Betches Moms

If you're a fan of Betches Moms, we have an exciting announcement: Childproof from Betches Media is available now! Together, hosts Gwenna Laithland and Tori Phantom attempt to figure out the dos, don'ts, and f*ck its of modern parenthood. Check out this sneak peak of the first episode of the podcast, and be sure to come back every Wednesday to hear new episodes. You can download the rest of this episode by searching Childproof wherever you're listening, or follow this link: https://betches.co/momsxchildproof Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordana Abraham and Dr. Naomi Bernstein are back for another special crossover episode of Betches Moms and the Oversharing podcast. This week they're talking about parents who struggle to split the “mental load” equally and what to do when there's an imbalance. They share examples of splitting duties with your partner, as well as examples of the unseen emotional weight that one parent often takes on. Plus, they offer some practical tips for finding balance in the division of labor and sharing the mental load. Finally, they read a listener-submitted No Mom Guilt all about taking a moment away from your kids to look out for yourself. Are children better off if they learn to spend time away from their parents? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special crossover episode with Betches Moms and Oversharing, hosts Jordana Abraham and Dr Naomi Bernstein talk all about parenthood, changing social dynamics, and how long we should wait before exposing kids to social media. From TikTok to Instagram (and everything in between) Naomi shares her experience with setting boundaries, and they explore whether or not it's a losing battle for parents. They also talk about how things have changed since this generation of parents were kids, and what the equivalent of social media used to be. Finally, they read a listener's No Mom Guilt email all about putting your kids in organized sports. Are we living vicariously through our kids, or just trying to give them a chance to have the same experiences we had? Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Boston Children's Hospital. Learn more at bostonchildrens.org/get-answers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Aleen and Brittany have a very special final episode planned. They collected clips from previous episodes that best summarized their biggest mom milestones. They react, reflect and give new and future moms the advice they wish someone would have given them. If you were to give your past self advice, what would it be? To end the show, they read one last “No Mom Guilt” where a new mom was inspired by past No Mom Guilts to take her first vacation away with her friends and had a wonderful time.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Brittany and Aleen share an update about the Betches Moms podcast. Coming back from Labor Day Weekend, Brittany shares how she solo mom'd it for four days and how back to school season is right around the corner - or for a lot of you already here. Then, they read an “Dear Betches Moms” about how a new mom is trying to avoid confrontation with the daycare overfeeding her baby. They end with a “Am I A Mom-ster” where a listener needs to know if she can be upset for people commenting on her baby's weight.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Brittany starts us off by sharing her run in with a rude server and Aleen proudly recalls how chill she was during Mila's first birthday party - we love chill vibes Aleen. Birthday parties and family gatherings spark an impromptu conversation about divorce, how it has affected them personally and how it can affect children. Next, they jump into a speed round of listener questions and end with an email from a listener who recently found out she is pregnant and is asking for advice to navigate that first trimester stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Aleen start off by celebrating Mila's sleep regression finally being over and her new found freedom at the end of the day. Then, they get on the topic of what and when they feed their kids and how they are over having anxiety about when dinner time. Listeners asked practical questions this week about potty training, how to keep your energy up throughout the day, and what their 1 years old's favorite toys are - who knew it would still be the salad spinner. They end on a “Am I A Mom-ster” from a new mom and how she becomes possessive over her baby around her in-laws. While they reassured her that she is not alone, she is being a little bit of a mom-ster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brittany and Aleen bring on their favorite clinical psychologist, Dr. Naomi Bernstein to chat about how a couple's dynamic can change once a kid is thrown into the mix. They start with how a couple can prepare for a baby and Naomi shares some tips she used herself when she became a new mom. But here's the big question - How do you get back into the mood once the baby arrives? Naomi actually recommends prioritizing your partner over your kid, she promises they'll be okay missing one game of pee wee soccer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Brittany and Aleen are back to share their experiences and emotions surrounding leaving their kids at home after much needed time off. Then, they answer popular listener questions about how to balance wearing the “friend” vs. “parent” hat, how long it should take to form a bond with your baby, and how to broach the subject of having more kids with the “non-default” parent. They end with a “Dear Betches Moms” where a listener is becoming defeated in her new mom journey and asks for advice and solidarity for feeling of "you have to do it all”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Brittany starts us off by recapping Oliver's 4th birthday celebrations. Next, they answer some listener's questions surrounding topics that aren't talked about enough. In honor of World Breastfeeding Week (August 1st-7th) they revisit their own personal stories, stressing how important it is for every mom to know that they are doing a great job - sweetie. Then, they read a “Am I A Mom-ster” email where a listener is worried about if she should throw a joint 1st birthday party with her SIL. They end with a “No Mom Guilt” where they reassure a worried mom that you don't have to overdo it with the enrichment activities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleen and Brittany are re-joined by one of their favorite guests, clinical psychologist, author, and CEO of Good Inside, Dr. Becky Kennedy. Dr. Becky starts by outlining the 10 principle problem behaviors in children from her book. She suggests that the way we interact with our kids is the way they interact with themselves - behavior is just a window into a child. Aleen wonders if ‘bad' behavior is inevitable, but Dr.Becky explains that it's more about kids' temperament in relation to the environment. On the flip side, Brittany wonders how to praise ‘good' behavior. Dr. Becky explains that their achievement isn't their identity and neither is their ‘bad' behavior. Ultimately, kids develop the identity their parents reflect back to them: you want to separate their identity on the inside from their actions. The Good Inside approach isn't soft —there's a lot between sending your kid to their room and ‘feel your feelings.'

