Dear Doula

TW: This episode contains adult content of a sexual nature  As a doula, I've had countless conversations with new parents navigating the complexities of intimacy after childbirth. Whether it's regaining libido, feeling physically or emotionally more comfortable having sex, or adjusting to the significant hormonal shifts postpartum, there's a lot tied into it. This week, I'm joined by one of the best people in the business to help me unpack these issues: somatic sex educator Kiana Reeves. Our conversation highlights the importance of patience, understanding, and open communication in postpartum intimacy and Kiana encourages us to prioritize self-care, redefine intimacy, and seek professional support when needed. As the chief education officer for sexual wellness brand Foria®, we also get to hear her top product recommendations for enhancing intimacy after childbirth! References Visit the Foria® website  (Use discount code “DearDoula” for 20% off all Foria® products!) Follow Foria® on Instagram   Connect with Kiana: Follow her on Instagram Visit her website   Steamy Chick Institute Ellen Heed Tami Lynn Ken Kimberly Ann Johnson   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode! Audio Stamps 01:27 - Brandi's guest, Somatic Sex Educator Kiana Reeves, tells us about her background and the people she serves. 03:23 - Kiana discusses the emotional, physical, and hormonal aspects of postpartum intimacy. 09:22 - As the chief education officer at Foria®, Kiana shares how this company and its products cater to the female body. 11:03 - Brandi and Kiana discuss how lack of sexual education can cause problems further down the line with consent and sexual pleasure. 14:42 - Kiana talks about the role of sexual pleasure in childbirth and the shame surrounding this. 15:41 - We find out what moms should focus on to maintain sexual health and wellness and what to do if you're still struggling in the pleasure department. 21:54 - Kiana explains how to judge if someone is a reputable sex therapist or not. 24:50 - Brandi asks about the stigma surrounding somatic vaginal work. 30:32 - Kiana recommends some fun products that she thinks listeners would enjoy using and trying

TW: If you have lost a child, had birth complications, or know someone who has, please be aware that some of those themes will be discussed in this week's show.   Many of us dream of the day that you finally get to meet your baby. Labor and delivery is one of the most powerful, life-changing events not only for you, but for your family too. And so getting ready for that moment to make sure that you deliver a healthy baby, and that nothing happens to your baby during childbirth is so incredibly important.   Gina Mundy is a childbirth attorney and mother of three. After spending over twenty years analyzing the decisions made during childbirth, it is now her mission to share this information so that families around the world can experience safer childbirth.   I am delighted to speak with Gina in this episode about some of the insights from her one-of-a-kind book that blends together the realms of medicine and law:  A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth. Listen in to discover some of the most common problems that occur during childbirth and how YOU can help prevent them. References    A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth by Gina Mundy   Connect with Gina:   Visit Gina's website Instagram: @GinaMundy   Facebook: Gina Mundy, Author  Linked In: Gina Mundy  Twitter: @ginamundy_   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode! Audio Stamps   01:28 - Gina shares her journey to becoming an attorney that specializes in childbirth cases.   02:55 - We discover the most common factor in the childbirth cases Gina deals with.   07:33 - Brandi asks what Gina recommends with the use of Pitocin to enable a safer birth.   09:44 - Gina explains how busy labor and delivery units are preventing safe births and the importance of having a baby advocate.   11:47 - Brandi and Gina discuss the role of doulas in supporting parents by working alongside the delivery team.   18:00 -  We learn how every hospital system is so different and the importance of checking out the hospitals in which you went to birth if possible.   21:57 - We discover how the complications and the mistakes that Gina sees in childbirth cases typically occur after the patient's water has broken   26:13 - Brandi asks if Gina has seen evidence of the black maternal health crisis in the work that she does.   27:42 - Gina talks about the approach she took when writing her book. It is not about scaring people about what can go wrong, but how to make sure it goes right.    31:36 - Gina encourages us to be ready and have a plan for your birth so you can enjoy the moment you've been looking forward to.

If you've had a cesarean birth and get pregnant again, one of the questions I often get asked is, ‘Should I plan for another cesarean, or should I try to give birth vaginally?' Choosing between a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and repeat cesarean is not an easy decision, with benefits and risks to both options. Joining me today to dig into this topic further is Melissa Dean, midwife and founder of the Casa Natal Birth and Wellness Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. Melissa has a breadth of knowledge when it comes to VBACs, so if you're currently facing this dilemma (whether you're currently expecting or just curious about the options), Melissa's insights will give you the clarity you need to make an informed decision.   References   IG: @casanatalbirthcenter  Website: www.casa-natal.com   FB: Casa Natal Birth Center YouTube: @casanatalbirthwellnesscent2244    You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   Audio Stamps   01:37 - Melissa explains more about the role of a midwife and busts some of the common  misconceptions.   03:20 - We find out how Melissa has merged midwifery with functional medicine practice.    04:46 - Brandi asks Melissa if there are instances when someone should not have a VBAC.   08:42 - Melissa explains how to tell what kind of incision you had for your cesarean.    09:56 - We learn the benefits of delivering vaginally after a C-Section.   12:19 - We hear Melissa's recommendations for what to do in between pregnancies to make you more prepared to try for a vaginal birth in the future.   14:04 - Melissa shares what you should be doing during your pregnancy to make yourself more viable for VBAC.   17:33 - Find out the top foods that Melissa recommends to her clients, whether they're having a VBAC or not, that will make for a healthier pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.   21:13 -  Melissa tells us about the services that she provides as a midwife to childbearing (and not childbearing!) families.

