Kula Conversations For the Modern Mom

Science has proven that 85% of brain development is complete by age 5.  Statistics tell us that 6-out-of-10 kids are not equipped to learn in all areas of the classroom.   This means that supporting our child's development is extremely important before they even make it to their first day in a classroom.  How can parents be best equipped to support their child?  In this episode, we dive right in with expert Cara Tyrrell, an Early Childhood Educator, about the importance of a child's development from birth to 5 years old and how we as parents can best support their growth.Cara Tyrrell is a mom to three girls, an Early Childhood Educator, Conscious Parenting Coach, and founder of Core4Parenting - a body, mind, spirit Collaborative Parenting Methodology for raising truly world and Kindergarten ready kids.  Cara is also the host of the Transforming the Toddler Years podcast for Pandemic moms raising the COVID generation.  She has Bachelor degrees in American Sign Langugae (ASL) and Linguistics and a Master's degree in Education.  Her passion is engaging parents to be their child's brain architect between birth and 5 years old, setting them up for success in school and life.We also talk about: Understanding brain growth from birth - 5 years  How to handle tricky toddler behavior from sharing to listening depending on their age How to properly discipline your child depending on their age  How to best support your child's learning from brith to 5 years Cara's Resources:IG @core4parentingTiktok  @core4parentingLinkedIn Conscious Moms Facebook GroupWebsiteTTTY PodcastFree Text & Audio Guide! 5 Mindful Mantras for Conscious Mamas Managing Toddler MeltdownsJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for list

We did it, we found a mom's new best friend and most hidden secret.  In this episode, we discover how an occupational therapist can support new moms from pregnancy to postpartum.    This is highly underutilized support that many moms are not familiar with and absolutely should be!  In this episode, we dive right in with expert Alexis Joelle, an Occupational Therapist, about what an Occupational Therapist is and how they can help every new mom.  Alexis Joelle MS. OTR/L, a hospital-based occupational therapist, momma, and CEO of AJoelle Consulting LLC, utilizes her skills to serve as a consultant to occupational therapy (OT) providers - from student to entrepreneur. She guides practitioners through the process of designing their ideal career as well as navigating the challenges of the industry. Alexis also has a passion for making OT accessible globally to consumers. Her ultimate vision is to help decrease hospitalizations while maintaining access to occupations and supporting the quality of life for everyday humans.We also talk about:What is an OT and how can they help momsMost common myths about how an OT can helpHow an OT can help moms during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum Tips new moms should do in postpartum to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-beingThings moms can do to cultivate bonding with their childAlexis's Resources:IG @8alexisjoelleEmail  Info@alexisjoelle.comJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for list

As parents, we are always wanting to provide the best for our children and support their growth and developmental needs.  It can be overwhelming and can sometimes create anxiety as we wonder if our child is hitting their "milestones".  In this episode, we talk to Dr. Shannon Davis, a child development expert and certified autism specialist about baby and toddler development, and the philosophy every parent should incorporate when assessing their child's progress.Dr. Shannon Davis PT, DPT holds both a Doctorate and Masters degree in Physical Therapy. A champion for the physically and cognitively able.   Dr. Shannon PTTM is a MOVE International Trainer for adults and a Certified Autism Specialist. For nearly 15 years, she has provided specialized services to children and adults with developmental and intellectual abilities in schools, day programs and home settings. In addition to her clinical passion, Dr. Shannon PT's entrepreneurial spirit has led to the creation of Inspiration Physical Therapy Inc. and Inspire Create LLC., both of which she serves as CEO. As a natural problem solver, she had developed two patented products, The Little Balance Box and Hativity. Outside of the office, Dr. Shannon PT grounds herself in her yoga practice, actively participates in a variety of client advocacy programs and philanthropic causes, and cherishes her most important role as mother to two daughters.We also talk about:When should you see a child development specialist and how they can support youWhat are the key developmental milestones and how to assess your child's progress Is baby gear helping or hurting your child's developmentSigns of developmental delays when considering autismBuilding your child's social skills and understanding sensory development How Shannon used her expertise to create a better push walker for children called little balance boxShannon's Resources:Balance Box websiteIG @inspiraspark @drshannonptFacebook Little Balance BoxLinkedin Dr. Shannon Davis PT, DPT  Promo: LBB10 for 10% off - www.inspiraspark.comJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening.  

