Explore every episode of the podcast Dear Doula
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intimacy After Childbirth: How to Get Your Groove Back with Kiana Reeves | 01 Mar 2024 | 00:35:17 | |
TW: This episode contains adult content of a sexual nature As a doula, I've had countless conversations with new parents navigating the complexities of intimacy after childbirth. Whether it’s regaining libido, feeling physically or emotionally more comfortable having sex, or adjusting to the significant hormonal shifts postpartum, there's a lot tied into it. This week, I’m joined by one of the best people in the business to help me unpack these issues: somatic sex educator Kiana Reeves. Our conversation highlights the importance of patience, understanding, and open communication in postpartum intimacy and Kiana encourages us to prioritize self-care, redefine intimacy, and seek professional support when needed. As the chief education officer for sexual wellness brand Foria®, we also get to hear her top product recommendations for enhancing intimacy after childbirth!
References Visit the Foria® website (Use discount code “DearDoula” for 20% off all Foria® products!) Follow Foria® on Instagram
Connect with Kiana:
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
Audio Stamps
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| An Attorney’s Guide to Safer Childbirth with Gina Mundy | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:31:46 | |
TW: If you have lost a child, had birth complications, or know someone who has, please be aware that some of those themes will be discussed in this week's show.
Many of us dream of the day that you finally get to meet your baby. Labor and delivery is one of the most powerful, life-changing events not only for you, but for your family too. And so getting ready for that moment to make sure that you deliver a healthy baby, and that nothing happens to your baby during childbirth is so incredibly important.
Gina Mundy is a childbirth attorney and mother of three. After spending over twenty years analyzing the decisions made during childbirth, it is now her mission to share this information so that families around the world can experience safer childbirth.
I am delighted to speak with Gina in this episode about some of the insights from her one-of-a-kind book that blends together the realms of medicine and law: A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth. Listen in to discover some of the most common problems that occur during childbirth and how YOU can help prevent them.
References
A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth by Gina Mundy
Connect with Gina:
Visit Gina’s website Instagram: @GinaMundy Facebook: Gina Mundy, Author Linked In: Gina Mundy Twitter: @ginamundy_
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
Audio Stamps
01:28 - Gina shares her journey to becoming an attorney that specializes in childbirth cases.
02:55 - We discover the most common factor in the childbirth cases Gina deals with.
07:33 - Brandi asks what Gina recommends with the use of Pitocin to enable a safer birth.
09:44 - Gina explains how busy labor and delivery units are preventing safe births and the importance of having a baby advocate.
11:47 - Brandi and Gina discuss the role of doulas in supporting parents by working alongside the delivery team.
18:00 - We learn how every hospital system is so different and the importance of checking out the hospitals in which you went to birth if possible.
21:57 - We discover how the complications and the mistakes that Gina sees in childbirth cases typically occur after the patient's water has broken
26:13 - Brandi asks if Gina has seen evidence of the black maternal health crisis in the work that she does.
27:42 - Gina talks about the approach she took when writing her book. It is not about scaring people about what can go wrong, but how to make sure it goes right.
31:36 - Gina encourages us to be ready and have a plan for your birth so you can enjoy the moment you’ve been looking forward to. | |||
| The Art of Pressing Pause with Octavia Raheem | 29 Sep 2023 | 00:40:25 | |
In today’s fast-paced world, “pause, rest, be” are three simple words that many of us (especially parents!) often overlook. Society doesn’t give us any accolades for taking time out to rest, but as people’s schedules get busier, our presence and connectedness as humans gets weaker.
Joining me today to normalize and demystify the practice of rest, is Octavia Raheem, an award-winning author, rest coach, and restorative yoga teacher. Octavia invites us into practices that enhance presence, groundedness, and a better sense of wellbeing– all of the things that we need and desire, yet are not reflected in our day-to-day living and calendar. We also explore how we can instill this practice into our children, without feeling like we’re limiting their opportunities.
References:
Connect with Octavia:
Visit her website Follow her on Instagram Connect with Octavia on LinkedIn
Learn more about Devoted to Rest™, a transformational rest focused experience for visionary women leaders making a high impact in their fields
Octavia’s books:
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.
If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Time Stamps
1:42 - Octavia tells us about her bestselling book “Pause, Rest, Be” and what brought her to the space of telling people that they need to pause.
4:58 - Brandi asks Octavia how we can decondition ourselves from the narrative that we can only be successful if we are being productive.
10:50 - Rest isn't just simply sleeping, but it does start with good sleep hygiene. Recording restful, affirming, and restorative messages for you and your children can help to wind down.
13:59 - People are very overscheduled but embracing blank space can yield a lot of creativity.
16:36 - For people who didn’t have access to lots of activities growing up, it can lead to overcompensating and putting our kids in things to make up for what we didn't get.
22:12 - Octavia and Brandi share their personal stories of times they have been overly productive to feel worthy and how they were able to catch this and build in rest and space.
27:46 - Brandi asks Octavia how she handles people who feel like they understand they need to rest but think that they don’t have time.
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| Ask A Doula: Brandi's Top 15 Questions and Recommendations | 22 Sep 2023 | 00:22:00 | |
When you've been a doula for as long as I have, you start to get a lot of the same questions—which comes as no surprise for the absolute flood of information, products and advice new parents are given.
Brandi's Recommendations:
My Interview with Romper: "Do I Need A Baby Bottle Sterilizer?" If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review! Get more on Instagram from Brandi and Dear Doula
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Reach out to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. | |||
| The Gentle Divorce Guide: Prioritizing Kids and Peaceful Resolutions with Kim Korven | 23 Jun 2023 | 00:30:20 | |
Podcast Description Working with families for the past 20 years I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to relationship issues. There has been no shortage of relationship stories from life in the trenches, including a dad leaving in the middle of the night to go to Vegas just 3 days into postpartum! Despite its prevalence in society, divorce remains such a taboo topic. People can feel a sense of shame and failure when separating from a partner, and emotions are often running high. So how do we continue to prioritize the children when going through a divorce? And can we reframe divorce to be a positive experience for our kids? In today's epsode, I’m delighted to be joined by Kim Korven, aka The Conflict Queen, who helps us to explore a gentler way through family conflict and reminds us that while you won't be the first or the last to do it, you can do it where everyone wins.
Connect with Kim Visit Kim’s website: www.gentlewaydivorce.com
References “High Conflict” by Amanda Ripley “Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After” by Katherine Woodward Thomas “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It” by Chris Voss Kim Korven’s workbook: how do I tell my husband I want a divorce? If you have further questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Time Stamps 01:52 - Brandi introduces today’s guest, Kim Korven, who tells us more about herself and her work in helping clients find a gentle way through divorce. 03:38 - Kim gives advice to people who may feel shame for walking away from something that they know is not working for them. 07:17 - Kim discusses how to prioritize the kids when emotions are running high during a divorce. 08:58 - Brandi asks what to do if one person is not willing to be amicable. 11:36 - We find out what often leads people astray from the idea of putting the kids first. 15:59 - We learn what Kim recommends for being able to amicably share resources and the raising of children. 19:45 - Brandi asks Kim how couples can turn it round if emotional hurt is fueling disagreements during a divorce. 23:44 - Kim names some good resources for someone who's looking to be conscious about how they're going about divorce. 25:56 - We hear some words of wisdom for anyone who's going through divorce or thinking about it. 26:40 - Brandi shares how her own parents’ divorce created a lot of positive things for her in her life.
