
As nurse scientists we want to want to respond to the needs of our community, so if there is something you want us to talk about or if you want to be on our podcast contact us!

The Woman Centered Health Podcast is the official podcast of WCH. Once a month we talk about different topics in sexual and reproductive health and how to improve your communication with your patients about these topics.
Did you know you know nurses can now earn CE for listening to the WCH podcast? Download the CEHQ app or click below.
Are you a health professional or academic interested in starting your own podcast but don’t know where to start?
EP 70: Patient Experience with Mindy Spigel
In this episode, we interview Mindy Spigel, author of “There’s a Snake on My Head,” about patient experience and how clinicians can alleviate patient’s fear and anxiety when seeking healthcare. Based on her research, she shares three things patient’s must feel in order to be fully present and engaged during their visit because everyone enters the doors of healthcare with fear.
Nurses can now get CE for listening to the WCH Podcast here: bit.ly/WCHCEU or download the CEHQ app on #Android or #Apple to listen, learn, and earn wherever you are!
For transcripts, resources, and questions asked check out our website www.womancenteredhealth.com
EP 69: Service Design with Dr. Claire Phillips
In this episode, we interview Claire Phillips, systems-thinker extraordinaire and founder of Nursing the System. We talk about “good leadership,” principles of service design, and how to incorporate service design into your practice/leadership role. We end with communication tips for leaders and front-line workers and how leaders and front-line workers can build working relationships.
Nurses can now get CE for listening to the WCH Podcast here: bit.ly/WCHCEU or download the CEHQ app on #Android or #Apple to listen, learn, and earn wherever you are!
For transcripts, resources, and questions asked check out our website www.womancenteredhealth.com
EP 68: Managing Misinformation with Dr. Sara Gorman
In this episode, we interview Dr. Sara Gorman, author and CEO of Critica, about managing misinformation. We discuss the difference between misinformation and disinformation, infodemics, the pitfalls of arguing on social media, and how clinicians can manage mis/disinformation in their practice. Of course we nerd out over neuroscience and the books she has written/is writing along the way.
Nurses can now get CE for listening to the WCH Podcast here: bit.ly/WCHCEU or download the CEHQ app on #Android or #Apple to listen, learn, and earn wherever you are!
For transcripts, resources, and questions asked check out our website www.womancenteredhealth.com
EP 67: Safe Havens with Dixie Weber and Rebecca Vahle
In this episode we interview Dixie Weber and Rebecca Vahle from Family to Family Support Network about safe havens. We compare and contrast safe havens, baby boxes, and infant abandonment and the three policies that every hospital should have. We also discuss important communication tips when speaking with a pregnant person in crisis and questions to ask when someone is considering or utilizing a safe haven.
Nurses can now get CE for listening to the WCH Podcast here: bit.ly/WCHCEU or download the CEHQ app on #Android or #Apple to listen, learn, and earn wherever you are!
For transcripts, resources, and questions asked check out our website www.womancenteredhealth.com
EP 66: Burnout and Compassion with Rose Horton
In this episode, we interview Rose Horton and take a deep dive into healthcare burnout and some tips and tricks for combating burnout.
Nurses can now get CE for listening to the WCH Podcast here: bit.ly/WCHCEU or download the CEHQ app on #Android or #Apple to listen, learn, and earn wherever you are!
For transcripts, resources, and questions asked check out our website www.womancenteredhealth.com
EP 65: Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health with Dr. Lina Buffington
In this episode we interview Dr. Lina Buffington, the Executive Director of Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health (NSRH). NSRH and the resources they offer are another great tool for clinicians, especially for folks providing abortion care. We cover the goals and mission of NSRH, the value of being a member, and the specialized training they offer to nurses. We also get into some great conversations about gaps in sexual and reproductive health care and how the recent Dobbs decision is impacting sexual and reproductive health. Be sure to check this episode out if you want some hope for the future of sexual and reproductive health care.
Nurses can now get CE for listening to the WCH Podcast here: bit.ly/WCHCEU or download the CEHQ app on #Android or #Apple to listen, learn, and earn wherever you are!
