Podcasts about postpartum anxiety

Postpartum anxiety in high achieving moms is more common than most people think. In this episode of the Health Pioneers Podcast, Jim Rohr our head of marketing at Healthpreneur, talks with Kate Kripke about why the same drive that helped women succeed at work is the very thing that holds them back in motherhood.Kate is a maternal mental health specialist with over 20 years of experience. She has helped thousands of career driven new moms move from overwhelm and anxiety into calm, confidence, and deep connection with their babies.In this conversation, you will learn why your "achievement brain" blocks the presence your child actually needs from you. Kate also explains the neuroscience behind why overachieving shuts down the part of your brain needed for creativity, learning, and connection. She shares how to start regulating your nervous system so you can feel grounded at home and at work.What we cover in this episode:00:00 Why high achieving moms struggle with anxiety 01:17 What is postpartum anxiety in career driven moms 02:44 Why overachieving does not work in motherhood 05:34 What is secure attachment and why it matters 08:57 How generational trauma affects your parenting 14:17 The real cause of postpartum anxiety (it's not hormones) 19:34 The good mom myth and what kids actually need 29:17 The neuroscience of fight flight or freeze in moms 38:41 How to regulate your nervous system as a new mom 53:45 How working moms can build a bond with their babyThis episode answers: Is postpartum anxiety the same as postpartum depression?No. Postpartum anxiety often shows up as constant worry, a need to control, and trouble being present. Many high achieving women do not realize they have it because they see it as ambition or drive.Can you be successful at work and still be a calm, present mom?Yes. Kate explains that regulating your nervous system actually helps you perform better at work and connect deeper at home.Find Kate Kripke:Website: https://www.katekripke.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katekripke/ Podcast: Motherhood UncutHealth Pioneers PodcastIf you've ever left a medical appointment feeling rushed, dismissed, or more confused than when you walked in, you're not alone.Health Pioneers is a podcast featuring clinicians and health practitioners who looked at the conventional system and decided to do things differently.Each episode highlights a practitioner who stepped off the beaten path to build a better way of helping patients…one focused on root causes, deeper thinking, and care that actually makes sense.These are thoughtful conversations about how great practitioners think, what they see that others miss, and why they chose a different path.Health Pioneers is a Healthpreneur production hosted by Jim Rohr, our head of marketing at Healthpreneur.  Healthpreneur is on a mission to help the best health experts serve the most people, and Jim has spent the past 20 years as a practitioner, author, and advocate for root-cause medicine.#postpartumanxiety #newmom #maternalmentalhealth #motherhood #anxietyrelief #workingmom #healthpioneerspodcast

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you've been dreaming of. In this episode, HeHe sits down with Dr. Kristin Lasseter to unpack perinatal mental health with a focus on postpartum anxiety (PPA) versus postpartum depression (PPD), how they differ, and when “baby blues” may signal something more. While mood shifts are common in the early postpartum days, symptoms that persist beyond a couple of weeks, disrupt sleep, bring constant anxiety or sadness, intrusive thoughts, or thoughts of death deserve real support. They talk candidly about the guilt, shame, and fear of judgment that keep many women silent, and why telling one safe person can be a powerful first step. The conversation explores common risk factors like fertility struggles, pregnancy or birth complications, and PMDD, along with the significant hormonal shift that happens after the placenta is delivered and why the brain can feel especially vulnerable during that window. HeHe and Dr. Lasseter also navigate the often-stigmatized topic of psychiatric medication during pregnancy and postpartum. They discuss why abruptly stopping medication is usually unsafe, how to thoughtfully weigh medication risks against the risks of untreated mental illness, what research tells us about breastfeeding compatibility, and what to expect when starting or adjusting treatment. They touch on newer, faster-acting postpartum depression options, therapy modalities like CBT and EMDR, and additional treatments such as TMS and ECT. The episode closes with an honest conversation about bounce-back culture, social media pressure, and choosing support systems that protect a mother's mental health. Throughout, the message is clear: evidence-based care matters, suffering in silence isn't a badge of honor, and there is no shame in using medication when it's needed. 0:00 - Introduction: Mental Health Medications in Pregnancy & Postpartum 4:36 - Postpartum Anxiety vs Postpartum Depression: Key Differences 6:01 - Normal Baby Blues vs Red Flags: When to Seek Help 9:51 - Intrusive Thoughts & Breaking the Stigma 17:26 - Medication Safety in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know 24:43 - Should You Stop Your Meds When Pregnant? 30:03 - Hormones & Mental Health: The Postpartum Crash 43:56 - Breastfeeding While on Psychiatric Medications 51:26 - How Long Should You Stay on Medication? 60:50 - Fighting the "Bounce Back" Culture & Social Media's Impact   Guest Bio: Kristin Yeung Lasseter, MD is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in Texas who specializes in Reproductive Psychiatry and Women's Mental Health.  She graduated cum laude from Southwestern University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology prior to attending medical school at the Long School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Lasseter excelled in medical school and was awarded membership into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. After receiving her Medical Degree, she completed Psychiatry residency at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin where she served as Chief Resident. She additionally spent time training in Reproductive Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.  Dr. Lasseter founded Reproductive Psychiatry Clinic of Austin in 2018, which now hosts multiple psychiatrists and psychotherapists specialized in treating mental health disorders related to the reproductive lifespan. She dedicates much of her time educating the public and other providers about reproductive mental illness through speaking engagements, writing and social media.   Connect with Dr. Lasseter:   www.rpcaustin.com   www.kristinlassetermd.com   https://www.instagram.com/the.reproductive.psychiatrist SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Lasseter on IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.reproductive.psychiatrist   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page RESOURCES MENTIONED: Maternal Mental Health Suicide Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/   

This week, Bobbi Conner talks with MUSC's Dr. Claire Smith about postpartum anxiety and the importance of early treatment.

This conversation offers validation and practical insight into how postpartum anxiety differs from “baby blues,” why intrusive thoughts don't mean you're a bad parent, and what recovery can look like with the right support. Tune in to Discover: What postpartum anxiety can feel like (and why it's often misunderstood) How sleep deprivation can intensify anxiety, panic, and intrusive thoughts The difference between baby blues, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum depression How a Mother-Baby Program can help those facing postpartum anxiety Practical advice for new parents: advocating for needs, finding community, and getting outside daily Resources Sagent Behavioral Health Mother-Baby Program Contact the podcast: Podcast@SagentBH.com Subscribe & Review If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing to  Everyday Therapy  and leaving us a review. It helps others discover the podcast and take the next step toward meaningful mental health support. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along:InstagramFacebookNystrom & Associates

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n this episode of the Tell Me It Will Be OK podcast, we delve into the relationship between anxiety and depression, especially in children. Drawing from my personal experiences growing up with anxiety and depression, and my professional background in mental health, I discuss how these conditions often coexist and affect each other. We explore how children's anxiety can manifest as depression and consider theories and strategies for managing these intertwined mental health challenges. I also share insights on postpartum mood disorders, emphasizing the prevalence and impact of postpartum anxiety. Throughout the episode, I offer practical advice for parents to support their anxious children, encouraging a more neutral and accepting approach to their emotions and behaviors. Medication is briefly discussed as a potential aid, with a strong emphasis on the necessity of holistic care and support for the entire family.00:00 Welcome to the Tell Me It Will Be OK Podcast00:16 Understanding Anxiety and Depression01:10 Personal Experiences with Anxiety02:33 Postpartum Anxiety vs. Depression03:55 The Interplay of Anxiety and Depression09:05 Parenting Anxious Kids14:51 Medication and Support Systems16:01 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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In this deeply honest and hope-filled episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Bailee Harris, founder of Light After Labor, to talk about one of the most profound—and often unspoken—seasons of life: the postpartum journey.Bailee courageously shares her personal experience with severe postpartum anxiety and depression, including panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, and the stigma that keeps so many moms suffering in silence. Despite having a strong support system and access to resources, Bailee's story is a powerful reminder that postpartum mental health challenges can affect anyone.Together, the conversation explores:Why postpartum mood disorders affect as many as 1 in 5 women—and likely moreThe difference between baby blues and when it's time to seek helpHow shame and fear prevent moms from speaking upWhy postpartum depression can affect adoptive parents and fathers, tooThe critical role of community, faith, and connection in healingBailee also shares how Light After Labor is turning pain into purpose by spreading awareness, offering peer support, launching a postpartum community blessing box, and advocating for better resources and systemic change for new families.This episode is a must-listen for parents, partners, healthcare providers, faith leaders, and anyone who wants to better support moms in the vulnerable season after birth. Above all, it carries a powerful reminder: motherhood was never meant to be endured alone.

In this episode of Thriving Parenting, Jen is joined by Dr Bianca Mastromanno, perinatal clinical psychologist, for a compassionate, grounding conversation that helps new mums feel seen and less alone. Together they unpack what postpartum anxiety can actually look like, why a degree of hyperawareness is expected, and how to tell the difference between normal maternal vigilance and anxiety that needs extra support.They explore maternal preoccupation (Winnicott's term for the brain shift that happens in motherhood), explaining why your mind may feel intensely focused on your baby's safety, needs, and environment, especially in the first 6–12 months. Bianca reframes this hypervigilance as functional, evolutionary, and often temporary, while also acknowledging that for some parents, anxiety can become self-fuelling and get “stuck” in ways that interfere with daily life.A big focus of the episode is intrusive thoughts: unwanted, automatic thoughts that often involve harm, safety, or worst-case scenarios. Bianca normalises how common they are (often close to universal), why they show up more when you're sleep deprived, and why having intrusive thoughts does not mean you want them to happen. Jen and Bianca share real examples to reduce the shame and silence so many parents carry.They also discuss modern triggers, including how social media can intensify fear and expand the “library” your brain pulls from, feeding postpartum hypervigilance. The conversation offers reassurance, practical tools, and clear guidance on when to reach out for support, especially if thoughts become frequent, intense, or start changing your behaviour in avoidant or compulsive ways.This one is for the parent who's quietly wondering, Am I okay? You're not broken. You're not alone. And help can be gentle, accessible, and deeply supportive.In this episode, you'll hear:Why the question Is this normal? is almost universal in postpartumWhat maternal preoccupation is and why hyperawareness is expectedHow postpartum anxiety can show up as vigilance, scanning, and constant mental checkingWhat intrusive thoughts are, why they happen, and what they do not mean about youThe difference between noticing a thought and acting as if it's a factHow sleep deprivation can worsen intrusive thoughts and nervous system sensitivityThe role of social media in amplifying postpartum fear and threat perceptionPractical ways to “step back” from intrusive thoughts (without battling them)When professional support is recommended, and why it's safe to seek helpResources like PANDA for support, information, and referral pathwaysSmall nervous system supports postpartum: hydration, nutrition, sunlight, movement, music, micro-momentsWould like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don't know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/For more...