While breastfeeding is an incredibly natural process, it also can be extremely difficult, filled with many unexpected challenges.   If you're having trouble breastfeeding your newborn, you're not alone.  In this episode, we talk to Kellie Green, a certified lactation counselor, about breastfeeding, the common challenges many moms face, and how to overcome them.Kellie Green is a certified and licensed Speech Pathologist and Lactation Counselor who specializes in infant feeding at her private practice clinic in Columbus, OH. She is the founder of Green Living & Wellness.We also talk about:What is a lactation consultant and why you might want to work with oneThe most common issues parents have when breastfeedingChallenges with latching and her recommendations to make it easierWhat is tongue/lip/cheek ties and how they affect breastfeedingTips for balancing bottle feeding and breastfeedingKellie's Resources:Check out her website: greenlivingandwellness.comIG @greenlivingandwellness Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Today we are talking with Lindsay McLain about her journey through infertility and becoming a mom of 3, including twins. Lindsay discusses what it was like going through fertility treatments, how it felt eventually becoming pregnant, and what she experienced when she first found out she was having twins in her second pregnancy. We also talk about the transition from 1 to 3 children and how Lindsay juggles a toddler, newborn twins, and maintaining a career. When Lindsay McLain, a marketing executive in Redondo Beach, California, gave birth to twins last October she and her husband instantly went from 1 to 3 kids, with all three of them being under the age of three. Learn more about her journey, from being told she might not be able to have any kids at all, to managing the day-to-day, and what she's learned (and is still learning) through it all.Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Did you know that your c-section scar could be the reason why your digestive health issues are persisting? We didn't either. Apparently symptoms like bloating, irregular bowel movements, food intolerances, acid reflux or other gut problems can potentially all be traced back to our scars, whether they are older or newer. In this episode, we talk to Kendra Toothill all about her work in this area, why scars matter, and what can be done about them. Kendra Toothill is an Athletic Therapist specializing in treating chronic and complex health problems. For over a decade, she has been offering holistic methods to those who are ready to dive deep and transform the way they think, act and feel. Her integrative process is all about putting the client in the driver's seat and heading straight towards their goals by using their pain & symptoms, needs & desires and life story & experiences to create a completely individualized and powerful healing journey. You can learn more about Kendra here. We also talk about:What an athletic therapist does and how they can help How Kendra uses holistic methods in her practice and what that meansWhy physical scars can have an impact on many underlying health issues Symptoms that are associated with this and how they impact our health How Kendra works with people on scar healing and overcoming these issuesKendra's practice and where you can find herKendra's Resources:Check out her website: https://www.bodyhealthhealing.com/Kendra's blog post on Kula's websiteJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

The expectations society has on us as mothers is high. We're told that we're only good enough if we're bringing in equal (or more) pay as our partner while also volunteering at the school bake sale and signing our kids up for 47 activities and being expected to attend them all. Add onto that the idea that we're also supposed to be the ones making dinner, scheduling the doctor's appointments, cleaning the house, and making time for our own “self-care”. It's no wonder we are feeling burnt out. It's not possible to be doing all those things and not feel like you're burning at both ends. In this episode, we talk to Adriana Keefe, a life and manifestation coach, about the concept of neuroplasticity and retraining our brains to reduce negative thought patterns and create better harmony. Adriana Keefe is an award-winning real estate dropout turned Life and Manifestation Coach who teaches high achieving women how to create life balance without sacrificing their goals. She is a wife and mother of 3 children, lover of wine and “New Girl”, and host of the podcast Women Who Want More. She strives to coach through an entire mind, body, and soul experience and teaches through 1:1 coaching, workshops, and speaking events.We also talk about:Some of the most common barriers or struggles that moms today experienceThe impact of social media on our self worth and what to do about itHow societal expectations contribute to overwhelmWhat it means to retrain your brain How to actually turn negative thoughts into positive ideas  How to identify your core values and where your priorities stand  Adriana's practice and where you can find herAdriana's Resources:Check out her website: https://adrianakeefe.comIG @adrikeefePodcast: Women Who Want MoreJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

When you decide it's time to start your family, the do's and don'ts of how to get the show on the road can be downright overwhelming. Couple that with endless swirling news about friends undergoing IVF and other fertility challenges and the process can get stressful, FAST. In today's episode, we talk to Laura Erlich, an integrative health professional who specializes in fertility optimization, pregnancy, and postpartum care all about factors and considerations that go into fertility and overcoming sub-fertility or infertility. Laura began her career in holistic wellness after studying Traditional Chinese Medicine with an emphasis on fertility and obstetric care. After graduating summa cum laude from Emperor's College, she founded Mother Nurture Wellness, a Los Angeles-based women's health practice specializing in fertility optimization, pregnancy, and postpartum care. As an integrative health professional for over 20 years, Laura has helped thousands of families grow by creating a custom roadmap that targets each individual's needs from nutrition, supplementation, herbal medicine, acupuncture, meditation, mentorship, and beyond. In 2015, Laura co-authored Feed Your Fertility, A Guide to Cultivating a Healthy Pregnancy with Chinese Medicine, Real Food and Healthy Living.We also talk about:Chinese medicine and acupuncture for fertilitySome of the main causes of infertility and sub-fertility The main areas to address when trying to have a babyNutritional advice when trying to conceiveThe impact stress and toxins can play on fertility goals Endometriosis and how the condition can affect us Laura's practice and where to find her Laura's Resources:Receive 15% off Laura's Training To Conceive Course by entering KULA15 at https://virtual.mothernurturela.com/ttc-training-to-conceiveIG @mothernurturewellnessJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

For many of us, new motherhood can change how we view ourselves and completely shift our idea of who we have always thought we were as we navigate our lives. Identity shifts can be a normal process of the motherhood experience, but it is important that we do not lose ourselves in the process. In today's episode, we talk to Jessi Shuraleff about these shifts in identity and how to advocate for yourself in an authentic and yet still impactful way.An effective storyteller & passionate people-first leader, Jessi spent 13.5 years at Google effectively building and leading strong sales & marketing teams partnering with some of the largest global brands in the world. Creating, building, and maintaining relationships is at the core of who she is and authenticity, vulnerability and storytelling have been the cornerstone of her skillset to get her to where she is today as a leader, a podcaster & a mom. Her mission is to create community & connection through sharing personal stories to empower individuals & brands to step into their own light, reclaim their voice & drive greater impact. You can find her on her website at www.jessishuraleff.com or tune into her podcast, This Is My Truth, available on all major podcast platforms. We also talk about:The question that changed everything for JessiWhat it means to live authentically and how we can work towards that goalHow to overcome a loss of identity in motherhoodSpecific examples of how to remain authentic in your own life and teach that to your childrenHow to overcome feelings of loneliness or isolation in motherhoodJessi's practice and why she loves working with womenJessi's Resources:Visit her website: https://www.jessishuraleff.com/IG @thisismytruthpodcastJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

It's no secret that having a baby can be a big challenge for your relationship. Many couples report feeling disconnected and unhappy in their relationship in the months following the birth of their child, likely caused by a variety of different changes and challenges that come with being parents of a newborn. In this episode, we talk with Allison Lieberman, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about what is going on for couples in the time period after having a baby and how they can work to become stronger in their relationship during this amazing, but trying time. Allie Lieberman is a licensed marriage and family therapist, perinatal mental health certified, certified Clini-Coach®, entrepreneur, wife, and mom of two [3 ½-year-old + 1 1/2 year old]. She is the CEO/Co-Founder of Rooted in Harmony Counseling, a virtual group counseling practice in California, and The New Mama Mentor®, a coaching practice dedicated to new moms.We also talk about:The biggest things women struggle with when becoming new momsPostpartum anxiety and how it manifestsCommon relationship issues that come up for new parents How to prevent some of the issues that might arise How therapy can play a role Type of therapy and what it's like in marriage or couples counselingAllie's company and practiceAllie's Resources:Visit her website: https://www.rihcounseling.com/IG @thenewmamamentorJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Kula listeners get 20% off with code Kula20 at the Hypnobabies website!Hypnobirthing, and in particular, hypnobabies, teaches birthing people medical-grade somnambulistic hypnosis techniques, creating an automatically peaceful, relaxing and more comfortable pregnancy, a calm confident Birth Partner, and an easier, much more comfortable  natural birthing for pregnant students. In this episode, we talk to Kerry Tuschoff, the founder and director of Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis, all about hypnobirthing and how it can help pregnant people to feel more confident going into labor and delivery. Founder and Director of Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis, Kerry Tuschhoff is anationally renowned speaker and writer on a wide range of pregnancyand childbirth concerns. Her subjects include fertility, prenatal and childbirthchoices, informed consent issues, health and low-risk status concerns, comfortin childbirth, the power of birth language and midwifery advocacy. Kerry createda very comprehensive childbirth program; Hypnobabies ChildbirthEducation. This unique program has trained hundreds of thousands of women touse medical-grade hypnosis techniques and give birth unmedicated in a mucheasier and more comfortable way.We also talk about:The background of hypnobirthing and what is involved How Hypnobabies is different than traditional hypnobirthing The benefits of using hypnobirthing in childbirth The process and what to expect when choosing hypnobirthing for your birth experienceWho is a good candidate for this technique Kerry's company Hypnobabies Kerry's Resources:Visit her website: https://www.hypnobabies.com/IG @hypnobabiesofficialJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Society tells moms that we need to do it all. We're the default parent, keeping the family functioning. While also running a business or managing our own career. This leads to exhaustion, overwhelm, and burnout. And it's not true. This can be changed, no matter how old your kid(s) are. Things shift when you start having conversations with your partner about everything it takes to run a household. In this episode, we talk to Valerie about productivity ideas to delegate, prioritize, and change things to reduce the overwhelm in our lives. Valerie Recore is a productivity specialist, a time giver, and a decision-maker. She works with overwhelmed and overcommitted women. She's been there. She gets it. She has 2 kids, a husband, her own business, and occasionally a social life. She too has felt like there's too much on her plate. With a background in mental health and corporate training, she's ready to guide you toward a better relationship with time. If you're feeling pulled in too many directions, she's here to help.We also talk about:The biggest reasons moms feel so overwhelmed todayThe invisible load of motherhood and how to overcome it Specific strategies of reducing overwhelm Societal expectation and how that impact us as momsSpecific examples of where we have felt overwhelmed Valerie's company Stride Productivity Helena's Resources:Check out the quiz: https://strideproductivity.com/quiz/Visit her website: https://strideproductivity.com/IG @strideproductivityValerie's blog post with productivity adviceJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Usually around 6 months old, we start introducing our babies to food outside of breastmilk or formula. One approach to introducing foods that is gaining popularity is called baby-led weaning, which is a method of introducing solid foods to your baby and letting them take the lead on eating, rather than using purely purees or traditional baby food. In this episode, we talk to Joana Fraser, a pediatrician and pediatric feeding specialist, all about why parents might want to choose this approach and how to get started with baby-led weaning. Joana Fraser is a pediatrician, Mom of 2 (soon to be 3!) boys and founder of Littlemore, a company that creates the snacks you always wished existed for your kids. She grew up both in the USA and the UK, completing her medical degree in Scotland before moving back to the US after marrying her husband Ken. A former Harvard affiliated pediatrician, her background as both a clinician and a Mom inspired the creation of Littlemore, when she realized that the baby food aisle was lacking in nutritious, developmentally appropriate and 'gimmick-free' foods for little ones. Her goal is to create simple, delicious foods that families love so that they have more time to enjoy the daily adventures with each other.We also talk about:How baby-led weaning differs from traditional styles of feeding babiesBenefits of baby-led weaningPotential disadvantages of baby-led weaningThe fear of choking and how to avoid thisReal life examples of what a meal might look like at different agesJoana's company Littlemore Organics Helena's Resources:Visit her website: http://www.littlemoreorganics.com/IG @littlemoreorganicsJoana's blog post with recipes Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Finance and money are such important topics, but are often overlooked when talking about our overall health as moms. In this episode, we talk to a financial expert all about topics that are most important to us as moms at this stage in life, including saving goals, investment strategies, 529 plans and alternatives for children, managing separate or merged accounts after marriage, and so much more.  Helena Rosenthal works within financial services, empowering individual clients and businesses to align financial strategies with ambitious goals. She specializes in comprehensive financial planning. Committed to a seamless customer journey, her team includes highly respected CPAs, attorneys, estate planning experts, and business development resources. She is passionate about democratizing access to sophisticated financial strategies and tools. As a Commissioner on the Beverly Hills Health and Safety Commission, Helena is committed to civic servitude. She attended Dartmouth for college and graduate school (Masters of Public Health). Helena also holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson.We also talk about:The pros and cons of 529 plans for your kidsThe order of operations of savings and investing for your familyMerging accounts after marriageAlternatives to 529 plansHow to navigate a change in income after deciding to stay home or cut work hoursHow Helena works with women to manage their finances  Helena's Resources:Visit her website: http://helenarosenthal.nm.comIG @festiveteaJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

There is a gap that exists in women's healthcare, particularly for women in the postpartum period, and there remains a lack of reliable, credible resources. Dr. Pinkey Patel is trying to change this by creating an inclusive, informative and supportive community designed to help mothers and babies thrive. In today's episode we talk to Dr. Patel about the importance of exercise after birth, honoring your recovery, and how her passion for the pelvic floor led her to starting The Snap Back.  Dr. Pinkey Patel is a clinical pharmacist who is also a certified NASM personal trainer, specializing in pre/post natal corrective exercise. Dr. Patel first hand experienced the gap in women's healthcare and the lack of reliable, credible resources.  From learning how to establish a business from scratch in 2019 to developing a consultancy, and building out an app, Dr. Patel has previously juggled working full-time as a pharmacist, being a mother of two, being pregnant and successfully bringing a product to market. She is now full time at her startup as she is excited to continue impacting new mothers. When you're doing something as visceral and life altering as growing a human, the resources you receive during and after should reflect that magnitude, they should be as thoroughly developed and as seriously considered as the life we create. She believes that by supporting the pillars of society during one of the most challenging times, further creates a thriving society. We also talk about:The misconceptions about exercise after birthHow the pelvic floor is impacted by different birthing options Why there is such a lack of knowledge and postpartum support for women The knowledge she wishes all women knew about the postpartum periodPinkey's own motherhood story and how it fueled her passion today How her company, The Snap Back, can help moms  Pinkey's Resources:IG @myrihealthJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Today we are talking with Michelle Valiukenas, who is the proud mom of her angel Sweet Pea, who she lost due to miscarriage, her angel daughter, Colette Louise, who she lost at nine days old, and her only living child, her rainbow baby, Elliott Miguel. We talk about her journey to motherhood, her story of miscarriage, her birth story with her 2nd child, and how the loss of her daughter, Collette, fueled her passion to help other moms and families in similar positions. Inspired by her journey with Colette, Michelle and her husband founded The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, whose mission is to improve outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, prematurity, and infancy, as well as aid in the grieving process through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. Their flagship program financially assists families dealing with high-risk and complicated pregnancies, NICU stays, and loss.Visit the Colette Louise Tisdahl FoundationConnect with Michelle on Instagram or FacebookJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Reflexology is a type of therapy that uses gentle pressure on specific points along your feet to relieve stress and help you feel better. In pregnancy and postpartum, reflexology can be incredibly helpful to reduce aches and pains and relieve anxiety and stress that accompanies this time. In today's episode, we talk to Meg Murray Jones, reflexologist and the founder of Postpartum Plan, all about the benefits of reflexology and how her work in this area led her to ultimately form her company. Meg Murray Jones is a reflexologist and Founder of Postpartum Plan, a 'virtual village' supporting new parents through their Fourth Trimester and beyond. Meg specialises in women's health, stress, trauma and recovery through her reflexology and Postpartum Plan, providing a more holistic view of the body, mind and spirit. Meg lives in London, UK but can treat clients across the world. You can follow Meg on Instagram @postpartumplan or @reflexologyhouse We also talk about:The misconceptions about reflexology How reflexology can specifically support moms The scientific research behind reflexology Gaps that exist in postpartum support  Meg's personal motherhood story and what led her to found her company  What Postpartum Plan does and how it can help new moms  Meg's Resources:Visit her website: https://postpartumplan.co.uk/ IG @postpartumplan | @reflexologyhouse Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Most people have heard of yoga, but perhaps not specific to fertility. Fertility yoga is a comprehensive methodology that incorporates an array of mind-body practices. At its foundational core is yoga, specific to fertility. However, the method also includes breathwork, meditation & mindfulness, acupressure, Ayurveda, and functional nutrition. It also addresses the emotional components present when trying to conceive (TTC). In today's episode, we talk to Wendy Obstler, a yoga therapist, all about this practice and how it can help improve our chances at conception. Drawing from Eastern and Western yoga/wellness teachings, Wendy Obstler is a Yoga Therapist & Founder of Divine Spark Yoga and Living Lēla, LLC. She has co-created Soulful Conceptions™ with her business partner, Dr. Deborah Anderson (Health & Neuropsychologist/ Yoga Teacher). Both Deborah and Wendy have each experienced fertility & pregnancy challenges. As a result, they know the power of having a mind-body toolkit and community support to navigate the journey of conception with more ease.We also talk about:How fertility yoga differs from other forms of yogaSome of the benefits of fertility yogaThe scientific research behind fertility yogaWhen to start fertility yoga if you're trying to conceive What someone should expect their first time How to find a fertility yoga practitioner Carli's Resources:Special Offer for Hello Kula Readers & Community: Over 50% OFF of the Fertility Ball Method® Self-Acupressure System (U.S. residents only). Learn more about the fertility balls here. Use this link to place an order with the discount applied.Visit Wendy on IG @wendyobstler | @living_lela Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

