The Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, effective communication can be the difference between life and death. Yet, many healthcare professionals find themselves in environments where speaking up feels risky. In this post, we will explore the findings from the article "Silence Kills 2.0" and why it’s crucial for healthcare professionals to engage in open dialogue. We’ll also discuss actionable insights that can improve communication in your workplace.

Article referenced: Joseph Grenny, Vicki Good, Ramón Lavandero, Elizabeth Scruth; Silence Kills 2.0: How Communication Failures Stifle Innovation and Harm Patients. Am J Crit Care 1 May 2026; 35 (3): 182–190. doi: ht...

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Martin, Julie Arafeh, and Suzanne McMurtry Baird share their recent healthcare experiences, insights into emergency department chaos, and the importance of system improvements. They also introduce their fun segment of two truths and a lie, and discuss the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and patients alike. This episode features a detailed discussion on crisis management, leadership, and healthcare communication, illustrated through real-life scenarios and expert insights. It emphasizes the importance of calm, strategic thinking, and compassionate care in high-pressure situations.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their...

*** Learn how the TALK tool enhances team communication in critical care settings. Discover its benefits, implementation strategies, and key takeaways for healthcare professionals.

Article referenced: Iago Enjo-Perez, Cristina Diaz-Navarro, Esther Leon-Castelao, Miquel Sanz-Moncusí, Inma Carmona-Delgado, Javier Pérez-Dueñas, Rocío Ponce-Muñoz, Sara Fernandez-Mendez, Jose-Ramón Alonso-Viladot, Jose María Nicolàs-Arfelis, Pedro Castro; Use of the TALK Tool for Interprofessional Team Self-Debrief During Everyday Opportunities for Learning in Critical Care. Am J Crit Care 1 May 2026; 35 (3): 171–181. doi: https://doi.org/10.4037/ajcc2026814

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experie...

# Understanding Amniotic Fluid Embolism: Key Insights and Management Strategies

Learn about amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), its diagnosis, and management strategies. Essential for healthcare providers dealing with maternal emergencies.

In this blog post, we delve into the complexities of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a rare but critical condition that can occur during or after labor. As healthcare professionals, understanding AFE is crucial, given its potential to cause rapid maternal deterioration. We will explore its diagnostic criteria, management strategies, and why effective communication within the healthcare team is vital.

## What is Amniotic Fluid Embolism?
...

In the world of healthcare, documentation is more than just a routine task—it's a crucial aspect of patient care that can have significant legal implications. Have you ever considered how your notes could be interpreted in a court of law? In this post, we’ll explore essential tips for effective medical documentation and why it matters for both patient care and legal protection.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Mart...

Navigating the Challenges of Free Birth: Insights from the Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast

** Discover the complexities of free birth and the challenges faced in emergency settings. Learn from experts in maternal-fetal medicine about patient care without medical intervention.

Opening
Many expectant mothers are opting for free birth—a choice that has gained traction despite the risks involved. In this post, we'll explore the insights shared by Dr. Stephanie Martin and nursing director Suzanne McMurtry Baird in their podcast about the challenges healthcare providers face when dealing with such patients. By understanding these dynamics, you ca...

In today’s episode, we dive into the world of birth plans with Jen Hamilton, an OB nurse and soon-to-be author of *Birth Vibes*. She shares her journey from the ED to OB, revealing the challenges of navigating patients’ expectations in labor and delivery.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in c...

### Key Takeaways

- Policies must be easily accessible to all healthcare providers.  
- Understanding the difference between policies, guidelines, and protocols is crucial for effective patient care.  
- Ongoing training and communication are necessary for ensuring that clinical staff can effectively implement policies.

#Nursing #Healthcare #ClinicalGuidelines #PatientCare #Obstetrics

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics an...

Having a pregnant patient arrive to an adult ED after minor trauma presents several challenges for care teams. Maternal and fetal assessment with communication between the adult ED and OB teams is needed. In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Martin and Dr. Suzanne McMurtry Baird discuss these issues.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with...

Did you know that the presence of a stethoscope on every caregiver is a huge green flag? 🎧 In our latest episode, we discuss how visible engagement in patient care can transform outcomes!

When every team member prioritizes assessment, we create a culture of safety and awareness. How can we encourage more hands-on assessments in your workplace? Let’s chat! 💬

#NursingAssessment #GreenFlags #PatientSafety #HealthcareTalk #ClinicalPractice #Empowerment #NurseLife #TeamCare #CriticalCare

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for thes...

The insights shared in this podcast episode underscore the importance of vigilance in healthcare settings. Recognizing red flags—whether they pertain to patient care, workplace culture, or system processes—can significantly enhance patient safety and care quality. By fostering a culture of awareness and prioritizing structured training methods like simulation, healthcare professionals can work towards creating safer environments for both patients and staff.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr S...

