In this episode, we explore the inspiring story of Tara — a dedicated birth doula, childbirth educator, IBCLC, and Birth Trauma Resolution Practitioner who traded the bright lights of New York City for the Irish seaside. Living in Galway for almost twenty years, Tara’s journey is a testament to how moving abroad can deepen our understanding of birth, mental health, and holistic support systems. With her rich background in publishing, Women’s Studies, and English Literature, Tara has spent more than a decade helping new parents find the support, information, and confidence they need to navigate pregnancy and parenthood with calm and clarity.

As a volunteer with Cuidiú and a mother of three, Tara’s work is driven by a passion for empowering parents and transforming birth experiences. Her holistic approach—covering emotional well-being, trauma support, and informed decision-making—reminds us that birth support is about more than just the physical; it’s about nurturing the whole person.

Tune in as we discuss:

✨ How Tara’s move from New York to Galway shaped her approach to birth, mental health, and community support

✨ The vital role doulas play in empowering parents during pregnancy and birth

✨ Practical tips for managing pregnancy anxiety

✨ Resources for mental health and trauma healing

✨ The importance of emotional health and decision-making tools like BRAIN in supporting informed choices

Whether you’re an expat, a parent-to-be, or someone passionate about holistic birth care, this episode offers heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on supporting parents across borders.

🎧 Listen now and discover how compassion, resilience, and community are transforming birth experiences worldwide.

ℹ️ Check out the resources mentioned in this episode:

Find a Doula: https://doula.ie

Evidence on Doulas: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

Mental Health & Birth Trauma Supports - Pregnancy and Postnatal

• Perinatal Mental Health Team at your hospital
• Community Mental Health Services
• Therapies that can support birth trauma healing and are available privately and some publicly: Birth Trauma Resolution (BTR) see Birth Trauma Ireland; EMDR Therapy - Therapists in Galway : Therapists in Galway
  https://www.ebtc.ie/emdr-therapy/

Cuidiú Ireland: @cuidiuofficialireland @cuidiuparentsupport

📌 Follow Tara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doulanextdoor.galway

Email: tara@doulanextdoor.ie

Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share!

#BirthSupport #ExpatParenting #HolisticBirth #BirthTrauma #MentalHealthMatters #Doula #NaturalBirth #miscarriage #highriskpregnancy

In this episode, we share the story of Faith — a final-year medical student whose journey crosses oceans, but whose heart has always been rooted in one mission: healing the divides in healthcare. From the classrooms of Canada to the hospitals of Ireland, Faith has carried a vision of a world where no community is forgotten. Her work in HIV stigma, rural medicine, and global immunization is more than research — it’s a call to action. As a co-founder of the African Women Oncology Mentorship Program and a mentor to many, she is building bridges where walls once stood. With compassion as her compass and equity as her goal, Faith reminds us that medicine is not just a career — it’s a promise to fight for every life, everywhere.

Tune in as we discuss:

✨ How Faith’s personal journey from Canada to Ireland shaped her perspective on healthcare and advocacy

✨ The real stories behind systemic health disparities affecting Black communities and what can be done to tackle them

✨ The importance of self-advocacy in healthcare—empowering patients to speak up and seek second opinions

✨ How social media and personal experiences highlighted the urgent need for change in pain management protocols

✨ Faith’s vision for a future where equity, compassion, and patient voice are at the forefront of medicine

Whether you're interested in global health, social justice, or personal growth, this episode offers insights to ignite your passion and empower your voice.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how faith, advocacy, and systemic change are reshaping healthcare around the world.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!
#HealthEquity #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalStudent #Womenshealth #LifeAbroad #studyabroad #ExpatLife

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/jeff-kaale/september-sundown

License code: LVUQME3L4DUFNJ1Z

After a painful heartbreak, South African medical doctor Tessa found herself searching for more than just a fresh start—she was searching for herself. In this soul-stirring episode, she opens up about the unexpected path that led her to Ireland, the emotional weight of leaving home, and the slow, powerful process of rebuilding a life in a new land.

Through laughter, vulnerability, and truth, Tessa reminds us that sometimes the most life-changing journeys begin when everything falls apart.

🎧 Tune in as we discuss:
✨ Healing through heartbreak — how a fresh start in Ireland helped Tessa rediscover herself
✨ The quiet courage of leaving home and beginning again, far from everything familiar
✨ Building community and connection as an international in a new land
✨ Navigating identity shifts, evolving values, and the beauty of unexpected friendships
✨ The emotional highs and lows of working in medicine across two very different health systems

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more expat stories!