She's Not Selfish

This week, Dr. Addie Long is back with us discussing the common postpartum experience of pelvic pain. The episode opens with a special introduction to honor bereaved families during this month of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness. Come continue the conversation online! https://www.facebook.com/groups/proactivemoms

Dr. Addie Long, DPT is with us today for a candid and hopeful conversation about stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and its effects, mitigation, and resolution during and after pregnancy. In this episode, we explore: The differences between stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence Causes of SUI Why SUI resolves after pregnancy for some, and not for others When to modify movements during pregnancy Embracing hope and resolving SUI And more! Are you pregnant or any duration postpartum, and experiencing SUI? Claim YOUR freedom here: https://proactivemoms.mykajabi.com/membership Come continue the conversation online! https://www.facebook.com/groups/proactivemoms

Are you prone to comparing yourself and your situation to those around you? It turns out, freedom from comparison is more than ineffectually trying to convince ourselves to ‘just think differently,’ or beating ourselves up for once again falling into the same unwanted and seemingly involuntary way of thinking. In today's episode, we explore why our heartfelt attempts at self-compassion will always be incomplete when we are subconsciously prone to comparison, and HOW to begin changing the pattern! Come continue the conversation online! https://www.facebook.com/groups/proactivemoms

Today's episode is the first installment in an exciting new series called "Say it Again," in which Jessica Mostaffa of Wild Hope KC will be joining us to share the mental health perspective for previously published episodes of She's Not Selfish. "Say It Again" is kind of like a fun and honest small group therapy session that is, of course, packed full of goodness! Our conversation today is based on Episode 20 and Episode 21 "Melding Motherhood and Your Passions" (Parts 1 and 2). Come on, mama, let's add some insights and skills to our mental wellness tool kits!   Click through to the show notes  

What adjectives would you use to describe your parenting style and strategy? Do you ever feel overwhelmed, frustrated or uncertain about how to handle situations that come up with your kids? Today, I am joined by Parenting Specialist Rachel Bailey who is known by her clients for working magic! For Rachel, the 'magic' comes down to understanding how children are physiologically and psychologically wired, and using that knowledge to our advantage. She is sharing with us all about how to nurture proactivity, harmony, and mutual feelings of respect and success for ourselves and our kids. Come on, mama, let's uplevel our mommin' skills!   In today's episode, we discuss: 'Band-Aid parenting' versus 'long-game parenting' Our children's brains, how to work with rather than against their wiring, and the major 'tools' that are not innate to our children and need to be learned The effectiveness of becoming curious and seeing situations from our children's perspectives Our children's 'control banks,' and why & how to give our kids 'options within boundaries' Shifting from external motivators (like rewards and consequences) to internal motivation Nurturing a feeling of success in motherhood Click through to the show notes

Today, Shilene Aaron is back! Shilene is the inspiring woman behind The Mama Mogul, and she is sharing her honest struggles and lessons in blending motherhood with other pursuits. In today's episode, we are continuing the conversation about making the shift towards embracing motherhood as our primary mission: Shilene shares about her experience with depression and anxiety, and we talk about the desire to be seen as "more than just a mom.” Come on, mama, let’s proudly own our motherhood role! Click through to the show notes

Today, I am joined by mother of four and entrepreneur Shilene Aaron - the inspiring woman behind The Mama Mogul. In this episode, Shilene shares her honest struggles and lessons in blending motherhood with other pursuits. As multi-passionate, multi-talented women, becoming mothers brings out the best in us: case in point, mothers are exceptional creators, visionaries, and managers. Shilene wants us to know that motherhood is the time to define and courageously live out our dreams, not tuck them away. Come on, mama, let’s cast our vision for our multifaceted ministry and mission as inspired women living on purpose!   In this episode, we discuss: Why all external passions and pursuits begin at home with our families Struggling to feel at home in our role as 'mom' as women of aspiration, and dealing with resentment Balancing motherhood with the pursuits that 'fill our cup' Marriage, 'pillow talk,' and 'couch time' What's to come from The Mama Mogul Parting wisdom from Shilene Click through to the show notes

So many women have no idea of the potential of their own beauty. The way we see ourselves in the mirror falls short of how so many other people see us, and tragically, we often go through life failing to realize the discrepancy. Today, I am chatting with Certified Professional Boudoir Photographer Leah Gunn Emerick. With an eye trained to see the beauty we tend to downplay or overlook, Leah has a knack and passion for showing women how gorgeous they truly are. A minimum of one hundred women come through Leah's photography studio every year, and each one enters underestimating her beauty, and feeling insecure about areas of her body with which she has yet to make peace; those same women depart feeling empowered and wowed by the truth they previously could not see. In this episode, Leah and I dig into the powerful lessons in body image, self-worth and self-acceptance unfolding in her studio. Come on, mama, allow us to show you just how beautiful and worthy you are! In today's episode, we discuss: 'Natural-to-knockout' transformations, and the perspective-shifting power of Leah's sessions How to know if you're ready for a boudoir photography experience, and using boudoir as a means to see yourself as a woman outside of motherhood Why your mirror is fibbing to you, and understanding the gap between what you see in the mirror, and your mental image of beauty Tips for overcoming discomfort around shopping for clothes as it relates to body image How our inherent, deep desire to belong, to be seen, and to be accepted is linked to our self-worth and self-acceptance Paying attention to how your mind, soul and heart are responding as you engage with the media around you, and how to stop comparing yourself Being honest with yourself about your preferences and triggers Parting words of love and encouragement from Leah Click through to the show notes

