Mamáhood Podcast

When we found out we were pregnant, my husband and I both agreed that we wanted to raise a bilingual child. Then our son was born and the reality hit us, WE have to speak in Spanish in OUR household. Both of us grew up in Spanish speaking homes but we spoke English to one another. Its been such a difficult thing for us to do, but we have now COMMITTED and here is our experience so far.

We did it!!!! We survived a theme park with our little guy and now we can share what we learned with you!Sesame Place is theme park completely catering to the little ones in your life. Its in Pennsylvania and its a huge blast.

Imagine going to your first ultrasound and seeing one healthy egg, then returning a couple of weeks later and learning your egg split in two?On episode 040, we catch up with Sindy. She is a mom of identical twin girls. She talks about:- how she learned she was pregnant- when she learned she was having twins- her pregnancy- details on her c-section- and a bonus section all about essential oils!

At MommyCon, my son had the pleasure of tasting KABRITA USA toddler formula and he loved it.I almost cried watching my breastmilk snob actually enjoy something other than mama's liquid gold but it was also reassuring to know that there are quality products out there that my baby boo likes.I had the opportunity to sit down and interview Dr. Annie Salsberg, ND, Senior Manager for Medical Engagement & Education for the brand.About Kabrita:Kabrita USA delivers nourishment and comfort to children and their parents through our naturally easy to digest Goat Milk Formula. We empower families with a new choice in formula feeding-one that marries the ideal of all-natural with the rigor and safety of science. We’re very excited to be not the “typical” formula company. Kabrita USA is 100% women run and led by Moms. Their mission is to empower parents to nourish their child with confidence. They strive to add value to their community of Moms through their commitment to education, transparency & supportive communication. You can see Kabrita USA's core values here: http://www.kabritausa.com/about-us/ Follow them on Instagram at @hellokabritaDon't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on @mamahoodpodcast on Instagram. Get your #reppinmamahood shirts at melissaherreria.com/shop!

Colic is so short lived that I feel like we forget how hard it is. For the mom that's in the thick of it,however, it feels like an eternity.In this episode, I explain colic, share my empathy and survival tips and give you some comfort from a mom on the other side. We survived. You will too.If you're in the midst of it now, I understand your pain. If you're pregnant, listen. Don't be afraid. 1 in 5 children are said to have colic. If you're child does, you will survive it. If you had a child that was colic-free, listen to offer a consoling ear to a friend in the future.Quick reminder! Use #reppinmamahood hashtag on Instagram to share your story and I will repost you on the @mamahoodpodcast feed.

As the primary caretaker for my son, I found myself taking on all the parenting responsibilities. It wasn't because my husband didn't want to but because I felt I had to. Turns out I was excluding him and taking away his opportunities to learn how to parent. In this episode, I go over some of the steps we took to make both of us happier.Follow the podcast on Instagram @mamahoodpodcastUse the #reppinmamahood hashtag to be shared on our IG pageAnd order your Reppin Mamáhood T-shirt here

I made it to MommyCon!!! Definitely a fun and awesome experience for mothers to connect with likeminded women living in the same area. I absolutely loved the event and recommend you check it out.This is not a paid post. Just sharing information about an event that I found super valuable. Here is some info from the MommyCon website:"MommyCon takes a gentle and positive approach to educating parents about the emotional and physical benefits of natural birthing, breastfeeding and babywearing. We advocate values of holistic health, eco-friendly diapering, child safety standards and procedures, and female self-care and wellness. Our mission is to create a community of support, acceptance and non-judgement for women journeying through parenthood."If you have a MommyCon coming up near you, listen to this episode, grab your baby, your partner, and some friends and go!https://mommycon.com/events/

Melanie Santos is a cosmically connected New Yorker, millennial Latina, wife, mother, and self-love and mental health advocate dedicated to shining her light in an effort to stimulate change. Using her online social presence, she motivates her followers to reach deep within, connect with their higher selves, and manifest their best lives by living purposely and loving unconditionally.MEL À LA MODE caters to women of all walks of life with a focus on overall empowerment, spiritual enlightenment, modern parenting, budget-friendly fashion and organic beauty, travel, the promotion of self-love, and the destigmatization of mental health.Connect with Melanie, watch her birth story, and claim your simple manifestation tools on https://melalamode.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/melalamode_/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melalamodeTwitter: https://twitter.com/MELALAMODE

Right after having baby, I experienced this great deal of mourning of the person I once was and the life she lived. Now, 16 months later, I reflect on how much I've changed and give you permission to mourn while showing you how to embrace your new life. The new you.