The arrival of a new life is a momentous occasion that often brings joy, excitement, and a myriad of emotions. However, the perinatal and postpartum periods can also bring a host of mental health complexities that demand attention and understanding.   To help us understand the nuances of perinatal mental health, debunk some of the most common misconceptions around maternal mental health, and shed light on the intricacies that can impact the well-being of new parents, I invited licensed mental health therapist Elyse Springer to share her wealth of knowledge on this topic.   As the holidays fast approach, and people often start feeling the pressure to show up in ways that do not necessarily reflect how they're feeling inside, we hope this episode will normalize some of the challenges faced by many parents in this new chapter of life.     References Postpartum Support International (PSI) Return to Zero: H.O.P.E Maternal Mental Health Now  Love, Dad  Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health   Connect with Elyse:   Visit Elyse's website   Follow Elyse on Instagram   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!   Audio Stamps 01:18 - Brandi introduces today's guest, licensed mental health therapist Elyse Springer. 02:34 - Elyse does some myth busting around perinatal and postpartum mood disorders 05:03 - Elyse defines postpartum psychosis 07:02 - We find out more about postpartum OCD 10:00 - Brandi asks Elyse how we can tell the difference between someone who is dealing with a mental health disorder like OCD or anxiety, and someone who has embodied the idea that extra worry signifies how much you love your child. 11:25 - Elyse explains what your ACE score is and why it's important to know. 20:00 - We find out what the next steps are if you or someone you know is showing symptoms of a mental health disorder 25:57 - Elyse shares some of the resources that new parents should be aware of that provide support for issues related to mental health.

Ever found yourself tiptoeing out of your toddler's room, hoping against hope that this will be the one bedtime where your little one blissfully succumbs to sleep? You're certainly not alone–toddlerhood can be accompanied by a number of bedtime battles and this edition of the Baby Sleep Fairy Chronicles is here to help. If you're struggling to navigate some of the most common toddler sleep problems like bedtime refusal, separation anxiety, or the crib-to-bed transition, this episode will arm you with proactive bedtime strategies that will ensure more restful nights for both toddlers and parents alike. References Twin Zzz's: Mastering Sleep for Twins (“Sleep Fairy” Series) The Lie of a Good Night's Sleep ("Sleep Fairy" Series) The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!

The controversy, conversations, articles, and books surrounding sleep training are so wildly different, I have no idea how any parent today can comfortably reach a decision on it. Is my child really going to get brain damage from sleep training? Will I ever sleep again?    Let's face it, we all need sleep to be able to survive and to actually live joyful, calm, and peaceful lives. If you've landed here, you're likely to be an exhausted parent desperate for ways to improve you and your child's sleep. You haven't “failed” at parenting, you just haven't found what's right for you or your child yet…   After working with families in the home since 2001, I've seen what's worked well (and not so well) and want to share the tips and interventions that I know will get you and your family the hard-earned ZZZs you need. For more insights and parenting tips, follow the Dear Doula Podcast on Instagram. I offer personalized consultations and can be reached for further questions on sleep at brandi@deardoulapodcast.com or you can DM me on Instagram.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of my "Sleep Fairy” series, where I'm devoting multiple episodes to one of the biggest things parents need help with: sleep.  To start us out in the series, we're delving into the world of sleep when it comes to twins. Believe it or not, I've actually got a lot of experience working with multiples (even quadruplets!), so today I'm providing you with insights and actionable advice to help you navigate the unique sleep challenges that come with twins and beyond. In this episode, we discuss the importance of understanding each twin's individual sleep needs and preferences. We delve into the crucial role of white noise machines, like Dohm and Hatch, in creating a sleep-conducive environment for your twins. We also cover practical strategies for establishing routines and schedules, my opinion on the SNOO bassinet that everybody raves about, and I share some common challenges and solutions to twin sleep issues. You got this! Links: My recommended white noise machines: Dohm and Hatch. For more insights and parenting tips, follow the Dear Doula Podcast on Instagram. I offer personalized consultations and can be reached for further questions on sleep, particularly concerning twins, at brandi@deardoulapodcast.com or on my Instagram.     Time Stamps: 1:03 - Introduction to my “Sleep Fairy” series and today's focus on twin sleep. 1:24 - My experience with multiples and early career insights. 2:07 - Key sleep factors for twins and parents. 3:59 - The role of white noise machines in twin sleep routines. 6:25 - Safe sleeping arrangements for newborn twins. 7:56 - How, if, and when to use the SNOO for twins. 9:04 - Importance of keeping a log to understand each twin's patterns. 11:10 - Emphasizing the need for a routine to manage twin sleep effectively. 13:00 - Deciding the sleeping location for twins: room sharing and separate spaces. 16:09 - Creating a consistent 7 to 7 routine for twins. 17:59 - The need for community support and resources for parents of multiples.

For many of us, feeding babies and toddlers can be overwhelming, especially when you're faced with food rejection and other issues at the table. Helene Skantzikas is the creator of the French Foodie Baby, a blog which chronicles her journey in the nurturing and expanding of her son Pablo's tastebuds and love of life through good food.   Helene joins me today to share her secrets to fostering healthy eating habits, including the role her family and French cultural background has played in her approach to feeding her son (possibly the best fed child I have ever known!). Listen in to discover the power of modeling a healthy, joyful approach to food, being engaged in the enjoyment of food preparation, and seeing the family meal as an opportunity for connection and togetherness.    Even if your child is only used to eating a few foods, Helene gives us hope that it's never too late to nurture a healthy, happy, and positive relationship to the nourishment of their bodies.   Connect with Helen:   Read her blog: French Foodie Baby   Follow her on Instagram Audio Stamps:   2:00 - Helene tells us why she started her blog ‘French Foodie Baby'   3:49 - We find out why it's important to have an open mind about what our babies might like     6:17 - We hear Helene's tips for how to integrate children into the preparation of family meals.   8:37 - Brandi asks Helene if it was a struggle to go against the “conventional” way of feeding her baby.   14:36 - We find out what Helene has observed around food in early childhood education.   16:30 - Helene shares what lessons her family is learning about food during their travels.   21:30 - Brandi and Helene discuss what it is about the French way of life that leads to their commitment to creating fresh, joyful meals.   26:56 - Helene gives her advice to parents who want to incorporate trying new foods, but feel they've already set an expectation where their kids are used to eating just a few things.

