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True Birth

True Birth

By: Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak & Kristin Mallon RN CNM
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About this listen

Helping women have better births and better birth experiences. Our experts share their perspectives on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. These are raw, honest stories about the experience of labor from the professional's point of view. Listen and get inside your OB/GYN or midwife's head. Our goal is to share the truth about pregnancy and birth with the listener and to explain our thought process. We see our role as one in which we guide and inform, presenting facts so that the laboring mother can make the best decisions for her. If there are concerns during pregnancy or issues that need to be addressed before the birth, we present them, opening a dialogue and encouraging conversation; we give the options, but we can not and will not decide for the patient. We leave it up to her and her family. We are here to be as straightforward and transparent as possible and help a birthing woman have the optimal pregnancy, labor and birth experience. We serve the truth straight up in common English and steer clear of medical jargon. Our goal is to make medicine, obstetrics, and all relevant information as easily digestible as possible for the listener to enjoy, share and learn from. Each episode covers birth and prenatal topics through the eyes of Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak, a NYC metro area Perinatologist and Maternal Fetal Medicine Doctor, and his trusty side kick, Certified Nurse Midwife Kristin Mallon.2021 Integrative Obstetrics Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Baby Aspirin in Pregnancy: Episode #192
    Dec 14 2025

    Low-dose aspirin, often called baby aspirin, is one of the most commonly recommended medications in pregnancy today. But despite how frequently it's prescribed, many patients still ask the same questions: Why do I need it? Is it safe? When should I start or stop? And who actually benefits?

    In this episode, we take a clear, evidence-based look at baby aspirin in pregnancy—cutting through myths, confusion, and mixed messaging.

    In this episode, we cover:
    • What "baby aspirin" actually is (dose, formulation, and how it works)

    • Why it's recommended in pregnancy, especially for preventing preeclampsia

    • Who should take it—including high-risk and moderate-risk patients

    • When to start and when to stop (timing matters)

    • What the research says about safety for both parent and baby

    • Common concerns and misconceptions, including bleeding risk

    • What to do if you're unsure or were told conflicting advice

    Why baby aspirin matters:

    Preeclampsia remains one of the leading causes of pregnancy complications worldwide. Decades of high-quality research now show that low-dose aspirin, started early in pregnancy for the right patients, can significantly reduce risk—with an excellent safety profile.

    For many patients, this simple intervention can make a meaningful difference in pregnancy outcomes.

    Who this episode is for:
    • Pregnant patients wondering "Do I really need this?"

    • Anyone with a history of preeclampsia, hypertension, infertility, IVF, or pregnancy complications

    • Clinicians counseling patients on aspirin use

    • Anyone navigating pregnancy advice that feels unclear or contradictory

    The takeaway:

    Baby aspirin isn't about doing more—it's about doing the right thing at the right time, guided by evidence and individualized care.

    If you've been prescribed baby aspirin—or think you might benefit—this episode will help you understand why it's recommended and how to take it with confidence.

    Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming. We love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode.

    Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be featured in our next episode!

    For additional resources and information, be sure to visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/. You can also connect with us on our social channels to stay up-to-date with the latest news, episodes, and community engagement:

    • YouTube: Dive deeper into pregnancy tips and stories atyoutube.com/maternalresources .
    • Instagram: Follow us for daily inspiration and updates at @maternalresources .
    • Facebook: Join our community at facebook.com/IntegrativeOB
    • Tiktok: NatureBack Doc on TikTok

    Grab Our Book! Check out The NatureBack Method for Birth—your guide to a empowered pregnancy and delivery. Shop now at naturebackbook.myshopify.com .

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    22 mins
  • Tylenol in Pregnancy: What you Really need to know. Episode #191
    Nov 17 2025

    In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions in pregnancy of late: Is Tylenol safe?
    It's the medication nearly every pregnant person reaches for at some point, yet the internet is full of conflicting headlines and confusing studies. We break down what the data actually shows, when Tylenol is appropriate, and how to use it safely.

    What We Cover

    • Why Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered one of the first-lines in pregnancy
    We explain decades of clinical use, major guideline recommendations, and why it remains the preferred option for fever and pain relief.

    • What the research actually says about safety
    We unpack the difference between correlation and causation, discuss recent observational studies, and highlight what ACOG and SMFM currently recommend.

    • When Tylenol is truly needed
    Fever above 100.4, migraines, musculoskeletal pain, postpartum use, and how untreated fever or pain can create more risk than the medication itself.

    • How to use it safely
    Typical dosing, maximum limits in 24 hours, how to avoid hidden acetaminophen in combination products, and who should be more cautious.

    • What to avoid
    We clarify why NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) are not recommended in most stages of pregnancy and why people often confuse these medications.

    Resources Mentioned

    • ACOG guidance on pain and fever management during pregnancy
    • SMFM clinical recommendations
    • FDA medication safety overview (pregnancy and lactation)

    Call to Action

    If you have questions about medication safety in pregnancy or aren't sure what's right for your symptoms, talk with a clinician who understands the nuances of both maternal health and functional medicine. The right guidance can give you confidence and peace of mind.

    Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming. We love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode.

    Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be featured in our next episode!

    For additional resources and information, be sure to visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/. You can also connect with us on our social channels to stay up-to-date with the latest news, episodes, and community engagement:

    • YouTube: Dive deeper into pregnancy tips and stories atyoutube.com/maternalresources .
    • Instagram: Follow us for daily inspiration and updates at @maternalresources .
    • Facebook: Join our community at facebook.com/IntegrativeOB
    • Tiktok: NatureBack Doc on TikTok

    Grab Our Book! Check out The NatureBack Method for Birth—your guide to a empowered pregnancy and delivery. Shop now at naturebackbook.myshopify.com .

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Listener Mail: You Wrote in and We're Talking About it
    Nov 10 2025

    You wrote in, and we listened! In this special listener mail episode, we're answering your questions,reading your stories, and diving into what's been on your minds. From real-life experiences to the big "what ifs," we're here to talk, laugh, and think it through together.

    Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming — we love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode.

    Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be featured in our next episode!

    For additional resources and information, be sure to visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/. You can also connect with us on our social channels to stay up-to-date with the latest news, episodes, and community engagement:

    • YouTube: Dive deeper into pregnancy tips and stories atyoutube.com/maternalresources .
    • Instagram: Follow us for daily inspiration and updates at @maternalresources .
    • Facebook: Join our community at facebook.com/IntegrativeOB
    • Tiktok: NatureBack Doc on TikTok

    Grab Our Book! Check out The NatureBack Method for Birth—your guide to a empowered pregnancy and delivery. Shop now at naturebackbook.myshopify.com .

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
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