Send us a textWhen your clients say they're "drowning" or they "can't trust themselves," we can't just chalk it up to a simple chemical imbalance. We have to get real about postpartum anxiety (PPA). The clinical model, with its standard screening tools like the Edinburgh scale, is missing the deeper, unrecognized crisis of identity and boundaries that fuels so much of the mental load and perinatal mental health struggle.Carley Schweet joins Maranda us today to share her own journey through undiagnosed PPA and the profound psychological and neurological rewiring that happens in the mother's brain. They talk about radical self-care, the power of reconnecting with maternal intuition, and how setting and honoring boundaries is the key to moving from feeling "not enough" to thriving in motherhood. This conversation is your key to recognizing the subtle, yet debilitating, non-clinical signs of PPA and giving your clients permission to choose differently so they can heal at the root.Check out this episode on the blog HERE: Key time stamps: 01:47 Carley's personal struggle with undiagnosed postpartum anxiety 02:56 The  fear of losing a child that silences mothers & mental health. 03:40 The creation of Hello Postpartum gift boxes to honor the mother07:12 Standard clinical scales miss the identity shift and deeper trauma. 08:25 Postpartum anxiety can start 3+ years after birth. 09:48 Carley's coaching background + boundaries and people-pleasing. 11:13 Motherhood as a mirror for untrue narratives and lack of self-care. 13:53 The challenge of boundary setting is a consistent theme16:14 Psychological and neurological rewiring in the mother's brain 17:21 The biggest hormonal drop occurs after the placenta detaches. 17:40 The power of giving yourself permission to choose differently 19:36 How Chat GPT and AI contribute to intuitive disconnection 21:52 The daily practice of disconnection Connect with Carley:  In 2020, Carley founded Hello Postpartum, a platform dedicated to curating thoughtful gift boxes for new moms while uplifting other women-owned businesses. As a mom of two, published author, entrepreneur, and holistic self-care coach, Carley brings a passionate and intentional perspective to all she does. She currently lives outside of Seattle, where she runs her business and enjoys life with her family.   Website | IG  NEXT STEPS:

Sponsor: Use code BIRTHHOUR for 20% off your first order and up to 40% off monthly plans at thisisneeded.com. The Birth Hour Links: Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course (code 100OFF for $100 OFF!) Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Access archived episodes and a private Facebook group via Patreon!

In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Amber Covucci — a late-diagnosed Autistic attorney, mother of two, and brilliant pattern-matcher who spent decades thinking she was “just sensitive” before discovering she was Autistic in her mid-30s.Together, Angela and Amber explore Autistic motherhood, masking, sensory life, high-achieving burnout, and raising neurodivergent kids while still learning how to accommodate their own needs.

Host: Samantha Cieslinski Guest: Brittany Gallagher, LCSW | Founder of The Mom Chat Therapy & WellnessMotherhood changes everything — your schedule, your identity, your emotions, and sometimes, your sanity. Samantha sits down with Brittany Gallagher, licensed clinical social worker and founder of The Mom Chat Therapy & Wellness, to talk about the invisible load moms carry, the myth of “bouncing back,” and how to actually care for yourself while caring for everyone else.They share stories about marathon running, messy mornings, mom guilt, boundaries, and how mindfulness can make even the smallest rituals — like your $8 latte — a form of therapy.If you've ever felt like you're running on fumes, questioning your patience, or trying to find you again, this episode is a gentle reminder: you are not alone, and you are enough.

Pregnant and already worried about how your baby will sleep? Forget cry-it-out and rigid sleep methods — there's a gentler, biology-based way to support your baby's rest. In this episode, Pediatric Sleep Expert Louise Herbert shares what every pregnant mom needs to know before your little one even arrives.Learn how to set up your baby's environment, support their natural rhythms, and protect your own mental health...yep that matters and we talk about why in this episode!Some Highlights!!1:23 – Louise's inspiration Her personal journey with her daughter and why she's dedicated to helping families sleep peacefully.4:35 – Why common sleep methods fail Cry-it-out, intermittent soothing, chair method… what these approaches miss and why sleep isn't a skill to teach.8:21 – The “sleep puzzle” How to align your baby's biology so every piece — safety, rhythm, hormones, and environment — fits naturally.10:50 – My personal story Lessons learned trying cry-it-out and intermittent soothing with my own kids.13:41 – The environment matters Light, movement, and even the timing of pumped breastmilk influence your baby's rest. Learn how circadian rhythm and sensory nourishment impact sleep.18:46 – Connection over perfection “You are your baby's moon and stars.” Why your presence matters more than “doing it right.”23:28 – The myth of the unicorn sleeper Most babies wake at night — and that's normal. Synchronicity is the key to restful nights.29:39 – Sleep milestones: newborn to 1 year What's normal, what's a red flag, and how to minimize stress during developmental peaks.32:36 – Preparing before birth Safe sleep, room-sharing, and steps you can take now to set your baby up for rest from day one.38:42 – “Your way is a beautiful way” A reminder that you don't have to match anyone else's parenting path — trusting yourself is enough.39:49 – Sleep & maternal mental health Why your baby's well-being is deeply tied to your emotional state, and what really helps reduce your stress...spoiler alert - it's not more sleep

Anxiety is talked about a lot these days — but what does it really mean? And why does it feel like it's showing up everywhere, for both moms and kids? This week on the Gather Moms Podcast, our very own Kate Henderson steps into the expert seat. After walking through her own struggles with anxiety … Postpartum Anxiety, Mom Guilt & Raising Worry-Free Kids with Kate Henderson Read More »

Want to be a guest or know someone would be a great fit? I am looking for military vets, active duty, military brats, veteran service orgs or anyone in the fitness industryWhat if the hardest season of your life became the spark for your life's work? We sit down with first-time mom and first-time founder Jill Olish, who launched Mama Outspoken during the pandemic while confronting postpartum anxiety, depression, and rage. Instead of waiting for a better moment, she built a platform that helps mothers find their voice, ask for help, and navigate the messy, unspoken transitions of motherhood.Jill takes us inside the decisions that shaped her path: leaving a rigid job for virtual assistant work, turning lived experience into a podcast and a book, and building a supportive village focused on maternal mental health. We talk about the reality behind the nursery photos—emergency cesarean recovery, intrusive thoughts, sleepless nights, and the isolation of early parenthood—alongside the practices that made entrepreneurship possible with a newborn. Her simple, powerful system “sticky note time” shows how to dump the mental load, prioritize what matters, and create momentum without burning out.Across the conversation we unpack sustainable growth, boundaries that match school calendars, and why rest is a strategy for resilience. Jill's mantra you are the mom you were intended to be reframes perfectionism and offers a lifeline to anyone feeling behind. If you're on the fence about starting a business, craving real talk about postpartum mental health, or looking for practical ways to juggle work and family, this story will meet you where you are and help you take your next small step.If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more listeners find these stories.IG: @mamaoutspokenhrttps://www.mamaoutspoken.comSupport the show

Want to be a guest or know someone would be a great fit? I am looking for military vets, active duty, military brats, veteran service orgs or anyone in the fitness industryWhat if the hardest season of your life became the spark for your life's work? We sit down with first-time mom and first-time founder Jill Olish, who launched Mama Outspoken during the pandemic while confronting postpartum anxiety, depression, and rage. Instead of waiting for a better moment, she built a platform that helps mothers find their voice, ask for help, and navigate the messy, unspoken transitions of motherhood.Jill takes us inside the decisions that shaped her path: leaving a rigid job for virtual assistant work, turning lived experience into a podcast and a book, and building a supportive village focused on maternal mental health. We talk about the reality behind the nursery photos—emergency cesarean recovery, intrusive thoughts, sleepless nights, and the isolation of early parenthood—alongside the practices that made entrepreneurship possible with a newborn. Her simple, powerful system “sticky note time” shows how to dump the mental load, prioritize what matters, and create momentum without burning out.Across the conversation we unpack sustainable growth, boundaries that match school calendars, and why rest is a strategy for resilience. Jill's mantra you are the mom you were intended to be reframes perfectionism and offers a lifeline to anyone feeling behind. If you're on the fence about starting a business, craving real talk about postpartum mental health, or looking for practical ways to juggle work and family, this story will meet you where you are and help you take your next small step.If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more listeners find these stories.IG: @mamaoutspokenhrttps://www.mamaoutspoken.comSupport the show

On this episode of Moony Birth Stories, Ali sits down to chat with Taylor as she recounts the birth of her daughter, Vienna. Taylor had an uneventful pregnancy with an iron transfusion near the end. She had a few trips to the hospital where she was sent home at 2cm. She was then admitted, received an epidural, and laboured throughout the day. She ultimately had forceps for delivery and had a third degree tear. Taylor opens up about her experience during the postpartum period, including recovery from a third degree tear, postpartum anxiety, and about her feeding journey. Find us on Instagram @moonybirthstoriespodcastShare your story: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHO2h71MgbFL8X3gniQTm5lo60tBpKIfo9p9VgZFBH3-frpw/viewform?usp=headerShop 15% off Everydae Health prenatal & postnatal supplement: https://www.everydaehealth.com/DOULAALISupport the show

