Chick Chat (Nina Spears)

Childcare is a huge decision to make when a family has a baby. Will they utilize childcare or have a parent stay home with the baby? And if they choose to send their little one to daycare or use some form of childcare, which ones are available to them in their area? How much do they cost? There are lots of things and questions to consider. Today's guest knows this well and wanted to create a better option for families, so she did! Britt Riley is chatting with us about childcare in the U.S. and childcare solutions for modern families. Tune in to find out what expecting and new parents need to know. Who is Britt Riley? Britt Riley is an entrepreneur, mom of two, and the CEO and founder of The Haven Collection. Haven is the first network of fully licensed daycares in the U.S. to offer flexible childcare, unlimited workspace, and fitness to all member families. Before founding The Haven Collection, Britt was the principal of Established, LLC., her marketing consultancy organization. Britt's inspiration for founding Haven came in between feeding her newborn and trying to catch some Zs when she started wondering how people do it all! And so, her business was born out of her own need for a better solution. Britt is the co-chair of the Founder's Network's Women's Leadership Committee and has been recognized by the Harvard Business School Association of Boston. Britt resides in Portsmouth, RI, with her husband, Matt, and two young daughters, Harper and Zoe. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Britt about childcare in the U.S. and childcare solutions for modern families. Here are several of the questions that we covered: How did you become passionate about childcare for the whole family? How did your experiences as a new mom drive your passion? Please explain the different types and styles of childcare available to families in the U.S. What things or questions should parents consider when choosing childcare for their little ones? One of the problematic aspects of managing work and parenting is that they both take a tremendous amount of executive function, often simultaneously. How can parents ease the exhaustion of this juggle? We've been hearing about and experiencing the childcare crisis in the U.S. Can you explain this to our listeners and your thoughts on this topic? We'd love to learn more about "childcare for the whole family." Can you elaborate on this concept for us? What are the most significant benefits you see from parents with access to childcare for the whole family? Britt's Resources Website: YourHavenLife.com Instagram: @yourhavenlife Article mentioned: Questions to Ask When Interviewing Daycares We hope you enjoyed this episode! If you haven't already, please subscribe to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and leave us an honest review. Cheers to caring for the whole family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Returning to school can be a lot for the whole family — not just for the kids but also for parents. You have to adapt to a new schedule; your kids get new teachers, they may have to make new friends and more. It can be a lot. And while change can be good, it can also be challenging. Our podcast guest, Kelly Smith, is an expert in her field, and she is sharing some helpful tips and mindfulness activities for kids to make the back-to-school transition better and easier for everyone.  Who is Kelly Smith? Kelly Smith is a globally renowned yoga and meditation teacher, founder of Yoga For You, and host of the chart-topping Mindful in Minutes podcast and its spin-off, MedKelly's Mama. Kelly's successful show and accessible but powerful approach to mindfulness have solidified her as a rising star in the world of yoga and meditation. In the fall of 2023, Kelly published her first book, Mindful in Minutes: Meditation for the Modern Family. Kelly wrote the book with the primary goal of helping families of all kinds learn how to use meditation to cope with the everyday struggles of being a person who is also part of a family. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, Kelly talked about mindfulness for modern families and activities to help ease the back-to-school transition for kids and parents. Here are some of the questions we covered: How can parents and families benefit from mindfulness and meditation?  Back to school can be a time of stress and worry for both parents and children. How can mindfulness help ease some of these typical troubles?  What is the best way to introduce meditation to children?  What relaxation techniques can we arm our children with as we send them back to school? Some children worry more than others or may be scared or afraid to go to school. Separation anxiety could be an issue. What exercises might help ease their fears?  How can we teach children compassion for other kids who may be struggling?  How can families participate in mindfulness practices together with Kelly'sher?  Kelly's mindfulness activities for kids and tips are great for going back to school, but I noticed that they can be used many times in our lives. There are so many benefits to practicing mindfulness and meditation. Doing these practices as a family is a wonderful way to introduce them into your kids' lives and grow together through challenging times. Kelly's Resources Website: Yoga For You Mindful in Minutes podcast Meditation Mama podcast Her book (available Sept 5, 2023): Mindful in Minutes: Meditation for the Modern Family Instagram: @yogaforyouonline Youtube: Yoga For You Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. To get involved and help spread awareness, we wanted to learn more about Type 1 diabetes, its signs and symptoms, how common it is, and what we can do to help. I learned a lot during this episode, and one thing that stood out to me was that Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, but it can develop at any age. I had no idea! Anastasia really broke everything down for us, including what parents really need to know about Type 1 diabetes and what to look for so we can look out for our kids and each other. Who is Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill? Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, Ph.D., ARNP, CDCES transitioned to a career in diabetes care, education, and research in 2008, and since that time has committed her professional life to improving the lives of people with diabetes. She currently serves as director, community screening and clinical trials education at Breakthrough T1D and is the founder and board chair of a Florida-based diabetes education non-profit, Diabetes Toolkit. Anastasia formerly served as director of diabetes education and clinic operations in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida, where she maintained an active research portfolio and clinical practice. Prior to working in diabetes care, Anastasia was the highest-ranking executive for Southwest Airlines in southern California, where she oversaw the company’s local marketing, public affairs, and community and media relations. She plans to retire as soon as a cure for Type 1 diabetes is discovered, but not a moment earlier. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Anastasia all about Type 1 diabetes and what parents need to know — from symptoms to diagnoses and beyond. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: What exactly is Type 1 diabetes (T1D)?  Please tell us how your child’s T1D diagnosis changed your career and life. How has it influenced your approach to parenthood? What are some common misconceptions about T1D that you wish more people understood? What are the symptoms of T1D that people need to know? How would I know if my child might have it?  What are the benefits of early detection — especially for kids? How can people get screened?  How important is the support of family and friends in managing T1D? If a parent has T1D, what are the chances of their kids also having it? Can it affect your pregnancy? What treatment options are there for T1D? What resources do you recommend for people wanting to learn more about Type 1 diabetes? How can people get involved in finding a cure? 90% of people who develop Type 1 diabetes have no family connection with the condition, so it can happen to anyone, even if it doesn't run in your family. This is helpful information for us all to know and be aware of as we grow and raise our babies. Be sure to spread the message! Anastasia's Resources Website: breakthrought1d.org LinkedIn: @albaneseoneill Facebook: @breakthroughT1Dhq Instagram: @breakthroughT1Dhq Twitter: @breakthroughT1D T1D Resources Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to making everyday life better for those with Type 1 diabetes and their families! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just a few weeks ago, I had a birth doula client who asked me if she would really know when labor was starting. This question surprised me because she was pregnant with her second child. Her first childbirth experience was an induction, but she knew what contractions felt like. However, the more I thought about this question, the more I realized many expecting moms have asked me this, "Will I really know when I'm in labor?" So, I thought it would be a good time to review the signs that labor is starting so you have more confidence in when to contact your doctor or midwife. How to Know That Labor is Getting Closer I know that you are so excited for your little one to be here (and not to be pregnant anymore). The third trimester can feel like the longest one. Each week and day can feel like forever because you are getting increasingly uncomfortable. I get it. Thankfully, there are some signs that you should be aware of that can be good indicators that labor is on the horizon! I discuss these FOUR THINGS to look for as you approach your due date. In this episode, I share what each one is, when you can potentially experience them, and what to possibly expect from these signs. This will give you more confidence that your body is doing what it's supposed to and getting you closer to meeting your baby. So exciting! 4 Signs That Labor is Starting Once you have experienced those signs of labor approaching, you will soon experience the real deal. If you're unsure what to pay attention to and look for, there are FOURS SIGNS that indicate labor is starting. If you want to learn about these signs and what they mean, I talk about them in this episode. Download and play this episode wherever you listen to podcasts, or scroll up and play on the player provided above. I walk you through these signs of labor and what you can expect from each.  I know that this is an exciting and anxious time. You are so ready to meet your baby that you begin to second guess if you are really in labor. But I promise, if you listen to this show and pay attention to your body, you will really know when you are in labor and when to go to the hospital. Mentioned in the Episode Here are some more details on some of the topics mentioned in this episode: Cervical dilation (cervical checks) Mucus plug Contractions Bloody Show Water breaking When to go to the hospital in labor - our very first podcast episode! Thank you for tuning into this episode. Tell us your thoughts and labor experience on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychick! For expecting mamas still waiting to meet their little ones, I hope this helps you better understand your body and know what to look for when labor begins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The anticipation of having a baby is often regarded as a joyous event in the life of a couple, and yet the transition to parenthood usually involves profound transitions and challenges in the couples' intimate relationship. Further complicating things, the perinatal period is when women are most vulnerable to mood and anxiety disorders, with perinatal depression being the number one medical complication of the postpartum period. Thankfully, a brief intervention has been developed to strengthen couples' relationships called The Before Baby Relationship Checkup. It's offered during pregnancy to help ease the transition to parenthood and reduce the risk of perinatal mood disorders. We're excited about this new service for new mothers, and we're "chick chatting" with Dr. Ellen Darling to learn more. Who is Ellen Darling, PhD? Dr. Ellen Darling is a clinical psychologist in Providence, RI, specializing in couples therapy, young adult mental health, and perinatal mental health. She holds a PhD from Clark University, where she trained at the Center for Couples and Family Research. Dr. Darling is passionate about guiding couples through challenges, including intimacy difficulties, alienation, communication impasses, chronic conflict, infidelity, parenthood issues, and other periods of transition. She practices Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), an evidence-based approach that identifies patterns that keep partners disconnected and, in doing so, offers new possibilities for empathy and change. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Ellen about the Before Baby Relationship Checkup. This checkup is a couples intervention specifically designed to address maternal mental health by screening pregnant women for early detection and decreasing primary risk factors. Here are several of the questions that we covered: What is perinatal depression, and why don’t we hear much about it? What are some of the risk factors for perinatal depression?  If untreated, what are the risks beyond pregnancy for a woman with perinatal depression?   How does a relationship play a part in maternal mental health?  Tell us about the Before Baby Relationship Checkup. What is it, and why do pregnant women need to know about it? What does the relationship intervention consist of?  How are the results of the checkup addressed, and what are the next steps? How can couples benefit from participating in a Before Baby Relationship Checkup?  Why is early detection important when it comes to maternal mental health?  What can couples do to strengthen their relationship prior to having a baby?  How can a spouse support a mother experiencing perinatal or postpartum depression? Ellen's Resources ellendarlingphd.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This discussion was a good one and about several topics that I am so incredibly passionate about: women's choice of care, midwives, evidence-based birth practices, and better birth outcomes. Dr. Darrell Martin shared so many fascinating stories and talked to us all about his experience advocating for women's choice in healthcare, his support of midwives, and the five key roles of midwives in creating a safe birthing environment. I was smiling from ear to ear throughout our entire conversation because I kept thinking, "YES! This doctor GETS IT." And I want everyone to know what he knows and his story. Who is Dr. Darrell Martin? Dr. Darrell Martin is a gynecologist and a dedicated healthcare advocate with four decades of expertise in women’s health. His dedication to patient care and choice propelled him to testify before Congress, championing the rights of Certified Nurse Midwives and advocating for patients' freedom to select their healthcare providers. A standout moment in his career was his fervent support for nurse-midwifery in Nashville, Tennessee, showcasing his commitment to advancing the profession. Additionally, Dr. Martin takes great pride in having played a pivotal role in more than 5,000 births, marking a legacy of life and joy he has helped bring into the world. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Dr. Darrell Martin about midwifery and the five key roles of midwives in creating a safe birthing environment. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: How did you become passionate about women's health, midwifery, and patient rights?  Please give us a brief explanation of what a midwife is and what their role encompasses in the context of childbirth. Also, to our listeners, tune in to our episode #43: What is a Midwife? for more information! In your opinion, how is the role of a midwife different from an OB/GYN when it comes to childbirth? Please tell us about the five key roles of midwives in creating a safe birthing environment. How do you believe midwives contribute to a positive birthing experience for individuals and their families? What are some common challenges or misconceptions that midwives face in their practice? How do you see the role of midwives evolving in the future of childbirth? It was a pure delight chatting with Dr. Martin about midwifery care and his beliefs about women's care and childbirth. His passion, perseverance, and commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care are leading to meaningful change, and we hope to see more of it! Dr. Martin's Resources Website: darrellmartinbooks.com Book: Thank you for listening to this episode! Follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to midwifery and safe, beautiful births!! (GO TO SHOW NOTES FOR MORE!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a doula and advocate for mothers, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is that every woman feels safe, seen, and supported throughout her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. But the reality is, not all women are receiving the care they deserve — especially Black mothers. In fact, Black women in the United States are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women — a heartbreaking and unacceptable reality that demands action, awareness, and systemic change. That's why today's discussion is so important because we need to spread this message. I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell about the Black maternal health crisis. This discussion was full of passion and vulnerability where Dr. Bayo generously shared her personal birth story, the critical data we all need to know, and powerful, practical ways we can begin to create change. While I may not share this lived experience, I believe it’s my responsibility — as a woman, a mother, and a birth professional — to listen, learn, and use my platform to help protect and support every mother. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about improving maternal care in our country and around the world. Who is Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell? Dr. Bayo, a family medicine physician and nationally recognized health equity advocate, is the founder and CEO of Beyond Clinical Walls, a platform that delivers credible health information through social media and podcasts. She’s also a powerful TEDx speaker, where her talk “Do No Harm” has garnered over 2 million views and sparked a nationwide conversation about the maternal health crisis. Dr. Bayo is a passionate advocate for improving healthcare inequalities, and her work as the medical director for urgent care clinics at Saint Mary's Health Network and her numerous leadership roles — including serving on the CDC Community and Public Engagement Workgroup and the Nevada Patient Protection Commission — have solidified her as a trailblazer in healthcare. If you’re an expectant mom, a healthcare provider, or simply someone who wants to be part of the solution, I hope this episode encourages you to listen more deeply, speak up more boldly, and advocate for better care for all mothers. Because every mom deserves to be protected, heard, and valued — no matter her race, background, or birth plan. Let’s continue to show up for one another and be part of the change our maternal healthcare system so desperately needs. Dr. Bayo's Resources Website: doctorbayo.com Instagram: @doctor.bayo TikTok: @doctor.bayo YouTube: @beyondclinicalwalls LinkedIn: @drbcw bsky: @doctor-bayo Tedx Talk: Do No Harm Podcast: Beyond Clinical Walls Thank you for listening to our podcast. Cheers to equal maternal rights and supportive care for all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcoming a new baby into the world and becoming a parent are some of the greatest gifts in life. As soon as you see those two pink lines on your pregnancy test and the moment you hold your baby in your arms, life is never the same again. And just as your baby is learning about you and this new world, you are also learning about this new baby and your new role as a mother. There are highs and lows and twists and turns, but it is the most worthwhile ride of your life. Dr. Sears knows this very well as a pediatrician and father of eight (that's right, eight!) children. We chat with him on this episode about developing your parenting style and his experiences as a doctor and father. Who is Dr. William Sears? Dr. William Sears, MD, is a world-renowned pediatrician and the author of the million-copy bestseller The Baby Book. He received his medical training at Harvard Medical School's Children's Hospital in Boston and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He has now been advising parents on how to raise healthier families for more than 50 years. Dr. Sears co-founded AskDrSears.com and the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, which has certified over 12,000 Health Coaches worldwide. As a father of eight children, he coached Little League sports for 20 years and, together with his wife Martha, has written more than 45 books on nutrition, parenting, and healthy aging. In May 2012, Dr. Sears and his contribution to family health were featured on the cover of TIME Magazine, and they named him "the man who remade motherhood." He serves as a health consultant for magazines, TV, radio, and other media and is noted for his science-made simple-and-fun approach to family health. We are thrilled and honored to have him with us on our show today! What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Dr. Sears about developing the parenting style that works best for you and your children. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: You have so much first-hand experience as a medical professional and being a father of eight. How have these experiences shaped the way you offer advice to new parents? I love that you say, "There is no one way to parent a baby." Can you elaborate on that statement? How do you think new parents can begin to develop a parenting style that best suits their family? We all have different needs, as do our children. How important is it to be flexible in parenting and adapting to the changing needs of ourselves and our children? What role does self-awareness play in finding the best parenting style? How do you think external influences impact our parenting styles? How can parents best find a balance between incorporating expert advice and trusting their instincts when it comes to parenting? Do you have any examples of different parenting styles that have worked for different families and why they were effective? In your experience, how have parenting styles evolved? If you could offer one piece of advice to a new parent looking to find their stride, what would it be? Dr. Sears answers these questions with heartfelt stories of his patients and his own family experiences that make you feel his genuine passion and care for families and their babies. It's an episode that will leave you with a full heart and a better understanding of how to listen to your instincts as a mother. Be sure to tune in and leave us a review! Dr. Sears' Resources Website: AskDrSears.com Facebook: @askdrsears X: @askdrsears Instagram: @askdrsears YouTube: @askdrsears Go to our SHOW NOTES for more details! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all heard stories about birth. Maybe you've heard your own birth story from your parents. And if you are pregnant or have children of your own, you have definitely heard several birth stories, even from strangers! Some of those stories are good, and some are not so good. Unfortunately, it seems like the not-so-great and even scary birth stories are the ones that are told the most. As a doula who helps families have better birth experiences, this breaks my heart. What we hear can form a belief about how birth is and what it can be. Imagine if you only heard stories about birth being beautiful, empowering, even pleasurable, and orgasmic. What an impact that would make! My guest today knows all about this and is chatting with us about orgasmic birth and what expecting families need to know. Who is Debra Pascali-Bonaro? Debra Pascali-Bonaro is a world-renowned inspirational speaker, podcaster, filmmaker, doula trainer, childbirth educator, and author. She brings together her passion for pleasure in every aspect of life with her Jersey-Girl attitude of talking about what no one is talking about! Debra is a mother, grandmother, and featured expert in parenting journals and media worldwide. She is also Co-Chair of the International Childbirth Initiative, which promotes safe, respectful childbirth maternity care. She is a Lamaze International childbirth educator, birth and postpartum doula trainer with DONA International, Director of the award-winning documentary Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, co-writer of "Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth," Author of "The Ultimate Guide To Sex After Baby: Secrets to Love and Intimacy," and the Founder & President of the revolutionary online childbirth class Pleasurable Birth Essentials which prepares expectant mothers, fathers, and partners to be positively prepared for birth and focuses on the intimate and sacred nature of birth. It's evident that Debra is highly passionate about changing childbirth so that every woman/partner has a safe, respectful, and pleasurable birth.  What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Debra about orgasmic birth and tips and secrets to create more love and intimacy in birth and parenting. Here are several of the questions that we covered: How did you become passionate about the birthing experience?  Childbirth and sex can both be taboo subjects. Why do you think this is, and how can we change this narrative?  Can you elaborate more on the connection between childbirth and sex?  What is orgasmic birth? And is it real? Why should pregnant people include intimacy and sexuality in preparing for birth?  What can women do during pregnancy to help prepare for a positive birth experience?   What role does a partner play in this experience?  How can a doula help facilitate a pleasurable birth experience?  What are your top tips for ensuring an enjoyable and pleasurable birth?  What are the benefits of an orgasmic birth?  The narrative around birth is often that it is painful and scary, but I have heard you say it is powerful and can be pleasurable. How can we empower more women to approach birth with this mindset?  How do you recommend women continue to connect to their intimacy during the postpartum period? Debra's Resources Website: OrgasmicBirth.com Instagram: @orgasmicbirth Facebook: Orgasmic Birth YouTube: Orgasmic Birth TikTok: @orgasmicbirth Podcast: Orgasmic Birth Podcast Documentary: Orgasmic Birth Books: Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying, and Pleasurable Birth Experience The Ultimate Guide To Sex After Baby: Secrets to Love and Intimacy If you haven't already, please subscribe to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick podcast and leave us an honest review. Cheers to a positive and pleasurable birth!