The Postpartum Podcast

Dear Listeners, I have some both exciting and a little bit sad news to share with you in today's episode.  First, the exciting news is that we are expecting our second child due in April.  We are both excited and nervous to be taking this journey all over again.  My daughter will be 4 in February, and I started this podcast over 3 ½ years ago when she was just a couple months old.  It's truly been a labor of love. Now, for the a little bit sadder news. In an effort to practice what I preach and really slow down during these last months of pregnancy and the newborn phase, I have decided to take a 6 month break from the podcast.  This is the last episode that will be in your feed for a while.  I hope to come back with renewed vigor next summer, and with more stories to share from my own second newborn phase! Until then, there are 80 episodes in the archive - all still available on iTunes - of wonderful stories of all the good and hard things about the postpartum period. I would love if you share them with your friends and family.  Wishing you all the best for the holiday season and the early part of 2018 – and please remember to take the time for yourself, even in the smallest of ways.  Thank you, as always for listening. So much Love, Kellie  

Today it was so fun talking to Michelle Beckner! Michelle is a mom of two who is passionate about real food and educating new and expecting moms on how to stay happy and healthy so that they can raise happy and healthy babies. She was working as a chemical engineer and pregnant with my second child when she decided to go back to school to become a certified nutrition coach in 2016. Since then, she's taught courses on starting solids and how to be a Calm Mom. Now, she mainly work with breastfeeding moms with babies who have food allergies and intolerances. She has breastfed both of my babies through food allergies. With everything she's learned, she's made it her mission to educate new and expecting moms of the signs of allergies as well as educate and support moms who need to eliminate dairy and other foods from their diet. In her episode we chat about: Birthing a business and a baby all in the same year! Balancing a business, another part time job and a move all in the postpartum year Her experience with food allergies and intolerances with her own children The complications of so many different opinions on how to manage allergies with babies How she can help breastfeeding moms with with allergies Her experience switching to midwifery care mid-pregnancy The importance of educating ourselves about our birthing options and care providers The challenges of having the second child and the work multiplying Disposable plates and utensils for your friends who are newly postpartum! You can find Michelle on Facebook @mlbfamilywellness or on her website here. If you are a dairy free mama then check out her Facebook group Dairy Free Breastfeeding: Surviving & Thriving!  This episode of the postpartum podcast is sponsored by Aeroflow Breastpumps.  Aeroflow helps you navigate qualifying for a breast pump through your insurance. Just because its covered, doesn't mean it's easy. Let Aeroflow handle the bureaucracy so that you can enjoy your baby. Go to aeroflowbreastpumps.com/postpartum to learn more. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  Thank you SO much for your support! You can find Michelle on Facebook @mlbfamilywellness. If you are a dairy free mama then check out her Facebook group Dairy Free Breastfeeding: Surviving & Thriving!

Today I SO enjoyed chatting with Rebecca Egbert. Rebecca was a practicing midwife for nearly 10 years and is now the Founder and CEO of The Mother Love, a company building inclusive technology and connected communities to improve women's health. Often told she has the energy of 7 people, hard work is part of her cellular body. After starting many businesses, she committed deeply to her entrepreneurial and innovative spirit deciding to take a giant leap away from clinical care, into the health education and tech world. With a hint of intuition and playful communication, Rebecca and her team create fun, accessible and actionable self-care tools that are designed to be used, most importantly, and shared to grow healthy women, strong families, and create connected communities. She loves her people and places deeply, and does a lot of things that might make you think she's nuts in her little spare time. I so appreciated her real and honest approach and I know you will love this episode! In her episode, we chat about: Her interest in healthcare at a young age How she saw a hole in the postpartum care arena from her experience as a midwife How she chose to become a CPM instead of a CNM How she transitioned from a practicing midwife to an entrepreneur  Her research into what postpartum women most need How Little Mother's Helper came to be The importance of women supporting other women The importance of nurturing your relationship with your partner before birth The break and space needed after the baby is born - limit your visitors! How this year was the year of "slowing down" for a lot of people What's next for The Mother Love...venture capitalists and more! And SO many other wonderful things! Be sure to check out Little Mother's Helper here! This episode of the postpartum podcast is sponsored by Aeroflow Breastpumps.  Aeroflow helps you navigate qualifying for a breast pump through your insurance. Just because its covered, doesn't mean it's easy. Let Aeroflow handle the bureaucracy so that you can enjoy your baby. Go to aeroflowbreastpumps.com/postpartum to learn more. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I so enjoyed chatting with Bianca Sprague and Natasha Marchand of bebo mia inc. Bianca is a birth doula and lactation educator and has supported hundreds of families through their pregnancy, birth and postpartum periods. She feels particularly passionate around maintaining the family's relationships and mental wellness. As a queer woman she advocates for inclusive language in the birthing space. She lives in Toronto with her spouse, Alana, and their daughter, Gray. Natasha is a pre & postnatal fitness professional and birth doula. After a long fertility journey with her first daughter, Natasha has positioned herself as a fertility expert. She specializes in working with families with a history of try to conceive through their pregnancy and postpartum period. Natasha lives in Toronto with her husband, Chris, their 6 year old daughter, Sadie, and just gave birth to her second daughter in September. bebo mia inc is a training & mentorship organization for women in the maternal health field, including pregnancy/birth professionals, childbirth educators & parenting specialists. They offer comprehensive skills, business support & community care through an innovative online structure that spans a global market.  In their episode we chat about: bebo mia's origin story Why they have some focus on fertility in their business Inclusive gender language when it comes to birth work How they feel like they did the opposite with their postpartum experiences that they tell their clients to do and what they would've done differently The challenge of working in this field and people "expecting us to be really good at this" Postpartum planning and asking for what you want Their birth stories and Natasha's thoughts about her upcoming C-Section The importance of setting yourself up for a positive postpartum experience Their differing experiences with postpartum as Natasha is more social and Bianca more introverted Postpartum struggles with a spirited high needs baby Letting moms experience whatever they experience postpartum Don't do it on your own!! And more! This episode of the postpartum podcast is sponsored by Aeroflow Breastpumps.  Aeroflow helps you navigate qualifying for a breast pump through your insurance. Just because its covered, doesn't mean it's easy. Let Aeroflow handle the bureaucracy so that you can enjoy your baby. Go to aeroflowbreastpumps.com/postpartum to learn more. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I enjoyed chatting with Carole Kramer Arsenault, RN, IBCLC. Carole has devoted her career to infant and pregnancy care, and worked for many years as a delivery nurse, including at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. She founded and runs Boston Baby Nurse, a home health agency offering specialized support to families with babies. She lives outside Boston. In her episode we chat about: ·      Her work as a labor and delivery nurse and how that played a role in her birth and postpartum stories ·      How she came to start Boston Baby Nurse and what services they offer ·      Why she decided to write Newborn 101 and what readers can expect to get out of it – it's like a pocket Postpartum nurse for you to take home! ·      The importance of trusting your instincts during the postpartum period and avoiding getting too caught up in the fear-based perspective of Google searching ·      Slowing down during the early postpartum weeks ·      Lowering our expectations of our postpartum bodies. ·      And so much more! Be sure to check out Boston Baby Nurse and get yourself a copy of Newborn 101 This episode of the postpartum podcast is sponsored by Aeroflow Breastpumps.  Aeroflow helps you navigate qualifying for a breast pump through your insurance. Just because its covered, doesn't mean it's easy. Let Aeroflow handle the bureaucracy so that you can enjoy your baby. Go to aeroflowbreastpumps.com/postpartum to learn more. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I so enjoyed chatting with Betsy Schwartz. She is a pioneer and a visionary. She began her career in 1991, working for one of the oldest postpartum doula services in the country. In 1994 she established Tenth Month Doula Services, the first of its kind in South Florida. Betsy is a founding member of the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services, where she served on the Board for two years. Her most recent accomplishment is the creation and publication of Down the Canal – The Game of Birth. She also offers online courses for birth workers. Betsy continues to pioneer in Citrus County Florida where she is actively involved in community collaboration as part of the Citrus Committee of the Florida Healthy Babies Initiative. Betsy holds a master's degree in management of human services. She was a DONA postpartum doula trainer for fourteen years, and before that a CAPPA trainer. Betsy is a certified postpartum doula, a Reiki Master and a yoga enthusiast, and is active in transformational work through Gratitude Training. In her episode we chat about: Why she was called to be a Postpartum Doula after her first birth How she came to create "Down the Canal: The Game of Birth" The best way for parents to be informed and take responsibility for their choices Her two very different birth experiences Her goal of sharing and teaching Reiki to Birth Workers and Pregnant Couples How lovely the postpartum period is for forcing us to slow down Navigating her second postpartum during the grief of losing her father Sleep challenges Our soap box about maternity leave in this country not being long enough The disservice we do moms by telling them they should be "doing it all" Redefining self care And more! Be sure to check out Betsy's work and the "Down the Canal Game of Birth" here.  This episode of the postpartum podcast is sponsored by Aeroflow Breastpumps.  Aeroflow helps you navigate qualifying for a breast pump through your insurance. Just because its covered, doesn't mean it's easy. Let Aeroflow handle the bureaucracy so that you can enjoy your baby. Go to aeroflowbreastpumps.com/postpartum to learn more. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