Are you drowning in motherhood while everyone else seems to have it figured out? Brittany Olson from Becoming a Mother podcast breaks down why becoming a mom hits so differently than anyone warns you about.We dive into matrescence (the scientific term for becoming a mother) and why it's not just the sleepless nights that knock you sideways. Brittany shares how she went from dreaming about motherhood her whole life to completely crashing when her son was born - and what she wishes someone had told her about the identity shift, hormone chaos, and that voice in your head saying "choose between sleeping, showering, or eating today."In this episode, we learn about:What matrescence actually is and why it matters (spoiler: it can last way longer than you think)How your brain literally changes when you become a mom - like, physically restructures itselfWhy getting outside isn't just nice advice - it's actually backed by science for mental healthHow to start small with scheduling time for yourself (yes, even scheduling a shower counts)The grief that comes with losing your old self, even when you wanted to be a momWhy feeling excited about time away from your kid doesn't make you a terrible mother

⭐️Mentioned in This Episode:- See all the resources

In this episode, Heather McKean sits down with Molly Thames to explore her incredible journey from trauma, anxiety, and postpartum struggles to true healing through Mind Change. Molly shares how years of counseling left her feeling stuck, but just a few sessions with Mind Change shifted her perspective, restored her sense of worth, and brought peace to her parenting and marriage. This heartfelt conversation touches on birth trauma, breaking subconscious programs, and the ripple effect of healing across generations. Whether you're a parent navigating overwhelm or someone longing for real transformation, Molly's story offers hope, encouragement, and proof that deep change is possible.What you'll hear in this episode:

My very own naturopathic dr, Dr. Jenna Priestap, who I've been working with throughout my pregnancy to optimize my nutrient levels, hormone health, mental health, and overall recovery… is back! Together, we dive into all things second trimester, what's been working for me, what Dr. Jenna sees most often in her practice, and what to expect as your body continues to change. We chat about the second trimester lab work and supplements I've been focusing on, how insulin resistance can show up even before gestational diabetes, and why blood sugar balance matters for both pregnancy and postpartum. I also share what my diet has looked like, the symptoms I experienced during this trimester, and the bodywork practices that have made such a difference for my aches and pains. Whether you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or just curious about what this stage looks like, I can't wait for you to listen! Supplements mentioned: CanPrev Myo-inositol, Pure Encapsulations NAC 900mg, New Roots Heme Iron, CanPrev Magnesium bisglycinate, NFH Prenatal SAP, Designs for Health OmegAvail Hi-Po, Metagenics UltraFlora Women's Probiotics (key strains lactobacillus rhamnosus and reuteri), Natural Factors DGL chewables, Lymphdiaral drainage cream. Pregnancy pillow recommendations: Snoogle and Babybub Pregnancy calorie calculator: https://www.freedieting.com/pregnancy-calorie-calculator Other podcast episodes Dr. Jenna has been on: Ep. 69 - Navigating the First Trimester and Ep. 30 - Breaking Up with Postpartum Anxiety. Connect with Dr. Jenna here: @drjennapriestap or linktr.ee/drjennapriestap As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message on Instagram after you've listened @tay.gendron Sign up for The Sunday Reset Newsletter: https://courses.taygendron.com/newsletter Learn more about my 4-month Breaking Up With Anxiety Program: https://www.taygendron.com/work-with-tay Website: www.taygendron.com And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

New moms experience many new emotions after the birth of their baby, and some of those feelings may surprise you, such as anxiety. Postpartum anxiety is a common condition that is often overlooked because of the belief that new mothers are just naturally anxious. So, what are the symptoms, and how does it differ from other postpartum mood disorders? And how can this condition impact a mother's ability to care for her child if gone untreated? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 151 Description:  "The more you stay curious, the more you grow and evolve, and that's going to bring you to your best self. So always stay curious." —Simone Toomer   Ever felt like the system doesn't believe you know your own body—or your own birth? You prepare, you research, you show up ready to advocate for yourself… only to face doubt, resistance, and voices that try to speak louder than your own. This episode dives deep into how you can reclaim your power, lean on community, and birth on your own terms—even when the world pushes back. Simone Toomer is a birth and postpartum doula, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, childbirth educator, sleep educator, and a fierce advocate for birthing autonomy. Drawing from her own experiences as a young Black mother navigating both hospital and home births, Simone brings raw honesty and lived wisdom to the conversation. Her work is rooted in community care, equity, and the belief that every birthing person has the right to be heard, supported, and fully informed. Tune in to hear a candid, soul-stirring conversation about the sacred power of sister circles, the courage to challenge systemic barriers, and the beauty of birthing with confidence. Hit play now and discover what it means to heal in community, stay curious, and truly reclaim your body and birth.   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471    Episode Highlights: 03:03 Simone's First Pregnancy and Birth  06:38 Navigating Resistance and Preparing for Labor  10:02 Postpartum and Becoming a Doula 14:37 Simone's Second Pregnancy and Birth 23:26 Postpartum Anxiety  26:15 Reclaiming Birth and the Importance of Community    Connect with Simone: Simone Toomer is a birth and postpartum doula, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), childbirth educator, sleep educator, and passionate advocate for birthing autonomy and community care. Drawing from her own experiences as a young Black mother navigating both hospital and home births, Simone empowers families with knowledge, confidence, and compassionate support. Her work centers on equity, healing, and the belief that every birthing person deserves to feel seen, heard, and fully supported throughout their journey.   Website: http://www.wisewombandoula.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisewombandoula/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wisewombandoula/?fref=ts   

We're launching a special series of episodes, each centered on one powerful theme in the home birth journey. This first set — Water Birth Stories — gathers real experiences and insights to support, inspire, and immerse you in the magic of water birth! How does your first pregnancy and birth experience impact your second? In today's interview, we're chatting with Carolyn about her pregnancy and birth story of her son Solomon, while pregnant with her second child. We go over her decision to have a home birth as well as the intense first trimester sickness she experienced. Also the denial around labor starting, which we've heard quite a few times from mamas on the show. Carolyn shares that while the birth went very well, it was still different from what she imagined in her mind. Following her birth, she experienced postpartum anxiety that involved separation anxiety and trouble sleeping. Addressing the anxiety and getting help around it has supported and encouraged her in preparation for her next child, due this fall. Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your order More From Doing It At Home: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/doingitathome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by our partner ChopLocal University About ChopLocal and ChopLocal UniversityMeat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)In this conversation, Michaela Gassling shares her journey from city life to farming in Nebraska, discussing the challenges and joys of raising crops, cattle, and four children. She reflects on her career in ultrasound technology, the struggles of postpartum anxiety, and the impact of a brain tumor diagnosis on her family. Michaela emphasizes the importance of community support, self-care, and embracing life's challenges, ultimately finding joy and perspective in her experiences.We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.TakeawaysMichaela grows crops and raises cattle in Nebraska.She transitioned from city life to farming after marrying her husband.Ultrasound technology involves more than just prenatal scans.Finding a work-life balance is crucial for mental health.Postpartum anxiety is often overlooked but affects many mothers.Community support can significantly ease the burden during crises.Michaela's brain tumor experience taught her valuable life lessons.Self-care and mental health are essential for recovery.Embracing life's challenges can lead to personal growth.Michaela emphasizes the importance of kindness and empathy.

In this powerful episode of The Running Wine Mom, host Samantha Cieslinski sits down with Dr. Robynn Mays—a licensed clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, and passionate advocate for maternal mental health. From birthing trauma to postpartum depression, Dr. Mays shares her deeply personal journey and the experiences that led her to create change for mothers everywhere.We talk about what self-care really looks like when you're in the thick of parenting, how to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system, and the importance of culturally competent care for women of color. There's also room for laughter, favorite wines (hello, Stella Rosa Blueberry), mom wins, and the honest struggles we don't talk about enough.Whether you're a new mom, a seasoned parent, or someone who loves a mother—this episode will speak to your soul.

Rooted in Care: Jamie Kitchel on Midwifery, Postpartum Mental Health, and Building a New Model for Mothers | Conversations with a Chiropractor Episode Description: What if we treated postpartum care as the beginning—not the end—of a woman's wellness journey? In this deeply personal and enlightening conversation, Dr. Stephanie Wautier sits down with Jamie Kitchel, certified nurse midwife and co-founder of Rooted, a postpartum education and home visiting service in Marquette, Michigan. From the ICU to home births, Jamie's path has been anything but ordinary. She opens up about her early days in critical care, her calling into midwifery, and how three women with nine kids between them decided to reimagine postpartum support from the ground up. They talk about the overlooked emotional toll of new motherhood, the gaps in our medical system, and the importance of meeting families right where they are—at home.

Join Laura for a discussion with one of her past clients Steph. Steph tells her story of struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression and OCD, acne, hair thinning as well as, her attempt at using therapeutic diets like the whole 30 (which turned into the whole year) and her experience with post-dieting carb intolerance, lowered stress resiliency and more. We also discuss how she found healing through my teachings and lab testing. ___________Submit your questions to be answered on the show to wildwellfed@gmail.comLaura's Info:Instagram: @wildlyonswellnessWebsite: www.wildlyonswellness.comCourse + Products:Wild + Well-Fed Course -  Listeners get $50 off with code PODCAST Wild + Well-Fed Shop - Coffee, Matcha, and Sea SaltRewild Your Gut Course ______Interested in becoming a client and working with me? Order labs on demand at the Wild + Well-Fed Clinic:Order Testing Now!___________Steph's info:Instagram: @stephdnunez

