Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies and the Battle for Sleep – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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What if nothing is wrong… but everything still feels hard?

In this episode of Doula Talk, Deb gently explores the often-overlooked reality of the fourth trimester. Those first three months after birth can be beautiful, but also exhausting, disorienting, and full of questions no one quite prepares you for.

This episode helps shift families out of panic and into understanding, covering:

• Why frequent night waking, cluster feeding, and contact naps are normal
• How gentle rhythms (not rigid schedules) support sleep and recovery
• The connection between newborn behavior, parental healing, and nervous system regulation
• When to trust the process… and when to seek extra support

Deb also shares why postpartum support is essential, not optional, and how having the right guidance can make this transition feel steadier and more manageable.

Looking for more support? Deb offers prenatal consults, virtual support, and her First Year Support Program, along with helpful resources at douladeb.com.

If you’re expecting or in the thick of those early months, this episode will help you feel less alone and more grounded in what actually matters.

Because when understanding replaces fear, everything starts to feel just a little bit steadier.

Support the show

Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.

Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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Many families reach a moment in early postpartum when things finally start to feel familiar, and then suddenly shift again. Sleep looks different. Feeding feels harder. The rhythm they were beginning to understand feels less clear.

In this episode, Deb, a birth, postpartum, and sleep doula, explains why these shifts are not setbacks, but a normal part of newborn development. She explores how growth spurts, illness, and stimulation naturally reorganize sleep and feeding patterns, and why change itself is part of the rhythm  .

Deb also discusses why trying to “fix” these phases often adds more pressure, and how postpartum support helps families stay oriented instead of overwhelmed. This episode is especially helpful for parents who are starting to wonder if they need more support, not because something is wrong, but because carrying the mental load alone feels heavy.

Listeners will walk away with a steadier understanding of newborn pattern shifts and reassurance that support is allowed while things are moving.

Postpartum and first-year support options, including newborn sleep and feeding guidance, are available for families who want help navigating this season.

Support the show

Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.

Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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In this validating and heart-centered episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, postpartum and sleep doula Deb dives into one of the most emotionally loaded topics for new families: how to survive the holidays without sacrificing your sanity, sleep, or boundaries.

If this is your baby's first holiday and you're feeling pulled in a dozen directions, this episode is your permission slip to slow down and do things differently. Deb breaks down why the holidays often feel so overwhelming after having a baby (hint: you’re not imagining it) and offers deeply supportive, real-life tools to help you navigate the holidays on your terms.

With her signature blend of empathy and real talk, Deb shares scripts for boundary-setting, doula-approved travel tips, and why overstimulation matters so much in the early weeks and months. If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to keep your baby asleep while fielding awkward questions at a family dinner, this one’s for you.

Freebie: Sleep Survival Kit for Holiday Travel - Your free, downloadable checklist with travel tips, packing suggestions, sleep setup hacks, and gentle reminders for new families braving the holidays. Grab it at www.douladeb.com/freebies

Need more support?

• First Year Support Program – Ongoing postpartum and infant sleep consulting for families navigating feeding, sleep, recovery, and routine building.
• Sleep Consults – Personalized support for infant sleep foundations, gentle sleep shaping, and nap struggles.
• Prenatal Planning Sessions – Build your postpartum plan with Deb’s compassionate guidance before baby arrives.

Book a consult or explore services at www.douladeb.com

🎙️ If this episode felt like a warm hug or a deep breath, please share it with a fellow new parent. Together, we can build a season rooted in rest, not chaos.

Support the show

Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.

Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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In this episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb sits down with returning guest Brittany Hageman, a myofunctional speech therapist specializing in oral facial development, infant feeding, and airway health.

Most parents hear about tongue ties when breastfeeding isn’t going well — but the impact goes far beyond latch. Brittany and Deb unpack how tongue ties can shape a child’s jaw and palate development, airway space, facial symmetry, speech clarity, and even long-term sleep and breathing patterns. From the baby stage through adulthood, these small restrictions can make a surprisingly big difference.

You’ll hear:

• The red flags every parent should know about tongue ties and airway concerns
• How ties can influence jaw growth, palate shape, and facial development
• Why airway health is directly linked to sleep, focus, and even behavior in children
• Practical steps you can take right now to support your child’s airway and oral development
• The role of myofunctional therapy, craniosacral therapy, and collaboration with specialists in creating lasting change

And because she knows how overwhelming this can feel, Brittany has created a PDF checklist of symptoms you can download to help spot potential concerns early and bring to your provider.

💡 Resources & Links:

• Download Brittany’s free Airway & Tongue Tie Symptom Checklist
• Connect with Brittany for in-person or virtual myofunctional therapy if you’re in Washington or California
• Learn more about Deb’s support for families: DoulaDeb.com
• Oral Development Tools Mentioned in this Episode:
  • EZPZ Developmental Cup Set — helps little ones practice open cup and straw drinking skills that support oral development.
  • NinniCo Pacifiers — designed to mimic the breast and support a healthier latch. Use this link for Doula Deb’s affiliate discount.
  • TalkTools Oral Motor Tools — fun, effective tools created by speech therapists to strengthen oral muscles and promote chewing, swallowing, and tongue mobility.
  • MyoMunchee — a simple, chew-based tool that supports jaw strength, tongue posture, and nasal breathing. Available in versions for babies, kids, and adults.

Support the show

Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.

Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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In this episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb brings back two powerhouse guests, Dr. Angie Maxwell, pelvic floor physical therapist, and Laura Meader, licensed social worker and therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, dig into a topic most parents don’t talk about out loud: postpartum anxiety and OCD.

Too often, new parents are told to “watch out for baby blues or depression,” but anxiety and OCD symptoms get swept under the rug. Deb and her guests break that silence with compassion and clarity, covering everything from what sets postpartum anxiety apart from everyday new-parent worry to how intrusive thoughts in OCD can feel terrifying and isolating. Angie explains how anxiety shows up in the body (yes, even in your pelvic floor), while Laura sheds light on the mental spirals and intrusive thoughts that so many parents hide in shame. Together, they remind listeners that these experiences are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.

The conversation highlights practical strategies for recognizing red flags, understanding the difference between “normal” worry and a clinical concern, and most importantly, how to get support before you feel like you’re drowning. Deb also shares resources like the Postpartum Progress New Mom Checklist and points listeners toward her free Baby Lounge community gatherings for connection and peer support.

This episode is a must-listen for any expecting or new parent who has ever wondered, “Is this just me, or is something bigger going on?” It’s also invaluable for partners who want to better understand how to support a loved one through the postpartum transition.

Tune in to learn:

• The difference between baby blues, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum OCD
• How anxiety can show up physically and emotionally
• What intrusive thoughts actually mean (and why they don’t make you a bad parent)
• How to create communication systems with your partner that protect your mental health
• Why compassion and community are essential for postpartum recovery

If you’re preparing for postpartum, or living it right now, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling seen, supported, and empowered with tools and resources.

Support the show

Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.

Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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In this powerful episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb peels back the curtain on one of the most under-prepared-for moments of early parenthood: going back to work after maternity leave. Spoiler alert—it’s not just about logistics, it’s an identity shift.

Deb opens with her own (very real) story: trying to jump back into overnight doula work while leaking milk, crying on her commute, and coaching her husband through baby care via text—only to crash hard and realize, “I wasn’t ready.” It’s the kind of raw honesty and insight that sets this episode apart. When she did go back later, on her own terms, everything changed—and she shares how you can create that same shift.

This episode is packed with straight-talking, compassionate tips for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the return-to-work whirlwind. Top five tips for going back to work: 

• ✨ Run a dress rehearsal before Day One (because chaos loves to show up uninvited)
• 🍼 Prep your feeding game—whether you’re pumping, formula-feeding, or combo feeding
• 🧺 Share the dang load at home and stop being the default parent and the snack planner and the emotional support human
• 🎵 Build drop-off and pick-up rituals that help you and baby feel grounded
• 💤 Protect your sleep like it’s sacred, even when you’re not getting much of it

And perhaps most importantly, Deb debunks the “back to normal” myth with warmth and clarity: You’re not going back. You’re evolving.