This week, Brittany celebrates becoming an aunt while Aleen continues to work on getting Mila back on her sleep schedule. Next, they jump right into a listener submitted “No Mom Guilt” where a mom realizes that she doesn't have to be involved in every one of her kid's core memories - and that's okay. Then, Brittany shares a No Mom Guilt/Mom Win of her own, where she puts modern parenting into practice with the help from Kristin Gallant and Deena Margolin from Big Little Feelings (make sure to check out that episode). Lastly, they end with a “Am I A Mom-ster?” email where a listener feels guilty about snapping at her husband and escaping to the gym parking lot for a moment of silence.

This week, Aleen and Brittany start off by revisiting their very stressful week. Brittany, without internet for the past 7 days, shares how she has kept her kids entertained while Aleen has been (literally) counting the minutes for Mila's teeth to grow in and her sleep schedule to resume. Next, they answer some listener questions about their workout plans and give tips and tricks on how to set up a successful birth plan. They end on a “Am I A Mom-ster?” submission where one mom is stressing over the name her MIL has chosen for herself, “Mom-Mom” - which is mom, but twice. (edited) 

This week Brittany and Aleen bring on two highly requested guests, Kristin Gallant and Deena Margolin of Big Little Feelings. They start off by identifying where the idea of “Modern Parenting” began and Deena explains how it is actually rooted in science. Aleen then, asks the big question, “Can I f*ck up my kid?” and they reassure us that no one is perfect and you should just strive to create an environment where your child feels heard. Throughout the entire episode Kristin and Deena give actionable tips to handle the inevitable tantrums and they leave with a word of encouragement that no matter who it is, every mom is learning as they go.

Back from the long holiday weekend, Aleen and Brittany dedicate an episode to answering all of your burning "mom" questions. Aleen starts off by sharing how Mila is now standing and crawling on her own and Brittany comments on how watching your children develop into their own personalities is so exciting. Then, they jump right into the listener's questions about choosing baby names, how big they want their families, and how to decide if being a stay at home mom is right for you. Next, they introduce a new segment called “Trending Mom-ents” and play the popular game of “He's a 10, but…” (He's a 10, but he doesn't listen to Betches Moms). Lastly, they end on a “Am I A Mom-ster” email where a mom is wondering if asking her MIL to take a course on parenting is taking it too far. 

This week, Brittany brings on a very special guest, her husband, Noah Levine to get a dad's perspective on parenting. Brittany starts off by asking how he felt when finding out he would become a dad and Noah shares some of his worries surrounding being a first time parent. Then, they talk about the differences in raising one vs. two children and Noah shares some tips on how dad's can best show up for their family (aka going to HomeDepot). Lastly, they end on an email from a Betches dad asking how to adjust to gentle parenting. Noah and Brittany both share their views on gentle parenting and how important it is to find balance when raising your children.