As a new parent, you deserve to have the opportunity to welcome your new family member and transition into this new chapter, without stressing about work. But the lack of comprehensive federal policies for paid parental leave in the U.S. places a significant burden on new parents who are faced with the impossible choice between caring for their children and maintaining their careers.   In today's episode, I'm interviewing parental leave consultant Arianna Taboada, who is working to disrupt the narrative that growing a family is incompatible with growing a company or having a career. She is the author of The Expecting Entrepreneur: A Guide to Parental Leave Planning for Self Employed Business Owners (2021), and joins me to answer key questions about how to map out parental leave, and build the self-awareness you need as you move through the momentous shift into parenthood.   References:   The Expecting Entrepreneur: A Guide to Parental Leave Planning for Self Employed Business Owners   https://www.abetterbalance.org/   Connect with Arianna:   Visit her website: theexpectingentrepreneur.com Follow her on Instagram Follow her on LinkedIn   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!   Audio Stamps:   1:55 - Arianna tells us about her business and how she helps people navigate parental leave 3:11 - We find out the common knowledge gaps when it comes to parental leave 4:55 - For anyone who is thinking of having kids, Arianna shares what they should be doing now to understand and prepare for parental leave  6:16 - Arianna recommends what to do if you have an employer with a parental leave policy 8:53 - Brandi asks what people could be doing with their employer and HR when pregnant or before becoming pregnant 10:22 - Arianna shares what she wishes more parents knew about parental leave 11:13 - We hear Arianna's advice for anyone who is afraid to speak about their pregnancy in the workplace for fear of retaliation or discrimination 13:11 - Arianna tells us about how her book helps people navigate the process of parental leave 14:10 - We find out if disability leave is the same as parental leave 16:16 - Brandi asks what you can do about parental leave if you're already far into your pregnancy  

Endless Google searches, relentless posting in Facebook groups, asking other parents for advice…. It's no wonder most first time parents feel overwhelmed shopping for products for their little ones. But does it really have to be so confusing, exhausting, and depersonalized?!   To help us sift through the vast array of baby products on the market, I invited a very special guest and THE ultimate baby product guru to talk to us about what is new and cool in 2023! Join me as I sit down with Monica Banks from Gugu Guru, the only creator community focused entirely on maternity and parenting content.    Still not found the right baby monitor for you? Not sure which stroller will fit your lifestyle?  If you are a new or expectant mom and want to confidently choose the right gear for your family, this episode is a must-listen!   References   Ask A Doula: Brandi's Top 15 Questions and Recommendations Download Brandi's Breastfeeding Checklist Download Brandi's Healthy Sleep Foundation Guide   Connect with Monica:   Gugu Guru Website Private Mom Creators Facebook Community Instagram X TikTok   Product recommendations:   Aura baby monitor, Babyation pump, Baby Bottle Brush Bib,  Babymel (diaper bags), Babyzen strollers, Globowl (infant food), HAPP (diaper bags), Kibou (diaper bags), Lily Jade (diaper bags), Larktale (wagons), Mockingbird strollers, Nanobebe breastmilk bottle, TWELVElittle (diaper bags), Uppababy strollers   If you have ideas about shows and content, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!

In today's fast-paced world, “pause, rest, be” are three simple words that many of us (especially parents!) often overlook. Society doesn't give us any accolades for taking time out to rest, but as people's schedules get busier, our presence and connectedness as humans gets weaker.   Joining me today to normalize and demystify the practice of rest, is Octavia Raheem, an award-winning author, rest coach, and restorative yoga teacher. Octavia invites us into practices that enhance presence, groundedness, and a better sense of wellbeing– all of the things that we need and desire, yet are not reflected in our day-to-day living and calendar. We also explore how we can instill this practice into our children, without feeling like we're limiting their opportunities.    References:   Connect with Octavia:   Visit her website Follow her on Instagram Connect with Octavia on LinkedIn   Learn more about Devoted to Rest™, a transformational rest focused experience for visionary women leaders making a high impact in their fields   Octavia's books:   “Gather” “Pause, Rest, Be”   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps   1:42 - Octavia tells us about her bestselling book “Pause, Rest, Be” and what brought her to the space of telling people that they need to pause.   4:58 - Brandi asks Octavia how we can decondition ourselves from the narrative that we can only be successful if we are being productive.   10:50 - Rest isn't just simply sleeping, but it does start with good sleep hygiene. Recording restful, affirming, and restorative messages for you and your children can help to wind down.   13:59 - People are very overscheduled but embracing blank space can yield a lot of creativity.   16:36 - For people who didn't have access to lots of activities growing up, it can lead to overcompensating and putting our kids in things to make up for what we didn't get.    22:12 - Octavia and Brandi share their personal stories of times they have been overly productive to feel worthy and how they were able to catch this and build in rest and space.   27:46 - Brandi asks Octavia how she handles people who feel like they understand they need to rest but think that they don't have time. 34:07 - Octavia invites us into a one minute pause to help us embody the practice of pausing so that we can start to find that drop of peace for ourselves in our everyday lives.

When you've been a doula for as long as I have, you start to get a lot of the same questions—which comes as no surprise for the absolute flood of information, products and advice new parents are given.  That's why, to kick off season 3 of Dear Doula, I'm doing a quick overview of my top 15 most-asked questions. Wondering what diapers, bottles, or blankets are best? Not sure if those sleepy "dream feeds" are the right call? This is the episode for you.    Brandi's Recommendations: Bottles and Breastfeeding Wabi Bottle Sterilizer Dr. Brown's Bottles Swehl Bras and Clothes Kindred Bravely Target Nursing Bras Diapers and Wipes Pampers Swaddlers Kirkland Wipes at Costco DiaperChamp Diaper Pail Ubbi Diaper Pail Keekaroo Peanut Changer Dy-Dee Diaper Service (the cloths also make great burp cloths!) Baby Carriers and Lounges Dockatot Baby Lounge Artipoppe Baby Carriers Solly Baby Carriers Sleep Sleep Pea Swaddle Care For Mom OHLOLLY Lotions and Skincare Osea Body Oil Other Recommendations NoseFrida (and other Frida products) My Interview with Romper: "Do I Need A Baby Bottle Sterilizer?" If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review!  Get more on Instagram from Brandi and Dear Doula   Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Reach out to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.