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| What No One Tells You About Milk Supply | 09 Jun 2023 | 00:23:12 | |
Podcast Description As a board certified lactation consultant, I have seen just how disheartening it can be for new mothers facing breastfeeding challenges. I also know how much more difficult this is made by the amount of myths and misinformation floating around on this topic. One of the most common hurdles I have seen in recent times is low milk supply, which can lead to concerns about providing enough nutrition for your little ones. In this episode, we will explore some common reasons women struggle with milk supply, and offer practical tips and strategies to help overcome these issues and boost milk supply.
References War on Want was the first organization to draw attention to the damage caused by baby milk companies like Nestlé with its groundbreaking 1974 publication The Baby Killer. View Mrs Patel’s lactation treats and teas at www.mrsmilk.com If you are struggling with breastfeeding, The Cradle Company offers an array of services for breastfeeding mothers, with lactation consultants that can help you virtually or in person. Go to www.thecradlecompany.com or follow us on Instagram or on Facebook. If you have further questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode! If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Time Stamps 01:27 - Brandi shares the shocking experience that led her to become a board certified lactation consultant. 04:47 - We get an overview into why a lot of people are struggling with milk supply. 05:37 - We learn how having an induction can affect milk supply. 08:00 - We find out how people who have had assisted pregnancies can be at a higher risk for developing milk supply issues. 09:25 - Brandi gives some advice for people who are having issues with milk supply, including pumping and galactagogues. 18:19 - We discover how issues with the actual anatomy of the breast can also cause problems with milk supply.
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| Thriving as an Entrepreneur and a Parent with Lindsay Dreyer | 03 Jun 2023 | 00:28:56 | |
Podcast Description Unrealistic expectations can often overshadow the immense achievements of working parents. Working moms in particular can get so wrapped up in all the fires they have to put out, that they end up at the very bottom of their to-do list. In my work, I’ve seen first hand how that can lead to feelings of resentment, overwhelm, and failure. Today’s special guest Lindsay Dreyer was an overwhelmed business owner not so long ago, suffering from poor physical and mental health, and drowning in intense guilt that she wasn’t spending more time with her baby. She joins me today to discuss how she managed to turn this around to make space to enjoy her success, her family, and rediscover what she loves. Lindsay’s practical insights on navigating this fulfilling yet challenging path will empower you if you’re struggling to strike the right balance.
Connect with Lindsay:
If you need more support for this or if you have questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Time Stamps
01:21 - Lindsay tells us more about who she is and what she does. 02:44 - Lindsay explains what her clients struggle with most and how she helps them. 05:15 - Brandi and Lindsay discuss why “work/life balance” is a myth. 08:33 - We find out the importance of putting yourself first and modeling that to your kids. 12:43 - Brand and Lindsay discuss how society is pitting working moms against stay-at-home moms. 16:28 - We hear two important things mompreneurs should keep in mind when building or scaling a business. 23:48 - We find out the perks of being an entrepreneur and a parent. 24:46 - Lindsay gives advice to those craving more flexibility about how to take the leap into entrepreneurship. | |||
| Circumcision, Water Births, and Evidence-Based Care with Dr. Rebecca Dekker | 26 May 2023 | 00:37:26 | |
As new parents or parents-to-be, we can spend hours going down rabbit holes trying to find the best information to support our birthing and parenting decisions. In a lot of instances, the articles people see online talking about controversial issues are heavily slanted towards the author’s own views and not necessarily backed by evidence. While most of what I talk about is related to what I’ve seen in the trenches working with families over the past 20 years, I am a strong believer in passing evidence-based information to parents to inform decisions. My special guest today, Dr. Rebecca Dekker, became fed up with how the system treats birthing families. She is now working hard to take the stress out of research and make science sexy for parents and birth workers alike! She is the founder of Evidence Based Birth®, and has made it her mission to ensure all birthing families have access to safe, respectful, evidence-based, and empowering care. Join our conversation now to hear her evidence-based insights into two controversial birthing topics.
Resources Read the Evidence Based Birth® article on circumcision here Read more on the evidence around waterbirth here Watch the College Humor video on the history of circumcision Listen to the Evidence Based Birth® Podcast Follow @ebbirth on Insta Go to the Evidence Based Birth® Youtube Channel If you need more support for this or if you have questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode! If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Time Stamps 01:22 - Dr. Rebecca Dekker tells us more about Evidence Based Birth® and the work that they do. 02:47 - Brandi tells us about her own experience of circumcision with her now 16 year old son. 03:58 - Dr. Dekker discusses her background and how she approached the evidence-based work she has produced around circumcision. 06:02 - Dr. Dekker shares how she was personally confronted with the topic of circumcision and how this put the procedure into perspective for her. 07:59 - Dr. Dekker discusses the ethical considerations around circumcision. 11:46 - We find out what the evidence shows with regard to circumcision. 16:30 - Brandi and Dr.Dekker speak about the regret parents can feel around their decision to circumcise their children. 23:06 - We learn about the historical context of circumcision. 26:25 - Dr. Dekker talks through evidence-based information surrounding waterbirths. | |||
| Potty Training Success: Embracing Individual Readiness | 21 Apr 2023 | 00:18:29 | |
Are you a parent who's gearing up to start the potty training journey with your child? Potty training is a significant milestone in a child's development and can be an exciting yet challenging time for both parents and children. Parents often feel the pressure to meet societal expectations when it comes to potty training. Whether it's comparing your child's progress to that of other children, feeling judged by other parents or family members, or facing cultural expectations, it's important to manage these societal pressures. As with any new stage in parenting, being prepared and equipped with the right information to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible is key. In this episode, I’ll be guiding you through the tips and tricks that will help you navigate this important transition with confidence. If you need more support for this or if you have questions about potty training, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments, and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
Brandi does do potty training consultations, so feel free to email and check that out if you're interested!
If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Time Stamps
00:57 - Brandi introduces this week’s topic of potty training and one of the main issues that causes us problems.
01:42 - We hear Brandi’s experience of potty training her now 16 year old son.
02:47 - We learn about the role of culture defining when a child is potty trained.
05:54 - Brandi talks about the importance of exposure and why the Western world often gets this wrong.
08:43 - We find out why we need to consider the language we use on this topic with our kids.
10:41 - We discover how diaper free time can play a part in successful potty training.
13:16 - We learn what to avoid when working with children when it comes to potty training.
