She Found Motherhood podcast

Pregnancy can sometimes feel like a long nine months - but the arrival of baby (and all the planning that comes with it) often sneaks up faster than expected! One area that can catch many off guard is preparing for maternity leave. It's a major pause in a person's career, often at a pivotal moment, and transitioning into - and out of - it can be more complex than it appears. That's exactly why today's guest, Sonja Baikogli Foley, co-founded Maturn, Canada's first comprehensive program designed to support self-identifying women through the full arc of maternity leave. Born from a desire to help women make this time intentional and empowering, Maturn offers guidance, tools, and community for a smoother transition. Join Sonja and Dr. Alicia as they explore how to prepare for maternity leave and reclaim this significant chapter with confidence and clarity. Consider becoming a Maturn Member! Canada's first comprehensive program supporting mothers throughout their entire maternity leave with the *exact* tools, connections and compassionate resources required so you can transition back to work with greater ease and less self-doubt. Newborn Sleep 101: Newborns are sweet little packages who tend to not like their parents to sleep! But we can help them sleep better and as a result parents can sleep better as well!  *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: March 2, 2022.  

Maintaining some movement and exercise during pregnancy can help decrease aches & pains, prepares you for the physical act of labour, and can aid in postpartum recovery. But what about more intense work-out regimens or strength training? Dr. Alicia chats with Rebecca Tranter, registered massage therapist, Level 1 certified CrossFit trainer, and expectant mama-to-be about her pregnancy journey in strength training as well as an unexpected diagnosis in her 1st trimester.  If you have any questions for Rebecca, feel free to reach out at | IG: @rebeccatranter  E-Mail: rebeccaltranter@gmail.com | Gyms Rebecca coaches at: CrossFit Zone & Forge Victoria Other resources: Robyn Rayner, RMT and Pregnancy and Postpartum Coach: @taranis.mom.strong Brianna Battles: @pregnant.postpartum.athlete Mobility Movement: Great momma bear pregnancy series with a list of modifications for the gym. Taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience: Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass. *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: February 2, 2022.

Feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, or just plain anxious all the time? You're not alone - and this brand new She Found Motherhood Podcast episode is for you. Dr. Sarah Lea sits down with the incredible Rachel Mark - Registered Acupuncturist, Integrative Health Coach, and self-proclaimed body-nerd with degrees in Kinesiology, Acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. What do these fields all have in common? They have formed Rachel's journey to deepening her understanding of the nervous system and the body's incredible interconnectedness in its ability to heal. Dr. Lea and Rachel unpack the trickle-down effect of constant stress and overwhelm, especially in motherhood, and share relatable, real-life insights alongside practical tools to help you shift from “always on” to more ease and balance between your sympathetic and parasympathetic states. For a deeper dive, be sure to check out Radiant Effect, an online somatic coaching community, and Rachel's Instagram, at RachelMark.ca and website!

As we've often said, education is a form of healthcare. When it comes to your pelvic health, the more you understand about the physiology of the area and the changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, the more empowered you'll feel. Today, we're speaking with Aliya Dhalla, a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, about the basic structure of the pelvic floor, how it changes during pregnancy, and how and when a physiotherapist can be helpful - even through remote consultations that equip you with the tools and knowledge to understand and heal your own body. You can learn more about Aliya's work at boxwellness.co and follow her on Instagram at @boxwellnessco. Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood!

Today Dr. Alicia and Dr. Pip Houghton discuss a topic that is near and dear to their hearts - how to babyproof your relationship. The arrival of a newborn will undoubtedly create a new dynamic within your family unit, and while it brings great joy, we also run the risk of being blindsided by the challenges of this shift while also experiencing heightened stress due to increased responsibilities and lack of sleep. The best remedy is to have a discussion with your partner and lay out a plan before the arrival of baby - but it's never too late! Listen to this podcast for four tips on how to go about it and what to address! Fair Play by Eve Rodsky Audiobook on Audible Buy on Amazon Newborn Sleep 101 Newborns are sweet little packages who tend to not like their parents to sleep! But we can help them sleep better and as a result parents can sleep better as well! 

There is a lot doctors and scientists still don't fully understand about what includes labour, both pre and at term. But we do know that there are treatments that can reduce your chance of having a preterm birth, especially if you have had one in the past. Preterm birth can be especially traumatic for those living in remote communities which is why in our guests on today's podcast, Drs. Kirsten Duckitt and Jennifer Kask, developed a prevention of preterm birth pathway in Northern Vancouver Island that is spreading to other remote communities. They share with us a moving story of a pregnant individual from a remote community who had her baby in their hospital, and break down the definitions and rates of preterm birth, risks to mama and baby, and how they can be decreased. Listen to our podcast on Being a NICU parent! Taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience: Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass. *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: November 3, 2021.

