As parents, we want to set our children up for success in every area of life, and one crucial skill that often gets overlooked is financial literacy. In a world where financial decisions play such a big and vital role in our lives, teaching kids how to be smart with money is one of the most valuable gifts we can give them. Our guest today, money mindfulness expert David Delisle, agrees and is on a mission to change how we teach our kids about money. He says, "As a society, we need to eliminate all of the shame and judgment around money . . . which may even be trickling into our parenting methods." Who is David Delisle? David Delisle, founder of The Awesome Stuff™, is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, real estate investor, speaker, and most importantly, a Dad. He is a contributor to Entrepreneur, Yahoo! News, Thrive Global, and more. At age 11, David made his first investment, and by age 20, he began investing in real estate and was retired by age 40. So inspiring! His book, The Golden Quest, is a Calvin & Hobbes-style graphic novel that teaches potent lessons about money, focusing on breaking the cycle of always chasing more. David’s goal is to change how our kids think about money and create more freedom for what’s most important to them . . . the Awesome Stuff™. David has been featured on Good Day LA, Good Day DC, Yahoo Wealth, Be Well, NTD TV, ScaryMommy, GoBankingRates, MindBodyGreen, Credit Sesame, and more. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with David Delisle about how to teach our kids about money and boosting their financial literacy. Conversations around money are the foundation of increasing our kids’ financial literacy. Parents can demonstrate money mindfulness with their kids by simply talking about money, letting them know what you’re saving for, and your priorities.  Whether you have a toddler just learning about counting or a teen getting their first paycheck, this is an episode that all parents should listen to. So grab a notebook, and let’s start building the foundation for your child’s financial future! David's Resources Website: daviddelisle.com Company: theawesomestuff.com Instagram: @theawesomestuff LinkedIn: @DavidDelisle His book: The Golden Quest Thank you for listening to this episode! Go to the SHOW NOTES for more details and 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 financial literacy and financial freedom! 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

Today, we're discussing a subject that plays a crucial role in many people's lives: birth control. I had the pleasure of chatting with our guest, Dr. Bana Kashani, about this topic in great detail. Dr. Kashani provided tremendous medical insights and discussed the various forms of contraception, what to expect with each, and debunked some common myths. Birth control isn't just about preventing pregnancy—it's about empowerment, choice, and taking control of your health. Whether you're thinking about changing the current birth control you're on, needing to consider your options after you have baby (if you're pregnant), curious about how different methods work, or just looking to understand more about this important aspect of reproductive health, this episode is for you. We navigated through the maze of pills, patches, IUDs, and more so that you can make an informed decision that best suits your lifestyle and needs. Now, let's meet our guest! Who is Dr. Bana Kashani? Dr. Bana Kashani is double board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She has been treating infertility patients since 2014 and has been practicing in Orange County, where she grew up, since 2017. Dr. Kashani received her medical degree from the University of South Alabama, College of Medicine, where she graduated at the top of her class, and she completed her residency at the University of Southern California. There, she received tremendous experience in all facets of Obstetrics and Gynecology but specifically had an interest in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She continued her medical training and pursued a subspecialty in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School. Since Dr. Kashani is focused on providing her patients with the most personalized approach to fertility services and treatments, she opened up her own practice in 2020. Her practice’s mission is to ensure patients feel comfortable and cared for since infertility treatments can be overwhelming. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Dr. Bana Kashani about navigating birth control. In a rapidly evolving landscape of reproductive health, navigating the variety of birth control options can be overwhelming. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: How do you help patients determine which birth control method is best suited for them? What factors should individuals take into consideration when selecting birth control to meet their needs? What are the most common forms of birth control available? Can you talk about the efficacy of these methods?  What are the main differences between barrier methods and hormonal methods? When talking specifically about hormonal birth control, how effective is it in preventing pregnancy, and is there any negative impact on fertility when used for an extended period of time?  Can you explain what Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) are and how they differ from other forms of birth control? What are the benefits and drawbacks of LARCs compared to other methods? What are some common side effects associated with different types of birth control? We know that it can be overwhelming when navigating the world of birth control, but we hope this episode leaves you feeling more knowledgeable about the different forms of contraception as well as empowered to choose the right form for you. Dr. Kashani's Resources Website: www.banakashanimd.com Instagram: @dr.banakashani 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 being empowered to make your own choices! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a doula, I know that many people have never heard of the term “VBAC,” which is the acronym for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. The old saying “once a C-section always a C-section” is a myth! I’ve supported dozens of VBAC mamas over the years and I have felt that a lot of families don’t get enough information or support about VBACs from their communities or care providers. However, I also know that VBACs aren’t for everyone. That’s why I’m chatting with Meagan and Julie today; doulas, VBAC-moms, and co-owners of the VBAC Link, where they believe in making birth after cesarean better by providing education, support, and a community of like-minded people. We're talking all about VBACs: how to know if you’re a good candidate, what the benefits and risks are, what you can do to increase your chances of having a VBAC, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Alice and I have gone over "what to expect" in all three trimesters and now we're ready to talk about labor and birth! We both recently have given birth to our babies and we're here to share our thoughts and experiences. Mary Alice gave birth to her first child, a baby girl, in December of 2020 and I, just a month ago, gave birth to my second child, also a baby girl! We had different but powerful birth experiences and we thought it would be great to talk about our birth stories and share with YOU what you may expect from childbirth. We both had vaginal births so this episode is all about what you may expect during labor and a vaginal delivery. We’ll be sure to do another episode in the future about what to expect during a cesarean birth. Let’s dive in! 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