Being a new parent brings up every emotion…including anxiety. Does it show up differently in moms and dads? (Yes.) Are there ways to make it less powerful? (Yes.) Are all those parenting apps helping? (Lynn has thoughts.) Whether you're a new parent or hoping to support those in your life, there's information here for you. Here is the link to her September webinar that Lynn discusses in this episode: https://lynn-lyons-llc.ce-go.com/a-two-part-webinar-how-to-help-your-anxiousdepressed-teen WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we suggest starting with this playlist featuring Lynn Lyons and the 7-part anxiety disruptor series as well as a 3-part series on the skills most helpful in managing anxious kids: flexibility, problem solving, and autonomy. Consult our Spotify profile for the most up-to-date selection. We will select two listeners who complete our listener survey . We hope it is you! FOLLOW US Join the Facebook group to get news on the upcoming courses for parents, teens, and kids. Follow Flusterclux on Facebook and Instagram . Follow Lynn Lyons on Twitter and Youtube . VISIT OUR SPONSORS FOR SPECIAL OFFERS JUST FOR YOU: Go to Quince.com/fluster for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Right now, our listeners get at least an additional 15% off any annual membership at MASTER CLASS.com/FLUSTER . Visit revivalrugs.com and use code FLUSTER20 for 20% off your first order. Head to lumen.me/FLUSTERCLUX for 15% off your purchase. Go to wildalaskan.com/ FLUSTER for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. Go to leesa.com , promo code FLUSTERCLUX for 30% off mattresses + a Free Sleep Bundle, PLUS an extra $50 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In honor of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, we're revisiting one of our most popular episodes exploring the emotional and mental shifts that come with new motherhood. In this encore conversation, Allison Egidi is joined by Ellen Jones and Holly Kennedy, maternal wellness coaches and co-founders of Mother Tree Wellness, to talk candidly about their own experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety—and how they turned those struggles into a mission to support other moms. Inside this episode, you'll learn: How postpartum anxiety and depression can show up—even when you're “doing all the right things” The personality traits that may increase vulnerability to postpartum mental health challenges The real meaning of “losing yourself” in motherhood—and how to start finding your way back How partners can be better prepared to offer support The difference between therapy and maternal wellness coaching What to say (and not say) to new moms who might be struggling ✨ Whether you're a new mom, an expecting parent, or someone supporting a loved one through this transition, this episode is packed with validation, wisdom, and hope.

jaz is sharing her experience with intrusive thoughts, fear mongering new moms, ocd, anxiety, panic attack, & other mental health stuff postpartum

Eden Grinshpan aka Eden Eats is a chef, author, and host of Top Chef Canada. We go way back and we are talking all about her quick engagement with her husband, how she keeps things hot and fresh after kids, her philosophy on what to share online, how she got into cooking, and so much more!Buy Eden's new book Tahini Baby https://www.tahinibabybook.com/Sponsors:For flavor that pops, WMAA chooses Simply Pop. Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try it.Sign up now and join the over 14 million all-time customers who have already saved and invested over $25 billion with Acorns. Head to acorns.com/acme or download the Acorns app to get started.Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to quince.com/acme for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.Chapters06:55 Fan Moments and Early Days29:35 Postpartum Anxiety and Therapy41:58 Cooking Disasters and Date Bark47:11 Encouraging Kids to Cook48:54 Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine55:19 Dating in the Modern World01:00:55 Keeping the Spark Alive After KidsProduced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2590: Jessica Jondle sheds light on the often-overlooked reality of postpartum anxiety, a condition distinct from postpartum depression but just as disruptive. Learn to recognize the signs, understand the causes, and explore effective treatment options so you or a loved one can move from constant worry to confident motherhood. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/postpartum-anxiety Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes it's something more. If your anxiety seems out of control, has you on edge most of the time, or keeps you up at night, you may have more than the new-parent jitters." "You can certainly have PPD and postpartum anxiety at the same time, but you may also have one without the other." "The baby blues are common, but they usually only last a couple weeks. If you're dealing with longer-term, severe worry and symptoms that are getting in the way of life with baby, tell your doctor." Episode references: Study on Exercise and Anxiety Reduction: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Overview: https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2590: Jessica Jondle sheds light on the often-overlooked reality of postpartum anxiety, a condition distinct from postpartum depression but just as disruptive. Learn to recognize the signs, understand the causes, and explore effective treatment options so you or a loved one can move from constant worry to confident motherhood. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/postpartum-anxiety Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes it's something more. If your anxiety seems out of control, has you on edge most of the time, or keeps you up at night, you may have more than the new-parent jitters." "You can certainly have PPD and postpartum anxiety at the same time, but you may also have one without the other." "The baby blues are common, but they usually only last a couple weeks. If you're dealing with longer-term, severe worry and symptoms that are getting in the way of life with baby, tell your doctor." Episode references: Study on Anxiety After Miscarriage or Stillbirth: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29220665/ Study on Exercise and Anxiety Reduction: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Overview: https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textEver wonder if what a new mom is feeling is just "mom worry" or something more like postpartum anxiety? Maranda and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and perinatal mental health specialist, Kathryn Lopez, break it down in this episode. We're diving into how to tell the difference between those normal "mama" worries and when it might be postpartum anxiety – think physical feelings, constant unease, and those "what if" thoughts that feel way out of control.We're tackling those sometimes scary intrusive thoughts that pop into a new mom's head – are they normal, or something to pay closer attention to? And what about feeling down about your old life? Is that just part of becoming a mom, or could it be something more? We even chat about that surprising link between postpartum rage and anxiety. If you're a postpartum pro, you need to hear this to help the moms you work with feel understood and supported.Check out the episode on the blog: https://postpartumu.com/podcast/how-to-differentiate-between-postpartum-anxiety-vs-normal-motherly-worries-kathryn-lopez-ep-215/Key Time Stamps: 01:58: What is Normal Mother Worry? Understanding Postpartum Anxiety vs. Typical Worry03:38: When Does Mother Worry Become a Problem? Recognizing Unhealthy Postpartum Stress05:47: How to Differentiate Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms from Normal Maternal Concerns?09:36: Understanding Intrusive Thoughts Are They Normal or a Sign of PPA?12:08: The Intent Behind Intrusive Thoughts in Postpartum15:50: Is It Postpartum Depression or Grief? Understanding Loss in Early Motherhood16:52: The Grief of Old Life in Postpartum21:00: How Does the Nervous System Impact Postpartum Anxiety? Understanding Hyperarousal25:48: Connection with Postpartum Rage and Anxiety29:43: The Sleep Deprivation Cycle and Postpartum Mental HealthConnect with Kathryn: Kathryn Lopez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Life Coach who specializes in perinatal mental health and sex and intimacy therapy. She helps individuals and couples navigate the emotional and relational shifts of parenthood, from conception and pregnancyNEXT STEPS:

In this calming and empowering episode, we sit down with Kelly Smith—global yoga and meditation teacher, bestselling author, and host of the popular podcasts Mindful in Minutes and Meditation Mama. As the founder of Yoga For You, Kelly is passionate about making mindfulness approachable for all, especially new moms.Together, we dive into the often-overlooked world of postpartum anxiety and explore how meditation can be a powerful, accessible tool for managing the mental load of motherhood.Kelly shares:What postpartum anxiety looks and feels likeHow meditation soothes symptoms like racing thoughts and overwhelmPractical tips for fitting mindfulness into even the busiest mom scheduleHer favorite techniques for immediate calm during high-stress momentsThe long-term mental health benefits of making meditation a regular practiceWhether you're navigating new motherhood or simply need a gentle pause, this episode offers hope, support, and actionable tools to help you breathe a little easier.This one's for the moms who need a moment.✨Connect with Kelly Smith from Yoga For You:Yoga for YouIG: @YogaForYouOnlineConnect with Suzzie Vehrs from She Births Bravely:To learn more about Suzzie & her offerings visit her website: She Births BravelyIG: @SheBirthsBravelyBOGO Birth Course: Mention Mama Wears Athleisurepostpartum anxiety, meditation for postpartum anxiety, postpartum mental health, mindfulness for moms, meditation for new moms, postpartum stress relief, guided meditation for postpartum, how to manage postpartum anxiety, postpartum anxiety symptoms, benefits of meditation for moms, anxiety relief for new mothers, self-care for postpartum moms, breathing exercises for anxiety, mindfulness postpartum recovery, yoga nidra for postpartum, mental health after childbirth, Kelly Smith yoga, Mindful in Minutes podcast, Meditation Mama podcast, Yoga For You Kelly Smith, postpartum meditation podcastwww.NewMomTalk.comBuy Me A CoffeeIG: @NewMomTalk.PodcastYouTube: @NewMomTalkMariela@NewMomTalk.comInterested in being a guest? Shoot us an email!- best parenting podcast- best new mom podcast- best podcasts for new moms- best pregnancy podcast- best podcast for expecting moms- best podcast for moms- best podcast for postpartum- best prenatal podcast- best postnatal podcast- best podcast for postnatal moms- best podcast for pregnancy moms- new mom - expecting mom- first time mom

In this episode, Carla Hackett shares her three very different birth experiences - from a hospital birth with her first son Raph, to an unexpectedly rapid home birth with her second son Noah, and finally a beautiful water birth with her daughter Maeve. ___________ Download our free guide: Labour tips for birth partners What is a birth support partner? A birth support partner offers physical and emotional support throughout labour and birth. Your birth partner should be mentioned in your birth plan, particularly in regards to how they will advocate for you to your midwife or doctor. If you are a birth partner, don’t forget that she will be relying on you throughout all stages of labour and birth to offer words of encouragement, hold her hand, guide her through breathing techniques and remind her, most importantly, that she is safe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you could rewrite the code of your personality—on command? Not just cope with anxiety, overthinking, or social exhaustion… but delete the traits holding you back and install better ones? This episode challenges everything you've been told about identity. Dave dives deep into the science of personality change to reveal why your habits, moods, triggers, and even sense of self aren't fixed—they're fluid. And more importantly: they're up for grabs. Joining him is award-winning journalist from The Atlantic, Olga Khazan, author of Me, But Better, who spent years hacking her own mind—transforming high neuroticism, social avoidance, and chronic self-criticism into calm, confidence, and connection. Her personal experiment in identity rewiring became a roadmap for anyone who wants to feel different… and live differently. You'll uncover the hidden mechanisms behind neuroticism, reactivity, and emotional spirals—and how to override them with real-time upgrades. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Why your personality is a program—and how to recode it • What daily behaviors scientifically rewire anxiety, anger, and reactivity • The surprising link between identity, inflammation, and your gut • Why gratitude isn't soft—it's neurological jiu-jitsu • How to know if it's your biology or your story running the show • Whether pills, psychedelics, or sleep do more to shift who you are • What to do when your inner critic won't shut up • And how to stop being the person you never meant to become SPONSORS -LMNT | Free LMNT Sample Pack with any drink mix purchase by going to https://drinklmnt.com/DAVE. -Leela Quantum Tech | Head to https://leelaq.com/DAVE for 10% off. Resources: • Olga's New Book – Me, But Better: https://www.amazon.com/Me-But-Better-Science-Personality/dp/1668012545 • Dave Asprey's New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • Olga's Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/olganator/?hl=en • Olga's Website: https://olgakhazan.com/ • 2025 Biohacking Conference: https://biohackingconference.com/2025 • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com • Dave Asprey's Website: https://daveasprey.com • Dave Asprey's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey • Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com Timestamps: • 0:00 — Trailer • 1:52 — Intro • 2:16 — Personality Changes and Neuroticism • 5:38 — Postpartum Personality Shifts • 10:21 — Gratitude and Cultural Beliefs • 18:13 — Anger Management and Empathy • 32:58 — Personality Traits and Boundaries • 35:46 — The Importance of Strong Boundaries • 36:07 — Personality Change as Self-Improvement • 37:22 — The Role of Medication in Personality Change • 39:18 — Brain-Body Connection and Mental Health • 43:26 — Impact of Sleep and Nutrition on Personality • 44:23 — Nicotine and Other Substances • 45:41 — Therapy and Personality Change • 46:43 — Changing Personality Through Behavior • 1:01:25 — The Role of Relationships in Personality Development • 1:04:49 — Challenges and Methods in Personality Change • 1:08:38 — The Power of Improv in Personality Change • 1:10:17 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Jacqueline welcomes on Melissa Tuleja, a working mom and advocate for an alcohol-free lifestyle. They discuss the concept of being 'sober curious,' especially within the context of motherhood and dealing with postpartum anxiety. Melissa shares her journey of quitting alcohol, the positive changes she experienced, and how the pandemic influenced her drinking habits. They also talk about the benefits of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails as substitutes. This episode offers insights into making the shift away from alcohol, the support systems available, and the broader impacts on family and personal well-being.GET CONNECTED!Motherhood Intended:Motherhood Intended websiteJoin our FREE Motherhood Intended CommunityFollow @motherhood_intended on InstagramLeave a review for the podcastApply to be a guest on the show!Melissa on Instagram: @melissa.mocktailEPISODE BREAKDOWN:01:41 Guest Introduction: Melissa's Alcohol-Free Lifestyle05:14 Struggles with Postpartum Anxiety and Alcohol10:56 Starting the Alcohol-Free Journey13:47 Benefits of an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle15:44 Exploring Mocktails and Building Community21:27 Navigating Social Situations26:40 Advice for Moms Who Are Sober Curious28:05 Postpartum Experience Without Alcohol31:38 Mocktails and Changing Social NormsSend us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!Support the showIf you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

When Ignoring Your Health Backfires: A Mom's Gut, Hormones, and Faith JourneyIn this inspiring episode, Kristen shares her raw and powerful story of putting her family first—until her own health hit a breaking point. What started as a mission to help her children navigate celiac disease led to the shocking realization that her own gut, hormones, and stress levels were spiraling out of control.Kristen opens up about battling postpartum anxiety, chronic exhaustion, and unexplainable pain that doctors dismissed—until functional medicine revealed the deeper root causes. She dives into the role of gut health, food sensitivities, and hormone imbalances, and how stepping away from her career and into God's calling brought lasting healing. If you've been silently suffering while holding it all together for your family, this episode is a must-listen.Chapters: 0:00 - When God Says It's Time to Pivot 1:13 - Ignoring Your Health to Care for Your Kids 2:35 - Celiac Diagnosis & Going Gluten-Free as a Family 7:34 - Postpartum Anxiety, Gut Pain & Being Dismissed by Doctors 10:08 - Discovering Leaky Gut and Hormone Chaos 13:32 - How Stress Disrupts Hormones (and Periods) 15:56 - Healing Through Faith, Boundaries, and Rest 18:59 - Saying No to Teaching and Yes to God's Plan 22:41 - Becoming a Coach & Helping Women HealIf this episode gave you hope, share it with a mama who needs healing and encouragement.

Submit your question and we'll answer it in a future episode!Join our Patreon Community!https://www.patreon.com/badassbreastfeedingpodcast What is your favorite baby item?  What do you think was a waste of money?  Abby asked the internet and got hundreds of responses.  We won't talk about all of them on the podcast, but we will talk about a lot of them.  Tune in today to hear all about what is the most useful baby product! If you are a new listener, we would love to hear from you.  Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or sending us an email with your suggestions and comments to badassbreastfeedingpodcast@gmail.com.  You can also add your email to our list and have episodes sent right to your inbox! Things we talked about:Message about life insurance [4:58]Abby asked Patreon – what's useful and what's wasteful? [12:00]Abby's favorite item [17:20]Dianne's favorite item [17:20]Having a diaper change set up [26:10]Lactation consultation [27:47]Abby asked the internet [30:24]Postpartum hotel [31:56]  Links to information we discussed or episodes you should check out!https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/life-insurance-its-not-boring-you-need-to-hear-this/ https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/baby-stuff-you-need-and-dont-need-in-the-first-year/ Set up your consultation with Diannehttps://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/consultations/     Check out Dianne's blog here:https://diannecassidyconsulting.com/milklytheblog/Follow our Podcast:https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.comHere is how you can connect with Dianne and Abby:AbbyTheuring ,https://www.thebadassbreastfeeder.comDianne Cassidy @diannecassidyibclc,  http://www.diannecassidyconsulting.com Music we use:Music: "Levels of Greatness" from "We Used to Paint Stars in the Sky (2012)" courtesy of Scott Holmes at freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott Holmes

Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also feel overwhelming, isolating, and even scary—especially when postpartum mental health struggles come into play. In this episode, Corrine sits down with Megan Johnson, a therapist and co-founder of The Emily Effect, for an open and much-needed conversation about maternal mental health. Megan shares the heartbreaking story of her sister Emily Dyches, who suffered from severe postpartum anxiety before tragically losing her life. Through Emily's story, Megan sheds light on the silent battles so many moms face, the stigma that keeps women from speaking up, and the resources that can truly help. Corrine and Megan also discuss signs to watch for, why postpartum struggles aren't always obvious, and what loved ones can do to help. If you've ever felt like something wasn't quite right after having a baby—or if you want to better support the moms in your life—this episode will leave you feeling informed, encouraged, and most importantly, less alone. Resources Mentioned: Visit theemilyeffect.org to learn more about The Emily Effect or follow them on Instagram @the_emily_effect Follow @maternalmentalhealthutah for additional support and education Postpartum Support International | Instagram: @postpartumsupportinternational Megan Johnson is the Co-Founder of The Emily Effect, a foundation that honors her late sister Emily Dyches who lost her life to Postpartum Anxiety in February 2016. The mission of The Emily Effect is to raise awareness about maternal mental health and provide resources and support for women and families experiencing Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders. As a practicing therapist and one who has had repeated experiences with depression and anxiety, Megan is passionate about the topic of mental health. She believes that owning and sharing our stories is the most impactful way to educate and create meaningful connection surrounding this crucial topic. Megan, her husband Ray, and their four boys live in Lehi, UT.

Submit your question and we'll answer it in a future episode!Join our Patreon Community!https://www.patreon.com/badassbreastfeedingpodcast Are you planning to return to work before your baby is a year old? What is your plan?  If you are transitioning to work and you are nervous about making this transition, this is the episode for you.  Listen today as Dianne and Abby help answer all the questions about returning to work.   If you are a new listener, we would love to hear from you.  Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or sending us an email with your suggestions and comments to badassbreastfeedingpodcast@gmail.com.  You can also add your email to our list and have episodes sent right to your inbox!  Things we talked about:Listener question [3:50]Returning to work is a transition [7:40]Breastfeeding is still very important [10:08]Sleep regression [12:55]Abby didn't go back due to the transition [17:57]The pump [20:25]Paced feeds [22:38]How much milk is needed? [24:26]Test days [27:48]Safe bedsharing [29:06] Links to information we discussed or episodes you should check out!https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/when-someone-else-is-watching-your-baby/https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/pumping-myths/https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/tips-for-pumping-at-work-2/ Set up your consultation with Diannehttps://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/consultations/     Check out Dianne's blog here:https://diannecassidyconsulting.com/milklytheblog/Follow our Podcast:https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.comHere is how you can connect with Dianne and Abby:AbbyTheuring ,https://www.thebadassbreastfeeder.comDianne Cassidy @diannecassidyibclc,  http://www.diannecassidyconsulting.com Music we use:Music: "Levels of Greatness" from "We Used to Paint Stars in the Sky (2012)" courtesy of Scott Holmes at freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott Holmes