Why do we even bother with car seats? Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of preventable death in children ages one through nine in Canada. Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do, and most of us do it on a daily basis with our children in the mix. The good news is, child safety seats have been shown to reduce fatal injury by 71% for infants under 1 year, 54% for toddlers ages 1-4 years, and 45% for children ages 4-8 years - but they are only effective if used properly, and studies have shown that up to 90% of child restraints are installed or used improperly! Sean Linnenbruegger is the owner of Safe Seats, a Nationally CPSAC-Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician-Instructor (CPST-I), and the proud mum of two very busy boys, ages 6 and 10. Tune into today's podcast with Sean and Dr. Alicia as they discuss many tips in detail, providing you with the skills and confidence to install and use your seats properly 100% of the time, and the peace of mind that you're doing everything you can to keep your children as safe as possible in their car seat! Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada (CPSAC): Find a Tech Winter Safety & Car Seats - a helpful guide to winter attire that passes the (pinch) test! www.safeseatsottawa.com  FB: fb.com/SafeSeatsOttawa IG: @safeseatsottawa  Learn about tips & tricks for newborn sleep with She Found Health's Newborn Sleep 101 Course!

When is the best time to start introducing my baby to solid foods? How will I know they are ready? What kind of foods should I give them? Is it better to offer whole foods, or purées? How long do I wait between introducing them to new foods? What about allergens!? HELP! If any of these questions have crossed your mind, today's podcast is necessary listening! Dr. Alicia and Nita Sharda, BSc, a Registered Dietitian, and co-founder of Happy Health Eaters discuss all of the above and help you demystify the various guidelines and misinformation you may come across on the weird, wild web. Nita has also generously offered our listeners 15% off of their online course, Start Solids Confidently, helping parents feel confident about introducing their baby to solid food. Use the code SFH15 for 15% off at check-out! And be sure to check-out Happy Health Eaters on social media: IG: @happyhealtheaters  TikTok: @happyhealthyeaters Free download: 5 Feeding Fears Sign up for our FREE Birth Preferences Mini-Course to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your big day! Follow the links below!

How does your blood type affect your pregnancy? Join Drs. Sarah and Alicia on today's podcast as they break down how your blood type may put your baby at risk - but don't worry! This only occurs in a very specific circumstance that is found in a percentually low number of people. And with proper screening and treatment, the risks of any complications to your, your baby, and any future pregnancies is basically eliminated. Thanks for letting us geek out and share our love of the physiology of pregnancy with you - we hope you enjoy and learn something too! Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood!

Here's the big secret we're revealing at the start of today's episode - every baby is unique! When it comes to sleep, what works for one baby might not work for another, even within the same family. Our guest, Valerie Groysman, a Registered Social Worker, M.S.W., R.S.W., and Infant + Child Mental Health Specialist, learned this firsthand with her own two babies and through counseling hundreds of families. Tune in to hear Valerie's Top 5 Newborn Sleep Tips and learn why creating connection and peacefulness around sleep is so important for both you and your baby. For more insights, check out Wake Windows and Sleep Cues: Unlocking the Mysteries of Baby Sleep. Grab your free Baby Sleep Guide here! Or sign up for the Talkin' Sleep Baby Sleep Essentials Courses! Follow on Instagram: @talkin.sleep Visit: talkinsleep.com

Staying active during pregnancy isn't just for your overall health - it can also play a big role in how you experience labour. Evidence shows that regular physical activity can help shorten labour and better prepare your body for the physical demands of childbirth. After baby arrives, it's all about rebuilding your strength, starting slow and steady, and adding new movements as your body heals. In today's episode, we're chatting with Robyn Rayner, a Registered Massage Therapist, CrossFit Level 2 Coach, and Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coach, about how to stay strong through pregnancy and the postpartum journey. Robyn offers actionable tips on how to approach fitness during these pivotal times, plus a deep dive into the importance of rehab and recovery after birth. Bonus: Robyn is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% discount on her virtual pregnancy and postpartum exercise program! To claim it, simply DM her on Instagram and let her know you heard about the deal on the She Found Motherhood Podcast! Find out more at: www.robynrayner.ca Follow Robyn on Instagram: @taranis.mom.strong