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

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

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

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

Today I’m chatting with Dr. Samira Hodges and Dr. Ana Pal, two board-certified pediatricians who both currently practice in Houston, TX, about stress in children and how we can help our kids manage stress. It may seem like children’s lives are pretty simple and they couldn’t possibly know about or experience stress, but actually, that’s untrue. Pressures on children come from a number of sources. It could be from within the child themselves, from parents, teachers, or friends. These pressures could be from events of lasting consequence like the divorce of their parents, or from a minor hassle like going to time out, losing a toy, or being grounded. Especially over the past year, children are going through more changes and challenges than ever before which means more stress. So what can we parents do to help our kids manage stress? The PediPals, Dr. Samira and Dr. Ana are answering our questions. 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

Here on Chick Chat, we are all about getting a good and healthy night’s sleep. But a question that many parents ask is when should they transition their babies out of swaddles? And not only that, how can they do that smoothly and successfully. Well, today, I'm chatting with Cara Walker, a certified infant & toddler sleep consultant, and the founder of Well Rested Mama. Cara is a wife and mother of three and she used gentle sleep training techniques on all three of her babies. She loves to talk about sleep and assist frustrated and sleep deprived parents with their baby and toddler sleep issues. With Cara’s experience and training, she’s answering your questions and sharing her tips about swaddling. 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

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

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

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

Did you know that only about 8 percent of U.S. births are attended by midwives? Many women in the states are unaware of who midwives are, what they do, and where they practice. In the United States, most women never even think to consider hiring one as their maternity care provider. This breaks my heart because in many other developed countries, like France, the U.K., and Australia, midwifery is common as obstetrics. Why is this? Studies show that births attended by midwives are just as safe as physician-attended births. In fact, midwifery care is associated with lower rates of C-sections and other interventions, yet it is still not as popular. In my opinion, it's the best-kept secret of maternity care in the United States and the world. Last week was National Midwifery Week. To shed some light on this significant role, I'm chatting with Mary Love about midwives and their care. Mary is a certified nurse-midwife, family nurse-practitioner, and Clinical Director of Heart of Houston Birth & Wellness Center. With Mary’s many years of experience in multiple settings, I knew she would be a wonderful person to answer the most common questions. What is a midwife? What is the history of midwives? Are there different types of midwives? What is the difference between a doctor (OBGYN) and a midwife? Where can women get midwifery care?  How does midwifery care look in each setting? And more. 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

