From herbal supplements in pregnancy to marijuana in breastfeeding, no topic is off-limits, for this new resource available to pregnant and breastfeeding moms. Hosted by OTIS/MotherToBaby member Chris Stallman, a certified genetic counselor, the episode series delivers evidence-based information about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding in a relatable format – from one mom to another.
Stallman, a mother of four, takes calls on the show from the general public about exposures, like essential oils and medications for mental health disorders, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, pre-pregnancy and adoption. Stallman, as well as the various guest experts joining her on each episode, are teratogen information specialists – trained professionals in understanding and communicating environmental risks that may be associated with birth defects, adverse pregnancy outcomes and/or effects on the nursing infant. “I’ve been there with four pregnancies and tons of questions, so we want those who call in to our show to feel welcome,” explained Stallman. “We provide a judgment-free zone where callers will not only feel comfortable asking anything about a particular exposure during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but they’ll have the opportunity to get answers directly from experts actively involved in the research surrounding that particular topic,” explained Stallman.
The MotherToBaby Podcast is the latest platform provided by the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), the scientific non-profit society behind MotherToBaby’s no-cost services. MotherToBaby has been able to embark on new outreach efforts to reach underserved populations and launch new communication initiatives, such as The MotherToBaby Podcast through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, as well as through the generous donations made by the public. The episodes launched in May of 2019 and have focused on:
Blog By Nicole Greer
Grant Administrator for OTIS/MotherToBaby
- Essential Oils and Herbal Supplements
- Beauty Products
- Marijuana
- Maternal Mental Health
- Vaccines in Pregnancy
- Opioids and Alcohol
- Zika Virus, Pregnancy and Travel
- Adoption and Exposures
- Diabetes during Pregnancy
- Tips for Birth Defects Prevention
We have had great success with this at almost 5,000 downloads of these episodes these past few months. The podcast can easily be found on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher and podcatcher services everywhere by searching, “MotherToBaby.” Listeners can be alerted to new episodes by subscribing to the series. You may also find the entire library of podcasts on the OTIS website: https://mothertobaby.org/podcast/.
The MotherToBaby Podcast has also been selected to be part of the Parents on Demand (POD) Network, which has a free app available on iOS and Android. The POD Network is a collection of podcasts with content specifically created for parents and families. “The shows on our network help guide families through the various stages of life,” said Sunny Gault, Founder and Network Director. “The addition of The MotherToBaby Podcast is the perfect must-have resource for anyone looking for evidence-based information on exposures during pregnancy, while planning a pregnancy or while breastfeeding.”
The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) is a professional scientific society made up of individuals engaged in assessing and evaluating risks to pregnancy and breastfeeding from environmental exposures. Members include, but are not limited to, specialists in the fields of: obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, genetics, dysmorphology, perinatal epidemiology, teratology, behavioral teratology, pharmacy, genetic counseling, nursing, midwifery, maternal and child health, public health, and includes experts that provide MotherToBaby services and researchers that conduct MotherToBaby Pregnancy Studies. MotherToBaby is a suggested resource by many federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To be connected with a MotherToBaby expert, please call (866) 626-6847, text questions to (855) 999-3525 (standard messaging rates might apply, check with your carrier) or visit www.MotherToBaby.org.
PMG is proud to partner with OTIS to shepherd this new initiative along, which will serve many women and providers across the United States.
Want to suggest a topic for a future episode or call-in to our show to ask your question? Email us at contactus@mothertobaby.org