Summary:

In this episode of the Critical Care Obstetrics podcast, the hosts discuss the implications of a 'can-do' culture in healthcare, particularly in obstetrics. They explore how this attitude can lead to workarounds that, while initially well-intentioned, can negatively impact patient safety and staff well-being. The conversation delves into the importance of leadership in addressing these issues, the need for standardized assessments, and the dangers of normalizing deviations from best practices. The hosts emphasize the significance of clear roles during emergencies and the impact of burnout on healthcare professionals. They conclude with a call to action for...

In this episode of the Critical Care Obstetrics podcast, Dr. Stephanie Martin and her colleagues discuss the concept of 'Can-Do Culture' in healthcare, particularly in obstetrics. They explore personal stories that illustrate the challenges and consequences of this mindset, especially regarding patient safety and staffing issues. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the scope of service, the impact of a can-do attitude on patient outcomes, and the need for structured processes in healthcare settings. They also highlight the role of simulation as a tool for improving efficiency and problem-solving in clinical practice. The episode concludes with a call...

The conversation also addresses the moral distress clinicians experience when a mother dies.

This episode is for anyone who cares for pregnant or postpartum patients and wants to be better prepared—not just clinically, but emotionally and ethically—when the unthinkable happens. It is a reminder that even when we cannot save a life, how we care still matters profoundly.

#MaternalMortality #MaternalHealth #MaternalDeath #PreventableDeaths #MaternalSafety #Postpartum #HighRiskPregnancy #MaternalHealthCrisis #HealthEquity #PerinatalCare #OBGYN

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges enco...

In this episode of the Critical Care Obstetrics podcast, Dr. Stephanie Martin and Suzanne Baird discuss the sensitive and critical topic of maternal mortality. They share a case study of a young mother with chronic hypertension, exploring the clinical challenges and management decisions that led to her tragic outcome. The conversation delves into the importance of communication, support for families, and the need for healthcare professionals to address maternal death openly. They also highlight the alarming statistics surrounding maternal mortality in the U.S. and share personal experiences that underscore the emotional toll on healthcare providers. The episode aims...

In this episode of the Critical Care Obstetrics podcast, Dr. Stephanie Martin and Julie Arafey discuss a complex case involving a pregnant patient who experiences respiratory compromise leading to cardiac arrest. They explore the challenges in assessment, admission, and management of high-risk obstetric patients, emphasizing the importance of communication, monitoring, and emergency protocols. The conversation highlights the need for preparedness in handling obstetric emergencies, including the critical timing of resuscitative cesareans, and the necessity of training healthcare teams to respond effectively in such situations.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades...

In this episode of the Critical Care Obstetrics podcast, Julie Arafeh discusses the significance of interprofessional training in simulation sessions for healthcare teams, particularly in obstetrics. She emphasizes the necessity of including all team members in training to enhance collaboration and patient care. The conversation covers barriers to participation, incentives for physicians, the importance of confidentiality, and strategies for engaging multiple departments in simulation training. Julie provides practical tips for simulation instructors and encourages physicians to voice their needs to improve their training experience.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Critical Care Obstetrics podcast, Dr. Courtney Martin discusses her role as an OB hospitalist and the evolving landscape of obstetric care. She emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in maternal safety, the impact of wellness bias on patient care, and the need for strong team dynamics in healthcare settings. Dr. Martin also addresses the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the necessity for hospitalists to advocate for standardized care while maintaining patient autonomy. The conversation highlights the critical role of OB hospitalists in improving outcomes for mothers and babies alike.

...

In this episode of the Critical Care Obstetrics podcast, Julie Arafeh discusses the significance of deliberate practice and team skills in managing high-risk obstetric emergencies. She emphasizes the importance of simulation training to enhance team performance, communication, and role delegation, ultimately aiming to reduce preventable maternal mortality. The conversation explores how to effectively implement deliberate practice in obstetrics, the role of checklists, and the value of video analysis in improving team dynamics during simulations.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss...

Summary:

In this episode of the Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast, hosts Stephanie Martin, Julie Arafey, and Suzanne McMurtry Baird discuss their pet peeves in obstetrics. The conversation covers issues related to documentation, unnecessary interventions on low-risk patients, and the unrealistic expectations placed on nurses to make medical diagnoses. The hosts share their frustrations with electronic medical records (EMR) and advocate for a more streamlined approach to patient care that respects the natural processes of labor and the roles of healthcare professionals.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades...

In this episode of the Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast, hosts Stephanie Martin, Julie Arafeh, and Suzanne McMurtry Baird discuss Suzanne's pet peeves in obstetrics. The conversation covers issues related to documentation, unnecessary interventions on low-risk patients, and the unrealistic expectations placed on nurses to make medical diagnoses. Suzanne shares her frustrations with electronic medical records (EMR) and advocates for a more streamlined approach to patient care that respects the natural processes of labor and the roles of healthcare professionals.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill...

In this episode of the Critical Care Obstetrics podcast, hosts Stephanie Martin, Julie Arafeh, and Suzanne McMurtry Baird discuss their pet peeves related to healthcare and critical care obstetrics. They emphasize the importance of accurate vital signs, the challenges posed by technology in simulation training, and the need for effective communication in emergency situations. The conversation also touches on the role of moulage in enhancing realism during simulations and the significance of engaging physicians in training. Overall, the episode highlights the critical aspects of training and teamwork in obstetric care.

00:00 Introduction to Pet Peeves in Critical Care...

In this episode, Stephanie Martin and Suzanne McMurtry Baird speak with Nicolette Lewis, a labor and delivery nurse who shares her harrowing experience of nearly dying during childbirth due to a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm. Nicolette discusses the critical moments leading up to her emergency C-section, the challenges she faced during recovery, and how this experience has transformed her approach to nursing and patient care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of listening to patients, recognizing signs of distress, and the impact of trauma on both patients and healthcare providers.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in...

In this episode of the Critical Care Obstetrics podcast, hosts Stephanie Martin, Suzanne Baird, and Julie Arafeh discuss a complex case involving a postpartum patient experiencing sepsis. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, adherence to sepsis protocols, and the critical role of nurses in monitoring patient conditions. The conversation highlights the challenges of conflict resolution in healthcare teams and the need for teamwork and collaboration. The hosts also share valuable insights from listener feedback and discuss the significance of continuous education in sepsis management. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder of the impact that knowledge and confidence...

Cesarean Delivery: Major Abdominal Surgery

Welcome back to The Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast with hosts Suzanne McMurtry Baird (Nursing Director) and Stephanie Martin (Medical Director) of Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics.

In this episode, we explore why cesarean delivery is not just another routine procedure—but truly a major abdominal surgery. While C-section is the most common surgical procedure performed in U.S. hospitals, its seriousness is often overlooked because of its frequency. We discuss:

In this episode of The Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Martin sits down with Dr. Lexi Hill, an MFM specialist delivering high-risk pregnancy care via Telehealth to rural communities across the country.

They discuss:
✅ The realities of practicing MFM remotely
✅ Gaps in rural obstetric care
✅ What every clinician should know about managing high-risk pregnancies when specialists aren’t on site

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Steph...

In this episode Stephanie and Suzanne discuss acute onset of anxiety in an OB patient. They will also talk about possible pathology of anxiety and the possibility as a warning sign of compromise. 

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics.

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN i...

In this episode, Julie, Suzanne, and Stephanie answer the listeners' questions regarding acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and Cardiomyopathy. These 2 diagnoses can appear with similar symptoms. 

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics.

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for  Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics wi...

In this episode, Julie, Stephanie, and Suzanne answer the listeners question of how to differentiate between signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of an AFE v. a PE

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics.

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for  Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics w...

Julie Arafeh and Dr. Stephanie Martin discuss 3 commonly encountered issues with communication during obstetric emergencies.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics.

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for  Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics with many years of experience caring for critically i...

In this episode Stephanie talks with HeHe Stewart, a Birth Doula aiming to help women avoid birth trauma & prepare for a confident and informed hospital birth. She has her own podcast The Birth Lounge and an active social media presence educating women about all things birth related. We talk about what it takes to become a Doula and the role a Doula can play in high-risk or critical illness situation. She explains challenges she has faced while interacting with the medical team and how she handles them. 

Find her here:

Childbirth Education: h...

Julie, Stephanie and Suzanne address listener questions posted about hypertensive disorders. We address questions about treatment of refractory severe hypertension, medication protocols, use of magnesium and delivery timing questions.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics.

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for  Clinical C...

Julie, Stephanie and Suzanne address listener questions posted about obstetric hemorrhage. We talk about transfusion thresholds, vital signs in hemorrhage, QBL, postpartum monitoring and many other aspects of hemorrhage management and recognition.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics.

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing...

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics.

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for  Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics with many years of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women.

Julie Arafeh, RN, MS is the Simulation Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a l...

In this episode, Julie Arafeh and Suzanne McMurtry Baird discuss scope of services for obstetrics. A scope of services outlines the patients you will care for and those who would be transferred or transported to a higher level of care. This information also drives your training and education programs. 

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine s...

https://professional.heart.org/en/education/role-of-cardiovascular-health-in-maternal-health/#preeclampsia

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics.

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for  Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics w...

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics.

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for  Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics with many years of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women.

Julie Arafeh, RN, MS is the Simulation Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a l...

In this episode, Suzanne and Stephanie talk about how to be prepared and manage an eclamptic patient. We give 3 scenarios of eclampsia to stimulate thought about where and how you would manage.

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics.

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing...

Dr Stephanie Martin talks with Andrea, a patient, survivor of postpartum septic shock and advocate. Hear her incredible story and decide how you would have handled things differently.



https://www.endsepsis.org/about-rory-staunton/

https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/maternal-warning-signs/index.html

https://www.mommasvoices.org/

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and...

In the last vital signs are vital series, Dr. Stephanie Martin and Suzanne McMurtry Baird discuss maternal temperature. Understand the WHY and conditions of hypothermia and hyperthermia. 

The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women.

Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics.

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for  Clinical Concepts in Ob...