💡 Resources You’ll Want to Grab:

• ✅ Free Postpartum Logistics Checklist: Get your ducks in a row without losing your mind.
• ✅ Baby Soothing Guide: Quick, practical tools to help during transitions.

All freebies and program info can be found at douladeb.com/free-resources-sign-up

🎧 Who Should Listen:

• New parents returning to work soon
• Partners wondering how to be more supportive
• Anyone feeling stretched thin and unprepared
• Clients needing a loving push to actually prepare instead of panic

🫂 Need More Support to Plan Going Back to Work? 

• ✅ First Year Support Program: Personalized, judgment-free support for feeding, sleep, partner dynamics, and easing back to work.
• ✅ Sleep Coaching Consults: Ideal for prepping your baby’s sleep before your return.

Hit play, share with a friend, and remember—you’re not doing it wrong, you’re doing something new.

Support the show

Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.

Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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In this episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb sits down with licensed midwife and IBCLC, Emily Ager, for the kind of raw, no-guilt, reality-check conversation every parent needs about feeding their baby. Emily shares her journey from EMT to midwife to lactation consultant, and how her mission became crystal clear: supporting families with feeding plans that are realistic, sustainable, and completely free of shame.

They tackle the myths and “shoulds” that leave parents burned out and doubting themselves, explore the freedom and sanity that combo feeding can offer, and call out harmful advice, like long-term triple feeding, that needs to be retired. Emily reminds us that feeding isn’t just about nutrition; it’s about protecting your mental health, enjoying your baby, and finding a rhythm that actually works in your life.

From prepping your support team before baby arrives, to involving your partner in practical ways, to knowing when it’s time to change the plan, this episode is packed with compassionate, evidence-based, and yes, slightly sassy guidance that will leave you feeling empowered instead of overwhelmed.

Listeners will walk away knowing they don’t have to choose between a fed baby and a thriving parent; you can have both.

✨ Free Resources: Sign up for Deb’s Free Resource Library for downloadable guides, including feeding prep checklists and newborn care tools.

💬 Work with Deb: Whether you’re pregnant and want a prenatal consult, navigating postpartum feeding struggles, or need holistic, gentle sleep support, Deb offers one-on-one services to meet you where you are, locally and virtually.

Hit play and hear the truth about feeding without the pressure, perfectionism, or guilt. Your sanity, and your baby, will thank you.

Support the show

Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.

Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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In this no-nonsense episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb pulls back the curtain on what birthing parents really need for postpartum recovery—and spoiler alert: it’s not another swaddle.

Too often, new parents are sent home with scratchy mesh underwear and a peri bottle that sprays like a rogue firehose, leaving them to figure out the rest. Deb’s here to change that. She walks listeners through a doula-approved list of postpartum essentials that are simple, soothing, and seriously helpful.

From clever DIY padsicles and soothing herbal sitz baths, to the lowdown on nipple creams, water bottles, and heating pads. Deb’s goal is to make healing easier and less overwhelming. She also shares gentle reminders about mental health, comfort, and the power of being prepared with easy snacks, cozy blankets, and a notebook to help capture those foggy postpartum moments.

This episode isn’t just a shopping list—it’s an invitation to center your needs as a new parent, and to feel empowered and supported through one of the most transformative seasons of your life.

✨ Listeners will walk away with:

• A full rundown of what to buy for perineal care, breast/chestfeeding comfort, and mental wellness
• Easy-to-implement tips for using what you already have (hello, frozen newborn diapers!)
• Gentle reminders to prioritize rest, support, and self-compassion
• Encouragement to not wait until it hurts to get help

🎁 Freebie Mentioned:

Download the Postpartum Recovery Essentials Checklist for free at douladeb.com/free-resources-sign-up—you’ll get instant access to Doula Deb’s full library of practical, printable guides for birth, postpartum, and beyond.

🌀 Want more personalized support?

Deb offers one-on-one consults to help you prepare for postpartum and the wild ride of new parenthood—whether you’re still pregnant or already in the thick of it. Reach out through her Preparing for Parenthood consults or First Year Support Program for customized guidance.