This week Brittany and Aleen are back to share all the details from Jack's 1st birthday party where they were surrounded by family and friends. They then chat about how they met some of their mom friends and share some tips on how to overcome the hurdle of seeking out a new mom community. But how do you balance your pre and post baby friends? Lastly, they end on a “Am I A Mom-ster” email where this listener is curious if putting her entertainment before her baby's will make her a Mom-ster.

This week, Aleen and Brittany are joined by Bravolebrity Brittany Cartwright (formerly of Vanderpump Rules) to chat about all things mom life and her postpartum journey in the public eye. They start off by recapping Brittany and Jax's experience with parenthood since leaving the show - from the first stressful car ride home, to Cruz's 1st birthday. They talk about the struggles she has experienced since becoming a mom, including how she responded to hateful comments about her pregnancy weight gain, and how maintaining past VPR relationships has been difficult. Finally, she shares a “No Mom Guilt” about balancing her new mom life with her former - and how it's okay to still be “The Shot Queen.”

Aleen and Brittany are back after their Memorial Day weekend to chat about the many different ways your children can have fun in the sun (without having to bring a truck load of activities). They start by sharing some of the tricks they used over the weekend with their own kids as well as some tips submitted by listeners. Aleen then reads an “Am I A Mom-ster” about letting your child decide who they want to interact with and how they want to interact with them. Lastly, Brittany shares her “No Mom Guilt” where she praises Oliver for being an amazing kid, but understands that it's okay to parent him and shouldn't feel too guilty when gentle parenting occasionally goes out the window.

Aleen and Brittany are back for a timely interview with certified infant feeding tech and founder of The Formula Mom, Mallory Whitmore. They discuss the current formula shortage, what is being done about it, and what parents can do to navigate this issue. First, they recap just how we got here and how this shortage started. Mallory gives many helpful tips such as how to safely ship formula, whether you are ordering it from overseas or shipping it to another mom in need. She also offers advice on how to switch between formulas, and what to do if you can't find infant formula. They end on what is being done about the shortage in the near future, and what you can lend your support.

Aleen and Brittany are back this week with a mental health check-in and share how they've been coping with postpartum anxiety and depression since having their babies. They open up about living with PPD/PPA and how their mind set haas changed and what they have been doing to help. Plus, they chat about Aleen's first Mother's Day and what they did to enjoy their holiday with their families. Then, they read a “Am I A Mom-ster” submission, surrounding how to set boundaries with your partner, and a “No Mom Guilt” where a listener shares how they will be taking a much needed and guilt free vacation.

Content Warning: This episode discusses topics of child safety, endangerment, and loss of life - which can be unsettling to some. Please use discretion when listening. This week Aleen and Brittany are joined by the co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, Holly Choi, an expert on infant and toddler-focused safety. Holly starts off by teaching them a new mindset of “Risk vs Hazard'' and how learning the difference will allow moms to look at safety in a new way. Then, they talk about the best ways to babyproof your home inside and out, covering topics like your crib setup, bath time, burn safety, and how you can actually hire a professional “Babyproofer”. Lastly, Holly takes the time to reiterate car seat basics and to remind moms that they don't need the most expensive equipment to keep their children safe.

This week Aleen and Brittany are joined by Speech Sisters, Brooke Dwyer and Bridget Hillsberg to chat about one of the biggest milestones in any child's development, learning how to talk. They start off by covering some of the misconceptions that parents have when their kids are first learning to talk. They reveal that getting your kids to voice their wants and needs first allows them to express their thoughts more effectively than only knowing their ABCs. They teach what imitation or “Parentese” should look and sound like for both you and baby, which is in between baby talk and speaking to your kids like they're 40. Then, they share their thoughts on screen time and how it can be productive, which is actually watching it along with them. Lastly, they give parents the confidence to help get their kid talking by reassuring them that every kid develops at their own pace.