For transcripts, resources, and questions asked check out our website www.womancenteredhealth.com
EP 64: Respectful Maternity Care Toolkit with Rose Horton and Catherine Hill
In this episode we interview Rose Horton and Catherine Hill about the new Respectful Maternity Toolkit developed by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN). We cover why the kit was developed, how the kit was developed, what’s included in the kit, and tips for getting buy-in and implementing the respectful maternity care toolkit.
Nurses can now get CE for listening to the WCH Podcast here: bit.ly/WCHCEU or download the CEHQ app on #Android or #Apple to listen, learn, and earn wherever you are!
For transcripts, resources, and questions asked check out our website www.womancenteredhealth.com
EP 63: Birth Experiences of Autistic People with Dr. Laura Foran Lewis
In this episode, we interview Dr. Laura Foran Lewis PhD, RN about her award-winning research exploring the birth experiences of women on the autism spectrum. We talk about the importance of participatory action research, the need to broaden our idea of what is autism, universal design, birth plan redesign, birth trauma, and of course, how you can improve your communication to prevent trauma and establish trusting relationships.
Get your CEU for listening here: bit.ly/WCHCEU or download the CEHQ app on #Android or #Apple to listen, learn, and earn wherever you are!
For transcripts, resources, and questions asked check out our website www.womancenteredhealth.com
EP 62: Bioethics in Reproductive Health with Dr. Ginny Ryan
In this episode, we interview Dr. Ginny Ryan, a bioethicist, on bioethics in reproductive healthcare. We sort out the difference between ethics, morals, conscientious practice, and to who autonomy belongs. We also cover the principles of ethics and how to apply them to your practice and the impact Roe v. Wade has beyond abortion. Check out our website for questions, resources, and transcripts.
EP 61: Hormone Therapy with Dr. Stephanie Faubion
In this episode we interview Dr. Stephanie Faubion about hormone therapy for the treatment of menopause symptoms. We cover the new position statement released by NAMS about hormone therapy, what changed since the last position statement, how clinicians can frame conversations about hormone therapy, and where clinicians can learn more about providing hormone therapy. You can also still register for the NAMS Conference that is being held in Atlanta October 12-15, 2022.
EP 60: Caring for Folks with Intersex Traits with Diana Love
In this episode we interview Diana Love about providing clinical care for folks with intersex traits. We cover what are intersex traits, how folks with intersex traits have been historically cared for, how they should be cared for, and what you can do to make your practice more inclusive.
EP 59: Neuro-inclusive Clinical Practice with Dr. Melissa Houser
In this episode we interview Dr. Melissa Houser about how to have a neuro-inclusive clinical practice. We also discuss neurodiversity, neurodivergence, the social model of disability, what happens when we operate from a “default,” and being diagnosed as neurodivergent later in life.
EP 58: Doula Care with Grace Swartzendruber
In this episode we interview Grace Swartzendruber, a full spectrum doula, about doula care. We cover what a doula is, what they do, why someone would hire a doula, the benefits of a doula, and how a doula can be a valuable member of the birth team.
EP 57: Microaggressions with Dr. Piri Ackerman-Barger
In this episode we interviewed Dr. Piri Ackerman-Barger about microaggressions in healthcare including what is a microaggression, how microaggressions differ from racism or stereotypes, common microaggressions in the healthcare setting, and how to deal with microaggressions.
EP 56: Health Literacy with Dr. Allison Saiz
In this episode we interview Dr. Allison Said, a Gynecologist Oncologist, about health literacy including how women’s health literacy may differ from general health literacy, the impact of health literacy, and the clinicians role in health literacy.
CEUs from CEHQ with Dawn Ainger
In this episode we interview Dawn Ainger, CEO of Genova Technology, about her company and our partnership to offer CEUs to nurses for listening to the WCH podcast.
EP 55: Nursing Culture, Racism, and Maternal Outcomes with Dr. Rebecca Clark
In this episode we interview a researcher, Dr. Rebecca Clark, about nursing culture (at both the clinic/unit level and systems level), racism, and how nursing culture and racism impacts maternal outcomes.
EP 54: Count the Kicks with Megan Aucutt
In this episode we interview Megan Aucutt, the Director of Programs for Health Birth Day, Inc. and Count the Kicks, about a tool that clinicians can discuss with pregnant folks on tracking fetal movement.
EP 53: OB/GYN Care for Folks with Disabilities with Storm O’Brink
**Trigger Warning** This episodes discusses sensitive issues including medical violence and assault. In this episode we welcome back Storm O’Brink to discuss providing OB/GYN care for folks with disabilities. As a person with disabilities and a professional advocate, Storm discusses their perspective on the historical and current state of OB/GYN care for folks with disabilities, consent, much needed changes within the medical system to better serve folks with disabilities, and of course how to improve communication during visits.
EP 52: WCH Past, Present, and BIG Future
In this episode we are celebrating four years of podcast, over 40k downloads, and 50+ episodes. We talk about what we’ve learned, favorite episodes, most impactful episodes, the basic communication package, and finish up by sharing some HUGE news!
EP 51: A New Model of Prenatal Care Delivery with Dr. Alex Peahl
In this episode we interview Dr. Alex Peahl about an entirely reimagined model of prenatal care delivery. This model of care is also the newly recommended model of prenatal care by ACOG. We also discuss the Stay Home, Stay Connected program. This new model of care is designed to keep pregnant people safe during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and is based on the best evidence available.
EP 50: Rethinking Fertility Awareness with Tessa Mills
In this episode we interview Tessa Mills, from EmpowHERed Coaching, about rethinking fertility awareness. Tessa talks about fertility awareness from a secular perspective and how empowering it can be for people to track and understand their cycle. We also talk about rethinking how we approach birth control, cycle irregularities, and personal advocacy work.
EP 49: Pregnancy and Childbirth Book from ACOG with Dr. Hollier
In this episode we interview Dr. Hollier about the newly revised ACOG book: Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month. We talk about how this book can be beneficial for both clinicians and pregnant folks and how to use this book as a communication tool.
EP 48: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity in EBP
In this episode we share the recording from a round table talk that we hosted for the 28th National Evidence-Based Practice Conference. Four experts joined us to discuss DEI-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in EBP including what DEI is, why systems thinking is relevant to DEI, why DEI is important, and how to make your projects and practice more diverse, inclusive, and equitable.
EP 47: Sex Addiction with Kathy Greer
In this episode we interview Kathy Greer MSW, LISW, CSAT-Candidate about sex addiction including how it is diagnosed, how what we know about sex addiction has evolved, how to talk to patients/clients about sex addiction or if their partners are addicted to sex, and we have a robust conversation about pornography and how to talk about porn with kids.
EP 46: Neutral and Compassionate Care with Rebecca Vahle and Dixie Weber
In this foundational episode we summarize the essence of patient centered communication through neutral and compassionate care. Learn how to be value neutral and provide compassionate care to ALL patients in ALL situations.
EP 45: Complimentary Chiropractic Care with Dr. Christy Matusiak
In this episode we interview Dr. Christy Matusiak about how chiropractic care and applied kinesiology can be a helpful complimentary therapy for women and pregnant folks.
EP 44: Systems Thinking with Claire Phillips
In this episode we interview Claire Phillips, from Nursing the System, about all things systems thinking including what is systems thinking, how anyone can be a systems thinker, and why systems thinking is critical for making meaningful change.
EP 43: Navigating Birth Control during COVID-19 with Dr. Jessica Grossman and Margo Fahnestock
In this episode we interview Dr. Jessica Grossman and Margot Fahnestock from Medicines360, a non-profit pharma company about navigating birth control access during COVID-19.
EP 42: Perinatal Mental Health with Shannon Wilson
In this episode we interview Shannon Wilson about all things perinatal mental health including normalizing without dismissing, normal vs common, supportive language, and mental health during a pandemic.
EP 41: Adoption with Rebecca Vahle
In this episode we interview Rebecca Vahle, Founder and Executive Director at Family to Family Support Network,™ about adoption. This episode is incredibly powerful and will make you question the adoption counseling and care that you are providing. We discuss where language around adoption came from, historical roots of adoption, how to communicate with parents during the adoptive process, and finding/providing ethical and empowering adoption counseling.
EP 40: Black Women and Postpartum Mental Health with Dr. Kortney Floyd-James
In this episode we interview Dr. Kortney Floyd-James about her dissertation research on Black women’s postpartum mental health.
EP 39: “Responsible” Sexual Behavior with Dr. Nicole Loew
In this episode Dr. Loew talks about her dissertation research about responsible sexual behavior (RSB), including how the literature defines RSB, how college women define RSB, and how rural women define and manage RSB in the rural context. We also talk about the pros and cons (mostly cons) of using the concept “responsible behavior.”
EP 38: Medical Violence with Storm O’Brink
**Trigger Warning** This episode includes material that may be triggering to victims of sexual assault and/or medical violence.
EP 37: Intersection of Religion and Abortion with Dr. McLean
In this episode we explore the intersection of religion and abortion with Dr. McLean. We discuss how religion/spirituality and abortion are not mutually exclusive, we answer our first listener question, and we discuss how to communicate with patients if a provider or institute does not provide contraception or abortion services.
EP 36: Pregnancy and COVID-19 with Dr. Villavicencio
In this episode we speak with Dr. Villavicencio about navigating pregnancy and birth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
EP 35: Trauma Informed Telehealth with Dr. Megan Gerber
In this episode we interview Dr. Megan Gerber about how to provide trauma informed care during televisits, including synchronous video visits. We cover everything from what is trauma informed care, to tips and tricks on how to prevent triggering, and what to do if a patient becomes triggered during a telehealth visit.
EP 34: Medical Improv with Jonathan Garland
In this episode we interview Jonathon Garland, an improv expert, on how medical communication can be enhanced through improv techniques.
EP 33: Black Women and Maternal Mortality with Lastascia Coleman and Lynette Cooper
This episode is an absolute must listen to. In this episode we talk with Lynette Cooper, Nurse Practitioner and Educator, and Lastascia Coleman, a Nurse Midwife, about Black women and maternal mortality. This episode also adds to our previous conversations about reproductive justice, reproductive coercion, and health disparities.
EP 32: Weight Stigma with Dr. April Prunty
In this episode we interview Dr. April Prunty, a nurse researcher, about her dissertation work regarding weight stigma.
EP 31: Humor with Karyn Buxman
In this episode we interview Karyn Buxman, a neurohumorist, about integrating humor into practice to help increase trust equity with patients.
EP 30: Language and Pronouns with Francis Kuehnle
In this critical and foundational episode we interview Francis Kuehnle about the importance of language and pronouns. This episode includes discussions about how to inquire about pronouns, what to do if you mess up, and why using appropriate pronouns are so important.
EP 29: Evidence Based Birth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker
In this episode we talk about Evidence Based Birth (EBB) with Dr. Rebecca Dekker, the founder of EBB. EBB is an incredible resource for providers and expecting parents to get methodologically sound literature reviews on birth topics including, but not limited to, vitamin K, eye ointment, eating during labor, due dates, PROM, large babies, and due dates. Both Nicole and Stephanie have used this evidence during their pregnancies and highly recommend this as a must-have for anyone providing care to expectant parents or parents themselves.
EP 28: Reproductive Life Planning with Dr. Stephanie Edmonds
In this episode we interview the co-host of the Woman Centered Health Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Edmonds, about her extensive work with reproductive life planning (RLP). We cover what RLP is, diversity in how RLP is implemented, and how to communicate and do RLP with your patients.
EP 27: Crisis Pregnancy Centers with Talie Melnyk
In this episode we talk to Talie Melnyk about her experience with Crisis Pregnancy Centers or CPCs. We also discuss how CPCs function, their goals, and communication tactics they use with women.
EP 26: MUTU System with Wendy Powell
In this episode we interviewed Wendy Powell, CEO of MUTU System, about her incredible program to help with pelvic floor issues including prolapse, urinary incontinence, painful sex, and to help diastasis recti or “mommy tummy.” Tune in to hear about how her program was developed and how MUTU has helped Nicole and Stephanie. Listeners also get special discount!
