The weeks after delivery (often called the fourth trimester) can raise just as many questions as pregnancy itself. From pain management and supplements to beauty treatments and mental health medications, many parents are unsure how different exposures may affect breastfeeding.

In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host Chris Stallman, MS, CGC, is joined by Kirstie Perrotta, MPH, and Angela Messer, MS, Teratogen Information Specialists from MotherToBaby California, to discuss some of the most common postpartum questions they receive from parents and healthcare providers.

Together, they explain how exposure information is evaluated during breastfeeding and how factors like dose, timing, and route of exposure influence what may reach breast milk.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What the fourth trimester is and why exposure questions continue after delivery
• Common postpartum concerns, including pain medications, stool softeners, and laxatives
• How prescription pain medications, including opioids, are evaluated during breastfeeding
• Why route of exposure matters when considering topical products
• What to know about hair dye, Botox, manicures, facials, and salon treatments
• Why supplements, herbal products, and proprietary blends raise additional questions
• Which over-the-counter medications are often discussed in the breastfeeding period
• How medication guidance can differ between pregnancy and lactation
• Why addressing postpartum mental health conditions is essential
• Common breastfeeding myths and misconceptions
• Practical tips to reduce direct infant contact with topical products

Key Takeaways:

• Many medications have data available for use during breastfeeding
• Topical products are typically evaluated based on how they are applied and absorbed
• High-dose supplements and proprietary blends often lack breastfeeding data
• Postpartum pain, mental health, and chronic conditions deserve appropriate treatment
• Feeding decisions are personal, and there is no single approach that works for everyone

Resources Mentioned:

• MotherToBaby.org – evidence-based fact sheets, Baby Blogs, podcasts, and educational resources
• Over 300 fact sheets in English and Spanish on medications, exposures, and health conditions
• One-on-one support via phone, chat, text, or email
• MotherToBaby Pregnancy Studies – helping expand knowledge about medications, conditions, and exposures in pregnancy and lactation

Expecting a baby often comes with a long list of questions—and a lot of conflicting information. Can you really drink coffee? What about sushi or soft cheese? Which cold medications are ok in pregnancy? And how should you handle everyday exposures like cleaning products? 

In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host Chris Stallman, Certified Genetic Counselor and mom of four, is joined by returning guests Angela Messer and Kirstie Perrotta, both experienced teratogen information specialists (and moms themselves). Together, they sort through some of the most common pregnancy “do’s and don’ts,” offering clarity with evidence-based insights.

In this episode you’ll learn:

☕ How much caffeine experts suggest during pregnancy

🧀 The truth about soft cheeses and why pasteurization matters

🍣 Sushi and mercury exposure—what to consider and what to limit

🤧 Tips for managing allergies and colds while pregnant or breastfeeding

🧴 Guidance on handling cleaning products and reducing exposures

🌿 Why supplements and “natural” remedies aren’t always the best option

🌸 The importance of folic acid in prenatal vitamins

👶 Real stories from Angela, Kirstie, and Chris about what worried them during their own pregnancies

Whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers reassurance, practical advice, and a reminder: you’re doing your best, and you’re not alone.

Group A strep might sound like a simple sore throat—but for many children and families in American Samoa, it can have life-threatening consequences. In this episode of the MotherToBaby Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Anaise Uso, a public health leader and mother, who shares both her professional and deeply personal experiences with strep infections, rheumatic fever, and rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

Together, we explore:

• What Group A Strep is and the common signs of strep throat and skin infections.
• How untreated infections can progress into rheumatic fever and, ultimately, rheumatic heart disease.
• The unique challenges in American Samoa, where children are three times more likely to be affected than in neighboring Pacific Islands.
• The role of screening, prevention, and treatment programs, including antibiotics and regular monitoring.
• A personal story of Dr. Uso’s son, who was diagnosed with RHD at age three, and how their family manages his care.
• How partnerships with CDC, AMCHP, and MotherToBaby are helping build resources, raise awareness, and strengthen prevention efforts.
• This episode highlights why early detection, treatment, and community awareness are critical – not only to protect children’s immediate health, but also to prevent lifelong complications.

👉 Resources mentioned in this episode:

• MotherToBaby: Group A Strep Fact Sheet
• MotherToBaby: Rheumatic Heart Disease Fact Sheet
• Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP)

With so much information online, it can feel overwhelming to know what’s trustworthy—especially when you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a family. In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host Chris Stallman, CGC, sits down with Bridget Maloney, MS, CGC of the University of Arizona and MotherToBaby Arizona to unpack how to separate credible health information from clickbait headlines.

In this episode, they discuss:

-How to tell if a website or social media post is reliable

-Common “red flags” and buzzwords to look out for

-Why even well-intentioned online advice can sometimes mislead

-How to double-check what you see online with healthcare providers

-Where to turn for evidence-based resources you can understand

-Whether you’re scrolling through social media or doing a late-night search about a medication or food, this episode will help you navigate today’s flood of information with confidence and calm.

Learn more or connect with our experts at MotherToBaby.org

What happens when epilepsy meets pregnancy planning? In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host Chris Stallman, MS, CGC—a genetic counselor, mom of four, and teratogen information specialist—talks with Dr. Kristi McIntosh from the University of British Columbia.

Dr. McIntosh shares her powerful personal and professional journey—from being diagnosed with epilepsy at age ten to navigating fertility challenges, medication changes, and high-risk pregnancies. As both a scientist and a mom, she offers unique insights into:

💊 Managing anti-epileptic drugs during pregnancy

🧠 What EEGs reveal about brain activity and seizure patterns

👶 Balancing medication safety with seizure control

🍼 The realities of breastfeeding while on seizure medication

💬 Why early conversations and self-advocacy are key

Her story underscores the importance of education, planning, and open communication between patients and providers.

🎙️ Tune in to hear how informed decisions and early preparation can make all the difference for people with epilepsy who are considering pregnancy.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible and anywhere you listen to podcasts!