In this insightful, heartfelt, and engaging episosde, Dr. Sarah is joined in conversation with Eileen March, a former midwife turned intuitive coach, wild medicine energy healer, and "slow living witch" - a title that reclaims the connection to feminine wisdom and creating a culture of care for community. They delve deep into the profound importance of rest, exploring how societal pressures and personal beliefs about productivity impact our ability to rest and rejuvenate. Eileen shares her journey from midwifery to coaching with meaningful insight, emphasizing the vital need to reclaim rest as an inherent human right! They discuss actionable steps to incorporate rest into daily life, challenge the narratives that glorify busyness, and highlight the emotional aspects tied to rest, worthiness, and community. To learn more about Eileen, be sure to check-out her website, www.myluminouslife.ca, or her Instagram. For further reading, consider these recommendations from Eileen! Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey

Today's episode is necessary listening for every prospective or current parent, grandparent, caretaker or even anyone who might be looking to add life-saving to their list of life skills! Because as me and Holly Choi - our wonderful and extremely knowledgeable guest on today's podcast - conclude at the end of the episode, it's so important that everyone has some life saving skills for their family. Holly Choi is the Co-Owner of Safe Beginning First Aid, a Lifesaving Society-Certified First Aid Instructor, a CPSAC-Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician-Instructor, and dedicated mom to two daughters, ages 1 and 4. She shares with us her top four lessons parents need to know right off the bat. For example - did you know that even your newborn can roll themselves over (and off of a change table or bed)? Every parent makes mistakes and that's only human, but tune in to today's podcast to dispel common misconceptions, learn ways to reduce the risk of accidents, and for recommendations on how to make the safest environment possible for your baby, including checking out some of the great resources we discuss, below. Holly Choi | Co-Ownder + Instructor https://safebeginnings.ca/  IG: @safebeginnings Promo code20% off online courses: shefoundhealth Safer Sleep for My Baby: Helping Parents and Caregivers Create a Safe Sleep Plan Safer Infant Sleep: A practice support tool for healthcare professionals

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Alicia Power is joined by Dr. Ellen Forbes, a board-certified urologist with a specialty in male fertility and reproductive health. Together, they dive deep into the often controversial topic of newborn penile circumcision, discussing the reasons for and against the procedure, the risks and benefits, and the factors parents should consider when making this important decision. For more information, check-out this great resource: Circumcision of baby boys: Information for parents.

What do a pregnant person and an athlete have in common? A lot, according to perinatal therapist, athlete, and mama herself, Janette Yee! Janette, who has a deep background in sports orthopedics and high-level rugby, shares her expertise on treating cesarean recovery akin to a season-ending - but not career ending - sports injury. She talks with Dr. Alicia about the importance of preparing mentally, physically, and your community for the chance (or certainty) of having a C-Section, including the importance of pre-surgery strength, mind preparation, realistic birth expectations, and building a supportive team. A super helpful part of the process is seeing a physiotherapist, but that can often be prohibitively expensive and difficult to make the time for in the hectic period that is postpartum. Taking an online course like Janette's Cesarean Recovery Stage 1: Your Prenatal C-Section Preparation & Recovery Program is a fantastic, affordable, and accessible way to take recovery into your own hands, for just five minutes a day! For more details, visit Janette's website or her many online channels @AskJanette on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube! And don't forget to snag Your Complete C-Section Hospital Checklist, download the free PDF now!

Dr. Sarah Lea chats with Dr. Brie Budlovsky, an emergency medicine physician and aesthetic medicine practitioner based in Victoria, British Columbia. Together, they explore skincare during pregnancy, including product safety, common dermatological concerns, practical advice for expectant mothers, and not least of all, answer those burning questions we have around the safety of newer treatments such as botox, fillers, and more! Be sure to check out Dr. Bri's Instagram, and the Canadian Cosmetic Hot List.  Learn more about our Pregnancy to Parenthood Masterclass here!

In this informative episode, Dr. Alicia Power is joined by Dr. Megan O'Connell, an experienced anesthesiologist, to discuss various pain management strategies for labor and delivery. They delve deep into both non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods to help women manage labor pain effectively.  Tune in to know what to expect when you're expecting, when it comes to pain management options! Don't miss out on our Newborn Sleep 101 course where we share our experience supporting 1000's of families through this frequently challenging time - get better sleep today!