We all have different experiences and journey's into motherhood. For our guest today, becoming a mother was one of the hardest things she had done. From pregnancy to the first year after having her first child, she dealt with anxiety, depression, and guilt over her feelings. The feeling of being alone and having no one to turn to for support and to guide her through her needs, led her to found, Partum, a values-driven online marketplace for moms. Prior to founding Partum, Carli spent the last decade overseeing the brand marketing strategies for startups in a variety of industries, she's worked in everything from sports, media, engineering, CPG, tech and real estate. With a background in social media, influencer marketing, public relations and branding, Carli is passionate about building an online community to support mothers throughout every stage of motherhood.   We talk about:Carli's background and motherhood path that led to a mission based companyWhy the mission behind Partum is so meaningful The challenges, struggles, wins and surprises she's faced since starting PartumHer highest moment and lowest moment as a mompreneur so farAdvice to others looking to start a business as a momWhy moms shouldn't feel so alone and how to help overcome that Carli's Resources:Free Postpartum Survival GuideConnect with her on IG: @carlievilsizer Visit Partum: https://www.joinpartum.com Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Motherhood changes you. For many of us, it results in a shuffling of priorities and a complete identity transformation. When you couple this with hormonal fluctuations, lack of sleep, unparalleled and incompatible societal pressures, and a complete lack of societal support, it's no wonder so many of us moms are stressed, anxious, and completely burned out.  In this episode, Laura and Jessica discuss their experiences with support options and what they view as issues with our current support system. They also discuss how these realizations led them to creating Kula as a way to help bridge the support gap for moms today. Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

One of the most overwhelming things about the toddler years, for us, has been starting to actually parent. There are so many ideas and information out there about the best parenting  styles, but the interesting thing is that the science is pretty clear on many of these topics. On today's episode we talk to Emilia Anello, an expert in early childhood development, specifically about the use of positive reinforcement in helping to guide our children's behavior. Emilia does a great job of not only explaining the concept, but giving multiple real-world examples of what it looks like to use positive reinforcement in different situations. We think you will love this episode!Emilia Anello is a first grade public school teacher in Washington, D.C. She has a total of 12 years of educational experience in early childhood, special education, and general education sectors, as well as New York City Department of Education. She holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.S. in Special Education, and a professional teaching license for birth - grade 2. In addition, she is working towards an Advanced Certificate and Board Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis. She currently lives in Washington DC with her dog, Pina, and enjoys being at the beach, nature walks, and self-care alone time.   We also talk about:What to look for when working with someone in child developmentSpecific, real-world examples of how to use positive reinforcement in parentingClassroom examples of positive reinforcementThe concept of positive disciplineThe importance of partnering with teachers as parentsWhat Emilia wants all parents to know Emily's Resources:Developmental milestone checklistConnect with her @emilia_olivia11 on IG Emilia's blog post for Kula Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistDownload our FREE Pregnancy Snack Guide Find us on IG: @hello.kulaProduct mentioned in the show:The Pigeon Will Ride The Rollercoaster Book by Mo WillemsAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Today we are talking with Mia Pohtola about her unique and incredible journey to motherhood with her wife, Riikka. After deciding they wanted to start a family, Mia and Riikka embarked on a journey that led them on multiple trips to different countries, various methods of conceiving, and a triumphant story resulting in their family of 4. We also talk about the some of the parental benefits in Finland and how they differ from the United States. Mia is a mother of two girls. She and her wife, Riikka, have been together for 9 years and live in Helsinki, Finland. She is a history enthusiast who is working on her PhD focused on the history of psychiatry & DSMs. Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Pregnancy can be tough on our skin and bring with it things like dullness, extra-sensitivity, acne, and melasma (also known as the pregnancy mask). There are also likely some adjustments that will need to be made to our skincare routines and products that we use during pregnancy to make sure that what we are using is safe for baby. In this episode, we talk to Jennifer, an Esthetician and skincare content creator, all about what products to avoid and what is ok and safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A licensed esthetician for 20+. years, Jennifer Adell is a beauty content creator and celebrity esthetician. After obtaining her esthetics license, Jennifer trained in a four- year energy medicine program. The merging of her esthetics career with energy work gave her a unique opportunity in which to treat her clients. Jennifer's philosophy is one of service, rooted in compassion and consideration, regardless of age, wellness concerns or course of treatment. Following her education, she held senior-level positions at some of the foremost spas and wellness centers in New York City and Hawaii. She currently splits her time between being the lead esthetician at New Beauty & Wellness in Westport, CT and a content creator on Instagram and TikTok where she offers tutorials, tips and Facetime consultations.   We also talk about:What can happen to our skin during and after pregnancyWhat we can do about some of these skin changesWhy we are asked to give up certain products, like retinol, while pregnantThe difference between and esthetician and a dermatologistWhat to expect your first time seeing an estheticianHow to find an esthetician in your area who works for youHow to connect with Jennifer for virtual consultationsJennifer's Resources:Visit www.jenniferadell.comConnect with her @jennifer_adell on IG and TiktokSkincare Blog post for Kula Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistDownload our FREE Pregnancy Snack Guide Find us on IG: @hello.kulaProduct mentioned in the show:FridaBaby Nasal AspiratorAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Becoming a parent often puts a strain on even the strongest relationships. Our newborn is taking up so much of our physical and emotional energy, that we sometimes don't have the energy to give our relationship. Add in hormone fluctuations, identity shifts, and no sleep - and it can become very hard not feel like we're failing in our relationship. In this episode, Laura and Jessica discuss what this transition was like for each of them. They discuss how their relationships changed, some of the issues that occurred and why, and what they worked on or did to overcome some of the challenges. Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

For many of us, finding reliable childcare is one of the first things we have to think about while pregnant and after having our baby. It can be an overwhelming task, not only to figure out the financials, but also to find and establish a good relationship with your childcare provider. In this episode, we talk to Sarah Nadimpalli, who is an expert in this area, about searching and finding the perfect nanny for your family and how to build trust and a mutual respect with one another. Sarah Nadimpalli is a community health nurse who holds a PhD in Nursing from New York University. In developing the Same Team Online Course for parents and nannies to get on the same page, she applied her research lens to address a problem she frequently encountered as a mom: finding and securing great in-home childcare. She is thrilled to bring parents and nannies together through walking them through the right knowledge and action steps to achieve a harmonious, win-win working relationship.  We also talk about:The issues with the current online nanny search platformsSome of the benefits of working with a nanny in the Important things to look for in your nanny searchConsiderations when hiring a nanny (i.e. paid vacation time)Some of the differences between full time and part time nanniesWhat to expect to pay for nanny careWhy Sarah created Same Team ChildcareSame Team Childcare Resources:Visit https://www.sameteamchildcare.com/Connect with her on Instagram or FacebookChoosing Childcare Workshop/ PDF: https://www.theviparolaz.com/childcare-coachingA-Z contract Nanny Care Hub: www.nannycarehub.comJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistDownload our FREE Pregnancy Snack Guide Find us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Today we are talking with Molly Hahn about her two radically different birth experiences. After a traumatic birth with her first son, which left her sad, scared, and with postpartum depression and anxiety, Molly got help, prepped mentally for her second and was able to have an incredible birth that truly left her feeling healed. We also talk about the transition from 1 to 2 children and the 1 baby item Molly can't live without. Molly is a mother of two, a 2.5 year old boy and a 3 month old girl. She and her husband own and run CrossFit Instinct in Springfield, Il, which they opened in 2010. She loves to be active, whether it's working out, going for walks with the family, roller skating, or playing sports. Her true passion in life is helping people feel better in any way, shape or form. She believes that there is nothing more rewarding.Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

For most of us, a labor and delivery nurse is an essential person in our healthcare team during the birth of our baby at the hospital. Because of this important role, we wanted to bring on a labor and delivery nurse to answer all of your questions about what you should expect in the hospital, your relationship with your nurse, and so much more. Nicole is not only a nurse, but she is also the founder of a really cool company that makes air-filtering protective infant covers, which we discuss. We hope you enjoy this one!    Nicole Noar is a mother of 2 boys and a devoted wife. Nicole is a labor and delivery nurse certified in inpatient obstetrics and a lactation consultant with over 13 years of experience in her field. After the birth of her first son, Nicole designed a car seat cover and nursing cover with a pocket on the front for a custom removable medical grade filter made from medical mask material for her son to keep him protected. She has since patented the design and started a company. The Snuggle Shield™ LUXE Protection™ Air Filtering Infant Cover is a one of a kind product designed to protect her own babies and she is so excited to share it.  We also talk about:What it's like being a labor & delivery nurse What to do about your birth plan in the hospital How to get the most out of your relationship with your nurseNicole's best advice for new moms coming into the hospital Advice if you feel like you're not being heard in the hospital Building a company with 2 small children and working as a nurseWhy Nicole created the Snuggle ShieldThe Snuggle Shield Resources:Visit https://snuggleshield.comConnect with her on Instagram or FacebookJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistDownload our FREE Pregnancy Snack Guide Find us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