I so enjoyed chatting with Arianna Taboada. Arianna is a maternal health consultant who works with experienced entrepreneurs who are becoming first time mothers, helping them customize their maternity leave plan and return to work. She is deeply committed to providing on-going, multi-faceted support that meets the professional, physical, mental, social, and emotional needs of entrepreneurs as they babyproof their business and navigate new motherhood. Prior to her consulting practice, Arianna worked on maternal health issues for over a decade as a health educator, a social worker in a mental health clinic, a reproductive health researcher, and a yoga therapist. She draws from her expertise as a maternal health professional, combined with her experience as a business owner and mother, to provide highly personalized services so expecting entrepreneurs have the tools and information they need to make decisions and take action when it comes to balancing their business with a new baby.  In her episode we covered so many topics but they included: How she got into the work that she does How she saw the need for helping entrepreneurs navigate maternity leave Midwifery care having a re-birth in Mexico The amazing difference between postpartum care in midwifery versus obstetric care The WHO recommendations for postpartum visits Tools to use for planning out your postpartum period and filling in gaps that may be missing in your support system and care. Building the muscle of asking for help and how her postpartum period looked The reality and perhaps taboo topic of it not being all happy sunshine and rainbows in both pregnancy and postpartum The benefit of not building back up to her same workload after baby The importance of social support during postpartum How her maternal health coaching works - spoiler - it's all online and you can access her from anywhere! :) Learn more about her services at http://www.ariannataboada.com/  This episode of the postpartum podcast is sponsored by Aeroflow Breastpumps.  Aeroflow helps you navigate qualifying for a breast pump through your insurance. Just because its covered, doesn't mean it's easy. Let Aeroflow handle the bureaucracy so that you can enjoy your baby. Go to aeroflowbreastpumps.com/postpartum to learn more. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!  

Apologies friends, it's been radio silence over here!  My plan was to take a break from the podcast during this busy month of August and reset in the Fall starting mid-September. But then I got super sick and was unable to record this minisode to let you all know my plan! I will be back September 12th with a brand new interview episode and I have some fab guests lined up for the fall.  In the meantime, I am running my semi-annual iTunes ratings & review giveaway! Just Leave a Rating & Review on the Podcast between now and September 11th and you'll be entered for a chance to win the above prizes! And maybe some fun treats along with what's pictured above! :)  Good luck! Again click HERE to leave your review! *** Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I so enjoyed chatting with Dr. Erica Zelfand. She is a family physician specializing in integrative and functional medicine. After graduating from medical school, completing a midwifery apprenticeship, and finishing a family practice residency, she then completed four additional years of post-doctoral training in pediatrics under the tutelage of Paul Thomas, MD, the author of the acclaimed book The Vaccine-Friendly Plan. She sees patients of all ages in her family practice in Portland, Oregon, and is deeply committed to a patient-centered, root-cause-oriented, nature-honoring approach to healing.  In her episode we talk about: The benefits of having a family physician  Postpartum Fatigue, why, how and what to do How the plethora of options makes it harder for new moms The benefit of starting pregnancy in a non-depleted state Anemia is common after childbirth Ferritin Test, CBCs and other important postpartum testing How to best get your iron levels up Our constant state of stress and how social media affects it Emphasis on Blood Sugar Levels Herbs for the 4th Trimester and adrenal fatigue: rhodiola, ashwaganda, schizandra, licorice and B Vitamins Hypothyroidism and Hashimotos The importance of a mindfulness practice Explanations of thyroid testing and what you need to check for imbalances Simplicity Parenting And More! Learn more about Erica's work and practice here. This episode is sponsored by audible.com.  Audible makes it easy to listen to all of your favorite books.  They are offering listeners of this podcast a FREE audiobook and 30 day trial.  Go to audibletrial.com/PostpartumPodcast to get your free book now.  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

    Today I so enjoyed chatting with Kate Turza. Kate is a mom of 3 and postpartum doula. After navigating difficult postpartum periods with each of her children, she realized that there needs to be better support for new moms. She began her postpartum doula training when her youngest was 3 months old, and has been practicing for over 2.5 years now. She moderates an in-person new mom support group in her area, as well as a Facebook group for new moms, she's also created a directory of professionals in her area (East End Parent Support).  She's also on the board of a non-profit, Long Island Birth Network, which provides education, support, and resources for expecting and new families in her area.  In her episode we chat about: The challenge of having 3 kids under 4 when she had her 3rd How you're always tired once you have kids Consider negotiating bring baby with you back to work if you can How we don't have enough maternity leave How she decided to become a postpartum doula Breastfeeding challenges from a retained placenta An overview of what Postpartum Doulas do How a Postpartum Doula should be called a "Fourth Trimester" Doula The challenge of not dwelling on our decisions The importance of knowing where your postpartum support is in your area The importance of non-judgmental support just for you The importance of checking in And so much more! Enjoy! This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by ICON UNDIES. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience little bladder leaks when they run, jump, sneeze, or laugh? This is especially true for new moms. But because of Icon, You don't have to worry!  Their undies feel like a regular, beautiful pair of underwear, but can hold up to 6 teaspoons of liquid without the bulky, bunchy plasticy feel of a pantyliner.  Icon is also offering listeners of the podcast $5 off your order with code postpartum at checkout.  Today's episode is also sponsored by Ecocentric Mom. Pregnancy & new motherhood are the most thrilling times in any woman's life. - but they can also be the scariest. We're overwhelmed with information about what products are safe & effective for ourselves and our babies. Ecocentric Mom helps you navigate those choices by delivering monthly discovery boxes of products to help you care for yourself and your growing family.  Each month subscribers receive organic, natural or handmade products and lifestyle accessories chosen just for your stage of motherhood - from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. Podcast listeners are invited to use code POSTPARTUM10 to receive a 10% lifetime discount on your subscription. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!  