And for families juggling older kids with a newborn on the way, don’t miss Deb’s Rooted Rest Sleep Course. This is going to be a game-changer for helping siblings sleep well before the baby arrives.

This is the episode every new parent didn’t know they needed.

Because yes, baby gear is cute—but you deserve to heal in comfort. Tune in, take notes, and share with a friend who’s preparing for postpartum recovery.

Support the show

Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.

Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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If you’ve ever stared at your crying newborn and thought, “I’ve tried everything… why are they still upset?”—this episode is your permission slip to exhale and regroup.

In this heartfelt and practical episode, Doula Deb—a seasoned birth, postpartum, and sleep doula—walks you through her no-shame, intuition-first approach to understanding and soothing a crying baby. With her signature warmth and real-talk clarity, Deb shares her step-by-step checklist to decode baby cries, while gently reminding listeners that crying is communication, not condemnation.

You’ll learn:

• How to move through the “Is it hunger? Gas? Overstimulation?” checklist without second-guessing yourself
• Why intuition matters more than the clock
• What to try when nothing is working—from the tried-and-true 5 S’s (Dr. Harvey Karp) to the surprisingly helpful Dunstan Baby Language method
• The critical red flags to watch for in the first week of life, and why excessive crying then should prompt a call to your pediatrician or lactation consultant (not a wait-and-see approach)
• How to embrace the fourth trimester with compassion and calm—even on the messy, sleep-deprived days

This episode is especially powerful for parents of babies under 4–6 months old, when soothing can feel like a mystery and sleep is unpredictable. But instead of pushing quick-fix solutions, Deb invites you into a more grounded rhythm—one that centers connection over control.

💛 Want to go deeper?

Deb shares that this exact approach is the foundation of her upcoming Rooted Rest Sleep Course, launching Fall 2025. The course explores:

• Soothing techniques & baby regulation
• Wake windows and feeding rhythms
• Infant temperament and intuitive parenting
• And a sleep philosophy rooted in compassion (not cry-it-out)

👶 Rooted Rest is designed for conscious parents who want a flexible, evidence-based sleep plan without abandoning their instincts—or their baby.

🎁 Freebies + Resources

👉 Visit www.douladeb.com/rooted-rest to join the waitlist

👉 Click here to get FREE access to Doula Deb's printable resource library (including the Crying Checklist + 5 S’s handout) and sign up for her monthly newsletter: https://www.douladeb.com/free-resources-sign-up 

🎧 Press play now to feel seen, supported, and reminded:

✨ You’re not failing.

✨ You’re learning your baby.

✨ You are the magic.

Support the show

Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.

Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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In this can’t-miss episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb sits down with Dr. Emma Swartling of Lumos Chiropractic for a deep (and surprisingly fun!) dive into what chiropractic care actually is—and why it might be the secret weapon every new parent didn’t know they needed.

Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or caring for a baby who seems uncomfortable no matter what you do, this episode is packed with aha moments. Dr. Emma breaks down the magic of nervous system regulation, explains why pregnancy pain is more than just “normal,” and demystifies infant chiropractic care (nope, it’s not bone cracking—it’s more like melting butter). From pelvic alignment and round ligament pain to fussy car rides, reflux, and tongue ties, Deb and Dr. Emma walk listeners through how bodywork can gently support comfort, development, and yes, even better sleep.

Listeners will also get the inside scoop on:

• How chiropractic care supports feeding challenges (spoiler: it’s not always a latch issue)
• What to know before and after a tongue tie release (including why bodywork should be part of your plan)
• The brain-body connection in infancy and childhood—and how supporting it early can transform long-term development
• Dr. Emma’s Brain Blossom Program for school-aged kids with emotional, learning, or social challenges
• How parents can tune into their baby’s cues and trust their instincts when something feels off

💛 Whether you’re prepping for birth, navigating the postpartum fog, or wondering why your baby cries every time they’re in the car seat, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, informed, and ready to explore new tools in your parenting toolbox.

Tune in now—because your baby’s nervous system (and yours) will thank you.

Support the show

Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.

Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.