In this must-listen episode, Drs. Sarah and Alicia tackle the all-too-common challenge of morning sickness during pregnancy. Drawing on their experience as maternity doctors—and as moms who've been through it themselves—they dive into the numbers: how many women experience it and how long it usually sticks around. They'll guide you through the causes of morning sickness, why treatment is so important, and share a range of effective remedies, from simple lifestyle and diet adjustments to medication options. Whether you're in the thick of it or just preparing, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you manage nausea and vomiting with confidence! Follow the these links for some recommended products to help you through: Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband Gravol Ginger - Nausea and Upset Stomach Relief B6 by Natural Factors - 90 tablets, 50 mg

You've likley heard the term "informed consent," but what does that mean in terms of navigating decisions in childbirth? In this episode, Drs. Sarah and Alicia dive deep into this crucial topic. They emphasize the power of being well-prepared through prenatal education, helping you feel confident and in control as you approach labor and delivery. With real-world case studies on epidurals, postpartum hemorrhage, Cesarean sections, and the use of forceps and vacuum during delivery, they shed light on the complexities and potential conflicts that can arise between what's best for the pregnant person and the baby. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate childbirth with clarity and confidence! To help you on this journey be sure to check out our online Pregnacy to Parenthood Masterclass and our free Birth Preferences guide.

Back to school is around the corner, and in that spirit we are revisiting some of our most listened to She Found Motherhood podcast episodes! Starting with this episode which originally aired in September of 2020, Drs. Sarah and Alicia answer your top 10 questions about early pregnancy, such as what bloodwork is needed, what does spotting mean, when to expect ultrasounds, and why you might be so gosh darn bloated! Be sure to download our free Preparing for Pregnancy Guide, and check out these other episdes that dive a bit deeper into specific early pregnancy topics: Morning Sickness: The Low Down on Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy! Constipation & Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy | How to Manage at Home The Sad Truth about Miscarriage

You asked - we answered all of your burning questions about Cesarean Sections! Our discussion includes optimal time between pregnancies after a C-section, factors affecting type of wound closure post-C-section, and reasons why some people might choose an elective C-section even when not medically necessary.  Consider downloading our Birth Preferences Guide or signing up for our free Birth Preferences Mini Course! For a deeper dive into all things pregnancy, birth & labor, postpartum and those first few weeks with your newborn, consider signing-up for our Pregnancy to Parenthood Masterclass, which includes 5 modules, bonus materials with subject matter experts, inside looks into birthing spaces, and so much more!  And for bonus credit, here are the several other super informative episodes and guides we reference in relation to C-Sections! To TOLAC or not to TOLAC… That is the question!!! Twin Pregnancies! Double the fun and double the trouble! C-Section Scar Recovery with Janette Yee Top 5 Reasons for Cesarean Birth Silicone Scar Sheets Download our FREE Perineal Massage Guide!  

Today's birth story comes from Heather in Victoria, British Columbia and long-time She Found Motherhood Podcast listener! Heather's birth story starts off with a bit of a rocky pregnancy which lead to the preterm birth of her daughter and a rather long stay in the NICU. She describes the many challenges, and the small pieces of joy, she discovered on that journey.  Part of the challenges she experienced included a significant amount of nausea in pregnancy. If you or anyone you know is suffering from nausea, DM us on Instagram or shoot us an email asking for our free Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy download! And just as a reminder, if you love listening to these birth stories, share the link or screenshot the episode and spread the word! We'd so appreciate it.

Today's topic might be something that many of us haven't spent a lot of time thinking about - what kind of changes can occur within our eyes during pregnancy? If you have a pre-existing condition, either physical or specifically ocular, are the eyes particularly susceptible to damage during pregnancy and should specific precautions be taken? Could your eyesight worsen? Or can it improve? What effects does breastfeeding have? Ophthalmologist Dr. Amaka Eneh joins Dr. Alicia to answer the above questions and much more on today's episode! Today's episode may also encourage you to optimize your preconception health. Luckily, we've put together a clear, easy to read guide to help ensure your physical and mental health as you begin your journey through motherhood. Download our Preparing for Pregnancy guide here! Looking for more? Check out our Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass, taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience!  

Sometimes it might seem like restricting certain foods in pregnancy is overkill, but once you listen to this episode, you'll understand why! Keep in mind these two diseases are quite rare in pregnancy, but if you do contract them and pass them onto your baby, they can have dire consequences. There is no need to overly worry, but we think it's important to be aware and just exercise a little bit more caution - as always, knowledge is power! As always, we'd love to hear from you if you have any thoughts on this episode or suggestions for future topics. Just shoot us an email or DM! Looking for more? Check out our Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass, taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience. Let's dive in!