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

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

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

Potty training can be such a daunting task for most parents. When should you start potty training? What are the readiness signs? What are the products that you absolutely need? How can you tackle nap and nighttime potty training? There are so many questions about this major milestone so we are chatting with Allison Jandu, a professional potty training consultant and author. Allison is sharing her tips about how parents can best prepare for potty training and what we need to know. If you're about to embark on the potty training adventures, this episode is for you! Here are the products that Allison mentioned during our episode! The First Years Super Pooper Plus Potty Seat Peelaways Sheets Lil Advents Potty Time Adventures For Overnights: Gerber Training Pants (for Girls and for Boys) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once you become pregnant, something that women become more aware of is what they are putting in their bodies. The fuel we eat is also helping us grow our babies. It’s important for expecting and new mothers to understand what our bodies are deficient in, what vitamins we need to take, and what we can do to have the healthiest pregnancy and postpartum possible. So what does our body really need during pregnancy and postpartum? I’m chatting with Lisa Mastela, a registered dietitian with a master's in nutrition and public health and the founder of Bumpin’ Blends, a company that makes and delivered dietitian-designed smoothie cubes to support the many symptoms of motherhood. Lisa has done research at the University of Washington on special needs children and Type 2 diabetes, along with research on intermittent fasting at the University of Southern California. She then worked in personalized nutrition. As a mother herself, Lisa knows how difficult nutrition for expecting and new mothers is. After years of research, Lisa is giving us the real scoop. She's walking us through what our bodies need during pregnancy and postpartum and is answering our questions. To learn more about Lisa and chat with her, you can find her on Instagram here! 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

Today, I’m chatting with Jennifer Blossom, a boy mom of two, occupational therapist, host of another amazing mom podcast called The Blossoming Mommy and Baby Show, as well as the CEO and Founder of Blossoming Mommy and Baby — a digital wellness brand that helps overwhelmed moms simplify motherhood. Jennifer has a passion for helping moms create a simpler, less chaotic, and more meaningful motherhood experience. This is why she is the perfect guest to talk about mommy burnout. I feel like this topic has been discussed a little bit more recently, but what is mommy burnout? How common is it and what can you do to help yourself from feeling burnout? Jennifer is breaking it all down for us and answering our questions. Here are some links where you can learn more about Jennifer: Website: https://www.blossomingmommyandbaby.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-blossoming-mommy-and-baby-show/id1445916435 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossomingmommyandbaby/ 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

Every child is different from one another and this includes the ways they learn. Some children are visual learners, preferring pictures, and spatial understanding. Others are aural learners who prefer using sound and music. Some children are verbal learners who prefer using words, both speech and writing. And others are physical (kinesthetic) learners who like using their body, hands, and sense of touch to learn. In today’s episode, I'm chatting with Punam Desormes, a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 15 years of experience as well as a faculty clinical instructor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Central Florida. Her experience includes working in a private multidisciplinary clinic, a special needs school for autism, and private practice. Today, Punam is breaking down the different ways children learn and explaining what we (parents) need to know and look for when it comes to our children’s learning. Understanding how our children learn can help us create better learning activities to help their minds grow. Punam has seen and worked with so many families and is sharing her tips and expert knowledge with us. Here are some links that Punman mentioned during our episode. We hope these resources help! CDC: Find your state or territory’s early intervention program - https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/parents/states.html American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) - www.asha.org Identify the Signs of Communication Disorders - www.identifythesigns.org Autism Speaks - www.autismspeaks.org Bluebee Pals: Interactive Plush Learning Tool - www.bluebeepals.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy is such a beautiful time in a woman’s life. But don’t get me wrong, not every day of pregnancy is glamorous. We’ve all heard of the luxurious hair, the glowing skin, the growing belly, but there are also things that happen to a woman’s body that aren’t really discussed. That’s why Mary Alice and I are covering all of the surprising body changes a woman can experience during pregnancy. So if you’re expecting and are noticing some odd changes to your body, you can feel some relief knowing that you are not alone. *AD: Today’s episode is brought to you by our friends at EU Natural—a company that is all about empowering their customers and their health. https://store.eunatural.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With so many baby products on the market, it’s difficult to know which products are essential that you need to register for and which ones you can skip and live without. You don’t have to buy the entire baby store to take care of and raise a happy and healthy baby! As postpartum doulas, Mary Alice and I know and have seen what items each family really needs. Today, we are sharing the baby products we feel are overrated and can be left off your list. #ad This episode is sponsored by Medela, the maker of the NEW Freestyle Flex breast pump and products that we love and recommend to our clients. Their Freestyle Flex breast pump is a product that should remain on every baby registry. https://bit.ly/35odGvZ 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