When we were going through our first pregnancies, we found that listening to birth stories was so helpful and therapeutic. So today, we wanted to spend some time reliving our own birth stories and talking about some of the similarities and differences that we experienced. One story is of an unmedicated birth center birth and the other is of a medicated hospital birth - both beautiful and empowering in their own way. Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

There are a lot of myths surrounding the idea of exercise during pregnancy and in the postpartum period and a lot of important considerations for moms and moms-to-be when it comes to prenatal and postpartum fitness. In this episode we talk with Kristie Alicea, a certified personal trainer with specialties in pre and postnatal fitness, about the importance of continuing a physical activity routine throughout pregnancy and what considerations to keep in mind when engaging in different exercise modalities. Kristie Alicea is a certified personal trainer with specialties in pre and postnatal fitness. She is the founder of ABC Fit Collective, a virtual personal training platform for pre/postnatal fitness that matches you with a coach who will help you feel strong during your pregnancy, build endurance for your birth and optimize your postpartum recovery journey.We also talk about:The benefits of working out throughout pregnancyMyths around pre and postnatal exerciseExercise modifications that we should make during pregnancyKristie's top recommendations for pregnant womenTips for women experiencing terrible nauseaRecommendations for retuning to exercise after babyKristie's company, ABC Fit CollectiveGisselle's Resources:Visit https://abcfitcollective.com/Follow her on IG @abcfitcollectiveJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistDownload our FREE Pregnancy Snack Guide Find us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Most experts say that, like it or not, we are likely to have similar parenting styles as our parents. And there are certainly a lot of things that our parents did that we will do similarly with our children. But in this episode, Laura and Jessica discuss some of the ways in which they think they will parent differently than their own parents. We also talk about: Mother's day planDiscipline stylesShowing affection and saying "I love you"Family traditionsOpen communication about feeling and sexSupporting hobbies and sports Body ImageJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistFind us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work with a doula? In this episode we talk with Gisselle, a certified labor and postpartum doula, about how incredibly valuable working with a doula can be, no matter your birth choices. We dive in about the specifics of how a doula can really help both moms and partners to have the best birth experience possible.  And hear about the different options available when choosing a doula. Gisselle Gutierrez Barbee is a mother of four, a devoted wife, proud Hispanic daughter and sister. As a doula, she holds the credentials of a certified labor doula (CLD), certified postpartum doula (CPD), and certified lactation supporter and educator (CLSE).  She has been working with the birthing and non birthing community for over 15 years.  She cares about supporting families and understands the day to day struggles and celebrations of living in this world and this nation. She believes in honoring our rights to vote, to attend a safe school, and to enter into safe hospitals, and she is ready and grateful to be a part of your journey.We also talk about:What credentials to look for in a doula  How doulas can help you in the postpartum period Some misconceptions about doulas and who should work with oneHow doulas are your biggest advocate in the hospital The services Giselle offers as a doula in a rural part of TexasGisselle's Resources:Visit https://www.mydoulabirth.com/Book a session with Gisselle: https://www.mydoulabirth.com/services.htmlJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistDownload our FREE Pregnancy Snack Guide Find us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

This week is National Infertility Awareness  Week, and in an effort to support so many moms out there who have experienced loss or are currently going through infertility struggles, we wanted to bring on a certified fertility coach to share her own story and discuss what a fertility coach is, what she can help with, and the process of working with someone to potentially overcome infertility. Tess Kossow is a certified fertility coach who helps align dreams with reality so future parents can achieve parenthood where fertility meets heart. As a woman of 38 years old, Tess never thought she would be the mother of a son, conceived via IVF and a rainbow baby, to then be walking around with an internal defibrillator, diagnosed with heart disease, and a survivor of sudden cardiac arrest. But her title is Mama, first and foremost, and every day, she appreciates how special that title truly is. She wants nothing more than for others to have a parent title, as well. It's challenging but truly rewarding, and together, Tess and her clients have the strength to get passed the hard and to celebrate the happy, no matter what.We also talk about:When someone should start looking for a fertility coach What advice Tess has for moms going through infertilityNicole's personal infertility storyHow a fertility coach is different than other medical professionalsHow Nicole approaches coaching and the services she offersTess's Resources:Visit https://tesskossow.com/Free consultation from Tess: https://tesskossow.com/fertility-consulting/I'm very Ferris - https://www.hellokula.com/product-page/i-m-very-ferris-a-child-s-story-about-in-vitro-fertilizationI'm very Ferris takes a bubble bath - https://www.hellokula.com/product-page/i-m-very-ferris-takes-a-bubble-bathJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistDownload our FREE Pregnancy Snack Guide Find us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

This was such an important and helpful discussion on food, kids, and raising intuitive eaters with pediatric dietician, Dr. Taylor Arnold. In this episode, Dr. Arnold dives in and discusses how healthy eating for kids is more than just making sure that they're getting all the proper nutrients. She breaks down the importance of behavior nutrition and creating a healthy relationship with food. Spoiler alert: her take on sugar is one we never expected.  Dr. Taylor is a pediatric registered dietitian with a PhD in nutrition. She is a mom of 2 (soon to be 3) and is the founder of Growing Intuitive Eaters (aka she is pretty amazing). Dr. Taylor is passionate about supporting parents in their journey to prevent and reverse picky eating, support intuitive eating practices in their kids and teens, and instill body positivity. She believes in the importance of using science and evidence-based medicine in her nutrition practice and believes all bodies can be healthy regardless of their size. Taylor offers FREE (yes we said free) courses where she shares the science, her clinical experience, and a little bit of mom know-how. She also has a podcast and blog full of more scrumptious advice.  We also talk about:Taylor's approach to sweets at home Tips for picky eatersBreaking generational patterns of disordered eating and weight stigmaHow to support children who don't want to eat meatSpecific strategies to increase vegetable intake and make it funAdvice on dealing with family members and food rulesWhy Taylor made her pediatric nutrition courses completelyb freeGrowing Intuitive Eaters Resources:Visit: https://growingintuitiveeaters.com/ Listen to the Podcast: Growing Intuitive Eaters by Dr. Taylor ArnoldRead: BlogTake her Free Courses: Growing Intuitive Eaters 101, Variety 101, and more Connect with her on Instagram or FacebookJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistDownload our FREE Pregnancy Snack Guide Find us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

We were so inspired during this talk with Dr. Ali Hill about shifting priorities in motherhood, valuing our time, and finding more flexible work options. In this episode, Dr. Ali talks about her own story into entrepreneurship and how the flexibility positively impacted her in motherhood. She is an empowering voice who can really make all of us feel like we have what it takes to make a career change, value ourselves, and thrive in motherhood. Dr. Ali is nationally recognized as a passionate advocate for girls and women. A sought-after speaker, her unique style combines her academic scholarship in gender and culture studies with her years of service in nonprofit organizations and private companies. She delivers presentations and programming that address the complex and ever-changing realities of being female in our global society. Dr. Ali is the founder of Sound Advice Women, a consultancy for women entrepreneurs and founders. She is a sociologist, emotional intelligence expert, educator, and mom.  We also talk about:Limiting beliefs that many of us have as women The opportunities professionally and in motherhood that entrepreneurship offersWhy outsourcing can be so importantSpecific examples of women Ali has coached who have thrived in working for themselvesThe first steps to take when thinking about leaving your 9-5 Why Ali founded Sound Advice Women Sounds Advice Women Resources:Visit https://soundadvicewomen.com/Watch her TedX TalkConnect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram, or YouTube Join our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistDownload our FREE Pregnancy Snack Guide Find us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Thank goodness for having good friends to have conversations with about our struggles and what's normal in motherhood. In this episode, Laura and Jessica discuss what has been going on in each of their worlds including potty training, breastfeeding, and growing their company. We also talk about: Jessica's potty training approachThe first outing during potty training Laura's birthday weekendOur brand photoshoot for KulaLaura's intentions to continue breastfeedingTraveling with toddlers and babiesEaster traditions for kidsJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistDownload our FREE Pregnancy Snack Guide Find us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Welcome to Kula Conversations - a supportive space to challenge, encourage, inform, and get down and dirty with all things motherhood. In this first chat, Laura and Jessica have some fun learning how to actually record, introduce themselves, and talk about what they hope to accomplish with this podcast. We also talk about: How we know each other Why we are building KulaWhen you should stop counting months with toddlersLaura's breastfeeding challengesIdentity crises in new motherhoodDaycare holiday pressureJoin our Kula village:Join the Kula waitlistDownload our FREE Pregnancy Snack Guide Find us on IG: @hello.kulaAre you an expert?  Come work with us!Thanks for listening!

Hi Mamas - it's Jessica Knurick and Laura Elliott and this is Kula Conversations.After becoming moms, we realized how lonely and overwhelming new motherhood could feel and we couldn't believe that there was such a lack of support options for modern moms today. That's why we created Kula. Like all good ideas, it started with a passionate conversation between lifelong friends (that's us) and ever since then we've been on a mission to empower and support moms and moms-to-be.We decided to start this podcast because we were having incredibly valuable and impactful conversations with our experts (and learning so much), and we realized we needed to bring these conversations to you.After a lot of time spent trying to figure out technology…(and clear space for audio files on my mac)…Kula Conversations was born.Kula Conversations is a supportive space to challenge, encourage, inform, and get down and dirty with all things motherhood.Tune in on Mondays for in-depth, impactful interviews with brilliant experts where we dive deep into topics like breastfeeding challenges, overcoming PPD, identity shifts after baby, evidence-based parenting strategies, and so much more. We are our own target audience and are there learning right along with you. On Wednesdays tune in as we pull back the curtain for an intimate chat with Jess and Laura. We might even have other moms on for heart-centered, real conversations.It's our time to chat about the realities of motherhood like how I can't get my 2-year old son to sit on the potty or how I feel like I'm going to breastfeeding forever.Either way, we're here to support you. For moms and moms-to-be, we're your resource for credible, non-judgmental, and real support. Welcome to your modern village.Find out more: https://www.hellokula.com/