Empowered, knowledgeable, and engaging.
The EngagED Midwife Podcast hopes to engage practicing midwives to enhance their robust knowledge base and elevate their clinical practice.
Cara Busenhart and Missi Stec provide insightful, relevant conversations on midwifery topics that enhance student knowledge and improve confidence for certification while also serving as a review on current topics for the practicing midwife. Tune in for upcoming episodes on substance abuse in pregnancy, caring for the gut, and what is like to be partnered with a midwife.
It’s a Growing, Hormonal, Emotional Kid – No It’s Puberty
In this episode, Cara and Missi get serious about puberty. Join this important conversation about helping adolescent patients and their parents navigate changing bodies, volatile moods, contraception, and body issues.
I Was Just Born – Now What?
In this episode, Cara and Missi dive into care of the newborn in the immediate post-natal period. Every wonder what to say when describing screening tests, blood draws, and procedures? Listen in for some great tips on understanding those first 48 hours post-birth.
The Ins and Outs of the Endocrine System
In this episode, Cara and Missi explore the endocrine system and those primary care topics that can be hard to grasp. They review the top two issues that are seen in the care of women- diabetes and thyroid dysfunction. Join in for this conversation on diagnosis, management, and referral for these important disorders.
Feeling Hot Hot Hot: Menopause and All the Things
In this episode, Cara and Missi dive deep into menopause and all it has to offer. From hot flashes, to menstrual abnormalities, and all thing in between, join the girls for this conversation about understanding physiology and symptomatology while gain insight on providing supportive pharmacologic and non pharmacologic treatments for midlife.
So Many Opinions, So Little Time
In this episode, Cara and Missi break down the many opinions of breast cancer screening including the big three- ACS, USPSTF, and ACOG. Join in to listen to this comprehensive conversation about screening, diagnosis, and consultation of breast complaints across the life span. In loving memory of Chelsea Rust.
Talk the Talk
In this episode, Cara and Missi get serious about how we communicate in our professional lives. Do you feel emotional ? Powerless? Do you hate difficult conversations? Tune in here the girls give all of their successful strategies for communicating effectively in all situations.
All Things Headache
In this episode, Cara and Missi review diagnosis and management of headaches. Wether you work in primary care or pregnancy, join this conversation and learn about types of headache, pharmacologic, and non-pharmacologic strategies for treatment.
The Precepting Dynamic
In this episode, Cara and Missi discuss the dynamic of precepting from the student and preceptor perspective. Precepting is one of the most important aspects of midwifery education and should be a value to both student and midwife. Listen in for tips and tricks to make the most of this important relationship.
When It’s Time to Meet the Placenta
In this episode, Cara and Missi compare and contrast active versus physiologic management of the third stage of labor. Using the evidence as a guide, this conversation will help nurses and providers alike fid their own way to manage third stage and understand the risk factors that may prompt active management.
Does it itch?
In this episode, Cara and Missi discuss the ins and outs of vaginitis. Most midwives can easily treat normal presentation of vaginitis using the CDC recommendations. In this overview, abnormal presentations and treatment for recurrent infections are reviewed and tips and tricks for clinical practice are discussed.
When Worlds Collide: OB Critical Care
In this episode, Cara is joined by her twin sister Diana Bowman, who is a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner. Diana shares her expertise in caring for critically ill patients with us, while Cara highlights the importance of interprofessional collaborative care. Topics include sepsis, respiratory support, and resuscitation.
Jaundice 101
In this episode, Cara and Missi provide an overview of the physiology, diagnosis, and treatment of jaundice. As care providers for babies up to 28 days, it is imperative the midwives understand how to identify jaundice and provide anticipatory guidance to parents of newborns with hyperbilirubinemia. Join in and build your foundational knowledge of management of jaundice with the girls.
Organize Your Life
In this episode, Cara and Missi step away from clinical conversations to talk about what it looks like to prioritize your life and get organized. The girls discuss how to micro-schedule, make effective lists, and establish priorities to help you live a more well rounded life.
Eviction Notice Issued
In this episode, Cara and Missi discuss induction of labor. Everything from bishop score to pharmacology to mechanical ripening, the girls are here for all of it. We recognize that induction of labor is certainly facility dependent, but tune in to listen as the girls give the scoop on getting babies out.
Mama’s Best
In this episode, Cara and Missi are joined by Elizabeth Holbein, RN, IBCLC, for a discussion on breast feeding you won’t want to miss. Elizabeth gives us awesome tips on how to help our patients be successful and how to manage those not so easy complications.
Ouch! My Belly Hurts.
In this episode, Cara and Missi discuss identification and management of the acute abdomen in pregnancy. This conversation specifically focuses on non-obstetrical causes of abdominal pain. Although midwives are not surgeons, good assessment and diagnostic skills are crucial to the timely identification and management of abdominal emergencies.