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Motherhood is, without a doubt, the best thing that has ever happened to me. It has molded me into a better, stronger, more loving, and compassionate person. I never knew how much my heart could love until I had children. Motherhood has also made me very tired, a bit more anxious, and even more of an over-thinker and worrier. If you're a mom reading this, I'm sure you might be able to relate to a few of these. While we want to do everything we can for our children and be a good mom, sometimes (or oftentimes) we over-extend ourselves because we want to show them (and maybe the world) how much we care. It comes from the very best of intentions, but it can lead us to take on too many responsibilities and commitments. The load that we carry as mothers is heavy. That's why we refer to it as "the mother load." And while, of course, we would do anything for our children, mothers need to remember this . . . all of those things were never meant for one person to carry. Our guest, Erica Djossa, knows all about the mother-load that she literally wrote the book. She talks to us in-depth about this topic and how mothers can make a change for the better. Who is Erica Djossa? Erica Djossa is a registered psychotherapist specializing in maternal mental health with over a decade of experience. She is the author of Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More, CEO and founder of Momwell, and the host of the Momwell podcast. As a mother of three rambunctious young boys, Erica understands first-hand the challenges of motherhood. Perfectionism, pressure, and loss of identity fueled her battle with postpartum depression, and she realized how difficult it is to seek care. She founded Momwell to set a standard of care for providers and ensure mom-centered specialized mental health support at any stage of motherhood. Erica has been featured in media publications, including Time Magazine, USA Today, The Toronto Star, Breakfast Television, and Scary Mommy. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Erica about the invisible “mother-load” all moms carry and how moms can learn to carry less and enjoy motherhood more. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: What are some of the most common mental health issues you see in mothers today? Where does this "invisible load" come from? How can we break away from it?  So many modern moms feel pressure to be the "perfect mom.” Why is this harmful, and how can we change it?  What are your thoughts on gender norms and how moms can end up carrying more of the load? How does this affect relationships?  How do you recommend moms communicate with their partners about how they are feeling and how they can help? What is your advice for the mom who always feels like she needs to do and be “more”? Go to the SHOW NOTES for more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With November being National Adoption Month, we’re thrilled to end the month chatting with a guest who knows this topic extremely well, Becky Fawcett. We talked about all things adoption with Becky in this episode. We discussed her personal adoption journey, the adoption process people need to know, costs, and much more. Who is Becky Fawcett? Becky Fawcett is the founder and president of Helpusadopt.org, an equality-based organization that seeks to reduce the financial burden of adoption. After graduating from Franklin & Marshall College, Becky had a successful career in the magazine industry, first for Baltimore magazine and then for Philadelphia magazine as the director of marketing. She then went on to found The Fawcett Group, a full-service public relations and marketing firm. Becky and her husband, Kipp, adopted their first daughter, Jane, in 2005 and their second daughter, Brooke, in 2009. After adopting their first child, Becky and Kipp were so grateful that they had the financial means to adopt that they decided to make a donation to an organization that would help ease another family’s financial burden. Sadly, they could not find an adoption grant organization that was based on a mission of equality. To address this need and help all types of families, they founded Helpusadopt.org in 2007. Helpusadopt.org has been featured on CNN, People.com, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, O Magazine, and Good Housekeeping for their groundbreaking work in the world of adoption. Becky lives in Manhattan with her husband, Kipp, and their children, Jane and Brooke. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Becky all about adoption! Here are several of the questions that we covered: Becky, did you always know you wanted to adopt? We'd love to hear more about your personal adoption story and experience. Please share with us! What were the biggest challenges you faced while going through the adoption process? I’ve heard from families that the adoption process can be overwhelming. Where do you suggest a family start to explore adoption? What aspects of adoption do you think the general public might be unaware of? Can you walk our audience through a typical adoption process? What is the average cost of adoption? Why is adoption so expensive? What obstacles does the high cost of adoption create for families and children? What advice would you give families who are just beginning to explore adoption options? It was a pleasure chatting with Becky about the adoption journey and hearing her passion and knowledge about such a very special topic. We hope that this episode brings hope and encouragement to families out there who may or may not be considering adoption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeding your new baby can come with its challenges. You may think that breastfeeding your newborn will come naturally, and for some, it does. However, for many others, it isn't so simple. Breastfeeding is a skill that both mother and baby must practice and learn together. Then, once they have figured out their feeding rhythm, it's time to introduce a bottle, and mothers are left unsure how to do it properly so as not to halt their breastfeeding journey. They wonder how they can successfully combine breastfeeding and bottle-feeding to experience both benefits because moms deserve to feed their babies the way that works best for them. Today's guest is sharing all the tips on how to introduce a bottle to baby, how to combine breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, and all the details parents need to know about Emulait and their baby bottle. Who is Madison Blampied? Today's guest is Madison Blampied. Madi is Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Relations at Emulait. With a keen eye for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships, Madi has learned to balance the demands of a high-powered career with the joys of motherhood. She found Emulait when her 2-year-old was only six weeks old and knew she needed to be a part of this revolutionary product. Now, as she eagerly anticipates the arrival of her second child, her outlook on bottles has shifted since her first pregnancy before Emulait existed. She is passionate about empowering women and giving them the tools to choose the outcome of their feeding journey! What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Madi about combining breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. We want to help parents feel confident in their feeding journey and support them by answering common questions while providing some helpful tips and tricks we have learned from our hands-on experiences as moms and professionals in the baby space. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: Can you talk about some of the different ways mothers feed their babies and how bottles play a role in these journeys? What should parents consider when looking for a bottle for a breastfed baby? What makes Emulait's bottle unique? Can you elaborate on the development and science behind this unique product? What tips do you have for introducing a bottle to a baby? What are the biggest challenges you see parents facing when transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle feeding? How can they be overcome? You said your outlook on bottles has shifted since your first pregnancy. Can you tell us more about your experience? What are your top bottle-feeding tips and tricks? Support is so important regardless of how you choose to feed your baby. Please tell our listeners more about how Emulait supports all parents on their feeding journeys. What is one piece of advice you would like to give parents about to embark on their feeding journey? Between the laughter and helpful tips, this was one of my favorite episodes! We covered a lot with Madi about the Emulait brand and how to help families with their baby-feeding journeys. We sincerely hope you enjoyed the episode as much as we did. Be sure to check out Emulait's bottles and products, and stay tuned for all of the amazing new things they are launching (as Madi mentioned) this year! Cheers to a stress-free baby-feeding journey! *Check out Emulait's products here!* Mentioned in the Episode Emulait's other accessories Emulait's app: Apple Store and Google Play They have a lactation consultant available for their customers (free of charge) to help them through their breastfeeding and bottle-feeding journeys. Madi's Resources Website: Emulait Facebook: @emulait X: @emulait Instagram: @emulait TikTok: @emulait Watch the episode on our YouTube channel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holidays are upon us! This means creating special memories, holiday parties, and delicious food. If you're the one who is hosting the holidays this year, or you need to bring a dish or two to a party, it can be daunting to know where to start. Maybe you want to make a tasty but healthy dish. And perhaps you want to make something kid-friendly so everyone can enjoy. Today, we have a special guest on the podcast, The BakerMama, who is answering all of our questions and is serving some fantastic tips to help make hosting and entertaining easier! Who is Maegan Brown? Maegan Brown (aka The BakerMama) is the best-selling cookbook author of Beautiful Boards, Spectacular Spreads, and Brilliant Bites. Her popular food blog, TheBakerMama.com, features hundreds of her tasty recipes and creative meal ideas. In her latest book, Brilliant Bites, Maegan continues her quest to share her best ideas for effortless entertaining with 75 charming and delicious small bites for all occasions, such as parties, family meals, breakfast, snack-time, dessert, and holidays. Maegan loves to entertain with ease and is passionate about inspiring others to create delicious moments with their loved ones. She lives in Dallas with her husband and four children, and in their house, the kitchen is the heart of their home, and they love welcoming others into it! What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Maegan all about entertaining during the holiday season! Here are several of the questions that we covered: Have you always loved to cook? What inspired you to start The BakerMama? What are your top tips for entertaining during the holidays? If you are hosting a party, how do you begin to plan out a menu? What are some of your favorite recipes for entertaining? What are your favorite kid-friendly recipes? What are your tips for keeping it easy in the kitchen? Do your kids like to help you in the kitchen? How do you recommend including kids in the cooking process? What tricks do you have up your sleeve for keeping dishes both healthy and delicious? What's your go-to sharable appetizer to take to a party? What must-have products do you have in your kitchen? What cooking hacks do you think every mom should know? What items are always in your fridge/pantry? What are your kid's favorite recipes that you make? What are your top tips for entertaining like a pro? Maegan's Resources Website: TheBakerMama.com Instagram: @thebakermama TikTok: @thebakermama YouTube: @TheBakerMamaBlog Facebook: @thebakermamablog Cheers to effortless entertaining! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As someone with a twin brother who has autism, this topic is very near and dear to my heart. It's important to me to have this discussion with a professional so that more people can understand autism, what it means, the signs and symptoms, and how families can get help. The CDC recently released data showing 1 in 36 children is now affected by ASD. Now more than ever, we all need to understand autism better. Who is Jana Sarno? Today we have Jana Sarno as our guest! Jana is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive educational, clinical, and professional development experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University (WMU). Jana then attended The University of Southern Mississippi for her PhD. in school psychology. During her time at USM, she worked with children enrolled in Head Start/Early Head Start, local school districts, a multi-disciplinary setting for children with communication and developmental disorders, and the USM School Psychology Clinic. After her time at USM, Jana completed a year-long internship at the Marcus Autism Center, an NIH Autism Center of Excellence in Atlanta, GA. While at Marcus, Jana received intensive clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior, verbal behavior, and feeding disorders.  It's evident that Jana is an expert in her field, and we are grateful to spend some time with her to chat about autism, early signs and symptoms, and the steps to take if your child is exhibiting any of them. We came with a lot of questions, and she delivered. If you or anyone you know has questions about ASD and wants to learn more, this episode is for you. Jana's Resources Hopebridge Instagram: @hopebridge360 Facebook: @hopebridge360 Twitter: @Hopebridge360 LinkedIn: @hopebridge YouTube: @hopebridge Association for Science and Autism Treatment We hope you found this episode helpful. If you did and enjoyed it, please subscribe to our podcast, Chick Chat, and leave us an honest review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While being a parent is one of the greatest joys in life, it can also be overwhelming and exhausting. There is so much to keep up with that parents can often identify as chaos coordinators. From scheduling doctor appointments, play dates, extracurricular practices, preparing meals, cleaning the house, managing all of the big emotions from our little ones, and much more, it can feel like our lists never end. At times, the chaos can be all-consuming. However, if we want to create calm for ourselves and our families in the house, it all begins with us. Our guest today, Jenna Hermans, knows all about turning chaos into calm and is sharing her secrets with us! Who is Jenna Hermans? Jenna is living proof that you can create a life of calm within chaos and overwhelm. She uses her bachelor's degree in psychology, master's degree in organizational management, and over fifteen years of Human Resources experience to build strong teams, both at work and at home. Jenna co-founded Be Courageous, and she's a busy mom of 4, a coach, and an author. As seen in Forbes, The Sun, ELLE, Yahoo, and more, Jenna takes an intentional and inclusive approach to help people (especially parents) implement tools that put organization and systems around their busy lives that infuse calm and more joy, helping them go from 'Chaos to Calm,' which doubles as the title of her debut book that launched in May 2023. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Jenna about creating more time, less stress, and understanding how we, as parents, can spend more hours appreciating our families and living our lives with intention and joy! Here are several of the questions that we covered: What actionable steps can parents take to begin to reduce the stress and chaos in their lives? Sometimes, the chaos feels so overwhelming that it's hard to know where to start. How do you recommend that overwhelmed parents take the first step to gaining control? I've heard you speak about "owning your calm." Can you elaborate on this idea? Which habits are most important to reduce the chaos of your daily life and increase your calm? How can communication and what communication tips can help busy parents create more calm? What role does community play in helping parents feel less overwhelmed? How can parents find their community when they may not have one already? I know you talk about self-care as an essential part of creating calm. How do you suggest parents start to care for themselves if this concept is foreign to them? Jenna's Resources Website: jennahermans.com Her company: bcrgs.com Instagram: @jennazhermans Facebook: @ChaosToCalmBook Chaos to Calm Book If you haven't already, please subscribe to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and leave us an honest review. Cheers to less chaos and more calm! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you a mother who feels stretched thin and exhausted? Maybe you can't remember anything, and you're feeling lonelier than ever before? If you're saying yes to yourself after reading these questions, you just might be experiencing "mommy burnout." Our guest today is an expert on this topic, and she is sharing her tips on navigating and reclaiming your life while raising healthy and happy children. Today's guest is Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, a psychologist, author, speaker, and mother. She literally wrote the book on Mommy Burnout and has been counseling overwhelmed, exhausted, and lonely mothers for 20 years. Dr. Sheryl has led over 10,000 face-to-face sessions focused on "mommy burnout" and its related issues, including anxiety, depression, and divorce. With less help available and high pressure on moms to do it all, it's no wonder that there is a loneliness epidemic going on right now. We're so grateful to have Dr. Sheryl Ziegler shed some light on a topic we feel most (if not all) mothers can relate to. Check our show notes for more details and a FREE well-mom checklist printable to help you take better care of yourself! Dr. Sheryl's Resources Website: drsherylziegler.com Mommy Burnout book - https://amzn.to/48G4IJA Her podcast: Dr. Sheryl's Podcouch - https://drsherylziegler.com/podcast/ Facebook: @mommyburnout Instagram: @drsherylziegler LinkedIn: @drsherylziegler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A growing body of research shows that social media is designed to be addictive and feed children age-inappropriate content. This is leading to higher rates of depression and loneliness. As a parent, this is heartbreaking news but not surprising. Concerned parents, legislators, and psychology experts are advocating for abstinence – specifically banning social media and smartphone use until kids reach high school age, and understandably so. But while their intentions are good, our guest, Tim Estes, an online child safety advocate, believes that taking away devices altogether isn’t the answer either. He says it creates a "pink elephant paradox." He believes that the more we try to take social media and smartphones away from kids, the more they’ll want them. It makes sense. So what are parents to do? Tim advocates for "kangaroo parenting." Who is Tim Estes? Tim Estes is a pioneering executive in the Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing domain. He founded and led Digital Reasoning in 2000, an AI leader in the space of unstructured data analytics for 20+ years. Estes envisioned a means by which computers could learn to accurately interpret language, understand context, and extract critical intelligence. Dubbed "Wall Street’s Robocop" by Forbes, the technology in Digital Reasoning became the market standard for applying AI and Natural Language Processing to communications data across text and voice and was adopted by a majority of Tier 1 Financial Institutions around the globe. Its technology also supported key Defense and Intelligence efforts in the U.S. Government. It enabled nationwide cancer screening systems to automate patient detection and prioritization and created the largest deployed system to support law enforcement in the disruption of child sex trafficking rings in North America. It was merged with Smarsh in November 2020 to create the market leader in Communications Intelligence for Financial Services. Tim left the acquiring company, Smarsh, at the end of 2021 and is now an active Angel Investor, Advisor, Board Member, and Mentor to CEOs in multiple industries. His newest startup, Angel AI, uses the latest advances in generative AI to change how kids use the internet to empower and protect them. The mission of Angel is to harness the power of AI to raise healthier and happier humans, starting with our kids. As a parent himself, Tim has dedicated his life to keeping kids safe online. He frequently advocates for change on Capitol Hill and recently briefed the House and Senate leadership on these issues. We are so impressed and so grateful for the work Tim does. This episode is a great listen for parents with kids using the internet. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Tim about keeping our children safe online and Kangaroo parenting in this digital age. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: How do you recommend parents manage devices, social media, and other digital platforms for their kids in this digital world? I know you are an advocate for "kangaroo parenting." Can you tell us more about this parenting style? How can parents instill healthy online habits and boundaries? What is it that parents need to know that you know about the internet and keeping our kids safe online? What is your number one piece of advice for parenting a child in our digital world? Tim's Resources Website: angelkids.ai LinkedIn: Tim Estes Thorn: Tim worked closely with Thorn, an organization co-founded by Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore that combats child sex trafficking. Thank you for listening to this episode! Follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to keeping our kids safe online and allowing them to grow and explore with our guidance! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I can't believe we first launched this podcast in 2018, and this is my very first solo episode! We have been playing around with the idea of incorporating solo shows into our podcast for a bit. Now that this is my first one, I am super excited to hear what you guys think about it. Because my career background is heavily tied around birth and my work as a doula, I thought "How to Choose the Right Doula for You" would be a great first solo episode for me to share my thoughts and advice with all the pregnant mamas. What the heck is a doula? If you are pregnant or have been pregnant in the recent past, you have probably heard the word “doula.” Some of you might be getting some witchy, burning sage, banging-on-the-drum vibes when you read/hear this word. And for those of you who have used a doula during your birth experiences, you may be laughing to yourself as you read this because you know that while we can do those things, if that is what you want as the birthing mother, we don't really do those things. That's at least speaking for myself and many of the doulas I've worked with and know. I have been a doula for the past 13 years and have attended over 300 births in many different settings — mainly hospitals, a few birthing centers, and home births. I first started working with moms and attending births in 2011. I can’t believe it's been 13 years, and we’re in 2024. For those of you who have never heard of the word "doula," it’s actually an ancient Greek word meaning ‘woman servant, caregiver, or a woman who serves.’ More recently, it refers to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother and her partner during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and their postpartum journey. In This Episode In this episode, I talk about the different types of doulas there are and my 6 steps to help you pick the best doula for you. I even include a FREE printable of interview questions you should be asking doulas when you are interviewing them. (Click the show notes link to download it!) Please share your thoughts with us and leave us a review on my very first solo show. I'd love to hear what you think and what you would add to my list. And join us on our podcast's Instagram page @thebabychickchat to continue chick-chatting with us! https://www.instagram.com/thebabychickchat/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everything changes the moment you find out you're pregnant. Priorities change, lifestyle choices change, and your whole world changes. You realize you are no longer just taking care of yourself. Caring for your baby becomes the priority. You may become protective and think about what you're exposing yourself to, including harsh chemicals and toxins. It's normal during pregnancy for women to rethink the products they're bringing into their homes and how they may affect their growing baby. Our guest, Sophia Ruan Gushée, can absolutely relate. After her pregnancy with her firstborn, her passion for a nontoxic life was ignited. Since then, she has created an empire to help others detox their lives. Today, she's answering our questions and sharing her expert tips on detoxifying your home for your newborns, kids, and family. Who is Sophia Ruan Gushée? Sophia is a nontoxic lifestyle expert and author of A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Our Toxic Exposures and several detox workbooks. She is praised by experts in both medical and wellness fields for her practical approach to avoiding toxins and cultivating a healthier home environment. A graduate of Brown University and Columbia Business School, Sophia has helped thousands of people enjoy healthier lives by simplifying nontoxic living while protecting the ease and convenience of modern life. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Sophia about detoxifying your home for your family, why it is important, and how to do it. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: Why is it important for us to consider detoxifying our homes, specifically for newborns and young children? What are some common toxins or pollutants found in homes that parents may not be aware of? Can you share some practical tips for identifying and removing toxins from our homes? What are the top areas or aspects of a home that parents should focus on when detoxifying for their children's health? Are there any specific household products or materials that parents should be especially cautious of? What are some of the long-term benefits of maintaining a detoxified home environment for children's health and well-being? How can parents effectively communicate the importance of home detoxification to other family members or caregivers coming into their home? What resources or tools do you recommend for parents who want to learn more about and get started in detoxifying their homes for their children's and family’s health? It was an enlightening conversation that really got me interested in how I can create a healthier space for myself and my family. Tune in to learn more! Sophia's Resources Website: www.ruanliving.com Instagram: @ruanliving Facebook: @Ruan Living LinkedIn: Sophia Ruan Gushée TikTok: @ruanliving Book: A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Our Toxic Exposures Sophia's Podcast: Practical Nontoxic Living Podcast Her D-tox Academy Mentioned in the episode: Environmental Health Trust Tech Wellness Dr. Bronner's castile soap Think Dirty app Healthy Living app - EWG  Thank you for listening to this episode! Follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to detoxing your home for you and your growing family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know that children are the greatest blessings in life. They truly are. Raising them, however, can be quite a challenge for us parents. We want to protect them, mold them, and encourage them to be the best people they can be. But how do we do that without being too permissive or too authoritarian? Many parents struggle to find parenting methods that work for them and their children, especially when generations before us parented so differently. Maybe you're trying to break family cycles that you learned and want to do things differently with your kids. Maybe you want to parent with better boundaries and with more respect. If this is you and you're looking for ways to connect more with your children and parent with compassion, you're going to love today's guest, Janet Lansbury. Who is Janet Lansbury? Janet Lansbury is a former actress and model, and her passion for parent education began when she became a mother and sought guidance from infant expert Magda Gerber. Deeply inspired and grateful for her wisdom, Janet began training with Magda professionally. For the last 20 years, she has taught RIE parenting classes in Los Angeles and has served on the Board of Directors of Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) since 1995. Janet is privileged to support hundreds of thousands of parents across the globe, sharing insights gained through her parenting classes and personal experiences as a mother of three.  In 2009, Janet created her parent education blog, JanetLansbury.com, and she later published two best-selling books, Elevating Child Care: A Guide to Respectful Parenting and No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame. In 2015, Janet launched her podcast, Unruffled, which is the top-ranking parenting podcast about respectful parenting from Wondery. Janet encourages parents and childcare professionals to perceive babies as unique, capable human beings with natural abilities to learn without being taught, develop motor and cognitive skills, communicate, face age-appropriate struggles, initiate and direct independent play for extended periods, and much more. My Thoughts Janet Lansbury is someone that I have admired in the baby and parenting industry for years. Her work has impacted me and so many others (including many of my clients) with our parenting and how we think about our children, boundaries, discipline, and more. Hearing her share her personal story and her overall thoughts on respectful parenting was inspiring. I have been interested for a while in learning more about RIE and the work that Janet does, but after this episode, I may just take a course myself. Stay tuned! If you would like a healthier relationship with your child and want to discover a different way of parenting that can blossom your own parenting skills, I highly recommend listening to this episode and learning more about Janet's work. I believe you will leave inspired, too. Janet Lansbury's Resources Website: JanetLansbury.com Instagram: @janetlansbury Facebook: @janetlansbury Her podcast: Unruffled Her books: Elevating Child Care: A Guide to Respectful Parenting No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame No Bad Kids Master Course Resources for Infant Educarers Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat. Let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to parenting with respect! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's no secret that more and more couples are facing fertility challenges today. Fertility treatments are on the rise, and people are looking for alternatives and more natural solutions to help them during their fertility journeys. When looking back at generations before us, they didn't experience as many fertility issues as our generation. This got me thinking about why this might be the case and what we can do about it. I wanted to learn more and got to talk to today's guest, pre-pregnancy expert Alexandria Devito, about preparing for pregnancy and what we can do to optimize our health before conception to increase our chances for a positive pregnancy test. Whether you're considering egg freezing, just starting to think about pregnancy, or have been navigating the path to parenthood, this episode is for you and for anyone looking to embrace a holistic approach to fertility and generational health. Who is Alexandria DeVito? Alexandria DeVito is a functional nutritionist who specializes in fertility and preconception health. She is the author of 9 Months Is Not Enough: The Ultimate Pre-pregnancy Checklist to Create a Baby-Ready Body and Build Generational Health. She is also the founder and CEO of Poplin, the first pre-pregnancy wellness company. Prior to founding Poplin, Alexandria worked in management consulting at McKinsey & Company. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. She also has a master’s degree in nutrition, extensive training as a doula, yoga teacher, and personal trainer, and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, all of which inform her approach to pre-pregnancy wellness. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, I chat with Alexandria about the importance of pre-pregnancy wellness, the impact our preconception health has on our fertility, and what we can do to optimize it. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: Can you explain what pre-pregnancy wellness entails and why it's important for prospective parents? What are some common misconceptions about pre-pregnancy health and its importance?  How can pre-pregnancy wellness be measured?  Does the importance of pre-pregnancy health only apply to first-time pregnancies?  How can pre-pregnancy health be optimized?  Does pre-pregnancy wellness only apply to females? How can partners support each other in achieving pre-pregnancy wellness goals? How does mental health factor into pre-pregnancy wellness? What lifestyle habits should prospective parents consider adjusting or adopting? How does the level of pre-pregnancy wellness have an impact on postpartum recovery?  What are your top tips for pre-pregnancy wellness? I was blown away by my conversation with Alexandria. She brought to light so many things that most people (including me!) don't know about when it comes to our pre-pregnancy wellness. I learned a ton, and I hope you leave this episode feeling hopeful and inspired, too. This is definitely one that I am going to share with people who are thinking about growing their family so they can start focusing on their overall health and wellness now. I hope you found this episode helpful as much as I did! Alexandria's Resources Website: 9monthsisnotenough.com Instagram: @getpoplin Book: 9 Months Is Not Enough: The Ultimate Pre-pregnancy Checklist to Create a Baby-Ready Body and Build Generational Health Mentioned in episode: Sophia Ruan Gushée's episode about Detoxifying Your Home for Newborns & Kids Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to prioritizing your pre-pregnancy wellness! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have a picky eater at home, you’re not alone! I'm right in the trenches with you. I've noticed that many parents find mealtime to be one of the most frustrating parts of the day, wondering how to get their child to try new foods without a battle. That's why I had to chat with Amanda Blechman, a registered dietitian, recipe developer, and mom of two, to help us parents navigate the tricky world of picky eating. I loved this episode with Amanda — she shared expert insights on what parents might be unintentionally not helping the situation, practical strategies to expand our child’s palate without pressure or power struggles, and so much more. Whether you’re dealing with a toddler who refuses vegetables or a child stuck in a chicken-nuggets-only phase, this episode is packed with helpful tips to make mealtimes smoother and more enjoyable for the whole family. Who is Amanda Blechman? Amanda Blechman is a registered dietitian, recipe developer, and mom of two young children who loves to combine her passions of food and family in her work. As part of the Nutrition and Scientific Affairs team at Danone North America, Amanda provides scientific guidance to support nutrition communications, outreach, and education for healthcare professionals and consumers. Amanda is also a creative cook and recipe developer, and in her free time, she enjoys sharing helpful tips on social media to make family meals less daunting for parents and caregivers. What Did We Discuss? As I mentioned, I got to chat with Amanda about picky eaters and how we can help them become adventurous eaters. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: When you hear someone say they have a picky eater, what’s the first thing that goes through your mind? Why do you believe some kids are picky eaters and others are more adventurous eaters? What tips do you have for parents with kids who are picky eaters? Are there things that parents might be doing wrong that are not helping their kids with their eating? What are things parents shouldn’t do? How do you feel about “letting them starve”? Some parents refuse to make another, different meal for their picky child and say, “If you’re not going to eat what the family is eating, you’re not going to eat at all.” What are your thoughts on this? If you disagree with it, what should parents do instead? What are some easy ways for parents to introduce and encourage new food into their child's diet? If parents could do one thing today to really help their child become a more adventurous eater, what would it be? Can you share some easy tips on creating a well-rounded lunchbox for a picky eater? What do parents not know about pediatric nutrition but need to know? Where do you see the future of pediatric nutrition heading, and what impact do you hope to have on the industry? I know all too well — and Amanda confirmed! — that conquering picky eating doesn’t happen overnight. However, with patience, consistency, and these different approaches, parents can help their children build a more positive relationship with food. Amanda’s expert advice reminds us that mealtimes should be about exploration, not coercion, and that small wins — like a child simply touching a new food — are steps in the right direction. Amanda's Resources Website: danonenorthamerica.com Instagram: @amandablechman LinkedIn: Amanda (Soled) Blechman, RD, CDN Mentioned in the Episode Bento box with five compartments Happy Tot bars Thank you for listening to our podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to share it with another parent who could use some encouragement. And as always, be sure to subscribe to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast for more empowering conversations like this one, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more inspiring content. Cheers to raising adventurous eaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Staying active during pregnancy isn’t just about fitness. It's so much more than that. It’s about feeling strong, prepared, and connected to your changing body. But with so much conflicting advice on what’s safe and effective, many expecting moms aren’t sure where to start. That's why in this episode of Chick Chat, we sit down with Gina Conley, the founder of MamasteFit.com, to break down the powerful benefits of prenatal fitness. From boosting overall health and reducing pregnancy discomforts to preparing the body for labor and postpartum recovery, Gina shares expert insights on how movement can empower moms-to-be. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, this episode will give you practical tips to feel your best throughout pregnancy and beyond. Who is Gina Conley? Gina Conley holds an MS in Exercise Science and is the Founder & CEO of MamasteFit, an industry-leading perinatal fitness provider with a training facility located in Aberdeen, North Carolina. Aside from her work as a personal trainer specializing in perinatal fitness, Gina is a seasoned birth doula who has supported nearly 200 births in North Carolina. Gina is a mom of four and a military spouse. She is also a 7-year Army Veteran who served a combat tour to Afghanistan in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom Sentinel. What Did We Discuss? Gina and I discussed all about prenatal fitness including common myths about exercise during pregnancy and what the facts really are. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: Explain to us why exercise is so important during pregnancy. What are some common myths about prenatal exercise?  Are there any risks associated with exercising during pregnancy?  How can exercise during pregnancy benefit moms-to-be during labor and birth? Are there certain exercises you specifically recommend women do to prepare for childbirth?  Do you have any practical tips for moms-to-be on how to integrate fitness into their daily routine without overwhelming themselves? We’ve all heard about Kegels, but I feel like that isn’t always the best way to prepare your pelvic floor for birth. What are your thoughts, and what do you believe women can do during their pregnancies to prepare their pelvic floor for labor and birth? Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, and staying active can be one of the most powerful ways to support both your body and mind through pregnancy and prepare yourself for a smoother postpartum. As Gina reminded us, prenatal fitness isn’t about pushing limits—it’s about moving with intention, preparing for labor, and embracing strength in all forms. We hope this episode leaves you feeling inspired to find movement that works for you, whether it’s strength training, yoga, or simply taking more mindful walks. If you loved this conversation, be sure to share it with another mama-to-be, and don’t forget to subscribe to Chick Chat for more expert advice on pregnancy, birth, and motherhood! Gina's Resources Website: MamasteFit.com Instagram: @mamastefit TikTok: @mamastefit YouTube: @mamastefit Book: Training for Two Thank you for listening to our podcast! Cheers to a healthy and fit pregnancy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanksgiving is around the corner! This is the time when we're solidifying our menu, confirming guests, and thinking about all of the ways we can keep our little ones happy and involved during the event. The holidays can bring up a lot of emotions. As moms, we feel the pressure to create the magic around the holidays and have things perfect for our guests and kids. And when you're the one hosting Thanksgiving, it can feel like extra pressure on your shoulders, especially if kids are attending. We want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere but also make it fun and memorable. Well, we had to ask event expert Cameron Forbes for her top tips for hosting a beautiful Thanksgiving for the whole family, including the kids. She shared some excellent advice and also gave us permission to not put so much pressure on ourselves and enjoy the moment. Who is Cameron Forbes? Cameron Forbes is the visionary founder of Forbes Functions, where exceptional event planning meets the pulse of New York City. At Forbes Functions, Cameron leverages her extensive network of vendors as well as her female team, to curate bespoke experiences for her clients. Her flair for hosting, coupled with an innovative approach, has positioned her as a leading tastemaker in the event planning scene. Under her guidance, Forbes Functions is not just planning events; it’s crafting unforgettable moments and trendsetting celebrations that resonate with elegance and exclusivity. Cameron has planned parties for the likes of Erin Lichy, Serena Kerrigan, Baked by Melissa, and many other notables and tastemakers in NYC. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Cameron about how to host a fabulous, kid-friendly Thanksgiving for your family, including tips and tricks for hosting with the kids. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: What does a “beautiful” Thanksgiving look like to you? Is it about the table setting, the food, or the overall vibe of the gathering? How do you create a Thanksgiving atmosphere that’s cozy and festive but also kid-friendly? What are some fun and creative ways to include kids in the Thanksgiving celebration without overwhelming them (or the adults)?  Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions that are especially fun for kids? How do they help make the day feel special for them and the whole family?  Thanksgiving is about gratitude. What are some ways to involve kids in expressing gratitude during the day, whether through crafts, conversations, or activities? How do you recommend parents get their kids involved in the Thanksgiving prep without turning it into more work for them? How do you balance keeping the day fun and relaxed for kids while maintaining the more traditional aspects of the holiday for adults? What are your top tips and tricks for keeping kids entertained at Thanksgiving? What’s the most memorable Thanksgiving moment you’ve had with your family, and how did it shape your approach to hosting the holiday? What’s the one thing you’d recommend every Thanksgiving host do (or not do) to make the day unforgettable for the whole family? If you had to sum up the key to hosting a beautiful family-focused Thanksgiving in one sentence, what would it be? Cameron gave us practical and creative tips on how to host a memorable and stress-free Thanksgiving with kids. I loved her examples and the special touches she does at her Thanksgiving events with her family and friends. Tune in for some great advice! Cameron's Resources Website: www.ForbesFunctions.com Instagram: @forbesfunctions Pinterest: @forbesfunctions TikTok: @forbesfunctions Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to a beautiful and memorable Thanksgiving with your family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our bodies go through so much during pregnancy and postpartum. Our hormones fluctuate like no other time in our lives, which can all take a significant toll on mothers. Actress and entrepreneur Ashley Greene Khoury knows this firsthand as a new mother to her daughter, Kingsley. Even before becoming a mother, Ashley became highly passionate about being a reproductive health advocate after her own pursuit of a pharmaceutical-free lifestyle (including hormonal birth control). Through her experiences, they have led her to start her own company that helps others with their hormonal health. Who is Ashley Greene Khoury? Ashley Greene Khoury rapidly rose to fame following her portrayal of Alice Cullen in the 'Twilight' movie franchise and immediately solidified herself as a champion for women from all walks of life. For over a decade, she has aligned with charities and movements that support and empower women (like Donate My Dress, No More, A21), cementing herself as a trusted advocate for wellness, femininity, and gender equality. More recently, Ashley co-founded Hummingway, a brand with the goal of transforming how all women (and anyone with a period) view their own reproductive health. Hummingway is laser-focused on providing its customers with a suite of innovative, non-toxic, effective products designed to support your hormonal health. Ashley launched Hummingway with her sister-in-law, Olivia Khoury, in 2021. The duo is on a mission to have a positive impact and offer alternative choices for menstruators everywhere who are frustrated with the industry's lack of comprehensive solutions. Through Hummingway, Ashley is eager to leverage her work ethic, network, and platform for this powerful cause with a commitment to excellence and building trust. We are here for it and excited to learn more! What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Ashley Greene Khoury about all things motherhood, career, and how women can navigate their bodies and hormonal health postpartum! Here are several of the questions that we covered: From acting to now being a reproductive health advocate — what got you interested in this field? Did you feel supported during your postpartum experience? How do you think we can better support mothers during this time? What led you to choose to have a home birth? There isn't a lot of talk about "hormonal health" in general, including new moms. Can you elaborate on this topic and why it is so important? What are some of your go-to mantras as a new mom? How have you been able to find your tribe in motherhood? What are your favorite products for you and your baby? What mom hack do you think every mom should know? If you could give moms one piece of advice, what would it be? What can our listeners expect to see from you in the near future? On-screen and off! If you are expecting, or a new mama, or someone who wants to know more about and take charge of their hormonal health, check out Hummingway and use promo code MOMS30 at checkout. Ashley's Resources Website: ourhummingway.com Hummingway Blog - The Regular Facebook: Our Hummingway Hummingway's Instagram: @ourhummingway TikTok: @ourhummingway Ashley's Instagram: @ashleygreene Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women can experience a lot of discomfort during pregnancy. All of these aches, pains, and changes in our body can also take a toll on our sleep. If we aren't moving around to find just the right position to get comfortable or having to get up to use the restroom again, you can count on our restless leg syndrome or pregnancy insomnia to kick in. With all of these issues, we had to chat with Dr. Ann Kristin Homdrum to learn more. Who is Dr. Ann Kristin Homdrum? Dr. Ann Kristin is a chiropractic doctor who specializes in pediatrics and women's health. She's not only a dedicated healthcare professional - she’s also an author, a public speaker, and a successful entrepreneur. She’s founded multiple businesses, including co-founding the maternity brand bbhugme, and is a co-owner of Norway's largest pediatric chiropractic franchise. But what's even more inspiring is her commitment to family. As a mom of three and alongside her husband, she's passionate about sharing her knowledge of conscious health decisions with fellow parents. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Dr. Ann Kristin about sleep during pregnancy, common sleep issues women experience during pregnancy, and how to overcome them all. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: How did you become passionate about working with pregnant women? How common are sleep issues during the prenatal period? What are some common sleep challenges that pregnant women face? How does pregnancy affect sleep patterns? Why do many expectant mothers struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position? Can you explain the role of chiropractic care in promoting better sleep during pregnancy? What other lifestyle recommendations do you typically provide to pregnant women to enhance their sleep quality? Are there certain sleep positions that are better than others during pregnancy? How important is a routine in pregnancy sleep? What are your top tips for getting a restful sleep during pregnancy? Dr. Ann Kristin's Resources Website: bbhugme.com Instagram: @natural_born_parenting Thank you for listening to this episode! Follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to a restful pregnancy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About to have a baby? Expecting moms often think about everything the baby will need, but what about you — the mother you are becoming? Preparing for motherhood and your postpartum time is imperative. It's a transformative time — mind, body, and soul. And there is a lot to think about and consider when preparing for your new life with your baby. This is why we are grateful to chat with Anne Wanlund and Stef Werdmuller on today's episode to dive deeply into the postpartum period, including postpartum wellness and the connection between postpartum depression and breastfeeding. Who are Anne & Stef? Anne Wanlund is the Co-Founder and CEO of Canopie, a digital maternal mental health company. Before Canopie, she spent over five years leading maternal health organizations in East Africa, most recently as the COO of a social enterprise that uses technology to improve maternal and child nutrition. She has worked in global health for the State Department, USAID, and Massachusetts General Hospital and has a Master's degree from Tufts University. Anne is channeling her passion and expertise in maternal health and personal experiences with mental health conditions as a new mom to address the enormous care gap. Stef Werdmuller is an IBCLC, teacher, and medical records coordinator at Aeroflow Healthcare. She is also a postpartum doula and student herbalist with an ever-increasing passion for supporting growing families. After a challenging experience breastfeeding her first child without access to resources and support, Stef was inspired to care for other parents going through the same issues. Stef values sustainability and innovation and wants the mothers she supports to know that they matter, and that non-judgmental help is available while they nourish their babies. What do we discuss? In this episode, we chat with Stef and Anne about all things postpartum, including the connection between postpartum depression and breastfeeding. So many things are going on with our bodies when we are postpartum. With all of the changes, physically and emotionally, it's important to keep certain things in mind and do certain things for a smoother transition to new motherhood. Anne and Stef explain how mothers' mental health can impact their ability to feed their babies, and thankfully, they share where mothers can turn for help and much lots more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of our greatest roles as parents, in my opinion, is to teach our children how to be independent, good human beings. While academics are important, are we (society) putting enough emphasis on basic life skills and emotional intelligence? I'm not sure. I think that life skills can often be misunderstood as "chores." However, life skills are independence skills and organizational skills. There's more to intelligence than just IQ. There's EQ (emotional quotient, also known as emotional intelligence). And in my opinion, that is just as important, if not more important, especially in this technological, AI/digital world we live in today. So, how do we raise good humans? It's a great question and we're chatting all about it with our guest today, Dr. Jenny Woo. Who is Dr. Jenny Woo? Jenny Woo, MBA, PhD, is a Harvard-trained researcher and educator. As the founder and CEO of Mind Brain Emotion, she has created a series of award-winning card games and tools to help adults and kids build emotional intelligence and social mastery. Her product line has been used by teachers, psychologists, parents, and teens in more than 50 countries. In addition to her MEd from Harvard, MBA from UC Berkeley, and PhD from UC Irvine, she also spent several years as a Montessori school director and seven years as a human capital consultant at Deloitte and executive coach at Cisco Systems. Dr. Woo teaches emotional intelligence at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Woo is a two-time TEDx speaker, author, and has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Yahoo! Finance, Parents, and The Harvard Gazette. Dr. Woo is the former host of 52 Essential Conversations to Inspire Children for Life podcast. She has also done two TEDx talks, including "How to Be Self-ish Without Feeling Selfish." Dr. Woo has spoken at the Institute for Child Psychology conference, the Happy Family conference, and other gatherings for parents, teachers, educators, and school administrators across the country. That’s right, she’s been everywhere, and we’re excited to have her here with us on our podcast. What Did We Discuss? Today, we’re chatting with Dr. Jenny Woo about how to build life skills and emotional intelligence for children. As I mentioned, life skills can often be misunderstood, so we are thrilled to have Dr. Woo here to "chick chat" with us about mastering these important skills, as well as how to raise good humans. As an educator and mother, Dr. Woo has seen and experienced all of this firsthand. Her warm presence on this episode and valuable insight on these topics are encouraging and refreshing. She gives parents and kids a great place to start to grow life skills, and she gives us hope for what the future can look like for our children. Be sure to tune into this episode and leave us a review! Mentioned in the Episode EQ Workshop video Empty-Nester Coach on Wall Street Journal Practical Life Skills for Kids on YouTube Dr. Woo's Resources Website: mindbrainemotion.com Mind Brain Emotion cards Facebook: @mindbrainparenting Instagram: @mindbrainparenting YouTube: @mindbrainemotion LinkedIn: @jennyjcwoo Thank you for listening to this episode! Follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like for us to cover. Cheers to life skills and being a good human! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the end of the third trimester, most expecting moms are over being pregnant and are beyond ready to meet their baby. If you're expecting or have had a baby, you can probably relate. Something else that the majority of these women will tell you is that even though they are so excited to meet their babies, they are also a bit afraid of labor and birth. We get it! Childbirth is unpredictable, and the unknown can be scary. We all want a healthy mom and baby, and a safe, positive childbirth experience. But why doesn't everyone get that experience? There are a lot of reasons to answer that question, but our latest guest, Gina Mundy, can answer this further. We had an engaging conversation with her that we believe every pregnant mama preparing for birth should listen to! Who is Gina Mundy? Gina Mundy is an attorney specializing in childbirth cases. For over 20 years, she has been working to gain an in-depth understanding of childbirth. She has traveled nationwide, engaging with healthcare professionals to explore all aspects of labor and delivery. Her goal is to become involved before childbirth to prevent mistakes, and she is the best-selling author of "A Parents Guide to a Safer Childbirth." As a mother of three herself, Gina is passionate about helping parents have the best childbirth experience possible and bringing a healthy baby into the world! She's my kind of girl, and I couldn't wait to talk to her about birth and hear all about her experience as a childbirth attorney. Gina's Resources Website: GinaMundy.com Gina Mundy's book: A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth Facebook: @ginamundy Instagram: @ginamundy LinkedIn: @ginamundy Gina's Podcast: The Childbirth Attorney Podcast with Gina Mundy Thank you for listening to this episode! Go to our SHOW NOTES for more details. Also, follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to a beautiful, safe birth and a healthy baby! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In my opinion, as soon as you find out you're pregnant, it heightens everything. You become so much more hyper-aware of your surroundings and everything you do because all of those things are no longer just affecting you . . . they are affecting your growing baby, too. And as mothers, we always want to do and provide the very best for our babies. This is why one of the first things we tend to think about is what we are eating. Because what we are eating is also what we are feeding our babies. Today's guest, Stephanie Middleberg, is an expert on this topic, and she is sharing her pregnancy nutrition tips with all of us and so much more. Tune in to discover everything you need to know about pregnancy nutrition and what to do to have a happy and healthy nine months and beyond! Who is Stephanie Middleberg? Stephanie Middleberg, MS, RD, CDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist, founder of Middleberg Nutrition, and mother of two. Stephanie received her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and lives with her kids, Julian and Remi, and her husband, Andrew, in Brooklyn. She is frequently called upon by media outlets as a nutritional expert and has served as a member of both Health and Cosmopolitan's Health Advisory Boards. She has made appearances on major television networks, including ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS, and Fox. Her bestselling books, The Big Book of Organic Baby Food and The Big Book of Organic Toddler Food have helped countless families feel at ease with the stresses of feeding their little ones. And now, her latest book, The Big Book of Pregnancy Nutrition, guides you on how to nourish yourself and your baby from the first through fourth trimesters. When she isn't working with her clients or media outlets, you can find Stephanie jogging with her husband and son, traveling, or concocting recipes in the Middleberg Nutrition Test Kitchen. Mentioned in the Episode Canned tuna: check out Safe Catch Prenatal vitamins she recommends: Perelel, Thorne, MegaFoods Electrolyte drinks: Needed or LMNT And so many of her delicious recipes from her book: Cooked Salmon Poke-Inspired Bowls - pg 245 Everything Bagel Popcorn - pg 220 Carrot Cake Muffins - pg 206 Energy Bites - pg 261 And more! Stephanie's Resources Website: middlebergnutrition.com Instagram: @smiddleberg_rd Instagram: @middlebergnutrition Latest book: The Big Book of Pregnancy Nutrition Thank you for listening to this episode! For more details, be sure to go to the SHOW NOTES and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat. Cheers to a happy and healthy pregnancy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While pregnancy is a miracle, there are times when it can be uncomfortable and not so glamorous. People hear about morning sickness and swollen feet, but not necessarily about pregnancy complications. Pregnant women need to know what is normal and abnormal in pregnancy so they can know what to look for regarding any concerns. One of the first tips today's guest shared on this episode is choosing a primary care provider you like and trust. Having a good relationship with your doctor or midwife and having continuity of care throughout your pregnancy can help you have a healthier pregnancy. We learned a lot of insightful tips from our special guest, Dr. Alison Cowan. If you are interested in learning more about pre-eclampsia, tips for self-advocacy, common pregnancy complications and what to look for, this episode is for you! Who is Dr. Alison Cowan? Dr. Alison Cowan is an OBGYN, a mom of three (ages 10, 7, and 3), and the Head of Medical Affairs for Mirvie. Mirvie is a maternal health company pioneering a new way for women, expecting parents, and their doctors to predict potential pregnancy complications early on. Alison attended Emory University Medical School, where she also received a master's in clinical research before moving on to do her OBGYN residency at Northwestern University. With over a decade of bedside experience, Alison has delivered hundreds of babies. She is now on a mission to help change the status quo for pregnancy health. She is passionate about sharing tips for self-advocacy, having the healthiest pregnancy possible, and advocating for change and equity in pregnancy health at every opportunity. Alison resides in Colorado with her husband, Patrick, and three children. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Alison about the facts behind common pregnancy complications, like pre-eclampsia, how women can advocate for themselves during pregnancy, and equity in pregnancy health. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: What steps can women take to ensure they have the healthiest pregnancy possible? Why is self-advocacy an important part of a woman's pregnancy? What tips do you have for self-advocacy during pregnancy? What are some common pregnancy complications? And what symptoms should women look for? Can you tell us more about the science and facts behind some of these common pregnancy complications? How common is pre-eclampsia? What causes pre-eclampsia? Can it be prevented? Are some women at a higher risk for developing pre-eclampsia than others? What are the symptoms of pre-eclampsia? Does pre-eclampsia go away after delivery? I know you advocate for equity in pregnancy health. Can you elaborate on this and what it means? Dr. Cowan's passion and knowledge about women's health is evident in this episode. We learned some helpful information that can help every person have a healthier pregnancy. We hope you learned something new, too! Cheers to healthy pregnancies! Mentioned in the Episode ACOG.org Comprehensive care plan to prevent pre-eclampsia Care providers should be mindful of these CUS words from their patients: I'm Concerned. I'm Uncomfortable. Safety: I feel unsafe. Dr. Alison Cowan's Resources Website: Mirvie.com Instagram: @mirviedx Facebook: @MirvieDx X: @MirvieDx Dr. Alison Cowan's LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nowadays, it's common for most women to be in the workforce before they embark on motherhood. Once they have decided to expand their families, maternity leave is something that enters their minds. How much time will she have off? How much will be paid or unpaid? What should she prepare for to have a smooth maternity leave? There are a lot of questions, so we had to "chick chat" with Dr. Jessica Madden, a mom of four, a board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist, and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), her recommendations on how to prepare for maternity leave and what to mothers should add to their maternity leave checklist. Who is Dr. Jessica Madden? Dr. Jessica Madden has been a board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist for over 15 years. She's currently on staff in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, OH. She previously worked in the Boston and Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospitals. In 2018 she started Primrose Newborn Care to provide in-home newborn medicine and lactation support. Dr. Madden is currently the Medical Director at Aeroflow Breastpumps. She also enjoys traveling, yoga, reading, and spending time with her four children. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Dr. Madden about the ideal maternity leave checklist for expectant mothers, such as what to discuss with employers and insurance companies, what resources are available during and post-delivery, including lactation support, and more. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: What is the current landscape of maternity leave in the U.S.?  How important is it for mothers to plan for maternity leave? When should they start? What are the most important things to take into consideration when preparing for maternity leave? And what needs to be on every maternity leave checklist? Can you please explain to us the consequences of limited access to paid or partially paid maternity leave for expecting mothers? Can you provide an overview of resources available for expecting mothers, such as lactation support services, community and online support groups, and educational classes on childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care? How can women involve partners, family members, and even employers in the maternity leave planning process? What are your top recommendations to expectant mothers as they start to plan for their maternity leave and beyond?  Dr. Jessica Madden gave us some incredible insights in this episode, and we are including all of them in our maternity leave checklist, which you can find and download in our SHOW NOTES. Be sure to download it to prepare for your maternity leave successfully! Dr. Madden's Resources Website: aeroflowbreastpumps.com Facebook: @AeroflowBreastpumps Instagram: @aeroflow_breastpumps Pinterest: @aeroflowbp YouTube: @AeroflowBreastpumps Mentioned in the Episode: Nesting Parties Postpartum Plan Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to preparing for an amazing maternity leave! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I grew up in the late 80s and 90s. Back then, things were a lot simpler. There weren't any smartphones, and the internet was nonexistent. It didn't feel as fast-paced and loud as it is today. Thinking back to childhood, I remember playing outside a lot and having sleepovers at my girlfriends' houses on the weekends after we picked out a movie at the local Blockbuster store. Life was pretty sweet. I hope that's how everyone feels about their childhood. But maybe I was young, naive, and oblivious to the worries that adults face. Or maybe I was just really lucky that nothing scary had happened to me at that point in my life. Today, I feel like we have so much more information available at our fingertips. We can know what's going on in every part of the world instantly on our phones. While this technology is amazing, it can also be overwhelming. There is no denying that we all know so much more about the world and what can and does happen to people (good and bad) daily. It has shed light on many things we may have never known. For instance, how we've lately seen headlines about terrible things happening to children during sleepovers. It's upsetting and disturbing and causing parents to debate their kids having sleepovers entirely. Today's guest, Kristin Andrus, is extremely passionate about this topic. Her family has one big rule: They don't allow their children to have sleepovers. Some people disagree wholeheartedly with this rule, while others agree with her stance because they, too, know of scary stories that can happen and have happened during sleepovers. We had Kristin share her thoughts and experiences advocating for children on the show. Who is Kristin Andrus? Kristin Andrus is a philanthropist and community champion who advocates for women, children, and refugees within and beyond Utah. Kristin is the driving force behind the impactful Building Bridges non-profit/philanthropy partnership. She also serves as a board member for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Intermountain Area and for UnDEfeated, an organization serving underprivileged youth and single mothers in Uganda. In addition, she holds advisory roles with the First Lady of Utah, Neighborhood House, the Younique Foundation, Utah Valley University, and Women Who Succeed. She is a community activator who believes in building bridges and bringing people together to help communities thrive! Nonprofits count on Kristin for her social media and marketing savvy and supernatural ability to get stuff done. She is also the Chief Culture Officer of her husband and six children and an incredible cook! What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Kristin Andrus about the great sleepover debate — should you or should you not allow your kids to do sleepovers — and how to make the best decision for your family when it comes to sleepovers. This is a very big and passionate conversation. While some of my favorite childhood memories were sleepovers at my girlfriends' houses, hearing Kristin's stories and the stats made me rethink how I might approach this topic with my kids when they reach the age of being invited to sleepovers. This episode really gives us parents information that we need to know and new things to consider. I wonder, where do you stand on this great sleepover debate? Share your thoughts in the comments! Kristin's Resources Instagram: @kristinandrus YouTube: @KristinAndrus Website: kristinandrus.com Her Deseret News article, 'The Great Sleepover Debate' Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat. Let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to informed parenting and advocating for your family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're a working woman with a job outside of the home, you know that having order and a good routine is essential and sets you up for success in work and in life. Once you throw in pregnancy, like navigating morning sickness, fatigue, and all the other things that may come along with pregnancy while working a highly demanding job, it can be quite a challenge. Not to mention figuring out your new path when you become a new mother and balancing your new role with your career. There's definitely a transition period, but eventually, you get into your groove and figure it out. But imagine what it must be like for people in the public eye . . . They're trying to navigate pregnancy and new motherhood in the spotlight! There have to be pressures they experience that we are unaware of. Do they have it easier or harder? We had to get the scoop on how Jessica Tarlov, a new mother of two, is staying on top of being a mom and having a thriving career. Who is Jessica Tarlov? Jessica Tarlov joined FOX News Channel as a contributor in 2017 and serves as a co-host of the nation’s highest-rated cable news show, The Five.  A graduate of Bryn Mawr College with a B.A. in History, Jessica holds two master’s degrees in Political Science and Public Policy and a Ph.D. in Government from the London School of Economics and Political Science. As a new mom to her two daughters, Cleo, and baby Teddy, Jessica shared with the Los Angeles Times that motherhood and parenting have put a whole new column on the board that has made her see the world completely differently. Jessica has also opened up about her postpartum experience and juggling it all as a new mom and co-host of The Five. Jessica is a lifetime New Yorker who grew up in TriBeCa and continues to live there today with her husband and daughters. My Thoughts As a career mom, listening to Jessica's story as she navigates motherhood with a busy career was completely relatable. While I'm not on cable television and don't have the Fox makeup team to help me out ;), I could relate to a lot of what she said. I heard her genuine love for her family and her career. These are things I feel passionate about in my life, too. Sometimes, women feel like they have to choose — be a "good mom" (however you ideally define that) or have a thriving career. But, as Jessica said in this episode, with a solid support system, a good schedule, time for yourself (self-care), and allowing yourself to feel your feelings (let out a good cry when you need to), you can have both and do them both well. It's like Taylor Swift says, "I cry a lot, but I am so productive." Jessica and I can totally relate to that! If you're a new mom or someone considering growing their family and you also have (and love) a demanding career, this episode is for you. Listen to Jessica's story and tips and hear how you can continue pursuing your dreams and passions while you also venture through motherhood. Jessica Tarlov's Resources Twitter: @JessicaTarlov Co-host of The Five Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat. Let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to navigating motherhood your way! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy is a time of profound transformation — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As your body grows and adapts to nurture new life, finding ways to connect with yourself and your baby can be a grounding and empowering experience. Prenatal yoga has been a popular form of exercise and movement during pregnancy because it offers a unique opportunity to do just that, blending movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to ease discomforts, calm the mind, and prepare the body for labor and birth. In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jesse Bennett about the transformative power of prenatal yoga. Together, we explored its many benefits, from relieving aches and pains to fostering a deeper connection between mom and baby. Jesse also shared valuable insights into breathwork, poses to embrace (and avoid), and the importance of slowing down during pregnancy. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this episode is packed with tips and inspiration to help you feel more empowered during your pregnancy journey. Who is Jesse Bennett? Jesse is an author, Yoga and Pilates teacher, wellness expert, and mother based in California. Jesse writes and illustrates children’s books made to help children regulate their nervous system through practices seen in yoga. Her first book, The Yoga House, was inspired by her daughter, who has a difficult time falling asleep, encouraging them to meditate and breathe together. Jesse’s mission is to teach goodness, love, and kindness to children and their families, which we love and appreciate. What Did We Discuss? As I mentioned, I got to chat with Jesse about the benefits of prenatal yoga, from easing discomforts to embracing the power of slowing down during pregnancy and more. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: What are the benefits of prenatal yoga?  What are some common misconceptions about prenatal yoga? How does prenatal yoga differ from regular yoga practices? How can prenatal yoga help connect mom and baby?  What specific yoga poses are most beneficial for pregnant individuals, and why? Are there any poses or movements that should be avoided during pregnancy? How does breathwork play a role in prenatal yoga? Can you guide us through a simple breathwork exercise for expectant mothers? Talk to us about “embracing the power of slowing down.” What does that mean to you, and why is it important for expectant mothers?  What other techniques do you recommend for managing stress and anxiety during this time? How can the practices of prenatal yoga and breathwork support the postpartum experience? What resources do you recommend for expectant mothers who are interested in learning more about prenatal yoga and breathing techniques? Jesse reminded us that prenatal yoga is more than just a form of exercise — it’s a way to honor and care for yourself during one of the most remarkable chapters of your life. By embracing movement, mindfulness, and breathwork, you can find greater balance, ease, and connection throughout pregnancy and beyond. I hope this episode inspires you to explore the incredible benefits of prenatal yoga for yourself. Whether it’s through simple poses, calming breathwork, or just the practice of slowing down, every little step toward self-care makes a difference. Jesse's Resources Website: jessebennett.co Instagram: @jesse.bennett_ Author page: Jesse Bennett Thank you for listening to our podcast! Don’t forget to share this episode with an expecting friend who might also benefit from these insights! And as always, be sure to subscribe to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast for more empowering conversations like this one, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more inspiring content. Cheers to embracing the power of slowing down! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we're pregnant, I feel like we hear so much information about what we should and shouldn't eat. We need more folate, more choline, more iron, etc. All of this is important for us to know so that we can be proactive and have a healthy pregnancy and grow a healthy baby. But have you heard much about your nutritional needs when you are postpartum? I haven't. And this is one of the times in life when you need even more vitamins and nutrients for your body to aid in your recovery and nourish your baby. This is why I had to talk to the incredible dieticians, Ashley and Diana, who focus on postpartum nutrition. They're answering our questions and sharing details on what new moms need to know! Who are Ashley Reaver & Diana Licalzi? Ashley and Diana are registered dietitians, and as new moms themselves, they know firsthand the importance of nourishing your body after baby. They are the authors of the Postpartum Nutrition Cookbook, a comprehensive guide to nutrition during the postpartum period, and they are on a mission to help women prioritize their health after they have a baby. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Diana and Ashley about the importance of postpartum nutrition and what new mothers need in their diets. We’re excited to learn more about this delicious and essential topic to be better prepared for postpartum. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: Why is postpartum nutrition so important? What are the key nutritional needs for women in the postpartum period? What are some common nutritional challenges that new mothers face, and how can they overcome them? What are some practical tips for incorporating nutritious meals and snacks into a busy postpartum schedule? What are your favorite quick & easy postpartum recipes?  How can postpartum nutrition impact mental health and emotional well-being? How does a woman's nutritional needs change if she is breastfeeding, and what foods are particularly beneficial during this time? What are your top tips for navigating postpartum nutrition? Taking the time to prioritize your health during postpartum is essential. As we know, food is medicine. Food is mood. It can help our bodies recover, nourish our minds and bodies, and help us as we breastfeed our babies and more. If you're pregnant or newly postpartum, I highly recommend listening to this episode to set yourself up for success in nourishing yourself postpartum. Ashley & Diana's Resources Website: postpartumdietitians.com Instagram: @postpartum.nutrition Their book: Postpartum Nutrition Cookbook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I believe that most parents have heard about how synthetic dyes are “bad” for us and should probably be avoided. However, I don't think we really understand the reasons why and the science behind it. It's just not talked about enough, unfortunately. But, after talking to today's guests and learning more about the truth of synthetic dyes and the science about how they affect us, especially our kids, is seriously disturbing and downright maddening! Thankfully, our guests set out to discover and share the truth in their upcoming documentary, To Dye For. In my opinion, it's something that everyone needs to know about. Who are Whitney & Brandon Cawood? Brandon and Whitney Cawood are parents-turned-filmmakers who embarked on a fascinating quest after discovering their child's sensitivity to synthetic dyes. Their documentary journey delves into the profound impacts of these chemicals, featuring meetings with leading experts and heartfelt interviews with affected families. Through poignant stories and scientific evidence, they unveil the hidden perils of synthetic dyes, igniting awareness of their far-reaching effects on individuals and families. It's a powerful message that hopes to ignite change! When Whitney and Brandon are not working and advocating, this Georgia couple loves to be outdoors, go camping, running, and enjoy time with their son and daughter. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, I chat with Whitney and Brandon about, you guessed it, the impact of synthetic dyes on our children. We discuss how they became passionate about this issue and what parents really need to know about synthetic dyes that they discovered through their research. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: Tell us a bit about your personal journeys as parents and how they inspired the work you do today. Did you face any challenges in your research? Are there any misconceptions that parents need to be aware of?  What are some of the harmful side effects of synthetic dyes? What is it that parents really need to know? Can you share a memorable moment from your interviews with families affected by synthetic dyes? What role do you believe policymakers should play in addressing the risks associated with synthetic dyes? How has your personal journey influenced your perspective on food choices and ingredient transparency? What specific actions or changes do you hope come from this project? What advice do you have for other parents who may be navigating similar challenges with synthetic dyes? My Thoughts This episode is for anyone caring for children — parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, daycare and preschool employees, etc. After listening to it, I hope it sparks a fire inside of you like it did me to make even a small change because it's more than obvious that change must happen. I am so incredibly grateful for the powerful work that Brandon and Whitney are doing and for taking the time to chat with us about this important topic. What can you do?? Listen to this episode, watch their documentary (available January 14th), and speak up! These companies are putting profits over people... and our children and we deserve better. Thankfully, we have the power to make it happen. Let us know your thoughts and what you plan to do to make a difference. Whitney & Brandon's Resources Website: todyeforthedocumentary.com Facebook: @todyeforthedocumentary Swaps FB group: @dyefreefamily Instagram: @todyeforthedocumentary Documentary Trailer Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to a healthier future for our children! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy is a unique experience for every woman. Even the same woman can have different experiences from one pregnancy to another. Morning sickness, pregnancy insomnia, heartburn—the list goes on. Thankfully, there are things expecting mothers can do to help them through those pregnancy discomforts. A big part of that can be their diet. As our guest today said, "Food is mood," so understanding more about good nutrition during pregnancy can help us have better experiences and good mind and body alignment. Let's welcome today's guest! Who is Dr. Paul Quinn? Paul Quinn, PhD, CNM has been a nurse for close to three decades and a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) for almost two decades. Dr. Paul Quinn has worked in the most diverse settings and had the privilege to meet, care for, and interact with the most dynamic, interesting, and insightful women. Possessing a PhD in nursing, he is a scientist at heart with a passion for putting research into action in ways that improve people’s lives. He is also the author of 5 books and counting. He is the first male midwife I have ever met, so I couldn't wait to pick his brain, hear his story, and take in all of his words of wisdom. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we're chatting with Dr. Paul Quinn about his experience as a midwife, as well as his nutrition tips for a better pregnancy and mind-body alignment during pregnancy. Here are several of the questions that we covered: I know you are one of the only male midwives in the US, which is amazing! Can you tell us more about your journey to becoming a midwife and how you knew this was something you were passionate about? Today’s topic is all about nutrition tips for mind-body alignment during pregnancy. How did you become interested in nutrition during pregnancy? What are some common misconceptions about nutrition during pregnancy that we need to clear up? How can nutrition during pregnancy impact mental well-being and emotional balance? How does your background as a midwife impact your approach to nutrition guidance for pregnant people? Can you share some key nutrients pregnant individuals should prioritize in their diet for optimal mind and body health and ways to get those nutrients besides a good prenatal vitamin? How do you approach creating recipes that specifically target both physical and mental health during pregnancy? Talk to us about mind-body alignment in pregnancy. What does that mean to you? How can a healthy pregnancy journey impact a positive birth experience? Once you listen, you can truly hear Dr. Paul's passion and love for his work. He was so empowering. I left our conversation inspired and uplifted, and I believe you will, too. Paul's Resources Website: prenatalpossibilities.com Paul's latest book: Prenatal Possibilities: Recipes for a Healthy Pregnancy and Beyond Facebook: @paul.quinn Instagram: @drpaulquinn Thank you for listening to this episode! Follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to an empowered mind and body during pregnancy and beyond! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thinking about birth when you are currently pregnant can bring up a lot of emotions. The main ones are excitement and impatience to meet your new baby, as well as anxiety and fear about the unknown of childbirth. With more people (in the United States) choosing to give birth in a hospital, families wonder what they can do to have a great hospital birth. There are a lot of things you can do during pregnancy to prepare for a positive experience, and we are chatting all about it with our guest Adriana Lozada. Who is Adriana Lozada? Adriana Lozada is a certified advanced birth doula, childbirth & postpartum educator, engaging international speaker, bestselling author, and host of the acclaimed Birthful podcast. Venezuelan-born, Adriana’s background is a multi-layered and multi-cultural bundle of experiences from her time living around various continents and the Caribbean. A former co-founder and CCO of Spanish language youth media companies, the birth of her daughter sparked her passion for perinatal work. As a speaker and birth advocate, Adriana is passionate about helping people understand and support the physiological processes happening in their bodies, so they can confidently show up for their births. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Adriana about how to prepare for a great hospital birth. We discuss everything from supporting your physiology to how to better plan for a wonderful labor and birth. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: Could you explain to us in your own words what a doula does and how they support expecting parents during childbirth? What are the main benefits of having a doula present during labor and delivery, particularly in a hospital setting? How can expecting parents best prepare themselves physically and mentally for a hospital birth? Can you talk about physiology and the role it plays in birth?  How do you believe partners can best support the birthing person during labor, especially in a hospital environment? What resources do you recommend for parents exploring their birthing options?  What advice would you give to expecting parents who want to ensure they have a positive and empowering hospital birth experience? Adriana has been in the perinatal and birthing space for almost 20 years. We are so grateful she joined us today and shared her wealth of knowledge with us on this episode. If you are currently expecting, be sure to tune in! Adriana's Resources Website: birthful.com Instagram: @birthfulpodcast Facebook: @birthful Podcast: Birthful Podcast Mentioned in the Episode: Preparing your body: Spinning Babies, Body Ready Method Preparing your mind: Hypnobabies, Hypnobirthing, meditation What is Orgasmic Birth? The Best-Kept Birth Secret – Podcast Ep 121 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As I'm currently watching the Olympics as I write this, I am in awe of all of these incredible athletes. Seeing the greatest in the world compete against one another in their sports is truly amazing. You know what's also amazing? Knowing that some of these competitors are mothers. These women have grown, birthed, and continue to sustain life. And they are Olympians. I have wonderful memories watching the Olympics growing up and one athlete that I have admired over the years is Allyson Felix. She has done some amazing things as a track and field star, but her work off the track is just as inspiring. Who is Allyson Felix? Allyson Felix is the most decorated track and field athlete in history. That’s right! With a record 20 World Championship medals and 11 medals at the Olympic Games — seven gold, three silver, and one bronze — she ranks among the sport's greats. Throughout her career, Allyson has demonstrated resilience and determination, overcoming setbacks and injuries to achieve greatness on the track. Her dedication to her sport and commitment to excellence have made her a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide. In 2022, Allyson retired from her athletic career after winning her last world championship gold in Eugene, Oregon, ending her career as the most decorated athlete in track and field history. Beyond her athletic achievements, Felix is also recognized for her advocacy work and leadership in promoting gender equality and diversity in sports. She has been a vocal advocate for maternity rights for athletes, sparking important conversations about supporting women athletes during pregnancy and postpartum. She has also been an advocate for Black maternal health for racial disparities in maternal mortality rates in the U.S. For all of her efforts, Allyson was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People twice, in 2020 and 2021. Allyson is also a wife and mother to her two children. In November 2018, Allyson gave birth to her daughter, Camryn, early at 32 weeks via emergency C-section due to severe preeclampsia. In April 2024, she welcomed her son, Kenneth (Trey), via an unmedicated VBAC. Her journey as a mother has added a new dimension to her career, inspiring others with her ability to excel both on and off the track. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Allyson Felix about her journey through motherhood — from her career as a professional athlete and Olympic champion to embracing life as a mother of two as well as her latest partnership with Pampers. Check out our SHOW NOTES for more details. Chatting with Allyson was such a pleasure. Her humbleness and genuine care for supporting women and mothers is evident and we are so grateful for all that she is doing to make a difference. Listen to the episode to hear her thoughts and story! Allyson Mentioned Allyson mentioned that she used a doula during her last birth. What is a Doula? – Podcast Episode #2 She also said that she used Hypnobabies for her VBAC. An episode with Kerry Tuschhoff, the Founder, Director, & Owner of Hypnobabies: How to Prepare Your Mind and Body for Childbirth – Podcast Episode 9 Allyson Felix's Resources Website: allysonfelix.com Instagram: @allysonfelix X: @allysonfelix Company: Saysh Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's so exciting once your child hits the babbling and talking milestone! Their first words are precious and parents try to do everything they can to help their child learn how to better express themselves and their needs through language. But if you notice that your child isn't saying as many words as his peers, you may be concerned that your child might have a speech or language delay. I know I felt this way with my first child and brought this up to our pediatrician. It can be a real concern, but thankfully there are plenty of resources that can help. Today's podcast guest is talking with us about all of the signs of speech and language delays and what parents can do. Who is Lenora Edwards? On today's episode, we have Speech Language Pathologist Lenora Edwards. Lenora is an ASHA Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist and Chief Knowledge Officer at Better Speech. Since obtaining her CCC's in 2010, she has worked with individuals of all ages, from little ones who are learning to understand and express themselves to adults who want to improve their speaking skills and become more fluent and effective communicators. Lenora shares with us about signs of speech and language delays, how parents can identify a speech or language delay, and all the steps that follow. It's a great episode that will give parents more clarity on what to expect, and how they can help their child if they suspect a delay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One topic that I don't think is talked about enough with expecting and new mothers (or people in general) is pelvic floor health. In my opinion, pelvic floor health should be considered as a form of self-care and a part of us taking care of our overall health. I can't even tell you the number of people I have met who weren't totally sure what their pelvic floor is, what it does, how it affects them, and that everyone has one. And when a woman becomes pregnant and gives birth to her baby, these are the times when she might experience some problems with her pelvic floor and wishes she had known more about her changing body and had support. Whether you had a vaginal birth or cesarean birth, your body has done some hard, amazing work. Our guest today, Liz Miracle, knows all about this since she has supported hundreds of women as a pelvic floor physical therapist. Today, she is sharing her tips on how to best take care of our bodies after childbirth, including our pelvic floors. Who is Liz Miracle? Liz Miracle, PT, MPT, WCS is the Head of Clinical Quality and Education at Origin, the leading provider of physical therapy for maternity, menopause, and sexual health, with deep expertise in the pelvic floor and full body. Liz is a Texas native and graduate of Texas Woman's University School of Physical Therapy. She began practicing pelvic floor physical therapy in 2006 and has since received her Clinical Specialization in Women’s Health from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. After running her own practice for a decade, she was excited to join Origin Physical Therapy, where she works to implement the highest standards of evidence-based care and help train the next generation of pelvic floor therapists. When not exploring innovative ways to help her patients, she is at home hiking the hills in the North Bay of San Francisco with her husband and daughter. What Did We Discuss? Check out our SHOW NOTES for details on our discussion and my thoughts! Liz Miracle's Resources Liz's Practice: MiraclePT Liz's LinkedIn: @lizmiracle Origin Website: Origin Origin Instagram: @theoriginway Origin LinkedIn: @theoriginway Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat. Let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to taking care of yourself postpartum! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If mealtimes feel like a battle in your home, you’re not alone. Many parents struggle with picky eating, and I’ve experienced it firsthand with my daughter — who, like many kids, has earned the label of a "picky eater" in our family. But how do you know when picky eating is more than just a phase? I recently heard about Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFDs) and was shocked, confused, and intrigued by the topic. When I learned how PFDs affect millions of children, yet they often go undiagnosed or misunderstood, leaving parents feeling frustrated and helpless, I knew that I had to learn more and spread the word. That's why in this episode of Chick Chat, we sit down with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, to break it all down for us. Who is Jaclyn Pederson? With over a decade of experience in program development, Jaclyn Pederson’s broad knowledge of programming in the public and social sectors includes program and strategic initiative design, fund development, special events, grant writing, and community engagement. A system thinker and positive team builder, she uses transformational leadership principles to develop energized and efficient workgroups that influence significant organizational and systemic change for all affected by pediatric feeding disorder – such as the development of the expanded PFD Alliance. Jaclyn also manages Feeding Matters’ strategic partnerships with numerous professional associations including American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN). What Did We Discuss? In this episode, Jaclyn and I discussed everything about pediatric feeding disorders — from signs and symptoms to navigating and overcoming PFDs. Jaclyn also shares her expertise on when to seek help, how feeding disorders can impact a child’s development, and what treatment options are available. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: What are Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFDs)?  Can you tell us a bit about your personal experience with PFDs?  How common are PFDs?  What should families know about PFDs?  What are the signs and symptoms of PFDs that parents should be aware of?  What myths or misconceptions do you often encounter about picky eaters versus feeding disorders? How can a parent know when it’s time to get their child evaluated for “picky eating”? Is there a connection between feeding disorders and developmental delays? How can parents advocate for their children when seeking help for feeding challenges? What does treatment for a PFD look like?  What advice do you have for parents feeling overwhelmed by their child’s feeding challenges and looking for support? If you think your child’s mealtime struggles go beyond picky eating, this episode is a must-listen. Jaclyn shares expert insights to help parents feel more confident in identifying and addressing Pediatric Feeding Disorders. Listen now, and don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow parent who may need this information! Jaclyn's Resources Website: FeedingMatters.org Instagram: @feedingmatters Facebook: @feedingmatters Mentioned in the episode: Family Guide to Pediatric Feeding Disorder Thank you for listening to our podcast. Cheers to finding the best way to nourish your children! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many things may change over the years, but something that we want to instill in our kids is that it's always cool to be kind. In my opinion, kindness is beginning to be a lost art in our world. We hear so much negativity and unkind things in the news and media that it's spilling into our everyday lives. Fortunately, we are our children's greatest teachers (and they are ours). We can make a difference in our world by starting at home. Teaching our kids the power of kindness can lead to so many wonderful things for them. Our guest, Rachel Tomlinson, knows all about it (she literally wrote the book) and is sharing her words of wisdom. Who is Rachel Tomlinson? Rachel Tomlinson is a registered psychologist and internationally published author of "Teaching Kids to Be Kind" and "A Blue Kind of Day" (a picture book on depression). Rachel has worked with adults, families, and children (birth through 18 years old) in a variety of settings, including play therapy, children’s residential facilities, education settings, trauma counseling, and parenting support programs. She has presented at national conferences on mental health topics as well as guest lectured about domestic violence and relationships at colleges and universities. She also serves as a subject matter expert for journalists on topics such as parenting, child development, and relationships. We love having her as a contributor at Baby Chick, and we are excited to now have her here on our podcast! Rachel resides with her family in Perth, Australia. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Rachel about teaching kids to be kind, what kindness really looks like, and tips and strategies to encourage kids to be kind. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: As parents, one of our greatest hopes is that our children grow up to be good people. What qualities do you think make a good person? At what age do you think children are able to understand the concept of kindness and what it means? How would you define kindness to a child? Can you share some examples of what kindness looks like to children? What are the long-term benefits of teaching kindness to our children at a young age? What are some practical strategies parents can use to encourage kindness in children? What role does leading by example play, and what are some ways parents can model kindness for their children? What are some common challenges parents face when teaching kindness to children, and how can they be overcome? As parents, how should we react when our children exhibit behavior that is unkind? What are your top tips for teaching kindness to kids? Rachel shared relatable stories and powerful advice when it comes to teaching our kids about kindness. Be sure to listen! Rachel's Resources Website: towardwellbeing.com Instagram: @towardwellbeing Rachel's author page at Baby Chick Thank you for listening to this episode! Follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to being kind and raising a kinder generation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you and your partner are ready to start your family, it's a wonderful and exciting time! If you are in a cis-hetero relationship, this is when you begin "trying" and hope to see a positive confirmation on your next pregnancy test. But for many couples, it isn't so easy. According to a 2023 World Health Organization report, about 1 in 6 people worldwide experience infertility. This is heartbreaking, and the road to having a child becomes a lot more difficult. Thankfully, there are several things couples can consider during their fertility journey, and one of them might be acupuncture. I've heard a lot of great things about acupuncture, so I had to learn more and talk to an expert. Who is Dr. Haley Parker? Dr. Haley Parker is a State Board Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, and Georgia. Haley received her Master’s Degree in The Science of Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her background as a Division 1 athlete contributed to her successful strategy of working with student-athletes on sports-related psychological and competitive performance. Her passion for teaching was ignited, and she joined the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine in 2021 to teach the practice management and clinical communications curriculum. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Dr. Haley about acupuncture and fertility and what people who are having a tougher time conceiving need to know. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: In what ways can women particularly benefit from acupuncture?  Can acupuncture really improve fertility? What's the science behind it? What are some common misconceptions about acupuncture's role in fertility, and how can they be addressed? What specific acupuncture techniques are believed to enhance fertility, and how do they work? Can acupuncture be used as a standalone treatment for fertility issues, or is it usually combined with other interventions? Are there any risks associated with acupuncture for fertility?  Are there any lifestyle changes that you recommended alongside acupuncture for fertility? Do you have any tips and first steps for someone who is exploring acupuncture to help with their fertility journey? Dr. Haley is a wealth of knowledge on this topic and really broke down what people need to know about acupuncture, how it can potentially help with their fertility journey, and what to expect. Be sure to listen or share this episode with someone who wants to learn more about acupuncture and how it can positively impact their fertility. Dr. Haley's Resources Website: VUIM Clinic Instagram: @dr.haley.vuim Facebook: Dr. Haley Parker LinkedIn: Dr. Haley Parker Thank you for listening to this episode! Follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to your fertility journey! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Empathy is one of the most powerful skills we can teach our children — but it can feel like such a big, important topic. You might wonder, "Where do we start?" In today’s fast-paced, often self-focused world, raising empathetic kids takes intention, awareness, and ongoing conversation. It's something that I find incredibly important, so that's why in this episode of Chick Chat, I sit down with Monica Berg to explore how parents can begin introducing and nurturing empathy in their children from a young age. Monica shares her wisdom on age-appropriate strategies, the impact empathy has on relationships, and how to model it through our own daily actions. Who is Monica Berg? Monica Berg is an international speaker, spiritual thought leader, bestselling author (Fear is Not an Option, Rethink Love, and The Gift of Being Different), and co-host of the Spiritually Hungry podcast. A self-proclaimed “Change Junkie,” Monica is a fresh voice that channels her many years of kabbalistic study along with personal life experiences. Monica shows individuals how to create a life that not only feels like it’s working but, most importantly, a life in which they are living and loving as the powerful, fulfilled person they’ve always wanted to be. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, I chat with Monica about empathy in children, why it’s important, and when to introduce the concept. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: How did you become passionate about spirituality?  How would you define empathy?  How should we talk about empathy and introduce the concept of it to our children? Are there age-appropriate strategies that you recommend?  How can developing empathy at a young age influence a child's future relationships and social interactions? How can parents create a safe space for children to express their emotions and develop empathy? What are some strategies parents can use at home to encourage their children to talk about their feelings?  How should parents approach the topic of empathy with children who may struggle to understand others' feelings? What long-term benefits do you see in children who grow up with a strong sense of empathy? What’s one piece of advice you would offer to parents who are ready to teach their child(ren) about empathy? As you know, teaching empathy isn’t a one-time conversation. It’s a lifelong practice that starts at home. And, as Monica reminded us, creating a safe, emotionally rich environment where children feel seen and heard is key to helping them grow into compassionate, self-aware adults. Whether your child is a toddler just beginning to understand feelings or a tween navigating friendships, it’s never too early — or too late — to nurture empathy in our children. I hope this episode inspires you to lead with love, listen more deeply, and model the kind of empathy we all want to see more of in the world. Monica's Resources Website: rethinklife.today Instagram: @monicarberg74 Facebook: @monicaberg74 Podcast: Spiritually Hungry Her books: Fear Is Not an Option book Rethink Love book The Gift of Being Different book Thank you for listening to our podcast. Cheers to raising empathetic children! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When preparing for labor, most people are fixated on getting through the first stage and handling the contractions. And I get it. It's the longest stage of labor, and it can determine how you will birth your baby. But one area that I think does not get enough time and attention that really should when talking about labor and birth is pushing. You might think that there’s not much when it comes to pushing. "You just push the baby out, right?" But you couldn’t be more wrong. If only it were that simple! Sometimes, women are quickly and effectively able to push their babies out, but more often than not, a lot of mothers who are pushing look to their care providers to give them guidance on how to push and if they are pushing correctly. Why can't we give them this guidance and prepare them better so they can feel confident during the pushing phase? That's why we’re talking all about it today with our guest HeHe. As a fellow sister doula, I knew this conversation was going to be a great one filled with awesome tips and information. And it is! Who is HeHe Stewart? HeHe Stewart is a birth and postpartum doula, the Founder of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, and the creator of The Birth Lounge and Dad Daze, a birth prep course for fathers. With a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and 10 years in the Family Life Education field, HeHe helps women prepare for childbirth with research-backed education and expert support to have a confident birth experience while feeling informed and in control of labor (without fear or coercion). She is also a pro with preparing for postpartum, helping you master feeding your tiny human and understanding newborn sleep! What Did We Discuss? In this episode, I chat with HeHe about pushing during labor. We cover it all, from when you should actually start pushing to effective techniques, timing, and more! Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: What are the first things that come to your mind when you think about this topic of pushing? When do you normally recommend your clients to begin to push? How can expectant mothers mentally and emotionally prepare for labor and pushing?  How can birth partners and doulas effectively support the mother during the pushing phase?  How long can a mother expect to push during labor? What are some common challenges or complications mothers could face during pushing, and how can they be managed? What are your tips for minimizing the risk of tearing while pushing? o summarize, what are your top tips for mothers to prepare and endure the pushing phase of labor?  HeHe is such a gem to mothers and the birthing community. It's so much fun for me to talk about birth with other birth workers and share helpful stories. Our conversation is filled with gold nuggets of wisdom! HeHe shared amazing advice and tips that I believe would help any parent feel more prepared for their pushing phase in labor. I hope you leave feeling more knowledgeable and prepared for pushing when it comes time for you. Let us know your thoughts and experience! HeHe's Resources Website: thebirthlounge.com Instagram: @tranquilitybyhehe TikTok: @tranquilitybyhehe Podcast: The Birth Lounge Podcast Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to a positive pushing & birth experience! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don't know about you, but I always knew, even as a child, that I wanted to be a mom. My dream was to grow up and have kids, create special family traditions, and be a very involved and loving mother. I had hoped that my journey to motherhood would be a smooth one. I knew that my mother experienced some difficulty conceiving my twin brother and me, but I was hopeful. As an adult, when I entered into the career side of the mom-and-baby world, I quickly learned how much more common it is for people not to have the smoothest start to becoming a parent — getting pregnant and having a child. I've heard thousands of stories over the years from women about "becoming a mother." Each one, like a fingerprint, has her own unique story. Today's guest, Irina Reeves, is no exception. During our chat, I was inspired by her outlook on life and how she took her journey of becoming a mom and turned it into something beautiful. Who is Irina Reeves? Irina Reeves is a wife, mother to a beautiful baby girl, and the founder of OliviaR, a jewelry company that celebrates one-of-a-kind connections between loved ones. Growing up in Russia, Irina was raised in a culture that encouraged very traditional family values: men went to work, and women became mothers and stayed home. But as a teenager in Moscow, Irina quickly recognized that her ambitions and interests often differed from those around her. She felt called to explore the world, travel, go to school, get a degree, have a career of her own, and one day become a mother. She knew she could do both – have a career and be a mom. Irina first went to university in Moscow, then received her second master's degree in London, and then pursued a third master’s degree in New York. It was in New York when she met her now husband, and her life’s direction became clear and began to unfold. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their 15-month-old daughter, Olivia. Irina's Resources Website: oliviar.com Company Instagram: @oliviarbyirina Personal Instagram: @iamirinareeves See the SHOW NOTES to learn more about Irina's company, OliviaR, our discussion, and my final thoughts. *This episode is sponsored by our friends at OliviaR. Visit their website to order your jewelry piece today!* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many women experience it during their pregnancies . . . it's pregnancy cravings. Over the years, I've heard from hundreds of my clients about their pregnancy cravings. I've had women tell me they craved fruit, a particular flavor of ice cream, cheese, protein, french fries, and even some strange pregnancy cravings. We wanted to learn more about what causes these pregnancy cravings and why they can be so different from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy. Joni Davis is joining us today to help us learn more about this topic and discuss the importance of health before, during, and after pregnancy. Who is Joni Davis? Joni Hanson Davis is the female founder of Kirkland, Washington Femtech company Beli, modernizing reproductive, prenatal, and fertility health based on the latest nutritional science with one small yet significant act of a daily prenatal vitamin for both men and women. After a long, successful career leading Fortune 500 companies and technology startups to IPO, Davis founded Beli in 2018 with a personal mission to address the growing crisis of infertility and modernize the stagnant prenatal vitamin market. The fertility market is a $24B market, and yet prenatal vitamins still haven't caught up with modern nutritional science. 50% of all infertility can be traced to male infertility, and nutrition plays a significant role in successful pregnancy outcomes. Science led Beli to look deeper at how nutrition plays a vital role in sperm health, launching the first modern male prenatal in 2019. Today, thousands of men across the country are using Beli, and the company has built a following of loyal customers, including heavy-hitter celebrity customers. The success of the men's prenatal vitamin led Beli to launch an exclusive women's prenatal in 2021 based on the latest folate and choline research to address both male and female fertility nutrition together. Beli has grown organically to become a profitable company with a multi-million dollar run rate with a small investment from strategic angel investors in the direct-to-consumer space in less than two years. Prior to Beli, Davis held executive positions with Microsoft, InfoSpace, and Tableau Software. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Joni about pregnancy cravings, controlling them, and what nutrients are needed for you and your growing baby. Here are several of the questions that we covered: What nutrients are essential for women during the prenatal period? What are the best sources of these essential nutrients? Many women experience pregnancy cravings at some point in their pregnancy. Is there any science behind these cravings? Pregnancy cravings may often be for foods not traditionally considered "healthy." Is it okay for women to indulge in these cravings? What do you suggest for women to help curb their cravings? Do you have any favorite "treats" that are also nutritional for pregnant women? What is your top tip for moms during the prenatal phase? Joni's Resources Website: Beli Instagram: @beli.baby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have a child who seems to fight sleep with every ounce of their being . . . you’re not alone. While some kids easily drift off, others — especially those who are highly sensitive, alert, and intense — struggle with winding down, leaving parents exhausted and desperate for solutions. In this episode of Chick Chat, I sit down with sleep expert Macall Gordon to discuss why traditional sleep advice often fails these “livewire” children and what parents can do instead. With years of research in infant mental health and temperament-based sleep strategies, Macall shares science-backed insights to help parents navigate bedtime battles with compassion, patience, and a plan that actually works. Who is Macall Gordon? Macall Gordon has a masters degree in applied psychology from Antioch University in Seattle with a research-based specialization in infant mental health, sleep advice, and parenting culture. She also has a bachelor of science in human biology from Stanford University. Macall has conducted and presented her own research on temperament, sleep, and parenting advice at infant and child development conferences around the world and she is a certified Gentle Sleep Coach as well as a featured provider on the women’s telehealth platform, Maven Clinic. She is also the author of the new book Why Won't You Sleep?!: A Game-Changing Approach for Exhausted Parents of Nonstop, Super Alert, Big Feeling Kids. Macall comes to this work because she had two sensitive, alert, intense children, and she didn’t sleep for 18 years. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, I chat with Macall about sleep strategies for children with alert temperaments. We know that every child is different. However, when it comes to sleep, parents of highly sensitive kids aren't always prepared for what bedtime might bring. That's why we had to get the scoop from Macall. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: Please tell us about your journey with getting your children to sleep.  What’s a “livewire,” and how do these temperament traits impact sleep and parenting? How does current sleep training information and research fail to consider temperament? What are some necessary workarounds to consider in working on sleep with "livewires"? Tell us about your “big four strategies” for sleep success.  How can parents create a step-by-step plan for their child using a time-tested, evidence-based approach that doesn’t require leaving children alone to cry?  We know that sleep training (or sleep teaching) can be exhausting for parents. Can you recommend any tips for tired parents going through the process?  What are some of the perks of having a "livewire" child? Sleep challenges with highly sensitive and intense kids can be beyond frustrating, but understanding how temperament affects sleep is a game-changer. As Macall Gordon explained, these children aren’t choosing to resist sleep. Rather, their perceptiveness, persistence, and big emotions make it harder for them to settle. With the right approach, parents can support their child’s natural sleep needs without endless battles or forcing a method that doesn’t work. We're so grateful that Macall could share her insights with us in this episode! Macall's Resources Website: LittleLivewires.com Instagram: @littlelivewires Facebook: @littlelivewires TikTok: @littlelivewires LinkedIn: Macall Gordon Book: Why Won't You Sleep?! Thank you for listening to our podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to share it with another tired parent who could use some encouragement. And, as always, be sure to subscribe to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast for more empowering conversations like this one, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more inspiring content. Cheers to a restful night's sleep! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you have a child, you realize that you'll be preparing three meals a day, seven days a week, for the next 18 years for each of your kids. That can be a bit overwhelming to think about for any parent. Thankfully, our guest today, Chef Catherine McCord, knows this all too well as a mother of three. We are excited to have her as our guest on this episode because she is sharing her experience, tips, and tricks to make the age-old question, "What's for dinner?" much easier for us all.  Who is Catherine McCord? Catherine McCord is the founder of the popular website weelicious.com and the family food brand One Potato. She is the author of Smoothie Project, Weelicious, Weelicious Lunches, and her newest book Meal Prep Magic: Time-Saving Tips for Stress-Free Cooking. Catherine has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and the Kelly Clarkson Show. She is a regular on the NBC Emmy Award–winning show Danny Seo Naturally as well as Food Network’s #1 rated Guy’s Grocery Games. Catherine lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children and she has earned the trust of parents everywhere, including some familiar names such as Jennifer Garner and “The Pioneer Woman” Ree Drummond. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, Catherine McCord talked about all things motherhood and how to navigate the kitchen and feed your family with less stress! Here are some of the questions we covered: How did your journey as a mom play a role in creating Weelicous? What are your tips for not feeling overwhelmed in the kitchen?  What are some of your cooking tips that you use every day?  What ingredients do you always have stocked in your kitchen?  What are your tips for overcoming the picky eater hurdle with kids?  What are your go-to recipes for busy nights when you don’t have a lot of time to prepare a meal? Have you ever had a cooking or kitchen “fail?” Does your family have any mealtime traditions?  Do your children enjoy joining you in the kitchen to cook?  What are the most challenging parts about being a mother and entrepreneur, and how do you balance it all? What does a typical day look like for you?  What mom hack do you think every mom should know? A lot of the magic is also in her new book, Meal Prep Magic. It takes readers a step beyond the ideological approach of Marie Kondo and The Home Edit, bringing parents a practical guide to organizing the most important space in their home — the kitchen. It offers 100 of her favorite family recipes, including tried-and-tested secrets for saving time. (What parent doesn't want that?) We also really love how the recipes are easy to prep and make ahead. It's a great book for all home cooks and busy mothers! If you want your time to get easier in the kitchen, listen to this episode! Catherine's Resources Weelicious One Potato Her latest book: Meal Prep Magic: Time-Saving Tips for Stress-Free Cooking Instagram: @weelicious TikTok: @weelicious Twitter: @weelicious YouTube: Weelicious Pinterest: @weelicious Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pelvic floor is usually not something a person regularly thinks about. Unfortunately, it's not something someone necessarily pays attention to until they experience a problem. When a woman becomes pregnant and has a baby, many women start to recognize just how important their pelvic floor is and that they may need to seek help. Pelvic floor health is not the sexiest topic, but it's a vital one, especially for expecting women and mothers. And today's guest, Dr. Marcy Crouch, is an expert talking with us all about vaginas and the pelvic floor. She's sharing her vast knowledge and experience as well as what all women need to know about pelvic floor health during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.  Who is Dr. March Crouch? Dr. Marcy is the founder of The Down There Doc. She's a mama and a doctor dedicated to universally serving, empowering, and equipping women and the birthing community with confidence-building and injury-prevention tips, along with valuable information and knowledge to support birth preparation and postpartum recovery. Through The DownThere Doc's content, online programs, virtual sessions, advocacy, and clear, candid information, Dr. Marcy and her team of experts are dedicated to creating better care for women everywhere. Her vision is to set a new standard of physical health and well-being for birth preparation and postpartum recovery for the birthing community so women thrive physically throughout their lives. We absolutely love this mission and are ecstatic to have her on our show. You'll leave this episode feeling more knowledgeable about your pelvic floor, and you'll have a better understanding of what you can do to better prepare for childbirth, how to effectively push during labor, some recovery from childbirth tips, and the most useful pelvic floor tips in the days and weeks following childbirth. Dr. Marcy's Resources The Down There Doc Push Prep 101 (FREE webinar) In this webinar, Mamas will learn what to REALLY expect during pushing and delivery (including Dr. Marcy's proven system to reduce the risk of tearing), so they can leave fear at the doorstep and give birth confidently! Instagram: @thedowntheredoc TikTok: @thedowntheredoc No Mama Left Behind Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Planning a trip and traveling to Disney World or Disneyland with kids is extremely exciting but, at the same time, can be very overwhelming. There is so much to do and think about. What should you reserve? What do you need to pack? How can you find the best deals? That's why we're chatting with Sarah, today's guest, to give us the scoop on all the best tips and tricks to make your next Disney vacation with the kids just as amazing as you imagined! Who is Sarah Huff? Sarah Huff is a SoCal native and mom to two boys (8 and 6 years old). With a background in Business Administration and Psychology, Sarah joined the Baby Quip team in 2016. She now manages the ever-growing Quality Provider Community by providing real-time support to Quality Providers, maintains a superb brand image through quality control, and oversees customer service and support for all of BabyQuip. When she’s not chasing her tiny boy gang around, she’s soaking up the California sunshine. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Sarah about all things Disney, including the best tips on how to have a magical trip with the kids! Here are several of the questions that we covered: Where should a family start when planning a Disney trip? How can families get the most out of a Disney trip? What should families take into consideration when choosing a place to stay at Disney? And how do you recommend families find the best hotel deals? What recommendations do you have for planning out each day when visiting Disney? Do you plan out your rides and meals at Disney in advance of your trip? What recommendations do you have for this process? What are your top tips and tricks for babies and toddlers at Disney? What gear and products are the most important things to bring to Disney World with a baby or toddler? What "must haves" do you pack in your bag for a day at Disney? What are your top “Disney hacks” for doing the parks like a pro? How do you recommend keeping young kids engaged when they might get tired after a long day at Disney? Disney vacations can be expensive. What are your tips for saving, and what is worth the splurge? What resources would you recommend for families who are looking to plan a Disney vacation? Sarah shared some amazing and helpful information with us today. Now we feel completely ready for our next trip! We hope you feel the same. Cheers to a magical Disney vacation with the kids! Sarah's Resources Website: BabyQuip.com Instagram: @babyquip Facebook: @babyquip Sarah's Facebook: @babyquipsarahhuff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During pregnancy, we wait nine long months (some more, some less) to meet our precious babies. Then, once our babies enter the world, our world is truly never the same. Everything is about the baby. And everyone begins asking about the baby. Yes, the baby is extremely important, but what about the mom? Our guest today, Becky Vieira, is saying, "Enough about the baby!" She wants to bring more attention and support to new moms, and we're chatting with her all about it. Who is Becky Vieira, aka WittyOtter? We're excited to have Becky Vieira as our guest! Becky is the voice behind the popular Instagram mom account @WittyOtter, where she is leading the shift in how women speak about motherhood. Becky has been a go-to writer in the parenting space for more than seven years for sites like Baby Center and Scary Mommy. Before becoming a writer, she spent fifteen years as a publicist for some of the biggest public relations agencies. She represented major consumer brands, including Mattel’s Barbie®, Disney Consumer Products, and the charitable Stand Up to Cancer program. Becky now lives in Northern California with her husband and son, and we are pumped to "chick chat" with her about the first year of motherhood. In this episode, we chat with Becky about all things motherhood, strategies for thriving, and how we can shift the traditional perspective of the first year of motherhood. Becky is hilarious and honest in sharing her struggles during her first year of motherhood. She touches on her experience with postpartum depression, the problems she faced in her marriage, and her post-baby body image. We appreciate her strength and willingness to share her own personal stories to help better prepare moms for the reality of that first year and strategies for thriving. It's a great episode that we think every new mom should listen to. Becky's Resources Her Book: Enough About the Baby: A Brutally Honest Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood Her Social Media: Instagram: @WittyOtter Twitter: @WittyOtter_ Facebook: @WittyOtter Buy Nothing Project  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's almost that time when we need to change our clocks! This is every parent's least favorite time of year. That's why I’m chatting with Lauren Olson today to help with prepping your baby for Spring Forward. Lauren is a certified sleep specialist and founder of Sleep + the City. She began Sleep + the City in 2014 when she found that there was a real need for a REAL person to help new and seasoned moms with sleep training in a modern way. Her mission is to teach parents a gentle, hands-on, no cry-it-out sleep plan that works with real life. With her online baby sleep classes for children 0-18 months, and helpful DIY guides for toddlers, Lauren is raved about by celebrities and families around the globe! With daylight savings time quickly approaching, we wanted to chat with Lauren about some baby sleep tips to help our little ones seamlessly transition to the time change. When it comes to sleep, us parents will do anything to make sure that it’s undisturbed. And by preparing ahead of time and having an understanding of what to expect, we can make it an easier shift for us and our littles. So let’s welcome Lauren Olson and learn some tips on how to prep our babies for Spring Forward! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that our past experiences can affect how we parent in the present? It seems quite obvious, but there are so many layers to this. I've learned a lot about this from Dr. Shefali Tsabary and today, we have the privilege of having her with us on our show. Who is Dr. Shefali? Dr. Shefali received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Columbia University. Specializing in the integration of Western psychology and Eastern philosophy, she brings together the best of both worlds for her clients. She is an expert in family dynamics and personal development, teaching courses around the globe. She has written four books, three of which are New York Times bestsellers, including her two landmark books, The Conscious Parent and The Awakened Family. Today, Dr. Shefali is chatting with us about creating the ultimate parent-child relationship. We explore some practical solutions that can allow parents to connect with their children authentically, and she shares some powerful tips from her latest book, The Parenting Map. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since we are in the month of June and we just celebrated Father's Day, we thought it would be fun to chat with a Dad about what it was like becoming a father. So, for today's episode, we have an extra special guest, my husband, the other Co-Founder of Baby Chick, Brian Spears, and he is telling us his story. Was he ready? Was he nervous? And was becoming a dad everything he expected? We rarely get to talk to or hear from Brian on our website or social pages so we hope you enjoy this episode hearing from him. Brian's answering all of our questions and sharing his journey of becoming a dad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have Dr. Mona Amin back on our podcast! If you didn't hear our last episode with Dr. Mona Amin, she is a practicing pediatrician who sees babies and moms of every ethnicity and social circumstance. She created Peds Doc Talk and shares smart, helpful advice to make the motherhood journey a little easier for her community. Dr. Mona has built an inclusive community of over 280,000 fans and followers across her platforms! She definitely knows her stuff, and we're thrilled to have her back on our show talking about common summer health issues. Summer is around the corner, and we have many questions for Dr. Mona about health issues that arise during summertime, and we are grateful for her knowledge and advice. There are a lot of things that can happen during the summer — sunburn, bug bites, allergies, and more. In this episode, Dr. Mona shares her first-hand experience with these issues as a pediatrician and how to treat them. You'll leave this episode feeling more prepared for summer with the family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know how important it is to take care of ourselves, especially after giving birth—whether that’s C-section or vaginal. However, it can be tough for us new moms to take the time for our health and recovery. We tend to prioritize our baby and family before ourselves. But taking care of ourselves is not saying, "me first," it's saying, "me too." Because we are also important and we matter. On today's podcast, I'm talking with Katherine Baquie, the founder of FitNest Mama. Kath is sharing with us all of her tips on how to help boost your postpartum recovery. Kath is a proud mama of three, a perinatal physiotherapist, and host of her own podcast, The FitNest Mama Podcast. On her podcast, Kath dives into all things pregnancy care, childbirth, and postnatal recovery, helping mothers to have a better pregnancy and postpartum experience. Kath has over 16 years of professional experience guiding mamas through their pregnancy fitness journeys and postnatal rehab, and she specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation. With these credentials, it’s not hard to see why mamas are flocking to Kath for pre and postnatal fitness help! As I mentioned, Kath is sharing her advice with us on how to best recover from childbirth as well as our pelvic floor. She's explaining what exercises moms can do and can’t do after giving birth, and her tips to new moms just beginning their postpartum journeys. We're so grateful to have her as our guest and to listen to her words of wisdom. Cheers to boosting our postpartum recovery! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We love Amazon and shop on their site frequently, especially since we've become parents. However, we've learned that not everything listed for sale on Amazon is safe. This is very eye-opening and concerning for us as consumers, and we had to learn more. We're chatting with Rachel Johnson Greer about what we need to know to spot unsafe products on Amazon so that we can keep our families safe. Rachel is the author of No Dead Babies: How Amazon Pursued Profit Above Safety and How to Protect Your Family. She worked in the compliance department at Amazon's headquarters for over a decade — that is, until she was deposed from her position for speaking up for consumers' safety. A mother herself, Rachel was sickened by the reports of children that lost their lives due to faulty products. She is on a mission to arm parents with the knowledge they need to keep their families safe. "If you're a customer of a publicly-traded company, you are not their priority. You are their inputs so they can maximize shareholder value." - Rachel We're grateful to chat with Rachel today. She's sharing how your Amazon cart may be putting you and your family at risk, strategies to quickly and easily identify if a household item or children's toy is dangerous, and ways for parents to find peace of mind in an often daunting marketplace. Resources that Rachel Recommends: CPSC.gov SaferProducts.gov RachelJohnsonGreer.com KidsInDanger.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Alice and I are both currently pregnant and are here to talk about the second trimester: what to expect and what we are experiencing during our pregnancies. We hope that you listened to our episode about the first trimester. It should give you a good idea of what to expect and what is normal. In the future, we will also share what to expect in the third trimester, birth, and postpartum. Everyone’s pregnancy and parenting journeys are different, but we hope you find some comfort in what we’re sharing with you so that you can feel more prepared and less alone if you are also experiencing these symptoms. Thankfully the second trimester is normally the best trimester, but there are a few things that aren't so fun. But our babies are always worth it! So let’s chat about what to expect from your second trimester. Here we go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As parents, we all hear sleep tips and rules from friends, family, and of course, the internet. But is everything we hear accurate? We're going to find out. Today I'm chatting with Janey Reilly about baby sleep myths. Janey Reilly, the CEO and founder of WeeSleep, is an expert infant and toddler sleep consultant who works with families around the globe to help solve sleep challenges in a positive and personal way so that babies can rest and thrive and parents can rejoice. Janey is a single mother who launched WeeSleep after realizing how important infant and toddler sleep is while struggling with her own child's sleep issues. She knew that many other parents were experiencing similar problems, and it inspired her mission to provide babies and families with healthy sleep. Having worked with families for over a decade, Janey has seen and heard it all in the sleep world. This is why she is a perfect person to bust the big baby sleep myths. Thankfully she is also sharing her tips for parents and their babies to get better sleep! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Birth trauma. It's a real thing, and everyone's trauma is valid. According to research, up to 34% of women report their birth being traumatic. That's 1 in 3 women. And that is heartbreaking. Not enough people have heard about birth trauma, so today, we are so grateful to chat with Teela Tomassetti, a psychologist from Alberta Canada, and the name and face behind the Instagram account @theteaonbirthtrauma. Teela has spent the last 15 years specializing in various forms of trauma therapy such as domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, tragic losses, and sexual assault. A few years ago, Teela decided to pursue her Doctorate with a specialty in birth trauma. Since then, Teela has made it her mission to create a safe space to explore birth trauma survivors' experiences, support them in discovering their healing, and shed light on this topic. Today's episode is all about birth trauma and how to overcome a difficult birthing experience. I am honored to chat with Teela about this. She shares some incredible insight and research, as well as her own traumatic childbirth experience. You will leave this episode so much more knowledgeable, compassionate, and empathic to all birthing trauma survivors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Car seats can be confusing. What should we look for in a good car seat when making a purchase? What are the common car seat mistakes that we can avoid? We know that they keep our children safe in the car, but it's more than just buying the car seat. We need to know how to use it properly. I’m chatting with a nationally certified car seat technician, Michelle Pratt, for today's episode. Michelle is the owner of Safe in the Seat, which handles all things car seats; like online courses, custom car seat selection, phone-a-friend inquires and support, as well as full car seat installation and consultations -- in office, in-home, or virtual. Michelle is also a proud mom of two and lives in South Tampa with her children. You can find her on Instagram @safeintheseat. With National Child Passenger Safety Week approaching, we thought Michelle would be an excellent person to talk to about car seats so that we can get the scoop on what parents need to know. She’s sharing with us the most common car seat mistakes parents make as well as answering our questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Safe sleep is a hot topic with all parents, especially new parents. We all worry about scary things like SIDS and suffocation hazards and want to do everything we can to be sure that our babies are safe as they sleep during the night and day! Luckily there are things that we can do as parents to ensure safe sleep for our babies. Today’s episode we are sharing 10 things you can do to ensure safe sleep for your little ones and this episode is sponsored by our friends at Boppy (https://www.boppy.com). The Boppy Company revolutionized comfortable infant feeding and support with its iconic Boppy Feeding and Infant Support Pillow. They are beloved by parents worldwide and they have quickly become a must-have staple for all nurseries. Boppy has stayed true to its humble roots and maintains its solution-driven mindset. With comfort in mind, they’ve expanded their portfolio to include more award-winning products like baby carriers, pregnancy support pillows, breastfeeding and travel accessories, baby loungers and more. They are offering 20% off to our listeners with code ‘babychick20’ - it is good through the end of the year! We’re partnering with The Boppy Company to educate parents on the importance of safe sleeping practices for infants and we applaud Boppy for their efforts to ensure that every parent understands the importance of protecting their babies while they sleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Montessori is becoming more and more popular but there are still families who don’t know what Montessori is and why it might be a good option for their child. Today, I'm chatting with Theresa, the founder of Montessori in Real Life, co-creator of The Montessori Guides, and mom to a 3-year-old girl and 1-year-old boy. Prior to momming and blogging, Theresa received her graduate degree in developmental psychology and then her AMS certification to become a Montessori infant/toddler teacher. Though not every child can attend a Montessori school, any parent can incorporate Montessori practices into their home, starting as early as birth! With Theresa’s knowledge and experiences, she is bringing the joy of Montessori accessible for all. We’re thrilled to have her here on today's episode with us to break down what Montessori is and what parents need to know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that we are in the full swing of summertime, water safety is at the forefront of every parent's mind because families are spending more time by the pool, at the beach, or at the lake. I feel like in the past few years drowning prevention and water safety has received more media attention, but I think there is still a lot that people don’t know. Today I'm chatting with Natalie Livingston, a 25-year veteran of the aquatics industry and Co-Founder and Owner of the consulting and education firm ALIVE Solutions. Natalie spent 3 years as Vice President of OoASC focusing on accident and drowning investigations, litigation support, and consulting and training programs for aquatics operations. She was previously the General Manager of the Wave Waterpark in Vista, CA for 10 years. She has worked at both public and private facilities. Natalie is a current lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, and lifeguard instructor trainer. She is also an Aquatic Facility Operator, Certified Pool Operator, Certified Park & Recreation Professional, Certified Pool & Spa Inspector. Not only that, Natalie is currently on the World Waterpark Board of Directors. It’s obvious that Natalie is passionate about aquatic safety and training and development. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and two kids. Natalie is answering our water safety questions and shedding light on things every parent and caregiver needs to know when it comes to water safety. We’re so grateful to have her here to give us some tips and share her knowledge so we can be more prepared. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sharing tips on how to have the healthiest and best birth possible.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s topic is an important one, but one that is rarely discussed . . . circumcision. As soon as you are told “it’s a boy!” during your pregnancy or after giving birth, it’s a decision that you are faced with as a parent. Should your son be circumcised or not? Some parents do lots of research, some parents think little about the decision and do what they are familiar with in their own family. Some parents follow their religious beliefs regarding this decision. Whichever way you choose, let me first state, we are supportive of both sides. However, at Baby Chick, we want all parents to be informed and make their parenting decisions from a place of knowledge and understanding. That’s why I’m thrilled to chat with pediatrician, Dr. Kelly Fradin, today about circumcision and what parents need to know and consider before baby is born. Dr. Kelly Fradin is a pediatrician and mother of two from NYC. She is a graduate of Harvard College and Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, and her career has focused on children with chronic medical conditions and school health. As an advocate for children, she wrote Parenting in a Pandemic. This book provides calm, realistic, and evidence-based advice to families during this stressful time. Dr. Fradin is a wealth of knowledge, and she shares parenting and children's health information on her Instagram page @adviceigivemyfriends as well as her website. We're so happy to have her here to chat about this important decision parents are faced with when they discover they are having a boy. Notes: The Circumcision Debate: Beyond Benefits and Risks HealthyChildren.org How to Care for the Uncircumcised Penis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcoming a child into the world is one of the greatest days of a parent's life. However, if that newborn child ever has to be separated due to being preterm, having health complications, or for other reasons, that separation can be scary for parents. If the baby needs more medical attention, they are taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Most parents are unfamiliar with NICUs so this too can be scary. But it doesn't have to be. Today’s episode is about the NICU and what parents need to know if their new baby ever has to go there. As a NICU occupational therapist for years, Dr. Aimee Ketchum is breaking it all down for us and giving us parents all the details. Dr. Ketchum is a pediatric occupational therapist and has been working in pediatrics for 20 years. She works in the NICU at UPMC Pinnacle Hospital and lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters. She is also the owner/operator of STEM Starts Now, an early child development company. Dr. Ketchum mentioned during our episode that if you are interested in learning more about the history of NICUs and premature birth to check out this book: "Early" by Sarah DiGregorio We hope this episode brings clarity and relief to any families who have babies in the NICU now and in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you currently pregnant and quickly approaching your due date? We know that the current Coronavirus pandemic has left many expecting moms worried about what to expect during their labor and delivery as well as how to protect themselves and their babies. Many of our expecting mama clients have come to us for reassurance and guidance during this time, so we are here to share with you everything you need to know to prepare for your baby's birth during COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once you become pregnant and see those two pink lines on your positive pregnancy test, a lot of women immediately contact their doctor to confirm their pregnancy. And once it's confirmed, you'll be seeing a lot of your doctor as he/she cares for you and your baby's health! During your doctor appointments, I recommend bringing a list of questions with you. This ensures that you don't forget anything while you're there. It's important that women feel like they are participating in shared decision-making with their doctor. It all starts with good communication. On today's episode, I'm chatting with Dr. Tamika Auguste, a board-certified ob-gyn at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Auguste also serves as chair of the Ob/Gyn Clinical Practice Council at MedStar Health and as associate medical director of the MedStar Health Simulation Training & Education Lab.  Dr. Auguste recently made us aware of the latest edition of ACOG’s book “Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month.” We were told that it focuses on shared decision-making with your doctor during pregnancy, so women can feel empowered in their choices rather than having medical decisions dictated to them. And after reviewing the book, I was impressed! The language is more conversational and it includes updates on how to manage work, travel, prenatal visits, and breastfeeding during COVID. I am thrilled that this is an option for expectant moms. That’s why I am happy that I got to chat with one of ACOG's doctors, Dr. Auguste. Listen to what she had to say. Dr. Auguste recommends: ACOG's book “Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month” ACOG website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When pregnant, it's important to schedule consultations with local pediatricians. You want to find the right pediatrician for your baby and your family. Here are the questions that you need to ask when interviewing a pediatrician. 22 Questions to Ask When Interviewing Pediatricians - https://www.baby-chick.com/questions-to-ask-when-interviewing-pediatricians/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Alice and I have a little surprise to share with all of you . . . We are both PREGNANT! That’s right! Mary Alice is expecting her first baby and I am expecting my second. We have been experiencing a lot of different things already so we thought it would be fun to chat during each trimester and share with you what we are experiencing and what you may expect. Here's what's been going on with us during our first trimesters. Here we go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Postpartum. For most, it's a vulnerable and challenging time in motherhood. We are healing, learning, and evolving into the mothers our babies need us to be. It can be a lot, but thankfully there are things that we can do to prepare for the postpartum period, and there is support to help us through it. We have the Mama Psychologists with us today, and they are sharing their top postpartum tips, as well as what moms need to know after having a baby. Who are the Mama Psychologists? Today's guests are Chelsea Bodie and Caitlin Slavens! They are best friends, registered psychologists, and, most importantly, mothers who struggled significantly in the postpartum period. From months-long NICU stay to birth traumaand postpartum anxiety—they truly have experienced many of the topics they cover with their clients and their audience on Instagram and social media. In this episode, Caitlin and Chelsea are chatting about all things postpartum; normalizing post-baby mental health struggles, navigating #momlife, and finding strength amid the chaos. They share their own postpartum experiences and tips they believe all new moms should know. We are grateful they are here on our show to discuss these topics with us. They also give us great insight into their new book! If you're preparing for postpartum or are in the thick of it now, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past 10 years, I've attended hundreds of births. Some of my clients choose to have unmedicated births and some choose pain medication. Whichever you choose, do your research and decide which birthing experience is best for you. We want everyone to know that one way of giving birth is not better than the other and one way does not make you a better or stronger woman or mother. All birthing options are good options for different circumstances and it's up to you to do your research so that you can determine which is best for you and your baby. So why would someone want to have a “natural” or unmedicated childbirth? Mary Alice and I are discussing the reasons why some women choose to forego pain medication during labor and delivery. We're also sharing the different kinds of pain medications that are available should you decide on having a natural birth but change your mind during labor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you discover you're pregnant, it's such an exciting and overwhelming time. There's so much to do and to think about! It's normal for women to begin questioning their lifestyle choices and the products they use. Maybe you want to start getting more active. Maybe you want to lower the stress in your life. And maybe you want to rethink what you have been eating in your diet. We all know that nutrition in pregnancy is important but it can be confusing. Many women aren't sure exactly what they should be eating throughout each trimester. And what one woman should eat during their pregnancy is oftentimes different from another, especially when we look at our DNA. In today's episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Nicole Avena, an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and a Visiting Professor of Health Psychology at Princeton University. Dr. Avena is a research neuroscientist and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet, and addiction, with a special focus on nutrition during early life and pregnancy, and women’s health. She has written several books and frequently appears as a science expert in the media. This includes regular appearances on the Dr. Oz Show, Good Day NY, and The Doctors, as well as many other news programs. Her work has been featured in Time Magazine, Bloomberg Business Week, Time Magazine for Kids, The New York Times, and many other periodicals. We are thrilled to have her as a guest on our show to discuss nutrition in pregnancy. Every pregnancy is so different and the nutrition we need from each pregnancy can vary. Thankfully there is a resource that can help us that is called 9Moons. 9Moons is a personalized prenatal nutrition program shaped by your DNA and lifestyle. Dr. Avena is sharing her expert advice and telling us all about it. We are excited to learn more! This episode is brought to you by our friends at 9Moons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is all about how to keep our sleeping babies safe and to focus on the breathability of crib mattresses. Our babies’ safety is our greatest priority, and breathability in crib mattresses may not seem like too big of a deal, but it’s more important than parents think. And Barry Cik, the Founder and Technical Director of Naturepedic, knows this all too well. We're thrilled to have Barry back on our podcast to talk about some of the biggest risks and dangers involved with infant sleep, why breathability is an important feature in crib mattresses, as well as what to look for when purchasing a crib mattress. A little bit about Barry—he has had a lifelong interest in preserving the environment, not only for us but for all future generations. As a board-certified environmental engineer, Barry advocates for legislative reform and has four decades of experience investigating and assessing hazardous materials/contamination, resolving environmental problems, and protecting human health, safety, and the environment. We couldn't think of a better guest to talk about this important topic since Barry has such a wealth of knowledge and experience. Our babies spend such a significant amount of time in their cribs, so it's important to discuss this topic. We’re honored to have Barry back on the show and get into all of the details regarding keeping your sleeping baby safe. This episode is brought to you by our friends at Naturepedic and they are offering all of our listeners a discount! 20% off on their website www.naturepedic.com through September 2021 with discount code: BabyChick20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're chatting with Quinn Kelly and how to stay connected with your spouse after having kids. Quinn is a licensed marriage and family therapist, wife of 14 years and a mother of four wild but adorable boys so I knew she would be the perfect person to chat with about this topic. She has a blog called Sanctification and Spitup centered on faith and parenting, a podcast of her own called the Renew You Podcast, a faith Conference series for women called Renew (with an upcoming conference this March in Houston, TX that you are invited too!), and she is one of our Baby Chick writers! This topic about staying connected with your spouse after having children is super important to us. We know that a lot of things change after you have a baby and our relationships can be one them. Sometimes its for the better and sometimes for the worse. :( We want to know what we can do to strengthen our relationship with our spouse so we had to talk to Quinn to share her amazing knowledge with us. During the episode, Quinn mentioned her top 5 books that she recommends: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by Dr. John Gottman The Road Back to You by Cron and Stabile Parenting With Love and Logic by Cline and Fay Daring Greatly by Brené Brown And if you want to know more about Quinn and follow her, here are her details: Blog: www.sanctificationandspitup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanctificationandspitup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanctificationAndSpitup/ Podcast: https://renewfaithconference.com/podcast Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renewyoupodcast/ Faith Conference Series: www.renewfaithconference.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that statistics show a girl's self-esteem peaks at age nine and falls from there? This was a heartbreaking statistic that we recently discovered. We wanted to learn more about what we can do to prevent it from falling and empower our girls. That's when we found Melody Pourmoradi, an empowerment coach who is passionate about empowering women and girls across the globe. Melody has supported thousands of women to live out their life's purpose, create careers that they love, and cultivate a life that lights them up from the inside out. She is an award-winning author who has written books on subjects that include teaching girls how to live a peaceful and happy life and teaching women that the clearest path to raising empowered girls is by first looking in the mirror and doing the inner work necessary to nourish themselves first and foremost. In today's episode, Melody and I talk about how moms and caregivers can raise young girls' self-esteem. We cover body positivity, friendships, wellness, and more. As a mom of a little girl, I am so grateful to learn more about this topic and how we can impact young girls and empower them to be confident and happy. Check out Melody's FREE 10-Day Challenge (it shares 10 unique ways to empower our daughters) as well as her book, Empowered Women Empower Girls. Melody's website: getgirlpower.com or melodypourmoradi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holiday season can spark a lot of emotions in the family—excitement, joy, anxiety, dread . . . And that's not including all of the emotions from our toddlers! We know that big events can bring up big emotions. Now that the holidays are upon us, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with Leanne about how to prevent toddler tantrums during the holiday season. Leanne Sherred is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist as well as the President of Expressable, an online speech therapy company that envisions a modern, affordable, and convenient way for anyone who needs speech therapy to access these vital services. Leanne spent her career working in a variety of speech therapy settings before starting Expressable. She worked in pediatric outpatient clinics, schools, early intervention, and home health. She studied Speech and Hearing Sciences at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and gained her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Today Leanne calls Austin, Texas home. We know that the holidays can be stressful enough without meltdowns. Luckily, our friend Leanne has some useful tools to help us as parents stay ahead of a toddler tantrum by using communication strategies. We’re excited to explore them together with you in this episode. Cheers to preventing toddler tantrums during the holidays! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I have the pleasure of chatting with one of our own moms here at Baby Chick and young widow, Cheyenne Bell, and the Founder and CEO of Dayforward, Aaron Shapiro. CEO, Aaron Shapiro, has a long history of being a marketing and technology executive, serial entrepreneur, but most of all, a father and husband to his wife and three children in New York City. He’s spent his career using digital technology to help make people’s lives better. After leaving his last company, which helped some of the world's largest companies modernize their business with digital, Aaron decided to take on the massive and important problem with financial security in the life insurance industry. This brings us to today’s episode and the importance of having life insurance if anyone depends on you financially. We’re so happy to have Aaron here to talk about Dayforward and have Cheyenne share her story. Cheyenne is a busy mom of two young kids who suddenly found herself a widow in 2017. Since then, she has become passionate about educating other young couples about the importance of preparing for the worst. She recently wrote an article on our site about becoming a young widow and why life insurance is such a crucial element when planning for your future. And Cheyenne is here to talk about her story and insight on this critical topic. We know. Life insurance, in general, is one of those things that you don’t necessarily want to think about. And it might not be everyone’s favorite thing to talk about either. Especially ‘what if’ scenarios about untimely death. But it is important when you decide to start a family or already have a family of your own. Aaron and Cheyenne are both here to discuss: Why life insurance is so important for keeping your family financially secure. The importance of having the right amount of coverage to protect your loved ones. And lastly, how Dayforward Income Protection is different from conventional life insurance and what they want families listening to know. Today’s episode is brought to you by our friends at Dayforward. If you haven’t heard of Dayforward yet, they’re an entirely new type of life insurance that protects your family by protecting your income. So if you die, your family will continue to receive your twice-a-month paychecks just like they depend on today, until your kids are adults. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With neverending to-do lists, parents sometimes just want their little ones to be entertained and content without always resorting to screentime. This is especially true when bringing home a new baby. You don’t want your older child to be left out, but it’s so helpful if there are some fun and easy activities that can keep them busy while you care for your newborn. This is actually what inspired our guest today! Susie Allison, from Busy Toddler, is an early childhood education expert and advocate. She has a degree in Elementary Education, taught Kindergarten and First Grade, and was a math and reading curriculum specialist. Once Susie had children, she found her true passion for simple kids’ activities that didn’t involve screentime. And so, Busy Toddler was born! It has evolved into a million-follower Instagram account and a play-based internet haven.  Today we had the pleasure of chatting with Susie about the best tips for keeping your toddler busy and happy. Susie knows firsthand that being a parent is tough, and being a kid can be even tougher. She is answering our questions about hands-on learning and tips on how we can all make it to nap time a little easier!  Here are the great resources that Susie shared with us! All are on Instagram: @kids.eat.in.color @inclusivestorytime @theotbutterfly @pedsdoctalk @transformingtoddlerhood  @busytoddler - Susie's account! You can visit Susie on her website, busytoddler.com, and order her Playing Preschool Program or purchase her book for more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is all about how you can help new moms during postpartum. But when you're the mom and expecting a baby, there is so much to think about and plan for before the baby's arrival. Is my baby healthy? Will I be a good mom? Am I even ready to be a mom? One thing I am so glad that I knew about was ViaCord Cord Blood Banking. Cord blood banking is a simple and smart way to help plan for your family’s future health. But the only way you can do it is right when your baby is born. You can save your child’s cord blood even if you’re doing delayed cord clamping. Cord blood can be used for a range of conditions. And if you need it for a condition that can use cord blood, a doctor will help you decide if it’s the right medical option. Hundreds of ViaCord families have used their baby’s cord blood to help with various conditions and it has made a world of difference in their lives. It’s important to think about those things like ViaCord during pregnancy, and it’s also important to start thinking about your postpartum time. Mary Alice and I have both had our babies and are in the postpartum period. As postpartum doulas and mothers, we know what is helpful and what isn’t when it comes to helping new moms during postpartum. We appreciate our friends at ViaCord for sponsoring this episode so that we can share all of our recommendations to support new mothers. If you’re expecting, this is an episode to send to your partners! We’re discussing all the different ways he or she can help you during this fragile time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The third trimester . . . the final three months before baby's arrival! Mary Alice is at the very end of her pregnancy, due December 25th, and I am officially in my third trimester, 31 weeks! We both have been experiencing a lot of different things throughout our pregnancies. We’ve already covered what to expect in the first trimester and second trimester on our podcast and today we are chatting about the third trimester; what we are experiencing as well as what you may expect from your third trimester. Some of these symptoms will sound familiar -- hello again, first trimester symptoms! But each change should encourage you since each is bringing you closer to meeting your baby. Here's what you can expect from your third trimester of pregnancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many different comfort techniques to use during labor that will keep you more calm and comfortable. One option that many women aren't aware of or over look is hypnosis. It can sound a little weird and voodoo-like so oftentimes women will write it off. But it's actually not as strange as it sounds. What is Hypnobirthing? Today I have the privilege of chatting with Cliodhna Griffin, the founder of Born Free Birthing and Houston Placenta Services. Cliodhna is a certified and experienced HypnoBirthing Educator, Master Trainer and Faculty Member of the HypnoBirthing Institute. Cliodhna hails from Ireland but currently lives in Kingwood, TX with her husband of over 12 years and their 3 fantastic daughters, two of whom are darling HypnoBirthing babies. She is a dedicated educator and loves to help families have joyful and empowering births. We couldn't think of a better person to learn more about hypnobirthing with than her. For information about Cliodhna and her services, visit: Her website - www.bornfreebirthing.com Her Facebook page - www.facebook.com/bornfreebirthing Her IG page - www.instagram.com/bornfreebirthing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every parent hopes and prays for their child to grow healthy and happy. We also hope that with our guidance, they will be respectful and loving to themselves and others. Everything we do as parents influences our children, and there's a lot that we can do to set them up for success. Today's guest has given us helpful tips and insight on what works! Jess VanderWier is a Registered Psychotherapist, a mom of three, and the Founder of Nurtured First, formerly known as Our Mama Village. She started her company to support parents as they raise emotionally healthy little kids and care for their own mental health in the process. Nurtured First has helped thousands of parents learn how to understand their child's behavior and parent in a way that feels good to them. Today, Jess is sharing her tips on how to raise a respectful, loving child. It’s so important to understand your child's emotions as well as have compassion for your own needs. There are simple methods and techniques you can feel good about using to raise an emotionally intelligent, respectful, and loving child. Listen to the episode to learn all about them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're chatting with Dr. Susan Albers, a New York Times best-selling author and a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Albers specializes in eating issues, weight loss, body image concerns, and mindfulness. After obtaining her masters and doctorate degree from the University of Denver, Dr. Albers completed an APA internship at the University of Notre Dame and a post-doctoral fellowship at Stanford University. Dr. Albers conducts mindful eating workshops across the country, and she is the author of six mindful eating books, including her latest that came out December 24th, Hanger Management: Master Your Hunger and Improve Your Mood, Mind, and Relationships. Today, Dr. Albers is talking with us about mindful eating after baby. We’ve all heard about and experienced getting "hangry" and with so much going on with our bodies post-birth and taking care of our little ones, it can be tough to take the time to take care of ourselves and nourish our bodies properly. Hormones are real in the fourth trimester and Dr. Albers is sharing her tips including her five S's on how to mindfully eat postpartum that can help our minds and heal our bodies. To hear more from Dr. Albers, check out her website https://eatingmindfully.com, visit her on Instagram @drsusanalbers and check out her new book Hanger Management: Master Your Hunger and Improve Your Mood, Mind, and Relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wanted to be a mom of multiples or wondered what it would really be like? Well, today, July 12th, was National Triplet Day and we thought it would be really fun to chat with a mom of triplets, Brittany Werth, to get the real scoop. Brittany is the Chief Operating Officer of Simplified, a boutique lifestyle brand specializing in products to empower busy women with the tools they need to simplify their lives. She lives in Orlando, FL, with her husband, Doug, 4-year-old son, Douglas, and infant triplets, Nash, Bennet, and Eleanor. When she’s not pushing their wagon o’kids around their neighborhood, she enjoys cooking, trying new wines, having a rare date night out, and dreaming of their next parents-only getaway. We are so honored to have Brittany on today's episode to chat with us about all things triplets and what it's really like being a mom of triplets. She’s sharing about her pregnancy, her transition from one child to four, and what she wants all mothers to know. Here are the products that Brittany recommended to moms of triplets! Burt's Bee's Belly Butter When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy by Dr. Barbara Luke Velcro Swaddles Medela Symphony LaVie Warming Lactation Massager Boppy Lounger 4moms Mamaroo Routine Book — Brittany used Baby Wise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As our listeners know, Mary Alice and I both have recently given birth to baby girls! Mary Alice gave birth in December 2020 and I gave birth in February 2021. We are both in the thick of postpartum and we want to share with all of YOU what you may expect during the postpartum period. There are a lot of changes not only physically but emotionally. We feel that many expecting women prepare for childbirth, but are less prepared for postpartum life. By sharing our experiences and common symptoms as we de-mystify this fragile time, we hope more women can feel more confident as they enter into new motherhood. Here's everything you need to know on what to expect during the postpartum period. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home birth. This topic can evoke so many feelings and emotions in people. It can also bring up a lot of questions. Is it safe? What are the risks? What are the benefits? Luckily, I'm discussing this controversial topic with Sherry Oldfield, a certified nurse-midwife, lactation consultant and master life coach. Sherry has attended 1000’s of births in every setting -- county hospital, private hospitals, birth centers and homes. She has been assisting women in labor and delivery since 1987 and because she has seen it all, I knew she would be an excellent person to discuss this important topic. During our episode, Sherry mentioned Henci Goer as an author to look into when researching reading materials for your pregnancy. Here is one of Goer's books: - The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenthood is a crazy beautiful ride. There are ups and downs that so many of us experience. Josh and Paige Peck can relate! I had the privilege of having a quick sit-down chat with them the other day about their parenthood journey thus far — what they've experienced as parents and what has helped them along the way. Listening to their stories and advice was refreshing to hear because even as celebrities, they have experienced a lot of what other parents are dealing with too. I know that parents who listen to this episode will be able to take away something from what we discussed and feel a little less alone too. Who are Josh & Paige Peck? Josh Peck is a father, actor, writer, author, and podcast host. He can currently be seen in the second season of Hulu's, How I Met Your Father, alongside Hilary Duff and in the Netflix feature film, 13: The Musical, as "Rabbi Shapiro" for director Tamra Davis, alongside Debra Messing. He starred in the Disney+ reboot of Turner & Hooch, playing the son of the beloved role that Tom Hanks originated. And Josh will next be seen in Christopher Nolan's upcoming feature, Oppenheimer, alongside Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Robert Downey Jr. Oppenheimer will release in theaters on July 21, 2023. Paige Peck is a designer who lovingly cares for their two sons, Max and Shai. The Pecks currently reside in Los Angeles, CA. What are we chatting about? Josh and Paige recently welcomed their second baby home in October 2022 and we are chatting about all things parenting! From transitioning from one to two children, balancing careers, their advice for new parents, and more, they share their experiences with us. We are grateful to hear about their journey as parents and what they have learned along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Choosing a crib mattress may not sound like a big deal, but it’s more important than parents think. Today, I have the pleasure of chatting with Barry Cik, the Founder and Technical Director of Naturepedic, a manufacturer of award-winning certified organic mattresses. Barry knows all too well the important decision of choosing the right crib mattress for your baby. Years ago when Barry was shopping for his first grandchild’s crib mattress, he was troubled to discover the state of the baby mattress industry. From that moment, Barry was inspired and determined to create mattress products that are safer and healthier for every child. And he was the perfect person to do so. (Others agree! Check out this Mattress Still Mattress report!) Barry has had a lifelong interest in preserving the environment, not only for us, but for all future generations. As a board-certified environmental engineer, Barry is an advocate for legislative reform and has four decades of experience investigating and assessing hazardous materials/contamination, resolving environmental problems, and protecting human health, safety, and the environment. When he discovered the alarming materials used in the majority of crib mattresses, he knew he could do better. And that’s how Naturepedic was born in 2003. Today’s episode is about the important decision of choosing your child’s crib mattress. Barry is sharing with us how and why crib mattresses play a part in safe sleep, the history of safe sleep, what parents should look for when choosing a crib mattress, and what he wants all parents to know. He has a wealth of knowledge and we are honored to have him on our show. This episode is brought to you by our friends at Naturepedic and they are offering all of our listeners a discount! 15% off on their website www.naturepedic.com with discount code: BabyChick15   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are chatting with Cliodhna Griffin, the founder of Born Free Birthing and Houston Placenta Services. Cliodhna is a certified and experienced HypnoBirthing Educator, Master Trainer, and Faculty Member of the HypnoBirthing Institute, and she is proudly Houston, TX’s first APPA triple-certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist providing professional placenta encapsulation services from Houston’s only freestanding commercial-grade placenta preparation kitchen. Cliodhna hails from Ireland but currently lives in Kingwood, TX with her husband of 13 years and their three beautiful daughters. She is a dedicated educator and placenta encapsulation specialist and loves to help families have joyful and empowering births and healthy postpartum experiences. When it comes to placentas, I knew I had to chat with Cliodhna. A placenta can be a really intimidating organ to a person who has never seen one and who doesn’t know much about them. But, in my opinion, they really don’t get enough credit for what they do. I also feel that women aren’t told what they can do with it—other than discarding it—and their options after their baby is born. So, today we are talking about what a placenta does, and what options women have after it has detached from their uterus. Cliodhna is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to placentas so we knew she would be the perfect person to answer our questions and shed some light on this important and undervalued organ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being a mother is the most wonderful and powerful role a woman can have. It's a momentous, life-changing role. And while it is the best thing that has ever happened to us, it is also demanding and can be overwhelming at times. Our to-do lists seem neverending, and we are (usually) the primary caretaker of our children. With so many responsibilities, it's only natural that we feel "touched out," exhausted, and out of control at times. This is when mindfulness can help. And being more mindful in motherhood has incredible benefits for the mother and her family. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Josephine Atluri, a mindfulness coach and ​​author of the new book, "Mindfulness Journal for Parents." I have read it and have used it as a journal and have loved it. I even gifted it to a friend after she had her baby. Josephine is an expert in meditation and mindfulness. She has helped thousands of people overcome adversity to find joy. Her personal experience creating her modern-day family of seven children via In Vitro fertilization, international adoption, and surrogacy inspires her work as a highly sought-after fertility and parenting mindfulness coach. With seven children, she knows the pressures of motherhood. She also knows that life can get chaotic. It's unavoidable, especially with children. But with mindfulness, you can practice simple ways to stay calm and work through moments of stress. Josephine encourages parents to build mindfulness into their habits and routines with their kids. And on this episode, she shares some of her incredible tips and exercises for parents to stay present. * This episode is brought to you by our friends at Binto! First time customers can receive 20% off their first month of a Binto subscription or any of their products by using our code babychick20. (Excludes gift cards.) Stay healthy, mamas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An exciting part of planning for a baby’s arrival is preparing their room! It can be so much fun pinning beautiful pictures that inspire you on Pinterest for your little one's nursery. However, designing your perfect nursery can also be overwhelming. Where should you start? What do you need? And what can you skip? Parents can feel rattled (no pun intended) when trying to make the room perfect for themselves and their little one. That's why we have a special guest and interior designer, Naomi Coe, breaking it all down for us on today's podcast episode. Naomi Coe is the award-winning founder of Little Crown Interiors, which is an interior design studio specializing in nursery and child design. She is also the author of the nursery design book, Your Perfect Nursery. Naomi founded Little Crown Interiors in 2008, focusing her design studio on nurseries and child spaces after seeing this specialized skill missing from other firms. Bringing together beauty, functionality, and safety, Naomi believes in creating spaces for her clients that are unique, intentional, and curated. Naomi has designed nurseries, kids rooms, and playrooms for clients all across the country with a keen eye for style, function, and safety. As one of the first designers in the country with a specialty in these spaces, Naomi is known as the go-to expert in her field. Her work has been featured in countless magazines, periodicals, and on television including People, The Wall Street Journal, Access Hollywood, Project Nursery, and Entertainment Tonight. It's obvious that she's incredibly talented and she has the portfolio to prove it! We are thrilled to have Naomi with us today to share her expert knowledge and tips on how to create a stylish, functional, and safe nursery for our babies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With my due date just around the corner, I wanted to chat with Sarah Kuhn, founder of Juna, a fitness and nutrition app for pregnancy and postpartum, about exercising after birth. We know the benefits of staying active during pregnancy and after baby. However, there are a lot of details that aren't clear. As a pre & post-natal exercise specialist, I knew Sarah could give us the real scoop on what we need to know about exercising after giving birth. She's going over what we can do, what we shouldn't do, when we can get started exercising, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once you become a parent, so much of your life changes. Your daily schedule, the amount of sleep you get, the amount of time and energy you have, and the list continues. After long days and nights with the baby or working all day and dealing with a fussy toddler, let’s not even forget parenting during a pandemic, sometimes you are too drained to think about getting intimate with your partner. With so much on our to-do lists, it can sometimes feel like sex is just another thing to add to the calendar. But sex and intimacy are essential in romantic relationships. So if things have slowed down and you’re wanting to heat things back up with your partner, this podcast is for you. Today, we're chatting with Jamye Waxman, a licensed marriage and family therapist, sex therapist, and sex educator, with over 20 years of experience talking about intimacy, romance, and sexual pleasure. She's sharing with us helpful tips about how we can keep intimacy alive in parenthood with our partners. Jamye is an author of four books, a former radio and TV producer, and she once held jobs as a Playgirl columnist, a Playboy Sextreme Makeover expert, podcast host, Babeland employee, and adult-film maker. With a career spanning the gamut in human sexuality, one thing has never changed -- Jamye loves communicating with people about intimacy, sex, and relationships. This is why we knew she would be full of helpful tips on how to keep intimacy alive in parenthood and she definitely delivered. This is a good episode that you don't want to miss! Resources that Jamye mentioned: "Sex is Not a Natural Act" by Leonore Tiefer "Come as You Are" by Emily Nagoski "Passionate Marriage" by David Schnarch "Getting the Love You Want" by Harville Hendrix "Mating in Captivity" by Esther Perel and her Ted Talks John Gottman books Laura Corn books Jamye Waxman books Scarleteen - A Sexual Inventory Stocklist (online resource) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but it's not always an enjoyable experience for everyone. Many different symptoms can happen; heartburn, morning sickness, back pain, stress, and more. But thankfully, there are some tips that can help you get through. We have Dr. Christine Sterling, board-certified ObGyn and mom of three, as our special guest, and she is sharing her tips on how to make your pregnancy easier and healthier. Dr. Sterling is on a mission is to provide comprehensive support for the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy. With so much information about what you should and shouldn't do during pregnancy, it's easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure it all out. That's why Dr. Sterling is doing her part and started Sterling Parents and her courses. Today, Dr. Sterling is answering all of our questions, including handling stress during pregnancy and sharing the importance of nourishing ourselves during pregnancy and beyond. We're honored to have her as our guest and hear her expert recommendations. We know you'll leave this episode feeling more prepared and empowered for your pregnancy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're talking all about sleep and what every parent needs to know when it comes to baby's sleep. I have to say, baby sleep is one of our most popular topics and I think it's because most parents are trying to figure out what they can do to get more sleep. As parents, sleep is our love language now. And that's why we are chatting with Hailee Schollaardt about this topic. Hailee is the founder and owner of Nurturing Sleep Solutions. She is a certified infant and child sleep consultant based out of Northern Alberta, Canada. And she's a mother of three children; a 6-year-old, a 4-year-old, and a 2-year-old. Hailee says that having three children within five years really tested her limits many times, but it also gave her the drive and the confidence to become a Sleep Consultant and work with families all over the world. Her passion as a Sleep Consultant is to give empowerment back to parents. She believes in taking the "right" and "wrong" out of family sleep practices and instead have a healthy balance for whatever works best for YOUR family. We love that. Hailee has met tons of exhausted parents at the end of their wits trying to get their babies to sleep. She's sharing with us all of her tips on what parents can do and what parents need to know about baby's sleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices