Ep 59 | Between Trust and Questioning: Navigating a Life-Altering Diagnosis with Katherine Sigblad

We often discuss the importance of being informed and supported in an ideal birth, but what about when pregnancy wasn’t part of your plan? In this episode, I’m joined by doula Alicia Overocker, founder of Seeds of Strength, a nonprofit supporting teen and single mothers through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and adoption decisions with practical support and compassionate care. Together, we talk about the emotional realities of unplanned pregnancy, the importance of informed decision-making, and why no woman should feel pressured, isolated, or unsupported during one of the most vulnerable seasons of her life. Alicia shares the personal story that inspired her nonprofit, how her own family’s adoption experience shaped her perspective, and why she believes support (not fear) can change the trajectory of a mother’s life. Inside this episode, we discuss: The role doulas can play during unexpected or unsupported pregnancies Supporting women through birth, postpartum, and adoption Why informed consent matters during pregnancy-related decisions The emotional realities many women face during unplanned pregnancy How community support can change outcomes for mothers and babies Encouragement for women who feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or alone Whether you’re navigating an unplanned pregnancy yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply want a more compassionate understanding of these conversations, I hope this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and hope. Resources: Connect with Alicia https://plantingseedsbodyandbirth.com/seeds-of-strength Read the abortion highlight on Instagram Find a provider with our Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Take our free training course Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts @AlexandraGalaska

In today’s episode, Dr. Charlie joins us for a conversation about why more people are beginning to look beyond conventional healthcare and explore approaches like frequency functional medicine. We discuss the growing rise of chronic illness, the role of the nervous system in healing, environmental stressors in modern life, and why so many families feel dismissed after searching for answers within the traditional healthcare system alone. Dr. Charlie shares how his work in functional and frequency medicine led him to think differently about health, adaptation, and the body’s response to stress from nutrition and chronic infections to EMFs, circadian rhythms, mold exposure, and nervous system regulation. This episode also explores: The science behind muscle testing and how it’s should be used in practice (and where it gets abused) The connection between stress, cortisol, and chronic symptoms Why many people are rethinking the modern health environment The impact of light, technology, and environmental exposures on the body Motherhood, self-care, and the nervous system of the home Learning to become more observant and intentional about health As always, this conversation is not about fear or perfection. It’s about curiosity, awareness, and understanding the many different factors that can influence health in today’s world. Whether you’re completely new to these concepts or have been exploring root-cause approaches for years, this episode offers a thoughtful starting point for a broader conversation about modern health and healing. Resources: Connect with Dr. Charlie https://www.drcharliedc.com Find a provider with our Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Take our free training course Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts @AlexandraGalaska

There are a lot of conversations happening right now about the healthcare system... what’s working, what’s not, and where families are feeling the tension the most. For many parents, that tension shows up in the one-on-one conversations with their pediatrician. They often feel rushed, don’t have space to ask questions, or forced to make a decision before fully understanding what’s being recommended. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jacki Burnett, a board-certified pediatrician who made the decision to step away from the traditional model and build something different. We talk about her experience within the system, what led her to make that shift, and what she’s created in its place. We also talk through what direct primary care actually looks like, how it changes the relationship between provider and patient, and why time plays such a critical role in informed consent. Dr. Jacki shares what she’s seeing from parents right now, the questions that come up most often, and how she approaches those conversations in a way that supports families without pressure. (And yes, we talk about vaccines, poop, and all the little anxieties a parent frantically messages their pediatrician in the middle of the night.) If you’ve ever left an appointment feeling like you needed more time, more clarity, or just a different kind of conversation, this episode offers a perspective on what that can look like. Resources: https://www.dovepeds.com Dr. Jacki MD on YouTube Dr. Paul Thomas “Startup DPC: How To Start And Grow Your Direct Primary Care Practice“ Book Douglas Farrago “The Official Guide to Starting Your Own Direct Primary Care Practice” Book “Turtles All The Way Down: Vaccine Science and Myth” Book “Vaccines and the Diseases They Target: An Analysis of Vaccine Safety and Epidemiology” Physicians for Informed Consent Book Find a provider with our Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory (use discount code “DRJACKI” for a 30 days free access) Take our free training course Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts @AlexandraGalaska