Defining Scope
In this episode, Cara and Missi explore the concept of scope of practice for midwives in the US. Several factors affect scope including national standards, state boards, and individual facilities. As many states fight for full practice authority, understanding scope is of the utmost importance. Listen in for tips on advocacy, knowing the role, and fighting for practice at the highest level of our training.
Welcome to Study Hall
In this episode, Cara and Missi give their advice for getting down to studying. Everything from how to read, and how to take notes, to how to use your questions banks more efficiently is covered here. Don’t know what kind of learner you are? Listen carefully as the girls tell you how to unlock your own studying potential. We know you can do hard things. Even studying.
To Treat or Not to Treat
In this episode, Cara and Missi discuss the GBS treatment guidelines. Dealing with GBS can be tricky, especially when a patient presents with an unknown status. Tune in to hear a review of all of the algorithms for managing this common diagnosis in labor.
Gettin’ Tricky With It
In this episode, Cara and Missi give you all of the tricks that you might not read about in all of those textbooks. Fun antidotes from nurses, tips from preceptors, and intuition gained from years of practice are all highlighted in this not-so-evidence-based episode.
What’s Blood Got To Do With It
In this episode, Cara and Missi take a deep dive into anemia. Join the girls for a conversation around diagnosis, treatment, and education geared toward patients with anemia.
Finding the Right Fit: Prenatal Genetic Testing
In this episode, Cara and Missi discuss preconception and prenatal genetic testing. Find out the differences between screening and diagnosis and the appropriate tests for each trimester in this information packed session.
When Grief Becomes Purpose
In this episode, Cara and Missi dive into the topic of perinatal loss and support. They are joined by Stacey Gripshover who is a board certified Pysch- Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Through perinatal loss, Stacey, along with her husband Leo, honor their baby Blue by relentlessly pursuing other grieving families in hopes of helping them navigate their grief journey. You won’t want to miss the story of her journey to the goal of providing maternal mental health to women in need.
There’s No Place Like Home
In this episode, Cara and Missi are joined by Belinda Lashea, CNM, MSN and Erin Meyers in an exploration of community birth. Belinda and Erin explain why out of hospital birth is so empowering and how midwives are seen in the community. You won’t want to miss this discussion on midwives in the community and the impact they make.
Psychological Adaptation to Pregnancy
In this episode, Cara and Missi explore the important psychologic tasks of pregnancy. Midwives can provide the best support both physiologically and psychologically during pregnancy. This episodes works through t the major tasks in each trimesters and how midwives can provide support to their patients.
Why Am I So Sad?
In this episode, Cara and Missi review the screening, diagnosis, and treatment for depression in women across the lifespan. Here you will find a review of recommendations, screening tools, and pharmacology that can help you be a light to the people that need you most.
Phone a Friend
In this episode, Cara and Missi talk about mentoring and what it has meant in their careers. The girls give shout outs to important people that have shaped their professional lives and explain formal versus informal mentoring. You don’t want to miss this episode on when to phone a friend.
The Skinny on Obesity in Pregnancy
In this episode, Cara and Missi review the AGOG practice bulletin and recommendations for overweight and obese patients in the antepartum period. We understand that this is a sensitive topic to consider with patients and this episode is meant to serve as a way to start this conversation.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
In this episode, Cara and Missi give you all of the details of their holiday wish list including gifts for students, preceptors, midwives, and all those birth workers we love so much. You won’t want to miss this one.
Update on STI and STD Treatment
In this episode, Cara and Missi are again joined by Amy for a conversation around the new CDC guidelines for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. This quick chat focuses on the main treatment changes that were highlighted in the July 2021 update. Don’t forget to bookmark the webpage and delete that app!
To Bleed or Not to Bleed
In this Episode, Cara and Missi get real about the postpartum period. Everything from breastfeeding, bleeding, and contraception, tune in to hear their advice for patient teaching, anticipatory guidance and what to expect in the postpartum period.
So You Had a Baby
In this Episode, Cara and Missi get real about the postpartum period. Everything from breastfeeding, bleeding, and contraception, tune in to hear their advice for patient teaching, anticipatory guidance and what to expect in the postpartum period.
Get a Job
In this episode, Cara and Missi are joined by Amy Palmer to talk all of the details on getting that first job. Everything from malpractice, to salary, to asking the right questions, students and new midwives won’t want to miss this midwives tell all episode.
All Things Contraception
In this, the last episode of season 2, Cara and Missi start with an overview of the hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal axis as a basis for a comprehensive conversation around contraception. Progesterone only, LARCS, combined methods, and everything in between. Come one, come all. If you need a refresher on contraception, then this is your episode.
#MidwifeLife
In this episode, Cara and Missi get real about the ins and outs of being a midwife. They discuss schedules, balance, and mental health in a candid and open way to help others process their own professional lives. Grab a cup of coffee and join as the girls talk about the #midwifelife.
Stop the Bleed
In this episode, Cara and Missi review the new guidelines for postpartum hemorrhage identification, prevention, and management. Citing the ACOG practice bulletin, the World Health Organization, and the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health, this discussion will bring students and midwives up to date on what is new for clinical practice.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
In this episode, Cara and Missi run through a list of common discomforts of pregnancy with a mind toward midwifery management. Curious about what to take for heartburn or how to help patients deal with hemorrhoids? This episode is for you.
Coming Soon from DeliverED
We have updates on all things Exam Prep. Cara and Missi will talk about new products and opportunities, as well as, some exciting opportunities for Spring 2022.
My Mom is a Midwife
Meet the Busenhart and Stec children. Cara and Missi’s kids dish about what it’s like for their mom to be a midwife. Join us for this fun, sweet, and insightful conversation with Rory, Brooks, Max, and Julia as they talk about life with their moms.
Once a C Section Not Always a C Section
In this episode, Cara and Missi breakdown all thing TOLAC and VBAC. Discussing indications, calculators, and protocols, you won’t want to miss this conversation about how midwives can be instrumental in helping women have successful vaginal deliveries.
What bodies are made for. Physiologic birth with Dr. Sara Edwards
In this episode, Missi is joined by Dr. Sara Edwards for a conversation on physiologic birth, caring for birthing people and supporting during labor.
Married to a Midwife
In this episode, Cara and Missi host Missy and Sarah Furlette-Koski and invite their own partners to join in on a conversation about what it’s like to be married to a midwife. You won’t want to miss this candid talk about partnering with a midwife and how to make it work.
Making Friends with the Gut
In this episode, Cara and Missi are joined by certified nurse-midwife Amanda Treon to discuss the link between the gut and inflammation. Amanda will build on the current research and science to give us tangible ways to help clients struggling with overall wellness.
H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O PCOS
In this episode, Cara and Missi will discuss PCOS- everything from presentation to diagnosis to treatment. Join us to brush up on your knowledge of how to best help our patients manage this multi-factorial diagnosis.
That’s Not Your Story
In this episode, Cara and Missi are joined by their midwife colleague, Mandy, to discuss substance abuse in pregnancy. This thoughtful and insightful conversation will provide listeners with practical tips on the care of women with abuse disorders.
When to Screen and When to Not
In this episode, Cara and Missi will review helpful tools for screening assessments and tests in primary care. Utilizing the United State Preventative Service Taskforce (USPSTF) guidelines, they will walk the student and practicing midwife through the recommendations of when to screen and when to not.
When Making a Baby Feels Like Work
In this episode, Cara and Missi get real about infertility. Describing the history, workup and basic management, they will help provide a foundation of how to care for families experiencing difficulty achieving pregnancy. Additionally, Missi will share her insights regarding her personal journey with infertility and importance of her care team.
The Doctor is IN!
In this episode, Cara and Missi will give their thoughts on terminal degrees in nursing. The discussion will focus on the DNP and the PhD and why those degrees are a good fit for clinicians. A lighthearted conversation that you won’t want to miss about why a doctoral degree can be relevant in advanced practice.
Tachypnea, Tachycardia and Fever….OH MY!
In this episode, Cara and Missi breakdown common symptom clusters that can be prevalent in the care of the newborn. These deviations from normal should be understood by midwives in order to effectively stabilize newborns and employ consultation, collaboration and referral.
There’s An App For That
In this episode, Cara and Missi give you all the tips and tricks for apps in clinical practice. The Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) is broken down for clinicians and students while sharing all their favorite apps.
The Problem with Hypertension
In this episode, Cara and Missi discuss the hallmarks of hypertension in pregnancy including important diagnostic features, testing and midwifery management.
Shine Your Light with Dr. Heather Hines
In this episode, Cara and Missi are joined by their friend and colleague, Dr. Heather Hines for a frank discussion on mindfulness, feeding your midwifery spirit and maintaining mental wellbeing.
Every 28 Days, Just Like a Period
In this episode, Cara and Missi get down to basics and review the menstrual cycle from the HPOA axis all the way to menstrual disorders. Join in this refreshing review of the role the female body plays in reproduction.
Test Taking Strategies
In this episode, Cara and Missi will dish about all things test taking. From what to expect to how to prepare, this episode will help student to focus on what is important when taking their Midwifery certification exam.
An Introduction
In this episode, Missi and Cara will talk about how they conceptualized their company, DeliverED, and how the company has come to be a great solution for certification exam preparation.