Today was a special day because I got to chat with my best friend from childhood, Emma Shaffer. Emma is a part time marketing consultant as she makes a career change into teaching Elementary School and is a single mom of 1. She, like myself, grew up in Truckee, CA and now lives and works just across the state line in Reno, Nevada. Emma is one of the strongest mothers I know, and I am so fortunate to be able to do this whole parenting thing with her, so I'm so excited to share her story with all of you! In her episode we chat about: Being a single mom juggling school and work during postpartum Being induced just a day or two before her school semester started Juggling staying in college when she was postpartum with Otto The challenges of exclusively pumping The benefits of a flexible school schedule with little babies Her experience with Postpartum Anxiety around 9 months Struggling to connect with her baby for the first couple months and the feelings of not being able to share this with other people Grandma El's Diaper Cream And so much more! This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by ICON UNDIES. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience little bladder leaks when they run, jump, sneeze, or laugh? This is especially true for new moms. But because of Icon, You don't have to worry!  Their undies feel like a regular, beautiful pair of underwear, but can hold up to 6 teaspoons of liquid without the bulky, bunchy plasticy feel of a pantyliner.  Icon is also offering listeners of the podcast $5 off your order with code postpartum at checkout.  Today's episode is also sponsored by Ecocentric Mom. Pregnancy & new motherhood are the most thrilling times in any woman's life. - but they can also be the scariest. We're overwhelmed with information about what products are safe & effective for ourselves and our babies. Ecocentric Mom helps you navigate those choices by delivering monthly discovery boxes of products to help you care for yourself and your growing family.  Each month subscribers receive organic, natural or handmade products and lifestyle accessories chosen just for your stage of motherhood - from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. Podcast listeners are invited to use code POSTPARTUM10 to receive a 10% lifetime discount on your subscription.   *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today it was such a joy to talk to my dear friend Lori O'Donley! Lori is a public affairs specialist for the US Air Force, has a master's degree in communications, served in the Air Force herself for 4 years and is mom to two kids. Lori and I met when we were both starting that master's degree program when she had just had her second baby.  She is someone I will always have to thank for the career path I ended up on because of her encouragement to look into my birthing options when I was pregnant with my daughter. Lori is such a light, enjoy! In her episode we chat about: The importance of knowing your birth options Her difficult postpartum period with her first child The unkind care she received in the hospital during her first birth The amazing difference when she had a midwife for her second The importance of knowing what to expect from your body during birth How much she loved Birthing From Within for Birth Preparation Starting a grad school program when her daughter was 3 weeks old The importance of giving new parents space and time to bond Scary Mommy for your sanity! And more! This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by ICON UNDIES. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience little bladder leaks when they run, jump, sneeze, or laugh? This is especially true for new moms. But because of Icon, You don't have to worry!  Their undies feel like a regular, beautiful pair of underwear, but can hold up to 6 teaspoons of liquid without the bulky, bunchy plasticy feel of a pantyliner.  Icon is also offering listeners of the podcast $5 off your order with code postpartum at checkout.  ICON is also giving away THREE pairs of Icon Undies to one lucky winner this month for Mother's Day! Enter to win at the Rafflecopter Giveaway HERE. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

oday I had so much fun chatting with Lori Jill Isenstadt of the All About Breastfeeding Podcast.  Lori is an internationally board certified lactation consultant and has spent much of her adult life working in the maternal health field. Once she became turned on to birth and became a childbirth educator, there was no stopping her love of working with families during their childbearing years.  Lori became a Birth doula and a Postpartum doula and soon became a lactation consultant.   Lori founded her private practice, All About Breastfeeding where she meets with moms one on one to help solve their breastfeeding challenges.  Her membership site, All About Mothering, which just launched on April 1st, 2017, helps moms navigate their journey from pregnancy through their postpartum days. She is an international speaker, book author and podcast host. Not to mention, she is mom to 3 grown children.   In the episode we talk about: The challenges of being a childbirth educator already when birthing her second child How her career in birth work evolved over the years Why she decided to start the All About Breastfeeding Podcast The importance of educating society about breastfeeding How important it is to talk about the things no one else does when it comes to birth and breastfeeding Her new educational membership website, All About Mothering The importance of not comparing birth and postpartum stories Her experience with polyhydramnios with her third baby Her incredibly quick labor with her third The intense details that we remember about our birth stories, even decades later! The sweet moments throughout the first year and More!   This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by ICON UNDIES. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience little bladder leaks when they run, jump, sneeze, or laugh? This is especially true for new moms. But because of Icon, You don't have to worry!  Their undies feel like a regular, beautiful pair of underwear, but can hold up to 6 teaspoons of liquid without the bulky, bunchy plasticy feel of a pantyliner.  Icon is also offering listeners of the podcast $5 off your order with code postpartum at checkout.  ICON is also giving away THREE pairs of Icon Undies to one lucky winner this month for Mother's Day! Enter to win at the Rafflecopter Giveaway! *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!      

Today I had a wonderful conversation with Samantha Montpetit-Huynh. She is the mother of two beautiful girls, a certified pre and postnatal exercise specialist with over 15 years experience and the co-founder of Bellies Inc., the creators of the AB Tank Complete System, the most comprehensive, holistic system that combines restorative exercises and abdominal wrapping to help women build core confidence from pregnancy through motherhood. In her episode we chat about: The myomectomy she had in her 20s and how that affected her births Learning that she could have had a VBAC with her second if she'd know and how she processed that experience Her work with diastases recti and pelvic flood disfunction How we force moms back into regular life and exercise RIGHT after birth The need for a pelvic floor physical therapist How our bodies will never be the same as they were pre-baby What services Bellies Inc offers both for prenatal and postpartum How France does postpartum pelvic floor therapy differently Painful Sex after birth is common but not normal The increase in prolapse in younger women because they are rushing back into fitness without restorative exercise Tips for supporting your body both during pregnancy and postpartum, including their Core Confidence Program. Her own hysterectomy and how she rehabbed her core after that and more! This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by ICON UNDIES. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience little bladder leaks when they run, jump, sneeze, or laugh? This is especially true for new moms. But because of Icon, You don't have to worry!  Their undies feel like a regular, beautiful pair of underwear, but can hold up to 6 teaspoons of liquid without the bulky, bunchy plasticy feel of a pantyliner.  Icon is also offering listeners of the podcast $5 off your order with code postpartum at checkout.  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I enjoyed chatting with Batya Sherizen, AKA Batya the Baby Coach.  Batya is mom to 5 kids, and a child sleep expert.  She has been helping parents help their babies sleep for over a decade.  She offers one-on-one coaching - no matter where you are in the world! - free trainings and has even created a free gentle guide to baby sleep that you can find here: http://batyathebabycoach.com/postpartumpodcast In her episode we chat about: Parenting 5 children! Living in Israel for most of her postpartum periods How she became a Child Sleep Coach The midwifery model of care in Jerusalem  The importance of listening to your own body during pregnancy How her fourth baby turned footling breech during labor and ended in C-Section Her top tips for infant sleep issues and parents facing sleep deprivation And More! This episode of the postpartum Podcast is sponsored by ICON UNDIES. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience little bladder leaks when they run, jump, sneeze, or laugh? This is especially true for new moms. But because of Icon, You don't have to worry!  Their undies feel like a regular, beautiful pair of underwear, but can hold up to 6 teaspoons of liquid without the bulky, bunchy plasticy feel of a pantyliner.  Icon is also offering listeners of the podcast $5 off your order with code postpartum at checkout.  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I had so much fun chatting with another one of our local Sacramento doulas, and friendBrooke Lonergan of Birthlight Doula . Brooke is a birth and postpartum doula trained through DONA and certified by Heart and Hands. She is also Rebozo certified, a Lactation Consultant Assistant and has doula support training with Hypnobabies. She fell in love with birth and the prospect of being a doula through supporting women in my life who courageously ventured into parenthood. Watching them develop, transform and stand in the uncertain world of child bearing and rearing has inspired and shaped my experience of our culture and life. She is also a devoted woman, daughter, sister, wife, mother and ultimate birth nerd who embraces, explores and loves life. As a doula, she partner with parents to listen, educate and empower them to make the necessary decisions and create experiences that serve their unique needs & desires throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum times. In her episode we chatted about many things, including: How an unexpected heart surgery caused her to turn her life and career upside down The realities of doula work - it's not as glamorous as we think! How having her own baby changed and enhanced her doula work The importance of choosing your maternal healthcare providers wisely How just "seeing what happens" during birth is really a false statement The beauty of knowing that sometimes there is more to learn from our kids than to teach them The importance of remembering this is a season The importance of following your own instincts Find YOUR people And so much more! This episode of the postpartum Podcast is sponsored by ICON UNDIES. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience little bladder leaks when they run, jump, sneeze, or laugh? This is especially true for new moms. But because of Icon, You don't have to worry!  Their undies feel like a regular, beautiful pair of underwear, but can hold up to 6 teaspoons of liquid without the bulky, bunchy plasticy feel of a pantyliner.  Icon is also offering listeners of the podcast $5 off your order with code postpartum at checkout.  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