Podcast Description Working with families for the past 20 years I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to relationship issues. There has been no shortage of relationship stories from life in the trenches, including a dad leaving in the middle of the night to go to Vegas just 3 days into postpartum! Despite its prevalence in society, divorce remains such a taboo topic. People can feel a sense of shame and failure when separating from a partner, and emotions are often running high. So how do we continue to prioritize the children when going through a divorce? And can we reframe divorce to be a positive experience for our kids? In today's epsode, I'm delighted to be joined by Kim Korven, aka The Conflict Queen, who helps us to explore a gentler way through family conflict and reminds us that while you won't be the first or the last to do it, you can do it where everyone wins.   Connect with Kim Visit Kim's website: www.gentlewaydivorce.com References “High Conflict” by Amanda Ripley “Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After” by Katherine Woodward Thomas “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It” by Chris Voss Kim Korven's workbook: how do I tell my husband I want a divorce? If you have further questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps 01:52 - Brandi introduces today's guest, Kim Korven, who tells us more about herself and her work in helping clients find a gentle way through divorce. 03:38 - Kim gives advice to people who may feel shame for walking away from something that they know is not working for them. 07:17 - Kim discusses how to prioritize the kids when emotions are running high during a divorce. 08:58 - Brandi asks what to do if one person is not willing to be amicable. 11:36 - We find out what often leads people astray from the idea of putting the kids first. 15:59 - We learn what Kim recommends for being able to amicably share resources and the raising of children. 19:45 - Brandi asks Kim how couples can turn it round if emotional hurt is fueling disagreements during a divorce. 23:44 - Kim names some good resources for someone who's looking to be conscious about how they're going about divorce. 25:56 - We hear some words of wisdom for anyone who's going through divorce or thinking about it. 26:40 - Brandi shares how her own parents' divorce created a lot of positive things for her in her life.  

Podcast Description As a board certified lactation consultant, I have seen just how disheartening it can be for new mothers facing breastfeeding challenges. I also know how much more difficult this is made by the amount of myths and misinformation floating around on this topic. One of the most common hurdles I have seen in recent times is low milk supply, which can lead to concerns about providing enough nutrition for your little ones. In this episode, we will explore some common reasons women struggle with milk supply, and offer practical tips and strategies to help overcome these issues and boost milk supply.   References War on Want was the first organization to draw attention to the damage caused by baby milk companies like Nestlé with its groundbreaking 1974 publication The Baby Killer. View Mrs Patel's lactation treats and teas at www.mrsmilk.com Swehl Latch Kit If you are struggling with breastfeeding, The Cradle Company offers an array of services for breastfeeding mothers, with lactation consultants that can help you virtually or in person. Go to www.thecradlecompany.com or follow us on Instagram or on Facebook. If you have further questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode! If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!   Time Stamps 01:27 - Brandi shares the shocking experience that led her to become a board certified lactation consultant. 04:47 - We get an overview into why a lot of people are struggling with milk supply. 05:37 - We learn how having an induction can affect milk supply. 08:00 - We find out how people who have had assisted pregnancies can be at a higher risk for developing milk supply issues. 09:25 - Brandi gives some advice for people who are having issues with milk supply, including pumping and galactagogues. 18:19 - We discover how issues with the actual anatomy of the breast can also cause problems with milk supply.  

Podcast Description Unrealistic expectations can often overshadow the immense achievements of working parents. Working moms in particular can get so wrapped up in all the fires they have to put out, that they end up at the very bottom of their to-do list. In my work, I've seen first hand how that can lead to feelings of resentment, overwhelm, and failure. Today's special guest Lindsay Dreyer was an overwhelmed business owner not so long ago, suffering from poor physical and mental health, and drowning in intense guilt that she wasn't spending more time with her baby. She joins me today to discuss how she managed to turn this around to make space to enjoy her success, her family, and rediscover what she loves. Lindsay's practical insights on navigating this fulfilling yet challenging path will empower you if you're struggling to strike the right balance.   Connect with Lindsay: Follow her on Instagram Visit her Website   If you need more support for this or if you have questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!   Time Stamps   01:21 - Lindsay tells us more about who she is and what she does. 02:44 - Lindsay explains what her clients struggle with most and how she helps them. 05:15 - Brandi and Lindsay discuss why “work/life balance” is a myth. 08:33 - We find out the importance of putting yourself first and modeling that to your kids. 12:43 - Brand and Lindsay discuss how society is pitting working moms against stay-at-home moms. 16:28 - We hear two important things mompreneurs should keep in mind when building or scaling a business. 23:48 - We find out the perks of being an entrepreneur and a parent. 24:46 - Lindsay gives advice to those craving more flexibility about how to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

As new parents or parents-to-be, we can spend hours going down rabbit holes trying to find the best information to support our birthing and parenting decisions. In a lot of instances, the articles people see online talking about controversial issues are heavily slanted towards the author's own views and not necessarily backed by evidence. While most of what I talk about is related to what I've seen in the trenches working with families over the past 20 years, I am a strong believer in passing evidence-based information to parents to inform decisions.  My special guest today, Dr. Rebecca Dekker, became fed up with how the system treats birthing families. She is now working hard to take the stress out of research and make science sexy for parents and birth workers alike! She is the founder of Evidence Based Birth®, and has made it her mission to ensure all birthing families have access to safe, respectful, evidence-based, and empowering care.  Join our conversation now to hear her evidence-based insights into two controversial birthing topics. Resources Read the Evidence Based Birth® article on circumcision here Read more on the evidence around waterbirth here Watch the College Humor video on the history of circumcision Listen to the Evidence Based Birth® Podcast Follow @ebbirth on Insta Go to the Evidence Based Birth® Youtube Channel If you need more support for this or if you have questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode! If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps 01:22 - Dr. Rebecca Dekker tells us more about Evidence Based Birth® and the work that they do. 02:47 - Brandi tells us about her own experience of circumcision with her now 16 year old son. 03:58 - Dr. Dekker discusses her background and how she approached the evidence-based work she has produced around circumcision. 06:02 - Dr. Dekker shares how she was personally confronted with the topic of circumcision and how this put the procedure into perspective for her. 07:59 - Dr. Dekker discusses the ethical considerations around circumcision. 11:46 - We find out what the evidence shows with regard to circumcision. 16:30 - Brandi and Dr.Dekker speak about the regret parents can feel around their decision to circumcise their children. 23:06 - We learn about the historical context of circumcision. 26:25 - Dr. Dekker talks through evidence-based information surrounding waterbirths.

Are you a parent who's gearing up to start the potty training journey with your child? Potty training is a significant milestone in a child's development and can be an exciting yet challenging time for both parents and children.  Parents often feel the pressure to meet societal expectations when it comes to potty training. Whether it's comparing your child's progress to that of other children, feeling judged by other parents or family members, or facing cultural expectations, it's important to manage these societal pressures. As with any new stage in parenting, being prepared and equipped with the right information to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible is key. In this episode, I'll be guiding you through the tips and tricks that will help you navigate this important transition with confidence. If you need more support for this or if you have questions about potty training, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments, and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   Brandi does do potty training consultations, so feel free to email and check that out if you're interested!   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!   Time Stamps   00:57 - Brandi introduces this week's topic of potty training and one of the main issues that causes us problems.   01:42 - We hear Brandi's experience of potty training her now 16 year old son.   02:47 - We learn about the role of culture defining when a child is potty trained.   05:54 - Brandi talks about the importance of exposure and why the Western world often gets this wrong.   08:43 - We find out why we need to consider the language we use on this topic with our kids.   10:41 - We discover how diaper free time can play a part in successful potty training.   13:16 - We learn what to avoid when working with children when it comes to potty training.   14:35 - Brandi addresses the idea of ‘bootcamp' style potty training methods.

The lights go out after another busy day of parenting but for many, the dread of bedtime with a toddler begins…   Whilst battling with any of these sleep problems can feel extremely isolating, I can tell you after working with infant and toddler sleep for 20 years, most of the issues parents experience are incredibly similar.    Toddler sleep challenges often come in the form of struggling to go down at night, waking during the night and wanting to come into your room, or waking at an ungodly hour in the morning. You may even have a combination of these if you're really lucky.    If you're facing any of these issues, you're certainly in good company, but that does not mean it has to become your new normal. In this episode, I'm breaking down the root causes of some of the most common toddler sleep problems and giving you the strategies you need to resolve them.    Resources:   A lot of the concepts I talked about in my recent episode ‘Establishing Good sleep Habits: Newborn to 3 Months' are essentially the foundations for building toddler sleep.   See my recent episode on gentle parenting: Raising Intrinsically Motivated Children with Megan Cordaro   Discover more about nasal hygiene in babies and young children You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question on sleep you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your own child's sleep, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a pediatric sleep consultant.   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps   01:34 - We find out the 3 main issues Brandi has noticed in her 20 years of working with infant and toddler sleep.   02:31 - We learn the role of limit setting when it comes to toddler sleep.   03:37 - Brandi discusses strategies to help your toddler go down more easily at night.   08:18 - We hear Brandi's recommendations for optimal times to put toddlers to bed.   11:20 - We learn when the ideal times are for toddler nap transitions.    14:17 - Brandi talks about overcoming the issue of night wakings and coming into your room.   18:13 - We find out what to do if early rising is an issue with your toddler.  

Trans people's lives are an almost constant part of our media narrative, yet the decontextualization of trans issues can often distort our view of the trans experience. While we're seeing an increasing desire for people to be inclusive, not enough action is being taken to support marginalized families.    I invited Nat Vikitsreth, a trans rights activist and founder of Come back to Care, a company which helps parents to incorporate social justice in their daily parenting, while reparenting their inner child.  Nat gives us a saddening insight into the erasure that trans families feel when trans-affirming care is lacking. In a society which consistently feels the need to put people in boxes, we are creating anxieties for trans people around being misgendered or questioned about the validity of their humanity.   It is only through normalizing conversations around gender spectrum that we will enable our children to feel secure in living out who they want to be. In this episode, we explore how we can begin to incorporate social justice into our parenting, so that our children know that the full expression of who they are is available to them and is supported.    Connect with Nat:   Visit her website: comebacktocare.com Check out The Come Back to Care Podcast   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!   Time Stamps   01:13 - Brandi introduces her special guest Nat Vikitsreth, who tells us more about the work she does and her company Come Back to Care   04:22 - We hear Nat's opinion on people who believe trans-inclusive language is “erasing women”.   05:57 - Brandi gives an analogy to help us understand why some people struggle to properly address their usage of pronouns.   07:14 - We find out what trans families are experiencing when they receive services from people who aren't being culturally sensitive or doing the work to understand how to support their clients.   09:00 - Brandi and Nat discuss the tendency for people to center their own comfort ahead of the dignity and humanity of the person in front of you.   11:10 - Nat tells us how she talks to her clients about having the conversation around gender with children.   12:53 - Nat talks about how accepted the trans community is in Thai culture.   14:15 - Brandi asks about the concern that parents have about somehow influencing the child's choice by having the conversation about gender at such a young age.   16:47 - Nat shares why you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable in having this conversation.   21:44 - Brandi and Nat discuss the importance of community in doing the work around gender.   26:48 - We learn how to respond if we feel like we don't have the answers.  

As parents, we are called to value the challenging moments just as much as we value the inspiring moments. Both are extraordinary opportunities for growth. How you parent today has an incredible long-term impact on the teenagers and adults you create for the future.   Whilst we tend to be intentional about many aspects of our life like what we eat, where we live, and where we work, we're not always as intentional with one of the most important roles we will ever have: parenting.   I am delighted to be joined by parenting coach Megan Cordaro, who explains why moving away from reward charts and more towards unconditional parenting, allowed her relationship with her 5 children to blossom. She also shares 3 important tips for what you can do with your children now that will help them grow into intrinsically motivated teenagers and adults.   Connect with Megan Cordaro:   Follow her on Instagram: @meganbcordaro Go to her website: https://www.megancordaro.com/   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate, and review!   Time Stamps 01:27 - Megan tells us about her background and her approach to parenting   04:52 - Brandi asks Megan what the issues are with positive reinforcement    06:47 - Megan explains why it's not too late if you have already been using positive reinforcement methods with your children   09:21 - Brandi asks how to deal with a lack of support or pushback about your parenting style    11:23 - Megan gives us the 3 essentials that should be happening with children under 5 to help them grow into an intrinsically motivated teenager    17:04 - Megan tells us what she loves about her relationship with her teenagers   19:05 - Brandi and Megan discuss how teenagers can maintain independence whilst having limits in place   25:02 - Megan shares what you can expect from her 1-1 coaching and her parenting circles around intentional parenting   

Podcast Description   So much of what we believe to be true about how we parent our children is skewed by Western, dominant culture. A perfect example of this is potty training, where we're told the day a child turns two years old is when you throw the diapers out. I even did this with my own son! But is this really developmentally appropriate for all children? After working with families for the past 20 years, I strongly believe most of us are better served when we incorporate some of the rituals and traditions that our ancestors and our families of origin carried out. So much has been forgotten or even demonized as something we shouldn't be doing anymore. In this episode, I want to talk about the intersection of culture and parenting and how in many ways, we're making life harder for ourselves by not latching onto our cultural traditions. I want to remind you how reconnecting with family rituals can actually be extremely healthy for you as parents and for your child's development.  You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode! If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps: 01:11 - We hear how a recent post about potty training inspired Brandi's reflection on how culture influences our parenting choices. 03:53 - Brandi explains what the pandemic showed us about the intersection with culture and parenting. 06:23 - Brandi explores how dominant culture decides what's demonized and what's in fashion through the example of baby wearing. 08:01 - We learn about Brandi's experience of parenting views in Black American culture versus what dominant culture tells us. 09:53 - We find out how reconnecting with cultural traditions teaches us about creating new ages of developmental appropriateness, rather than assuming what dominant culture says is right. 13:30 - Brandi tells us how cultural rituals can give you comfort when you're exhausted from trying to follow constant rules about how to parent. 14:47 - Brandi questions how many of the responsibilities we have are taken on because we think we should be doing it. 17:02 - Brandi encourages us to think back to the family rituals from our childhood that we could incorporate into our own families.  

This week we're talking about what I probably get asked about the most in the doula world: sleep.  But what I think about newborn sleep might be quite surprising to you… There's this long standing myth that you have to accept the cards you've been dealt and just go along with however your newborn sleeps. You're told not to worry about it and to embrace it as your time to bond. But should we really be resigning ourselves to ‘it is what it is'? This episode is by no means encouraging you to sleep train newborns. In fact, my goal is for you to never have to sleep train your baby! That's why I'm giving you the tools to lay a fantastic foundation for sleep, right from the beginning.   Find out more about paced bottle feeding here You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps 01:13 - We hear about some of the common myths around newborn sleep 01:45 - Brandi shares how long it took for her own kids to sleep well and the benefits of having a  healthy sleep foundation 03:37 - Brandi gives us the reality of a newborn feeding schedule 04:33 - We learn the importance of paced bottle feeding  05:19 - Brandi explains the significance of understanding what a good feeding looks like in order to improve sleep 09:58 - We find out about the “drowsy but awake” method and how to implement it 11:28 - We discover the benefits of dream feeding your baby 16:45 - Brandi explains the significance of practicing “le pause”  

Having been a doula for over 20 years now, I've seen the impact of the ‘mommy wars' worsen significantly. How you deliver your baby, how you feed them, how they sleep…mom-shaming is everywhere. While social media has many positives, it hasn't always helped people share their values in a supportive way. This made me think about how our children are being affected by this too. Our kids are exposed to endless outside influences that will shape their opinions if you don't have a parenting manifesto of values to support them. In this episode, I want us to think about creating another paradigm where we're teaching our children that they have the right to stand up for what they believe in, but not at the expense of someone else. Listen now to discover how you can raise an upstander and not a bystander.   Time Stamps: 01:23 -  We hear about Brandi's professional background in Doula training 02:00 - Brandi discusses the positive and negative impact of social media for parenting 03:57 - Brandi reflects on what we teach our children about how they support other people.  04:50 - We find out what Brandi has learned from the behavior of seemingly “well-meaning” people in her parenting FB groups 6:09 -  Brandi talks about the effect of outside influences on her kids  7:14 - We learn how the George Floyd incident spurred her on to write a curriculum on raising anti-racist children 09:45 - We find out why being loving is not enough 11:12 - We learn some practical ways to raise upstanders and not bystanders 14:28 - Brandi sets us a challenge to try with our own kids   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode! If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!  

For the first time Brandi shares the Dear Doula podcast with her husband Michael Chapuis. On this heartwarming episode Michael and Brandi share the secret to staying connected during the thick of young parenting and Michael shares his perspective on why everyone should stop saying marriage is “hard”. Get some practical tips for staying connected, centered, and how to create better lines of communication to foster a healthy and strong relationship between parents. You don't want to miss this episode (Brandi also shares how they met, and Michael shares what connected him to her from day one!)   Michael Chapuis is a writer and relationship coach. He is from the provence area of France and is committed to growth, relationships, and helping people create thoughts and habits that bring them both joy and peace. While you can find Michael on Instagram, he's pretty old school and you will most likely reach him on Facebook or sending a good old fashioned email to michaelechapuis@gmail.com You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.   Produced by Dear Media

In this lighthearted episode Brandi shares some of her favorite products and gifts such as lotions and potions, fancy pajamas, hidden treasures for the art lovers in your lives, and so much more. If you want to have fun going down a pinterest rabbit hole inside Brandi's brain with luxe products, don't miss this outfit. Better yet make sure you send it to all the gift givers in your life.       As promised here are the products that were mentioned during this episode. If you want access to the full 2022 Luxe Gift Guide by Brandi Jordan here! Here are the items mentioned on this episode in no particular order: Streicher Beauty Box Flamingo Estates Customized Stained Glass Art Piece  Meural Digital Art Canvas   Crown and Paw Renaissance Inspired Pet Art Maya Brenner Iniital Necklace   FEED bags The Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket Freestanding Outdoor Copper Bathtub Sheltered Weighted Blanket   Throw Blanket Mutha Le Labo Candle- Verveine Sunday Riley Good Genes Highway Robery Sergio Hudson   Karen Mabon Silk pajamas Doen Pajamas Beatrice Valenzuela Sandals   Happy Shopping Parents!   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.   Produced by Dear Media

