Épisodes

  • Understanding REMS & Medication Safety in Pregnancy: What Patients & Providers Need to Know

    Understanding REMS & Medication Safety in Pregnancy: What Patients & Providers Need to Know
    Jan 15 2026

    Concerned about medication use during pregnancy? You're not alone.
    In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host Chris Stallman, MS, CGC (genetic counselor, mom of four, teratogen information specialist) sits down with Dr. Judy C. Morrow of Harvard Medical School to break down how FDA REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) programs help reduce the risk of birth defects and protect pregnant patients.

    Together, they discuss:
    ✔️ What REMS programs are and why they exist
    ✔️ How REMS programs support safe medication use
    ✔️ The role of manufacturers, prescribers, and pharmacists
    ✔️ Common medications with REMS programs (including isotretinoin/Accutane)
    ✔️ Pregnancy testing requirements & pharmacy restrictions
    ✔️ Why some drugs don't have REMS (even if risks exist)
    ✔️ What patients should ask if they're prescribed a REMS-covered medication

    Dr. Morrow shares how researchers use real-world data to identify medication-related adverse events in pregnancy, how REMS programs try to prevent exposed pregnancies, and why communication between patients, providers, and pharmacists is essential.

    If you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy, breastfeeding, or support patients in these settings, this episode offers clear, practical insights to help guide informed decision-making.

    🔎 Key topics: pregnancy, REMS, FDA, teratogens, isotretinoin, Accutane, birth defects, pharmacy programs, medication safety, pregnancy data, registries

    🎧 Listen now to learn how REMS programs help protect pregnant women and their babies.
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    18 min
  • Folic Acid Facts & Fiction: What Every Parent Should Know – with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik (@ScienceWhizLiz)

    Folic Acid Facts & Fiction: What Every Parent Should Know – with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik (@ScienceWhizLiz)
    Jan 5 2026

    In this special Folic Acid Awareness Week episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host and genetic counselor Chris Stallman sits down with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik, PhD—a biomedical scientist, mom, and science communicator better known as @ScienceWhizLiz on Instagram. Together, they unpack the science behind folic acid, its critical role in early pregnancy, and why it's one of the most important (yet misunderstood) nutrients for people of childbearing age.

    From real talk on neural tube defect prevention to busting social media myths like "folic acid causes tongue ties" or "MTHFR mutations mean folic acid isn't safe," this episode is packed with science-backed insights and practical guidance for both healthcare providers and future parents alike.

    🧠 Key Topics Covered:

    • What folic acid is and why it matters for pregnancy

    • The difference between folic acid and folate

    • When folic acid is most critical (hint: before you know you're pregnant!)

    • Myths and misinformation about folic acid—especially on social media

    • What the research really says about MTHFR gene mutations

    • How to support patients with dietary restrictions or supplement concerns

    • Why more folic acid is not always better

    👩‍⚕️ Guest Bio:
    Dr. Elisabeth Marnik is a biomedical scientist with a PhD from Tufts University and The Jackson Laboratory, where she studied immune system function, autoimmune disease, and vaccine response. She's also a passionate science communicator who makes complex topics clear and relatable for thousands of followers as @ScienceWhizLiz on Instagram.

    🔗 Resources Mentioned:

    • Learn more about folic acid: MotherToBaby Folic Acid Fact Sheet

    • Contact a MotherToBaby specialist (free & confidential):

      • Call: 866-626-6847

      • Text: 855-999-3525

      • Chat: MotherToBaby.org

    • Follow Dr. Marnik: @ScienceWhizLiz on Instagram

    💬 Have a Question or Topic Idea?
    We'd love to hear from you! Email us at contactus@mothertobaby.org.

