375: A Physician’s Journey Through Loss, Birth, and Postpartum with Dr. Phindile Chowa

Mom and Mind

We often mistakenly think physicians are immune to postpartum challenges, but nothing could be further from the truth. Today’s guest shares her story of pregnancy loss, traumatic birth, and intense postpartum difficulties. From feeling shamed and unsupported, therapy helped her find a place of forgiveness and a healthy mental space for herself. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Phindile Chowa is an emergency-trained physician currently practicing in Georgia. She attended the University of Pittsburgh for her undergraduate studies and medical school, completing her residency at Harvard. With several years of experience in a large academic hospital, she swiftly ascended to an administrative role within the emergency department, focusing on enhancing the patient experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she witnessed transformative changes in healthcare delivery, motivating her to redefine her medical practice. Determined to restore dignity to patient care, she established the concierge medical practice, EMCare2U, where she provides personalized healthcare services to individuals and families. With a particular emphasis on postpartum care, she wrote the book What to Expect Next, a postpartum guide to assist mothers planning for a healthy postpartum journey. Dr. Chowa also hosts the podcast, Fourth Trimester Voices, where she creates a platform for meaningful conversations surrounding postpartum challenges, maternal health, and healthcare advocacy. The podcast amplifies the voices of mothers, healthcare professionals, and advocates to share their stories, insights, and support for navigating the postpartum experience.

Show Highlights:

• Dr. Chowa’s path to emergency medicine that began in her childhood
• Her first pregnancy, miscarriage, and the accompanying trauma
• A second pregnancy full of fear and anxiety, which culminated in a traumatic birth and a NICU stay
• Breastfeeding and sleeping issues—and a very challenging first few weeks at home with a newborn
• The postpartum screening test with a low score and no resources to help her
• A difficult night that led to drastic action and an eye-opening conversation with her mother
• Finding therapy, getting help, and learning to take a “me-centered” approach
• Learning forgiveness and finding ways to get more sleep and break down intrusive thoughts
• Helping others with a new post-COVID perspective of medicine
• Transitioning to concierge medicine and personalized care
• Collaborative care and medical advocacy
• What’s normal and NOT normal in postpartum care
• Dr. Chowa’s podcast, Fourth Trimester Voices, to show moms that they are not alone
• The need to fine-tune postpartum care in a comprehensive and holistic way

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Phindile Chowa

Website, Instagram, Facebook (Join the postpartum support group, Beyond the Fourth Trimester.), and Fourth Trimester Voices podcast

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!