In this episode of Pregnant-ish, host Kristin Williams engages in a heartfelt conversation with Katherine Heimos, PhD, and her mother, Debra, about their experiences with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). They discuss the challenges, emotional toll, and the importance of support systems during pregnancy. Katherine shares her journey of transforming her struggles into advocacy and education for others facing HG, emphasizing the need for understanding and specialized support. The conversation highlights the generational impact of HG and the significance of sharing stories to foster connection and healing.

Takeaways

Katherine and Deborah share their personal experiences with HG. The emotional toll of HG includes feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Support from family is crucial during the challenges of HG. The relentless nature of nausea can be more debilitating than vomiting. Sharing stories of HG can help others feel less alone. The importance of specialized support for HG warriors is emphasized. Building a diverse support system is essential for managing HG. Proactive approaches can help prevent the spiral of HG symptoms. Maternal well-being should be prioritized during and after pregnancy. The journey of advocacy can transform personal struggles into support for others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hyperemesis Gravidarum Advocacy 01:22 Personal Experiences of HG: A Mother and Daughter’s Journey 02:41 Navigating the Challenges of HG During Pregnancy 05:29 The Emotional Toll of Hyperemesis Gravidarum 10:43 The Role of Support Systems in HG 15:59 Understanding the Intergenerational Impact of HG 17:51 The Importance of Sharing Stories and Vulnerability 21:27 Navigating the Challenges of Hyperemesis Gravidarum 25:40 The Role of Support Systems in Overcoming HG 28:55 The Importance of Understanding and Empathy 32:35 Building a Strong Support Network 36:53 Transforming Pain into Purpose 40:11 Introduction to the Journey of Pregnancy 40:12 Support Systems in Early Pregnancy

About Dr. Kathryn Heimos, PhD

Dr. Kathryn Heimos, PhD, is a dedicated HG mentor, advocate, and educator, whose mission stems from both professional training and lived experience with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Through her work, she helps guide pregnant and postpartum individuals affected by this incredibly difficult condition toward health, empowerment, and resilience. You can reach Kathryn on her instagram page @hgmentor or on Linkedin

What She Offers

• Mentorship & Guidance Personalized support for navigating pregnancy and motherhood before, during, and after HG, helping women feel seen, heard, and cared for.

• Educational Advocacy As both an educator and HG survivor, Dr. Heimos brings compassion, authority, and a wealth of knowledge to her advocacy work. 

• Accessible Support Through her Instagram presence, she actively invites people to book free HG mentorship and strategy sessions, fostering community-based care. 

About Materna Healthcare:

Materna Healthcare is a first-of-its-kind medical practice dedicated to early pregnancy care. From preconception through the earliest stages of pregnancy, we provide expert, compassionate, same-day care designed to keep women out of the emergency room and connected to the support they need.

Learn more at www.maternahealthcare.com or reach out at [email protected]. Follow us on instagram @materna_health_ 

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• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/materna.healthcare

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maternahealthcare

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