I so enjoyed chatting with Jolie Ankrom, aka @becomingjolie, on today's episode! Jolie is a small business owner of Brim Papery, an online stationery shop that specializes in hand lettered products. She works out of home in Columbus Ohio with her husband and two children. When she's not working, she loves to go out on walks, cook, and thrift. You can follow along with her life on Instagram at @becomingjolie where she discusses food, feminism, family, and feelings. Lots of feelings. In her episode we talk about:  Her transition from teaching to owning a small business Struggling with the decision to put her second child in daycare sooner than her first  Expectations when it comes to birth  - there's no one right way! Both of her birth stories & her experience with prodromal labor The importance of voicing your needs after having a baby The importance of communication with your partner as parenting continues to evolve How babies force you to slow down The season you are in now is now the same as the one you are coming out of or going into - SO true! And more! Enjoy! This episode of the postpartum Podcast is sponsored by ICON UNDIES. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience little bladder leaks when they run, jump, sneeze, or laugh? This is especially true for new moms. But because of Icon, You don't have to worry!  Their undies feel like a regular, beautiful pair of underwear, but can hold up to 6 teaspoons of liquid without the bulky, bunchy plasticy feel of a pantyliner.  Icon is also offering listeners of the podcast $5 off your order with code postpartum at checkout.  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I so enjoyed chatting with local midwife, Chelsea Fredlund.  Chelsea is a Licensed Midwife and Certified Professional Midwife at Placerville Midwifery. Her practice offers full-scale midwifery care for women who choose to birth at home, including prenatal visits, home birth, and postpartum visits. She also offers Birthing from Within childbirth education classes for clients and other families planning a natural childbirth in or out of the hospital.  She is mom to one 4 ½ year old girl named Mariah and currently lives in Placerville, CA with her daughter and husband. In her episode we chat about: How nice it can be to come in and out of birth work while parenting young kids Having her partner home for 3 months after birth Her process of going from being a doula to a midwife in recent years The importance of nutrition and exercise during pregnancy Nursing challenging Shifting your lifestyle around sleep A "good" baby is not a sleepy baby The difference between midwifery (particularly home birth midwifery) care and hospital care Ways that you can use a midwife both for prenatal and postpartum, even if you plan to birth in a hospital The importance of emotional support around your own parenting decisions during postpartum Be ready to shift expectations! This episode of the postpartum Podcast is sponsored by ICON UNDIES. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience little bladder leaks when they run, jump, sneeze, or laugh? This is especially true for new moms. But because of Icon, You don't have to worry!  Their undies feel like a regular, beautiful pair of underwear, but can hold up to 6 teaspoons of liquid without the bulky, bunchy plasticy feel of a pantyliner.  Icon is also offering listeners of the podcast $5 off your order with code postpartum at checkout.  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I had a great time talking with Jessica Turner of The Mom Creative, author of The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You and creator of the Stretched Too Thin E-Course for Working Moms.  Additionally, she is an an award-winning marketing professional and freelance writer. She has been featured in numerous media outlets including The Today Show, O Magazine, Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens and Inc.com. She and her husband, Matthew live with their three young children in Nashville, Tennessee. In her episode we talk about: How she juggles 3 kids, working full time and her side creative projects Her experience with bed rest and tiny 6 week maternity leave with her first Her Book, The Fringe Hours and how she released it 6 weeks after her third child was born The importance of self care! All of the good and hard things are both just a season. Changes are fast and real in the first year. Don't forget about your spouse/partner! How meal trains can support more than just your physical nourishment Tips for going back to work for working moms, specifically And of course, the importance of making time for yourself in the long run. Check out one of Jessica's great blog posts on how busy moms find time to read.  Sign up for the wait list for her e-course for working moms, Stretched Too Thin! This episode of the postpartum Podcast is sponsored by ICON UNDIES. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience little bladder leaks when they run, jump, sneeze, or laugh? This is especially true for new moms. But because of Icon, You don't have to worry!  Their undies feel like a regular, beautiful pair of underwear, but can hold up to 6 teaspoons of liquid without the bulky, bunchy plasticy feel of a pantyliner.  Icon is also offering listeners of the podcast $5 off your order with code postpartum at checkout.  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today was such a great conversation with Kimberly Johnson of Magamama.  I had heard Kimberly speak on another podcast and I loved her shared passion for helping and supporting new moms, so I knew I had to have her on!  Kimberly is a yogini nomad, bodyworker, doula, postpartum women's health specialist, and single mom to 8 year old, Cecilia. She is the creator of Magamama. Magamama is a community and resource hub for new moms who want natural, empowering solutions to the physical pain and emotional madness that can accompany childbirth.  In her episode we chat about: Her experience giving birth to her daughter in Rio de janeiro Her experience with a severe birth injury and how hard it was to find the help she needed How she traveled the world to find out how other cultures approached postpartum The meaning of "Magamama" How we need to flip the script on the idea of women having "low libido"  How we as women never seem to put ourselves first How trauma is "too big of an experience for your nervous system to digest" The importance of a Postpartum Plan How to find practitioners that specialize in this sort of postpartum recovery help. Check out Bellies Inc, Wild Feminine. The Closing of the Bones ceremony within Mexican culture And more! This episode of the postpartum Podcast is sponsored by ICON UNDIES. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience little bladder leaks when they run, jump, sneeze, or laugh? This is especially true for new moms. But because of Icon, You don't have to worry!  Their undies feel like a regular, beautiful pair of underwear, but can hold up to 6 teaspoons of liquid without the bulky, bunchy plasticy feel of a pantyliner.  Icon is also offering listeners of the podcast $5 off your order with code postpartum at checkout.  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!  

Today I had so much fun chatting with one of our local birth workers, Kaelyn.  Kaelyn owns Serene Relaxation and is a birth doula, postpartum doula, lactation educator, massage therapist and more! In her episode we talk about: The benefits of having a birth plan in place - shooting for the stars! The benefits of massage both prenatal and postpartum What does a postpartum doula do? The benefits of massage during labor When infant massage can be done How belly binding can be helpful postpartum and the process of how it's done Taking everything day by day And more! This episode of the postpartum Podcast is sponsored by ICON UNDIES. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience little bladder leaks when they run, jump, sneeze, or laugh? This is especially true for new moms. But because of Icon, You don't have to worry!  Their undies feel like a regular, beautiful pair of underwear, but can hold up to 6 teaspoons of liquid without the bulky, bunchy plasticy feel of a pantyliner.  Icon is also offering listeners of the podcast $5 off your order with code postpartum at checkout.  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I really enjoyed chatting with Ashlee Wells. Ashlee is a Chicago based photographer, feminist and storyteller. Mama of three, including two living super kids with special needs, she is also an advocate for visibility and differing abilities. Ashlee is the founder of the 4th Trimester Bodies Project, owner of Windy City Pin-Up and always excited to share her message of positivity and self-love. We talked about so much in this episode but the highlights were: Navigating the prematurity of her first child Losing one of her twins during gestation and carrying both to term Starting the 4th Trimester Bodies Project right after her daughter came home from NICU How the trauma of her second birth led her to struggle with body love The importance of talking about pregnancy and infant loss How the 4th Trimester Body Project came to be And more! *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum     

I could not post a regular episode this week without acknowledging the United States Election last week.  Personally, it has left me trying to find what I can do to help more, be of more service, and be more inclusive. My goal with this podcast has always been to support ALL moms, and share ALL moms' stories. By having this platform I want to make sure I include as much diversity of women, mothers and parents as possible. Diversity of birth and postpartum experiences and situations but also diversity of race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender, ability, religion and class.  Every story and experience is unique and every story is important.  So I am sending a call out to my listeners to help me bring you more stories of moms from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds.  If we are able to share our stories and understand and support one another, we are stronger together.  Please email postpartumpodcast@gmail.com if you want to be on the show or if you have a suggestion for a guest or topic.   Take a listen to today's short episode to hear more about this and also about some exciting things that will be happening on the show in 2017, as well as a couple easy ways you can support the show as we go forward.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for listening, sharing and supporting the show. Love and Kindness to all,  Kellie *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go to http://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum   