14:35 - Brandi addresses the idea of ‘bootcamp’ style potty training methods. | |||
| Bedtime Boomerangs and Early Risers: Fixing Toddler Sleep | 14 Apr 2023 | 00:23:22 | |
The lights go out after another busy day of parenting but for many, the dread of bedtime with a toddler begins…
Whilst battling with any of these sleep problems can feel extremely isolating, I can tell you after working with infant and toddler sleep for 20 years, most of the issues parents experience are incredibly similar.
Toddler sleep challenges often come in the form of struggling to go down at night, waking during the night and wanting to come into your room, or waking at an ungodly hour in the morning. You may even have a combination of these if you’re really lucky.
If you’re facing any of these issues, you’re certainly in good company, but that does not mean it has to become your new normal. In this episode, I’m breaking down the root causes of some of the most common toddler sleep problems and giving you the strategies you need to resolve them.
Resources:
A lot of the concepts I talked about in my recent episode ‘Establishing Good sleep Habits: Newborn to 3 Months’ are essentially the foundations for building toddler sleep.
See my recent episode on gentle parenting: Raising Intrinsically Motivated Children with Megan Cordaro
Discover more about nasal hygiene in babies and young children
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question on sleep you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your own child’s sleep, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a pediatric sleep consultant.
If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Time Stamps
01:34 - We find out the 3 main issues Brandi has noticed in her 20 years of working with infant and toddler sleep.
02:31 - We learn the role of limit setting when it comes to toddler sleep.
03:37 - Brandi discusses strategies to help your toddler go down more easily at night.
08:18 - We hear Brandi’s recommendations for optimal times to put toddlers to bed.
11:20 - We learn when the ideal times are for toddler nap transitions.
14:17 - Brandi talks about overcoming the issue of night wakings and coming into your room.
18:13 - We find out what to do if early rising is an issue with your toddler.
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| Exploring Gender Identity with Children with Nat Vikitsreth | 07 Apr 2023 | 00:32:57 | |
Trans people’s lives are an almost constant part of our media narrative, yet the decontextualization of trans issues can often distort our view of the trans experience. While we’re seeing an increasing desire for people to be inclusive, not enough action is being taken to support marginalized families.
I invited Nat Vikitsreth, a trans rights activist and founder of Come back to Care, a company which helps parents to incorporate social justice in their daily parenting, while reparenting their inner child. Nat gives us a saddening insight into the erasure that trans families feel when trans-affirming care is lacking. In a society which consistently feels the need to put people in boxes, we are creating anxieties for trans people around being misgendered or questioned about the validity of their humanity.
It is only through normalizing conversations around gender spectrum that we will enable our children to feel secure in living out who they want to be. In this episode, we explore how we can begin to incorporate social justice into our parenting, so that our children know that the full expression of who they are is available to them and is supported.
Connect with Nat:
Visit her website: comebacktocare.com Check out The Come Back to Care Podcast
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.
If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Time Stamps
01:13 - Brandi introduces her special guest Nat Vikitsreth, who tells us more about the work she does and her company Come Back to Care
04:22 - We hear Nat’s opinion on people who believe trans-inclusive language is “erasing women”.
05:57 - Brandi gives an analogy to help us understand why some people struggle to properly address their usage of pronouns.
07:14 - We find out what trans families are experiencing when they receive services from people who aren't being culturally sensitive or doing the work to understand how to support their clients.
09:00 - Brandi and Nat discuss the tendency for people to center their own comfort ahead of the dignity and humanity of the person in front of you.
11:10 - Nat tells us how she talks to her clients about having the conversation around gender with children.
12:53 - Nat talks about how accepted the trans community is in Thai culture.
14:15 - Brandi asks about the concern that parents have about somehow influencing the child’s choice by having the conversation about gender at such a young age.
16:47 - Nat shares why you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable in having this conversation.
21:44 - Brandi and Nat discuss the importance of community in doing the work around gender.
26:48 - We learn how to respond if we feel like we don’t have the answers.
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| Raising Intrinsically Motivated Children with Megan Cordaro | 31 Mar 2023 | 00:27:58 | |
As parents, we are called to value the challenging moments just as much as we value the inspiring moments. Both are extraordinary opportunities for growth. How you parent today has an incredible long-term impact on the teenagers and adults you create for the future.
Whilst we tend to be intentional about many aspects of our life like what we eat, where we live, and where we work, we’re not always as intentional with one of the most important roles we will ever have: parenting.
I am delighted to be joined by parenting coach Megan Cordaro, who explains why moving away from reward charts and more towards unconditional parenting, allowed her relationship with her 5 children to blossom. She also shares 3 important tips for what you can do with your children now that will help them grow into intrinsically motivated teenagers and adults.
Connect with Megan Cordaro:
Follow her on Instagram: @meganbcordaro Go to her website: https://www.megancordaro.com/
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.
If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate, and review!
Time Stamps 01:27 - Megan tells us about her background and her approach to parenting
04:52 - Brandi asks Megan what the issues are with positive reinforcement
06:47 - Megan explains why it’s not too late if you have already been using positive reinforcement methods with your children
09:21 - Brandi asks how to deal with a lack of support or pushback about your parenting style
11:23 - Megan gives us the 3 essentials that should be happening with children under 5 to help them grow into an intrinsically motivated teenager
17:04 - Megan tells us what she loves about her relationship with her teenagers
19:05 - Brandi and Megan discuss how teenagers can maintain independence whilst having limits in place
25:02 - Megan shares what you can expect from her 1-1 coaching and her parenting circles around intentional parenting
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| Facing the VBAC Dilemma? Your Guide to Informed Choices with Midwife Melissa Dean | 12 Jan 2024 | 00:24:10 | |
If you’ve had a cesarean birth and get pregnant again, one of the questions I often get asked is, ‘Should I plan for another cesarean, or should I try to give birth vaginally?’ Choosing between a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and repeat cesarean is not an easy decision, with benefits and risks to both options. Joining me today to dig into this topic further is Melissa Dean, midwife and founder of the Casa Natal Birth and Wellness Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. Melissa has a breadth of knowledge when it comes to VBACs, so if you’re currently facing this dilemma (whether you're currently expecting or just curious about the options), Melissa’s insights will give you the clarity you need to make an informed decision.
References
Website: www.casa-natal.com YouTube: @casanatalbirthwellnesscent2244
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
Audio Stamps
01:37 - Melissa explains more about the role of a midwife and busts some of the common misconceptions.
03:20 - We find out how Melissa has merged midwifery with functional medicine practice.
04:46 - Brandi asks Melissa if there are instances when someone should not have a VBAC.
08:42 - Melissa explains how to tell what kind of incision you had for your cesarean.
09:56 - We learn the benefits of delivering vaginally after a C-Section.
12:19 - We hear Melissa’s recommendations for what to do in between pregnancies to make you more prepared to try for a vaginal birth in the future.
14:04 - Melissa shares what you should be doing during your pregnancy to make yourself more viable for VBAC.