How would you describe your identity and personal brand, independent of your children? Today, I am joined by Brand Activation Strategist Makayla Ervin, and she is sharing with us all about activating our personal brands post-babies so that we can attract the life we want and become the most authentic, genuinely happiest version of ourselves. Makayla discusses setting goals and seeking change from a place of deep self-love and self-acceptance, and closing the gap between our desires and our reality. Come on, mama, let's boldly walk in the fullness of our potential and passions. In today's episode, we discuss: Why 'balance' is fake news, and a better aim The power of exploring your 'what' and 'why' A new way to dream: dreaming of feelings instead of things The Good Things Jar (an activity for application) What is a personal brand? Re-branding ourselves in motherhood Actively attracting the life you want Making choices founded in self-love Understanding the link between your body and your personal brand Two final tips from Makayla Click through for the show notes

As busy moms of young children, feelings of frustration, guilt, pressure or overwhelm can frequently be found as unwelcome guests at our kitchen and dining room tables. Today, I am joined by Registered Dietitian Ahuva Magder Hershkop, and she is teaching us about intentionally creating an environment in our homes that inspires intuitive eating within our kids, and melts mealtime stress. Ahuva shares simple strategies and insights about our roles and goals when it comes to feeding our children. So, ready to kiss those aforementioned, unwelcome dinner guests goodbye? Come on, mama, it's time to go from mealtime stress to success! In today's episode, we discuss: Shifting our expectations and re-calibrating our mindset around mealtime as parents Raising healthy, intuitive eaters by introducing the 'division of responsibility' framework into your household Relieving the pressure to persuade your kids to eat, and how to create an environment that honors hunger cues Healthy mealtime conversation: what it is, and what it isn't Strategies for helping and encouraging your little picky eater When it comes to feeding our children, why bigger is not better Ahuva's parting words of wisdom Click through to the show notes

Today, I am joined by Ayurvedic Health Coach Jessica Rousseau, and she is shedding brilliant light on why healing our guts actually begins with healing our relationship with food. A four-thousand-year-old art and science, Ayurveda is the cousin of traditional Chinese medicine, and yoga's sister-science. Within the context of Ayurveda, every person is completely unique, living in a wholly unique body, and having a fantastically unique experience of life that nobody else has ever experienced before, nor will anybody else experience after. In today’s episode, Jessica and I explore the life-changing process of bringing restoration and balance to our bellies, our plates, and our relationships with food. Click through for the show notes

There are quite a few variables involved when it comes to your postpartum recovery which means, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all program or plan. When you go to your 6-week postpartum checkup and your doctor clears you, this doesn’t mean your body is ready to jump to the level of extreme you may think it is. The impatience can be very real, trust me, mama I experienced it too, but you have to work the process to progress to the level you desire or you risk hurting yourself. Join me as I dive into secret number 3 to your best body ever after baby, there’s even a bonus tip at the end you don’t want to miss out on. Click through for the show notes

It’s time for secret number 2 to achieving your best body ever after baby! The deep core system is the foundation and source of your stability and strength but is deeply impacted by pregnancy and birth. You read that right mama, not only are you a superhero that grew life inside you, but the foundation of your stability and strength has been deeply impacted and needs to be retrained. In this episode, I explain exactly what the deep core system is, the importance of it and actionable steps to retraining your deep core system. Click through for the show notes

Over the next few weeks, I want to share with you the top 3 secrets to achieving your best body ever postpartum. When I say postpartum, I’m not talking about the few weeks following birth- I’m talking about the rest of your life after having a child. Postpartum is forever, and I strongly believe that the best for your strength, your fitness and your health is yet to come, in this postpartum chapter of your life. Come on mama, join me as I go over secret number one and provide you with actionable steps to get you one step closer to your best body ever! Click through for the show notes

If you do a quick google search, you’ll find tons of blogs on how to create the best morning routine. The problem with many of them? They aren’t conducive for moms with littles and they most often set you up for that feeling of defeat when you’ve failed to perfectly complete all 20 steps of your routine. Today I talk you through how to start your day with intention in a way that sets your entire day up for success. Come on mama, say goodbye to that unsustainable morning routine and create a plan that really works for you in this season of your life. Click through for the show notes

Your pelvic floor is part of your ‘Deep Core System’ which we explored in-depth just last week, and contrary to popular belief, there is so much more to pelvic floor health than regularly doing kegels. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Katy Rush has spent the last 13 years focusing on the development of programs related to pelvic health in men, women and children. She joins me today to talk about common health issues we as women and moms may face as a result of pelvic floor issues, and how important it is to promptly seek resolution (versus waiting until you’re having to shop for adult diapers - no, thank you!) I know this topic may not be the sexiest, but you wouldn’t be embarrassed seeking help with shoulder pain, would you? Seeking expert guidance with your pelvic floor health should be seen in the same light! Come on, mama, join me in learning a bit about your pelvic floor health, and how pelvic floor physical therapy may be exactly what you need in your life! Click through for the show notes

Sometimes seemingly small changes pack a big punch, and breathing habits definitely fall into this category: your ‘deep core system’ responds to every single breath you take, so tweaking your breathing pattern directly impacts how well your core functions. In today’s episode, I take you on an audio tour of your deep core system, pinpoint bad breathing habits and explain why they are problematic, and walk with you through actionable steps you can take to identify and improve your own breathing pattern. This is a special episode in which I give you a sneak peak into some of the exact content I teach my clients! Come on, mama, join me and notice the difference that breathing better can make! Click through for the show notes

This episode is an absolute must for all pregnant and recently postpartum women, as well as for anyone who has a pregnant or postpartum loved one they want to support. Victoria Weber, founder of Nettle + Honey, is a birth and postpartum doula and yoga instructor specializing in Ayurveda. She joins me to discuss the importance of gently restoring your mind and body after pregnancy and birth. Come on, mama, let’s start 2020 in the best possible way by learning how to restore your body from the ground up. Click through for the show notes

Happy New Year, and new decade! In today’s episode, we’re discussing how to stop feeling guilty about saying no so that you can say yes to your goals, health and well-being in 2020. Built into each one of your noes is a beautiful, bright, shiny “heck, yes:” when you say no to the things that are misaligned, you are making space for saying yes to the things that are. Today's episode is about orienting your literal and figurative yeses and noes to align with your goals and priorities. Come on, mama, lets kick of 2020 with bang! Click through for the show notes

Mama, you have to take care of yourself first, you have to fill your cup in order to give your kids what they need. Maureen Francois is back for part 2 talking with me all about play therapy, imaginative play, predictable schedules and you guessed it, how utterly important self-care is for moms. Maureen explains that children don’t have the capability to express their feelings as adults do, instead they express themselves through their play. Click through for the show notes

As moms, knowing what it takes to care for our children’s physical well-being comes pretty naturally. However, when it comes to caring for their emotional well-being, most of us are at a loss: “how in the heck do I do that?!“ Maureen Francois, licensed clinical social worker, certified play therapist, and the co-owner of Wild Hope Counseling, joins me today to talk about mindset, emotions, and daily steps we can take to foster our child’s mental health. Click through for the show notes

Hey, mama, you are resilient, your body is wise, and you have the ability to heal from the traumatic experiences you’ve endured. According to Stevie Spiegel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, trauma is anything that is distressing and disturbing and continues to be so. Trauma is subjective and relative: your feelings are valid, and your experience was significant. Join Stevie and me as we bring light to this heavy topic, and talk about not only how to listen to your body and communicate your story, but also how to be a good listener and meaningfully supportive for others in your life who’ve experienced trauma.   Click through for the show notes

Jessica Mostaffa, Licensed Professional Counselor, has a passion for serving women and focuses on perinatal mental health. Today she joins me to talk about the unfortunate truth that is most women aren’t prepared for the emotional changes often experienced following childbirth. Jessica wants all mothers to know that you aren’t alone and you have the capacity to make change, it’s all about using the right tools to do so. Come on mama, join me to learn about the true importance of putting on your oxygen mask before others.   Connect further with Jessica: Wild Hope Instagram Facebook  

Hey mama, are you ready to view life through a different lens? Gratitude is a mechanism that allows us to access an entirely new perspective of the same experience. Join me today to hear a fresh perspective on how you can implement gratitude in your life, which I believe is one of the most life-changing forms of self-care that we can use, and quite honestly, experience life differently than you ever have before.

It’s very likely you’ve heard the term ‘abundance mindset’ but have you heard of it in reference to your marriage? Maintaining an abundance mindset allows you and your partner to not only have a strong foundation of respect in your marriage but also allows each person to get what they need in order to be their most happy, most fulfilled and most thriving self. In today’s episode I provide you with 6 principles in order to adopt and nurture an abundance mindset within your marriage.

Have you ever felt like you have limited say over your daily experiences and/or life’s overall trajectory? Our identity directly influences the quality of our relationships and lives, as well as the measure of success (or lack thereof) we will experience in pursuing our goals. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to identify and breathe new life into our beliefs about ourselves and our lives in order to create identities that align with the type of women we aspire to be, the impact we hope to have, and the goals we desire to achieve.

Helping moms-to-be and current moms be their most confident, vibrant, and well-nurtured selves is my passion. I’m so excited to be launching this podcast where I’m showing up weekly as my authentic self on my own personal journey, bringing with me vulnerability and utmost respect for you wherever you are in your journey. Rather than sitting here and telling you how amazing you are, I’ll be here helping provide you with the tools you need to indisputably know that YOU ARE WORTHY.