Cradle and All

It's true what they say, - moms know their kids inside and out. This couldn't be more true of Christine's experience with her youngest son's health. In this episode, Christine shares how through observation, persistence and mothers intuition she was able to get Dakota medical care for subtly disguised medical conditions. Thank you for listening, and come back every other Sunday for new episodes. Follow the podcast to get notified when new episodes drop. Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, leave a review. Spread the word about us to your friends, family, and mom tribe.  And follow us on Instagram @thecradleandall for up to date content.  

This week while we are on summer vacation,  catch up on all our podcast episodes. We have re-released one of our very first episodes... All about our birth stories. This episode, we talk all about our different birth stories. With four kiddos between the two of us, we had VERY different labor and delivery experiences - from inductions and scheduled C-sections to VBAC and unplanned complications. Listen as we discuss ways to prepare for delivery but also how to prepare for the unexpected.We love connecting with other mamas about their pregnancies, births, and parenting experiences. If you are interested in being on the podcast or providing topic ideas, message us at thecradleandall@gmail.com or DM us on IG @thecradleandall.As always, please don't forget to subscribe and write a review.  Thank you for listening!

The average person spends about 26 years asleep. But as a parent to a newborn, infant or toddler, it can sleep like you're years behind on your sleep quota. In today's episode, we connect with Ensley Nesbitt, sleep consultant and co-owner of Sleep Baby Consulting. She answers our questions about sleep and how to get more of it while providing practical tips, techniques and the reassurance you need to know that you've got this! After listening today, you will be well on your way to a restful night's sleep. Our tips for tired parents discussion includes: The Building Blocks of SleepSleep HygieneResourceshttps://www.sleepbabyconsulting.com/@sleepbabyconsultingThank you for listening, and come back every other Sunday for new episodes. Follow the podcast to get notified when new episodes drop. Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, leave a review. Spread the word about us to your friends, family, and mom tribe.  And follow us on Instagram @thecradleandall for up to date content.  

Start your engines; it's time for the nightly race from dinner to bedtime. Get ready.. get set.. GO!  In this episode, we share evening routines used with our children and explain tips and tricks to make this time less chaotic and more enjoyable for everyone involved.Join us as we tackle some key ways to better manage the nighttime marathon, including: Ways to keep the kids entertained while we handle evening responsibilities, like cooking and cleaningHow to wind the kids down before bedTips for juggling two or more kids at bedtimeImportance of prioritizing self-care among the chaosBalancing flexibility vs strict routinesThank you for listening, and come back every other Sunday for new episodes. Follow the podcast to get notified when new episodes drop. Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, leave a review. Spread the word about us to your friends, family, and mom tribe.  And follow us on Instagram @thecradleandall for up to date content.  

We all have dreams and aspirations, but how do we achieve the life we want? This week, we discuss just that. Join us as we share the evolution and journey of our professional careers and how we balance being a mom, mompreneurs and career women.  We share our tips on how to create and live the life you want!Thank you for listening, and come back every other Sunday for new episodes. Subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes drop. Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, leave a review. Spread the word about us to your friends, family, and mom tribe.  And follow us on Instagram @thecradleandall for up to date content.  

As moms, we have a lot on our plates.  Well, go ahead and add "keeping kids entertained" to your to do list.  For infants, it may be tummy time and block toys. And for toddlers, it could be dolls and cars.  Whatever the choice, we are often trying to find things that are both educational and will keep our children occupied. This week, we discuss the various ways they keep our kids playing and happy. Listen in as we talk about easy tips for keeping the kids busy whether at home or out of the house. We also talk about how we manage screen time - which may be different than you think.If you enjoyed today's episode, leave a review! We would love to hear what you think.  Please  share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to like and subscribe.Thank you for listening!

As a continuation of the last episode, this week Renita describes her NICU experience with her youngest son, Russell. Hear all about the ups, downs, and myriad of emotions she experienced during this two month period. She also details her top tips for being a NICU mom warrior. Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to like and subscribe.Thank you for listening!

When Renita was pregnant with her second son, Russell, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia. In today's episode, she chronicles her experience with the condition and shares her personal  journey with preeclampsia and related side effects. This episode is being released during Black Maternal Health week. In recognition of this week and in efforts to broaden the conversation on this important issue, our conversation addresses the disparities that black women face compared to non-black women. Renita discusses ways to advocate for yourself during pregnancy and also ways that healthcare providers can work to improve health outcomes for all women.Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to like and subscribe.Thank you for listening!

One of the many mom talents that strengthen over time is the ability to party plan for our kid's birthday parties. All moms envision providing their little ones with the most entertaining, exciting, and memorable birthday they've ever experienced. Yet, planning can come with a lot of self-induced pressure and anxiety. In this episode, we discuss our experience party planning and share advice on how to make party planning enjoyable and stress free. Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to like and subscribe.Thank you for listening!

We're back for season three! During our hiatus we experienced some personal challenges and incredible growth. In this episode, we discuss what we've been up to and how we have been prioritizing our mental health. Resources:Calm AppI Am appSilk and Saunder Guided JournalThought DiaryTherapyforblackgirls.comPsychology Todayhttps://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statisticsDo you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to like and subscribe.Thank you for listening!

The two week wait. Conception myths. How to accurately track your cycle. This week, we discuss all things TTC (trying to conceive). We share and compare our experiences getting pregnant, and Renita puts on her OBGYN hat  to reveal truths that can help lead to an informed and stress free conception experience.   If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe. Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.  Thank you for listening!

So many things can change after having children - your body, your time, your money. With that change can come a loss of the identity you had prior to having kids. This week, we're talking about our personal experiences redefining ourselves after having babies. Join us as we talk about what has changed and the lessons we have learned.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe. Thank you for listening!

We don't know about you, but we haven't discovered a handbook that gives us all the answers about parenting our children. Until that book arrives, we're on our own to figure things out! In this episode we discuss our learned and experienced parenting styles as well as our approaches to disciplining our kids. Listen as we discuss how we try to prepare our little ones to be awesome and well behaved little people. References:https://parentingscience.com/parenting-styles/ https://www.verywellfamily.com/types-of-child-discipline-1095064  Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com. If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe. Thank you for listening!

You may have previously recovered from the delivery of a baby or are preparing to go through this.  So you may have questions about what is normal and what is not. Have you ever been referred to a pelvic floor physical therapist? Or have you been curious about them?In today's episode, you will hear from Dr. Jessica Thompson, a pelvic floor physical therapist. She shares why a visit to a pelvic floor PT can benefit ALL women - in pregnancy, postpartum, and even without having had a child. Join us for a great conversation!Reach out to Dr. Jessica Thompson:IG: @drjt_thepelvicptWebsite: www.generationalhealthptandwellness.com/Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com. If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe. Thank you for listening!

Traveling with your kids may not be a walk in the park, but it's never too early to start traveling with your little ones. Especially when you prepare. This week, we talk about our experience traveling with our infant and toddler aged children and the tips we've picked up along the way. Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe. Thank you for listening!

We're back for season two!! We're kicking things off with a guest. During this conversation, we hear from Samantha Griffin, a certified birth doula, postpartum doula, and childbirth educator. Join us as she discusses the practice of being a doula and how she advocates for an supports mothers to usher a new life into the world.If you're in the DC area, you can check out her services: http://www.dcmetromaternity.com/Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.Thank you for listening!

From nursing to sleeping through and transitioning from crawling to walking, you've mastered the first year of life. the night. Toddlerhood comes with new experiences and new challenges. One of those challenges is potty training. This week, join us as we discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of potty training. We talk about our personal experience and give tips on how to make this stage less stressful and hopefully less messy.Do you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.

 Pregnancy is a very exciting time that is filled with both physical and emotional changes. However, new worries about your changing body and safety of your growing baby can lead to a new sense of vulnerability, whether it's your first or last pregnancy. These fears can be especially heightened with the frightening reality that Black women are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications.April 11-17 represents Black Maternal Health Week. In recognition of this week and in efforts to broaden the conversation on this important issue, Renita talks about the realities of black maternal health disparities in the US. She discusses ways to advocate for yourself during pregnancy and also ways that healthcare providers can work to improve health outcomes for all women. Resources:Black Mamas Matter Alliance  –  https://blackmamasmatter.org/bmhw/4Kira4Moms – https://4kira4moms.com/White House's Proclamation on Black Maternal Health Week - https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/04/08/a-proclamation-on-black-maternal-health-week-2022/CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.htmlDo you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.

Even though we moms have the magic touch when it comes to making our little ones feel comforted when they aren't feeling well, it can be tough on us when our kids feel sick. Especially when we may not know how severe their illness is, how to treat it at home and when to seek professional help. This week, we are joined by board certified pediatrician Dr. Shayna Smith who answers our questions about sick kids. Phones down and pens out because you're going to want to take notes!Resources:Get to know Dr. Shanyna Smith: @flourishpeds@plantbasedkidsmd Do you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.

You've had one baby. You mastered feeding, bedtime, and tantrums. Should be easy the second time, right? Going from one to two kids is not always so straight-forward. This week we talk about our experiences going from one to two children. From preparing our first born for a new addition to managing double the responsibilities, join us as we give tips on adding a new addition to the crew.Resources:Radio Flyer Stroller WagonGraco Double StrollerDo you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.

This week, we are very excited to welcome our first guests to the podcasts. Host of the podcast Mocha Single Mothers by Choice, Hera and Aisha, joined us to discuss motherhood from their perspective. Listen to hear about the SMC movement, tips on balancing motherhood with other aspects of life, and ways to support all mammas. Whether you are a mother, mother-to-be, or considering motherhood, you WON'T want to miss this!Want to hear more about the Single Mother By Choice movement? Check out more from Hera and Aisha on their podcast, Mocha Single Mothers By Choice (SMCs). You can also follow them on Instagram @mochasmc.Do you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.