17:33 - Find out the top foods that Melissa recommends to her clients, whether they're having a VBAC or not, that will make for a healthier pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
21:13 - Melissa tells us about the services that she provides as a midwife to childbearing (and not childbearing!) families. | |||
| Are Dominant Cultures Skewing our Parenting? | 24 Mar 2023 | 00:21:03 | |
Podcast Description
So much of what we believe to be true about how we parent our children is skewed by Western, dominant culture. A perfect example of this is potty training, where we’re told the day a child turns two years old is when you throw the diapers out. I even did this with my own son! But is this really developmentally appropriate for all children? After working with families for the past 20 years, I strongly believe most of us are better served when we incorporate some of the rituals and traditions that our ancestors and our families of origin carried out. So much has been forgotten or even demonized as something we shouldn’t be doing anymore. In this episode, I want to talk about the intersection of culture and parenting and how in many ways, we’re making life harder for ourselves by not latching onto our cultural traditions. I want to remind you how reconnecting with family rituals can actually be extremely healthy for you as parents and for your child’s development. You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode! If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Time Stamps: 01:11 - We hear how a recent post about potty training inspired Brandi’s reflection on how culture influences our parenting choices. 03:53 - Brandi explains what the pandemic showed us about the intersection with culture and parenting. 06:23 - Brandi explores how dominant culture decides what’s demonized and what’s in fashion through the example of baby wearing. 08:01 - We learn about Brandi’s experience of parenting views in Black American culture versus what dominant culture tells us. 09:53 - We find out how reconnecting with cultural traditions teaches us about creating new ages of developmental appropriateness, rather than assuming what dominant culture says is right. 13:30 - Brandi tells us how cultural rituals can give you comfort when you’re exhausted from trying to follow constant rules about how to parent. 14:47 - Brandi questions how many of the responsibilities we have are taken on because we think we should be doing it. 17:02 - Brandi encourages us to think back to the family rituals from our childhood that we could incorporate into our own families.
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| Establishing Good Sleep Habits: Newborn to 3 Months | 17 Mar 2023 | 00:20:27 | |
This week we’re talking about what I probably get asked about the most in the doula world: sleep. But what I think about newborn sleep might be quite surprising to you… There’s this long standing myth that you have to accept the cards you’ve been dealt and just go along with however your newborn sleeps. You’re told not to worry about it and to embrace it as your time to bond. But should we really be resigning ourselves to ‘it is what it is’? This episode is by no means encouraging you to sleep train newborns. In fact, my goal is for you to never have to sleep train your baby! That’s why I’m giving you the tools to lay a fantastic foundation for sleep, right from the beginning.
Find out more about paced bottle feeding here You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.
If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Time Stamps 01:13 - We hear about some of the common myths around newborn sleep 01:45 - Brandi shares how long it took for her own kids to sleep well and the benefits of having a healthy sleep foundation 03:37 - Brandi gives us the reality of a newborn feeding schedule 04:33 - We learn the importance of paced bottle feeding 05:19 - Brandi explains the significance of understanding what a good feeding looks like in order to improve sleep 09:58 - We find out about the “drowsy but awake” method and how to implement it 11:28 - We discover the benefits of dream feeding your baby 16:45 - Brandi explains the significance of practicing “le pause”
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| How to Raise Upstanders and not Bystanders | 10 Mar 2023 | 00:16:28 | |
Having been a doula for over 20 years now, I’ve seen the impact of the ‘mommy wars’ worsen significantly. How you deliver your baby, how you feed them, how they sleep…mom-shaming is everywhere. While social media has many positives, it hasn’t always helped people share their values in a supportive way. This made me think about how our children are being affected by this too. Our kids are exposed to endless outside influences that will shape their opinions if you don’t have a parenting manifesto of values to support them. In this episode, I want us to think about creating another paradigm where we’re teaching our children that they have the right to stand up for what they believe in, but not at the expense of someone else. Listen now to discover how you can raise an upstander and not a bystander.
Time Stamps: 01:23 - We hear about Brandi’s professional background in Doula training 02:00 - Brandi discusses the positive and negative impact of social media for parenting 03:57 - Brandi reflects on what we teach our children about how they support other people. 04:50 - We find out what Brandi has learned from the behavior of seemingly “well-meaning” people in her parenting FB groups 6:09 - Brandi talks about the effect of outside influences on her kids 7:14 - We learn how the George Floyd incident spurred her on to write a curriculum on raising anti-racist children 09:45 - We find out why being loving is not enough 11:12 - We learn some practical ways to raise upstanders and not bystanders 14:28 - Brandi sets us a challenge to try with our own kids
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode! If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
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| Fostering a strong relationship while parenting young children with Michael Chapuis | 02 Dec 2022 | 00:46:54 | |
For the first time Brandi shares the Dear Doula podcast with her husband Michael Chapuis. On this heartwarming episode Michael and Brandi share the secret to staying connected during the thick of young parenting and Michael shares his perspective on why everyone should stop saying marriage is “hard”. Get some practical tips for staying connected, centered, and how to create better lines of communication to foster a healthy and strong relationship between parents. You don’t want to miss this episode (Brandi also shares how they met, and Michael shares what connected him to her from day one!)
Michael Chapuis is a writer and relationship coach. He is from the provence area of France and is committed to growth, relationships, and helping people create thoughts and habits that bring them both joy and peace. While you can find Michael on Instagram, he’s pretty old school and you will most likely reach him on Facebook or sending a good old fashioned email to michaelechapuis@gmail.com
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Brandi Jordan’s 2022 Luxe Holiday Gift Guide for Mamas | 25 Nov 2022 | 00:21:47 | |
In this lighthearted episode Brandi shares some of her favorite products and gifts such as lotions and potions, fancy pajamas, hidden treasures for the art lovers in your lives, and so much more. If you want to have fun going down a pinterest rabbit hole inside Brandi’s brain with luxe products, don’t miss this outfit. Better yet make sure you send it to all the gift givers in your life.
As promised here are the products that were mentioned during this episode. If you want access to the full 2022 Luxe Gift Guide by Brandi Jordan here! Here are the items mentioned on this episode in no particular order: Customized Stained Glass Art Piece
Crown and Paw Renaissance Inspired Pet Art
The Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket Freestanding Outdoor Copper Bathtub
Happy Shopping Parents!
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Making health a family priority | 18 Nov 2022 | 00:34:09 | |
Kathleen Healy is a Health Coach Specializing in family nutriton. Brandi and Kathlen discuss tips to help making healthier choices for the family easier. Kathleen also shares her go-to health recipes and tips for busy moms. Kathleen also shares how we manage body positivity and making feel good decisions for your body that make you feel good from the inside out.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
Kathleen Healy lives in New York and is a full time PE teacher, but also a health and wellness coach. She has 1 and 4 year old boys. After her surprise breech baby and an emergency C section, Kathlle was able to have an unmedicated VBAC (vaginal birth after cesearen) with her second child. Nutrition, mindset and movement made all the difference!
After struggling to feel comfortable in her own skin and wanting to lose unwanted weight for years, she finally decided to do something about it. What started as a quest to conquer her own health issues turned into a holistic approach that has supported women to step into who they really are and confidently show up in their lives like never before."
You can connect with Kathleen here:
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Spirituality, Parenting, and Living With Chronic Illness With Jordan Younger | 11 Nov 2022 | 00:37:42 | |
Brandi sits with guest Jordan Younger, host of the hit podcast and blog The Balanced Blonde, to talk spirituality and parenthood. After dealing with a health crisis, Jordan was able to go back to basics and practice radical self-care that led to healing her condition and being able to start a family. If you are looking for more ways to add calm and purpose to your parenting journey don’t miss this heartwarming episode of woo, empathy, and compassion for the journey that we are all on as parents.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Cancel Culture, the Internet, and Raising Good Humans With Jo Ling Kent | 04 Nov 2022 | 00:38:46 | |
Brandi sits with award winning Journalist Jo Ling Kent to discuss how good parents raise good humans in an internet driven world. From cancel culture, to racism, and learning to keep connections with people who have differences, this feel good conversation is a reminder of what our job as parents really is. If you are looking for a little compassion, truth telling, and learning to lead with love, you don’t want to miss this episode.
Jo Ling Kent is an award-winning tv journalist and anchor. She was most recently the business and tech correspondent at NBC News, appearing on the TODAY show, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt and MSNBC.
At NBC since 2016, Kent covered a wide range of stories from the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic to the baby formula shortage crisis to protests in Seattle following the death of George Floyd. She led NBC News' investigations into Amazon and Facebook and interviewed the CEOs of Twitter, Reddit, Etsy and eBay. Kent has sat down with whistleblowers from Facebook and Google, and questioned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in the halls of Congress. Her reporting has won an Edward R. Murrow Award and earned an Emmy nomination. Previously, Kent was a reporter and podcast host at Fox Business Network and an investigative reporter at NBC Connecticut (WVIT), where she was a member of the team awarded a Peabody for coverage of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting.
Kent has two master’s degrees in international affairs from the London School of Economics and Peking University, along with a BA from Rice University. She's from Minnesota, fluent in Mandarin and serves on the board of Libraries Without Borders US. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her family and is an active member of the Asian American Journalists Association. You can follow Jo Ling Kent on her Instagram or Twitter account.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.
Produced by Dear Media
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| The Best Gear for New Parents by the Experts at Magic Beans | 28 Oct 2022 | 00:35:18 | |
One of the most exciting things about becoming a new parent is exploring all of the new gadgets and gear that is available. Brandi sits with guest and gear expert Eli Gurock who is the owner of Magic Beans, a baby and kids boutique based in Boston. Not sure which car seat to buy? Trying to figure out the best stroller for a family that travels a lot? We cover questions like this and more. Check out this episode and have your laptop open and ready to shop!
If you want to connect with Eli Gurock who owns Magic Beans with his wife you can reach him on his extensive YouTube library of videos or at their online shop:
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Nurturing yourself in pregnancy and postpartum with Heng Ou | 21 Oct 2022 | 00:22:14 | |
Brandi sits with author and postpartum expert Heng Ou as she shares insights to her best selling book The First 40 days, and her current book Nine Golden Months. We learn about how her Chinese heritage and lineage of healers helped her to define a new fervor for nurturing ourselves in all phases of motherhood. Don’t miss this episode.
Guest Links:
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| More than “Baby Blues”: Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) with Elyse Springer | 01 Dec 2023 | 00:32:13 | |
The arrival of a new life is a momentous occasion that often brings joy, excitement, and a myriad of emotions. However, the perinatal and postpartum periods can also bring a host of mental health complexities that demand attention and understanding.
To help us understand the nuances of perinatal mental health, debunk some of the most common misconceptions around maternal mental health, and shed light on the intricacies that can impact the well-being of new parents, I invited licensed mental health therapist Elyse Springer to share her wealth of knowledge on this topic.
As the holidays fast approach, and people often start feeling the pressure to show up in ways that do not necessarily reflect how they're feeling inside, we hope this episode will normalize some of the challenges faced by many parents in this new chapter of life.
References Postpartum Support International (PSI) Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health
Connect with Elyse:
Visit Elyse’s website
Follow Elyse on Instagram
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.
If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Audio Stamps 01:18 - Brandi introduces today’s guest, licensed mental health therapist Elyse Springer. 02:34 - Elyse does some myth busting around perinatal and postpartum mood disorders 05:03 - Elyse defines postpartum psychosis 07:02 - We find out more about postpartum OCD 10:00 - Brandi asks Elyse how we can tell the difference between someone who is dealing with a mental health disorder like OCD or anxiety, and someone who has embodied the idea that extra worry signifies how much you love your child. 11:25 - Elyse explains what your ACE score is and why it’s important to know. 20:00 - We find out what the next steps are if you or someone you know is showing symptoms of a mental health disorder 25:57 - Elyse shares some of the resources that new parents should be aware of that provide support for issues related to mental health. | |||
| What Every Parent Should Know About Vaccines | 14 Oct 2022 | 00:34:38 | |
Brandi sits with pediatrician Dr. Anastasia Williams to have a balanced conversation about vaccines. Dr. Williams shares lots of information that might surprise even the most knowledgeable parents. Do our kids really need all of the current vaccinations? Is it safe to give a small infant so many vaccinations at once? Our expert guest answers so many questions like this and more. This is an episode that every parent should tune in to. Guest Links: Produced by Dear Media | |||
| A conversation with the tongue tie experts Drs Jessica Choi and Christine Nguyen | 07 Oct 2022 | 00:41:26 | |
If you have had a child within the last five years you undoubtedly have heard about tongue ties. In this episode Brandi sits with Drs Jessica Choi and Christine Nguyen to go on a deep dive into all things tongue ties. When you should be assessed? What to do if your tongue tie re-attaches, and who to consult with if you think your baby or toddler needs an assessment. We answer questions like all of this and more during this informative episode. You don’t want to miss it!
You can connect with Dr. Jessica at her California based clinic San Marino Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Christine Nguyen can be contacted via her practice The Center for Infant Tethered Oral Ties.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Produced by Dear Media | |||
| What Every Parent Should Know About the NICU With Micha Clark | 30 Sep 2022 | 00:27:46 | |
Unexpected news happens often during pregnancy and during the birthing process. When parents think about the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) we often associate that experience with premature babies or parents having multiples. During this episode we talk with Micha Clark, a neonatal therapist and parent coach, about what this process really looks like and how parents experiencing a high-risk pregnancy or admittance to the NICU can make this an easier transition for themselves and their babies. Micha also shares the tips she’s learned from years of consulting in the NICU that will help you get your baby out of the NICU faster and adjust better during and after a NICU stay.