Today I chatted with Lisa Chin. Lisa is a holistic mama to a happy two year old girl. Motherhood has profoundly changed who she is, how she sees the world and the mark she wants to leave. She seeks to live an inspired life of mothering, writing, and pursuing what calls to be created. When she's not wrangling spreadsheets or her toddler, she can be found writing for her blog, Lisa for Real, where she share her thoughts on fierce femininity, eureka moments and lessons in self-awareness. Her latest project is the Fourth Trimester Summit where Lisa interviews over 40 experts in women's health, infant development and mental health who share their knowledge so new moms can create their ideal postpartum experience.  In her episode we talk about: How motherhood is the best therapy Changing careers mid-pregnancy How she decided to create the Fourth Trimester Summit How her water broke just after the only time she meditated her whole pregnancy Her surprise Breech Vaginal Birth! The Importance of having a Birth Plan but also being flexible. It's all about knowledge. Developing a new partner dynamic after baby arrives Therapy as a preventative measure How Traditional Chinese Medicine sees the postpartum period Focus on the Mom, Not the Baby! We are all doing the best what we can with the knowledge that we have! Be sure to sign up for The Fourth Trimester Summit which is happening NEXT week! The Fourth Trimester Summit features 40+ interviews with experts in infant development, health, breastfeeding and more. It is free to view all of the video interviews from November 9-18, 2016. Be sure to sign up through the link below to get email reminders for each of the days' speakers so you don't miss out! *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!  

