No One Told Us – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode 54: Challenging Our Individualistic Culture with Erin Spahr @feminist.mom.therapist In this episode, Rachael interviews Erin Spahr, a licensed therapist, mother, and maternal mental health advocate. They discuss the intersection of feminism and motherhood, the lack of support and systemic oppression faced by women and parents, and the harmful effects of comparison and external validation on social media. Here’s what they discuss in this episode: The importance of self-compassion and self-trust in navigating motherhood The need for inclusive and identity-affirming care for perinatal individuals Lack of federal paid parental leave in the US and how it is a MAJOR issue for mothers How harmful the societal ideology of individualism and the expectation that mothers should do it all without support is All about the tradwife movement and how it glamorizes an unrealistic and oppressive view of motherhood. Why does feminism have a negative connotation? And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Erin’s instagram: @feminist.mom.therapist Listen to The Feminist Mom Podcast here  Inclusive Provider Directory website: https://www.inclusiveproviders.com/  If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 53: Simplifying Your Routine & Managing the Chaos of Back-to-School with Beth Rosenbleeth @dayswithgrey It’s back-to-school for many of our children and that can come with a lot of big feelings, routine changes, and chaos! In this episode, Rachael chats with Beth, educator and creator of Days with Grey, all about simplifying routines, promoting play-based learning for young children, and how to cope with the change that is “back-to-school” (or just starting school!).  Here’s what they discuss in this episode: Beth shares her journey from being a teacher to becoming a stay-at-home mom which led to her creating her online platform to teach parents about play, routines and more The concept of “breakfast invitations” and how they can inspire play and learning in the morning! Tips for creating morning and afternoon routines and preparing for back-to-school How to manage the after-school meltdowns The importance of meeting and understanding each child’s individual needs How to set boundaries and provide predictability in routines. And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Beth’s website: https://dayswithgrey.com/  Beth’s Instagram: @dayswithgrey  Soft Skills activity cards: https://shop.dayswithgrey.com/shop/soft-skill-activity-cards/  40 unbeatable toddler activities: https://dayswithgrey.com/top-activities-two-year-olds/  Supply List for Kids: https://dayswithgrey.com/a-simple-list-of-learning-tools-for-kids/  If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 44: Q&A with Rachael and her husband, Marley Join Rachael and her husband Marley as they answer some of YOUR most asked questions this week, share a glimpse into their life at home, and more!  Here is what they discuss In this fun episode: Marley gives an update on his recent stay-at-home dad life transition Rachael and Marley share how they decided to have a third baby How Marley handles Rachael’s trips away when he is solo with kids overnight How to gain confidence taking kids out solo Marley is an LCMSW from San Francisco, CA and now a stay-at-home dad of three! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 43: Food Allergies and Sensitivities in Babies and Toddlers with Dr. Trillitye Paullin If you have ever had a baby with food allergies, chances are you experienced many challenges with feeding your baby. This week Rachael is joined by Dr. Trillitye Paullin, a molecular biologist and mother of two. Rachael and Dr. Trill discuss food allergies and sensitivities in babies and children. Here’s what they discuss inside this informative episode: Dr. Trill’s personal experience with infant food allergies  Find out how proteins from breastmilk transfer to babies  The different types of formula available and the reasons WHY your baby may need a certain formula Guidance for parents on when and how to switch formula Looking for food reactions in your child The difference between food allergies and intolerance The symptoms of food reactions in toddlers and older children Whether or not your child may grow out of an allergy How to find support resources available for navigating feeding challenges  And so much more! Dr. Trill Paullin is a molecular biologist and mother to two beautiful daughters who had severe infant food reactions to proteins transferred from her diet to breast milk. While struggling through elimination diets to continue breastfeeding, she discovered that many parents experience the same troubling situation. Dr. Trill wanted to create a place for parents to find answers to their questions about infant food reactivity and empower them to reach their feeding goals. Her online platform Free to Feed was born to provide the research, resources, and support she wished they had early on. They have started this mission by creating an educational support package, tracking app, personal consultations, and an allergy friendly postnatal multivitamin. Free to Feed’s team is working hard towards launching an at-home test kit that will allow parents to analyze their breast milk for allergens. Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Trill’s Website Diaper Decipher resource Free to Feed Ap  Instagram: @free.to.feed COUPON CODE SLEEPYBABY for 20% off anything! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 42: Motherhood: Finding Joy and Authenticity with Caitlin Wilder @wilderbeginnings  Motherhood can feel so exhausting, isolating, and divisive! It’s also portrayed on social media as just… not fun. Enter Caitlin Wilder. This week, Rachael is joined by Caitlin, a certified doula and mom of two turned social media “mom influencer” to have an open and honest conversation all about motherhood and postpartum realities. Caitlin created her following through sharing her journey of postpartum reality on Instagram and has taken off thanks to her refreshing blend of reality and positivity.. Rachael and Caitlin really MENTION IT ALL in this super cool (not uncool) episode: Here’s what they discuss inside this insightful episode: How Caitlin’s authenticity and positivity about motherhood has created a strong & supportive community on social media. Her experience working at Bravo (!! my dream) before transitioning to the parenting and childbirth space as a doula, and the decision to not return to corporate work after having a baby The benefits having a doula can have on your birth experience  How to trust your instincts and not be too hard on yourself as a parent All about feeding choices, sleep etc. as parents- what’s with the divide? How to have “Second Time Mom Energy” the first time around! Of course- a little Bravo TV tea… we had to! Hear her behind the scenes opinions and find out what our favorites are and where to begin if you’re just starting your Bravo ✨journey!✨  Caitlin is a certified doula, childbirth educator, and mom of 2 who is doing her best to show the reality of postpartum on social media (the fun/difficult/unhinged and unwashed reality) all while encouraging others to shut out the noise and listen to their own parenting intuition! She started her account as a doula sharing realistic pregnancy advice, and has managed to build the most amazing community on Instagram. It's a mix of fun, education, mayhem, community, inspiration, and emotional violence (She can get very sappy). But all in all - it's a good time!!  Mentioned in this episode: Caitlin’s instagram: @wilderbeginnings Book Caitlin as your Doula (LA area) here!  Caitlin’s Merch here- Bad Moms + Babies Club If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 41: Highly Sensitive Children: Tips for Parenting, Nurturing and Co-Regulation with Natalie Brunswick @highlysensitivefamily We hear the term “highly sensitive” a lot these days- but what does being highly sensitive or having a highly sensitive child really mean? This week Rachael and Natalie Brunswick, a psychotherapist OT and parenting educator, dive deep into the characteristics of highly sensitive children (and parents!). You’ll learn all about the importance of understanding and supporting highly sensitive children, as well as the need for parents to do their own inner work.  Here’s what they discuss inside this insightful episode: Natalie’s challenges with her colicky and sleepless baby, which led to her own postpartum PTSD diagnosis and a journey towards helping others All the amazing & unique characteristics of highly sensitive children How to help co-regulate and release stress for parents AND children Some of the challenges and difficult experiences that can come with parenting highly sensitive children Some potential ways to support highly sensitive children in school and social settings Tools for sensitive & neurodivergent parents to support the needs of their sensitive children Ways for parents to creatively meet their own needs  The grief that may arise during parenting  How to decide if and when you are ready for more children, particularly if your first was highly sensitive or you had a difficult time postpartum Natalie is a psychotherapist, occupational therapist, parenting educator, mental health advocate, and mother of two exceptional boys. Like so many of us, she came into parenthood with an idea of what it would all look like. And, well, spoiler alert, it looked nothing at all like what she imagined! And so The Highly Sensitive Family was born. The Highly Sensitive Family is an online community with courses, workshops, and support for educating parents and helping others better understand their experiences, their stories, their nervous systems, their families, children & relationships, their dreams & passions. Mentioned in this episode: Natalie’s Instagram: @highlysensitivefamily Natalie’s Website: https://highlysensitivefamily.com/  Natalie’s courses:  The Reparenting Masterclass  Raising Us: Community Membership I’d Love Another Baby, But… If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website  Episode Sponsored By: Mysteries About True Histories Podcast:  Tune in every Thursday for a brand new episode of Mysteries About True Histories! This series is perfect for kids ages six and up. Even if your child hasn’t learned some of these concepts yet in school, the storytelling seamlessly plants the seeds for all kinds of math, history, geography and science lessons that will keep your little ones curious and excited to learn. Listen to the podcast here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 40: Independent Play: Practical Strategies for Simplifying Play with Lizzie Assa @theworkspaceforchildren Should parents play with their children? Or should children only play independently? Independent Play is such a polarizing topic! That’s why this week, Rachael and Lizzie Assa, founder of the Workspace for Children, talk all about the importance of play for children and how parents can foster the desire for a healthy balance between playing with children and encouraging independent play. Here’s what they discuss inside this helpful episode: the benefits of independent play, starting from birth! HOW to begin fostering independent play skills the latest debate on social media: Should we play with our kids or not!? practical strategies for parents to create a conducive environment for play independent play is not about specific toys or aesthetics, but about understanding and connecting with each child's unique personality and interests the fear and guilt that parents can feel when their children are playing independently how parents can reduce “I’m bored!” pushback and avoid burnout Tips for using independent play to have a “quiet time” once your child stops napping And so much more! Lizzie is the founder of The Workspace for Children, and has become a go-to strategist for parents seeking guidance in fostering independent play for their children. With a Master’s in early childhood education and a passion for simplicity and consistency in play, she offers practical solutions to avoid burnout and promote healthy development. Lizzie's insights have been featured on The Good Inside Podcast, Parent's Magazine, NY Times Parenting, Time, and The Wall Street Journal. She is set to release her forthcoming book, "But I'm Bored!": The Complete Guide to Independent Play for Kids Ages 1-8, which promises to revolutionize the way parents approach their children's playtime. Mentioned in this episode: Lizzie’s Audio Course and Companion Workbook: https://twfc.kartra.com/page/sales Lizzie’s Instagram: @theworkspaceforchildren Lizzie’s website: https://www.workspaceforchildren.