Tough As A Mother

Brandy Joy Smith is an all around amazing woman. Self proclaimed type A person (to the max) she can’t stop finding ways to improve her life. And thankfully, she wants to share what she’s learned with all of us. She designed a program to help women transition into the life changing role of motherhood. It’s not an easy transition, no matter how much you plan for it, how badly you wanted it and how much help you have. It’s just way bigger than any words can express, which is why countless mothers say, “no one told me….” Mmhmmm, there’s a lot that will surprise you. We should really have courses dedicated to this in school! And it’s obviously not all bad! There’s infinite beauty and magic in motherhood that nothing could prepare you for. But it’s still hard work. And sometimes, we get a little lost in the day to day, the demands of a newborn, the expectations of those around us (and maybe even more so of ourselves), the shattered notions of what we thought we wanted, vs what we realize we actually want and NEED. It’s a process, an unfolding. And Brandy is here to help new moms navigate this new terrain. She shares how she got here, and her own story into motherhood, including back to back pregnancies on bed rest, the latter during COVID-19/2020 mayhamI hope you will enjoy her words, as they have uplifted and inspired me personally. She truly is a joy to converse with and I am grateful for the work she is doing to help one of the most underappreciated group of people on the planet. MOTHERS. SHOW NOTESmeeting your basic needs/ what are they?the stories we tell ourselves and how to take your narrative into your own hands.assessing your valuesCoaching work: how much time do you have? What is right for you?360 Living: vision, alignment, processWorkbook coming soon! Stay tunedSharing resourcesHeyMamaCo:https://heymama.co/Create&Cultivatehttps://www.createcultivate.com/ 

https://www.thetenderfoundation.com/https://www.instagram.com/cvhneff/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/kelblackwell/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/toughasamother.podcast/?hl=en

https://drsharimarchbein.com/Bringing up Bebe 10 over 10 Nail Salon https://tenoverten.com/Night Nursing https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a47905/curl-hair-with-straightener/Dr Havey KarP, Happiest Baby on the Block PVolve The Collapse of Parenting 

Words from a Shaman about life and living. Who are you? Where are you going? Who is coming with you? Who is in charge? Contemplating questions like these, lead to a life as your authentic self, and parenting in your essence. Mr. Paul Kemawikasit is a healer through several different modalities including acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, life coaching, nutritional advice, and more. In this conversation with him, he offers his insightful and cosmic perspective on living more completely and fully realized. Learn more, and if you are in NYC, you can book a session with him through his website: http://www.pkalexander.com/ More about Paul: Since graduating in 2009, Paul maintains a busy and successful practice which has come to encompass not only medical care and sports injuries, but also a dynamic, holistic approach to self-improvement of the individual. Patients who originally came to Paul for headaches or knee pain, for example, have discovered that not only can they live a pain-free life, but also a life which is more balanced, healthy and stress-free. Paul is dedicated to bringing out the best in everyone who walks through his door. Whether it be through acupuncture, nutritional advice, or life coaching, he helps them to focus on lifetime goals and strategies for achieving them. Dispensing with negative patterns and focusing on positivity are essential in Paul’s system of healing, and his treatments are never run-of-the-mill. Writing your own obituary? Screaming your guts out on a beach to the point of exhaustion? Saying "I love you" to a bowl of water before bedtime? These are just a few examples of the kinds of "homework assignments" that Paul prescribes to his patients. He is confident that people can achieve their personal goals if they make a commitment to vibrant health and self-cultivation. Above all, Paul has come to realize that spreading a sense of positivity and peace is the ultimate form of healing, both for the patient and practitioner. In fact, the last name Kemawikasit, at times a source of discontent for Paul during childhood, literally means “One who has achieved peace." Paul has learned that sometimes it takes time and hard work for this sense of peace to be truly felt, and now it gives him great satisfaction to lead others on their path to attaining it.

