What’s causing all your period issues? Find out now

podcast

August 18, 2021

An Honest Conversation with an OB-GYN

with podcast guest

Heather Irobunda

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Dr. Heather Irobunda is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist currently practicing at NYC Health and Hospitals. Heather serves as the Medical Director for We Are Robyn, a service to connect new parents with specialists to find support for their unique parenthood journeys, and also serves as the Maternal Health advisor for Peloton, helping plan fitness content for pregnant and postpartum people.

This episode was inspired by the hundreds of conversations I’ve had over the years about uncomfortable gynecologic visits. I wanted to talk to an OB-GYN about ways to feel more comfortable and safe at these appointments. When you’ve listened, come find me on Instagram (@NicoleMJardim) – I’d love to hear your takeaways.

In this episode, we talk about how you can get to know your body, taking control of your OB-GYN visits, how to advocate for yourself, why you should be selective when choosing your OB-GYN, the systemic issues that perpetuate a lower standard of care for Black and brown people, and so much more!

Highlights

  • How the pandemic has impacted our collective menstrual cycles
  • The most common reasons patients visit their OB-GYN
  • Our counterproductive obsession with being super “clean”
  • Factors that change the smell of your vagina
  • Dr. Irobunda’s tips for keeping your vagina healthy
  • Figuring out what your body is telling you
  • The surprising impact of your partner’s microbiome
  • Our fears around OB-GYN visits
  • What Dr. Irobunda wants you to know before your next OB-GYN visit
  • Communicating with your provider about anxiety or trauma
  • Dismantling problematic power dynamics with your healthcare providers
  • Choosing the right OB-GYN
  • Healthcare disparities experienced by Black people and people of color
  • Systemic racism issues within the medical field
  • The importance of advocating for yourself
  • Dr. Irobunda’s work in patient advocacy and improving patient experiences
  • Dr. Irobunda’s experience with racism and sexism both as a patient and in medical school

Resources

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Bonuses Include: The Fix Your Period Workbook to Use Alongside the Book
The Fix Your Period Toolkit includes a series of handouts on vaginal steaming, how to use CBD for your menstrual cycle problems, seed cycling, how to use castor oil packs to support your period and fertility, and how to live in harmony with your cycle!

Medical Disclaimer
Information in this post and on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. The information is a result of practice experience and research by the author. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always speak with your physician or another healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate disclosure.