In this special Folic Acid Awareness Week episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host and genetic counselor Chris Stallman sits down with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik, PhD—a biomedical scientist, mom, and science communicator better known as @ScienceWhizLiz on Instagram. Together, they unpack the science behind folic acid, its critical role in early pregnancy, and why it's one of the most important (yet misunderstood) nutrients for people of childbearing age.

From real talk on neural tube defect prevention to busting social media myths like "folic acid causes tongue ties" or "MTHFR mutations mean folic acid isn't safe," this episode is packed with science-backed insights and practical guidance for both healthcare providers and future parents alike.

🧠 Key Topics Covered:

• What folic acid is and why it matters for pregnancy

• The difference between folic acid and folate

• When folic acid is most critical (hint: before you know you're pregnant!)

• Myths and misinformation about folic acid—especially on social media

• What the research really says about MTHFR gene mutations

• How to support patients with dietary restrictions or supplement concerns

• Why more folic acid is not always better

👩‍⚕️ Guest Bio:
Dr. Elisabeth Marnik is a biomedical scientist with a PhD from Tufts University and The Jackson Laboratory, where she studied immune system function, autoimmune disease, and vaccine response. She's also a passionate science communicator who makes complex topics clear and relatable for thousands of followers as @ScienceWhizLiz on Instagram.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about folic acid: MotherToBaby Folic Acid Fact Sheet

• Contact a MotherToBaby specialist (free & confidential):

  • Call: 866-626-6847

  • Text: 855-999-3525

  • Chat: MotherToBaby.org

• Follow Dr. Marnik: @ScienceWhizLiz on Instagram

💬 Have a Question or Topic Idea?
We'd love to hear from you! Email us at contactus@mothertobaby.org.

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Show Notes:
In this episode of the MotherToBaby Podcast, host and genetic counselor Chris Stallman welcomes Dr. Emily Caffrey, a certified health physicist at the Health Physics Society and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Together, they dive into one of the most frequently asked topics: how radiation exposure may impact breastfeeding.

Dr. Caffrey explains the difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, details how imaging procedures like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs interact with the body, and addresses concerns around contrast agents and radioactive tracers. The episode also covers what breastfeeding women working around radiation should know, including practical safety tips and case-by-case considerations.

Key Takeaways:

• Diagnostic imaging procedures do not make breast milk radioactive or require stopping breastfeeding

• Some radioactive tracers or therapeutic treatments may require temporary or permanent changes to breastfeeding plans, depending on the specific agent and dose

• Always inform your healthcare provider that you're breastfeeding and ask questions about any upcoming procedures

• Expert help is available—don't rely on internet searches alone

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• MotherToBaby.org

• Health Physics Society

• American College of Radiology Guidelines

• Call 866-626-6847 or text 855-999-3525 to speak with a MotherToBaby specialist

🎧 Subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode!

What do GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® mean for pregnancy, fertility, and breastfeeding? In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host and genetic counselor Chris Stallman welcomes Dr. Christina Han—Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and division director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UCLA, co-director of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Program, and Board Member of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

Dr. Han breaks down current knowledge about GLP-1 receptor agonists and how they may impact people planning to conceive, those who are pregnant, and those breastfeeding. She also discusses considerations for people using these medications to manage type 2 diabetes or for weight loss.

🔹 How might GLP-1s influence fertility in people with PCOS or obesity?
🔹 What if pregnancy occurs while taking one of these medications?
🔹 What does limited research tell us about GLP-1 use during breastfeeding?
🔹 Why preconception planning and personalized care matter more than ever?

This episode offers expert insights and practical discussion for anyone navigating treatment decisions before, during, or after pregnancy.

👉 Learn more and explore evidence-based resources at MotherToBaby.org
📞 Questions? Speak with a specialist at (866) 626-6847 or text (855) 999-3525