Aleen and Brittany are joined by Jenny Best, founder of Solid Starts, to talk all about introducing solid food to your baby, food safety, and so much more. She starts with some practical tips to avoid choking, including a simple trick for helping your baby learn good habits on their own. Next, Aleen and Brittany ask when you should actually start to introduce solids, and which misconceptions new parents need to unlearn. Jenny explains the kicker, that babies have all the protective mechanisms they need and their bodies are just learning to figure things out. Lastly, she advises that when looking into feeding methods, ones that are extremely rigid should come with a big red flag. She reassures that you do not need to choose one singular approach. There are many right ways to feed your baby, and none should come with a side of stress.

This week, Aleen and Brittany catch us up on recent tonsil surgeries, new allergies, stomach bugs and more. They share their experiences about how they've navigated the stress from when their kids have been sick or needed surgery. Then, they read a “Am I The Mom-ster” submission where they give reassurance that setting healthy boundaries when it comes to a pushy mother-in-law is always allowed. Lastly, they close with Aleen's “No Mom Guilt” and how working through your mom anxieties is all a part of the process.

This week, Brittany is joined by guest co-host Shira Dreksler (Betches' Sr. Director of Talent and Community) to chat with children's book author and mom of two, Charnaie Gordon. Charnaie is here to talk all about navigating conversations around race and diversity with your kids. To start off, Charnaie shares how her love for reading, writing, and literacy led her started her blog and podcast Here Wee Read. They discuss the importance of diverse books, and classic children's books that actually have negative racial stereotypes. Plus, she tells us about her non-profit, 50 States 50 Books, and how you can be a part of giving children more access to diverse and inclusive books. Then they chat about where to even begin with teaching about racism and diversity to children, the right time to start that conversation, and some of the best books to introduce to your kids. Finally, they close with some listener-submitted questions including how to respond to your child's questions about differences and tips for exposing your children to other diversities.

Brittany is back in the studio, and this time she's joined by new mom and star of Bravo's Vanderpump Rules, Lala Kent. They start by telling us just how long it took Lala to actually watch the show (hint: it was more than a few years), what she wants her daughter to learn from seeing her mom on TV, and exactly what the Vanderpump moms group chat is like. Next, Lala describes what it takes to be the nanny to Lala's child. Plus, she shares her scariest moment yet as a mother (it happened at Brittany and Jax's house), how she springs into survival mother mode, and her favorite thing to do with daughter Ocean. Finally, she offers up her number one piece of advice so far as a mother: don't just take any advice that's offered, because it may not be right for you.

Brittany and Aleen are back this week, starting off with a catchup chat about how Aleen turned a vacation that she was anxious about into a really fun experience. Plus, she shares some of her *must-have* travel items, and how the trip turned her into a chiller mom. We also get some updates from Brittany, including what it was like having Noah gone for four days and spending one on one time with Jack and Oliver. Then, they get into a discussion all about feeding, such as introducing solids, and not to mention - Oliver's choking accidents (not once, but three times!). Finally, they wrap the show with a “Go Ask Your Mom” segment about a listener's neighbor losing their cool over her crying baby (so who's in the wrong in this situation?).

Brittany and Aleen are joined by registered dieticians and co-authors of How To Raise an Intuitive Eater, Amee Severson and Sumner Brooks! They dive right into what intuitive eating is, before getting into - the principles of it and the most important things for parents to understand. They also discuss how to navigate "off-limits food," and language to use (and avoid) when talking about food. Plus, they chat about the right time to introduce intuitive eating to your kids, and whether it's actually "too late" to teach intuitive eating. Finally, they close with the importance of ditching the diet mentality, celebrating bodies of all types, and unlearning toxic thoughts and habits.

Brittany and Aleen are joined by Kevin Laferriere and Evan Kyle Berger, AKA The Dumb Dads! They jump right into the start of The Dumb Dads brand, including their podcast and TikTok where they discuss all things fatherhood (and having fun along the way ofc). They talk about what it's like being both stay-at-home dads, and how they balanced responsibilities with their partners. Kevin and Evan share what their idea of fatherhood was at first, and also what's been the most surprising thing about it all. Then, it's time for a *special* twist on "No Mom Guilt," - Kevin and Evan dish out on their No Dad Guilts about a near-potty accident and leaning on screen time when you're just too busy.

