Ask Dr. Sterling Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Mental Load of Motherhood: Breaking Down the Invisible Work with Erica Djossa Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode, Dr. Sterling sits down with Erica Djossa, registered psychotherapist and founder of Momwell, to unpack the invisible mental load of motherhood. From her personal breakdown-turned-breakthrough after her third postpartum experience to creating an innovative maternal mental health platform, Erica shares insights on why mothers carry so much invisible work and how to create more equitable partnerships.

Key Moments [45 mins]

00:00 - Introduction to the mental load crisis 07:15 - The "laundry mountain" breaking point 15:30 - Gender roles and societal conditioning 22:45 - Partner dynamics and sharing knowledge 32:20 - Raising boys to challenge default patterns 38:45 - Creating sustainable support systems

Connect With Us

Follow Momwell: @momwell
Join Sterling Parents: sterlingparents.com
Submit questions: podcast@sterlingparents.com

Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

Join Dr. Sterling and she dives deep into the science behind nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), affecting over 90% of pregnant people. Drawing from both current research and her personal experience with severe pregnancy nausea, Dr. Sterling breaks down why it happens, what's normal, and most importantly - how to get help when you need it.

Key Moments [45 mins]

00:00 - Introduction and prevalence of NVP 05:30 - The science behind pregnancy nausea 15:45 - Risk factors and genetic components 22:30 - Treatment options and medication safety 35:15 - Nutrition strategies and prenatal vitamins 40:00 - When and how to advocate for yourself

Myth-Busting Quotes

"It's not in your head. There's a reason you feel so terrible - we have the science to prove it." - Dr. Sterling

"We are prescribing too few medications for this and aren't moving people through the treatment algorithm at a fast enough pace." - Dr. Sterling

Connect With Us

Join Sterling Parents Membership
Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcast
Submit questions: podcast@sterlingparents.com

Self-Compassion in Motherhood with Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, Dr. Sterling sits down with Kimberley Quinlan, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD, anxiety, and self-compassion. With her unique background in cognitive behavioral therapy from Oxford and extensive experience treating anxiety disorders, Kimberley shares profound insights on why self-criticism often intensifies in motherhood and how to break free from perfectionism.

Key Moments [45 mins]

00:00 - Introduction to Kimberley Quinlan's expertise 05:30 - The evolutionary roots of self-criticism 12:15 - Why self-compassion is harder in motherhood 18:45 - Breaking free from achievement-based worth 25:30 - Practical self-compassion exercises 35:20 - Modeling self-kindness for our children

Powerful Quotes

"The practice of self-criticism and self-judgment actually has played a role in our evolution... However, now we're not in that threatening environment. We're overusing a strategy that can be helpful in dire situations in everyday life." - Kimberley Quinlan

"Being willing to feel your emotions is actually, it's so simple. But listen... these very simple things of being slightly kinder to yourself and feeling your emotions... can be life changing." - Dr. Sterling

Resources Mentioned

Kimberley's Website & Podcast
Kimberley's Instagram: @youranxietytoolkit
Sterling Parents Membership

Connect With Us

Follow Ask Dr. Sterling: @askdrsterlingpodcast
Join Sterling Parents Membership for expert support
Submit questions: podcast@sterlingparents.com

Preparing for Postpartum: What No One Tells You Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

In this candid mini episode, Dr. Sterling and co-host Claire share their personal stories of being shockingly unprepared for postpartum. After a listener reached out through their new broadcast channel asking how an OB-GYN could be unprepared, Dr. Sterling breaks down the reality of postpartum preparation in 2024 versus her first experience in 2017.