Today Kelsey shares with us her birth story with an admirable openness and generosity of spirit, despite having to navigate a pregnancy and birth with more than one unexpected twist and turn. She speaks to Dr. Sarah about how her Birth Plan and birth education equipped her to anticipate various decisions she might encounter - and how she also had to embrace the unpredictable nature of childbirth when the “right” path became unclear.  Tune in to hear her full story, including how therapy aided her in processing her experience in pregnancy and postpartum, and navigating any undue feelings of guilt when things didn't go as planned. We must acknowledge that birth is unpredictable, but having a plan can help. Drs. Sarah and Alicia have created a free mini Birth Plan course for you to work through with your partner and care provider! Sign up here to receive it and keep an eye out for our 4-part video series in your email on how to fill out your Birth Plan Template!

In this episode of the She Found Motherhood podcast, Drs. Sarah and Alicia dive into a topic that resonates with up to 80% of pregnant individuals – nausea and vomiting! Between simple lifestyle adjustments and lesser-known tricks, our top 10 tips to help manage these challenging symptoms cover everything from staying hydrated, to how modifying your vitamin intake, and even your dental routine, might help! Don't let nausea overshadow your pregnancy journey – empower yourself with these practical tips! And for a deeper dive, check out these helpful links: Check out our companion episode on ​​Nutrition and Preparing for Pregnancy! Pick up a Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband for Motion or Morning Sickness Download our free Sleep Tips Guide for more tips on how to optimise sleep in pregnancy Download our free guide to Managing Nausea and Vomiting in your Pregnancy! Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood!

Jen shares with us her two birth stories, the first a planned Cesarean section and the second, a very empowering Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Though Jen is a labor and delivery nurse professionally, going through childbirth herself has given her a multitude of valuable insights on both the process and the systems in place that support birthing people. Despite being intimately familiar with labor and delivery, she was surprised about what worked and what didn't for her, and we're so grateful she is sharing that empowering insight with us today and you, our listeners! “If there's one family that listens and takes away something that maybe resonates with them, or even one maternity care provider that listens and thinks, ‘I never thought about it that way that,' I'll feel it was worth it.” - Jen

Let's face it - kids can be expensive, and having a family brings on a whole new set of financial obligations that can catch some of us off guard. But taking a few simple steps early on can really help put your family on the right track in the long run, even without a lot of capital up front. This is why we are excited to have Aimee Burton on today's episode! She is a licensed financial broker and agency owner,  based on Vancouver Island. Her and her team of licensed advisors focus on providing free financial education to individuals, families and business owners and helping people create actionable financial plans to grow & protect their wealth, plan for retirement, and feel great about their money. She loves helping new parents especially, since becoming a mama propelled her into this new career! Tune in to today's episode for her top 5 financial planning tips for new families, and be sure to download her FREE 5 Step Financial Checklist for Parents!

On today's episode, Dr. Alicia Power speaks to Kristen Yarker, a registered dietician in Victoria, BC and founder of The Kristen Yarker Nutrition Agency, with a combined 30 years of training and experience guiding people through the perimenopause and menopause period. While this time of transition presents certain challenges, not unlike puberty it should be considered in a comprehensive way from how our diet, exercise, sleep, stress and mental health can impact the transition - and vice versa.  With a focus on nutrition, this episode dives deep into how we can make sure through food, a form of medicine, we are doing the best we can for our body supporting bone health, brain health, heart health, and mental health to ease the menopause transition. Be sure to tune in to the full episode for lots of perimenopause nutrition tips, and check out these resources for more! HealthLinkBC: provides non-emergency health information to the residents of British Columbia Menaupause.org: promoting women's health at midlife and beyond MenopauseandU.ca: the facts on menopause from Canada's experts Taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience: Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass

On today's episode, Drs. Sarah and Alicia break down varicose veins in pregnancy - what they are, why they occur, common symptoms, the importance of monitoring them, treatments, and why they can appear in unexpected places during pregnancy! Tune in for their expert insights and practical tips on navigating this common yet often unexpected aspect of pregnancy. With the holidays coming up, we have the perfect gift for you or the pregnant person in your life! The Nesting Box is a trimester specific subscription box filled with our favourite pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn items!

You probably know about postpartum depression, but did you know that postpartum anxiety and postpartum rage are just as common - and much less talked about? Sadly, many mothers struggling with mental health issues don't reach out for help with the fear that medication (in conjunction with very costly therapy) is the only solution. But this is not the only solution, nor necessarily the most effective one. Andrea Niles, founder of Prospera Mental Health and Wellness, is a clinical psychologist who dedicated her career to studying treatments for anxiety and depression. She stepped outside academia into the world of digital mental health wanting to make a more direct impact. Being a mom herself going through her own challenges, she realized there was a marked lack of resources out there for mom with effective treatments and interventions for anxiety and depression - and let's not forget rage - and thus a company was born! On today's episode we break-down the differences between PPA/PPD and postpartum rage, outline symptoms, and offer very real, effective solutions. Be sure to download this Free Postpartum Mental Health Guide, providing strategies and exercises to avoid common pitfalls and preserve your mental health. If you are a new or expectant parent, or relate to any of these feelings, today's episode is not to be missed!

On today's episode, Drs. Sarah and Alicia get down to brass-tacks on one topic you may not know is a routine part of newborn care - the Vitamin K shot. What is Vitamin K and why do newborn babies need it? Drs. Sarah and Alicia address this and so much more in this quick yet informative episode, including dispelling common myths that you'll want to know more about. If you'd like to learn more about this and many other essential parts of routine pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care, be sure to check out our low-cost Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass, taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience!

“It's mommy's turn to wine! It's cheaper than therapy!” Why is alcohol the only drug we need to explain not using? It's the cheapest, most popular, and widely available drug for adults in North America, and moreover using it is normalized over declining it, and is often wrapped up in a culture of necessity and as a healthy coping m echanism for moms. But what if we have more to gain than to lose by numbing out the hard parts of parenting? Celeste Yvonne, Recovery Coach, author, mom, and advocate asked herself this exact question, which set her on a journey of sober curiosity, sobriety, and ultimately advocacy of the lifestyle. We are so grateful to have her share her story and experience on today's podcast, as well as advice on how to begin the journey yourself, even if it is just asking questions around our individual and societal relationships with alcohol. If you are sober curious and you'd like to dive a little deeper, consider buying Celeste's newly released book It's Not about the Wine: The Loaded Truth behind Mommy Wine Culture, contacting her for coaching, or joining the Sober Mom Squad! Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood!  

This episode is a re-release which first aired on April 14, 2022. We welcome our new listeners and hope you find it informative! We are huge proponents of empowerment through education, and often advise our patients and listeners to take a prenatal course to help them along their pregnancy to parenthood journey. But how do you even begin to find a course that's right for you!? We've put together this quick guide with our top three things to think about when you're choosing your childbirth education class, to help you along in the process! Infant First Aid and Car Seat Safety from Safe Beginnings  Online Infant/Child CPR, Choking and Injury Prevention, Getting It Right from Day One & Supporting Neonatal Resuscitation - 20% off any online course! CODE: SHEFOUNDHEALTH The Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass: Taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience! 

This episode is a re-release which first aired on March 30, 2022. We welcome our new listeners and hope you find it informative! Today we are providing you with an overview of what routine pregnancy care looks like, after the first prenatal visit we discussed last week! After the initial visit where we do a deep dive into your and your family's medical history and a long survey of health related questions, we'll ask you to come back in about two to three weeks later for a complete physical exam.  In today's post, we'll do an overview of what you can expect at your first physical, but subscribers to our Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series get a much more in-depth look at what conditions we look for and tests we do, and what certain prognoses can mean for you. For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood! Check-out these other informative She Found Motherhood Podcast Episodes! Understanding your Blood Type in Pregnancy  Anemia and Low Iron in Pregnancy  Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy Group B Strep in Pregnancy

This episode is a re-release which first aired on March 16, 2022. We welcome our new listeners and hope you find it informative! On today's episode, Drs. Alicia and Sarah address a question they get asked a lot: how to choose a pregnancy care provider! It's one of the first major decisions you make in pregnancy, and often an overwhelming one as you try to navigate the different options and which one is best for you. Join Drs. Alicia and Sarah as they review the different options and how to choose the best one for you.  Check out our She Found Motherhood Podcast episode on What is a Birth Doula with Jay Duncan! Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood!