This week, Brittany and Aleen are joined by mom-to-be and host of the Big Kid Problems podcast, Sarah Merrill Hall! She's here to talk all about her pregnancy journey thus far, some of the toughest things she's experienced, and how her second trimester has been. She also shares what it was like building her brand, Big Kid Problems, the inspo behind it all, and how that eventually led her to start her pregnancy podcast, Bottle Service. Then, they chat about Sarah's birth plan, her experience with perinatal depression and how she's been dealing with it. Finally, they close with the “Go Ask Your Mom” email, this one about an early mom who is anxious about making early announcements about her pregnancy

This week, Aleen and Brittany are joined by sleep coach and best-selling author of 12 Hours of Sleep By 12 Weeks, Suzy Giordano AKA “The Baby Coach.” They start by learning about Suzy's journey to becoming a sleep coach and she gives us a rundown of the 12x12 method. She shares all the trials and errors she went through when introducing the method and how it actually works. Next, Suzy discusses transitioning from a bassinet to a crib, and her new book Room To Grow. We then read listener questions about all about - what the deal is with dream feeds, legit tips for calming a fussy baby, and Suzy's thoughts on wake windows. Finally, we end the show with a “Go Ask Your Mom” segment - coming from one sleepy mom to another. 

Brittany and Aleen are back, this week to chat all about traveling with kids — is it really as scary as we think?! But first, they start off with how Brittany's recent trip to the Bahamas went, and whether going away with kids actually feels like a vacation. They run through the must-have travel essentials for a baby and toddler, practical tips while flying, and baby gear rentals (yes, those exist). Then they get into listener questions, including going through Covid testing requirements, sleeping schedules, and what to expect with airport security. Finally, they close with a first time listener-submitted “No Mom Guilt,” this one about giving your kids a little bit of extra screen time.

This week Aleen chats with Betches' very own Sr. Manager of People and Community, Keisha Toussaint to talk all about her incredible birth story. To start off, Keisha shares just why she chose an at-home birth and how so much of her decision came from the prejudice Black women face during childbirth and postpartum. She also touches on maternal mortality and the lack of quality care Black women receive from the medical community. Keisha then gets into the whole process: finding the right doula and midwife, knowing which types of questions are a *must* ask, and planning for the unexpected. She shares the crazy details of her water birth, and the unbelievably quick delivery of her son Quincy. After hearing this amazing story of Keisha's birth, they get into some listener questions. They dive into the total cost of birth, whether or not insurance covers home births, and the most helpful pain management tools. The ep comes to a close with a “No Mom Guilt,” all about not feeling bad for taking a break.

This week Aleen and Brittany are joined by Peloton's Head Instructor and VP of Fitness Programming, Robin Arzón—are you as excited as we are?! To kick off the convo, Robin explains her decision to be *the first* instructor in Peloton history to go out on maternity leave. They then chat all about boundary setting, learning to just say no (it's hard, but you can do it), and not feeling guilty for taking a much needed step back. Robin gets into all the details of her return to work and shares some of the expectations and realities of her transition. She also gives some pro-tips on how to get back into moving after having a baby (without losing your mind, ofc). Then it's time for a round of rapid-fire questions and Robin takes you behind the scenes of her Peloton classes. She spills the tea on whether or not she does her own glam, who makes her playlists, and how she decides which workout she's going to do. Then onto "Am I A Mom-ster," all about navigating parenting during COVID (the struggle is real) and dealing with unvaccinated friends and family. The show wraps up with "No Mom Guilt," covering how to prioritize work while letting go of that working-mom guilt—too relatable.

Aleen and Brittany are back with some big updates (although honestly, every week as a mom is big). Aleen talks about what it was like consulting with a sleep coach, why she had to make that decision and everything she's learned so far. Brittany's update is more chaotic — after making the switch from daycare to nanny, her nanny quit! Now she's deep into the new nanny interview process. They then dive into Brittany's parenting journey, including the struggle of gentle parenting, how practicing it feels the opposite of gentle, but that she's also seeing results?! Then on to our fav “Am I A Mom-ster” segment, where Aleen and Brittany are here to help you maneuver your overstepping mother-in-law (won't she just chill?). The episode comes to a close with Aleen's “No Mom Guilt,” because every mom can relate to accidentally overspending and that's okay.