EP 25: PCOS with Dr. Rashmi Kudesia
In this episode we interview Dr. Rashmi Kudesia about her expertise with PCOS. We cover all things PCOS including diagnosis, managing PCOS, the role of birth control, and how you can help empower patients with a diagnosis of PCOS.
EP 24: Sex Shame for Providers with Dr. Nikki Julian
In this episode we review a little bit of what we discussed in EP 22 on sex shame and make it more focused for how providers can help their patients deal with shame. We also talk about how to communicate with patients about pornography, kink, and BDSM, and briefly discuss how to deal with physical manifestations of sex shame.
EP 23: Abortion After Care Instructions with Dr. Zoey Thill
In this episode we interview Dr. Zoey Thill regarding her research with abortion after care instructions. We get into some great discussions about focusing on adverse outcomes, discussing birth control at an abortion appointment, a new concept for us-structural competency, and we finish up with a conversation on the new Reproductive Health Act and what that means for New York.
EP 22: Sex Shame with Dr. Nikki Julian
In this episode we interview Dr. Nikki Julian, a sex therapist about sex shame, how to unpack your own sex shame, and why dealing with your own sex shame is integral to your role as a parent and healthcare provider.
EP 21: Trauma Informed Care with Alison Tinker
**Trigger Warning** In this episode we interviewed Alison Tinker, a Midwife, about her work providing trauma informed care. Although we do not discuss specific traumas, this episode could be triggering for trauma survivors. This episode is a must listen to for ANY provider.
EP 20 Menstrual Health with Elizabeth Graf
In this episode we talk all things menstrual health with Elizabeth Graf. We cover everything from menstrual health as an indicator of overall health, menstrual hygiene, and special considerations for adolescents, trans people, and gender non-binary people.
DivaCup by Diva International Inc.
In this sponsored episode we interview Carinne Chambers-Saini, CEO of Diva International Inc. maker of the DivaCup, and Sophie Zivku, Diva Inc Communications Manager, about the DivaCup. We discuss what it is, how to use it, how to talk about it, and how this can help the menstruating person.
EP 19: Infertility and Perinatal Loss with Dr. Stacey Pawlak
In this episode we interview Dr. Stacey Pawlak, a clinical psychologist, regarding her expertise in working with people experiencing perinatal loss & infertility. This episode is must-listen-to if you help patients dealing with infertility, miscarriage, or diagnosing fetal anomalies. If you’re not a provider, learn how to talk to your friends about these difficult situations.
EngagedMD
EngagedMD enables fertility practices to provide a remotely guided experience for patient education and consent - unlike the long consultations, phone calls to staff, in-clinic classes, and paper documents used today. Their education programs are comprised of...
EP 18 Vulvar Health with Jenna Perkins
In this episode we interview Jenna Perkins and her clinical work with pelvic floor issues and vulvar health.
UNA
In this episode we speak with John Haskell, the co-founder of UNA, an anonymous platform where women can seek a sense of community to help them answer questions a deal with personal struggles, especially addiction, and victories. Within the app UNA brings various professionals into the community for AMA or Ask ME Anything. This gives women a chance to ask professionals questions that they otherwise may not feel comfortable bringing to their care providers in a formal setting or feel comfortable enough to ask other women. We had the pleasure of serving as experts recently and felt that this may be an app or platform that providers may want to get involved with or find useful to connect their patients with.
EP 17: Health Care of Immigrant Latina Women with Dr. Diana Carvajal
In this episode we interview Dr. Diana Carvajal regarding her research and work with Latina Immigrant Women. We cover a variety of topics including harmful stereotypes, how immigration informs perspectives of sexual and reproductive health, communication tips, and a new concept of “post-judging.”
EP: 16 Contraceptive Decision Making with Dr. Christine Dehlendorf
In this episode we interview Dr. Christine Dehlendorf regarding her cutting edge work and research surrounding contraceptive decision making. This episode is a must listen to for any provider who prescribes birth control.