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

It feels like our world as we knew it has flipped completely upside down. With the current Coronavirus outbreak, our every day routines have been shaken up and, for many of us, not in a good way. Now that we are forced to figure out how to work from home and take care of our children full-time, we are slowly discovering our new normals. This is the time, more than ever, to organize and streamline our lives and our homes. Today I'm chatting with Meggie Mangione, the CEO of Organized Life Design and 6 year accredited NAPO Professional Organizer. Meggie leads a team of 4 and they organize for clients in every space from garages and closets to pantries and playrooms. She and her team also offer Virtual Organization Services and Online Workshops, which I think is so cool! You can learn more about her company and services on their website or their Instagram page, @OrganizedLifeDesign. Since clutter and chaos can really affect us as parents and employees (now working from home), I thought there would be no one better like Meggie, a professional organizer, to help us organize and streamline our lives as moms. On today's episode Meggie is sharing some great tips on how to conquer the clutter! Here are some of the links that we mentioned during our chat that we hope helps! Where you can donate your items that you are purging from your home. Meggie's Daily Video Series Challenge: Weeks to Finally Organize Your Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're suffering from morning sickness, you know how terrible it can be. I'm sure you've tried everything to find some relief. I've had many of my doula clients and friends ask me for tips and tricks on how to survive and cure morning sickness during their pregnancies so I wanted to share my list of things that can help. Hopefully you haven't tried all of my tips yet and that you find a few new things that will get you back to feeling good! Here are 22 ways to relieve morning sickness. 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

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

Pregnancy is a time when a woman can experience every emotion and sensation. Not only is her body changing as she creates life, it's also a time when she is growing mentally and emotionally to prepare for the mother she is about to become. I will admit that not every moment of pregnancy is glowing and beautiful. There can be times of discomfort and overwhelm. But during these low points it's important that we remind ourselves about the good and see the bigger picture. This is why pregnancy affirmations are a helpful tool. They can bring your mind back to a positive and joyful state. These 10 pregnancy affirmations that we're discussing on today's episode will help you get rid of the negative comments that you might hear from others or thoughts that you're telling yourself and they will remind you about the beauty and miracle of pregnancy. These affirmations not only help during your pregnancy, they can also help you prepare for a better birth. Our minds are power and words have power, so let's give it something positive to hold onto as we welcome our new babies into the world. 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