In this week's episode, Aleen and Brittany are joined by IVF, NICU, and surrogacy mom, Ashley Gildin Spitzer. Ashley is here to share all about her bumpy and emotional infertility journey. To start off, Ashley shares her experience with IVF and IUI, eventually making the decision to go through surrogacy, and just how expensive and emotional it can all be. She talks about the moment she realized her first surrogate match was actually not a match, and even taking matters into her own hands to find her own surrogate. Ashley ultimately shares how she ended up with 2 beautiful babies after trying for 4 years, and how her infertility journey led to her to creating on online community called, “Fertility Friends of Friends."

Aleen and Brittany are back this week, starting off with some updates including Brittany's decision to hire a nanny for Jack, Aleen introducing solids to Mila, and Mila's very first giggle. Next, they dive into a discussion all about how their experience has been introducing their dogs to their babies, what they did before their babies' arrivals, and some of the biggest challenges along the way (including the relatable feeling of dog mom guilt). Plus, Brittany shares some pointers she learned from her session with Dog Meets Baby, and some of the strategies she's been practicing at home. Then, a listener writes in to “Go Ask Your Mom” about how to teach a dog the difference between their toys and her baby's toys, and why it's so important to set those boundaries. Finally, Aleen shares a “No Mom Guilt” about shaking the feeling of judgment for not giving Mila more stimulation.

Today, Brittany is joined once again by psychiatrist, author, and founder of Gemma, Dr. Laskhmin. Dr. Lakshmin is back to chat all about postpartum mental health, starting off with a recap of what postpartum depression and anxiety are (and just how common they really are). They also discuss the relatable struggle of getting past the guilt of postpartum depression and why it's time to let go of that that shame. Plus, Dr. Lakshmin shares her thoughts on the fight for paid family leave, and just how much it can actually affect maternal mental health. Then, they get into some listener questions, including breastfeeding while on antidepressants, supporting other moms going through a tough time, and first trimester fears. Finally, Dr. Lakshmin shares some resources for PPD, and why it's so important to never feel ashamed for speaking up.

This week, Aleen and Brittany are back, starting off with a catchup chat about Brittany's quarantine with the kids, and Aleen's Covid scare during the holidays. Next, they dive into a discussion all about Aleen's return to work, catching up to speed, and the relatable feeling of just wanting to relax (don't we all?). They get into a brand new segment called "Go Ask Your Mom" about a listener who wants to know the best way to be there for her sister-in-law after giving birth. Then, it's time for another new segment called "Am I a Mom-ster?,” this one about a mom who thought her in-law crossed the line after refusing to give her 6 month old baby back after being asked repeatedly. So who was in the wrong here? To round off this week's show, Brittany shares a No Mom Guilt about losing her temper with Oliver (not once, but twice) and being gentle with herself afterwards.

This week, Brittany is joined by registered dietician-nutritionist, wellness expert, and founder of Rooted Wellness to chat all about postnatal care and nutrition. They start off with Sarah's journey to becoming a mom of 2 and how she founded Rooted Wellness, a nutrition counseling practice dedicated to maternal and family health. Sarah shares what her personal postnatal journey was like, the lessons she learned along the way, and offers tips on the best foods to eat postpartum (including foods that reduce the risk of PPA and PPD). Plus, they discuss whether or not vegan diets are actually a good choice for kids, how to overcome picky eaters, and easy and quick recipes for kids. Then, they cover what postnatal care coverage looks, before closing with some practical solutions for postpartum self-care.

Aleen and Brittany are joined by Sarah Nicole Landry (aka @thebirdspapaya) to talk about motherhood, body image, and learning to love your body. They first talk about Sarah's jump into the whole world of blogging, her transition from dieting to embracing body positivity, and what that recovery process felt like. They discuss the impact of pregnancy on our bodies and our self-image, how our own body issues can impact our children, and the importance of being vulnerable with our kids. Plus, Sarah shares how she responded to negative comments about her kid's body (and how she unlearn that trauma she also experienced as a kid). Finally, they close with how to create a home where our kids feel supported and practical tips on encouraging positive body talk.