Micha Clark has a heart for families in crisis. Her passion lies in educating families, so they feel whole as a family unit. She does this through teaching neuro-protective, developmentally appropriate, family-centered care. She’s a wife and a mom to a NICU graduate, who is now in college; so she and her husband are empty-nesters.She has a Master of Science in Communication Disorders. Licensed and board certified in Speech-Language Pathology and has practiced for 23 years.She is a neonatal therapist and holds a Parent Coaching certification through the New Baby School. In her spare time, she loves to garden and can’t get enough of Broadway shows. Connect with Micha on her website or follow her on social media.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| My Favorite Doula Hacks! | 23 Sep 2022 | 00:21:38 | |
One of Brandi’s favorite things about being a doula is what she’s learned about family, culture, and traditions from working with thousands of families in over two decades. In this episode Brandi shares postpartum tips, teething hacks, and a few natural remedies she’s perfected over the years. If you ever wanted to have a “pick my brain” session with Brandi Jordan this is your chance. Produced by Dear Media
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| The Best Laid Plans: Navigating Daycare, Dropoffs, and all the Anxieties of Handing Off Your Little One | 16 Sep 2022 | 00:23:15 | |
Nothing can derail a morning routine faster than a toddler who decides they are refusing to put on shoes. Fall is the time where many parents are acclimating to new transitions like daycare, preschool, or starting back to work after maternity leave. Brandi shares tips on making these transitions easier not only for your child, but also for yourself. If you are preparing to make changes with your child in the near future, or want to get better at doing them, join the conversation for this must listen episode.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Teaching Children the Gifts of Our Differences | 09 Sep 2022 | 00:32:11 | |
Children tend to see the world very differently from adults. They see differences and don’t automatically see them as good, or bad. Yet, at some point we all unfortunately learned in our own ways to label, to categorize, and put people in boxes. In this episode Brandi sits with author and spiritual thought leader Monica Berg about her new book The Gift of Being Different, which she co-wrote with her young daughter Abigail. Monica shares her journey and insight as a mother of four children, one of which has special needs. She addresses the feelings and grief that should be validated in mothers who are raising children with special needs, and how much she learned about herself in the journey. If you are looking for ways to increase your compassion, connection, and overall empathy for others, but more importantly teach it to your children... don’t miss this conversation.
If you want to learn more about author Monica Berg visit her website here. You can purchase her latest book The Gift of Being Different now! You can also connect with Monica on Instagram for more tips on parenting and access to her work as a spiritual thought leader. Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Motherhood and Mental Health with Alyson Hempsey | 02 Sep 2022 | 00:34:09 | |
Postpartum mood disorders are at an all time high for parents across the United States. Despite this fact the issue is still one that isn't spoken about enough. Many mothers struggle with feelings of shame and isolation because they think they are the only ones experiencing the pain of a postpartum mood disorder diagnosis. In this episode Brandi speaks with mother and therapist Alyson Hempsey about her own experience with postpartum mood disorders and the system she has developed to help all mothers alleviate the stress of these diagnoses and maybe even help prevent them altogether
Alyson is a mama, psychotherapist, and coach who helps mamas feel like themselves again using her proprietary “eMBRACe” model - a holistic framework to help mamas thrive in motherhood. She also co-hosts the motherhood podcast, “No Mama Left Behind,” with Dr. Marcy Crouch. You can connect with Alyson on Instagram, Facebook, or visit her website here.
If you or someone you know is having a psychiatric emergency, contact 911 or your trusted personal physician.
If you are someone who is struggling with postpartum depression or are looking for resources, visit Postpartum International here.
And if you’d like to take the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression assessment, visit their website here.
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| Sex, mental health, parenthood and living the life with Eileen Kelly | 26 Aug 2022 | 00:40:54 | |
In this episode of Dear Doula, Brandi sits with blogger turned podcaster, Eileen Kelly, host of Going Mental about her experience before and after checking herself into a five-month inpatient psychiatric facility, and how it changed her life. Known for her open and honest conversations about mental health and sexuality, Eileen steams up Dear Doula this week sharing all the things parents should be doing in the bedroom right now. You don’t want to miss this conversation, and we will tell you in advance this one is for adult ears only!
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health With Sierra Bizzell | 19 Aug 2022 | 00:27:24 | |
What should you be eating to get your body baby ready? What misconceptions do most people have about infertility issues? What is one thing male partners should stop doing today to increase their chances of fertility? Answers to these questions and more are discussed on this episode of Dear Doula. Health coach and fertility consultant Sierra Bizzell shares her expertise on all things reproductive health. Whether you are trying to conceive or are looking forward to your second or third little, Sierra shares gems that everyone should know about to increase their wellness and overall reproductive health. You don’t want to miss this one.
You can learn more about Sierra Bizzell and how to work with her by visiting her website, or following her on Instagram.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Should You Birth With a Midwife or Doctor? | 12 Aug 2022 | 00:33:10 | |
We get so many questions about choosing the right birth team. In this episode of Dear Doula, Brandi interviews expert Jessica Diggs, a Los Angeles based midwife who shares the difference between midwifery model of care and medical model of birth care, and why either could be the right choice for your family. Jessica is also the founder of Centered, a community for doulas, and shares her tricks and tips to building a sustainable practice. If you have misconceptions about the role of doulas or midwives, or just want to learn more about all the amazing providers that are available to add to your birth and postpartum care team then don’t miss this episode.
You can find Jessica Diggs on her website or on Instagram. If you are a doula or birth professional looking for community and support building a sustainable practice join Centered, Jessica’s curated space for doulas.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| The Sleep-Well Toddler Toolkit: Bedtime Refusal, Separation Anxiety, and More! ("Sleep Fairy" Series) | 26 Nov 2023 | 00:32:41 | |
Ever found yourself tiptoeing out of your toddler’s room, hoping against hope that this will be the one bedtime where your little one blissfully succumbs to sleep? You’re certainly not alone–toddlerhood can be accompanied by a number of bedtime battles and this edition of the Baby Sleep Fairy Chronicles is here to help. If you’re struggling to navigate some of the most common toddler sleep problems like bedtime refusal, separation anxiety, or the crib-to-bed transition, this episode will arm you with proactive bedtime strategies that will ensure more restful nights for both toddlers and parents alike. References Twin Zzz’s: Mastering Sleep for Twins (“Sleep Fairy” Series) The Lie of a Good Night's Sleep ("Sleep Fairy" Series) The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.
If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! | |||
| The Most Important Thing | 05 Aug 2022 | 00:18:15 | |
Brandi is often asked this question every time she is interviewed “What do you wish every parent knew about parenthood”. In this episode Brandi shares one of the most overlooked learning curves to parenthood and how you can parent better by doing the prompts she shares in this episode. If you are committed to attachment, and teaching your kids about unconditional love then you will want to dig into this episode!