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

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

All of us parents have heard about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning, but did you know that STEM and language skills start with babies? It's essential for us to encourage this type of learning early on with our babies and there are certain things that we can do as parents. Today, I'm chatting with Dr. Aimee Ketchum, a pediatric occupational therapist and owner of Aimee’s Babies, a child development company, as well as the creator of STEM Starts Now, a digital subscription program for parents of young children to help with early child development and kindergarten readiness. She is explaining to us why it's critical for us to promote STEM learning to our babies early in life and how to do that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Becoming a new mother, whether it be your first baby or your sixth, is filled with so many emotions. Figuring out your new normal can take a minute as you recover from giving birth and get to know your new baby. People will be at your doorstep in no time wanting to congratulate you and meet the baby, but sometimes people aren’t necessarily thinking about what they can do to be helpful. If you know someone who has recently had a baby or you are currently expecting yourself, this episode is for you! Here’s how to help when visiting a new mom. This episode is brought to you by Skylight Frame (www.skylightframe.com). It's a digital picture frame that has a touch-screen display. I love that it documents all of your family’s special moments through a slideshow or you can push pause on a favorite image. With Skylight you can email photos directly to your digital frame -- anytime from anywhere, and photos show up within seconds. It's really a great gift for yourself or for an expecting or new mom so if you want to bring a nice gift when visiting a new mom, be sure to check out Skylight Frame and use our discount code BABYCHICK for $10 off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the end of women’s pregnancies many women are faced with the decision or recommendation to medically induce labor. Some reasons are for the health and well being of the baby and some are for more personal reasons. We’re covering all of these details and what you can expect during a labor induction. We hope this helps!   Below are the articles that we referenced during this episode: - Evidence on: Induction or C-section for a Big Baby? - The ARRIVE Trial (A Randomized Trial of Induction Versus Expectant Management) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may not know this but October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month and October 15th is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. There are so many families that have experienced these heartbreaking losses. In fact, today I'm chatting with one of my former doula clients, now turned friend, Megan McAlister, who is one of those families. Megan is a mother of four surviving children, ages 8, 6, 3 and 1. She is passionate about her personal experience with neonatal loss and her three subsequent VBACs (vaginal births after cesarean). Originally from Texas, her family now lives in Portland, Oregon. I am so honored that Megan is on today's episode of Chick Chat. She shares her story of infant loss and what families can do to heal after experiencing such a devastating loss. I hope that today's episode gives hope and comfort to any families who have experienced or are experiencing these tragic journeys of pregnancy and infant loss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Expecting moms prepare so much for pregnancy and childbirth, but what happens after the baby is born? The postpartum period, traditionally referred to as “lying-in” is a time to bond with your newborn and establish a connection to build upon for a lifetime. It's also a time to rest and allow your body to heal. On today's episode, we’re diving into how to create a plan for lying-in and tips for making the most out of your postpartum period. We’ve partnered with our friends at Earth Mama Organics where they harness nature’s herbal remedies to effectively support the miraculous wonders and common indignities of the entire journey of pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and baby care. Their helpful FREE Postpartum Lying-In Plan was created to help guide expectant mamas through thinking about their own healing, and to make the most of the postpartum rest time they have. With our tips and their guide new parents can plan for better healing and better bonding with their new baby. Lyin-In: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjpTMRGUpQY Earth Mama FREE Postpartum Lying-In Plan: http://blog.earthmama.com/earth-mama-free-lying-postpartum-plan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having to deal with infidelity in a relationship is hard enough. When you add kids to the equation, it makes it even tougher. We've had the pleasure of talking with Melissa Davis before, the founder of After the Affair, about dealing with adultery as a new mom. But what next? Now that you have dealt with the big blow of finding out about your partner's affair, how do navigate parenting with your now ex-partner and the other woman? That is if she is sticking around. We're talking all about it with Melissa and she is giving us some amazing tips on how to manage this new and very difficult chapter. 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

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

Becoming a new mother is wonderful and challenging on its own, but when you find out your partner is having an affair, this time that is supposed to be the happiest chapter in your life can turn completely upside-down. What is real anymore? How do you navigate through all of this while taking care of your baby? Melissa Davis, the Founder of After the Affair (www.aftertheaffair.co) knows exactly what this is like because she lived it. Melissa is here on today's episode to ensure that never again will a betrayed person attempt to navigate the affair recovery process alone. No matter someone’s finances, availability, or circumstances, help is available. Be sure to check out her Facebook page @aftertheaffair where she has an incredible support group that you can join for free for support. Today she's sharing her advice and recommendations on how to deal with adultery as a new mom and how to heal from it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the postpartum period women can think and feel a lot of things: love, exhaustion, excitement, loneliness, joy and sometimes even scary thoughts. All of them are normal, but when the not so good thoughts and emotions come it can be hard to know how to handle them. I'm discussing those scary thoughts new mothers think with Dr. Jane Shomof, a licensed marriage family therapist who specializes in postpartum support and owner and founder of Bloome (https://www.letsbloome.com). We're talking about common scary thoughts new moms think to themselves but never share, thoughts we had after we had our babies, and how to control, normalize and minimize them. Dr. Jane recommends checking out the book "White Bears and Other Unwanted Thoughts" by Daniel Wegner (https://rstyle.me/+8NRczFjRDf0bBsA7b64mbA) And to see other mothers breaking the stigma and sharing their scary thoughts, check out the hashtag #speakthesecret Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices