal support by Alyssa.The book includes compiled resources, stories from past clients, and doula tips. Motivation Behind Writing the Book Kristin explains that the book was written based on the needs they wished they had during their own pregnancies.There is a lack of judgment-free, comprehensive resources that support all types of feeding, birthing, and parenting methods.The book aims to fill the gap by providing accessible information in various formats, including e-book, paperback, hardcover, and soon, audiobook.Jodi Graves shares her excitement about the audiobook format, which suits her busy schedule. Challenges and Missing Pieces in Maternal Health Jodi Graves and Kristin discuss the lack of awareness and understanding of support options during pregnancy and postpartum.They highlight the importance of various support providers like pelvic floor physical therapists, lactation consultants, and different types of doulas.There is a need for better education on the roles of doulas versus midwives and other healthcare professionals.Kristin emphasizes the importance of non-biased, non-judgmental support for families' unique needs and choices. Impact of Social Media and Family Influence Jodi Graves and Kristin discuss the pressure and stress caused by social media, Pinterest, and Instagram, which present idealized parenting scenarios.They highlight the importance of setting expectations during pregnancy and communicating needs to family and friends.The unique goals and visions of each family should be respected, and families should focus on their individual needs and goals.Jodi Graves shares her experience of helping families navigate conflicting advice and opinions from family members. Remote Working and Parenting Challenges Kristin discusses the challenges of remote working and parenting, especially during the pandemic.Doulas help fill the gaps by providing support for both working parents and those at home, ensuring peak performance and meeting the needs of the family.The hybrid work schedule adds complexity, but doulas can help manage these challenges.Jodi Graves and Kristin agree on the importance of flexible support for families in different situations. Progress and Issues in Maternal Health Jodi Graves and Kristin discuss the progress in maternal health, including increased coverage for doulas and the benefits of continuous support during labor.They highlight the need for better prenatal care, accessibility, and reducing high cesarean rates.The importance of informed consent and addressing discrimination related to race in maternal health is emphasized.Kristin shares her observations on the higher induction rates and the cascade of interventions, leading to higher cesarean rates. Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) and Hospital Policies Jodi Graves and Kristin discuss the progress in VBAC options and the support from some hospitals.They highlight the importance of having VBAC-friendly hospitals and the positive impact on families.Jodi Graves shares her concern about unnecessary cesareans and the need for better hospital policies.Kristin emphasizes the importance of having informed consent and addressing the root causes of high cesarean rates. Final Thoughts and Resources Jodi Graves expresses her excitement about Kristin's book and the additional resources it provides for families.Kristin provides information on how to find her book, "Supported," in various formats and where to find her agency, Gold Coast Doulas.She also mentions her podcast, "Ask the Doulas," which provides expert advice on birth and early parenting.Jodi Graves thanks Kristin for her contributions and looks forward to future collaborations. Link: Michigan Family Doulas Jodi Graves interviews Kristin Revere, CEO of Gold Coast Doulas, about her new book "Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby," co-authored with Alyssa Vanna Claus. The book, launched on Mother's Day, covers pregnancy, birth, and ...
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Tea with Jodi S2-E3 - Birth Story: Shelby Harshbarger

    Tea with Jodi S2-E3 - Birth Story: Shelby Harshbarger
    Jul 21 2024
    2025-TWJ-S002-E003 - Birth Story: Shelby Harshbarger Outline Birth story with Shelby Harshbarger, including early labor symptoms and hospital birth.
    • Shelby Harshbarger shares her birth story, highlighting the challenges she faced in a hospital setting.
    • Pregnant woman experienced smooth pregnancy with early labor symptoms.
    Labor and delivery experience with a focus on birth plan requests.
    • Speaker 1 experienced front labor pain, which was foreign to them, and was relieved to know it was how it should be.
    • Speaker 1 had a breech baby that flipped and was not a major concern, but was monitored throughout pregnancy.
    • Jodi Graves hands her birth plan to the nurse, requesting no cervical checks, IV, or excessive medication, and frequent fetal monitoring with movement.
    • The nurse looks over the plan but doesn't seem to understand or respect Jodi's wishes, leading Jodi to feel anxious and unsure about the birth process.
    Cervical exams during labor, patient declines.
    • Speaker 1 discusses their birth plan with provider, including no cervical exams.
    • Speaker 1 resisted cervical exam, citing previous discussion and obvious labor signs.
    • Midwife Hannah assured no issue, reassured on monitoring and exam avoidance.
    Unnecessary cervical exams in childbirth.
    • Speaker argues against cervical exam requirement during labor.
    • Speaker 1 resisted cervical exam, insisting on comfort in a room instead of triage.
    • Doula raised concern about space and equipment for emergency situations.
    Birthing options, medical staff disagreements, and a baby born after a chaotic delivery.
    • Speaker 1 expresses frustration with lack of privacy and care during labor, including being denied a room with life-saving equipment and being asked to consent to an exam without proper explanation.
    • Speaker 1's doula advocates for her rights and seeks clarification on hospital policies, leading to a confrontation with the nurse and midwife over their refusal to accommodate her wishes.
    • Speaker 1's water broke unexpectedly, leading to a chaotic and overwhelming birth experience.
    • Despite the challenges, the mother and baby received excellent care from the mother-baby nurses, who prioritized skin-to-skin contact and delayed cord clamping.
    Birth trauma and lack of listening to mother's wishes during delivery.
    • Midwife administered Pitocin against birth plan, despite no IV or fetal monitoring.
    • Jodi Graves shares her birth story, highlighting disregard for her wishes and lack of listening from medical staff.
    • Jodi appreciates the opportunity to share her story, hoping it will bring change in the way women are treated during labor.
    Vaginal exams during labor, patient advocacy, and hospital policies.
    • Midwife disputes hospital policy on comfort measures during labor
    • Jodi Graves expresses outrage over medical professional's refusal to perform a vaginal exam without consent.
    • Jodi Graves argues against routine vaginal exams during labor, citing low accuracy rate and risks of infection.
    Vaginal exams during pregnancy and their potential risks.
    • Jodi Graves discusses study that correlates vaginal examination with premature rupture of membranes, increasing risk of maternal fever and other complications.
    • Study of 273 at-term deliveries in an Air Force Regional Hospital found 11% incidence of premature rupture of membranes in patients with primary cesarean section.
    • Jodi Graves criticizes maternity care in the US, citing inaccurate vaginal exams and unnecessary interventions.
    • Graves argues that maternal health outcomes in Michigan are poor, with the March of Dimes giving the state a D+ grade in 2022.