Links: Get your breast pump, lactation support, and maternity compression garments for free at aeroflowbreastpumps.com/birthhour and use promo code BIRTHHOUR15 at for 15% off supplies and accessories. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Women of Strength! We have another beautiful VBAC birth story for you today from our friend, Georyana. Georyana shares how she went from having an unplanned Cesarean with her first birth to a planned HBAC but unexpected breech delivery!During her first postpartum period, Georyana experienced postpartum preeclampsia, depression, and anxiety. She and Meagan dive into coping tools and resources available for anyone else going through the same.While prepping for her VBAC, Georyana also talks about the power she felt while listening to other stories on The VBAC Link Podcast. She knew she had to give her body the chance to show what it was capable of. “If it could happen for her, it could happen for me. Why disqualify myself? Why disqualify my body?”Needed WebsiteHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Meagan: Hello, Women of Strength. Merry Christmas to you. It's so fun to be recording today. It's actually not even October. It's September when we are recording, but it's so fun to think how close we are to Christmas. I hope you guys are having an amazing day, and if you are listening the day after Christmas, I hope you had an amazing Christmas. We have our friend, Georyana, with us today, and she is from Florida. Hello, love. How are you? Georyana: I'm doing well. How are you? Meagan: I am so, so great. I was going to say that as you may hear, she's got her little one on board, so we may hear all of the little baby coos and noises. What is your baby's name? Georyana: Her name is Sophia Victoria. Meagan: Sophia Victoria. I love it. I'm so happy she's here. I actually love when we have babies because I don't really hear those noises anymore. I hear them as a doula for a minute, but I miss those little coos. It's so fun. Okay, like I was saying, she is from Florida. She's a stay-at-home mom of two beautiful babies, a three-year-old and this one-month-old that she's got with us. She works part-time remotely and is a Christian and serves as a worship leader for the youth group worship team. Is that correct?Georyana: Yes. Meagan: Awesome. I love that. She says that she's officially started homeschooling her toddler this year which is super exciting. That is exciting. We've had so many moms on the podcast lately who are like, “I've quit my job. I'm homeschooling,” or “My full-time job is homeschooling.” That's amazing. Georyana: Yeah. Yeah. It really is just to be able to soak in all of these moments with your kids. Time flies so fast. You just want to treasure everything. Meagan: It's so true. It really does. I have a 7th grader which is crazy, so yeah. Super crazy. Remind me, you used Needed's iron?Georyana: Yes. I've actually used it for postpartum.Meagan: Yes. I wanted to talk about that because we talk about their prenatals and all of the other things to do during pregnancy. We haven't really talked about the iron, so can we talk a little bit about why you're taking iron and how it's been?Georyana: Yeah, so after this pregnancy funny enough which is something I'll tell during my story, but I passed out after I gave birth. I believe it was due to a lot of blood loss and low hemoglobin, so after I gave birth, I kept taking my prenatals, but my prenatals only had 15 milligrams of iron in them. That's when I decided to go for Needed. I had heard of a lot of amazing reviews. I had heard about it too on The VBAC Link. I'm only taking one additional per day, so I'm taking around 30 milligrams of iron. Meagan: Have you noticed a difference?Georyana: Tremendously. Yeah. Yeah. Definitely less fatigue, more energy. I was getting dizzy a lot during the early days of postpartum and breastfeeding, so that helped a lot too. Meagan: That's what I was going to say. It's probably helping you breastfeed as well. Georyana: Yeah. It's definitely an amazing supplement. Meagan: That's so awesome to hear. I believe in Needed's products wholeheartedly, so it's so fun to see that other people are loving it too. We do have a Review of the Week, so I want to get into that really quickly, then we are going to turn the time over to you to share these stories. This is from nnoah and it says, “Generational trauma”. It says, “This podcast and the Facebook group have been a godsend to me. After my 56-hour failed induction and emergency C-section due to very low heart decelerations with my daughter, I told my husband I would be happily scheduling my C-sections from now on. My sister-in-law told me I could VBAC, but I had no hope that my body could birth after such a drawn-out process that ended in ‘failure'. My mom had three C-sections herself with the first being highly traumatic, and I never realized how much her birth experience has influenced my own physiological state as I approached labor and delivery. I researched everything with my first from breastfeeding to infant development and sleep, but I did not read a single book or take a single class on birth. Now, I realize it was because of how much fear and trauma I was carrying around with me from my mother's experiences. I walked into birth ready to fail because I didn't think I could do it. I wasn't tough enough.”She says, “After listening to this podcast, it has me believing in my body and preparing my mind even more before we try to conceive our next baby. I have begun working through my birth with How to Heal a Bad Birth,” which we absolutely love if you want a good book on how to heal a bad birth. That is one of our favorites. It says, “I've already interviewed a VBAC-Link certified doula to assist me in my next birth when we conceive. The resources, podcast, and recommendations here have had me anticipating my next birth with excitement rather than dread. I couldn't be more grateful for this resource. Thank you.” Wow. So many things within that review. I one, am so thankful for that amazing review, and I want you to know that we are here for you and this community and these stories are here to help empower you even further going into your next birth. I love that she said that she had a doula before she was even conceived. She's found the doula she's going to hire, and as soon as she conceives, she can hire that doula. As a reminder, just like she said, we have a VBAC directory with VBAC-certified doulas. You can go to thevbaclink.com/findadoula and look for a doula in your area.Okay, mama. Oh, look at this cute little baby with a full head of hair. Georyana: Yeah, she had a lot of hair. That's how she was born, with a lot of hair. Meagan: Her hair was probably born first. It's so long, oh my gosh. Oh, I'd love to turn the time over to you to share these stories of yours. Georyana: Okay. Well, just like every VBAC, it starts with a C-section. Mine was in 2021 with my first son. It was an overall healthy pregnancy quote-on-quote. Every prenatal visit was normal for the most part. There was nothing out of whack. I do want to be transparent and say that I did not eat healthy or exercise knowing that I was supposed to. I remember working at this part-time job, and literally after I was done clocking out, I would go straight for the Chick-fil-A. It was Chick-fil-A every day. I ended up gaining around 87 pounds during my pregnancy. Meagan: Wow, okay. Georyana: I was 215 when I delivered. At around 39 weeks with my OB/GYN, she was like, “I want to schedule a C-section because your baby's measuring really big.” We did the whole– I forget the word– where they actually check the baby's weight. Meagan: Oh, like a growth measurement in an ultrasound. Georyana: Yeah, she was like, “This baby is already a 10-pounder.” I was like, “Oh my gosh.” I was freaking out because I really wanted to give birth naturally. That was something I had told her about, but she was like, “No, let's schedule a C-section.” We were going back and forth, and she was like, “Okay, well at least we are going to get an induction date.” She set up an induction date for March 15th. It was a Monday. I started going into labor. I started going into labor on Friday spontaneously. I went into spontaneous labor. I didn't really know that much about laboring at home and all of the things like right now that I know you're supposed to do. Yeah. I had labored at home for an hour or two until contractions started getting intense. I went to the hospital which was an hour away. I checked in. They checked me. I was 2 centimeters dilated, and they took my blood pressure. They were like, “You have high blood pressure.” They didn't give me a reading or anything, but they were like, “We're going to make you stay. We're going to have you stay. We're not going to send you home.” I was like, “Okay. You guys know what you're doing.” I started laboring for an hour or two, and then a nurse came in and I had explained, “I really want to try and go for a natural birth.” She was like, “Okay. I'm going to give you an hour. I'm going to give you an hour.” Meagan: What?Georyana: “I'm going to give you an hour and see where you are as far as dilation and as far as progressing.” I was like, “Okay.” An hour went by. Mind you, I was strapped to the chair because there's something that you're never really taught, to move around while you are laboring. At the one-hour mark, she comes in. She checks me, and I've gone nowhere. She goes, “I'm going to put you on Pitocin.” Things started getting really crazy at that point because it was my first time feeling contractions, and those contractions were horrible. They are so intense, and now having had experienced these natural contractions from my VBAC, you can automatically tell the difference. She puts me on Pitocin. I labor and I had my husband with me. It was back-to-back contractions to the point where I could barely breathe. I had taken one birth class, but it was the standard information. They never really teach you how to breathe or the importance of getting your mind right, and the importance of your mind and how it plays such a huge role in birth.I just kept laboring. I kept literally squeezing my husband's hand. I couldn't allow him to go anywhere. It was horrible. As the hours passed, things started getting worse and worse. They ended up breaking my water. Then it was more Pitocin. It was already Saturday the next day. I hadn't drank anything. I hadn't eaten anything. There was no ice. There was nothing. Yeah. It just felt horrible. I just stayed. At one point, I couldn't handle the pain anymore so I asked for an epidural. Crazy enough, when the anesthesiologist came, he was with a student. He had asked the student to put the epidural inside of me. They had me sign a consent form. I was like, “Oh my gosh, what is this?” I had heard about the epidural and that it was supposed to numb you, but I never expected to get to that point.I got the epidural, then I just started feeling numb. It numbed me completely down. The day went by. It was Saturday, then I eventually reached a 10. It was 10 PM on that Saturday. I was like, “Okay, well I want to try and push.” I tried to push for an hour or two, and basically, that went nowhere because they had me pushing on my back. They were trying to tell me, “Just try and push as if you are trying to go to the bathroom and poop.” It was just so frustrating because I was trying, and nothing was working. Eventually, they were like, “Your son's heart rate is dropping. We just have to do a C-section.” When she told me that, I felt like my world came crashing down because I didn't want it at all. But in that moment, as a mom, you are so vulnerable. You are going through so many emotions mentally, emotionally, physically, and so many things that it's just so hard to make a decision. Obviously, you want what's best for your baby. I was like, “Okay. Let's just do a C-section.” They didn't put me to sleep entirely. It was just my legs, but I just remembered that when they did that, I lost it. I had a very severe panic attack. I was like, “I can't feel my legs. I can't feel my legs.” There were all of these nurses around trying to calm me down. Eventually, we went to the C-section room. My husband was with me, and they did the procedure. My son was born thankfully. They made sure he was okay. They put him near my chest for a minute. They cut the cord and all of the things. But I didn't know what to expect. I thought that was what I was supposed to expect, to have him for a minute and to have him take him away. I didn't have anything else. So nothing, I stayed at the hospital for an entire week because my blood pressure rose drastically. Meagan: Did you have postpartum preeclampsia?Georyana: Yeah, technically. Without the seizures, thank God, but the blood pressure was crazy high. There was a nurse coming in every 2-3 hours to check my blood pressure. I got medication. Yeah. It was just a horrible moment because right there, you just gave birth to this human being while your body is out of whack going through all of these things, and you just feel like you failed. You feel like you failed, and you just did a horrible job. But you know, I just kept in-hospital, and one week later, I was released. The C-section recovery was horrible. It was very, very painful. I couldn't even walk or anything. Taking care of the baby was just really hard for me. Yeah. Eventually, my blood pressure got back to normal, and everything was well. I suffered from postpartum depression and severe anxiety to the point where my husband would go to work, and I would stay alone in the house. I would think that I was going to die of a heart attack. Meagan: Oh, yeah.Georyana: Yeah. My mental health was bizarre. I constantly felt like I was dying. I remember one night, I woke up in sweats. I just felt like I couldn't breathe. We had called the emergency 9-1-1. I literally felt like I was dying of a heart attack. They checked me and were like, “No, you're fine. It's just an anxiety attack.” Postpartum was definitely not the greatest experience for me for the first. Meagan: I am so sorry to hear that happened. Georyana: Yeah, but other than that, I'm so grateful to God that my son is healthy. He's currently 3 years old, and he is just a joy to be around. Meagan: Yeah. Do you have any resources or suggestions for someone who may have experienced that before or just in general for someone listening in case they have any symptoms or anything like that that you want to share?Georyana: For what specifically?Meagan: For postpartum anxiety and panic attacks and stuff to maybe help recognize what it could be or resources that helped you. Georyana: Yeah, definitely my biggest resource was God, the church, and prayer. I think that helped me a lot and just having a community of people who you can count on whether that's a friend or your mom where you can say, “Hey, mom. I'm going through this. Hey friend, I'm going through this. Pray for me. Come over. Please help me. Please help me do some chores,” or anything like that. The weight is a lot. Once you've given birth, you're thinking about a million things– the baby, the diapers, yourself, the kitchen is a mess, and you definitely need to have the support group to lean on. But as far as anxiety, learn where your mind is going. Be able to detect those thoughts that creep in and that tell you, “Hey, you're not doing a good job. You're going to die. This is going to happen.” Learn to stop those thoughts or reframe. Reframe your mind. We have so much power in our minds. Meagan: Yep.Georyana: If we only knew where it could take us. Meagan: Yeah. I agree. Our minds are so powerful, and there is something about that community that can really, really help. There are even more resources like deeper resources. There is postpartum support, Baby Your Baby, and so many things. We talk about this in our course, and I won't go through all of them, but I think it's so important to do a self-care checklist after. Think about, “Have I eaten enough? Have I slept enough?” You want at least 5 hours of sleep. Most of us with newborns can say no to that automatically, so maybe doing something like hiring a postpartum doula, having our mother-in-law come, having our community come in to help and hold baby so we can get really good and effective sleep. Have a bath or a shower. Just getting ready for the day is weird but can help us mentally. It can help us get out of that mental funk. Exercise– now, we can't really do that in the beginning. But have I exercised is another question. Have I allowed myself to laugh today? Have I allowed myself to smile today? These are things. There are many more. Like I said, we talk about those in our VBAC course because it is so important. It's not talked about enough, so I'm so glad that you were able to take this space to feel vulnerable enough to talk about this experience. Georyana: Definitely. I agree. Right now, for this postpartum, I have my mom. She lives 30 minutes away. She comes twice a week and helps me cook meals. Meagan: So good. Georyana: Yeah. They are delicious. You just have to be willing to take the help. There is definitely help. Yeah. It's important that we don't feel alone. Meagan: Yeah, I agree. Well, thank you so much for sharing that. Sorry, we can go on to this next birth story. Georyana: This next birth story– my husband and I knew that we wanted another baby, but we just didn't know when would be the right time. 2.5 years passed. We got pregnant. It was a surprise. It was a surprise and a blessing. All I knew inside of me was that I wanted a VBAC. I wanted a VBAC. I was like, “You know what? I'm going to try for it again.” I was obviously open to the fact that it could end in a C-section. I didn't have a closed mind in that sense. I ended up searching for supportive providers. After finding one, I found an OB/GYN. The first thing that I had asked was, “Do you support VBACs?” They were like,”Yeah, we do. We do.” They had five doctors on board, so basically, every prenatal visit had a different doctor so that eventually when I would go into labor, one of them was going to be assisting my birth. To each one, I would always ask the same thing, “Hey, I would like to do this. Do you support it?” They were like, “Yeah, we do that.” My blood pressure was great at every prenatal visit. There were no concerns. I did change a lot of what I had previously done in my previous pregnancy which is that I started exercising. I started walking 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a week. I started eating healthier because I think that's one of the things that most people don't talk about too is the importance of nutrition. It is important in pregnancy. You're always told that you have another human being and you have to eat for two. You're like, “Yeah, let's eat for two,” and you gain 10, 20, 30 pounds. I tried to be mindful of what I was eating. Long story short, everything was going great. At my 32-week appointment, I met with a provider. I meet with one of the doctors on the team, and my same question pops up. She's like, “Oh, you can't really go past 40 weeks here. You can't.” I'm like, “Why? I'm perfectly healthy. My blood pressure is fine. Why can't I go a day past 40 weeks?” She was like, “No, you can't. You actually have to schedule your C-section date right now. You have to sign a consent form. You have to put your due date as your C-section date.”My due date was August 1st. I was like, “Well, I don't understand.” I was just feeling led on because, during the prenatal appointments, there were subtle signs, but I guess I didn't really want to pay attention to them because I was like, “Oh my gosh. I can't imagine switching providers.” I was 7 months pregnant. I was like, “Okay, thank you. I'm just going to call back and schedule that C-section.” I remember going home and being like, “Wow. This really just happened.” I remember that I started praying. I told God. I expressed how I felt. I was just very overwhelmed and, “Is this really the path that you have for me?” I felt that he just told me, “Do a home birth.” I was like, “What? A home birth? That is not–” Meagan: That's not what I've been looking at at all. Georyana: That is insane. Funny enough, I started researching, is that truly an option for me? After researching, I found a midwife. She is actually Chrisitan, a pastor, a worship leader, and a midwife. Meagan: Wow. She wears a lot of hats. Georyana: She wears a lot of hats. I don't know how she does it, but I expressed to her, “Am I able to do a home birth if I had high blood pressure during my previous pregnancy?” She was like, “Yeah. We will monitor you. We will make sure you are taking care of yourself.” She did tell me, “During labor, if your blood pressure skyrockets, we'll have a plan in place and we will go to the hospital.” We had plan A and plan B. I spent the last 2 months with her. She would come to my house, and check my blood pressure. She had me drinking lots and lots of water which is another thing that we underestimate or is not often talked about. Meagan: We do. We really don't. We usually drink water, but we're not getting enough of the hydration.Georyana: 100%. She was like, “You need to be drinking at least half of your weight in water.” All I remember was that every day, I was chugging water. She actually advised me to take Calm as a magnesium supplement. Meagan: MagCalm? Georyana: Yeah, MagCalm. That helped tremendously. That helped tremendously. Everything was safe and sound. I was doing all of the things at 37 weeks– the Miles Circuit, the red raspberry leaf tea. I was eating the dates and all of the things that they tell you to VBAC. I was listening to a lot of birth stories, especially on The VBAC Link which just helped me tremendously because I was able to get in a right mindset. The birth stories edified my faith to a whole other level. I just remember every day doing dishes and I was plugging in a story. Every story was different, and I was like, “Wow. If it could happen for her, it could happen for me. Why disqualify myself? Why disqualify my body?” That's another thing that we do a lot. We often hear, “Oh no, your body wasn't meant to do it” or “Your body can't do it”.Meagan: Yep, yeah. We hear those things, and then we believe them. Georyana: Yeah, that's the sad part. I think I was 39 weeks and 3 days. I go into labor. My water broke at 3:00 in the morning, but I need to backtrack that. At 38 weeks, my midwife checked me. I had asked her to check me. She checked me, and I was 3 centimeters dilated. The baby was head down. The baby was head down. Everything was normal and everything was looking good. She came back at 39 weeks, and I was like, “Can you check me again to see if I've progressed?” Even though that doesn't really mean anything, I was just so excited. She checks me, and she's like, “I don't know what I'm feeling, but I'm not feeling the head anymore.” Meagan: Oh, okay. Georyana: Yeah. I'm like, “What do you mean you're not feeling the head?” She checks, and she's like, “I don't know if that is her hand or her knees or something like that, but it's definitely not the head.” She tells me, “I think I'm going to have to send you to get an ultrasound to see the positioning of the baby.” We spend a couple of minutes just trying to sink that in. She was like, “But you know what? Let me check again. Maybe I was wrong.” She checked again, and she is still feeling the same things, but then she was like, “Is that your coccyx (the tailbone)?” I thought it was. I genuinely thought it was. I tell her, “Yeah. I think that's it.” We were like, “Okay, I think we should be fine.” We were going a little loopy. I don't know. Fast forward to when my water breaks at 3:00 in the morning, I started feeling contractions, but nothing consistent, so during the day, I just remembered that I texted her. She was like, “What other symptoms do you have?” I had my bloody show. My mucus plug fell out. The contractions were different from the Braxton Hicks that I had been facing all of these weeks. I was like, “Yeah, there's definitely some type of shift here because I feel like they are stronger. They are lasting longer.” Fast forward to Saturday, I ended up walking with my husband. His family was in town, and that also helped pick up the contractions. At around 6:00 PM, I gave her a contraction timer app on my phone so she could see. By the way, I had a doula, so she had the app as well. She was an hour away, and she was like, “Please text me so I can come out on time.” At around 7:00 PM, they both arrived to my home. Contractions were 6 or 7 minutes apart. She had me actually do nipple stimulation with my husband. They went out of the room. We did nipple stimulation, and that just skyrocketed everything because I had all of the oxytocin flowing. Meagan: I was going to say that's natural oxytocin flow right there.Georyana: I had natural oxytocin. I was like, “Whoa. Now I'm in a whole other dimension.” Contractions were 3 minutes apart. I just remember breathing. I had worship music playing in the background. The lighting was dim. It was so different from the hospital. It was so intimate. It was something unforgettable what I experienced on that day and when I compare it to my hospital birth, I had so much tension. All the bright lights, it was so different. She set up the birth pool. I went in, and I sat down. She was like, “Okay. I think it's time to push. You're at a 10.” She had checked me. I was trying to push, but I didn't really get it. I was trying to feel my intuition because they always tell you, “Your body knows when it's going to push.” She had me stand up, and she coached me. She said, “Try standing up and seeing if you have the urge to push.” When I stood up, I got that urge. A contraction came. I did a push, and nothing happened. Then another contraction came, and I did. I just remember breathing in, and I just let it out. She sees knees. Meagan: What? Knees? Georyana: Knees. She sees the baby's knees come out. She screamed. Meagan: What?!Georyana: She was like, “Oh yeah. She's breech. She's breech. She's coming out breech.” Meagan: Oh my goodness. Georyana: I just remember I was moaning during that period. I was just like, “Ooh.” I didn't look at anyone, but my husband tells me that at this moment, I just looked at the doula and she had her jaw on the floor. She was like, “Okay, well, you have to breathe in, and push in during the next contraction.” I remember that during the next contraction, I just let out the biggest roar. It was a roar. She came out entirely. My husband caught her. I just fell. I just fell, and yeah, she was breech. She came out knees first, then her legs, then her whole head just popped out. Meagan: I am dying right now. This is amazing. Oh my gosh. Once her knees came out, her whole body slipped out? Georyana: Yeah. Yeah. Yes. Definitely. It was such a moment of shock. Meagan: Yeah, I bet for everybody. Georyana: Yeah, for everyone because we thought she was head down. I kept telling her, “You were right. You were right. What you were feeling was the knees.” She was like, “Thank God I didn't send you to do the ultrasound because you would have gotten a C-section automatically at the hospital. That would have been an automatic C-section.” Meagan: Yeah. They wouldn't have entertained that at all. Georyana: Yeah. He put her on my chest. It was so surreal. I was like, “Wow. My body did this. God really did this to me.” We went on over to the bed. They weighed her. She was 6 pounds and 3 ounces. Meagan: Aw, your tiny little thing. Georyana: Yeah, she was tiny which also helped me. Yeah. Shortly after, I started breastfeeding. With my first, with my son, that was something I really wanted to do, but he never really quite latched so I just pumped for 2 years. For this one, I didn't really expect to breastfeed, I was like, “If it happens, good. If it doesn't, then whatever.” But when she started breastfeeding, I was just like, “Wow, my body is doing this too.” The connection that I just feel with her that I have is just out of this world. That was my experience. Meagan: Wow. Had your midwife done breech before? Georyana: She says that obviously when she was in training with other midwives before she went solo, she had experienced breech births, but this was her first time solo and alone. Technically, she's not allowed to deliver breech babies under law. If she knows, she needs to automatically send me to the hospital. Meagan: But if the baby's knees are coming out, and baby comes out like that, what are you going to do?Georyana: Yeah, exactly. You don't really have any other option than to just deliver the baby.Meagan: Oh my goodness. Wow. That's an amazing story. This is so awesome. Oh my gosh. This postpartum has been much better?Georyana: Yeah, it has. During the first one, like I said, I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks. I didn't really get that this time around. What I got this time around was anger. Meagan: Hmm, okay. So some postpartum rage? Georyana: Yeah, it was rage, and I guess just handling two kids and the transition from one to two hit me hard. I didn't really know how to understand that. But the same thing around, just being able to give myself grace, I had a postpartum session with my midwife and my doula being able to let them know how I felt was very good. It was very helpful. Speaking with my pastor and just letting them know my feelings and how I felt really helped me. It really helped me. I'm doing so much better now. This postpartum has been amazing. A lot of breastfeeding, a lot of cuddles and snuggles. Seeing my son play with his sister was something I always dreamed of, being able to have two kids. Meagan: Oh, what a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing. Huge congrats. This little ball right here is just stunning. Her head, oh my gosh– her head of hair is just insane. She has so much hair. That is just so much fun, and I'm so happy for you.Georyana: Thank you so much, and thank you for having me. Meagan: Absolutely. ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Meagan's bio, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Submit your question and we'll answer it in a future episode!Join our Patreon Community!https://www.patreon.com/badassbreastfeedingpodcast The internet is full of great information.  But it's also full of crap.  Today, Dianne and Abby share some internet information that is both good and bad.  Tied into this episode is also some messages from fantastic listeners like you! If you are a new listener, we would love to hear from you.  Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or sending us an email with your suggestions and comments to badassbreastfeedingpodcast@gmail.com.  You can also add your email to our list and have episodes sent right to your inbox! Things we talked about:Don't listen to the internet [6:20]Dianne's dental find [6:49]Take it to the floor [10:14]Stuff from the CDC website [17:40]Breastmilk over 1 year and nutrition [20:22]Reddit [23:38]Messages from listeners-oversupply and fertility [25:27] Links to information we discussed or episodes you should check out!https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/more-breastfeeding-myths/https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/057-cavities/ Set up your consultation with Diannehttps://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/consultations/      Check out Dianne's blog here:https://diannecassidyconsulting.com/milklytheblog/Follow our Podcast:https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.comHere is how you can connect with Dianne and Abby:AbbyTheuring ,https://www.thebadassbreastfeeder.comDianne Cassidy @diannecassidyibclc,  http://www.diannecassidyconsulting.com Music we use:Music: "Levels of Greatness" from "We Used to Paint Stars in the Sky (2012)" courtesy of Scott Holmes at freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott Holmes

Submit your question and we'll answer it in a future episode!Join our Patreon Community!https://www.patreon.com/badassbreastfeedingpodcastThis is a topic that keeps coming up.  Cavities.  Will breastfeeding cause cavities in your baby's teeth?  Listen today and Dianne and Abby discuss the research behind whether human milk is destructive to human teeth.  Don't miss this episode! If you are a new listener, we would love to hear from you.  Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or sending us an email with your suggestions and comments to badassbreastfeedingpodcast@gmail.com.  You can also add your email to our list and have episodes sent right to your inbox! Things we talked about:Abby has messages! [3:20]Research [5:48]Bottle vs breastfeeding and cavities [8:04]Research about soaking teeth [12:55]Dr. Jay Gordon [14:47]Introducing sugar to kids [19:43]Blog from Abby's page [[25:10]  Links to information we discussed or episodes you should check out!https://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/tooth-decay/https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-60582-whttps://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/057-cavities/ Set up your consultation with Diannehttps://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/consultations/      Check out Dianne's blog here:https://diannecassidyconsulting.com/milklytheblog/Follow our Podcast:https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.comHere is how you can connect with Dianne and Abby:AbbyTheuring ,https://www.thebadassbreastfeeder.comDianne Cassidy @diannecassidyibclc,  http://www.diannecassidyconsulting.com  Music we use:Music: "Levels of Greatness" from "We Used to Paint Stars in the Sky (2012)" courtesy of Scott Holmes at freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott Holmes

Submit your question and we'll answer it in a future episode!Join our Patreon Community!https://www.patreon.com/badassbreastfeedingpodcastSleep.  We all just want to get some sleep.  But what is normal for your baby?  This week, we have Rebecca Michi on the podcast-an expert on infant sleep.  Learn why your baby is not sleeping and what you should expect with infant sleep. If you are a new listener, we would love to hear from you.  Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or sending us an email with your suggestions and comments to badassbreastfeedingpodcast@gmail.com.  You can also add your email to our list and have episodes sent right to your inbox! Things we talked about:Concerns Rebecca hears from parents of newborns [6:01]How does sleep develop – newborn sleep [9:07]Babies shouldn't be sleeping through the night [17:39]Reducing the risk of SIDS [18:14]Melatonin [20:14]6 weeks [22:41]Having negative feelings [30:35]Awake windows [35:51]Tired signals [42:55]Babies have different sleep needs [46:01]How to find Rebecca [55:02]Instagram Page Facebook PageBaby and Toddler Sleep Course Members - Facebook Support GroupSlumber Academy Online Sleep CoursesRebecca's WebsiteSchedule a ConsultationLinks to information we discussed or episodes you should check out!https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/all-about-sleep-with-rebecca-michi/ https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/normal-sleep-behavior-with-rebecca-michi/ https://childrenssleepconsultant.com  Set up your consultation with Diannehttps://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/consultations/      Check out Dianne's blog here:https://diannecassidyconsulting.com/milklytheblog/Follow our Podcast:https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.comHere is how you can connect with Dianne and Abby:AbbyTheuring ,https://www.thebadassbreastfeeder.comDianne Cassidy @diannecassidyibclc,  http://www.diannecassidyconsulting.com Music we use:Music: "Levels of Greatness" from "We Used to Paint Stars in the Sky (2012)" courtesy of Scott Holmes at freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott Holmes

Geez, ANOTHER movie about new parenthood, deep isolation, unheard cries for help, and the darkness of postpartum depression? Wait, there aren't any? Well, there is now! Nora Fiffer, writer and director of Another Happy Day, joins Biz to discuss the design flaws of the reproductive cycle, 90 pages of Lauren Lapkus alone at home with a baby, and the breathtaking moment of reciprocal recognition from your child.Stream Another Happy Day on Amazon Prime! Watch the trailer on Youtube. Learn more about Nora and her other work by visiting her website, www.NoraFiffer.com.Go to MaximumFun.org/join to support One Bad Mother in its final year!Share a personal or commercial message on the show! Details at MaximumFun.org/Jumbotron.Visit our Linktree for our website, merch, and more! https://linktr.ee/onebadmotherYou can suggest a topic or a guest for an upcoming show by sending an email to onebadmother@maximumfun.org.Show MusicSummon the Rawk, Kevin MacLeod (www.incompetech.com)Ones and Zeros, Awesome, Beehive SessionsMom Song, Adira Amram, Hot Jams For TeensTelephone, Awesome, Beehive SessionsMama Blues, Cornbread Ted and the ButterbeansMental Health Resources:Therapy for Black Girls – Therapyforblackgirls.comDr. Jessica Clemmens – https://www.askdrjess.comBLH Foundation – borislhensonfoundation.orgThe Postpartum Support International Warmline – 1-800-944-4773 (1-800-944-4PPD)The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline – 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP)Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call or chat. They are here to help anyone in crisis. Dial 988 for https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org and there is a chat option on the website.Crisis Text Line: Text from anywhere in the USA (also Canada and the UK) to text with a trained counselor. A real human being.USA text 741741Canada text 686868UK text 85258Website: https://www.crisistextline.orgNational Sexual Assault: Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.https://www.rainn.orgNational Domestic Violence Hotline:https://www.thehotline.org/help/Our advocates are available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) in more than 200 languages. All calls are free and confidential.They suggest that if you are a victim and cannot seek help, ask a friend or family member to call for you.Teletherapy Search: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/online-counseling