In this talk with self-proclaimed Sneaker Head Dad, Keith, we get into some of the difficulties of co-parenting amidst a divorce. He had a gnarly experience in the court system, which he says, leans heavily towards the mother's side. He loves his kids so much, and when his visitation rights were suspended, he was crushed. He shares what that was like and how after years of turmoil, he and his ex are civil, communicating, even vacationing, and spending the holidays as a family unit, albeit, a modern family. Lots of us will experience divorce, and probably all of us will witness at least someone close to us go through one. It's just the reality of today. In 2018 the statistics stated that your chances of uncoupling are about 39%, which doesn't count couples that have children out of marriage. The truth is lots of times, it's best to split, best for everyone. In Keith's experience, although it was rough in the process, he knows it was meant to be. He also shares another experience that we are mostly all destine for…that of losing a parent. It's so heavy to think about. Eventually, we all must go. Keith was incredibly close to his mother, and she was present through all the hardships of the divorce. She was a key player in raising his three children. That was one of the hardest things he faced as an adult, and he shares some of the somewhat surprising effects it had in all of his relationships. As far as his relationship with his children, he wants them to listen to him and make sure they all get good stable jobs. He's a little concerned with their lack of street smarts but reassures that they can stay with him as long as they need. And he's proud that he knows his daughters will choose well-dressed men, like himself. We have a nice chat and a couple of good laughs. Keith is a good man, working hard to give his children opportunities he didn't have growing up. While there's something relatable for everyone in this talk, it might be a different perspective for you, as it is for me. I believe that is refreshing and beneficial. As always, please listen with an open mind and an open heart. This is tough as a mother!

A chat with an angelic mother Regina Grandinetti, of Reginas Grocery, a High Style Italian restaurant in down town Manhattan. She opened with her son, a charismatic, kind, ambitious man. And he decided to name the place after her. I want to find out how she did it! Raising great kids in NYC, and maintaining a close relationship is no easy feat! Though it came naturally to Regina, she shared what she believes to be the keys to her success. We talk about some of the challenges she faced including trips to the emergency room, and caring for her asthmatic babe when he was young. She is a proud mother, thankful for the closeness she shares with her son. Now that he is fully grown, she looks back and confirms, time truly does fly. She's looking forward to seeing her boy find the right woman and make her a grandmother. I wish we could all be so lucky to have a role model like her in our lives. But at least now, we have this talk! Enjoy!!

Lindsey Vestal owns The Functional Pelvis, a private practice specializing in pelvic floor therapy “house calls” for pre and postnatal women. She graduated from NYU with a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has dedicated her career to empowering women to find relief from a wide array of pre and postnatal complications. She has a list of credentials a mile long (trained with Herman & Wallace Institute, Marquette University, Diane Lee's Integrated Systems Model, Maitland as well as specialized biofeedback training for the pelvic floor.) She is a certified Restore Your Core™ (RYC™) teacher. Lindsey teaches pelvic anatomy and pelvic floor health for the Maha Mama pre- and postnatal yoga teacher training in NYC. She is an ongoing contributor to Well Rounded NY and Motherly. She has published in the NY Times, Family Circle, Romper, NY Mag, Harper’s Bizarre, US News + World Report. As an OT, she is a passionate promoter of bridging pelvic floor rehabilitation with lifestyle modifications while addressing the psychological impact that pelvic floor issues have on our everyday lives. She also offers online training courses for occupational therapists interested in pursuing the pelvic health specialty. Her flagship course is titled, “OT Pioneers: Introduction to Pelvic Floor Therapy for Occupational Therapists.” Lindsey lives in Paris, France with her husband and two children Avery, 7 and Liam, 5. In our talk, we’ll dive into the intricacies of your nether region. Teach you how to properly kegel and how to have a more full robust orgasm.****** From potty training to posture. Modeling self care for your children and being an all together more well rounded mindful mama. We get into the sometimes confusing and even embarrassing stuff you only feel comfortable asking google. Thank goodness experts are here and make this stuff feel super normal. Lindsey clears up some myths and gives some potentially life changing tips and tools to help us step into our more maximized self. This is an incredibly informative conversation and one that not many of us are having! What is going on down there? How is everything post baby? How do you do kegal correctly and how many do you need to do? Thanks to Lindsey there are some answers here. And much much more including talk about improving your sex life. Who knew it could actually improve after having children? It’s possible. Get informed. Listen now. SHOW NOTES: Video about fascia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzy8-wQzQMY&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1Y0r3TFeA5_WlWK7jxVjOVYok_XXTjsa9_uythIgc2qzA0Um9UpuMRBlU&app=desktop Below Your Belt book by Missy Lavender https://www.amazon.com/Below-Your-Belt-Pelvic-Region/dp/0996535802/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=below+the+belt+book&qid=1559580456&s=gateway&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=functionalp09-20&linkId=8c867e274b44809f7191650cff64d981&language=en_US Link to Humpday Hustle https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/318402?v=6&fbclid=IwAR0f8SHxpTgt7NWfMXxM9vPvYoSFXM3zDK2gNagXLB6fIhPcI51rKr1gphw Lindsey's Guide to Healthy Lubes http://www.functionalpelvis.com/lindseys-recommendations-1 Ziva Meditation https://zivameditation.com/ Lindsey's "Caring for Your Core, Back and Pelvic Floor: A Guide for the first few weeks post partum." http://www.functionalpelvis.com/essential-free-education 7. Lindsey's Scar Care Guide http://www.functionalpelvis.com/essential-free-education Other book recommendations: Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski (good book about arousal -- very helpful for the postpartum couple https://www.amazon.com/Come-You-Are-Surprising-Transform/dp/1476762090/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=3EBXJOKY2L9W3&keywords=come+as+you+are&qid=1559581526&s=gateway&sprefix=come+as+yo,aps,188&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=functionalp09-20&linkId=bc9d1395e4624f580ef74dd9a2e4a5a2&language=en_US Nurture by Chini Cohen https://www.amazon.com/Nurture-Pregnancy-Motherhood-Trusting-Yourself/dp/1452152632/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=nurture&qid=1574350261&sr=8-2 The First 40 Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Ou https://www.amazon.com/First-Forty-Days-Essential-Nourishing/dp/1617691836/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=KC4NZDUV8KB5&keywords=40+days+postpartum&qid=1559581630&s=gateway&sprefix=40+days+post,aps,179&sr=8-2&linkCode=sl1&tag=functionalp09-20&linkId=ac625de1023b4b38848841fffbd2cf70&language=en_US Elimination Communication

Here's an essential conversation about the various shifts that we go through as parents: identity loss, physical changes, mismanaged expectations, and the light on the other side of that. If you are a parent or aspire to be one someday, listen up. This episode is a peek into some unexpected and often overlooked aspects of the life-changing realities of motherhood. My guest, Polina, shares some tools that helped her through one of the most challenging cycles in her life that spanned eight years. She explains how she delved into every different healing modality available in New York City and continuously searched for a way to find the balance between mother and autonomous human being. Everything from yoga to the power of sexy red nails, she left no stone unturned. Finally, she attributes meditation, communication, and therapy as some of the pillars to her success at finding the clarity she longed for. https://www.instagram.com/polinaaronova/?hl=en https://humanshiftpaper.com/ Instagram @human_shift http://kulayoga.com/

This conversation with inspired father Anwar Issac is uplifting and paradigm shifting. He has a unique perspective on authenticity, trust and death. A very trusting person, he made three mega life changes as he entered fatherhood. Listen here with an open mind and open heart. Celebrating and including fathers in the larger conversation of parenthood is key for a prosperous future. Here’s one we can’t help but love. Anwar's Instagram (@anwar_isaacs)

A talk with a real live Dutch mother, to see what they are doing differently over there in the Netherlands to make their kids so happy. Rianne is a supermodel and super cool person, comfortable and happy in her own skin. She gives a little insight on what is was like growing up dutch, and raising her child in NYC with a british mate. My favorite quote from Rianne during our conversation: “You think you’re not evolving but you are.” Rianne's Instagram (@riannetenhaken)

Anna is a new mom who is leaning in on the support of her beautiful family. She talks about the value of family, the beauty of learning as you go, and letting go of expectations. She’s been a stay at home mom for the majority of her daughters first year and is now transitioning into working mom life. Listen as she shares her experience with leaving her home of 10 years + to be near her family while her husband travels, and now heading back to work to make some cold hard cash. Anna's Instagram (@annaspeckhart)