Before you listen to this episode, make sure you listened to Episode 032. It's all about how and why we started night weaning.  This episode is the tail end of that experience. I'm proud to say that we are all much happier as a family.  Night weaning is NOT a necessary step for a breastfeeding relationship. Mothers and their children can nurse for however long they want and whenever they want. Night weaning is an option for you if the night nursing relationship is no longer working for you. There are so many options on how to night wean.  I read the Jay Gordon method, the Dr. Sears method, and a couple of mommy blogs to see how they night weaned. We chose to follow Dr. Sears advice to have the non-nursing parent wake and console the baby. It worked best for us. If you want to night wean, have a conversation with your partner and decide what's the best way to proceed. Then move forward as planned. If your child responds well, continue going. By well, I mean there will be some crying but they eventually fall back to sleep and begin understanding the process. If you're child does not respond well, reassess if this is the best decision.  Good luck and please let me know how it goes! Please subscribe, review, and share the podcast with your friends.  Instagram: @mamahoodpodcast Use the #reppinmamahood on Instagram to let me know how night weaning is working out for you.  And purchase a Reppin' Mamáhood T-shirt to support the podcast. 

So the time has come. I decided that I should cut night time feeding out of mine and my son's breastfeeding journey. It was a very hard decision to come to but he started to become very aggressive and demanding about when and for how long he wanted the boob in his mouth at night time. I was becoming angry and uncomfortable and I decided that I needed to set boundaries. I nursed on demand for 16-months. Its been a very emotional experience for me and we are only three nights in. This episode is a very real account about how we night weaning and what I am feeling. Please be kind. I'm so sensitive right now. I decided to record the episode because other moms told me they want to night wean but can't find the real life accounts on how it affects everyone's life.  Most of the content out there is from professionals and it all seems so smooth. But its not a science. So here's my contribution to the realness of it all. 

As an empowerment and wellness mentor, Elvira Cabreja helps ambitious women take strategic action to reach both their short term and long term goals. It is her passion to work with women one on one and give them the support they need to turn their dreams a reality. Elvira discusses the births of her three daughters and the impact that time, education, and advocacy has made on the birth industry and profession. At her first daughters birth, she was not allowed to walk around to labor and doctors and nurses attempted to persuade her not to breastfeed. By the time her third daughter was born, things changed in the labor and delivery room. She was allowed to labor as she felt her body needed to and breastfeeding was less of a fight with hospital staff. It was actually encouraged. There are so many lessons in this episode and a free offer!!!   Never let anyone trigger you again -The 3 Day Experience Take the empowering step towards becoming a stronger, more confident woman.  The woman who does not get triggered by anyone again!  A trigger is a cause (an event or situation) to happen or exist that rises an emotional reaction. This experience WILL give you back your power and it WILL be liberating! Sign up here to take your life to the next level! http://subscribe.elviracabreja.com/triggers You can connect with Elvira on Instagram @elviracabreja, Facebook - Elvira Cabreja or contact her directly on her website elviracabreja.com  Don't forge to follow us on Instagram @mamahoodpodcast. Also make sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Lastly, use the #reppinmamahood hashtag to connect with me and be featured on our feed!!!

I was hesitant to post this episode because I don't want to jinx it but my son has been sick a handful of times between colds, the flu, and the stomach flu and I've managed to keep the germs far away from me. In this episode, I give you my personal tips on how to remain healthy when your household is ill. Many of my tips are lifestyle changes to boost your immune system year round and not just while the sickies are in your home. Listen in. Share. And follow us on Instagram at @mamahoodpodcast

In this episode, I give you details on the products we used for our son. Every product mention is one that I felt has really given me lots of use for its cost. Babies are newborns for such a short time and having products that they can use beyond the newborn stage is always helpful. Links to products COMING SOON. Follow us on @mamahoodpodcast and use the #reppinmamahood hashtag to be featured on our feed!

A little on my postpartum experience and the products I used to help me overcome a few challenges. Earth Mama Organics products: https://earthmamaorganics.com/categories/postpartum.htmlMedela Tendercare Hydrogel Pads: https://www.medela.com/breastfeeding/products/breast-care/hydrogel-padsLansinoh Therapearl 3-1 Breast Therapy: https://www.lansinoh.com/lansinohr-therapearlr-3-in-1-breast-therapyMedela Washable Bra Pads: https://www.medela.com/breastfeeding/products/breast-care/washable-bra-padsMemory Foam Wedge: http://amzn.to/2ElsrSdGlider: http://bit.ly/2EkEv62Follow me on @melissaherreria and @mamahoodpodcast on Instagram

I began following Cisca because of her beautiful photos on her Instagram feed. Once I started digging deeper, I learned more about her story and background.  Born and raised in South Africa, she is a first time mom to Hudson. Taking on a journey that is sometimes met with questions and uncertainty, but filled with giggles and cuddles in between the poop nappies and burp cloths!  Her story offers much insight on what it feels like to tread through the journey into motherhood. From the loss of a parent, to an unplanned C-section, a stay at the NICU, and postpartum depression, Cisca's strength and her support team guided her through difficult times.  A great listen.  Follow Cisca at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raising_hudson_dk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raisinghudsondk/ Blog: https://itsamomslife2017.wordpress.com Make sure to subscribe, review, and share this episode!!!  If you would like to be featured on the podcast, visit: http://www.melissaherreria.com/be-on-the-podcast/

I often say this podcast is my therapy and today it's my confessional. Prior to being a mom, there were things I saw other parents do that I would scowl at or say "I would never do that" and today I have to bite my tongue because I do the same EXACT thing!!! I never judge a mom now. I give the "I see you" nod and show my appreciation for her showing up every single day for her family. But BEFORE becoming a parent, I did, I judged. And 20-something year old Melissa would never had thought that 35-year old Melissa would be doing all of the she once judged but she is. Oh well.  That's life! Listen to the episode and use the #reppinmamahood hashtag to tell me what you once judged and totally have to put your foot in your mouth for.  Connect with me on @melissaherreria and @mamahoodpodcast on Instagram and get ready for MERCHANDISE on my website soon www.melissaherreria.com  Catch you next week! 

Our community of mothers is growing every single day so I decided to ask THEM to offer US some advice to the question, "How can momma take care of herself better?" I received so many gems, many I will be attempting myself. We all need our mommy time. It's so necessary and we NEVER seem to take it.  Listen in to hear some of our community's self-care tips.  Which one is your favorite? Which one do you currently do and which are you willing to try? Let me know on Instagram @melissaherreria or @mamahoodpodcast And make sure to subscribe to the podcast!!! 

For most women who have one or more noncancerous fibroids experience no pregnancy complications. However, for 10 to 30% of pregnant women, fibroids can cause severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.Maria Duncan was growing a baby in her body as a fibroid continued to grow. The experience was unique but the lessons are universal.Subscribe and Review the podcast and if you would like to be on the podcast, email me at mommyhood@melissaherreria.comFollow on Instagram at @mamahoodpodcast and @melissaherreria

So here is the deal. Everyone AND THEIR MOTHER is telling you that THEIR weight loss program is THE ONE that is going to get you your pre-baby body back. Marketers are selling you everything they can. And I get it, I was in the weight loss industry for eight years but I am here to tell you that you DO NOT NEED ANY OF IT.  Listen to this episode to get some REAL tips on WHAT WORKS. I'm not selling you a thing, just helping a fellow mother out. I don't want you making this resolution every single year for the rest of your life. I want you to get healthy FOR LIFE!  Listen and subscribe to the podcast!  Also follow me on Instagram @melissaherreria and @mamahoodpodcast Tell me what you thought about the episode and which of my tips you will be following this year. 

We are back! And ready to fill your cup up with tons of mamáhood craziness. The format has changed a bit, but the information will be just as valuable. I promise. Follow me on my journey daily at: http://instagram.com/melissaherreria and keep up with the podcast at http://instagram.com/mamahoodpodcast

Sleep is one of those things that every new mom is struggling with but no one wants to talk about. Society makes it seem like there's just ONE way of doing things. American culture makes you feel like a failure if you have a child in your bed, yet tons of other cultures lay around on family beds all the time. I have no opinion on what's best but I am going to share with you all of our ups and downs and whats currently working for my family. This way, you won't feel so alone. We're all struggling.

Kenia Nuñez is a New Yorker with three children. She lost her husband to Cancer in May 2013. She is no different from anyone else that grieves a loss – however, she made a very conscious decision not to let her husband’s death steal her joy. She has done her absolute best to live her life with purpose and passion, just as her husband selflessly asked her to. By way of his death, he gave her life. For years, when life was “perfect” she was praised for being a supermom, but she was secretly running on empty. She began to feel like a fraud; spiraling into a horrifying depression and she couldn’t find her way out. Not until her husband was diagnosed with cancer did she have an awakening. Her awakening has led her to teach others how to find balance in chaos, and purpose in pain through the power of self-care. While working with women, she realized that young girls desperately needed the tools of self-care she was teaching and she wrote the Amazon best-seller “SavvyGems.” SavvyGems is an acronym whose nine letters stand for nine life practices that can assist you as you encounter the highs and lows of life. It rests on the idea that although we can’t control all outward circumstances, nor predict the uncertainties of life we can take control of ourselves through a systematic, holistic approach of self-care which celebrates all the ways in which we “show up” to our lives. Purchase a copy at: http://amzn.to/2wXBrt1 And follow Kenia on Instagram @asavvyme and @savvygems

These past few weeks my heart has been heavy for the mothers caring for young children in Mexico and Puerto Rico. I want to help and I want to urge you to help. Lets do it together!Email me at mommyhood(at)melissaherreria.com

I invited Darleny on the podcast to share her time management skills but what ended up coming out of it was EVEN more. She gave us an example of a mother who is following her heart and teaching her children to do the same. When her career in corporate America began changing her personality and affecting her personal life. She decided to leave and start her own business. Its changed everything in her life and she's so proud of the way its changed her relationship with her boys.

Rubi, Dominican and raised in the Bronx, moved to the Faroe Islands for love. Here is where she began the journey of motherhood. In this episode she discusses the prenatal, postpartum, and overall maternal care women receive in the Faroe Islands while going over a few key differences between the US and her new home.

Take a quick drive with me and listen to my first experience with mommy shaming - my reaction and what I wish I said. I'm also in search of new moms to interview for the winter season. If you know of a mom who should definitely share her story, please have her email me at mommyhood@melissaherreria.com

From the moment I saw Stacey's first post with her daughter, I knew I wanted to learn more about her birth story and her journey to motherhood. Stacey shares how she felt when she learned she was pregnant with her rainbow baby Isabella, the events that led up to her emergency c-section, her postpartum anxiety and care. One thing we both forgot to touch upon during the podcast was her breastfeeding journey with Isabella. After we spoke, Stacey messaged me to make sure I let other moms know how much anxiety can play a role. She writes, "I continued to pump even though most times I would get less than half an ounce or sometimes an ounce at the most… I just kept breast-feeding and pumping even though Isabella was getting formula for almost all of her meals I would just give her whatever milk I could. I prayed almost everyday that my milk would increase. I started eating oatmeal. Drinking mothers milk tea & drank lots of water. Just kept trying & one day I got 1 full oz (both breast) then I started getting 1 per breast. Then it just started increasing it was inconsistent in amounts but it was coming. So I just kept at it until I realized omg I've been giving her all pumped breast milk. Now she nurses and I pump but she's exclusively on bm and I'm so grateful. But I had to take it one day at a time and even accept that maybe I wouldn't be able to Breastfeed. I also noticed a significant increase in supply when I was less stressed & on the other side of anxiety. Stress. C section. Thyroid deficiency but somehow it all worked out." Never give up mamas. You can find Stacey as "Stacey Gay" on Facebook and @stacey_stayfit on Instagram

Stephanie became pregnant with her son London, at a busy time in her life. She was planning a wedding, working full time, and naive to what labor was like with little time to research. When the day came to deliver her baby, she ended up having a C-section and although overjoyed with the arrival of her baby boy, she knew the next time around, she would do things differently. When Stephanie learned she was pregnant with her daughter Paris, she did her research and found doctors that supported a vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC) and was successfully able to delivery her daughter vaginally with minimal medications. She shares her birth stories and provides us insight on the differences between nursing her children. Stephanie also discusses her continued breastfeeding after she returned to work and how she maintained her supply to successfully breastfeed both children for 6 months and beyond.

One thing that keeps me sane when he’s learning something new is the Wonder Weeks app. Have you checked it out yet? The app is based on the best selling book by the same name “The Wonder Weeks.” And its totally free. The gist of the app and the book are that All babies go though the same changes in the mental development at the same time. This is called a mental leap. With each leap, your baby is given the possibility to learn new things. And every baby wants to learn, much less master, these new skills, as learning these makes him master that ‘puzzle’ or ‘chaos’ that is in his brain since the leap. Learning new things helps him to get through the fussy phase and is good for his development for the rest of his life. The book is written by two doctors, Hetty van de Rijt and Frans Plooij, that studied the mental development of babies. We have all heard about growth spurts and sleep regressions but mental leaps are yet another thing that can totally turn your world around but they are also AMAZING.

I love speaking to more seasoned mothers because it provides perspective for all of us holding babies at three in the morning. A few years ago, Audrey Robles felt completely unfulfilled. She was married to the love of her life, had two gorgeous little boys, but she somehow lost herself. She stopped taking care of herself and started to gain weight. Audrey was living day to day without purpose, without goals, without a plan to better her life and the life of her family. One day she woke up, and decided she was worth a change and began to prioritize her health and personal development. And when she did that, she became confident and empowered again. She became a better wife. She became a better mother. Her faith became stronger and her passion came back. Audrey talks about her back to back C-sections and the shift she had to make in order to become more disciplined and be the example she wanted to be for her two boys. You can find her at audreyrobles.com Book recommendations: You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, The Alchemist by Paolo Coehlo, The Charge by Brendon Burchard, and The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

On episode 11 of the Mamáhood Podcast, we hear from Samantha Tully. Sam’s story is about a mother’s strength, when your body doesn’t react as planned but you have a little life to care for. She discusses a lot of the things we don’t hear about when it comes to C-sections, how to cope when your birth doesn’t go as planned, and provides really helpful postpartum self-care tips that include hiring a postpartum doula. Book recommendation: The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou, Amely Green and Marisa Belger.

A one-on-one chat about the realness of #thesnapback with tips on how to chill out and get some control on your weight loss journey.

Danielle Bianco is the mother of two beautiful girls. Danielle says she is the poster mom on how no two children are alike. Her pregnancies were different, and so was labor, and her nursing relationship with her daughters. In this episode, we speak to her specifically about her nursing journey with her youngest daughter who is 6-months old. She explains lots of terminology that is thrown around by medical professionals and empowers moms everywhere to go with their instinct and advocate for what they want for their children.

In today's episode, Ingrid drops gems about motherhood. She is the mother of a 10 year old boy and everything about their life together just echoes how much they were made for one another. Ingrid is a single mother who experienced a miscarriage before the birth of her son. The adage that you're child chooses YOU to be their mother is very clear in their relationship.

In this episode I enlisted the help of my husband. He interviews me and asks the questions I ask of my guests. I share how I learned I was pregnant, the research I did to find the hospital I wished to deliver in, and how I found my provider. I also share what birth was like for me and how I coped with the infancy stage. Lots of advice for the partners as well!

In this episode you will hear from my friend Annia Rivero. She provides a detailed description on exactly how she felt after the birth of her baby, how she coped, and the steps she took to fight for the relationship she desired with her daughter.  You can find Annia on Facebook under the name Annia Rivero or Instagram @aniriv75

Tricia Ross drops so many gems - pregnancy as a type 2 diabetic, unplanned C-section, supplementing with formula while nursing, working from home, and the financial decisions that her family decided to make in order to spend more time with their baby. She covers it all. From life in "the trenches" to the patience necessary to find yourself again after baby.

In this episode you will hear from me personally. I will discuss my nursing journey for the past 7 months - the hurdles and the triumphs. My goal is to give you as much information as I can cram into this episode. I give you an overview on what I learned during my Breastfeeding 101 class as well as MY REALITY. You'll also learn some common terms that are thrown around in the breastfeeding world, resources to help you if you need assistance, and simple goals and reassurances to keep you going.

Bay area mom and aesthetician Tatiana Daiers discusses the struggles she experienced while raising her daughter during the newborn phase and provides great tips to help moms see the light at the end of the tunnel. You can find her on Instagram @tattonesitup and @tatlashes

Experienced mother of three recalls the birth of her first child, experiencing postpartum depression, getting to "know" her children, and raising children while balancing reality vs. her made up image of what it would all be like.

I am Melissa, your host for the Mamáhood Podcast. In this episode, I discuss what motivated me to start this podcast and the topics we'll be learning about on this journey together. Motherhood is a crazy ride, why not take it with your sisters!?