In this powerful episode of The Be Well Podcast, Toneshia opens her heart and shares a deeply emotional journey through pregnancy, grief, healing, and motherhood. From delivering her son at just 21 weeks and 4 days in Guam with no NICU available, to navigating the heartbreak of an ectopic pregnancy, to facing a frightening high-risk diagnosis during her next pregnancy, Tanisha walks us through her raw and honest story. Her story is one of faith, resilience, and the beauty that can emerge after unimaginable loss. In this episode, we discuss: 💛 Early labor and the devastating loss of her son, Kingston James 💛 Processing grief while living overseas and isolated during the pandemic 💛 The emotional impact of an ectopic pregnancy 💛 Receiving a high-risk Trisomy 13 result and navigating the fear that followed 💛 The relief and joy of a healthy pregnancy and C-section birth of her daughter 💛 Exclusive pumping, oversupply, and postpartum challenges 💛 What she wants other moms facing loss or fear to know 💛 How she cares for herself now as a mom, wife, and working woman Toneshia’s honesty helps shine a light on conversations so many mothers carry in silence. Her courage to speak her story gives other women permission to feel seen, supported, and less alone. If her story touched you, please share this episode with another mama who needs it. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more real motherhood stories, birth wisdom, and heartfelt conversations.

🩵 November is Diabetes Awareness Month

In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, this episode of the Be Well Podcast shines a powerful light on the real experiences of mothers living with diabetes. Too often, diabetic moms feel misunderstood, overlooked, or judged especially during pregnancy and birth. Sarah’s story reminds us that women with diabetes deserve compassionate care, evidence-based support, and a community that truly sees them.

In today’s episode, Candace sits down with Sarah, a full-spectrum doula, lactation educator, integrative nutrition diabetes coach, wife, and mom of two for an honest, eye-opening conversation about what it really looks like to navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with Type 1 diabetes.

Sarah opens up about her journey from being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 15, to finding wellness, becoming a mother, and now supporting other women through preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. Her lived experience is powerful, relatable, and deeply needed in the maternal health space.

In this episode, we explore:

• Sarah’s two birth stories: an unexpected C-section and an empowering VBAC

• Managing Type 1 diabetes through pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum, and postpartum recovery

• How diet, movement, and mindset affect blood sugar during pregnancy

• The emotional + mental load of living with diabetes

• Common stigmas diabetic moms face in medical settings

• Why supportive providers and community matter so much

• How Sarah integrates nutrition coaching with doula care

• Encouragement for moms who feel alone, overwhelmed, or unheard

Sarah’s transparency, strength, and warmth make this conversation incredibly moving especially for anyone navigating diabetes during pregnancy or supporting someone who is. Her story is both validating and empowering, offering practical tools and hope for every season of motherhood.

Whether you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, postpartum, or walking alongside a diabetic parent, this episode is filled with compassion, education, and wisdom you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Subscribe to The Be Well Podcast for real stories, honest conversations, and mother-centered support every week.

How do you balance pregnancy with a demanding career or school schedule and still have a positive birth experience?

In this episode of the Be Well Podcast, Candace Jackson sits down with Mallorie Holmes, a pharmacist and entrepreneur, to hear her inspiring story of managing pregnancy while attending pharmacy school at Howard University.

Mallorie opens up about:

• Navigating pregnancy while being the only expectant student in her program

• Seeking accommodations and support from professors to continue her studies smoothly

• Managing pregnancy emergencies and severe pelvic pain in late pregnancy

• Overcoming fear during a 30-hour labor with the support of her husband and hospital staff

• How an epidural and a strong support system helped her achieve a successful vaginal birth

• The invaluable role of postpartum support, including hiring a postpartum doula

• Tips on self-care, self-advocacy, and prioritizing your mental and physical health during pregnancy and postpartum

This episode is perfect for:

• Expectant mothers balancing school, work, or business

• Partners looking for ways to support pregnant loved ones

• Anyone curious about real-life birth and postpartum experiences

Key Takeaway: With the right support, preparation, and self-advocacy, you can navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum challenges with confidence.

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