Brandi shared her recent article about parenting after the pandemic on this episode. Check out her interview in Better Humans.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Could “Human Design” Be the Key to Parenting With Ease? | 29 Jul 2022 | 00:42:07 | |
Brandi is excited by each of the guests that come on the podcast, this conversation with Erin Claire Jones certainly ranks in her top 5. Why you might ask? Erin is an expert in Human Design and has spent years studying and applying this principle that teaches us how to be more of ourselves and invite more ease into our daily lives. In this warm conversation Erin shares how parents particularly can use Human Design to make parenting easier, but more importantly to create a parenting style and environment that allows your child to be themselves. You are not going to want to miss this one.
“Human Design is a synthesis of ancient wisdom and modern science that sheds light on a person’s energetic makeup, as well as specific tools they can use to live at their happiest, healthiest, highest potential. It doesn’t change who they are; it teaches them who they are. It offers insight into what’s possible, and highlights the significance of understanding and living as the fullest expression of themselves.
By putting this tool to work in her own life, Erin is showing the world a new way of work, a new path toward success, and a new perspective on living as you truly are.”
If you want to connect with Erin Claire Jones please floor her on Instagram HERE and HERE. Learn more about Human Design on her website.
If you want to learn more about your Human Design or your child’s, use Erin’s link here for a report: https://humandesignblueprint.com/. The code DEARDOULA will get you 10% off your Blueprint
To book a family or individual session use this link: https://erinclairejones.as.me/schedule.php. To join Erin’s next free intro webinar: https://howdoyouchoose1.splashthat.com If you are interested in studying Human Design with Erin Claire Jones: https://erinclairejones.com/blueprintplus
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Selflessness vs. Self-Sacrifice in Motherhood | 22 Jul 2022 | 00:40:19 | |
Join this fun and bubbly conversation as Brandi sits with content creator Jade Godbolt about her journey as a mommy blogger and how she has used her faith to guide her journey of motherhood. Jade shares tips on how accepting help and giving herself and others grace have allowed her to thrive in these early years of parenthood. Grab your mug and listen to these two Texas mamas share wisdom, laughs, and love.
If you would like to connect with Jade Godbolt, follow her online on Instagram and her amazing Youtube channel. Jade also has a YouTube show with her husband on their faith-based marriage and journey. Y’all go show her some of my Texas love!
If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Why Every Birthing Body Needs to Have a Visit With the “Down There” Doctor | 15 Jul 2022 | 00:30:08 | |
Brandi has an informative conversation with Marcy Crouch, DPT also known as the “Down There Doc” about all things vagina and pelvic floor. Most people think pelvic floor work begins and ends in the forty days postpartum, Marcy shares why most people who have uteruses should get their pelvic floor assessed by a professional. She also shares information on how to pick the right pelvic floor doctor for your care team and provides recommendations for her favorite pelvic floor accessories. Grab your favorite cup of tea and join us for a lively chat (and if you need to run to the bathroom during this episode then this one is definitely for you).
In this episode, Doctor Crouch mentioned a few pelvic floor products that she loved: Perifit And Intimate Rose a woman owned company that designs pelvic dilators, wands, and weights.
If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
If you are looking for support with your children can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a baby or parenting special.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
And you can follow Dr. Crouch on IG @thedowntheredoc, visit www.thedowntheredoc.com to learn more about her services, or follow her podcast, No Mama Left Behind.
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Motherhood, Hard Conversations, and Being Open to Change | 08 Jul 2022 | 00:45:25 | |
Brandi has a soul stirring conversation with Sarah Nicole host of the Papaya Podcast. This intimate conversation covers the harsh realities of motherhood, being open to changing your mind, and how parenthood pushed us to become better versions of ourselves. Looking for the space to be seen, to laugh, and cry? Join us for a warm conversation between two very passionate mamas.
If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
If you are looking for support with your children can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a baby or parenting special.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a dm and she might include it on her next podcast episode! Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Dealing With Infant Loss in a Post Roe vs Wade World | 01 Jul 2022 | 00:17:04 | |
Brandi shares her experience helping parents navigate infant loss over her twenty year career as a doula. Learn about the Japanese ritual of Jizo statues which helps to give closure to parents in Japan who are dealing with loss, and some tips on how you can create space to allow for grief and closure for your own loss. This episode discusses abortion and miscarriage. Please ensure appropriate emotional measures are in place if you are dealing with a loss and feel that you might be triggered by this type of discussion.
If you would like to learn more about Jizo Statues or “Mizuko Jizo” this is a great article about this healing practice.
If you are concerned about your access to reproductive health and or want to learn more about your rights and your state here are some helpful resources: https://www.smcgov.org/hr/news/resources-roe-v-wade-decision https://www.guttmacher.org/abortion-rights-supreme-court
If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
If you are looking for support with your children can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a baby or parenting special.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a dm and she might include it on her next podcast episode! Produced by Dear Media | |||
| BADASS MOM SERIES: Motherhood, friendships, and what really matters in the early years with Chriselle Lim and Sara Sohn | 24 Jun 2022 | 00:26:06 | |
Chriselle Lim and Sara Sohn co-hosts of the hot podcast series “Being Bumo” sit down for a warm conversation about motherhood and maintaining relationships so that you can thrive (as well as being okay with letting some relationships go. Chriselle and Sara also share how having friends with different parenting styles can actually grow your relationships. This warm and inviting talk with three moms will remind you of the importance of connection and finding what really matters in the early years.
If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
If you are looking for support with your children can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a baby or parenting special.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a dm and she might include it on her next podcast episode! Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Trauma, resilience, and living on your own terms with Alexis Haines | 17 Jun 2022 | 00:30:25 | |
Brandi has a candid conversation with ex-reality star, fellow doula, mom and host of the hit podcast Recovering From Reality Alexis Haines. Relationships, childhood trauma, and mental health are just a few of the topics they both talk frankly and openly about. Put your feet up and grab your coffee for a deep conversation about the complicated and beautiful role called “mom”.
We mentioned resources related to mental health support via Postpartum Support International. Also ifyou wanted to check your “trauma” scores d how it relates to our physical health here is the link to the A.C.E. study checklist.
If you or anyone you know is having a psychiatric emergency please dial 911. If you believe that someone else or you are in danger of harming others, or has access to a gun and there are mental health concerns please call 911 or a trusted friend or family member who can arrange for you to get immediate assistance.
If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
If you are looking for support with your children can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a baby or parenting special.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a dm and she might include it on her next podcast episode! Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Are We There Yet? Tips for summer travel with young children | 10 Jun 2022 | 00:19:01 | |
Brandi shares her tips and tricks to traveling near and far with babies and young children. Brandi shares how she manages traveling with kids at different ages, and a few tips to make summer air travel more comfortable. She also shares her must have accessories to make traveling with young children a breeze!
In this episode Brandi shares her must have summer travel accessories. Here is the link to her list: Even young kids need to be able to hear their favorite tunes and watch their favorite shows, unfortunately standard headphones in the air aren’t the right size for littles. Brandi’s favorite accessories for this are Cozy phones headband, Sony wireless headphones, and if they need to block out the noise and not listen to it, Babybanz earmuffs are great!