    📱 Subscribe & Listen On:
    Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible | iHeartRadio | Or wherever you get your podcasts

    💛 Support Our Work:
    Help us keep this podcast free and accessible. Join our monthly giving community, Encircle, to support parents and families with trusted pregnancy and breastfeeding information. Learn more at MotherToBaby.org/Donate
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    34 min
  • Radiation & Breastfeeding: Understanding the Risks and Realities

    Radiation & Breastfeeding: Understanding the Risks and Realities
    Jun 3 2025

    Show Notes:
    In this episode of the MotherToBaby Podcast, host and genetic counselor Chris Stallman welcomes Dr. Emily Caffrey, a certified health physicist at the Health Physics Society and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Together, they dive into one of the most frequently asked topics: how radiation exposure may impact breastfeeding.

    Dr. Caffrey explains the difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, details how imaging procedures like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs interact with the body, and addresses concerns around contrast agents and radioactive tracers. The episode also covers what breastfeeding women working around radiation should know, including practical safety tips and case-by-case considerations.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Diagnostic imaging procedures do not make breast milk radioactive or require stopping breastfeeding

    • Some radioactive tracers or therapeutic treatments may require temporary or permanent changes to breastfeeding plans, depending on the specific agent and dose

    • Always inform your healthcare provider that you're breastfeeding and ask questions about any upcoming procedures

    • Expert help is available—don't rely on internet searches alone

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    • MotherToBaby.org

    • Health Physics Society

    • American College of Radiology Guidelines

    • Call 866-626-6847 or text 855-999-3525 to speak with a MotherToBaby specialist

    🎧 Subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode!
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    21 min
  • GLP-1 Medications & Pregnancy: What We Know So Far

    GLP-1 Medications & Pregnancy: What We Know So Far
    Apr 23 2025

    What do GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® mean for pregnancy, fertility, and breastfeeding? In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host and genetic counselor Chris Stallman welcomes Dr. Christina Han—Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and division director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UCLA, co-director of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Program, and Board Member of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

    Dr. Han breaks down current knowledge about GLP-1 receptor agonists and how they may impact people planning to conceive, those who are pregnant, and those breastfeeding. She also discusses considerations for people using these medications to manage type 2 diabetes or for weight loss.

    🔹 How might GLP-1s influence fertility in people with PCOS or obesity?
    🔹 What if pregnancy occurs while taking one of these medications?
    🔹 What does limited research tell us about GLP-1 use during breastfeeding?
    🔹 Why preconception planning and personalized care matter more than ever?

    This episode offers expert insights and practical discussion for anyone navigating treatment decisions before, during, or after pregnancy.

    👉 Learn more and explore evidence-based resources at MotherToBaby.org
    📞 Questions? Speak with a specialist at (866) 626-6847 or text (855) 999-3525
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    14 min
  • Living with FASD

