Melanie Sandoval was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 18 weeks pregnant. Instead of giving up, she launched a nonprofit. Today, this first-generation Mexican-American doula and single mother of three is fighting for South Texas families through Kindred Hearts and Doula Things with Mel. This episode discusses the maternal health crisis (Corpus Christi is down 20+ OBGYNs), men's mental health in Hispanic culture, postpartum mood disorders nobody talks about, trauma-informed birth care for assault survivors, immigration realities under current enforcement, teen pregnancy, birth options beyond hospitals, and why community is the only way forward. Melanie has witnessed 200+ births and shares raw truths about surviving postpartum psychosis, rebuilding after seizures, and creating the support systems South Texas families desperately need.
..
Blog post Here
..
Connect with Melanie:
@meltakesonlife
@doulathingswithmel
@kindredheartstx
..
Support the Corpus Christi Originals
..
Shop Corpus Christi Originals Merch
..
Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns. The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect those of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, its studio, sponsors, or affiliated entities.

• (00:00:00) - Melanie Sandoval on Maternal Health & Building a Community
• (00:09:14) - One Latina's Fight Against Cancer
• (00:13:13) - Mental health and the family
• (00:18:00) - Married Men Talk About Their Issues
• (00:21:29) - Kinder Hearts: A Mother's Network
• (00:26:50) - What's a doula and how they can help you?
• (00:32:27) - Anesthesiologist on Women's Mental Health
• (00:38:32) - Marissa on Trump's immigration plan
• (00:43:12) - The Voice of PPD
• (00:47:21) - How to help a mother with postpartum psychosis
• (00:52:05) - Talking About Having a Baby in the Hospital
• (00:52:33) - What's the Difference Between Midwives and Doulas?
• (00:57:01) - Choosing the right birth plan
• (01:01:20) - Pregnant Women on the Pain of Giving Birth
• (01:02:13) - Domestic doulas in Corpus
• (01:04:57) - Heb or HEB?
• (01:06:01) - The Search for a Doula
• (01:09:03) - Immortal Birth: Induction and other interventions
• (01:12:33) - The Corpus Christi Birth Center
• (01:15:05) - Hemorrhage at Home
• (01:18:02) - Women's Edition