If you are looking to make running through the airport a bit more manageable with kiddos these are airport must haves: You need to incorporate babywearing into the mix and these are my favorite picks for that.. Sakura Bloom ring sling, Moby Wrap, and the Ergo 360 baby carrier. Try them out and see what you find the easiest. A good “carry-on” approved stroller can literally SAVE your sanity, Brandi’s favorite is this one the Yoyo by Babyzen
If you are looking to turn your airplane seat into a great napping station here are a few accessories that can create a lot more comfort; Jetkids Bed Box byt Stokke, Flyaway Kids Bed, Flytot
If you want a few ideas to keep littles ones busy on the plane here are a few of the ones mentioned during this episode: Busy baby mat, Kids travel tray carseat, Usborne animal doodle cards, Snake speed cube puzzle
If you are going to spending time in the sun this summer this is Brandi’s go-to sunscreen for the whole family: Supergoop Play or in the spray version
If you are loving Dear Doula please take a minute to scroll down, rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
If you are looking for support with your children can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a baby or parenting special.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a dm and she might include it on her next podcast episode! Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Parenting, school shootings, and remembering hope | 27 May 2022 | 00:21:01 | |
Hope: Let’s use it as a verb. In this heartfelt episode of Dear Doula podcast Brandi shares tips on navigating grief, loss, and crisis with young children. On May 24, 2022 an armed gunman walked into an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas and killed our children and community members. To hold these families up, and to remain hopeful Brandi shares tips shes learned supporting families since 2001 to cope in times of crisis. If you are looking to connect as a community to soothe our grief, disbelief, and shame for what has been allowed to happen, tune in to this conversation.
If you are looking for organizations to support as we demand safety for children in the United States, Moms Demand Action is a grassroots organization fighting for gun control. Everytown is another non-profit that is working to make it harder for guns to get into the hands of people who shouldn’t have them. They advocate for things such as requiring background checks for all gun sales, and denying gun applications for people who have been charged with domestic violence.
We all know that gun violence is also a mental health problem. If you or anyone you know is having a psychiatric emergency please dial 911. If you believe that someone else or you are in danger of harming others, or has access to a gun and there are mental health concerns please call 911 or a trusted friend or family member who can arrange for you to get immediate assistance.
If you have older children who may be hearing about this most current school shooting and they are feeling afraid fortunately (and unfortunately) there are several online resources to help children process complex emotions after a school shooting.
If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
If you are looking for support with your children can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a baby or parenting special.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a dm and she might include it on her next podcast episode! Produced by Dear Media | |||
| The Lie of a Good Night's Sleep (The "Sleep Fairy" Series) | 17 Nov 2023 | 00:26:03 | |
The controversy, conversations, articles, and books surrounding sleep training are so wildly different, I have no idea how any parent today can comfortably reach a decision on it. Is my child really going to get brain damage from sleep training? Will I ever sleep again?
Let’s face it, we all need sleep to be able to survive and to actually live joyful, calm, and peaceful lives. If you’ve landed here, you’re likely to be an exhausted parent desperate for ways to improve you and your child’s sleep. You haven’t “failed” at parenting, you just haven’t found what’s right for you or your child yet…
After working with families in the home since 2001, I've seen what’s worked well (and not so well) and want to share the tips and interventions that I know will get you and your family the hard-earned ZZZs you need.
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| Lactation education is NOT formula shaming and why that matters right now | 20 May 2022 | 00:27:16 | |
In this episode of Dear Doula Brandi shares what people are getting very wrong about the formula shortage and an important topic that is being left out of this conversation. Brandi also shares tips on what parents can be doing right now if they are affected and concerned about the current formula shortage. This conversation goes deeper into what Fed is Best really means and how it actually limits support for all parents regardless of how they choose to feed their children.
In this episode we shared information about accessing breastmilk via a local human milk bank. To connect with your local milk bank you can access them here: https://www.hmbana.org/find-a-milk-bank/overview.html . If you are interested in learning mor about informal milks sharing this is a great resource: https://www.facebook.com/hm4hb/. For those of you who inquired about which formulas I recommend from overseas Holle and Hipp would be my favorite. As a board certified lactation consultant I am urging pregnant and families with small children to consider seeking support from one of us if you are interested in lactation or are having difficulites. You can find an IBCLC “International Board Certified Lactation Consultant” all over the world by simply googling “lactation consultant” and your city or state.
If you are loving Dear Doula please take a minute to scroll down, rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
If you are looking for support with your children can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a baby or parenting special.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a dm and she might include it on her next podcast episode! Happy Mother’s day to all!
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Can you heal your body with touch? Taking healing into your own hands with the ancient practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu | 13 May 2022 | 00:43:34 | |
Brandi has an informative conversation with Marna Shauten-Kruijt who is an Energy Wellness expert. She practices an ancient Japanese healing art called Jin Shin Jyutsu. In this episode Marna shares that parents can take healing literally into their own hands, plus she shares ways that she helps parents relax, de-stress and feel more connected to themselves and in their role as parents.
If you want to connect with Marna you can go to her site www.marna.nu to learn more about her and her services.
If you are loving Dear Doula please take a minute to scroll down, rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
If you are looking for support with your children can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a baby or parenting special.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a dm and she might include it on her next podcast episode! Happy Mother’s day to all!
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| Mother’s Day Special featuring Brandi’s Mom! Useful advice on how moms and daughters can develop a strong friendship into adulthood | 06 May 2022 | 00:42:47 | |
Mother’s day for many can be a special one, for some families it can bring up feelings of loss and regret. Brandi and her mom Maggie Jordan have a warm and inviting conversation about what it takes to build great relationships that last a lifetime. Maggie also shares her insights on what shes learned parenting four girls, and what intentional steps she took to create a foundation for building a lifelong friendship with her children.
If you are loving Dear Doula please take a minute to scroll down, rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
If you are looking for support with your children can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a baby or parenting special.
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a dm and she might include it on her next podcast episode! Happy Mother’s day to all!
Produced by Dear Media | |||
| My biggest regrets as a mother, yet there is still time… | 29 Apr 2022 | 00:27:00 | |
So much of the conversation around parenthood is focused on the myriad of ways we are all getting it wrong. This is the wrong conversation to be having. In this episode of Dear Doula host Brandi Jordan shares the mistakes she made as a mother and how that reflection has actually made her a better mother and more connected to her children. Brandi shares simple tips on creating more attachment and connection with your children while healing yourself in the process.
If you are loving Dear Doula please take a minute to scroll down, rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
In this show there was a mention of Emmett Till whose untimely death has been credited with igniting the civil rights movement in the United States. Please note that his story is graphic and sad, but tells the true story or what many Black Americans and their children faced during the segregation era.
If you are looking for support in fixing your child’s sleep issues you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a pediatric sleep consultant
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a dm and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
Produced by Dear Media | |||