Postpartum & Medical Trauma: A Real Conversation with Akira Byas, Fathers Are Breaking Down TOO

Postpartum, Fatherhood, Black Motherhood, Medical Trauma & Community Healing | Akira Bias Interview

What really happens after the baby is born — and why doesn’t anyone talk about it?

In this powerful, eye-opening episode, we sit down with Akira Bias, a postpartum doula, healthcare advocate, and community leader, for a raw, honest conversation about postpartum care, men’s mental health, medical neglect, and the realities Black families face in the healthcare system.

Akira explains what postpartum doulas actually do — from helping new moms sleep, wash dishes, do laundry, cook meals, and support breastfeeding, to being emotional support when partners are overwhelmed or unavailable. She explains how this extra layer of care can reduce postpartum depression and save families from emotional collapse.

We also break down something rarely discussed:
Men experience postpartum depression too.

Akira explains how fathers struggle emotionally when their partner changes hormonally, when they feel criticized, disconnected from the baby, and pressured to “do everything right.” We talk about how babies don’t recognize fathers at first, why skin-to-skin contact is crucial for dads, and why men need postpartum support groups just as much as women do.

Then the conversation turns heartbreaking.

We dive into the real-life case of Adriana Smith, a pregnant nurse in Georgia who went to the hospital complaining of severe headaches, was dismissed by doctors, and later suffered a stroke that left her brain-dead. Because of Georgia’s abortion laws, her family was legally forced to keep her body alive so the fetus could continue growing — turning her into what many called a “human incubator.”

Akira explains:
• How the state took medical power away from the family
• How the baby developed brain fluid in utero
• How the family was buried in medical debt
• How the mother was denied dignity even in death

This leads into a powerful discussion about medical racism, maternal mortality, medical neglect, and why Black women die at higher rates during pregnancy and childbirth.

We also discuss:
• Postpartum psychosis and why women sometimes hurt their children
• Why community — neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers — often notice warning signs first
• Why maternity leave in America is dangerously short
• Why doctors, nurses, doulas, and first responders need therapy
• How trauma builds up inside healthcare workers

Akira also drops scientific gems most people don’t know:
• How men’s sperm health affects pregnancy, placenta development, morning sickness, and miscarriage
• How men’s diet, stress, and alcohol impact fetal development
• Why couples should plan pregnancy like a health investment
• Why genetic testing and prenatal preparation matters

We also touch on:
• Vaccine mandates and public health
• Haitian excellence, culture, and representation
• Black professional spaces and community pride
• Dating in 2025 and why mindset matters
• Akira’s love for books, mentoring, and youth advocacy

This is not just a podcast — it’s a masterclass on motherhood, fatherhood, health, trauma, healing, and Black excellence.

#Postpartum
#BlackMothers
#BlackFathers
#MaternalHealth
#MensMentalHealth
#PostpartumDepression
#MedicalRacism
#BirthJustice
#HealthcareCrisis
#BlackFamilies
#DoulaLife
#BlackPodcast
#WomensHealth
#Fatherhood
#MentalHealthAwareness
#NICU
#MedicalNegligence
#BlackExcellence
#TraumaHealing
#CommunityCare