Today I had so much fun talking with Judy Tsuei! Judy is a 4th Trimester Body & Mind Coach and author of Meditations for Mamas: You Deserve to Feel Good. She empowers new mamas to thrive in the postpartum phase, especially in finding their identities again, creating time for self-care, and alleviating the pressure to have it all together. Most importantly, she helps women struggling to get their bodies back to feel more beautiful than ever before — as a mama. In her episode we talk about: Her fairytale whirlwind Hawaiian romance Getting to the other side of the first year of motherhood Struggling through hyperemesis gravidarum during her pregnancy and how that connected to her earlier bullimia issues The "creative burn" during postpartum, without the wherewithal to act on these ideas Being patient when you want to jump right back into your career after birth A powerful Hawaiian forgiveness practice Sometimes you do whatever you need to do to survive something like hyperemesis gravidarum, including watching porn The importance of building your relationship with your child in your own way Having realistic expectations for what postpartum will look like The importance of grieving your previous life No request is too big or too small during the postpartum period Be sure to check out Judy's website, blog and of course, book! If you purchase her book directly through her website you will receive a complimentary 45-min Feel Good Coaching assessment with me to find more time in their day for themselves, discover how to feel good in their bodies again, and learn how to reclaim their identities. Sign up for that here. She also has a supportive facebook community group: Hot Mamas and Babes. This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by Earth Mama Angel Baby. Earth Mama Angel Baby has been safely nurturing pregnant women and babies for over a decade with trusted, certified organic and natural herbal products formulated to support the entire journey of childbirth, from pregnancy through postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care, and even baby loss. Listeners can get 20% off your order with the code"Postpartum20" at checkout.   You can find the show wherever you find your podcasts! *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I had so much fun chatting with my friend Amy Moy and her wife Dawn.  Amy and Dawn have known each other for 14 years, been together for 10, were first married in 2010, not recognized then by the state, and then again legally in 2013.  They welcomed their daughter in 2012.  Amy, is a birth doula, childbirth educator and placenta specialist here in the Sacramento area. Check out River Bend Birth Services! After the birth of their daughter with a doula by their side, she realized her passion and dove into birth work, believing that every family deserves to experience the kind of compassionate and continuous care that a doula provides. This year, Amy also created Q-Village Birth Associates, a skilled and dedicated group of LGBTQ-identified birth professionals serving families here in Sacramento. Dawn, grew up in San Diego, graduated with a criminal justice degree from Cal State Hayward, and has worked in the field of loss prevention since 2008. She has played semi-professional women's baseball over the years and her biggest claim to fame was playing in the first 24-hour baseball game in history - it was an AIDS fundraiser.    In their episode we talk about: How Dawn carried their baby, Veronica, while Amy was a Stay-at-Home mom The challenges of conceiving and being able to switch which partner they tried with As a butch, how Dawn struggled with maternity clothes The inappropriate questions people ask surrounding pregnancy and concieving Their Home Birth experience The importance of well-rounded childbirth education with realistic expectations Doulas, Placenta Capsules and more! Finding - or building - your own community Deciding to use a known donor when conceiving their daughter Amy's challenge of being the stay-at-home parent while the nursing parent was at work The importance of taking some time away when you need it Dawn talks about nursing in a loss prevention job where finding time to pump was hard Push back from family on birth, postpartum and parenting Trusting your instincts This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by Earth Mama Angel Baby. Earth Mama Angel Baby has been safely nurturing pregnant women and babies for over a decade with trusted, certified organic and natural herbal products formulated to support the entire journey of childbirth, from pregnancy through postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care, and even baby loss. Listeners can get 20% off your order with the code"Postpartum20" at checkout.   You can find the show wherever you find your podcasts, or stream it here. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I enjoyed chatting with Karen Johnson about her birth and postpartum stories.  Karen is a work-at-home mom freelancer. She blogs at The 21st Century SAHM. She has also been featured on some larger sites such as Scary Mommy & Huffington Post, and is a contributing writer in two other anthologies: Lose the Cape: Never Will I Ever (and then I had kids!) and What Does It Mean to be White in America? as well as The Postpartum Year. In her episode we talk about:  The switch she felt when she decided to leave teaching to be a stay-at-home mom after her first baby was 9 months old.  Figuring out how Stay-at-Home moms make friends Transitioning to being a Work-at-Home Mom as a writer The importance of remembering our partner's struggles too The pride of making it happen every single day The struggle of a lack of praise and evaluation for being a mom The importance of finding something that is just for you outside of motherhood Check out Karen's blog! And don't forget to use Meetup.com to find your own village.    This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by Earth Mama Angel Baby. Earth Mama Angel Baby has been safely nurturing pregnant women and babies for over a decade with trusted, certified organic and natural herbal products formulated to support the entire journey of childbirth, from pregnancy through postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care, and even baby loss. Listeners can get 20% off your order with the code"Postpartum20" at checkout.   *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I was so happy to have Rachel Rambach back on the podcast.  You may remember her first episode where we talked about her son Parker's postpartum year.  Now that her daughter, Mia is one, I wanted to have her back on to talk about how that postpartum year was different than her first. Rachel is a board certified music therapist, business owner, blogger and fellow podcaster.   In this episode we talk about: How her daughter flipped transverse during labor and then flipped back Another plug for the importance of doulas! Watching your oldest child become a sibling Watching her business expand during her daughter's postpartum year How we beat ourselves up for not being present enough The challenge of caring for both kids at once Letting go of the guilt of putting kids in childcare to allow more space for work The importance of having people to help with your older child so you can bond with the new baby The physical demands of these little years The importance of asking for help - and particularly from your partner! Make sure you check out Rachel's podcast, Guitars and Granola Bars as well as her business, Music Therapy Connections. This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by Earth Mama Angel Baby. Earth Mama Angel Baby has been safely nurturing pregnant women and babies for over a decade with trusted, certified organic and natural herbal products formulated to support the entire journey of childbirth, from pregnancy through postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care, and even baby loss. Listeners can get 20% off your order with the code"Postpartum20" at checkout.   You can find the show wherever you find your podcasts, or stream it here. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I so enjoyed chatting with Lisa Abramson. Lisa is an entrepreneur, speaker, executive coach and maternal mental health advocate. She co-founded Mindfulness Based Achievement, the New MBA, which teaches high potential women leaders how to create sustainable success. The New MBA has been taught to thousands of women, and at Google, Cisco, Salesforce, Mattel, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, The Stanford Graduate School of Business and many other organizations.  Abramson has given a Tedx talk on her experience with Postpartum Psychosis and Depression and been featured in Fast Company, sharing 5 Ways To Lean In Without Burning Out. Lisa was recently honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Leaders Empowering Women Worldwide by EBW. Over 12,000 people have taken part in Mindfulness Based Achievement's free 10 Day Meditation Challenge. Lisa graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN and lives in Menlo Park, California with her husband and daughter. In her episode we talk about: ·      Postpartum Psychosis ·      Wondering if postpartum mood disorders can correlate with Type A personalities ·      Knowing that it can really truly happen to anyone, it's rare, but it happens ·      Starting a company right when she got pregnant ·      Pain versus suffering in labor ·      The delusions and suicidal thoughts that can happen during postpartum psychosis ·      How she thought her husband was taking her to the hospital and she thought he was taking her to jail ·      Her outpatient clinic experience meeting other people who've gone through the same thing ·      The importance of reveling in the little stuff ·      The importance of protecting your sleep Check out her company Mindfulness Based Achievement. Be sure to check out her Tedx Talk also, here.​ Also, here is the Brene Brown Ted Talk we mentioned.   This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored byEarth Mama Angel Baby. Earth Mama Angel Baby has been safely nurturing pregnant women and babies for over a decade with trusted, certified organic and natural herbal products formulated to support the entire journey of childbirth, from pregnancy through postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care, and even baby loss. Listeners can get 20% off your order with the code"Postpartum20" at checkout.   *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today was such a fun episode. Kelsey and Sarah are two of my most favorite ‘internet friends.' We are such kindred spirits, and I always find myself turning to them for Working Mama Advice so I wanted to have an episode solely dedicated to talking about being a working mom during postpartum and beyond.  A little bit more about Sarah: Sarah is a wife, mother of three, and writer, blogger at sarahrosemary.com, and podcaster living outside DC. She also teaches group exercise classes and provides social media, marketing, web design, and communications work. A little bit more about Kelsey: Kelsey is a writer, podcaster and full time working mom. She lives in Gilbert, Arizona with her husband and two young boys. She works full time as a science writer for Arizona State University and pursues other creative projects outside of work including two podcasts (The Girl Next Door Podcast and Matrimoney) and writing her personal blog at risingshining.com In the episode we talk about: ·      How Sarah has made part-time working work for her family ·      How Kelsey decided to stay in the work force full time when she had her kids because she had just started an awesome new job that she loved ·      How our parental leave policies are ridiculously short ·      Part of making creative work possible is prioritizing and what we “don't do” ·      Ways to fit in Self Care – (Hint, we are all 3 early birds) ·      The danger of comparison or “grass is always greener” in the social media age ·      That we need to talk more about the positives of working motherhood, not just the downsides ·      How being a mother makes you an asset in the workforce ·      The importance of remembering Nothing is Permanent   Don't forget to check out their podcasts!  Matrimoney Girl Next Door Podcast Sarah R Bagley Podcast 25% Friends Podcast Also, check out the two articles Kelsey sent me about working motherhood here and here. This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by Earth Mama Angel Baby. Earth Mama Angel Baby has been safely nurturing pregnant women and babies for over a decade with trusted, certified organic and natural herbal products formulated to support the entire journey of childbirth, from pregnancy through postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care, and even baby loss. Listeners can get 20% off your order with the code "Postpartum20" at checkout.     *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today was such a fun episode full of so much heart and helpful information! I loved chatting with Angie Valentin. Angie is a certified doula and has supported 350+ growing families since 2004 as a Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula, as a Birth & Baby Educator leading childbirth education classes and newborn baby care classes, and as a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist in the greater Sacramento area. Angie is the founder and director of Doulaville Birth Services, (in Seattle, Philadelphia, and San Francisco), a doula collective intended to prepare, support, and nourish the women who so passionately support this labor of love.  In Angie's episode, we chat about so many different things, but here are the highlights: Parenting 3 children with a large age gap - 13 is similar to 2! Managing pre-existing OCD during postpartum Dealing with a challenging surrogacy pregnancy and birth Having her daughter diagnosed with autism and how that challenged her postpartum period Dealing with long term Postpartum Depression How short labors can actually be traumatizing in their own right Self Care with a Type A personality Such a beautiful way of helping us remember we need to accept help The importance of those close to you knowing the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression How we have to speak the same "language" in our relationships And so much more! Don't forget to check out Doulaville if you are in Seattle, Philadelphia or San Francisco and Angie's regular website if you are in Sacramento.  This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by Earth Mama Angel Baby. Earth Mama Angel Baby has been safely nurturing pregnant women and babies for over a decade with trusted, certified organic and natural herbal products formulated to support the entire journey of childbirth, from pregnancy through postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care, and even baby loss. Listeners can get 20% off your order with the code "Postpartum20" at checkout.   *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I loved chatting with Rosemary Fernandez.  Rosemary is a mom of two kids, a boy and a girl born just 13 months apart.  On top of being a full time mama, she also a freelancer.  She blogs at Miss Rosemary's Novel Ideas where she reviews popular fiction.  Her work has also appeared on HowtobeaRedhead.com, in Catholic New York and Yankees Magazine, and on NYT Best Selling Author Lauren Willig's website as a guest blogger.  In a previous life she was an editor at Hudson Valley Magazine.  Rosemary is also a contributor for The Postpartum Year Anthology. In her episode we talk about:  Coming down with the stomach flu during the labor of her second child Going right into the Prenatal Period again when she got pregnant with her second child How fun it is to see how good her two kids are for each other Adjusting to our children's schedules instead of doing things for ourselves The importance of giving thoughtful mom-centered gifts during postpartum How one child instead of few can sometimes actually feel like a break And more!   This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by Earth Mama Angel Baby. Earth Mama Angel Baby has been safely nurturing pregnant women and babies for over a decade with trusted, certified organic and natural herbal products formulated to support the entire journey of childbirth, from pregnancy through postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care, and even baby loss. Listeners can get 20% off your order with the code "Postpartum20" at checkout.   As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I so enjoyed chatting with Tina Donvito. Her tenacity and heart is contagious.  Professionally she is a freelance writer and is also mom to a two-year-old son. She has written about pregnancy and parenting online for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, Good Housekeeping and Scary Mommy, just to name a few. Her work was also recently published in the anthology Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It: Life Journeys Inspired by the Bestselling Memoir. She also has a parenting blog, Foggy Mommy and is a contributor for The Postpartum Year Anthology.   In Tina's episode we talk about: The challenge of parenting a child with hearing loss - see her NYTimes article here. How she got laid off from work during maternity leave Her struggle with the reality of facing a necessary Caesarean Birth How we need to stop saying "all that matters is a healthy baby" Her son's 4 day NICU stay Breastfeeding challenges and unsupportive providers Nursing with a dairy allergy The importance of finding a network or support group of other moms Why we have to sometimes shop around for pediatricians And more! You can check out the NY Times Article Tina wrote about parenting a child with hearing loss here. Don't forget to also check out her blog! This episode of the Postpartum Podcast is sponsored by Earth Mama Angel Baby. Earth Mama Angel Baby has been safely nurturing pregnant women and babies for over a decade with trusted, certified organic and natural herbal products formulated to support the entire journey of childbirth, from pregnancy through postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care, and even baby loss. Listeners can get 20% off your order with the code "Postpartum20" at checkout.   *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Jenna is so lovely. I loved getting to chat with her about meditation and motherhood and so many other things!  Jenna is the founder and nutrition therapist at the private practice Eat to Love where she works with people with disordered eating. She also leads a weekly meditation group for moms called the Open Heart Project Mommy Sangha. She lives with her partner Andrea and their one year old son Domenico Peter, aka Mimmo, in New York City. In her episode we talk about: The struggle of being a full time mom and entrepreneur The beauty of having grandparents to help out with childrearing The importance of vulnerability to give others permission to be vulnerable The way time changes when you become a parent Her work leading the Open Heart Project Mommy Sangha Changes in partner relationships when a baby enters the picture The difficulty of not knowing And more! Don't forget to check out Jenna's website and meditation group! *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

I loved chatting with Alaura Weaver! Alaura is a freelance copywriter, blogger, word-geek, mom, and "Bad-ass Motherblogger" who writes web content for small businesses and digital marketing professionals. She specializes in parenting, health, and wellness topics. You can read her blog about the history of motherhood here. Alaura is also a contributor for The Postpartum Year Anthology.  I'm so glad to be able to talk about her experiences, which are rare, but I think it's important to share so that other moms who have experienced it feel less alone. In her episode we talk about: Her traumatic first birth experience Leaving her sales job during her baby's first year Dealing with a PUPP rash at the end of pregnancy Her struggle with Postpartum Depression How her second c-section with a midwife's guidance was healing The importance of not being dogmatic with parenting Do practical things after the baby is born! The reality of Baby Blues not being a "just" but something to acknowledge and respect The importance of being with our feelings And more! Please  don't forget to check out Alaura's websites and freelance services here and here.  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today it was so great to talk with Colleen Lutz Clemens. Colleen is the editor of several books of non-fiction including Philadelphia Reflections: Stories from the Delaware to the Schuylkill and has published short essays in various collections including Click: When We Knew We Were Feminists.  Her work on miscarriage and infertility has been published in many outlets including here at TRIVIA and in the collection Three Minus One. On the web, she is a staff writer for bitchflicks where she writes about issues of gender in popular films.  She has published pieces on Scary Mommy, Literary Mama, and feministing. She is also a contributor for The Postpartum Year. In her episode we talk about: Having a baby while in a tenure track position at a university The hard part of being half in the work world and half in the SAHM world Why you should take photos while you're pregnant Managing the identity shift, especially having kids after being established in your career Bring food you can eat with one hand! Don't go on the internet! We know our babies better than anyone else. Be sure to check out Colleen's other writing as linked above as well as her blog, here.   *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!  

This week I'm back with the other half of the One Bad Mother Podcast duo, Theresa Thorn, chatting about her postpartum and birth stories with her two sons. Theresa is so warm and funny and insightful, I know you will love her and this episode! In the episode we talk about: Attempting to work from home with a newborn when you own a business Dealing with the separation of the pubic symphysis  Her positive labor and birth experiences with both boys How One Bad Mother got started, from her perspective How we don't need to be the same as our mom friends! How sometimes having kids can actually make us feel MORE like ourselves Relationship struggles when a baby arrives The importance of therapy and help and how we need to talk more about mental health The importance of supporting new parents after birth There's no right way through the Postpartum Year Thank you Theresa!! You can find One Bad Mother online here, or anywhere you get your podcasts. You can find One Bad Mother on Facebook here. You can also find the One Bad Mother private Facebook group - as mentioned in the episode - here. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I was SO excited to chat with Biz Ellis, one half of the comedy parenting podcast One Bad Mother.  I've mentioned on the show many times how OBM was my "gateway" podcast that really helped me get through my daughter's first year and part of what led me to start this podcast as another way to help and support new moms.  So naturally, I was thrilled when Biz (and Theresa who will be on next week) agreed to come on as guests!  *Apologies for the strange clicking sound my microphone was making for part of the interview! We talked about so many things in this episode, and I could barely stop laughing through most of it, but here are some highlights. Biz and I talk about: How our birth experiences really do matter How she went from a 60 hour work week to being a stay-at-home mom How our kids are not the same, as much as we would like them to be We need doulas for everything! We are doing moms a disservice if we don't tell them breastfeeding can often be challenging in the beginning If you're bringing a new mom food - put the food close to her! So that she can actually reach it! You can find One Bad Mother online here, or anywhere you get your podcasts. You can find One Bad Mother on Facebook here. You can also find the One Bad Mother private Facebook group - as mentioned in the episode - here. The one song that would soothe baby Ellis was The Fall of Charleston *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today was a really fun show! I got to chat with Ron Malott of Design Daddy and part of "The Baby Team" with Brian Salmon and Kirsten Brunner.  Ron and his partner Mike ended up adopting two infants, a girl and a boy, who were 6 months apart and we chat about how difficult that transition was for them as a couple, and how they decided to sell their LA home within a month and move back to Austin to simplify their lives.  We also chat about how they took care of his mom during her last few years of life while raising their newborns.  We talked about so many different things but some of the highlights were: The importance of keeping your relationship strong through these early years Being near supportive family and friends when raising your kids A common theme for the show - finding community The adoption agency they used: "The Independent Adoption Agency" and why they chose to do open adoption The importance of finding 'me' time How you get the kids you are meant to parent The universality of parenthood Thank you again, Ron!  It was so wonderful to talk with you.  You can learn more about Ron on his website at The Design Daddy on Facebook. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!  

Today it was so fun to chat with Kate Taylor, music therapist and birth doula and owner of Creative Childbirth Concepts. I was fascinated with how Kate used her music therapy background to provide support for family's in her work as a doula, and I think you will find this information so interesting and helpful.  We talked about so many different things but here are some highlights: How music can be incorporated into not only your birth but your postpartum experiences as well How music is used during a birth Helpful tips for choosing your birth playlist How to find a music therapist for your birth How she incorporated music into both of her birth experiences and how it also helped her deal with jaundice and her daughter having to stay at the hospital after she was discharged How to choose the best lullaby based on baby's brain development (so many things I hadn't thought of!) The importance of doulas! (a common topic on this show) Love Languages for helping out in postpartum Learn more about Music Therapy for Childbirth and Kate here.  The article I mentioned about Empathy Burn Out. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today is a special episode because I got to talk with another one of my dear friends here in Sacramento. Stephanie Dullanty is a birth doula, postpartum doula and birth photographer and mom to Rio. Stephanie and I met through Capital City Doulas and she is such a sweet and wonderful person. I am so happy to share her and her wife Martha's story of how they experienced conception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum.   In this episode we talk about: How she and Martha chose their sperm donor (They used Pacific Reproductive Services) and how complicated the process can be to conception How she came to birth work Ways that we can be more inclusive to queer families in birth education and parenting Her beautiful birth story with Rio The importance of finding community Struggling with Rio's colic Balancing going back to work when your baby or toddler has only had one primary caregiver You can find out more about Stephanie at her website Rio City Birthworks If you are local to Sacramento, please check out our calendar at Capital City Doulas to see when the next Mama Talks event is. Also, check out  Capital City Music Together if you're local, or check out Music Together in your area if you're elsewhere.  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go to http://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

I so enjoyed chatting with Sarah Homec, who is one of the cofounders of Mommy Mailbox and mom to 3 boys. Her youngest was just 4 months when we recorded this, and I so appreciated her willingness to talk about motherhood right while she's in the thick of it with her newest addition.  Mommy Mailbox also has generously offered to giveaway one of their June Mommy Mailboxes to one lucky listener! Be sure to enter the rafflecopter giveaway below.  In this episode we chat about: How Mommy Mailbox got started and how it works Her C-Section Stories The importance of having a village of friends around you The challenges of going from one to two kids and two to three How good just a clean house can make you feel The illusive idea of balance in motherhood and how it's more like a pendulum You can learn more about Mommy Mailbox here and be sure to enter the rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win the June Mommy Mailbox! As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go to http://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum   You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!  

oday I chat with author, writing teacher and mama of 1, Kate Abbott.  Kate recently released her memoir Walking After Midnight: Into and Out of Postpartum Depression which I had the privilege of reading before our chat.  Her memoir is so beautifully written, and I could relate to her story so much.  I know that her story will resonate with so many moms and particularly those that have experienced Postpartum Depression/Anxiety.  In her episode we chat about: Her experience with bed rest and her fast birth story Her new memoir & postpartum depression story The importance of knowing the signs of postpartum depression and sharing them with your family, partner and close friends so they know what to look for. Her journey to starting medication and how it changed her whole life when Henry was 8 months old. How we need to talk more about mental health A new postpartum idea of bringing a gift card to a food place for new families Enjoy!  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go to http://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum   You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!  