“Omg! I think I might be pregnant!?” This is often the first thought that crosses our mind in early pregnancy, before we have the chance to take a test or see our provider! So what are some early pregnancy symptoms to look out for?  Drs. Sarah and Alicia outline them all for you in this quick and handy episode! But moreover, here are links to episodes on each of the symptoms, discussed in greater detail: Morning Sickness: The low down on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy Constipation & Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy: How to Treat Naturally at Home Skincare in Pregnancy with Dr. Bri Low Iron and Anemia in Pregnancy And to dig even deeper, Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood!  

This just in! The guidelines around the treatment of mastitis, a common complication of breastfeeding, have largely changed! On today's episode, Drs. Sarah and Alicia provide an overview of the updated clinical protocol from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine - and let us (possibly) be the first to tell you that the new guidelines are almost the exact opposite of what was previously recommended. A must listen! For clarification, the probiotics we were referring to are called limosilactobacillus fermentum ligilactobacillus salivarius. Additionally, this Pregnancy for Professionals Podcast episode on Intrusive Thoughts, while intended for providers, is a great deeper dive into postpartum mental health. And last but not least, our friends at Happy Health Eaters have offered our listeners 15% off of their great course on Starting Solids Confidently, using this link and the code SFH15! Super helpful for new parents everywhere!

Did you know that men experience hormonal shifts during their partner's pregnancy and into the postpartum period? While this biological change likely occurs to stimulate child / parent bonding, it can also cause postpartum depression in partners and is experienced by about 8%-10% of them - and is all too rarely talked about.  But Drs. Sarah and Alicia are here to spark the conversation! And encourage both partners and birthing people to talk about it with each other, with your greater community, and to seek support if needed. A great start is to tune into today's episode, as well our episode on Preparing your Relationship for a Newborn with Dr. Pip from Making Mama Well, and make sure to download the Mental Health Resource we created just for you!

Should I be getting dental work while pregnant? Is it okay to get x-rays? What about filling cavities? Today's episode is a must listen, as Dr. Sarah Lea interviews dentists Dr. Brin MacMillan and Dr. Sabrina Ma, co-owners of South Island Dental, on the do's and don'ts of dental work in pregnancy! They discuss if and when to get dental care, which procedures you might want to avoid, how the changes brought on by pregnancy may affect your dental health, and share some facts about radiation that might surprise you... If you'd like to learn more about South Island Dental, check-out their website! And here is a link to the recommended MI Paste, though we always encourage consulting with your healthcare provider before making a change to your health routine. Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood!

Movement is medicine! What do we mean? Tune in to today's episode featuring Nikki Johnson, mom, certified personal trainer, and pregnancy to postpartum fitness coach, where she discusses her thought out approach to pre and post natal fitness.  For more info on Nikki, check out her website at www.nikkijfit.com and give her a follow on Instagram @nikkijfitness and tune into the upcoming Nikki J Fitness Podcast! Taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience: Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass.   

Nicole's birth story is chock full of experiences, from pre-fertility and an unexpected diagnosis, IVF, gestational diabetes in pregnancy, and a labour and delivery with unforeseen complications. But she managed to navigate it all successfully in large part due to the education she underwent in the process, allowing her to make informed decisions and take efforts to prepare herself for delivery and postpartum - such as regularly performing perineal massage. But don't take our word for it - listen to Nicole's story first hand! Download our FREE Perineal Massage Guide here! Taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience: Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass.

Birth is a complex event - both physically and emotionally for us and our partners. A good way to navigate those complexities is to discuss and note down your birth preferences to help manage expectations and create informed decisions, but what happens when birth goes differently than planned? Dr. Pip Houghton, family doctor with a passion for supporting new mamas and a special interest in perinatal mental health care, shares with us her personal and professional experiences in dealing with the aftermath of birth that does not go as expected. Dr. Pip and Dr. Alicia discuss the differences between disappointment, grief, and trauma, and how to navigate those emotional intricacies before they potentially grow into larger issues. Today's episode is a must listen for perinatal patients and providers alike. For more support and resources, check out these links! Dr. Pip can be found at her website, Making Mama Well Instagram, and Facebook. Check-out our FREE Birth Preferences Course by clicking this link. For a deeper dive into these topics and more, consider our affordable, online Pregnancy to Parenthood Masterclass to empower yourself with the knowledge you need to have the best birth experience you can!