Written planners, to-do lists, time-blocking… we mamas have a lot on our plate with many different ways of managing our time. This week, we discuss techniques that we use to find balance in our busy lives. Join us as we provide tips to make time management a little easier for you!Do you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.

Though miscarriage is not widely discussed, 1 in 4 women will experience a miscarriage in their lifetime. This week, Christine shares her experience with a first trimester pregnancy loss.  Renita discusses miscarriage from a medical perspective in a new segment called Ask Dr. White.**Trigger Warning: This episode discusses a topic that can be difficult or triggering from some. Please be advised. **If you have suffered a miscarriage or pregnancy loss of any kind, please consider the following resources:Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss SupportThe Miscarriage AssociationHelping After Neonatal Death (HAND)Do you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.

For working moms, returning to work after maternity leave can be an emotional and scary transition. This week, we talk about our experiences heading back to work after our maternity leaves and how it was different for each of our pregnancies. Join us as we give tips to make your transition back to work a little smoother.Do you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.

When you think of the holidays, you may think of family, festivities, and fun. However, it can also be filled with a never-ending list of errands, an overflowing calendar of events, and budding family tensions.  This week, we're talking all about the holidays! Listen as we touch on the following topics:Family TraditionsAdjusting  routines during the holidaysHoliday themed activities for our kidsBalancing busy schedules and to-do listsManaging family expectationsStress-reducing techniquesGift giving Happy holidays!!!Do you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.

Teamwork makes the dream work when it comes to raising children. So, this week, we talk about the relationship with our spouses and how our dynamic evolved once children came into the picture. Mentioned in the episode:The Five Love Languages: The secret to love that lasts (by Gary Chapman)     - Words of Affirmation     - Physical Touch     - Receiving Gifts     - Quality Time     - Acts of ServiceDo you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.Thank you for listening!

First comes love, then comes the positive pregnancy test, and then comes... the nausea, back aches, sore breasts, and frequent bathroom trips. This week, we celebrate the vessel that is the "mom bod" and recognize all the many sensations and changes that women experience during pregnancy. Do you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.Thank you for listening!

This week, we take a look at all things postpartum moods. It's time to shed light on the feelings and internal olympics that moms face once that little one comes on the scene. From self-doubt and frustration to FOMO and depression, we discuss our experiences and get real when it comes to ALL the feels that can come with having a new baby. Helpful Resources:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Find a therapist at www.therapyforblackgirls.com  or www.betterhelp.comMeditation App: Calm (www.calm.com) or Headspace (www.headspace.com)Do you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.Thank you for listening!

Ever wonder when to begin sleep training? What sleep aid options are there for your little one? And, what's the Ferber method? This week, we talk all about infant sleep and our trials and tribulations in the infant sleep process.This episode addresses various topics on sleep in the infant period. While we highlight our experience, it is important to keep in mind the recommendations for safe sleep by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Always put baby to bed on his/her backNo other objects in crib except babyAvoid having baby in bed with youDress baby to avoid getting too hotCheck out https://patiented.solutions.aap.org/handout.aspx?gbosid=15654 for more of recommendations on safe infant sleep and ways to avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)Baby Spark sleep course- https://babysparks.com/ Dr. Harvey Karp's 5 S's for Soothing Babies - https://www.happiestbaby.com/blogs/baby/the-5-s-s-for-soothing-babiesCry it out method - https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/crying-it-out.aspxFerber method - https://www.thebump.com/a/ferber-methodDo you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.Thank you for listening!

This episode, we talk all about our different birth stories. With four kiddos between the two of us, we had VERY different labor and delivery experiences - from inductions and scheduled C-sections to VBAC and unplanned complications. Listen as we discuss ways to prepare for delivery but also how to prepare for the unexpected.Do you have a question, story, or piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation?  Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.Thank you for listening!

Welcome to the first episode of Cradle & All! We kick things off with a topic that all mamas know very well... feeding littles. This week, we discuss the rollercoaster that is feeding newborns and infants. From that first latch to breast changes, the last bottle, and everything in between. Do you have a question, a story, or a piece of advice that you would like to add to the conversation? Contact us at thecradleandall@gmail.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, follow us on Instagram (@thecradleandall) and share with your friends, family, and mom tribe. And, remember to subscribe.Thank you for listening!

Being a mom is one of the most rewarding things of your life. But when you're knee-deep in dirty diapers and toddler tantrums, it can be emotionally draining and physically exhausting. Sisters Christine Baines and Renita White experienced pregnancy together (twice!) and are here to talk about the real deal of balancing motherhood, relationships, and wellness while raising little ones. Join obstetrician Renita and educator Christine for bi-weekly conversations, where they share stories from pregnancy, motherhood, and offer tips from moms who've been there. If you've found yourself down the rabbit hole of late night Google searches for all the answers, look no further. These sisters are ready to talk, cradle and all.