EP 15: Prenatal Substance Use and Abuse with Dr. Kaylin Klie
Dr Kaylin A Klie is a dually board certified physician in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, with special clinical and research expertise in Perinatal Addiction Medicine. Prior to medical school, she trained as a marriage and family therapist. She graduated from...
EP 14: Pelvic Floor with Dr. Sandi Tenfelde
Sandi Tenfelde, PhD, RN, APN is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program at Loyola University Chicago, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. She is a certified yoga instructor with a focus on pelvic floor ...
EP 13: Human Trafficking and Patient Care with Dr. Aisha Mays and Dr. Susie Baldwin
Aisha Mays MD is a Family Physician who focuses on Adolescent Medicine. Her clinical work and research focus on adolescent reproductive justice and health care for highly vulnerable youth, including youth who have been affected by commercial sexual ...
EP 12: LGBTQ Mini-Series Part 4: Abortion Care with Dr. Natalie Hinchcliffe
Natalie Hinchcliffe, DO, received her Women’s Studies degree from the University of Florida while perusing her premedical studies. At Des Moines University in Iowa, where she completed her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, she was the president of Medical...
EP 11: LGBTQ Mini Series Part 3: Hormone Therapy with Dr. Meera Shah and Dr. Natalie Hinchcliffe
Dr. Shah completed medical school at George Washington University in Washington D.C. and then family medicine residency at Mount Sinai/Beth Israel Medical Center and the Institute for Family Health in New York City. She has an MS ...
EP 10: LGBTQ Mini-Series: Family Planning with Dr. Meera Shah and Natalie Hinchcliffe
Dr. Shah completed medical school at George Washington University in Washington D.C. and then family medicine residency at Mount Sinai/Beth Israel Medical Center and the Institute for Family Health in New York City. She has an MS ...
EP 9: LGBT Mini-Series Part 1: HIV Care with Dr. Meera Shah
Dr. Shah completed medical school at George Washington University in Washington D.C. and then family medicine residency at Mount Sinai/Beth Israel Medical Center and the Institute for Family Health in New York City. She has an MS in ...
EP 8: Special Populations: Teens, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Dr. Aisha Mays
Aisha Mays MD is a Family Physician who focuses on Adolescent Medicine. Her ...
EP 7: Grassroots Perspective of Reproductive Justice, Abortion, & Religion with Toni Bond Leonard
Toni Bond Leonard, is the Director of Physicians for Reproductive Health’s Partnership for Abortion Provider Safety. One of the founding mothers of the reproductive justice movement, she is a leading reproductive justice expert and is a ...
EP 6: Single Payer Insurance with Dr. Chantal Lunderville
Chantal studied medicine at UCLA PRIME, earning her masters in public policy as well from UCLA, with an emphasis in health policy. She was involved with educational ...
EP 5: Special Populations: Rural Women with Dr. Carrie Pierce
Dr. Pierce completed medical school and family medicine residency in Chicago, IL, then moved to New York City for a a one- year fellowship in reproductive health and advocacy with the Reproductive Health Access Project. She took the next logical step ...
EP: 4 Special Populations: Monolingual Spanish speaking women, underinsured, and undocumented women with Dr. Jackie Abdalla
Dr. Abdalla is originally from New Jersey, went to medical school at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and is currently completing her family medicine residency training in northern California. Currently spends time at a FQHC and a safety net hospital in the northern...
EP 3: Reproductive Justice with Dr. Aisha Wagner and Dr. Moira Rashid
Aisha Wagner is a Bay Area Family Physician and Fellow with Physicians for Reproductive Health who focuses her work on reproductive rights as they relate to reproductive justice, including access to contraception and abortion in underserved and underrepresented...
EP 2 Unconscious Bias with Dr. Wu and Dr. Saint-Hilaire
Drs. Saint-Hilaire and Wu have developed an interactive curriculum for healthcare providers that focuses on the exploration of unconscious biases, how it relates to the practice of medicine and how it can lead to healthcare disparities.
EP 1: Meet the Founders of Woman Centered Health
Get to know the co-hosts Dr. Nicole Loew and Dr. Stephanie Edmonds of The W-CHAT Podcast. Also find out how Woman Centered Health came to be.