    Living with FASD
    Jan 23 2025
    In this episode, Jenn Wisdahl, Chief Operating Officer at the non-profit FASD United, and Laura Bousquet, a mother to a young adult son diagnosed with FASD in his teens, join host Chris Stallman, CGC to discuss challenges many families with lived FASD experience face. Wisdahl leads FASD United's legislative and policy agenda and trains members of the FASD community to serve as advocates. She was also an executive producer on the award-winning short film "The FASD Project," and is a proud parent to 3 young adults with FASD. Bousquet is a passionate FASD advocate and active FASD United Board member whose own FASD diagnosis at age 57 deepened her dedication to inspiring positive change in the FASD community. BONUS: Earn continuing education credits for listening to our series. Scroll down to learn more. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: FASD Family Navigator - FASD United https://fasdunited.org/family-navigator/Resource Directory - FASD United https://fasdunited.org/resource-directory/Glimpses of FASD - FASD United https://fasdunited.org/glimpses-of-fasd/ Give FASD a Seat at the Table - FASD United https://fasdunited.org/give-fasd-a-seat-at-the-table/ FASD State Data Sheets - FASD United https://fasdunited.org/fasd-state-data-sheets/Video Series: Lived Experiences with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders - CDC https://www.cdc.gov/fasd/stories/video-series.html MotherToBaby: FASD Podcast - Living with FASDs - January 23, 2025 (Podcast) - PD4929-012325 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This podcast series is intended to reach various audiences, including healthcare professionals, who can use the information presented to inform their practice and their interaction with clients/patients. The podcast episodes will educate participants on 1) the discovery, prevalence, and newest research on the topic of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), 2) CDC's work in addressing prenatal alcohol and other substance use and FASDs, and 3) the experiences of people living with FASDs. OBJECTIVES: After completing this course, the learner will be able to: 1. Describe Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). 2. Describe the National Center of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities' (NCBDDD) approach to addressing FASDs. 3. Describe the impact on people who are living with FASDs. 4. Describe how interprofessional collaboration addresses FASDs. 5. Describe how interprofessional teams can help people living with FASDs transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. FACULTY/ CREDENTIALS: Laura Bousquet, Family Navigator/Self-Advocate, FASD United Christina Chambers, PhD, MPH, Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego Elizabeth Dang, MPH, Behavioral Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nicholas Deputy, PhD, MPH, Health Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Kenneth Jones, MD, Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego Chris Stallman, MLS, MS, CGC, Director, MotherToBaby Arizona, University of Arizona Jennifer Wisdahl, Chief Operating Officer, FASD United CE ORIGINATION DATE: CE EXPIRATION DATE: January 23, 2025 January 23, 2027 URL https://momtobaby.org/youtubeFASDfamilies INTENDED AUDIENCE: Advanced Practice Nurses, Certified Health Educators, Medical Assistants, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, and Social Workers PREREQUISITES: Learners will have a basic understanding of what fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are. FORMAT: This activity is Web on Demand CONTACT INFORMATION: CDC's CE Accreditation Team has a policy for grievances that is available upon request. Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders cdcinfo@cdc.gov ACCREDITATION STATEMENTS: In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MotherToBaby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team CME: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. CNE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this activity for 0.5 nursing contact hours. CEU: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is authorized by IACET to offer 0.1 CEU's for this program. CECH: Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control ...
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    39 min
  • Public Health Efforts on FASD

    Public Health Efforts on FASD
    Jan 16 2025
    In the second episode of the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) special series, we explore the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's work addressing FASD and how scientific findings are helping shape prevention efforts. BONUS: Earn continuing education credits for listening. Scroll down to learn more. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: About CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental DisabilitiesAbout Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders What CDC Is Doing: FASDs Online Trainings and ResourcesFASD National Partner Network Toolkit Video Series: Lived Experiences with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders "Let's Talk" Materials Toolkit _________________________________________________________ MotherToBaby: FASD Podcast - CDC's Work Addressing Prenatal Alcohol and Other Substance Use and FASDs - January 16, 2025 (Podcast) - PD4929-011625 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This podcast series is intended to reach various audiences, including healthcare professionals, who can use the information presented to inform their practice and their interaction with clients/patients. The podcast episodes will educate participants on 1) the discovery, prevalence, and newest research on the topic of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), 2) CDC's work in addressing prenatal alcohol and other substance use and FASDs, and 3) the experiences of people living with FASDs. OBJECTIVES: After completing this course, the learner will be able to: 1. Describe Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). 2. Describe the National Center of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities' (NCBDDD) approach to addressing FASDs. 3. Describe the impact on people who are living with FASDs. 4. Describe how interprofessional collaboration addresses FASDs. 5. Describe how interprofessional teams can help people living with FASDs transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. FACULTY/ CREDENTIALS: Laura Bousquet, Family Navigator/Self-Advocate, FASD United Christina Chambers, PhD, MPH, Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego Elizabeth Dang, MPH, Behavioral Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nicholas Deputy, PhD, MPH, Health Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Kenneth Jones, MD, Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego Chris Stallman, MLS, MS, CGC, Director, MotherToBaby Arizona, University of Arizona Jennifer Wisdahl, Chief Operating Officer, FASD United CE ORIGINATION DATE: CE EXPIRATION DATE: January 16, 2025 January 16, 2027 URL https://momtobaby.org/FASDep82YouTube INTENDED AUDIENCE: Advanced Practice Nurses, Certified Health Educators, Medical Assistants, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, and Social Workers PREREQUISITES: Learners will have a basic understanding of what fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are. FORMAT: This activity is Web on Demand CONTACT INFORMATION: CDC's CE Accreditation Team has a policy for grievances that is available upon request. Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders cdcinfo@cdc.gov ACCREDITATION STATEMENTS: In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MotherToBaby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team CME: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. CNE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this activity for 0.5 nursing contact hours. CEU: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is authorized by IACET to offer 0.1 CEU's for this program. CECH: Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 0.5 total Category I continuing education contact hours. Maximum advanced level continuing education contact hours available are 0. Continuing Competency credits available are 0.5. CDC provider number 98614. DISCLOSURE: In compliance with continuing education requirements, all ...
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    33 min
  • FASD Discovery and Prevalence

    FASD Discovery and Prevalence
    Jan 9 2025
    In this episode, Dr. Kenneth Lyons Jones, one of the pioneers who first identified Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the United States in 1973, and Dr. Christina Chambers, a renowned epidemiologist who has conducted groundbreaking research on the prevalence of FASD, join host Chris Stallman, CGC, to discuss the discovery of FASD, its common physical and cognitive traits, and its prevalence today. BONUS: Earn continuing education credits for listening to our entire FASD 3-part series. Scroll down to learn more. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Kenneth Lyons Jones on the History of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - FASD Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in 4 US Communities | Antenatal Exposures and Child Outcomes | JAMA | JAMA Network Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders – American Academy of PediatricsTypes of Treatment for FASDs | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | CDCCholine supplements in young children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder have lasting cognitive benefits | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ MotherToBaby: FASD Podcast SCPD4929 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This podcast series is intended to reach various audiences, including healthcare professionals, who can use the information presented to inform their practice and their interaction with clients/patients. The podcast episodes will educate participants on 1) the discovery, prevalence, and newest research on the topic of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), 2) CDC's work in addressing prenatal alcohol and other substance use and FASDs, and 3) the experiences of people living with FASDs. OBJECTIVES: After completing this course, the learner will be able to: 1. Describe Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). 2. Describe the National Center of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities' (NCBDDD) approach to addressing FASDs. 3. Describe the impact on people who are living with FASDs. 4. Describe how interprofessional collaboration addresses FASDs. 5. Describe how interprofessional teams can help people living with FASDs transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. FACULTY/ CREDENTIALS: Laura Bousquet, Family Navigator/Self-Advocate, FASD United Christina Chambers, PhD, MPH, Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego Elizabeth Dang, MPH, Behavioral Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nicholas Deputy, PhD, MPH, Health Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Kenneth Jones, MD, Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego Chris Stallman, MLS, MS, CGC, Director, MotherToBaby Arizona, University of Arizona Jennifer Wisdahl, Chief Operating Officer, FASD United CE ORIGINATION DATE: CE EXPIRATION DATE: January 9, 2025 January 9, 2027 URL https://momtobaby.org/FASDep81youtube INTENDED AUDIENCE: Advanced Practice Nurses, Certified Health Educators, Medical Assistants, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, and Social Workers PREREQUISITES: Learners will have a basic understanding of what fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are. FORMAT: This activity is Web on Demand CONTACT INFORMATION: CDC's CE Accreditation Team has a policy for grievances that is available upon request. Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders cdcinfo@cdc.gov ACCREDITATION STATEMENTS: In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and MotherToBaby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team CME: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. CNE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this activity for 0.5 nursing contact hours. CEU: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is authorized by IACET to offer 0.1 CEU's for this program. CECH: Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified ...
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    35 min
  • Influencers, Self-Advocacy and Studies

    Influencers, Self-Advocacy and Studies
    Nov 22 2024

    Dr. Kiarra King, MD, FACOG, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and social media influencer with thousands of followers, joins host Chris Stallman, CGC to talk about the importance of diversity in pregnancy studies as well as self-advocacy during pregnancy. Dr. King was recently named one of the top 15 Chicago-based "influencers to follow" for her thoughtful content on women's health, well-being, self-care, lifestyle, fashion and family.

    Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

    Join a Pregnancy Study

    Dr. Kiarra King's website

    Dr. Kiarra King on Instagram
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    31 min