What do you do when a diagnosis comes with a clear plan… but it just doesn’t sit right with you? In this episode, I’m joined by Katherine Sigblad from Moms Off the Record Podcast to talk through a story from her own life that started when she was an infant. Her parents were given a diagnosis and a recommendation for surgery. It was presented as the next step. But instead of moving forward right away, her dad paused. He asked more questions. He looked into other options. And what they ultimately chose ended up being very different from that first recommendation. This conversation isn’t about rejecting medical care, but about staying engaged long enough to understand what’s actually being recommended and whether there are other ways to approach it. We talk about: When it makes sense to slow down How to think about second (and third) opinions Why different specialists can see the same situation differently Simple questions that can change how you understand a plan How to navigate that tension between trusting and questioning If you’ve ever left an appointment feeling unsure, or like you didn’t fully understand your options, this episode is for you. Resources: My interview with Moms Off the Record Podcast (2023) Mother’s Cancer Journey Episode Read the free Motherhood Guide Find a provider with our Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Take our free training course Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts @AlexandraGalaska

Sleep is one of the most talked-about (and often most stressful) parts of early parenthood. From rigid schedules to pressure around “good sleepers,” many parents find themselves caught between their instincts and the expectations they’re hearing everywhere else. In this episode of Well Considered, Laura Longanecker, a registered nurse and infant sleep specialist behind Strawberry Moon Sleep, shares a refreshing and grounded perspective about infant sleep. We explore what normal infant sleep actually looks like, why so many families feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice, and how to approach sleep in a way that supports both baby and parent. In this episode, we discuss: What’s biologically normal when it comes to infant sleep Why modern sleep advice can feel so confusing and stressful The difference between supporting sleep and controlling it How feeding, development, and connection all play a role Letting go of unrealistic expectations and outside pressure If you’ve ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or like you’re “doing it wrong” when it comes to your baby’s sleep, this episode offers a calmer, more compassionate perspective. Resources: https://www.strawberrymoonsleep.com The Nurture Revolution book Safe Sleep 7 Safe Infant Sleep book Read the free Motherhood Guide Find a provider with our Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Take our free training course Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts @AlexandraGalaska

When nothing seems to work with healing your child’s eczema, it’s easy to feel stuck cycling through products, second-guessing your decisions, and wondering what you’re missing. In this episode, we talk with pediatric eczema educator Savannah to explore what might actually be driving eczema beneath the surface. After healing her own children’s eczema, Savannah now helps families look beyond symptoms and consider the full picture of gut health, immune balance, environmental triggers, and lifestyle factors. Together, we unpack why eczema can be so complex, why common approaches don’t always lead to lasting relief, and what it can look like to step out of the overwhelm and start connecting the dots. If you’ve been searching for answers, this episode will help you feel less alone and more equipped for true healing. Resources Connect with Savanah Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/erasingeczema Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erasingeczema Website: https://www.erasingeczema.com Find a provider with our Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Take our free training course Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts @AlexandraGalaska

Vasectomies are often presented as simple, routine, and low-risk. But for many couples, the decision isn’t quite that straightforward. Elizabeth Parsons, a nurse and mother, joins us for a thoughtful, balanced conversation about vasectomies. Together, we explore what the procedure actually involves, why it’s become so widely accepted, and what questions are often left unasked. In this episode, we discuss: What a vasectomy is and what actually happens during the procedure Potential risks, including post-vasectomy pain and reported hormonal changes The difference between documented research and anecdotal experiences How vasectomies may impact overall health, mood, and long-term well-being The importance of shared decision-making within marriage How to approach this conversation with your spouse in a thoughtful, unified way Whether you’re actively considering a vasectomy, supporting a spouse through that decision, or simply want to better understand a procedure that is increasingly common, this conversation offers a deeper perspective. Resources: Elizabeth’s Vasectomy Informational Post Birth Control Inserts Shop Purely Parsons with “JUSTTHEINSERTS” for 10% off Read the free Motherhood Guide Find a provider with our Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Take our free training course Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts @AlexandraGalaska

“Non-toxic” is everywhere. On labels. In ads. Across social media. And for many people, what started as a desire to make healthier choices has turned into something else entirely. Confusion, overwhelm, and the lingering question: Is this actually helping… or is it just another marketing buzzword? Integrative doctors (and moms) Carly and Rachel of Kale Blossom join us to bring clarity to the conversation around non-toxic living. Together, we explore what toxins really are, why this topic has become so difficult to navigate, and how to approach it in a way that is both grounded and sustainable. In this episode, we discuss: Why “non-toxic” has become so confusing (and how to think through it clearly) The difference between meaningful changes and marketing-driven noise Common sources of everyday toxin exposure and what’s often overlooked Why trying to change everything at once can backfire A realistic, step-by-step approach to reducing exposure over time How to make informed choices without fear, guilt, or overwhelm If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting to make better choices and not knowing where to start, this conversation will help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Resources: Use "INSERTS" for a free trial of the Nook App Watch To Dye For: The Documentary Search lower toxic products I personally use on the Partner Page Read the free Motherhood Guide Find a provider with our Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Take our free training course Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts @AlexandraGalaska

What does it look like to live faithfully today when tomorrow feels uncertain? Whether it’s a diagnosis, pending test results, chronic symptoms, or simply the weight of “what if,” uncertainty has a way of pulling us out of the present moment. We gather information. We advocate. We prepare. And yet, beneath all of that effort, worry often lingers. Drawing from her book My Dear Hemlock, written as a modern-day Screwtape Letters for women, Tilly Dillehay offers a thoughtful and deeply practical perspective on how fear subtly shapes our days, our habits, and even our faith. Together, we explore: • Why worry feels responsible (but often robs us of today) • How medical uncertainty can reshape identity, expectations, and dreams • The connection between physical exhaustion and spiritual vulnerability • The discipline of gratitude • How community, story, and faith anchor us when outcomes are unclear This is not a conversation about pretending everything is fine. It’s not about minimizing grief or denying real fear. But through the fear, we can learn how to live fully in the present even while carrying unanswered questions. If you’re navigating hard news, waiting for clarity, or simply feeling the weight of uncertainty, this episode will meet you gently and remind you that faithful presence is possible. Resources: “My Dear Hemlock” book https://www.tillydillehay.com Read the free Motherhood Guide Find a provider with our Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Take our free training course Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts @AlexandraGalaska

Bringing a baby home is one of the most sacred moments of parenthood. And, for many families, it’s also one of the most disorienting. You spend months preparing for birth, surrounded by professionals and checklists. And then suddenly, you’re home. The monitors are gone. The nurses are gone. The reassurance is gone. And you’re left wondering, Am I doing this right? In this episode of Well Considered, we sit down with registered nurse and Mothergood founder Danielle Crissman for a thoughtful conversation about newborn care without the overwhelm. Drawing from her experience as a former NICU nurse (and now as a mom herself) Danielle shares what she sees as the biggest gap between hospital discharge and real life at home. Together, we explore: • Why so many new parents lose confidence after leaving the hospital • How conflicting advice (including AI and social media) erodes intuition • The importance of asking “why” in medical decisions • How to build a healthcare team that aligns with your values • What realistic newborn sleep expectations actually look like • How education (not outsourcing) empowers parents • Why community is essential in the fourth trimester If you’re newly postpartum, expecting, or walking alongside someone in the newborn season, this episode will remind you that overwhelm is common but it doesn’t have to define your experience. Resources: https://www.mothergooddfw.com For 15% off all packages, use discount code "INSERTS" at checkout. Take The Vaccine Perspective Spectrum™ quiz (it’s free, no email required to see results). Read the free Motherhood Guide Find a provider with our Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory Take our free training course Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts @AlexandraGalaska