Today we are talking about all things fetal movement! What does fetal movement feel like? When should you begin counting it? Is there such a thing as too much movement? And what about hiccups!? In addition to today's episode, be sure to download our Fetal Movement Hand-Out and Tracker, describing all you need to know about how to monitor your baby's health through fetal movement counting, including a handy tracking sheet you can print and use at home! Taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience: Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass 

On today's episode, Drs. Sarah and Alicia looked back and compiled the most frequent questions they get about the first trimester of pregnancy and answered them all for you conveniently in this one podcast episode and blog post! Be sure to follow along to the extra resources and links for a deeper dive into each topic. For more info on skincare in pregnancy, check out our podcast on Skincare in Pregnancy with Dr. Bri! For more tips on managing nausea in pregnancy, check out Morning Sickness: The low down on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and First Trimester Symptoms: Food as medicine with Nourished Beginnings. Check out this video on How Long to Wait Between Pregnancies to Keep You and Baby Safe. We also recommend this book from Mama Psychologists on Not Your Mother's Postpartum Book: Normalizing Post-Baby Mental Health Struggles, Navigating #Momlife, and Finding Strength Amid the Chaos. Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood!

Does pregnancy affect the voice? Today's special episode was produced by Jillian Mitchell, recording artist, vocal coach, author, mom, and founder of Voxana, a platform celebrating the interconnectivity of our human instrument in singing, speaking, and writing. She interviewed our own Dr. Alicia Power about the role pregnancy plays on our human instrument as it changes and grows, especially how it affects our energy, movement, and voice! To learn more about Voxana, visit their website and check-out their Vodcast or Podcast!

The experience of pain in labor can be influenced by a variety of factors such as previous experiences, and individual emotional, physical, motivational, cognitive, social, and cultural circumstances. Strategies for dealing with the pain can be medicinal and non-medicinal, both of which Drs. Alicia and Sarah outline today, with a particular emphasis on epidurals as we get frequent questions about them! As always, having a good understanding of your options is crucial in making decisions that feel right for you, even when sometimes things don't go according to plan. This is also why we've assembled this free hand out about the Risks and Benefits of Epidurals and How to Support your Partner in Labour, as well as these other great associated episodes on Hypnobirthing and Waterbirths!   And if you would like a more in-depth understanding of your options, a reminder that there is a module on Pain Management in Labour in our Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass which includes a video from Stephanie Curran on Acupressure in Pregnancy and Labour!  

Many of us spend a lot of time preparing for pregnancy, labour, and birth but we tend to neglect putting equal care into preparing for the postpartum period. This creates certain challenges, especially considering the postpartum period is relatively much longer and requires taking care of your newborn and yourself! This is where a postpartum doula can help. Join Dr. Alicia and Brittany Porter, Postpartum Doula and founder of Birth & Beyond, as they discuss the different roles of postpartum doulas, what they can do for you, when to contact one, and much more! NOTE: Apologies for the bad quality sound for about 20 seconds, from min 1:41 to 2:00! It clears up for the rest of the episode. Reach out to Brittany Porter at her website or Birth and Beyond to learn more about her services, as well as the many collectives she is a part of such as The Nesting Doula Collective which offers doula services to Black, Indigenous and People of Color through a pay-it-forward model and community support, as well as The Doulas Aboriginal Family Grant Program. Or find a postpartum doula through DoulaMatch or Doulas International! Sign up for our FREE Birth Preferences Mini-Course to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your big day! Follow the links below!

Have you ever seen those photos of a pregnant friend walking in a field, their two toddlers happily in tow, or a newborn baby wrapped up in a blanket sleeping like a sweet cherub? You may have had several thoughts, such as that your young children would never stay still long enough for a photo where all of you look good! Or you think, ‘I'd love to get shots with my newborn but I can barely get out of the house to see the doctor, let alone a photographer'! Today, Amanda from Island Roots Photography specializing in motherhood and family photos, shares with us her view from behind the lens, including tips and tricks to take the stress out of maternity shoots and her recommendations on how to get the right shots for you that your family and children will treasure for years to come! GIVEAWAY! Head over to our Instagram page @she.found.motherhood our website for details about an exciting giveaway from Island Roots Photography!  Taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience: Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass.

About one in three births are delivered by Cesarean Section, though this varies by province, country, and even community. About half of those are planned, also called “elective,” while the other half are emergency, or unplanned. Keep in mind that the term “emergency cesarean” is used to mean that delivery via cesarean section was not a birth preference, but does not always mean a true medical emergency which has to be performed as quickly as humanly possible. Join Drs. Sarah and Alicia as they share with us the top reasons Cesarean Sections are performed, both elective and unplanned. For additional info, check out our episode on  What is Placenta Previa? Taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience: Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass