Caribbean Birth Stories Chanol Ottley-Allen

Have you ever felt like you just didn't know what was the next step on your journey?  Today's guest, Candace Guppy-Sobion, shares that unforgettable moment when God shared His plan with her.
A fellow Trinbagonian, Candace is well-known for her career endeavors in party and travel planning as director of Candy Coated Experiences, but nothing could have prepared her for her greatest adventure to date.
Interested in connecting with Candace? See her contact details:
Candace Guppy Sobion
Creative Director
Candy Coated Experiences Limited
www.CandyCoatedExperiences.com
For more information on the "Mommy Bag" check out www.theamaishop.com 
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Today’s guest, Korena Darnelle, is a native of one of the most influential island developing states in our region, Barbados.  Korena is a singer, writer, birth and lifestyle photographer and a fellow podcaster.  Korena is one of two Caribbean women I’ve interviewed this season who have so masterfully scripted their experiences of pregnancy and birth.
Listen as she gives us a tease of what's in store in her publication: Gimme a Home Birth: The Birth Story I Didn't Expect.

Hi guys! It’s the second part of Amoy’s story and I can’t wait for you to have a listen.  We hear how giving birth has changed her outlook on life, yes, I promise you, it’s not all a bed of roses. She’s open about her challenges with breastfeeding and not giving up despite not finding the kind of support she would have expected from traditional medicine. 
If you’re a new mom struggling with breastfeeding Amoy gives some invaluable tips on what to look out for even when you seem to be doing all the right things but still experiencing pain. Amoy also describes how she continues to power through emotions of extreme joy with the birth of her son, while experiencing tremendous grief with the loss of her mother.
Interested in working with Amoy, see her details below:
Website: https://wombcareclinic.ca/
Instagram: @wombcareclinic  or @wombhealthstudy
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Welcome back! The format of today’s episode is different in that my guest, Amoy Jacques, is actually pregnant at the time of this recording.  So, for the first time on Caribbean Birth Stories we get to hear from a pregnant woman about her expectations, fears, anxieties just before she gives birth.  In addition, Amoy’s journey to pregnancy was not a smooth one and we both hope her story offers optimism to the listener who may also be having a difficult time trying to conceive.
Interested in working with Amoy, see her details below:
Website: https://wombcareclinic.ca/
Instagram: @wombcareclinic
Email: wombcareinc@gmail.com
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It is with great pleasure I introduce today’s guest, Dr. Shari-Ann James, licensed Psychologist and certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional.  It was vital that I include Dr. James on season 3 because it has become abundantly clear that our mental health as parents, women, mothers, daughters has been stretched compounded by a global pandemic.  Dr. James shares some practical tools that can be used immediately to help calm the storm of our thoughts, I mean she literally demonstrates one mindfulness technique that’s quick and I personally found helpful.
1 in 8 couples experience some fertility challenges, yet many feel quite alone when faced with such a diagnosis. Dr. James talks us through the emotions associated with infertility, one such feeling is that of losing your sense of control, hear how she suggests this particular feeling can be addressed.
We also cover:
What perinatal mental health looks like? Tips for perinatal self-care Creating a space where you can be open and honest with your significant other Considerations for reproductive options, inclusive of third-party reproduction When should someone get help for postpartum anxiety, rage and depression? Have you ever heard of a postpartum plan/checklist? Dr. James delves into this critical tool that can be used as a preventative measure for the 4th Here are a few of her recommended books:
The infertility workbook by Barbara Blitzer
Conquering infertility by Dr. Alice Domar
At a loss by Donna Rothert
Interested in working with Dr. Shari-Ann H. James, see her details below:
Perinatal Wellness & Psychological Services
http://www.perinatalwellness.net
http://thewellnesspod.libsyn.com
http://pinterest.com/drshariannjames
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So much has changed since I recorded this episode. At the time of recording, Kieron Pollard held the prestigious position of Windies T20 and One-day cricket captain.  However, on April 20th 2022, Polly (as he is affectionately called by many West Indian fans) announced his retirement from international cricket.  Well that one hit me for 6! Pun intended
That announcement made my interview with him even more meaningful as we explored the significance of becoming a father and making difficult decisions that impacted his family.
We also discussed contractual obligations vs parental obligations and the impact of setting a positive foundation for his children. 
Polly acknowledges the mammoth task that his wife Jenna has played in his life and that of their children and recognizes that he probably wouldn’t have made such tremendous strides in his career without her support.
Of course, we had a bit of fun “in the nets” to end off. Hope you enjoy
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