I so loved chatting with Stasia Savasuk about her birth and postpartum stories! Her stories are so amazing and powerful and she is just such a wonderful and inspiring person. She also blogs at Thrift Me Pretty and hosts Stasia's Style School, “A 5-week online class and lifelong sisterhood that will teach you how to identify YOUR own personal and unique style so you can be the BRAVE BOLD BEAUTIFUL woman that you are…EVERY. DAMN. DAY!” In her episode we talk about: ·      Two amazing birth stories! Her daughter has some genetic abnormalities and her son was nearly an 11lb natural birth! ·      How having a daughter with physical anomalies allowed her to change her own body image issues and how that led to the formation of Stasia's Style School ·      The stories that our closets hold ·      How terrible the doctor treated her in describing her daughters unique features right after she was born and how all she saw was perfection.  This was the moment she became a mother. ·      How advocating for her child probably saved her life. ·      Pumping Exclusively for 18 months with her daughter ·      How empowered she felt after delivering her nearly 11lb son when her doctors were positive she was going to need a c-section ·      And SO much more!   Be sure to sign up to receive an email when the next round of Stasia's Style School opens SOON and check out Stasia's blog, Thrift Me Pretty. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go to http://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum   You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I chat with LA-based fitness expert Sara Haley! pre/postnatal exercise specialist, and mom of two boys. Her best-selling fitness programs are for moms: the award-winning prenatal workout DVD, Expecting MORE and follow-up Expecting MORE: The 4th Trimester Workout, for after baby and beyond. She also has a highly acclaimed excuse-proof workout program, Sweat UNLIMITED which offers quick workout solutions for busy people. With over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and 7 years as a Reebok Master Trainer, Sara has a passion for giving women tools to stay fit, healthy and happy before, during and after pregnancy in the safest and most effective ways possible. In this episode we talk about: Her postpartum stories and how she fell into working in the prenatal and postpartum fitness realm What diastasis recti is Her advice for fitness when it comes to pregnancy and postpartum: Listen to Your Body! The importance of getting into good physical shape pre-pregnancy if you can Check out two of her youtube videos that were mentioned: 3 Things to Know Before Baby and Top 5 Biggest Postpartum Exercise Mistakes The importance of accepting our changing priorities as new moms. Sara has also generously offered 30% off her DVDs with the code PP30! You can learn more about Sara by visiting her website. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go to http://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!

Today I am excited to welcome blogger and fellow podcaster Bryn Huntpalmer.  She is mom to two kiddos, blogs at With Her Own Wings, is a senior content manager for Modernize.com AND is the creator and host of the Birth Hour Podcast. I enjoyed sharing my daughter's birth story on her podcast at the end of 2015.  In her episode we talk about:   ·      Her first postpartum year while her and her husband were in grad and law school ·      Interviewing for a job at 3 weeks postpartum ·      How the strength from her birth allowed her to have a kickass interview ·      Breastfeeding challenges ·      How she got started with the Birth Hour Podcast ·      Hormones! ·      Reaching out to your friends who are new moms, even if they aren't close friends ·      #TakeBackPostpartum, #VariationsofNormal, #StopCensoringMotherhood on Instagram You can learn more about her podcast at The Birth Hour.  To hear the episodes where she talks about her kids/ birth stories, go here and here.   If you want to hear me talk about my daughter's birth story on her show, go here.  *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!  

Today I got to chat with Julia Aziz. Julia is the mother of three children and author of Lessons of Labor: One Woman's Self-Discovery Through Birth and Motherhood. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a hospice spiritual counselor, Julia leads private classes and silent retreats exploring the bigger questions of self and purpose. Before having children, Julia worked as a counselor for youth, adults, couples, and families. She has facilitated a personal growth group for teens, silent retreats for midwives and doulas, and a mindfulness group for new mothers.  I so enjoyed chatting with her in depth about her birth and postpartum stories! Just a few of the things we chat about: -    How birth is a metaphor for what we need to learn as parents-    Her vivid descriptions of her kids' birth stories-    How a 30 day challenge ted talk inspired her to start her book-    How she learned to let go of control when it comes to parenting, and how labor taught her that. -    Looking for the spaces in between the pain – in labor and in life-    The best advice is to not take any advice too seriously-    Love is expansive, not exclusive Here is some praise from the one and only Penny Simkin about Julia's Book: “From her own unique and varied childbearing experiences, Julia Aziz learned much beyond what labor and birth can be like; she guides us through her musings on the lessons gained from her labors–about life as a woman, life partner, mother, and human being. This engaging book, told in her personable style and warm voice, relates how she was transformed, and her pithy wisdom helps us see how we also may be transformed by life's unpredictable adventures.”–Penny Simkin, author of The Birth Partner, co-founder of DONA International Be sure to check it out here AND enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway to be entered to win a copy of her book!   *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum     You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!  

Today is a special episode where I talk with Jillian Van Ness who is a certified Infant Massage Practitioner and Watsu® Massage Practitioner.  I am so excited to share these two lesser known modalities with you all today! In the episode we talk about: ·      The benefits of infant massage for both babies and their caregivers ·      What an infant massage class looks like ·      The absolute importance of touch in our lives ·      How she got into infant massage ·      What is Watsu Massage? ·      What a Watsu Massage session looks like ·      How Watsu can be particularly helpful for pregnant women ·      Her dream to build an aquatic center here in Sacramento To learn more about Jillian please visit her website.   Free Swim Lessons at Swim America in Davis, CA To find an infant massage practitioner in your area go here. To find a Watsu® Massage practitioner in your area go here. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go to http://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum    You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!    

Today I had a blast chatting with Brian Salmon, also known as Brian the Birth Guy. Brian is a childbirth educator, lactation counselor and San Antonio's only practicing male birth doula.  I so enjoyed hearing his perspective as a dad, doula and birth enthusiast! Brian is hilarious, passionate and kind. We talked about so many different things, but here are the highlights: Compassionate use of pain meds, pain versus suffering His “Rocking Dads” Birth Education Program and how dads go from “Dude to Dad” What brought him to birth work How it was being a single dad during the postpartum period with his second daughter The importance of a solid foundation in your relationship before baby comes His candid thoughts about the struggle of a breakup while having young kids The movie that I couldn't think of during the show was called Friends With Kids from 2011 Real talk about anxiety and mental health Kristen Brunner of Baby Proofed Parents who was my Episode 29 guest The Sutter Davis Volunteer Doula Program (which just opened applications for Spring!) Mama Sherpas Documentary The Heads Up Vaginal Breech Birth Documentary Family Centered Caesareans And More! You can find more information about Brian on his website, you can follow him on Facebook and on Periscope.   As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum   You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!      

Today I'm really excited to chat with Nathalie Saenz of the Dearest Doula Podcast.   Nathalie is a Birth Doula and mom of one with another on the way.  I had the pleasure of being on her Dearest Doula podcast last year, twice! – you can listen to those episodes here. In this episode we talk about: ·      How she healed from her C-section from her first birth ·      And found her passion in birth work after seeing a play about birth and The Business of Being Born ·      How she is planning for a VBAC homebirth with her second child ·      Undergoing a mastotomy from mastitis during her first breastfeeding experience ·      The importance of not projecting our own expectations on new mom friends, supporting the fact that being a new mom is hard. To find out more about Nathalie and find her podcast, visit her website here. She also mentioned the Birth Without Fear Blog. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go tohttp://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum     You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!  

Today I chat with Tamara Morales of Placentamom.com. Tamara is a mom of 2 "middles" and a placenta encapsulator in the Sacramento area.  She started her placenta business 7 years ago and is also the one who encapsulated my placenta with my daughter's birth. I so enjoyed chatting with her about her postpartum experiences and about the benefits of placenta encapsulation.  In her episode, we talk about: Postpartum Depression and how placenta capsules can help How postpartum depression manifested for her with her first, and how much better it was with her second baby and the lifestyle changes her family made when prepping for the second baby H.A.L.T. - the idea that you shouldn't ever let yourself get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired The importance of asking moms if you can do something specific to help after the baby is born rather than asking a blanket question about what they need Importance of embracing all of the moments, even the bad ones and sharing with other moms that it IS hard in these early days.  Tamara also generously offered to help anyone looking for a placenta encapsulator in other parts of the country to contact her and she will help find you one! You can learn more about her services here. *** As always, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes here. Your reviews really help the show out because they allow it to be more visible so that we can reach more moms.  Do you shop on Amazon?  Use this link and do your shopping as you always would and the show will get a teeny tiny kickback.  The podcast is also sponsored by Audible.com.  To get your FREE audiobook and 30-day trial, please go to http://www.audibletrial.com/postpartum     You can also support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.  No donation is too small, for as little as $1 per episode, you can make a huge difference for the show.  Click here to learn more.  Thank you SO much for your support!