Newbies

Host Kaile Garcia interviews Karthik Gangiredla, a Seattle-based dad and founder of birchstore.com, about what newborn gear parents truly need and how to avoid being overwhelmed by unnecessary products. Karthik says newborn needs fall into four categories: sleep, feeding, transportation, and diapering with essentials like a safe bassinet or crib setup (firm, flat, bare), bottles or breastfeeding supplies as needed, an infant car seat, and diapers/wipes plus a changing surface and diaper bin. He advises buying minimally at first, then adjusting based on baby temperament or medical needs (e.g., contact napping, startle reflex, reflux, preemies, sensitive skin) and following safe sleep and swaddling guidelines. He explains Birch as a curated store and toolkit with a universal smart registry, checklists, trackers, research library, and a Trust Score using safety and review signals, offering free US shipping and generous returns. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for more information giveaways and more. Our handle is @NewMommyMedia and follow us on Patreon! You get behind the scene clips, blog posts, videos and the episodes a week early and ad free! Complete our survey and enter to win a $50 gift card: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P8GTTR3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Kaile Garcia welcomes Dr. Ricki Pollycove, a longtime Bay Area OB/GYN, to discuss what's normal and not normal in postpartum recovery. They compare healing after vaginal birth and C-section, noting that discomfort varies with the birth experience and that reducing perineal swelling by positioning hips above the heart can lessen pain and speed healing. Dr. Pollycove explains typical C-section pain triggers (coughing, sneezing, laughing, sometimes urination) and factors that affect recovery, including excess weight gain. She emphasizes postpartum nutrition and hydration—high protein, lower carbohydrates, and ample fluids—to support mood, energy, and wound healing. At the 6–8 week visit, common issues include breastfeeding nipple pain, relationship support, isolation, and mood changes linked to low estrogen while nursing; she also recommends evaluating anemia, thyroid function, possible UTI, and considering safe estrogen support when needed. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for more information giveaways and more. Our handle is @NewMommyMedia and follow us on Patreon! You get behind the scene clips, blog posts, videos and the episodes a week early and ad free! Complete our survey and enter to win a $50 gift card: ⁠⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P8GTTR3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newbies host Kaile Garcia interviews Theresa Hunt, a level three NICU nurse in Northeast Ohio, about what parents can expect during a NICU stay. Hunt explains NICU levels 1–4, which babies are admitted (including those born before 35 weeks), and how transfers work when higher-level care is needed. She describes typical assignments ranging from “feeder growers” to critical infants needing IV medications and respiratory support, and shares ways nurses prepare parents by setting expectations and involving them in care through touch, diapering, weighing, skin-to-skin, and feeding practice. The discussion covers breastfeeding in the NICU, pumping, “nuzzling,” lactation support, and measuring intake, along with discharge milestones and corrected/adjusted age. Hunt outlines night-shift routines, visiting policies, and common items families bring, and ends with a story of a 22-week infant who survived without deficits. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for more information giveaways and more. Our handle is @NewMommyMedia and follow us on Patreon! You get behind the scene clips, blog posts, videos and the episodes a week early and ad free! Complete our survey and enter to win a $50 gift card: ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P8GTTR3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Kaile Garcia welcomes Lori Harding, a Dallas-based Pilates instructor and solo mom of an under-one-year-old, to discuss working out postpartum and its physical and mental health benefits. Lori shares her planned C-section birth story due to placenta previa, her IVF baby born on World IVF Day, and returning to exercise about eight weeks postpartum after being medically cleared. She explains contemporary Pilates on a reformer as strength-focused training distinct from classical Pilates, and describes how she supports postpartum and pregnant clients with modifications, accessible transitions, and encouragement to listen to their bodies and give themselves grace. The episode includes at-home movement ideas (squats, lunges, light weights, standing core) and Lori's “aha” moment from her first postpartum class. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for more information giveaways and more. Our handle is @NewMommyMedia and follow us on Patreon! You get behind the scene clips, blog posts, videos and the episodes a week early and ad free! Complete our survey and enter to win a $50 gift card: ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P8GTTR3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having a newborn is fun, messy, loud and so exciting! You may be thinking of taking a newborn class with your partner to learn the ins and outs of caring for your new bundle of joy! Today we are diving deep in the joys of motherhood, what you will walk away with at one of these classes and so much more! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for more information giveaways and more. Our handle is @NewMommyMedia and follow us on Patreon! You get behind the scene clips, blog posts, videos and the episodes a week early and ad free! Complete our survey and enter to win a $50 gift card: ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P8GTTR3 For more information about Suma Metla or Three Little Ducks click here! Don't forget to check them out if you are located on Oahu and subscribe to their newsletter for more information! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Summer like weather come summer showers! & It's great being outside with your baby when you can but sometimes that is simply not possible. Today we are talking about playhouses! Why you should bring your baby to one and if they are worth the hype! Jessica Lawson with The Palmetto Playhouse chats about why she created this playhouse for families, how playhouses can be beneficial for those under one and how to enjoy your time at one! If you are near the low country be sure to check them out! Also don't forget to follow New Mommy Media on Instagram for more information giveaways and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Whether you choose to breastfeed your baby or formula feed, cosleep or have your infant in their own room, start your baby on purees or baby led feed,  you might be feeling ashamed about your parenting decisions. Today we are taking a deep dive into shame that you might feel during motherhood and ways to help navigate these feelings! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You have successfully birthed your baby! Now, you are being asked whether you are breastfeeding, formula feeding, nursing or pumping… feeding your infant can be hard and finding what works for both you and your baby can be even harder! Today we are diving deep into why feeding your infant is more complex than parents are told! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for more information giveaways and more. Our handle is @NewMommyMedia and follow us on Patreon! You get behind the scene clips, blog posts, videos and the episodes a week early and ad free! Complete our survey and enter to win a $50 gift card: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P8GTTR3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you have a three-month-old, a six-month-old or you are wanting to celebrate your little one turning one at Disney, today we are chatting about taking your baby to a Disney Theme Park! What are the best rides to go on? What are rides you should avoid and what shows or parades are a must see! We will discuss all the tips and tricks on taking your baby to Disney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newbies guides new mothers through their baby's first year of life. Episodes feature newly postpartum moms as they celebrate the excitement of becoming new parents, as well as the emotional and physical struggles of recovering from childbirth and caring for a newborn baby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When your baby cries and there's no end in sight, do you ever wish you had an instant trick to calm him down? There may be natural frequencies you can use at home to help with soothing. But what are frequencies? And what are their healing — as well as soothing — benefits? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traveling with a baby can definitely have its challenges, and sleep could quite possibly be at the top of that list. So, how do you get your baby adjusted while you're traveling through time zones, or driving long hours in the car? And then once you get to your destination, how do you create the best sleep environment possible... even when you don't have everything you would typically have at home? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With postpartum bodies and tiny humans in tow, working out looks different after having a baby. How should moms ease back in? What are red flags to watch out for? And how can you exercise with your baby at home? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Babies are supposed to cry, it's how they communicate with us. But what do you do when your baby is crying constantly? Could your baby have colic? What exactly is colic and why does it happen? And what natural remedies can you use to help soothe your baby so you both can get some much-needed rest? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have a newborn, then you're no stranger to your little one's weird, jerky movements. Thankfully, those crazy moves are completely normal. In fact, these infant reflexes are designed to protect your baby and keep him safe. So, what can you expect as a new parent? What happens during the moro reflex, sucking reflex, and the root reflex? Will your child always have them or will they eventually go away? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your baby prone to diaper rashes or eczema? Are you struggling to treat cradle cap or baby acne? Many products that claim to help these kinds of skin issues contain ingredients that can actually aggravate the problem. So how do you know what is safe to put on your baby's brand new skin? And what ingredients should you avoid at all costs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've heard the phrase skin-to-skin, but what about kangaroo care? How can this intimate way of holding your baby increase bonding after birth? What are some of the other benefits? How can it help with breastfeeding? And how does it ease the struggles many premature and NICU babies face? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people think of potty training as something to tackle in toddlerhood. But have you ever heard of potty training a baby? This episode is all about elimination communication, a method some parents use with their babies to help them learn to use the toilet at an early age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may know them as pacis, binkies, soothies, or a slew of other names we call that thing that we stick in our baby's mouth to help them stop crying. In my house, pacifiers often work like magic. But are there actual benefits to using them? Today we're going to dig into the science of pacifiers and address some of the most burning questions new parents have on this topic, as well as tips for addressing some of the more problematic paci woes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a new breastfeeding mom, one of your top objectives is to establish a good milk supply for your growing baby. How often should you nurse to bring in your supply? How important is skin-to-skin contact with your baby? What can you do to help regulate an oversupply so you don't feel engorged? Moms with new babies speak out about what worked best for them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After you give birth to your baby, your body needs some time to recover. After all, you just created another human being. Eventually, you (and your partner) may be wondering when you can have sex again. Is six weeks really enough time? How do you know if you're ready? Will it feel different? How can you do it as safely as possible, and what should you expect? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your baby seems to cry, a lot. She also spends a lot of her time moving, grunting, and cooing. Maybe she is trying to communicate what is going on in her tiny little body, but you don't understand. Is there a way to decode what your baby's body language is saying? Does this baby come with a user manual? Help! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When your baby is born, you examine every inch of its tiny, little body. And you may find some things you didn't expect such as a birthmark or stork bite. What do these marks actually mean and what causes them to appear on your baby? Plus, learn how to properly care for your baby's umbilical cord and belly button after birth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all want our children to do what we tell them to do. But even the most obedient children fall short sometimes. So, when is it time to discipline your child? What systems seem to work best? And how do you make this transition when your child is just now learning right from wrong?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Research shows music has countless positive affects on our brains. So what does that mean for the littlest among us? How can new parents use music to soothe their babies? And how does it impact their development? Moms and music teachers weigh in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When giving birth, many women may either tear or have an episiotomy. Learning more about how childbirth impacted your body can make the postpartum recovery process go more smoothly. What are the various degrees of a perineum tear or episiotomy? What household items increase your comfort while recovering? And is there anything you can do to make sex more enjoyable while you heal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You birthed your baby, and then you birthed your placenta. So, now what do you do with it? The hospital could whisk it away and discard it as hazardous material, or you could take it home with you... and perhaps eat it. What? It's true and moms all over the world (including some in our studio) are convinced it helped them after childbirth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Birth certificates and social security cards, most of us use this information on a daily basis. And all the paperwork to create those documents start the moment you are born. As a parent, what do you need to know about filling out these documents for your child? How does the processing of these documents differ if delivering in a hospital versus a birthing center? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your baby's birth weight is important. And for those first couple weeks of life, your primary goal as a new mom is to keep that birth weight from falling more than 10%. Why is it important to maintain that birth weight right after birth? Why is 10% the magic number? And what does it mean if your baby loses more than 10% of her initial weight? What are your options? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes after birth, we don't feel like ourselves, but eventually, those feelings resolve. For some women, their postpartum time is filled with anxiety and compulsions, racing thoughts and sometimes voices in their heads, hallucinations, and even violent behaviors. How are these conditions diagnosed? And what kind of impact can it have on the entire family? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people think mood disorders, such as postpartum depression, must begin immediately after having your baby. But that's simply not true. Delayed postpartum depression can occur 18 months after birth or later depending on hormonal changes within the mother's body. So, would you know if you're experiencing delayed PPD or if something else is wrong? Today we're looking at the main symptoms that when left untreated, can even impact future pregnancies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it's the dead of winter or middle of summer, spending time outdoors has so many benefits for you and your baby. So how can you make getting outside a part of your routine? What are some outdoor activities to try with your baby? And what's the best way to prepare for leaving the house? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For better or for worse, your friendships will change after you have a baby. How do you navigate this as a new mom? How do you know when it's time to let go of a friendship? And how do you make new friends in your same stage of life? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most medications you can buy at the drugstore aren't made for infants – especially the littlest ones. So what are some natural or homeopathic remedies that can help your baby when she has a cold or ear ache? And how do you know what substances are safe to give your baby, and which ones aren't? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The addition of a new baby is supposed to be a happy time, right? However, a new study suggests the birth of your first child could be more stressful and lead to more unhappiness than unemployment, divorce, or death? What? How is that possible? What are the most common stressors new parents experience? And how can you overcome those issues and experience more happiness and stability? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Preparing your car for your new baby involves more than just selecting a car seat. How do you ensure your car seat is properly installed and how to get it checked by a professional? What about other products designed for the car seats, are they safe? What additional items do you really need in your car and how do you safely secure those items? We have some great tips to help you prepare for your new baby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it's your first child, second or third… bringing in a new baby can come with a bit of conflict… Today we are chatting about ways to avoid the late night bickering, early morning grouchiness and overall fatigue that can plague new parents during the baby's first year of life! Esha Mufti joins us and shares her advice on avoiding arguments and how to best parent your new bundle of joy! If you would like to purchase her book daisy's guide for soon-to-be parents click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's your little one's first Thanksgiving! Whether they are three months old, six or even approaching one year we are chatting about the different food ideas you can give your baby on this first holiday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeding your baby solid foods can be a bit scary at first. Most new moms are worried about choking hazards. So, what do you need to keep in mind when you're feeding your baby new foods? What can we do to help modify these foods to make them safer? And what are the most common choking culprits out there that we may want to avoid? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are officially in Fall and with the cooler weather comes hearty dishes like soups, stews and chilis. But, are these foods safe to give my baby or toddler and how can I make some of my favorite dishes baby friendly? Today we are speaking to a dietician on how you can still make your favorite fall foods you love but also make them baby friendly! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While many women get cleared for normal activities from their doctors within a couple of months of giving birth, the postpartum recovery period is actually much longer. How long does it actually take to heal from pregnancy and childbirth? And what are some ways new moms can prioritize self-care during this time period? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you constantly losing your keys or finding things in odd places? Maybe you chalk it up to "mom brain." But is so-called “mom brain” — or "pregnancy brain" — real, or just something we tell ourselves to feel better? A researcher and moms weigh in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You remove your baby's diaper and see redness everywhere- perhaps even bumps and open sores! What's causing your baby's diaper rash? Could it be the diaper or some other form of allergy or irritation? How should you clean the area to reduce any discomfort for your baby? And how can you treat the rash and (hopefully) prevent it from happening again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As your baby grows, so does his ability to sleep for longer periods of time. So, how does this impact the naps you have scheduled throughout the day? How much sleep does your baby really need, and how does this change along with their overall development? How do you drop naps throughout the day and still make sure your baby isn't cranky or wide awake when it's nighttime? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dealing with your baby's poop is just one of the many joys of new parenting. But besides being a bit gross, you can also learn a lot about your baby's overall health. So, what should you expect within the first few weeks of birth? What do the different colors mean? What should you do if your baby is constipated? Plus, our panelists share their most memorable poop surprises! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After you have your baby, you may be experiencing a wide range of emotions. If you're not feeling completely elated shortly after the birth of your baby- don't worry, that can be completely normal. It's called the baby blues, and it's a temporary condition many women experience within the first few weeks of birth. So, what are the common symptoms and how do you know if your condition is more severe? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You recently had a baby and your transition into motherhood may leave you a little puzzled. Who are you, now that you're a mom? How do you shift between caring for yourself, your partner and this new little being that just came into the world? How do you discover your new identity? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adoption can happen through many avenues and under a variety of circumstances. Each baby's adoption story is uniquely beautiful and uniquely challenging. How do you know if adoption is right for your family? What are some of the challenges you may face when adopting a newborn? How do you overcome obstacles that may come your way? In this episode, moms of adopted newborns share their personal experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From your baby's first smile to his first steps, there are so many exciting milestones to look forward to. But sometimes, keeping track of them all can be a little overwhelming. And what if your baby's not rolling by the time your friend's baby did? Or what if she's a late talker or walker? At what point should you actually seek help? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes unexpected events during childbirth can wound a new mother. The physical scars fade, but emotional trauma can produce feelings of helplessness, shame, and defeat. How can a mother process these emotions and even embrace them as moments of courage and strength, rather than weakness? And how can loved ones support mom during this important transition? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New moms experience many new emotions after the birth of their baby, and some of those feelings may surprise you, such as anxiety. Postpartum anxiety is a common condition that is often overlooked because of the belief that new mothers are just naturally anxious. So, what are the symptoms, and how does it differ from other postpartum mood disorders? And how can this condition impact a mother's ability to care for her child if gone untreated? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices