Scrub Caps & Sippy Cups

Today, so many people of all ages are dealing with burnout and mental health issues. Children are met with high expectations that are often too much to bear. Adults struggle to stay motivated in careers they are not passionate about. Learning how to find comfort and get through hard times is essential, especially amidst a global pandemic, but so is listening to your internal voice when it tells you it's time to make a change.   In this episode, we speak with life coach and musician Morgan Beard about her journey through depression, job burnout, and making a transformational move across the country. Morgan shares how helpful therapy has been to her, what lead her to art therapy as a profession, and eventually to becoming a life coach. We also talk about her new therapeutic pop EP titled ‘Ele.mental'.   Discussed in this episode: Burnout Depression Therapy Self-expression in the healing process Letting kids be kids Internalization Finding comfort Feeling isolated Sharing emotions with others Making a cross-country move Getting quiet to hear your internal voice The difference between a therapist and a life coach And other topics...   About Morgan Beard: Morgan Beard is a creative life coach who works with clients both online and in person. She earned her Masters in Art Therapy from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2017. After graduation, she worked in a nursing home as an art therapist. The work environment was toxic and depressing, which lead to burnout.   In 2018, she moved from New York City to Los Angeles with a mission to start over. Eventually, she started a life coaching business, where she is thriving and happier than ever. She decided to pursue her first passion, which is music. She is working on releasing a therapeutic pop EP titled ‘Ele.mental', which is all about her personal transformation as translated through pop music.   Connect with Morgan Beard: Website: Morgan Beard - Life Coach Music Website: Muunie Facebook: Morgan Beard - Life Coach Music Facebook: @iammuunie Instagram: @iammunnie YouTube: Muunie LinkedIn: Morgan Beard Spotify: Muunie   Connect with the hosts: Instagram: @heysmartmommas Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Email us: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com   Other Resources Mentioned: Book: The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy   If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!  

In this episode, we speak with Jason Clawson and get a dad's perspective for the first time on this podcast. He shares how his family took a horrible tragedy and turned it into something good.   Four years ago, Jason felt like his life was going right and that he and his family were living the life they were meant to live. They were building their dream house, he was a clinical director at a recovery program, his young boys were thriving, and his 40-year old brother finally got married. His wife had also lost 100 lbs. after having weight loss surgery and was feeling amazing.   A month after his brother's wedding, his wife found a lump in her stomach that was growing. They began a journey of talking to doctors about what was going on, and they were stumped. Their life was on hold as they waited for answers. One day, they received a call that his wife should consult an oncology surgeon because she had spots throughout her body.   His wife underwent exploratory surgery with a partial hysterectomy where the surgeon found a large lump near her colon. The surgeon told Jason that his wife had stage four colon cancer.   This moment was life-changing. He couldn't believe that this was happening to them. His mind began to race about how their family would navigate this. The surgeon told him something that he will never forget, that cancer has a way of enhancing your life and you will get through this. He was stunned in the moment and angry about this for years.   This experience was the hardest that they would have to go through in their lives. As he is going through this, he had to show up for clients at work and be the best for them. When he got home, he took care of his wife and children. By the end of the night, he was exhausted. But he knew that this is what he was supposed to do, no matter how hard it was.   Even though his wife was given two to three years to live, nine months later his wife passed away. When the funeral was over, he realized that this was the time that he needed his family to rally around him and support him. He and his five and eleven-year-old boys were all struggling and he felt like there was nothing he could do to make everything better.   Jason decided that he wasn't going to wait around until things got better. He wanted to show his children how to get through this experience and to grieve in a healthy and happy way. He texted 13 people in his circle and shared his struggles and asked for help. They showed up and wanted to help him.   After this, life became a little easier. They created a system where he could reach out for support with just one word. His support team was grateful for the opportunity to help him heal and checked in with him regularly. He realized that people wanted to help but just didn't know how to do so.   He ended up quitting his job for the summer and dedicated it to creating happy memories with his boys. They created a bucket list of activities and one of those was putting together sunshine baskets that they could deliver to anyone who had lost a loved one. They helped others grieve while they grieved too.   Today, they have delivered sunshine baskets in 24 states and created a cause called Giving Sunshine. They launched a Kickstarter so they can reach more people with what Jason calls “therapy in a box”.   Discussed in this episode: Going through difficult experiences Checking in on the caregiver Supporting family after a death Children struggling with loss Asking for help Creating a healing circle Being vulnerable Looking for opportunities to help Being a hybrid dad Sunshine baskets Looking for happy things Paying it forward Community and connection How males deal with emotion And other topics...   About Jason Clawson:   Jason Clawson is the co-owner of Giving Sunshine, which is on a mission to help support, heal, and get others to connect with their own healing teams. Giving sunshine provides therapeutic care packages for those going through difficult experiences. He is a licensed therapist, a widower, and the father to two boys.   Connect with Jason Clawson: Giving Sunshine Website Kickstarter for Giving Sunshine Facebook: Giving Sunshine Instagram: @givingsunshinedaily LinkedIn: Jason Clawson   Connect with the hosts: Instagram: @heysmartmommas Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea, @ellenlauletta, @stl_injector Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Email us: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com   If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!

Michelle Purta is a marriage coach for moms and she is on the show discussing common issues moms face in marriage, figuring out what exactly you want in your marriage, gender roles, and more!  It's not always easy to figure out what you want in your marriage, or what you should expect from your spouse. And if things are going wrong, it can be tough to know where to turn for help. Michelle is here this week to help clear some things up. She knows how to help couples communicate better and figure out what they want from their marriages. So whether you're currently married or single and hoping to be married someday, tune in and join the conversation! We promise it'll be worth your while. About Michelle Michelle is a married mom of 3, California native, and a life and marriage coach for moms. She supports moms who feel disconnected in their marriage enjoy their husbands again through communication skills, healing, human design, and breathwork. www.instagram.com/michellepurtacoaching www.facebook.com/michellepurtamarriagecoach   Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas

Moms, we are busy! Am I right? Between getting the kids to school on time, making dinner, and taking care of a million other things, it's hard to find the time to go to the store. Amazon Prime has made it a lot easier for us moms to get what we need without leaving the house. But is Amazon Prime worth it?  This week we are talking about the pros and cons of using Amazon Prime instead of going to the store. We are also talking about store pick-up and giving you the perspectives of Laci, Ellen, and Crystal, who all have different views. We think you will relate to this episode, and we'd like to keep this conversation going with your input! Comment on our socials and reply to the story polls. You can also email us! Let's connect! Follow the girls on Instagram - @mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas

We have an awesome show for you this week! Jennifer Anderson from Kids Eat in Color is here. She is talking about all things feeding kids! Jennifer started out on Instagram wanting to connect with other moms who were struggling to feed their kids a well rounded diet. Her community grew and so did her knowledge, and before she knew it she had 1.6 million followers!  How did my kid become a picky eater despite my best effort with baby-led weaning? Jennifer drops a truth bomb on us…its a myth. Laci wonders why her kids are picky eaters and it might just have something to do with genetics. We love Jennifer's explanation of this! What is an extremely picky eater? Crystal tells the story about her daughter not eating anything at preschool for a year! Jennifer explains how to help a child branch out from the few foods they will eat to be able to adapt to new foods. One day they like a food, the next they don't, the foods can't touch, the foods need to be mixed…help!  I had a great eater and now they are two and won't eat anything! Do you have a healthy foundation? It starts with taking the pressure off of your kid. Instead, focus on coming together and giving your kid the food or foods they will eat. Keep the pressure low by having the new food on the table. It's there, they see it, and eventually, they might try it! What is an age appropriate amount of time at the table? Hint - it's probably short. Jennifer's tip is to start with a timer. Set it to a small amount of time and move the timer up to find the max attention span. When you're done, you're done! The dreaded snacking… Ellen discusses her struggles with snacks at home, what she offers, and how this interferes with mealtime. What's the best solution? Jennifer breaks this down… its a cultural thing in the U.S. and in fact too much snacking can interfere with their natural hunger cues. Tune in to hear her best tips!  Jennifer talks about the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and how this public health initiative is helping families thrive. She addresses some common misconceptions about WIC and how this program can be best utilized.  What is a food desert? Simply put, it is a lack of access to a variety of healthy foods. This can be urban or rural. Jennifer breaks down the dynamics that make up a food desert and explains the misconceptions around poverty.  Everyone is sick. It's that time of the year. How do I keep my kid as healthy as possible? Jennifer talks about how important hydration is. She explains that kids will lose their appetite when they are sick, but keeping them hydrated is key. Their appetite will come back. Ease back into their normal diet and avoid any special diet or new foods. Hear her opinion on elderberry!  So many nuggets of info on this episode!    Follow Jennifer for more tips: Website: https://kidseatincolor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kids.eat.in.color/   Freebies: Mom's budget-friendly guide to getting picky eaters to try new foods Baby-led weaning is the next 'breast is best,' but it's not the only option. Here are 3 tips for introducing solids to your child. Baby-Led Weaning is Becoming the New 'Breast is Best'—But It's Time to Squash Both   About Jennifer Anderson: Jennifer Anderson is a registered dietitian with a master of science in public health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. She is the founder and CEO of Kids Eat In Color - the leading resource for helping get kids on the path to eating better without the mealtime battles. About Kids Eat in Color Jennifer Anderson is the founder of Kids Eat in Color. Kids Eat in Color is now a team of experts that helps parents end food battles and teach their kids to try new foods. Jennifer has been featured on Good Morning America, Insider, Parents giving perspective and highlighting social discrepancies as it pertains to access to food and resources and the harm of misinformation in child nutrition. The Better Bites course is our online program for parents who want to decrease their stress and get their child on the road to eating more foods.   Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector   Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com   Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups   Instagram: @heysmartmommas

Hey moms and parents! Bonnie Lenz is here, coming to talk with you about something important. It's something that many of us struggle with, and it can be tough to break the cycles of bad parenting we may have grown up with. But it's definitely worth trying to do better for our kids. So let's get started! There is a lot of pressure on parents to do things "the right way." But what if the right way isn't actually working? In this episode, we'll be discussing how mainstream parenting techniques aren't always practical and how alternative methods could be more beneficial for families.  Bonnie is a survivor of child abuse and emotional abuse as an adult. She has three amazing children with her supportive husband Cory. Bonnie's children are her best teachers and they have inspired a lot of her healing and passions. After years of healing, and with loving support, Bonnie was able to set a freeing boundary in 2020, and shortly after that, she was inspired to create The Sunflower Parent Movement which launched on Mother's Day of last year. She wanted to help those who are parenting break unhealthy cycles, raise awareness about evidence-based parenting, and advocate for abuse awareness and prevention.  She has come to believe that conscious, respectful, and positive parenting practices hold the key to ending generational cycles of trauma that contribute to abuse prevention. Bonnie is a Registered Nurse and wanted to help others, but was being a people pleaser, blamed herself, and found that nursing took a big emotional burden on her. She turned gears and started a nonprofit in the hopes of helping others through counseling, coaching, and various resources.  Mainstream parenting goes against what may be developmentally appropriate. Bonnie explains how there is a lack of understanding surrounding childhood development and parenting through those stages. Bonnie tells us that mainstream parenting isn't backed by evidence nor is it effective. The ladies discuss spanking and how using spanking can be a cycle as it's passed down from previous generations.  Bonnie discusses looking for the unmet need in your child - creating safety (remove the child from the situation), observing what you see, validating feelings, and fulfilling the need that the child seeks. She also gives us some great tips on co-regulation! Ellen explores her childhood and relates that to how she is a parent today. She tells how her culture didn't allow emotion and how she has changed that with her kids. Bonnie adds how we can easily react poorly when we as adults aren't regulated. She encourages us that it's ok to feel.  Crystal and Laci mention how this episode has brought up a lot of thoughts and questions related to their childhood. Perhaps it will do the same for you and be a starting point to great discussions. We would love to hear your feedback! Messages us on IG.   Follow Bonnie! https://www.instagram.com/thesunflowerparentmovement/   https://www.facebook.com/thesunflowerparentmovement   Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector   Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com   Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups   Instagram: @heysmartmommas   Twitter: @heysmartmommas   If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!  

Do you ever feel like you need a break from the constant go, go, go? We know we do. And what's better than taking a break to do nothing? It sounds counterproductive, but when was the last time you just sat around and let your mind wander? Probably not recently, if at all. We're so busy nowadays that taking a moment for ourselves is a rarity. But it's so important. So on this episode, we are joined by Jessie Kanzer to discuss her new book, The Art of Doing Nothing, what that actually entails, how her book parallels the “Great Resignation”, the pandemic, and share some mindset tips to combat overwhelm. You are going to end this episode with a new mindset and the inspiration to get you out of that rut you're in! Get ready to relax and de-stress! Jessie Kanzer was born in the former soviet union. She set out on a spiritual search after losing everything and starting over. Traveled to various countries at eight years old before coming to the United States. She bottled up and buried emotions at an early age. This soon manifested into an eating disorder. She discusses how she tried to change and reinvent herself and it didn't work. She pushed on and graduated from college in an area she could have cared less about, but Summa Cume Laude of course.  Her turning point…a major car accident. She picked up the Tao Te Ching from her bedside table. An ancient Chinese philosophy and reinvented herself following the car accident.  Jessie discusses how hitting rock bottom is an opportunity to begin again. She tells her story, invites us to read her book, and will leave you feeling hopeful and inspired to take on that next challenge or to simply navigate this chaotic time we all find ourselves in.  Discussed in this episode: The Great Resignation. How her book is helping people through a period of major change in their lives. What is the Tao Te Ching? Jessie puts this book into perspective and makes it relevant to moms in the modern-day who need help with the day-to-day overwhelm and stress.  Mindset shift best practices.  Jessie's childhood in the Soviet Union and the parallel to the hustle culture we live in today.  The lessons the pandemic has taught us. Leveling up and accomplishing goals. How to change from within to effect change in society.  How Jessie's new book fits the mold of Christianity and other religions.  We are bringing various angles, ideas, and takeaways to this week's episode. We want to hear from you! Tell us what you liked, didn't like, or maybe what you would like us to continue in a future episode. Who knows, we just might have Jessie back!   About Jessie Kanzar: Jessie Asya Kanzer was born in the Soviet Union. At the age of eight, she emigrated with her family to Brooklyn. She is a writer and former reporter and actress. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, New York Daily News, Wall Street Journal, The Independent, the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, Ravishly, and Romper. Jessie lives with her two daughters and husband in Dobbs Ferry, NY.   https://jessiekanzer.com/ https://www.facebook.com/JessieKanzer https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI0_lGiZPq31VJ5w7hg7NuA  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessiekanzer/    Get her book here: Amazon   Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector   Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com   Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups   Instagram: @heysmartmommas   If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!  

Moms, do you think there is a secret cure for your stress and overwhelm? Well, this week, Laci is here to discuss Brene Brown's work on stress and overwhelm. Brene is a counselor, author and did a TedTalk in 2010 that is interesting and eye-opening for all moms.  Do you think there is a difference between stress and overwhelm? Laci reflects on these differences, and what you can do to separate these two issues we deal with as moms and how to combat them.  If you would like to listen to the entire Ted Talk, check out The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown on YouTube.  Knowing now that stress and overwhelm can be classified differently, how will you manage your stress of overwhelm? Share with us in our posts, DMs, or email us! Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!

Wow! This episode is jam packed with so many pearls of wisdom from the one and only Dr. April Brown. Dr. Brown (from her website www.draprilbrown.com) is a Licensed Mental Health Christian Counselor in Florida, Wisconsin, New York, and New Jersey. In addition, she is a Certified Relationship and Sex Therapist, Board Certified TeleMental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Qualified Clinical Supervisor. She has a thriving group practice called Cape Coral Therapists in Cape Coral, Florida where she specializes in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships, emotionally support animals, and distance counseling. Dr. April holds a Masters and a Specialist degree in Counseling and Human Systems and a Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. The ladies open up this episode discussing how we as mothers take on so much and carry the weight of the world. Isn't that the truth! Dr. Brown reminds us that in order for us to improve intimacy, we first must focus our attention on self care. Listen to her talk about her best tips for self care! We can get lost in our day to day and lose that spark we once had with our partner. Dr. Brown and the ladies talk about how to get that spark back. Here are a few tips:  Self-love (affirmations, time for yourself) Date night (don't talk about problems) Slow life down How can you change your current intimacy routine? Step one - get your partner on board and start the conversation. Seems simple enough right? Dr. Brown lays out her best steps for making this happen. Hint - it takes time! Dr. Brown reminds us that sex should be looked at as fun and not a chore. How can you remove your thoughts before intimacy? This starts with mindfulness. We often think that the act of sex alone is what it's all about and it's not! Laci leads the ladies on a discussion about mindfulness and how our minds flow through what we are thinking. Our minds control how we feel! Mindfulness activity - take a Hershey kiss and go through the 5 senses. Get your whole body involved. This will help you understand how to connect and be present with your partner.    How to be intimate with your partner when you are in a busy season in your life. Shower together or find a moment to connect without distractions.  Put down the phone. Learn how to talk your partner's language - not into feelings? Translate the issue to a topic they are familiar with.  Crystal brings up a good point that the girls go in-depth on - why do we shit on those the closest to us?  Ellen talks about modeling relationships for our children and a popular celebrity media storm caused by this way of thinking. It's up for debate - good or bad? Let us know!  The ladies close out this episode talking about the expectations surrounding sex. How to have a conversation with your partner, taking care of yourself, and planning time to be with your partner. This is a must listen to episode filled with tons of takeaways!    How to find Dr. Brown www.draprilbrown.com  Books- Improving Intimacy series on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Improving-Intimacy-Self-Spirit-Spouse-ebook/dp/B093TBLKNF Retreat - taking couples to Costa Rica and Florida  Personalized counseling - see her website for more info   Ways to connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/draprilbrown/ Dr. April T. Brown, Counseling Services Vacation Counseling Couples Retreats Bringing Intimacy Back Podcast https://www.instagram.com/bringingintimacyback/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.aprilb/ VacaCounseling Bringing Intimacy Back  Let's connect! Follow the girls on Instagram - @mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas Twitter: @heysmartmommas  

Francie Todd joins Crystal and Ellen to tell her family's powerful story following the diagnosis of down syndrome for one of her sons. Fancie has fraternal twins, one typical and one with down syndrome. She is on the show this week to share her journey with IVF, duodenal atresia with baby A, and the struggles she and her family faced following delivery.    In this episode you will hear:   What it was like to have a baby in the NICU at the start of the pandemic. How to transition to home with a newborn while having one baby still at the hospital.  What life was like in the early days and how Francie and her husband got through it. Emergency surgery and the threat of a hysterectomy.  Francie also talks about a very vulnerable moment and a turning point for her and Hall. She found a determination to get through whatever life threw at her—finding a new normal and finding the beauty in the journey. This is an episode you won't want to miss. Truly an incredible story and we are honored Francie came on the show to share it!   About Francie Todd: I am a wife, mom, and CRNA. My family lives in Greenville, SC. I have fraternal twin boys, Hall and Barrett. Hall was diagnosed with Down Syndrome shortly after birth, while Barrett is typical. The boys are now 16 months old and quite busy. Although our journey is different than what we imagined it would look like, it has been an amazing journey.   Resources mentioned in this show: Bloom by Kelle Hampton Babies with Down Syndrome: A New Parents' Guide by Susan Skallerup A Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome by Jen Jacob and Mardra Sikora    IG: fmtodd KIND (Kids Including & Nurturing Differences) - “Hoping we can make a difference in a few kids and letting them know that differences are ok” Francie Todd on her nonprofit KIND.  http://kindoftheupstate.org/  Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! Send a voice message to Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas Twitter: @heysmartmommas If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!  

Jenna Hua is the founder and CEO of Million Maker. A company dedicated to educating about and reducing, if not eliminating harmful toxins from our lives. Jenna is on the show today with Laci and Ellen to discuss the uses of toxins and plastics in our lives and healthcare and how it affects us, especially those trying to conceive. She is also giving us tools and resources that we can use today to reduce our toxin exposure. This is such an important topic because we all know someone with autism, ADHD, infertility, testicular cancer, breast cancer, and/or diabetes. All of these conditions have been linked to environmental toxins. This episode is packed with so much valuable information!    Jenna started in healthcare as a dietician. She grew frustrated that no one would listen to her about how these toxins we are exposed to every day affect us. She states that toxin exposure results in 70% of chronic disease risk vs 30% by genetics alone. Unfortunately, the healthcare and research world does not have a test to determine which environmental toxins could be impacting an individual's health. Jenna suffered miscarriages, and her frustrations with not knowing how to deal with and fix any issues she had led her to found her company Million Maker that strives to help others with just that. Environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors are significant issues that must be discussed for the sake of our health, and Jenna is here today to get the word out!   Main products and chemicals discussed in this episode that are known hormone disruptors:    Top endocrine disrupters that impact fertility and what you can do about it. BPA: mimics estrogen, where your body will recognize and treat it as if it were estrogen. Plastic is the major culprit of BPA. Also, BPA-free does not mean it's safe. Often manufacturers create a slight structure change, like BPF, and it is approved for sale. Avoid plastics and receipts altogether. BPA is known to cause infertility, child development issues, and decreases in-vitro fertilization (IVF) success. Phalates: a chemical that blocks testosterone. Mainly effects males. Decreases male sperm count and quality.  Paraben: a preservative in beauty care products. It can be found in packaged foods and is not labeled as such.  Oxybenzone is in sunscreen and can also be in food. Heavy metal- wash and soak your rice. Fish can be high in mercury and is greater in fatty fish.    Baby rice and cereal.   PFAS (Teflon)- a “forever chemical.” Not just in cookware but also in any weatherproofing materials and products. Green Policy Institute lists safe outdoor gear.  Household and personal care items: shampoo, conditioner, detergent, and perfumes are the top disruptors.  Water: a reverse osmosis system is best at filtering out toxins. Look for the NSF symbol. Please refer to Jenna's site - www.millionmaker.com for a list of approved water filters.    Jenna's product is a mail-in urine test. That's it! Just fill out an exposure survey and mail that in with your urine sample, and in two weeks, you will get a personalized toxin report. Her company looks at every product you use, combines it with your urine sample of toxins to give you recommendations for a change you can make immediately.     Other resources to use to avoid toxins: EWG  Made Safe Midori Earth chrome extension.  Jenna has a list of curated products on her site (Million Maker) to help you get started.   About Jenna Hua: An environmental health scientist and dietitian by training, Jenna is passionate about the environment, public health, and everything food. Frustrated by the lack of data for how harmful chemicals (like BPA, phthalates, and parabens) from plastics and everyday products affect our health and clinical outcomes, and the absence of a personalized approach to mitigate harmful chemical exposures, Jenna set out on a mission to change these.   She founded Million Marker, a health-tech startup dedicated to empower everyone with the data and tools to determine how the products they use, the food they eat, the water they drink negatively or positively influence their health. Million Marker helps people understand what chemicals are inside of them—and then provides simple solutions for quickly reducing harmful chemicals through mail-in test kits, lifestyle audits, product recommendations, and counseling.    Dr. Hua is a US Fulbright Fellow and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship with Stanford University's School of Medicine.   Follow Jenna: www.twitter.com/million_marker https://www.facebook.com/MillionMarker https://www.linkedin.com/company/million-marker/   Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas Twitter: @heysmartmommas If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review! 

Laci and Ellen welcome Tina Kloepping to the show this week to discuss mental health needs in young children. A topic she knows all too well as her daughter attempted suicide at 8 years old. We are very passionate about this topic, and we want to reach as many parents as possible. The information in this episode is relevant and actionable to identify, seek help and provide ongoing support to children with mental health needs.  Tina is a nurse anesthetist and previously held positions as an ICU nurse and paramedic. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and three daughters, two of which are twins. Tina shares her family's story about mental health needs, care, and ongoing management of her daughters. She wants to get the message out about awareness and help normalize the discussion to save and support children and families in need.   Tina shares her story about her then 7 year old being anxious and how she was referred to a therapist at the pediatric office. She explains their struggles navigating care when the office discontinued seeing her daughter after her suicide attempt.  In this episode, you will hear: The struggles of navigating mental health care for a young child What is suicidal ideation, and can a child fully comprehend what it means to end life? What do you do if your child said they wish they weren't alive anymore? What do you do if your child has a plan for ending their life? How can parents connect with siblings and address their needs too? How a culmination of events lead to Tina's daughter attempting suicide Questions for the practitioner in an inpatient setting Tina's resources, coping strategies for children, and the use of open-ended questions when speaking to your child  About Tina: I am a CRNA mom who has navigated mental health issues, including suicide attempts with my young girls. I want to talk about mental health and how to advocate for your kid's wellbeing in a system that wants to ignore mental health needs. Connect with Tina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tina.kloepping Tina's Resources: Mayo Clinic video on asking the hard questions - https://youtu.be/3BByqa7bhto National and Local Hotlines/Resources: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/services-one-pager-2019.pdf  https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/  https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/  https://translifeline.org/ Local to MN - https://www.horizonhomes.org/south-central-mobile-crisis-team/ https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP20-01-03-001.pdf Dr. Ross Greene: Books: The Explosive Child  Lost at School Lost and Found  Raising Human Beings https://livesinthebalance.org/our-solution/  https://drrossgreene.com/the-explosive-child.htm   Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com  Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups  Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas  Twitter: @heysmartmommas If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review! 

One year since Crystal started cancer treatment, she sits down with Laci and brings us up to date on what she has been experiencing and what's to come. She has been undergoing radiation treatment and walks us through what it's like. Unfortunately, during her treatment, she developed a complication related to the radiation that sent her to surgery again.  Crystal tells about what the future brings as far as cancer treatment. She feels getting cancer has changed her. Despite the hardships cancer has put on her and her family, she tells about how she is grateful and sees the world differently now. Crystal hates to see her family affected, and this has definitely been the lowest part of her journey. However, she plans to continue her effort in helping other women navigate their breast cancer diagnoses! Crystal was recently featured in Entrepreneurs Herald and had her story featured in the July issue, “Top 21 Inspiring Women to Look Out for in 2021.” She had the chance to tell her story about starting her aesthetics business and how she got her cancer diagnosis just three weeks later. Crystal has grown a successful business while juggling everything. She tells about how owning a business has kept her both focused and distracted while staying positive.  Laci talks about getting the kids ready to go back to school, going school shopping, and visiting the state parks in Minnesota. They plan on visiting all 75! Laci fills us in on what it's like to go camping with a baby and no bathroom.  The previous episode with the Dr. Nurse Podcast mentioned during this episode: The Nursing Journey  Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas Twitter: @heysmartmommas If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review! 

Beth Wilmes was 35 years old with a successful career and in the midst of motherhood when she discovered a lump in her breast. She requested a mammogram and biopsy and found out she indeed had breast cancer. Beth shares her incredible story with Crystal, Ellen, and Laci on this week's episode of the Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups podcast. Listen as Beth tells about her journey and the inspiration behind the nonprofit she created called Faith Through Fire. A nonprofit organization devoted to mentoring women in their breast cancer journey.    Topics Discussed:   When you are told you have breast cancer. Crystal (diagnosed with breast cancer one year ago) and Beth discussed their experiences when they were told they had breast cancer for the first time.   Do you discuss your diagnosis with your kids or not? Beth chose not to tell her kids and Crystal did. Listen to their points of view and why they chose to tell or not to tell.  Beth and her friend Sarah started a podcast called Besties with Breasties to help support other women facing a breast cancer diagnosis.  Faith Through Fire - A mentorship program for the newly diagnosed to survivorship.  Build A Bear Workshop - Providing a tangible thing to help children get through the really tough times. Navigating a cancer diagnosis with nurses and doctors and how nurses play a vital role in giving patients a plan for support. How to get involved to help those diagnosed with breast cancer.  Seeing life differently as a cancer survivor.    Learn more about Beth's organization, Faith Through Fire at www.faiththroughfire.org. Here you can learn more, get involved, and have a source to point others to. You can help keep this mentorship program alive through donations and by purchasing exclusive podcast content through Patreon. Visit the Faith Through Fire website for more information.  IG faiththroughfire FB Faith Through Fire Podcast - Besties with Breasties  Website - www.faiththroughfire.org   Beth Wilmes is a nonprofit founder, author, podcaster, and speaker. Her nonprofit for breast cancer patients is called Faith Through Fire (faiththroughfire.org) and its mission is to reduce the fear and anxiety that breast cancer patients feel and replace it with hope and a path toward thriving. She lives in St. Louis with her husband Gary, three children, and her dog Buddy.   Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review! 

Theresa Mitchell, a producer, mother, and survivor, is joined by Laci and Ellen this week discussing the black and brown community's struggles regarding obstetric care in the United States. We want to bring awareness to infertility, infant loss, and miscarriages and that the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate globally. Theresa is bringing hope and a clear mind to women in this struggle through her documentary.  When you suffer the loss of a baby, there is no formula or checklist to grieve and heal. Grief is such a unique journey that presents itself differently in each individual.  Life After Loss can be a roller coaster of emotions filled with anxiety, anger, sadness, and frustration. Life After Loss is a documentary to bring light and truth to the struggles faced by black and brown women as they quietly struggle through miscarriage, infant loss, and infertility.  Theresa Mitchell uses her story to create a documentary called Life After Loss. Theresa shares how she suffered three miscarriages and had her rainbow baby.  She discusses the struggles, complications, and inadequate care black and brown birthing people face in hospitals and wellness centers all over America and the world. Stay tuned for the news when Theresa's documentary is released! We cannot wait for this to come out. Such an important issue that needs more awareness.  Follow Theresa's journey: IG- https://www.instagram.com/jheneproductions/ Email address Jheneproductions@gmail.com FB- https://www.facebook.com/jheneproductions?ltclid= Twitter- https://twitter.com/JheneProduction?ltclid= LinkedIn- http://www.linkedin.com/in/jhene-productions?ltclid= Website- https://jheneproductions.wixsite.com/jheneproductions?ltclid=  Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review! 

Dr. Sandra Pagenta is a nurse practitioner, urologic proceduralist, and the host of the Doctor Nurse Podcast. Sandra found that her experiences in her professional career are beneficial to other nurses. She knew a platform needed to be developed to help other nurses on their journeys. She has precepted and mentored nurses who asked questions about how she got to where she is now. Sandra continues to inspire and encourage other nurses on her podcast. She wants to provide a platform for other doctor nurses to share their journeys, inspire, and create change!    Key takeaways from this episode:    5:30- What is expected when nurses enter the profession vs. the current climate.    8:00 Scarcity mindset and how to break away from it.    10:00 What a new nurse needs to know.    Are you questioning the steps you're taking as a nurse? Sandra discusses the struggle nurses have when they are presented with career choices. She teaches us the importance of processing our wishes and intuitions to find areas of nursing that relate more to our personalities.    16:00 Life outside of nursing.   The work-life balance changes as your career changes. Sandra gives tips that nurses could use and any mom who juggles working and being present for their families. Then, Ellen and Laci discuss their nursing journey and how that shifted.    23:20 Becoming a mother and shifting priorities.    Ellen opens up about how her nursing career shifted after having children and how she has redefined herself as a nurse.    25:58 Nursing is versatile.     29:45 Should nurses practice at the doctoral level?     There is a constant fight amongst nurses when it comes to education levels. Ellen, Laci, and Sandra debate this topic and give their perspectives. Laci feels nurses need experience as a bedside nurse, and Sandra feels that there are nurses that do not need the experience to be a good nurse practitioner. Ellen brings up the fact that there are avenues that matter when deciding to practice at the bedside vs advancing immediately. Do you feel that the bedside is the foundation of nursing?    About Dr. Sandra Pagenta  My name is Dr. Sandra Pagenta, DNP and I am a proceduralist nurse practitioner part-time in the field of Urology and the host of the Doctor Nurse Podcast. I have experience in neurosurgery, pre-op, oncology, urology, gastroenterology, ED, and med-surg nursing. I am passionate about nurses understanding their value and worth due to experiences that I went through in my career. I had no idea how valuable nurses are to the healthcare field. I created the podcast as a platform for nurses to share their journeys through their careers and provide advice they would've like to know before they would have started their jobs. The purpose of the podcast is to inspire mentorship and growth. I believe you've got to know what people went through to get where they are today in order to feel like you can make a change yourself. I really hope to inspire nurses to become entrepreneurs, desire more education, and step outside of their comfort zones on the podcast.   Connect with Sandra:  Doctor Nurse Podcast  https://www.instagram.com/doctornursepodcast/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-p-18420836/   Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review! 

Greta Wyeth from Still Point Movement joins the Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups on the show this week talking about the pelvic floor and how we can reeducate it. She discusses the fascia and finding the pelvic floor muscles. Greta runs a post-rehab pilates studio and for the past 10 years, she has worked with women on strengthening their pelvic floor. She also educates women on the importance of balance, stability, and movement.    Greta created a course to help women learn how to strengthen their pelvic floor from home. This course focuses on anatomy and physiology, the purpose of the pelvic floor, movement, women's health advocacy, and tips on navigating the medical system to get needed care.   Greta discusses how to reeducate the pelvic floor after childbirth. She explains that re-educating is NOT restoring and that you will never go back to the pelvic floor you once had, but you can definitely do something about it!      Have you ever wondered what pregnancy, labor, and delivery do to your pelvic floor? Or maybe you are one of the ⅔ of women that experience pelvic floor dysfunction. Greta gives our listeners issues to look out for that may indicate you have a problem.     If you are preparing for childbirth, she teaches us exactly how to strengthen and prepare. Greta talks about muscles you never would have correlated to the pelvic floor.    How soon should someone start working on their pelvic floor? Greta suggests before, during, and after pregnancy. She reminds us to be careful of the pressure we put on the intrabdominal space during the second, third, and fourth trimesters.    What would you suggest for someone who is postpartum who wants to reeducate their pelvic floor? Greta shares that women can do this anytime after childbirth. Starting small and add more difficulty as you get stronger.    Greta answers so many questions for us in the episode including, what vaginal rejuvenation is, what our pelvic floor does for us when we have sex, how to strengthen our core, and so much more!    Where can we start? Greta gives step-by-step guidelines to get you started on improving your pelvic floor. BONUS! She even walks us through an exercise that engages our lower pelvic floor.   Follow Greta at still.movement on Instagram and check out her website and courses at www.stillpointmovement.com    Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector   Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups   Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas Twitter: @heysmartmommas   If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review! 

This episode was packed with so much goodness that we just had to share it again! The summer is upon us and maybe you need some parenting inspiration to tackle those tantrums or establish boundaries.  Chris Peterson, aka The Parenting Professor (http://theparentingprofessor.com), discusses the highly effective Love and Logic parenting technique and blows away the Smart Mommas with some easy to implement strategies! Don't miss the discussions on how to stop a temper tantrum in its tracks and ending the “how long can we drag out bedtime” game. You'll be able to implement these strategies as soon as the episode ends!  Uh-Oh Song for Toddlers: Dr. Charles Fay of the Love and Logic Institute shares the Uh-Oh song in this YouTube video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drh66-WUJCw)  More info on the Uh-Oh song and where you might be going wrong. (https://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/email/newsletter/1412024797)  If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!  Let's connect! Follow the girls on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas Twitter: @heysmartmommas

Mandy Hicks, a Licensed Professional Counselor, joins the ladies on this episode to discuss common issues couples face and actionable steps you can take today!   Do you think that putting your marriage first above anything else will benefit in the long term? Well, Mandy provides insight into why this will actually help your relationship and your kids.  Infidelity, married to a narcissist, co-parenting? Mandy Discusses her experiences as a therapist dealing with these issues. How would you deal with infidelity? Mandy tells of how a higher power is often utilized to get through this tough time.  How do you put your marriage first in your everyday life? Mandy urges us all to make it a deliberate practice. Plan your week out together and make time for each other. Ellen shares how she and her husband carve out time every day for one another and how to do that with kids to ensure that one on one attention. Crystal discusses the importance of a regular date night with her husband and modeling a good relationship for their daughter.  Mandy teaches us about issues separated parents face with raising their children in two homes. She gives powerful tips to combat some of the most common problems these parents face.  Do you ever wonder if you are married to a narcissist? Maybe you know someone who is? Well, Mandy breaks it down for us and describes what to look for.  Being new parents can be one of the most stressful times for a couple. You wonder how you are going adjust and if you and your partner will be the same people. Mandy urges us to set expectations and be honest and open. Crystal shares what it was like after having a baby and how the roles and expectations shifted, but this could not have happened without clear communication. Ellen talks about how men are wired differently, and they don't necessarily see what needs to be done around the home. She tells of her experiences with her husband and how she feels the importance of not coming to the conversation hungry, angry, or tired as it will likely turn into an argument. Mandy reminds us that everyone is different, and in the circumstances like these, we need to give our partners some grace. Communication is key!  The ladies talk about common struggles related to in-laws. Mandy wants couples to have clear boundaries and to make sure they are putting their partners first.  Finally, a discussion on COVID and how to deal with the different views regarding a threat and whether or not to stay home or safely integrate back into society. Mandy provides actionable steps you can take in your marriage today to help ease your home's tensions when dealing with anxiety, either in you or your spouse.  Stick around for the end of the episode for some powerful insights and tips from Mandy that you can take home and use today!  Mentioned in this episode: Mandy Hicks Counseling on FB @mandyhickscounseling Let's connect! Follow the girls on Instagram - @mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @cmalber Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas Twitter: @heysmartmommas  

Leisha is coming on the show this week to discuss hormones, cycles, and moods. Low energy does not have to be the norm with moms! As a functional medicine practitioner, she helps moms get back to feeling like themselves again. This episode is packed with so much information to get you back on track with your hormone health. Leisha lays out the foundation to get you started!    Leisha Drews is an RN with a background in critical care. She found her passion in holistic functional health and focuses on finding the root cause of women’s hormone issues. Leisha works with women dealing with abnormal periods, low energy, and mood swings. She has a big heart for moms and wants to help them to feel better and be present with their kids. Leisha is a mom herself and definitely understands their concerns!     Moms in their postpartum years come to Leisha tired and feeling awful. She reminds us that we don’t need to sacrifice everything in our lives to be a good mom. Eating well, self-care and sleep are vital to feeling well. There are a lot of changes in our hormones after having kids. Root causes may not be discussed at your postpartum visit and Leisha wants to help moms get back to feeling like themselves again.    What does a normal monthly cycle look like? Leisha tells us what to expect regarding hormone levels and how we feel during our cycle. Your cycle and your mood are connected and you can plan for when you know you will feel the best and have the most energy. Leisha explains what types of activities would be the best to implement and when based on your hormone cycle.    Where do we start when it comes to repairing our hormones? Step 1- figure out where you are in your cycle Step 2- plan for the first week of your cycle, ask yourself what you need before your cycle begins? Maybe you know you’ll feel blah a few days before and plan some self-care.    What can you do when your hormones are out of wack? Leisha explains that we want to get our bodies to a place of feeling safe. When we are stressed and in chaos, our bodies will protect us and hormone dysregulation occurs. First, look at nutrition. Are you eating whole foods? Are you eating consistently and a proper amount? Leisha gives her perspective on fasting. For young moms, she explains how they are putting out a lot of energy and if fasting, they cannot sustain it for a long period of time. This can cause secondary issues along with hormone imbalance.    Actionable self-care tips mentioned in this episode: 1 - Ask yourself what you need today 2 - Reading  3 - Going on a walk with a friend 4 - Sitting outside in the sun 5 - Scheduling monthly nights off to spend with a friend or your spouse    Leisha ends the show urging moms to stop and really think about what they need to feel fulfilled. Schedule in time every week for yourself, get to know yourself, and make yourself a priority!   Leisha Drews is an RN, FDN-P, and women’s health educator with a passion for holistic women’s healthcare. She believes that there is so much more to hormones health than just “getting by” or using band-aid solutions to cover up symptoms and loves to help her clients get to the root cause of their hormone and gut issues so they can have better energy, better periods, and feel like themselves again (even as a mom!) She uses functional lab testing and personalized health education and protocols to support her clients along their health journey and believes that support and accountability are key in truly making progress. When not talking about periods, Leisha can be found hanging out with her two kids outside, trying a new recipe, or planning an adventure.   Connect with Leisha on IG www.instagram.com/abundant.life.wellness   Follow the hosts on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector   Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups   Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas Twitter: @heysmartmommas If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review! 

Are you interested in going to nurse anesthesia school (CRNA) or currently a student registered nurse anesthetist (SRNA) with children and wondering how you will ever juggle it all? Well, this episode is for you! Morgan Fitterer and Cynthia Shen are two SRNA moms spilling all of the secrets and discussing common struggles SRNAs face while in school. They sit down and discuss mom guilt, finding balance, the motivation to pursue this profession, handling tough rotations, and more!  Both Cynthia and Morgan became pregnant before being accepted to CRNA school. Despite their fears, this didn’t hold them back from pursuing their dream. The ladies contribute a lot of their success to the support of their husbands and family during this time. They are both set to graduate this spring! The ladies discuss having mom guilt. How leaving their child at daycare to study was oftentimes a struggle for them. Whether it was focusing on relationships, money, parenting, school work, or time for themselves, focusing on everything causes nothing to be done well.  19:40 How did you find balance?  Morgan knows this time in her life is temporary and breaks this large goal up week by week. She spent time figuring out how to achieve these large goals. One of the biggest things was working on time management and overcoming mom guilt.  Cynthia had a wake-up call at the beginning of the program. She started by modifying her study habits. She recognized she was an auditory learner, and she made sure she used her time wisely. She was always looking for smaller chunks of time to maximize her study time. Having clear communication with her spouse was another major factor in her success. They spent 30 minutes together on Sundays planning the week out.  27:40 What made you interested in CRNA school? Morgan found that she was most happy when she was being challenged, and CRNA school did this for her. One step pushed her to master the next, and having a mentor that encouraged her helped Morgan feel motivated. She had a fire inside her that pushed her to learn and grow. She was drawn to the autonomy that being a CRNA provided.  Cynthia's interest was originally in neuroscience. She was searching for something that overlapped her interest in neuroscience and nursing. Her desire to become a CRNA was solidified when she shadowed a CRNA and got to see her mentor put a “patient’s brain to sleep.” She was sold and has loved how her two interests have messed together to fuel a lifelong passion.  32:00 How did you handle your pediatric rotation as a mom? Cynthia says that her peds rotation was a struggle for her as a mom. She remembers crying on her way home from these cases as she thought about the mom in the hospital with her ill child as she gets to go home and be with hers. She became so appreciative of her healthy child. She salutes those moms who struggle with their sick kids. Morgan put things into a different perspective after having her own child. She never wanted to make a promise to a parent that she couldn’t keep. She has been vocal with her preceptors about what she is and is not comfortable with.  39:00 What advice would you give to the parent or soon-to-be parent thinking about going to CRNA school? Morgan states that “it's not about how smart you are, it's about how much dedication you put in. It takes time, dedication, and grace.” She encourages those interested in CRNA school to take one thing at a time, and anyone who has the motivation to continue can do this.  Cynthia feels that timing is never quite right. She never felt 100% ready to go. She encourages those on the fence to just do it. What is the worst that could happen? There is no downside to trying. Cynthia Shen: Hello! My name is Cynthia Shen; I’m currently an SRNA scheduled to graduate in May and am a mom to a 3-year-old and happily married to my husband. We are from Dallas, TX. I have a background in neuroscience and nursing and am very excited to join the anesthesia profession! Hobbies include traveling, reading for fun, and spending quality time with my family. You can connect with her here: Facebook: Cynthia Shen (Nguyen) Instagram: Furtail14005 Morgan Fitterer: Morgan is a 3rd-year SRNA, momma to a 3-year-old girl (Lennon), and wife of 7 years. You can connect with her here: @morgfittererererrrrrrr (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/morgan.e.mcintire If you loved this episode, found value, or just loved hanging out with us, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!  Let's connect! Follow the girls on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas Twitter: @heysmartmommas

Laci and Ellen sit down together to discuss the latest updates in their lives and Rachel Hollis’ three-part social media disaster. You are going to hear about what went wrong with Rachel’s posts and if there is an impact on society as a result of this.  Laci opens up the show talking to us about her experience buying a camper. She decided she needed a camper when the campground only offered a ten-foot bottomless pit of wonder for her kids to use for a toilet. She found herself not being able to pull the trigger on buying it, pondered the thought for a while, bought it, and then cried all the way home because she just spent a crap ton of money on said camper! Although a truly funny story, Laci and Ellen discuss the money mindset that many moms can relate to. Laci tells us about her childhood and how that has affected her identity related to money.   Ellen discusses building a house and the stress related to it. Her baby flipped from head down and she blames the house stress. Would you stay with your in-laws with a newborn baby? Well, Ellen might have to… tune in to hear if her house will be done in time or not!  Did Rachel Hollis’ true colors come out in her latest social media disaster? Laci and Ellen discuss how Rachel is totally disconnected from reality when comparing herself with the likes of Oprah and Ruth Ginsburg. Ellen and Laci discuss how the publicity surrounding Rachel’s actions is creating publicity for her at this moment. Ellen reminds us that Rachel built her brand by empowering, inspiring, and being relatable and then wham, smacks us in the face when she cuts down the people that got her there and bought into her “relatable” brand. Laci struggles with the fact that Rachel doesn’t feel she is relatable. Rachel has now walked back her stance on serving the 1.7 million people in a positive and relatable way. What do you think and is there anyone out there that feels Rachel has a leg to stand on? So, the ladies want to know: do you think Laci is crazy for not wanting to spend money? Are you building a house right now? What do you feel about Rachel Hollis’ recent mess up and do you still follow her? Are you part of the loyal 1.7 million? Let's connect! Follow the girls on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas Twitter: @heysmartmommas

Lisa Keefauver joins the podcast this week sharing her experience with grief, both professional and personal. Lisa is a clinical social worker, owner of Reimagining Grief, and the host of the podcast, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch.” She takes her multiple years of grief experience to bring help to others and to change the grief culture in the US.  Lisa describes our struggles with grief as a culture. She states that control is an illusion because ultimately, we don’t know what will happen. COVID is a perfect example of this and has left many people feeling a loss of control. Lisa explains that we build our identities on the stories we tell of our past and future. A death, pandemic, etc. forces us to navigate without a script. It is disorienting and disrupting when the story we count on is no longer there for us.  Lisa describes her terminally ill husband dying in her arms. A close friend passing away and her own personal health scare. These experiences have pushed and inspired her to do this work. Lisa tells of her 7-year-old daughter keeping her grounded through it all.  Lisa wants to help change the culture surrounding grief and the grieving process in the US. She explains the difficulties with the workforce and how there is only three days for bereavement leave following the death of a loved one. She explains the grief is not over in that short amount of time. The type of person we are expected to grieve over is also misunderstood by most employers. Lisa explains that our communities and loved ones have changed over time and may not be limited to our immediate family. Lisa is on a mission to expand grief culture in the workforce.  Lisa reminds us that we cannot isolate the griever. We may think that grief is only an emotional state. Sometimes grief can be a relief. There is a spectrum of emotions related to grief and we need to expand on the emotions of grief. Grief can represent all emotions and it’s a normal response to loss. We live in a culture that says grief gets in the way of our productivity. Grief triggers a stress response in our bodies because our story gets disrupted. Our stress response is on high alert and it is a physical manifestation attacking our emotional state, cognitive state, financial, etc.  Lisa recommends a layers approach to grieving. Think about what has worked for you in the past and what you already know about yourself. Ditch every expectation you have of yourself and accept help. Don’t feel like you should be able to do something and let others help. It is not our job to fix anyone in grief. Others may be in the fix-it mode and the griever doesn’t need someone to fix them and tell them what they should do. Also, minimize your expectations of what your capacities are. Don’t feel the need to rush through grief. At some point, you will have to face it. Sleep, nutrition, and truly caring for yourself are imperative.  As healthcare workers, we want to fix it. We want to fix it as moms. Reframe this thinking by actually offering empathy. Sitting in silence with the griever is impactful. Instead of offering “if you ever need anything”, just do it! Crystal points out that the person going through a hard time is not going to reach out to you and that instead just doing it will be more helpful. You may be met with a no or pushback, but offering action vs lip service will have a lasting impact.  "Show up, shut up, and keep showing up."  About Lisa Keefauver: This social worker turned thought leader is using the power of narrative to create a Grief-Smart Culture. Lisa Keefauver’s wisdom as a grief and empathy thought leader runs deep and wide, rooted in her personal and professional experiences over the past 20+ years. Lisa has spent the past two decades as a clinical social worker, narrative therapist, and leader in various communities impacting diverse populations. She witnessed first-hand the unnecessary suffering of so many individuals because their families, communities, workplaces, and culture weren’t supporting them in their grief and suffering. Compassion and empathy are gained when we face our own pain, and in the midst of her career, Lisa found herself in need of the very services she was providing. In 2011 at age 40, Lisa became a widow when her husband Eric died in her arms after a long year of misdiagnosis and medical maltreatment. This left her a single mother to their 7 year-old daughter. Lisa’s expansive experiences, resilience, and storytelling skills allow audiences to connect, learn and be inspired. Called the “Brene Brown of Grief and Loss,” (Tracey Wallace, Eterneva), Lisa uses her warmth, vulnerability, humor and therapeutic skills to help us find language when we’re at a loss for words. Lisa is the Founder & CEO of Reimagining Grief and host of the podcast, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch. Links to socials (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/reimagininggrief/?hl=en Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ReimaginingG LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakeefauvermsw/ Twitter https://twitter.com/ReimagineG Website - Reimagining Grief www.reimagininggrief.com Podcast - Grief is a Sneaky Bitch https://reimagininggrief.com/podcast-1

The ladies of the Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups podcast are joined by fellow CRNA mom, Alex Pudwill as she shares her son’s journey with congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Her son Sam was suspected to have been exposed to CMV in the third trimester of pregnancy. Alex explains the signs and symptoms of CMV at birth and how she and Sam’s medical providers came to realize he had congenital CMV. Alex shares her struggles with mom guilt and how their family focuses on Sam’s milestones to keep them going. Alex is here to spread awareness about congenital CMV and help prevent this from occurring.  There are two groups of people that are most at risk for contracting CMV, immunocompromised individuals and unborn babies. Alex and Sam’s medical providers did not have any reason to suspect Sam had CMV in utero. He was growing fine and there was not a cause for concern during prenatal exams. She was shocked when she first saw him and he was covered in petechiae and had a blueberry muffin rash. Sam was sent to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where he was cared for in the coming days.  Alex shares the struggles ahead for Sam and what it is like to have a child with CMV. From making the decision to have Sam receive cochlear implants to a brain bleed that will cause long-term issues and how she and her family overcame these obstacles.  Laci asks if there is any treatment for moms in the event that they are found to be positive for CMV while pregnant. Alex explains that there are antivirals available, but the treatments are experimental at this time. Ellen discusses the concerns from a perspective of being pregnant and not knowing what she could come in contact with and if that would have an effect on her baby. For many parents, this is currently a COVID concern. What effects does this have on the baby?  Alex gives tips on how moms can help decrease their chances of getting CMV while pregnant and shares some statistics with our listeners.   “91% of women are unaware of congenital CMV. 1:200 children are born with CMV each year and 1:10 of those are born with a disability.” Alex wants to get the message out about congenital CMV and what we can do as moms and healthcare professionals to prevent this virus from spreading. Please share this episode with a friend who could benefit from this information!  Alex Pudwill is a CRNA mom from Sioux Falls, SD. Her son, Sam, was born with congenital CMV. Ever since then, she has been trying to educate as many moms and soon-to-be moms as possible to prevent this very preventable disease. You can follow Alex Pudwill @aapudwill on Instagram and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/alex.hughes.1238 Let's connect! Follow the girls on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas Twitter: @heysmartmommas

Sandra Etherington brings Myers Briggs personality types to families in fun and unique ways. She used it in her own parenting and now helps others use it in their homes. Sandra started helping others for FREE. She discovered Myers Briggs when she was working in the corporate world and not loving her career. She started educating herself, helped others for free, and now runs a successful business helping families understand how to best work together utilizing Myers Briggs. Sandra gives an in-depth breakdown of each Myers-Briggs personality category, explaining what each letter means. You don’t want to miss this, it's solid gold!  How can we use these results to better understand our families? Do you have a child who resists the bedtime routine? Children who despise repetition? These questions and more are answered in this episode. The ladies asked how we can discipline when we know a child’s type? Sandra explains that compassion and understanding are key. Know what fills their bucket and take the time each day to address that. Also, know that one child will need more direction and step-by-step instruction vs another child. Sandra gives a great example of a sensing child and an intuition child and how to work with them to complete a task.  Sandra explains how Myers Briggs can often have a misconception surrounding it based on the idea that this is just another online test. She explains how Myers Briggs is backed by science and is a topic that is studied within the neuroscience field. Another common misconception is that the test results themselves can change. Sandra explains that your type never changes and that perhaps the questions were answered differently. How do you type outside the questionnaire? Sandra walks her clients through the types one by one; this combined with pulling from common behaviors of the person plus conversation helps Sandra to pinpoint the person's specific type.  Do you think knowing this information about ourselves and others can benefit how we interact? Perhaps you are one that jumps to judging others too quickly. Tune in to learn how we can interact better, grow and nurture existing relationships and work better with others we may not see eye to eye with.  About Sandra: Sandra is a mom of a 5 year old and an 8 year old. She is the owner of Family Personalities and the co-host of the Family Personalities podcast, a fun, and sometimes cheesy podcast, that uses personality type to help change the way you see your family. Sandra uses her experience and training in Myers-Briggs personality type, to work one on one with families, helping them parent more effectively and compassionately based on their children's unique wiring and needs. Head over to https://familypersonalities.com/ and snag some free resources Sandra has for you!   You can also catch her on social media: www.instagram.com/familypersonalities www.facebook.com/familypersonalities  Podcast-https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-personalities/id1507419439  Let's connect! Follow the girls on Instagram - @mslacilea @ellenlauletta @stl_injector Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.com Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Instagram: @heysmartmommas Twitter: @heysmartmommas

Leona Carter joins the smart mommas this week on the podcast to talk about reigniting your marriage through dating your husband! She discusses her coaching program designed to empower women to build intimacy with their husband through dating. She discusses the top 5 reasons women struggle with intimacy and proven steps to overcome these. You won’t think of date night the same way ever again! Leona cites emotional disconnection as a common problem for couples. We lost the flow of dating, we are busy, and that connection is lost. In this episode, Leona teaches us how to ignite that emotional connection again. These are actionable steps you can take today!Oh, and the ladies discuss the new popular Netflix drama, Bridgerton. Don’t miss it! In this episode you will learn:• Creating a transition period to switch from mom to wife• Setting expectations with your husband around intimacy • Why your child’s bedtime is important to your marriage • Out of the box date night ideas to get the spark going and keeping it alive• 5 common types of intimacy • Red flags that the emotional-physical connection is breaking down and how to remedy About Leona Carter:Leona Carter is a global champion and passionate about empowering women to build intimacy with their husband through the power of 28 Dates. Leona is an International Empowerment Speaker, Best-selling Author, and Talk Show Host. As the President and CEO of Carter Strategies, Leona also trains new and emerging speakers to book speaking engagements. Married since 1995, Leona, and her high school sweetheart Omarr, have six beautiful children and one grandson. Leona and her family moved from Seattle Washington to Kalamazoo Michigan for the tuition-based program called The Kalamazoo Promise, where her family was featured in the New York Times. Leona’s energetic personality and vibrancy sets her apart from the normalcy of entrepreneurship. She blazes a trail everywhere she goes through her passion of serving.Leona helps women reimagine and facilitate how they can date their spouse again. She does this through her 28 dates intimacy coaching program. This program is essential if there are barriers in your marriage, but can also be used proactively BEFORE an issue arises. To learn more about Leona, what she has to offer, and her 28-day program, check her out at leonacarter.club.  Let's connect!Follow the girls on Instagram -@mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @stl_injectorEmail: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

Caitlyn O’Brock is interviewed this week, sharing her heartwarming story and journey from ICU nurse to Godmother. Following Caitlyn’s appearance on the Kelly Clarkson Show, she sits down with the Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Podcast ladies to tell all. Caitlyn cared for a patient in the ICU named Monique Jones, who was 26 weeks pregnant and struggling with COVID. Monique delivered baby Zamyrah via emergency c-section when the decision was made that both mom and babies’ lives were at risk. Caitlyn knew that if the pair survived, she would throw Monique the biggest baby shower ever! Caitlyn raised the baby shower money, taking donations from friends, family, and coworkers. Caitlyn talks about life after this story going viral. She admits, “it's been a lot.” She has had several media outlets reaching out to her for an interview, Anderson Cooper, CBS News, and the Kelly Clarkson Show, to name a few. The one thing Caitlyn struggles with the most is understanding why she should have the spotlight when there are so many amazing nurses out there that do what she does. Caitlyn discusses the attention she has received and how she is processing this. Also, don’t miss her telling us what Kelly Clarkson gifted her! We want to take a moment and recognize all of the amazing nurses out there! As Laci mentions in this episode, 2020 showed us what nurses are all about. "Remember when everyone thought that nurses were timid and submissive doctor's helpers and then a pandemic came and the world finally realized a nurse is like the Swiss army knife of healthcare providers and will find ten million ways to save your life. May we never underestimate the value of a damn good nurse." Click the links below to read the stories featured on the show:The Kelly Clarkson Showhttps://www.kellyclarksonshow.com/video/woman-with-covid19-gave-birth-while-in-a-coma/4303380CBS Newshttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-icu-nurse-patient-message-hope/Anderson Cooperhttps://www.facebook.com/AndersonCooperFullCircle/posts/anderson-talks-to-monique-jones-who-gave-birth-while-intubated-due-to-covid-19-a/1626992877488397/ You can find Caitlyn Obrock @caitlynobrock on FB and IG.Let's connect!Follow the girls on Instagram -@mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @stl_injectorEmail: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas 

This week Crystal will receive her last chemo treatment!Do you find yourself taking on the motherload and feel as if you’re drowning in the daily to-dos? This week, Laci, Ellen, and Crystal break down the issues surrounding the never-ending to-do list we have as mothers, partners, full-time employees, homemakers, basically all the things! Does this sound like you? You’re drowning in your day to day life, taking on the “stuff” your partner will never do. You feel like you’re spinning a hundred plates over your head, all at the same time, and you cannot take a break, or they will fall. Maybe you find yourself setting out to make those cookies, but along the way, you find a million other things that need to be done and never getting back to what you intended. Ellen explains how mothers struggle with being present all of the time. We naturally want to do everything for everyone, and we miss out on our own life. Laci feels hindsight is 20/20 when it comes to being present. We stress ourselves out when we want to put things off to be present without families, but we need the chores done to keep the household running. It’s a vicious cycle that only moms could understand. It’s an intertwined feeling of guilt and responsibility. How do you divide up the household’s responsibilities between you and your partner? Does your partner love to do random projects on the weekend to get out of the household chores? Do they escape to the bathroom for 4 hours on Saturday morning? Actionable steps to reduce the motherload:• Lists – brain dump and have a conversation with your partner. Create a plan to have fun once it’s completed. Who doesn’t love checking off a to-do list?• Help! – don’t be afraid to ask for help. We want our partners to know what we need, but they may not be mind readers! • Plan ahead – make time to discuss the week with your partner, set goals, and have a plan.We are working on upcoming show ideas, and we want to hear from you! Please reach out to us with your ideas!  Let's connect!Follow the girls on Instagram -@mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @stl_injectorEmail: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

Laci and Crystal open up this episode discussing the year's events, and Laci explores being what life will be like going back to "normal" after COVID. The ladies have us questioning how the pandemic has affected our habits and if it will ever go back to normal. Crystal wants her daughter to remember the family time they have been able to share during COVID. Laci wants her son to know and recognize the historical event surrounding the COVID vaccine. Do you make resolutions every year? Crystal talks about how she wanted to be more intentional with working out and fasting in 2020. She reached her goal and reflects on doing so before learning she had breast cancer. She reminds us that we really can change our lives if we are intentional about it.Crystal shares the steps she took to create a resolution for 2020 and how this became a habit ensuring she hit her goals and kept her resolution. Listen in as she gives her advice and inspires us to do the same in 2021! "If it is to be, it is up to me" -Unknown. Laci doesn't set a resolution, but she builds a new year mindset based around a word. Listen to her explain how she does this and the word she chose for 2021!Crystal explains why she chose her word and how she believes life's struggles make us all stronger in the end. She reflects on how all of the shit she has been through has left her feeling like a different person, and in a good way!  Laci and Crystal close out this episode discussing gratitude and growing from what life throws at us. If you are feeling down, unsure what to create for yourself and your family in 2021, or looking for some inspiration to get motivated, you MUST listen to this episode. We are working on upcoming show ideas, and we want to hear from you! Please reach out to us with your ideas!  Let's connect!Follow the girls on Instagram -@mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @stl_injectorEmail: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

Ellen and Laci are on the podcast this week discussing the Social Dilemma documentary on Netflix, pregnancy during COVID, and prepping for Christmas. The ladies missed Crystal this week and are sending her some love! Does pregnancy have you feeling in the dumps? Laci and Ellen talk about their experiences working in healthcare and being pregnant during this pandemic.  Those of us in healthcare sometimes wonder what it would be like to work at a desk, have the freedom to drink water at that desk, and get up to pee when we wish. Is the grass greener on the other side? Laci shares a major takeaway from the documentary, Social Dilemma. She tells about the issue with you being the product within Facebook’s business. Laci talks about SEO and “silos of thoughts.” The answer to questions you may Google is dependent on each individual person. She talks about how this was a hard concept to get and how others may have the same conflict. Watching this documentary has been eye-opening, and the ladies want to know what you think about it. Send any questions or comments to the links below!Laci talks about how she hasn’t made any major changes to her social media use after watching this documentary. She realizes that there is an entirely different world inside her phone. Ellen discusses how the Facebook algorithm can work for you, especially if you have a business and marketing on Facebook! Are you ready for Christmas? Laci has the presents wrapped and ready! She may be late on other things, like ordering her 7-month old’s newborn photos, but hey, it’s 2020. On the other hand, Ellen doesn’t have anything wrapped yet, and Laci reminds her of when Christmas is.Gift giving is not these ladies' love language! Do you stress during this time of year too?How do you feel about getting a new car from your partner for Christmas? Listen to the ladies talk about this and so much more. The ladies will have you thinking, laughing out loud, and remembering we are in this parenting boat together!  We are working on upcoming show ideas, and we want to hear from you! Please reach out to us with your ideas!  Let's connect!Follow the girls on Instagram -@mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @stl_injectorEmail: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

They’re back! The ladies are opening up this episode with an update on life. Crystal and Ellen discuss owning their esthetics business and the ins and outs of starting up. Shout out to Kelly Hermans of Beautiphi Aesthetics & Wellness. Kelly has been a friend and mentor during this journey! Ellen has some BIG news she is sharing with us this week. Don’t miss it!Laci got a new puppy, and as exciting as this is, she tells us about how this puppy came to be. Listen to her discussion surrounding their previous dog's death and how hard that was on her kids. She describes how she spoke to her kids about death, dying, and loss. Listen in as the ladies discuss this topic and gain some insight into how you can use this with your family.It's December and time for Christmas. We want to know, real tree or fake tree? Ellen and Crystal are all about the fake trees, and you don’t want to miss why! Crystal found the perfect ornament to describe 2020…dumpster fire, anyone?Do you let your toddlers help out at home? Laundry, dishes, or cooking? The ladies discuss a study on cultural influence related to involving children in chores and developing emotional intelligence and a positive outlook on chores. The ladies discuss this in-depth and provide examples of how they involve their children in their daily lives. Leave us a message and let us know if you implemented any of the teachings/ideas from this article. Maybe what you did will inspire another mom!Links mentioned in this episode:Article - How To Get Your Kids To Do Chores (Without Resenting It)Kelly Hermans: Beautiphi Aesthetics & Wellness https://www.facebook.com/beautiphiyouDumpster Fire 2020 Ornament Let's connect!Follow the girls on Instagram -@mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @stl_injectorEmail: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

This week on the podcast, the ladies sit down and reflect on the election, the CRNA conference in Nashville, and Halloween. The ladies weigh in on the never-ending election cycle, the country's climate during election time, and how difficult it is to discuss your political views with others. Do you think it is inappropriate to ask someone whom they voted for? Crystal discusses her take on marijuana use in cancer patients. Find out what Ellen, Laci, and Crystal think about this and so much more! Crystal traveled to Nashville for the CRNA conference. She tells about her stay at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and finding herself "lost and pissed." She got to finally meet Tonia Bales, ex-wife of John Meehan, who is portrayed on the Netflix & Bravo mini-series called "Dirty John." The ladies had a chance to interview Tonia in Ep. 6 of the podcast. Check out the link below if you haven't listened yet! Did anyone have a "normal" Halloween this year? Was trick or treating canceled? Laci tells about her Halloween experience in Minnesota, and yes, it involves plenty of snow! We are working on upcoming show ideas, and we want to hear from you! Please reach out to us with your ideas!  Let's connect!Follow the girls on Instagram -@mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @cmalberEmail: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas Interview with Tonia Bales, Ep 6 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smart-mommas-interview-tonia-bales-dirty-john-netflix/id1482999433?i=1000459901338 

Mandy Hicks, a Licensed Professional Counselor, joins the ladies on this episode to discuss common issues couples face and actionable steps you can take today!  Do you think that putting your marriage first above anything else will benefit in the long term? Well, Mandy provides insight into why this will actually help your relationship and your kids. Infidelity, married to a narcissist, co-parenting? Mandy Discusses her experiences as a therapist dealing with these issues. How would you deal with infidelity? Mandy tells of how a higher power is often utilized to get through this tough time. How do you put your marriage first in your everyday life? Mandy urges us all to make it a deliberate practice. Plan your week out together and make time for each other. Ellen shares how she and her husband carve out time every day for one another and how to do that with kids to ensure that one on one attention. Crystal discusses the importance of a regular date night with her husband and modeling a good relationship for their daughter. Mandy teaches us about issues separated parents face with raising their children in two homes. She gives powerful tips to combat some of the most common problems these parents face. Do you ever wonder if you are married to a narcissist? Maybe you know someone who is? Well, Mandy breaks it down for us and describes what to look for. Being new parents can be one of the most stressful times for a couple. You wonder how you are going adjust and if you and your partner will be the same people. Mandy urges us to set expectations and be honest and open. Crystal shares what it was like after having a baby and how the roles and expectations shifted, but this could not have happened without clear communication. Ellen talks about how men are wired differently, and they don’t necessarily see what needs to be done around the home. She tells of her experiences with her husband and how she feels the importance of not coming to the conversation hungry, angry, or tired as it will likely turn into an argument. Mandy reminds us that everyone is different, and in the circumstances like these, we need to give our partners some grace. Communication is key! The ladies talk about common struggles related to in-laws. Mandy wants couples to have clear boundaries and to make sure they are putting their partners first. Finally, a discussion on COVID and how to deal with the different views regarding a threat and whether or not to stay home or safely integrate back into society. Mandy provides actionable steps you can take in your marriage today to help ease your home's tensions when dealing with anxiety, either in you or your spouse. Stick around for the end of the episode for some powerful insights and tips from Mandy that you can take home and use today! Mentioned in this episode: Mandy Hicks Counseling on FB @mandyhickscounselingLet's connect!Follow the girls on Instagram -@mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @cmalberEmail: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas 

Happy one year anniversary to the podcast! Ellen, Crystal, and Laci cannot believe how fast the last year flew by and are excited to see where this podcast takes them in the future!The LifeView Family Dashboard is a single window to the most important information to manage your busy family. The dashboard is a customizable digital screen that can show family photos or artwork, the time and weather, your to-do or shopping lists, your calendars and so much more!  Each screen is set up based on your preferences and enclosed in a hand-crafted wooden frame uniquely designed and painted to match YOUR style. The LifeView Family Dashboard can be mounted anywhere and connects wirelessly to make sure your information is always up to date.  The ladies discuss dinner time, cooking, and sit down meals with their families. The ladies discuss using this time to connect with their kids and Ellen shares some awesome conversation starters! Crystal explains what high low horizon is and how she uses it with her family. The girls look back on the last year of podcasting and give their best high, low, and the outlook they have for the future! To see pictures and find out more about the LifeView Family Dashboard visit them on the web at www.GoLifeView.comUse code heysmartmommas for 10% off your purchase of the LifeView Family Dashboard. DNA Masks and More Promo Code - podcast10Let's connect!Follow the girls on Instagram -@mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @cmalberEmail: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

The hard truths conversation continues this week as the ladies sit down with Kaia Finney and Myra McGhee to discuss their views and first-hand stories regarding racism. Kaia is a CRNA, originally from Jamaica. She is an accomplished mom and wife. She tells the story of how she left home at 17 for a new life as a collegiate athlete and 4.0 student. She tells of her childhood and what colorism is. Kaia describes an incident where she was told by a patient that they did not want her to care for them because of her skin color. She discusses her role in leadership as a woman of color and holding the position of Chief CRNA.    Myra talks of life post COVID with caring for a new baby and the struggles of finding time for herself and working out. She is a CRNA, originally from Memphis and practiced as an OB nurse, moved to Maryland, and started a career in the ICU that eventually led her to CRNA school. Myra didn’t have plans to attend CRNA school, but as fate would have it and a nudge from a coworker, she has a career she loves! She tells how she has experienced racism at various points throughout her nursing career and how she is the only African American CRNA at her current place of employment.   Kaia and Myra discuss their childhood, racism, and its impact on their lives today and when raising their children. This is truly an episode you do not want to miss. Our eyes continue to open up to the reality that many, like these ladies, face every day.  Mentioned in this episode:Kaia Finney- IG: @k_ayoola_ DNA Masks and More - https://www.dnamasksandmore.com/ Follow the Ladies here, and don't miss out!Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas@mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @cmalberEmail: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups 

Have you ever read a post on Facebook and just thought, what the what? Let me read that again. The ladies discuss their organically grown Facebook group that has reached 7K members! Laci tells us how her attempt at a group member's anonymous post didn't delete and how her husband started getting phone calls questioning "infidelity." They were bound to have some crazy stories to share about their group with all of those people. Don't miss the latest crazy; you can't make this stuff up, bizarre story.  Crystal gives an update on her breast cancer treatment and starting chemo. She tells about how she just took the leap and shaved her head, how she has been having fun picking out wigs, and how her sweet daughter is supporting her mom. Ellen is moving! She talks about her experience with building a home and the control she has given up in the process. Laci gives us an update on her baby girl! She also opens up about the recent death of a family member and reflects on the importance of insignificant moments in life that really stick with you!Big GIVEAWAYS coming soon! Be sure to follow on IG for updates. Stick around for the end of the episode to get a coupon code for DNA Masks and More - https://www.dnamasksandmore.com/ Follow the Ladies here, and don't miss out!Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommasIG - @mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @cmalberEmail: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/Scrubcapsandsippycups 

You are not going to want to miss this episode. The ladies have so much to share with all of you! Crystal opens up the episode with some news that is weighing heavy on her heart. News that no one wants to get...ever. She takes us on an emotional rollercoaster from tears to laughter. Crystal has also been working on a new business and shares all about it.Are you for botox and fillers? The ladies are divided on this topic. Listen to the hilarious stories of their experiences and telling about botox gone wrong! The ladies have been busy. Ellen sold her home, Laci has spent the summer with a new baby and lots of camping trips, and Crystal is here to tell us to take it one day at a time. Stick around after the episode for a blooper that was so funny the ladies had to hit record again so you all could listen. We want to hear from you. Next time you are listening, take a screenshot of the episode, share it in your intsa stories, and tag us @heysmartmommas. We might just share your share and feature you in our insta stories too! Let's connect!Follow the girls on Instagram -@mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @cmalberEmail: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas 

Smart Mama, this episode is for you! Ellen and Laci dive deep into the issues of being a mom today. Laci discusses the recent birth of her daughter and the unique way she decided on her name. You are going to want to try this out when deciding the name of your next baby! Laci also opens up about her birth experience, losing 2 liters of blood, and calling in her own case to the OR. Is going from 1 to 2 kids worse or easier than 2 to 3? The ladies weigh in on their experiences and give us some great tips. Laci is still trying to find her routine with a newborn, while Ellen is adjusting to life back at work. We are all hard on ourselves and often fall into the comparison trap of who has it all together as moms. Don't listen to it! Go with the season and stage you are in with your family, and you will get through. Give yourself some grace, mama! Send us your messages or post in the FB group. We want to hear from you! Do you have a routine with your littles that works? Do you despise the thought of going back to work after maternity leave, especially during COVID? Mentioned in this episode: Follow the girls on Instagram -@mslacilynch @ellenlauletta @cmalber Social Security Popular Baby Names - https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsConnect with us!Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

In this episode, the ladies compare their lives now to what it was like before having kids. Laci realized her life changed when the waterproof mascara residue that resembles dark circles, one day, wouldn't come off. Those dark circles were there to stay. All too often we put our children first and forget to take care of ourselves. Before we know it we no longer think about our wants or needs. Motherhood can come at as full speed and we have no choice but to hang on for the ride! Crystal shares her pregnancy and postpartum story that left her feeling like a "bag of trash." Following two surgeries and months of physical therapy, her story shifts into something wonderful and she ends up thankful for the experience. This episode is full of inspiring insight and funny stories. Don't miss Ellen telling us all about her naked litter box children and the chance encounter with the neighbor!  By the way, are you all for joint social media accounts with a spouse? Does that ever leave you wondering who has the major control issue? Tell us what you think, we'd love to hear from you!  Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsConnect with us!Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

This episode, the ladies get to pick the mind of an actual parenting specialist! That is right. There is someone that is good at this parenting thing, and her name is Rachel Bailey. Rachel has helped hundreds of parents bring out the best in their children for over a decade. In addition to her Master’s degree in clinical psychology, she has been an in-home ADHD coach and mentor, therapist, and teacher of positive parenting techniques. Rachel’s goal is to improve family dynamics, and she shows us how. As a mom herself, she knows the struggle of trying to get your kids to do what they are supposed to even when they don’t want to. She teaches us how to handle these challenges and shares the secret to feeling confident and in control as a parent. This is accomplished by utilizing practical tools to help with kids' behavior as well as tools to help keep us as parents in a good place so we can implement these strategies.We learned such helpful ways to get through this whole COVID world we are living in without losing our ever-loving shit! Get ready to learn how to shift your expectations and SIMPLIFY parenting!For more great info check out Rachel’s podcast – The Parenting Long GameFollow her on Facebook and Instagram @RachelBaileyParenting or head to her website www.Rachel-Bailey.comFollow the ladies of this podcast @heysmartmommas on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and tell us what you think of this episode.

Jamie B & Jamie C join the smart mamas to talk about how their bond as moms and CRNAs developed into a fitness partnership and led them to a following of over 50 thousand on social media. They talk strength training, cardio, nutrition, and offer advice on developing and sticking to new routines. Make sure you do not miss when they share their favorite protein bars (they share their discount codes!) and how old their kids are! You will be blown away!www.G2Gbar.comcode at checkout: JBJCwww.kaylaitsines.comConnect with us!Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

Hey smart mama! The year 2020 has given ALL of us the opportunity to see the hate that exists in this world and the racism that is systemic in our institutions.We are 100% anti-racism and anti-hate in general.  We do not support any kind of verbal or physical confrontations on social media or in-person that are aimed at singling out any person or group of people based on their race, gender, religion, or political affiliations.  We welcome you here, as you are and we will continue to fight for the freedoms and the equality of ALL smart mamas and their loved ones.We talked to Lena Gould and Latonya Mims, two CRNA moms who have been tirelessly advocating for diversity within medicine for years.  Crystal, Laci, and I learned so much from this discussion and it is the first of many to come - The mamas told us about how they have experienced racism from the time they were young all the way through anesthesia school and into their current careers.  Even among Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Maine, and Rhode Island there is only one program director of color- Dawn Bent at the University of Pennsylvania.We really dive in deep in this episode and talk about how we can challenge the norm and advocate for people of color, this is a mankind issue and we need to do better!  Recommended readingHow to be an Antiracist- Ibram X. KendiImmortal Life of Henrietta Lacks- Rebecca SklootBlind spot: Hidden Biases of Good People- Mahxarin R. Banaji, Anthony G. GreenwaldBecoming- Michelle ObamaWhite Fragility- Robin DiAngelo Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Programwww.Diversitycrna.org 

Laura, from the CRNA Moms Facebook Group, chats with the Smart Mommas about how she followed Dave Ramsey’s debt snowball method and paid off nearly $300,000 of debt in TWO years! Laura also shares her budgeting tips and ways to find free family activities.Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps (https://www.daveramsey.com/dave-ramsey-7-baby-steps)1) Save $1,000 for your starter emergency fund2) Pay off all debt (except your mortgage)3) Save 3-6 months expenses for your emergency fund4) Invest 15% of your income in a retirement fund5) Save for your kid’s college 6) Pay off your house7) Build wealth and giveEveryDollar Budgeting Tool: Dave Ramsey’s budgeting app(https://www.daveramsey.com/everydollar)Mint: Budgeting tool and allows easy analysis of spending habits. (https://www.mint.com)Personal Capital: Tracks net worth by linking all your banking and investment accounts.(https://www.personalcapital.com)Fun Cheap or Free: Ellen highly recommends Jordan Page’s website Fun Cheap or Free for stellar budgeting tips and frugal hacks. (https://funcheaporfree.com)Connect with us!Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episodehttps://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

The smart mamas talk to Gosia, a CRNA originally from Poland, who has set a goal to ascend all Seven Summits. These are comprised of the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Gosia describes everything from her training to just how much it costs to take on one mission like this. When you hear how long it takes to climb each one, you will be shaken. Make sure you listen for what she had to do after losing a game of hearts. Leave no trace. Check out the link to her Mt. Everest climb below,https://gosiatreks.com/2014/05/14/everest-2013-expedition-video/Connect with us!Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episodehttps://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

In this episode, Crystal, Ellen, and Laci discuss how this quarantine has affected them and their families in their very different lives. You will find it easy to connect to at least one of these viewpoints, for sure! Topics covered include home-schooling, arts and crafts shame, pandemic projects, and what we all think of Melissa & Doug.Connect with us!Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episodehttps://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

The ladies sit down with smart momma, Sara Franco, and discuss infertility. Sara shares her personal journey and struggles with in-vitro fertilization. She had TRIPLETS on Christmas Eve and describes her road to achieving these miracles as not an easy one. She candidly discusses pregnancy loss and how to move forward after true devastation. The ladies laugh, cry and wrap up this episode with the craziest twist that you will never see coming!Sara Franco is the CRNA owner and operator of Sterling Anesthesia. If you need CMEs, check her out.https://www.sterlinganesthesia.com/Connect with us!Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episodehttps://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsFacebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

This episode Laci opens up about baby #3 expected to arrive in the Spring of 2020. She shares a chance encounter with a fortune-teller who made big predictions about her children. The mommas also chat about where they stand on the gender reveal debate.When do the ladies think it is a good time to share news of a pregnancy with coworkers, friends, and family?Do you have a creepy kid ghost story? Share your stories with us!!!Email: scrubcapsandsippycups@gmail.comOr you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode!https://www.speakpipe.com/ScrubcapsandsippycupsConnect with us!Facebook: Scrub Caps and Sippy CupsInstagram: @heysmartmommasTwitter: @heysmartmommas

Hey, Mama! So excited to have you back!  In this episode, we chat with Amanda Nighbert, RD, who has educated so many people with her LEAN system to help them live sustainably healthy lifestyles. We talk to Amanda about the two pillars of her program: intermittent fasting, or time-restricted eating, and macros.Rather than counting calories in vs. calories out, she focuses on what your body needs in terms of protein, carbs, and fats! Not all of us are equal! She talks to us about the SAD diet and why obesity has been rising over the past several decades since the '70s.-If you wonder what on earth intermittent fasting and carb cycling are? This will break it all down! -If you suffer from thyroid and adrenal issues or hormonal fluctuations and wonder if intermittent fasting is for you, this will answer your questions.-If you worry about not having enough time to meal plan or exercise, you definitely want to hear what she has to say about that. -If your crazy job and schedule have you concerned that you can't incorporate this into your life, you will love hearing her advice (even with those crazy breaks in the OR).We also cover topics such as breastfeeding, supplements, fueling hard workouts, clean vs. dirty fasting, sugar replacements, and the differences between men and women.  Enjoy and don't forget to rate, review, subscribe and share scrub caps and sippy cups!  

Chris Peterson, aka The Parenting Professor (http://theparentingprofessor.com), discusses the highly effective Love and Logic parenting technique and blows away the Smart Mommas with some easy to implement strategies! Don’t miss the discussions on how to stop a temper tantrum in its tracks and ending the “how long can we drag out bedtime” game. You’ll be able to implement these strategies as soon as the episode ends!Uh-Oh Song for Toddlers: Dr. Charles Fay of the Love and Logic Institute shares the Uh-Oh song in this YouTube video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drh66-WUJCw)More info on the Uh-Oh song and where you might be going wrong. (https://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/email/newsletter/1412024797)

Ep. 11 - Join Crystal, Ellen, and Laci as they discuss juggling mom and work life and how they find joy in their everyday lives. From fitness to social media, these ladies hold nothing back and will leave you laughing out loud!