In this conversation, Nicole Harlot and Anne Wallen from MaternityWise discuss the origins and evolution of MaternityWise, the unique Epidural Program, and the vital role of doulas in supporting birthing families. They emphasize the importance of community, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity in the perinatal space, as well as the need to empower dads and navigate the medical system effectively. The discussion also highlights the Perinatal Resource Collaborative's mission to connect professionals and provide resources for better maternal and infant outcomes.
https://maternitywise.com
@maternitywise
23 Jul 2025
Josh Liston: Dads Have a Critical Role in Birth
In this conversation, Nicole Harlot and Joshua Liston-Zawadi explore the importance of advocacy in birth support, the role of partners, and the mental load associated with parenting. They discuss the need for male involvement in birth work and the creation of resources for fathers. Joshua shares his personal journey into doula work and emphasizes the significance of building community for dads. The conversation culminates in a call for radical family love and support as a means to improve maternal health outcomes.
Joshua Liston- Zawadi is a proud Milwaukee native who prioritizes community, fatherhood and mental health. Josh celebrates the process of family and community building by using his platform and work to model how to be an intentional figure in the lives of their children.
Joshua Zawadi is also the man behind the social media brand Melanated Daddy and the signature non-birthing parenting course Dad Doula. He is also the co-founder and executive director of the newly founded family and community engagement non-profit organization, Life reDefined. The mission of the Dad Doula program is to provide resources, and guidance for the non-birthing parent as they plan to support the birthing person during the pregnancy, labor and delivery and thereafter. This is done by learning how to advocate, and support with intentional presence. This service is extended to expecting parents, new again parents and parents looking to re-enter their children's lives. The mission of Life reDefined is to inspire family and community connection through intentional and collaborative experiences.
Josh Zawadi is an Army Veteran, husband, biological and bonus dad to four children. He is a lover of Christ and believes in the power of community. He also identifies as a womanist and uses he/him pronouns. His passion for fatherhood is rooted in the belief that Iron Sharpens Iron.
16 Jul 2025
Traci Doula: The Importance of Having a Doula
With an impressive 26-year career as a doula and childbirth educator, Traci Doula has dedicated her life to guiding and supporting pregnant individuals through their birthing journeys. Known for her compassionate and hands-on approach, Traci has helped countless families experience empowering, informed births while navigating the physical, emotional, and advocacy aspects of pregnancy and postpartum care.Traci’s passion for education extends beyond one-on-one doula support—she’s found a powerful platform on TikTok, where her 167K followers benefit from her practical advice, insights, and encouragement. By breaking down complex birth-related topics and making them accessible and engaging, Traci is redefining how childbirth education is delivered in the digital age.In addition to her TikTok presence, Traci offers a transformative self-advocacy course called Keeping Your Power for Families. This course empowers parents with the tools and mindset they need to navigate their birth experiences with confidence, make informed decisions, and assert their needs in any healthcare setting. Traci’s course has become an invaluable resource for families seeking to take charge of their birth experience while staying grounded and empowered.Through her multifaceted work—whether supporting families, mentoring doulas, or educating the public—Traci Doula remains deeply committed to her mission of empowering individuals and families to advocate for themselves and approach birth with knowledge, confidence, and strength.
Social Links:
www.tracidoula.comTikTok: Tracidoula4Instagram: TraciDoulaFacebook: TraciDoula Maternal Instincts Doula
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