Quick Listen Highlights [25 mins]

00:00 - Introduction and listener question 03:45 - Dr. Sterling's 2017 postpartum experience 08:30 - The Pinterest-perfect nursery trap 12:15 - What actually matters postpartum 16:40 - Physical vs emotional preparation 20:30 - Critical life skills for new parents

Real Talk Takeaways

Why physical prep isn't enough
The mental load no one talks about
How social media has changed postpartum expectations
Why nursery decoration shouldn't be your priority
Essential emotional preparation strategies

What Actually Matters

"Challenging doesn't have to mean terrible. There are ways to prepare ourselves with life skills, but they're not things you can learn at 32 weeks from a blog." - Dr. Sterling

Sterling Parents Tips

Start emotional preparation early in pregnancy
Focus on your bedroom setup over nursery decoration
Build critical life skills before baby arrives
Create a healing, calming space where you'll actually spend time
Invest in support systems over aesthetic items

Connect With Us

Join our Broadcast Channel: @drsterlingobgyn on Instagram
Sterling Parents Membership
Submit your questions: podcast@sterlingparents.com

Fertility Doctor to IVF Patient: An REI's Personal Journey Through Infertility Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

Join Dr. Sterling as she sits down with Dr. Emily Seidler, a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at Boston IVF and Harvard Medical School instructor, who shares her powerful transition from fertility specialist to IVF patient. Learn how her professional expertise shaped her personal fertility journey, including her decision to freeze eggs at age 33 and ultimately use them to conceive her daughter through IVF at age 39.

Key Moments

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Emily Seidler's story 05:30 - The decision to freeze eggs in her early 30s 12:45 - Transitioning from doctor to patient 18:20 - Making the choice to use frozen eggs 25:30 - The IVF transfer process and success 35:40 - Professional insights gained from personal experience

Episode Highlights

"Egg freezing is not an insurance policy, but it's a reassurance policy." - Dr. Emily Seidler

Expert Insights

Dr. Seidler debunks common fertility myths and shares evidence-based approaches to:

Timing of fertility treatments
Genetic testing options
Embryo transfer protocols
Age-related fertility decisions
Managing treatment expectations

Follow Dr. Emily Seidler: @EmilySeidlerMD on Instagram

Connect With Us

Follow Ask Dr. Sterling Podcast: @askdrsterlingpodcast
Join Sterling Parents Membership
Submit your questions: podcast@sterlingparents.com

Top Episode of 2024: Rx for Stress Reduction Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

Enjoy one of our top episodes from 2024!

As someone who is obsessed with finding effective ways to manage stress, it’s time for Dr. Sterling to share her insights and practical tips to help you navigate the stressful periods of trying to conceive, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Co-host, Claire, brings questions from the listeners on the often-debated topic of self-care and how you can possibly incorporate stress reduction into a busy life, leading Dr. Sterling to open up about her own postpartum challenges.

Tune in to a conversation that promises to leave you feeling empowered and ready to tackle your stress head-on.

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The Ask Dr. Sterling podcast is here to tackle your burning questions - the ones you are too nervous to ask your OB. Have a question for Dr. Sterling to answer on the podcast? Send it to podcast@sterlingparents.com!

Follow us at @askdrsterlingpodcast on Instagram & tiktok and check out the only membership designed to reduce the worries & anxieties of pregnancy and postpartum - Sterling Parents Membership

Host: Dr. Sterling, Board Certified ObGyn & Founder of Sterling Parents Membership

Top Episode of 2024: Birth Questions You're Too Afraid to Ask Dec 25, 2024

Show notes

Enjoy the top episode from this season!

Do you have burning questions about birth that you're too embarrassed to ask? In this entertaining & eye opening Q&A episode of the Ask Dr. Sterling Podcast, Dr. Sterling answers the most common (and awkward!) questions she gets about childbirth. From the reality of pooping during labor to whether epidurals really slow things down, Dr. Sterling shares the truth behind these labor myths and more!

Have you ever wondered if you should shave or wax before delivery? Or maybe you’ve heard stories of women having orgasms during childbirth and are curious if that’s actually a thing. What about using a mirror during labor? And what’s the deal with those intense labor shakes? Dr. Sterling covers it all in this no-holds-barred conversation.

Tune in to this episode and get the answers to all those questions you’ve been dying to ask but didn’t know who to turn to!

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Follow us at @askdrsterlingpodcast on Instagram & tiktok and check out the only membership designed to reduce the worries & anxieties of pregnancy and postpartum - Sterling Parents Membership

Host: Dr. Sterling, Board Certified ObGyn & Founder of Sterling Parents Membership

The Myth of Maternal Instinct with Gayane Aramyan, LMFT Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

In this eye-opening episode of Ask Dr. Sterling, Dr. Sterling sits down with licensed perinatal therapist Gayane Aramyan, LMFT, to dismantle the common myth of maternal instinct—that every mom will feel an immediate, overwhelming bond with their baby.

Together, they explore why bonding doesn’t always happen instantly and why it’s normal. From physical recovery and mental health to a baby’s unique temperament, Dr. Sterling and Gayane unpack the complex realities of early motherhood. They also discuss how to stop blaming yourself, reframe unrealistic expectations, and embrace self-compassion during one of life’s biggest transitions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Myth of Maternal Instinct: Why society’s idea of an “instant bond” can be harmful—and what bonding really looks like.
The Factors That Influence Bonding: How recovery, mental health, and even a baby’s temperament impact the early connection.
Reframing Expectations: Practical ways to stop self-blame and embrace the learning curve of motherhood.
When to Seek Support: Tips for identifying when to ask for help and how to access resources for postpartum mental health.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever felt guilt or shame for not feeling an immediate bond with your baby, this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and supported. Dr. Sterling and Gayane provide a compassionate perspective, reminding moms that love and connection take time—and that there’s no “right” way to become a mother.

Resources Mentioned:

Gayane Aramyan, LMFT: Follow Gayane for more perinatal mental health insights.
Sterling Parents Membership: Access tools, expert guidance, and resources to support you in pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Postpartum Support International: (Postpartum.net) Find additional resources and support for postpartum mental health.

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The Ask Dr. Sterling podcast answers the questions you’re too nervous to ask your doctor. Send your questions to podcast@sterlingparents.com or DM us on Instagram @askdrsterlingpodcast.

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and share!

Part 2: Spending the Holidays with Family? Let's Talk Boundaries Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

In part two of our holiday series, Dr. Sterling and Claire tackle the art of setting boundaries during one of the most challenging times of the year. Whether you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, or navigating the postpartum phase, the holidays often bring unsolicited advice, invasive questions, and well-meaning but stressful family dynamics.

Dr. Sterling shares tips on how to set clear, compassionate boundaries while protecting your mental and physical health. From addressing nosy TTC questions to navigating tricky postpartum comments about your weight, this episode is packed with relatable scenarios and empowering advice. Plus, Claire opens up about her own boundary-setting missteps and the lessons learned from those moments.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

TTC and Holiday Pressure: How to respond to invasive questions and unsolicited advice about starting or growing your family.
Postpartum Safety and Boundaries: Why it’s okay to say no to Aunt Nancy's party if it doesn’t feel safe or comfortable.
Weight and Body Image Comments: Dr. Sterling’s advice on shutting down weight commentary with grace (or sass!).
Breaking Free from People-Pleasing: Practical tips for prioritizing your needs and protecting your peace during the holidays.

Why You Should Listen:

If the holidays have you dreading awkward conversations or exhausting family obligations, this episode is for you. Dr. Sterling and Claire bring humor, warmth, and actionable tools to help you navigate the season with confidence and boundaries that truly stick.

Resources Mentioned:

Sterling Parents Membership: Support and resources for TTC, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting.
Join the Broadcast Channel on IG! @drsterlingobgyn

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The Ask Dr. Sterling podcast answers the questions you’re too nervous to ask your doctor. Send your questions to podcast@sterlingparents.com or DM us on Instagram @askdrsterlingpodcast.

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and share!

Part 1: What Moms Really Want for the Holidays Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Ask Dr. Sterling, Dr. Sterling and Claire dive into the realities of motherhood during the holiday season. From the surge of positive pregnancy tests that follow the holidays to the often-overwhelming mental load moms carry this time of year, this episode is packed with relatable moments and practical advice.

Dr. Sterling offers insights into why moms don’t want another vacuum for Christmas (hint: we’re dreaming of sleep and a real break) and shares tips on how to ask for what you really need.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re a mom feeling overwhelmed by holiday stress, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Sterling and Claire bring humor, warmth, and actionable advice to help you reclaim joy and ease during the most wonderful (and chaotic) time of the year.

Connect With Us:

The Ask Dr. Sterling podcast answers the questions you’re too nervous to ask your doctor. Send your questions to podcast@sterlingparents.com or DM us on Instagram @askdrsterlingpodcast.

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and share!