    Link: Michigan Family Doulas

    Shelby Harshbarger shared her challenging birth experience on the "Tea with Jodi" podcast. Despite having an easy pregnancy and a clear birth plan requesting minimal interventions, Shelby faced resistance from hospital staff who insisted on performing cervical exams. Despite being in active labor, she was denied admission until she consented to the exam. Shelby's water broke, and she was rushed into a room. Despite her refusal, she was given IV Pitocin and had fetal monitoring against her wishes. Her daughter was born, and the hospital staff later corrected the birth time and other details in her records. Shelby emphasized the importance of listening to women's birth plans and wishes.

    Transcripts: Birth Story: Shelby Harshbarger
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Tea with Jodi S2-E2 - Badass Breastfeeding

    Tea with Jodi S2-E2 - Badass Breastfeeding
    May 12 2024
    Episode Highlights Breastfeeding challenges, including poor information and hospital policies. 0:08Abby and Diane are co-hosts of the "Badass Breastfeeding" podcast, sharing their experiences and advice on breastfeeding and parenting.Abby struggled with breastfeeding after having her 12-year-old son, leading her to become a blogger and social media influencer, while Diane is a lactation consultant with 18 years of experience.Speaker 2: Hospitals have financial relationships with formula companies, leading to conflicting advice.Speaker 3: New parents are getting poor information, leading to confusion and conflicting beliefs.Speakers discuss the importance of providing accurate information to parents about breastfeeding and formula feeding. Breastfeeding support and information, including hospital policies and formula feeding. 6:57Speaker 3's local hospital still provides formula, but not for free from formula companies.Speaker 3: Mission is providing evidence-based support and information to families.Speaker 3: Families often lack information on how to safely supplement breastfeeding. Breastfeeding challenges and cultural norms. 9:56Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of normalizing breastfeeding in public and reducing shame associated with it.Speaker 3 highlights the impact of social media on normalizing breastfeeding and sharing experiences, with many people sending in pictures of themselves breastfeeding their babies.Speaker 2 mentions cultural norms and generational pressure as barriers to successful breastfeeding, citing the sexualization of the female body and societal discomfort with public breastfeeding.Speaker 2 believes that cultural norms are powerful and ingrained, leading to unrealistic expectations and beliefs about breastfeeding, despite biological facts and personal experiences. Breastfeeding challenges and finding support from lactation consultants. 14:25Encourage families to bond with their baby and listen to their instincts.Help people make informed decisions and combat misinformation.Jodi Graves shares her experience with lactation consultants, emphasizing their importance in breastfeeding support.Graves encourages listeners to seek lactation consultants if they're struggling with breastfeeding, citing their ability to change everything. The role of doulas in supporting breastfeeding families. 18:46Doulas can act as case managers, connecting families with other professionals and providing basic breastfeeding education.Doulas can serve as shields or keepers of information, helping families navigate the birthing and postpartum process.Speaker 2 suggests providing breastfeeding and birth education in high school health classes.Speaker 2 and Speaker 3 discuss the importance of normalizing body parts and early conversations about sex and reproduction. Breastfeeding challenges and solutions with healthcare professionals. 24:02Speaker 3: Nurses lack education on breastfeeding, leading to confusion and harm for families.Speaker 3: Pediatricians often provide incorrect or insufficient information, causing frustration and confusion for parents.Jodi Graves and guest discuss the importance of accurate information for breastfeeding success (0:26:51-0:28:55)Doulas and ibclc support can help new parents navigate early parenting challenges (0:28:01-0:29:13) Breastfeeding challenges and bias in maternity care. 29:18Jodi Graves discusses bonding with baby and breastfeeding, addressing misinformation and lack of doula care.Doula care is essential for informed consent and decision making in labor and delivery, according to Jodi Graves.Jodi Graves discusses bias in maternity care, arguing that statements like "breast is best" can be harmful.Graves believes that addressing bias is crucial to improving maternity care in the US and Western world. Link: Michigan Family Doulas BadassBReastfeeing Podcast Host Bio: DIANNE CASSIDY I am a lactation consultant in Rochester, New York. I became interested in the field of lactation consulting after breastfeeding my own children. After spending thousands of hours working with new mothers and babies, I was able to sit for the board exam, which qualified me as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, or IBCLC. In 2010, I completed my Advanced Lactation certification and BS in Maternal Child Health/Lactation. In the fall of 2013, I completed my MA in Health and Wellness/Lactation. ABBY THEURING I had my first son, Jack, at 35 years old. I was focused on my career and planned to return to work after his birth. Until the day before he was born I worked as a social worker with abused and neglected adolescent wards of the state. I was a case worker, youth counselor, supervisor and therapist before I ended my career to be a mom (or so I thought). Transcripts: Baddass Breastfeeding Podcast Hosts Interview
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.