Kathleen Healy is a Health Coach Specializing in family nutriton. Brandi and Kathlen discuss tips to help making healthier choices for the family easier. Kathleen also shares her go-to health recipes and tips for busy moms. Kathleen also shares how we manage body positivity and making feel good decisions for your body that make you feel good from the inside out.     You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   Kathleen Healy lives in New York and is a full time PE teacher, but also a health and wellness coach. She has 1 and 4 year old boys. After her surprise breech baby and an emergency C section, Kathlle was able to have an  unmedicated VBAC (vaginal birth after cesearen) with her second child. Nutrition, mindset and movement made all the difference!   After struggling to feel comfortable in her own skin and wanting to lose unwanted weight for years, she finally decided to do something about it. What started as a quest to conquer her own health issues turned into a holistic approach that has supported women to step into who they really are and confidently show up in their lives like never before."   You can connect with Kathleen here: www.kathleenhealyhhc.com https://www.instagram.com/kathleenhealyhhc/ https://www.facebook.com/kathleenhealyHHC https://www.kathleenhealyhhc.com/opt-in-be8c7604-1174-4c67-8efa-c0f84f4d2791       If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.   Produced by Dear Media

Brandi sits with guest Jordan Younger, host of the hit podcast and blog The Balanced Blonde, to talk spirituality and parenthood. After dealing with a health crisis, Jordan was able to go back to basics and practice radical self-care that led to healing her condition and being able to start a family. If you are looking for more ways to add calm and purpose to your parenting journey don't miss this heartwarming episode of woo, empathy, and compassion for the journey that we are all on as parents.   Produced by Dear Media

Brandi sits with award winning Journalist Jo Ling Kent to discuss how good parents raise good humans in an internet driven world. From cancel culture, to racism, and learning to keep connections with people who have differences, this feel good conversation is a reminder of what our job as parents really is. If you are looking for a little compassion, truth telling, and learning to lead with love, you don't want to miss this episode.   Jo Ling Kent is an award-winning tv journalist and anchor. She was most recently the business and tech correspondent at NBC News, appearing on the TODAY show, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt and MSNBC.    At NBC since 2016, Kent covered a wide range of stories from the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic to the baby formula shortage crisis to protests in Seattle following the death of George Floyd. She led NBC News' investigations into Amazon and Facebook and interviewed the CEOs of Twitter, Reddit, Etsy and eBay. Kent has sat down with whistleblowers from Facebook and Google, and questioned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in the halls of Congress. Her reporting has won an Edward R. Murrow Award and earned an Emmy nomination.  Previously, Kent was a reporter and podcast host at Fox Business Network and an investigative reporter at NBC Connecticut (WVIT), where she was a member of the team awarded a Peabody for coverage of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting.    Kent has two master's degrees in international affairs from the London School of Economics and Peking University, along with a BA from Rice University. She's from Minnesota, fluent in Mandarin and serves on the board of Libraries Without Borders US. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her family and is an active member of the Asian American Journalists Association.  You can follow Jo Ling Kent on her Instagram or Twitter account.   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.   Produced by Dear Media  

One of the most exciting things about becoming a new parent is exploring all of the new gadgets and gear that is available. Brandi sits with guest and gear expert Eli Gurock who is the owner of Magic Beans, a baby and kids boutique based in Boston. Not sure which car seat to buy? Trying to figure out the best stroller for a family that travels a lot? We cover questions like this and more. Check out this episode and have your laptop open and ready to shop!   If you want to connect with Eli Gurock who owns Magic Beans with his wife you can reach him on his extensive YouTube library of videos or at their online shop: https://www.youtube.com/user/MagicBeansVideos  https://www.mbeans.com/      You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.   Produced by Dear Media

Brandi sits with author and postpartum expert Heng Ou as she shares insights to her best selling book The First 40 days, and her current book Nine Golden Months. We learn about how her Chinese heritage and lineage of healers helped her to define a new fervor for nurturing ourselves in all phases of motherhood. Don't miss this episode.   Guest Links: www.MotherBees.com https://www.instagram.com/motherbees/ https://www.facebook.com/motherbees   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.   Produced by Dear Media

Brandi sits with pediatrician Dr. Anastasia Wiliams to have a balanced conversation about vaccines. Dr. Williams share lots of information that might surprise even the most knowledgeable parents. Do our kids really need all of the current vaccinations? Is it safe to give a small infant so many vaccinations at once? Our expert guest answers so many questions like this and more. This is an episode that every parent should tune in to. Guest Links: www.pediatricsvip.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077989434051 Produced by Dear Media

If you have had a child within the last five years you undoubtedly have heard about tongue ties. In this episode Brandi sits with Drs Jessica Choi and Christine Nguyen to go on a deep dive into all things tongue ties. When you should be assessed? What to do if your tongue tie re-attaches, and who to consult with if you think your baby or toddler needs an assessment. We answer questions like all of this and more during this informative episode. You don't want to miss it!   You can connect with Dr. Jessica at her California based clinic San Marino Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Christine Nguyen can be contacted via her practice The Center for Infant Tethered Oral Ties.   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Produced by Dear Media

Unexpected news happens often during pregnancy and during the birthing process. When parents think about the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) we often associate that experience with premature babies or parents having multiples. During this episode we talk with Micha Clark, a neonatal therapist and parent coach, about what this process really looks like and how parents experiencing a high-risk pregnancy or admittance to the NICU can make this an easier transition for themselves and their babies. Micha also shares the tips she's learned from years of consulting in the NICU that will help you get your baby out of the NICU faster and adjust better during and after a NICU stay.     Micha Clark has a heart for families in crisis. Her passion lies in educating families, so they feel whole as a family unit. She does this through teaching neuro-protective, developmentally appropriate, family-centered care.  She's a wife and a mom to a NICU graduate, who is now in college; so she and her husband are empty-nesters.She has a Master of Science in Communication Disorders. Licensed and board certified in Speech-Language Pathology and has practiced for 23 years.She is a neonatal therapist and holds a Parent Coaching certification through the New Baby School. In her spare time, she loves to garden and can't get enough of Broadway shows. Connect with Micha on her website or follow her on social media.   Produced by Dear Media

One of Brandi's favorite things about being a doula is what she's learned about family, culture, and traditions from working with thousands of families in over two decades. In this episode Brandi shares postpartum tips, teething hacks, and a few natural remedies she's perfected over the years. If you ever wanted to have a “pick my brain” session with Brandi Jordan this is your chance. Produced by Dear Media  

Nothing can derail a morning routine faster than a toddler who decides they are refusing to put on shoes. Fall is the time where many parents are acclimating to new transitions like daycare, preschool, or starting back to work after maternity leave. Brandi shares tips on making these transitions easier not only for your child, but also for yourself. If you are preparing to make changes with your child in the near future, or want to get better at doing them, join the conversation for this must listen episode.   Produced by Dear Media

Children tend to see the world very differently from adults. They see differences and don't automatically see them as good, or bad. Yet, at some point we all unfortunately learned in our own ways to label, to categorize, and put people in boxes. In this episode Brandi sits with author and spiritual thought leader Monica Berg about her new book The Gift of Being Different, which she co-wrote with her young daughter Abigail. Monica shares her journey and insight as a mother of four children, one of which has special needs. She addresses the feelings and grief that should be validated in mothers who are raising children with special needs, and how much she learned about herself in the journey. If you are looking for ways to increase your compassion, connection, and overall empathy for others, but more importantly teach it to your children... don't miss this conversation.   If you want to learn more about author Monica Berg visit her website here. You can purchase her latest book The Gift of Being Different now! You can also connect with Monica on Instagram for more tips on parenting and access to her work as a spiritual thought leader. Produced by Dear Media

Postpartum mood disorders are at an all time high for parents across the United States. Despite this fact the issue is still one that isn't spoken about enough. Many mothers struggle with feelings of shame and isolation because they think they are the only ones experiencing the pain of a postpartum mood disorder diagnosis. In this episode Brandi speaks with mother and therapist Alyson Hempsey about her own experience with postpartum mood disorders and the system she has developed to help all mothers alleviate the stress of these diagnoses and maybe even help prevent them altogether Alyson is a mama, psychotherapist, and coach who helps mamas feel like themselves again using her proprietary “eMBRACe” model - a holistic framework to help mamas thrive in motherhood. She also co-hosts the motherhood podcast, “No Mama Left Behind,” with Dr. Marcy Crouch. You can connect with Alyson on Instagram, Facebook, or visit her website here.    If you or someone you know is having a psychiatric emergency, contact 911 or your trusted personal physician.   If you are someone who is struggling with postpartum depression or are looking for resources, visit Postpartum International here.   And if you'd like to take the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression assessment, visit their website here. Produced by: Dear Media

 In this episode of Dear Doula, Brandi sits with blogger turned podcaster, Eileen Kelly, host of Going Mental about her experience before and after checking herself into a five-month inpatient psychiatric facility, and how it changed her life. Known for her open and honest conversations about mental health and sexuality, Eileen steams up Dear Doula this week sharing all the things parents should be doing in the bedroom right now. You don't want to miss this conversation, and we will tell you in advance this one is for adult ears only!   Produced by Dear Media 

What should you be eating to get your body baby ready? What misconceptions do most people have about infertility issues? What is one thing male partners should stop doing today to increase their chances of fertility? Answers to these questions and more are discussed on this episode of Dear Doula. Health coach and fertility consultant Sierra Bizzell shares her expertise on all things reproductive health. Whether you are trying to conceive or are looking forward to your second or third little, Sierra shares gems that everyone should know about to increase their wellness and overall reproductive health. You don't want to miss this one.     You can learn more about Sierra Bizzell and how to work with her by visiting her website, or following her on Instagram.     You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.   Produced by Dear Media

We get so many questions about choosing the right birth team. In this episode of Dear Doula, Brandi interviews expert Jessica Diggs, a Los Angeles based midwife who shares the difference between midwifery model of care and medical model of birth care, and why either could be the right choice for your family. Jessica is also the founder of Centered, a community for doulas, and shares her tricks and tips to building a sustainable practice. If you have misconceptions about the role of doulas or midwives, or just want to learn more about all the amazing providers that are available to add to your birth and postpartum care team then don't miss this episode.     You can find Jessica Diggs on her website or on Instagram. If you are a doula or birth professional looking for community and support building a sustainable practice join Centered, Jessica's curated space for doulas.   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.     Produced by Dear Media

Brandi is often asked this question every time she is interviewed “What do you wish every parent knew about parenthood”. In this episode Brandi shares one of the most overlooked learning curves to parenthood and how you can parent better by doing the prompts she shares in this episode. If you are committed to attachment, and teaching your kids about unconditional love then you will want to dig into this episode!     Brandi shared her recent article about parenting after the pandemic on this episode. Check out her interview in Better Humans.   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.     Produced by Dear Media

Brandi is excited by each of the guests that come on the podcast, this conversation with Erin Claire Jones certainly ranks in her top 5. Why you might ask? Erin is an expert in Human Design and has spent years studying and applying this principle that teaches us how to be more of ourselves and invite more ease into our daily lives. In this warm conversation Erin shares how parents particularly can use Human Design to make parenting easier, but more importantly to create a parenting style and environment that allows your child to be themselves. You are not going to want to miss this one.   “Human Design is a synthesis of ancient wisdom and modern science that sheds light on a person's energetic makeup, as well as specific tools they can use to live at their happiest, healthiest, highest potential. It doesn't change who they are; it teaches them who they are. It offers insight into what's possible, and highlights the significance of understanding and living as the fullest expression of themselves.    By putting this tool to work in her own life, Erin is showing the world a new way of work, a new path toward success, and a new perspective on living as you truly are.”   If you want to connect with Erin Claire Jones please floor her on Instagram HERE and HERE. Learn more about Human Design on her website.    If you want to learn more about your Human Design or your child's, use Erin's link here for a report: https://humandesignblueprint.com/. The code DEARDOULA will get you 10% off your Blueprint   To book a family or individual session use this link: https://erinclairejones.as.me/schedule.php. To join Erin's next free intro webinar: https://howdoyouchoose1.splashthat.com If you are interested in studying Human Design with Erin Claire Jones: https://erinclairejones.com/blueprintplus   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.   Produced by Dear Media