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website  Episode Sponsored By: Mysteries About True Histories Podcast Tune in every Thursday for a brand new episode of Mysteries About True Histories! This series is perfect for kids ages six and up. Even if your child hasn’t learned some of these concepts yet in school, the storytelling seamlessly plants the seeds for all kinds of math, history, geography and science lessons that will keep your little ones curious and excited to learn. Listen to the podcast here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 39: From One to Two: Rediscovering Yourself, Managing Expectations, and Splitting the Load with Cameron Oaks Rogers  @cameronoaksrogers This week Rachael has on guest Cameron Rogers, a content creator, podcaster and mother of two! Cameron shares her journey to motherhood, including her transition from a career on Wall Street to full-time content creation. Recently a mom of 2, she discusses the challenges and surprises of transitioning from one to two children. Cameron also talks about the impact becoming a mom has had on her relationship with her partner and how they navigate the division of labor through the Fair Play method.  In this candid conversation, Cameron shares openly about her mental health during pregnancies and postpartum, her decision to go alcohol-free and the journey to finding identity outside of motherhood. Find out how she deals with negative comments on the internet, why parenting each child differently has been so helpful, and the unexpected healing and challenges of parenthood! Cameron Oaks Rogers is best known for her voice and relatable humor which carves out a safe space on the internet for mothers everywhere. She’s dedicated to dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health, and leveraging her platforms to foster an open dialogue within her closely-knit community about real life issues. Drawing from her fearless career journey, a notable five-year stint on Wall Street, and a robust entrepreneurial skill set, she’s earned recognition as one of Forbes' "Five Entrepreneurs Who are Changing New York’s Wellness Scene." Embracing the challenges of new motherhood, she has passionately shed light on her own experiences with pregnancy, postpartum depression, and the often unspoken or overlooked trials and tribulations of navigating the journey of motherhood, she’s also a recent mother of two! Mentioned in this episode: Cameron’s Instagram: @cameronoaksrogers Cameron’s tiktok: @cameronoaksrogers Cameron’s Podcast: Freckled Foodie & Friends Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website  Episode Sponsored By: Mysteries About True Histories Podcast:  Tune in every Thursday for a brand new episode of Mysteries About True Histories! This series is perfect for kids ages six and up. Even if your child hasn’t learned some of these concepts yet in school, the storytelling seamlessly plants the seeds for all kinds of math, history, geography and science lessons that will keep your little ones curious and excited to learn. Listen to the podcast here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 38: Advocating for Parental Leave in the US with Raena Boston @theworkingmomtras Parental leave, or lack thereof, can be such a stressful part of the postpartum journey for new parents. That’s why this week Rachael has guest Raena Boston, co-founder of the Chamber of Mothers, on to discuss the importance of parental leave! Raena tells us about the work her organization is doing to advocate for better policies. She also shares her personal experiences with unpaid leave and the impact it had on her mental health.  Raena highlights the barriers to passing legislation, including the lack of a strong lobby for parental care policies, and provides advice for parents balancing work and parenting. Raena is a writer, an HR pro, and fierce advocate for parental leave which has led her to become a Co-Founder of the chamber of mothers… a collective movement all about advancing maternal rights. Raena also founded The Working Momtras, which is a community designed to help empower moms to resign from doing it all and release themselves from the pressures of mom guilt, guiding moms toward becoming more of who they already are. Raena is a space-holder, cheerleader, and conscientious connection-creator. Raena is also a mom of three! Mentioned in this episode: Raena’s Instagram: @theworkingmomtras  Chamber of Mother’s Instagram Page: @chamberofmothers If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website  Episode Sponsored By: Mysteries About True Histories Podcast:  Tune in every Thursday for a brand new episode of Mysteries About True Histories! This series is perfect for kids ages six and up. Even if your child hasn’t learned some of these concepts yet in school, the storytelling seamlessly plants the seeds for all kinds of math, history, geography and science lessons that will keep your little ones curious and excited to learn. Listen to the podcast here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 37: Splitting the Parenting Load with Betsi Flint @betsiflint This week Rachael has on Professional beach volleyball player, Betsi Flint to talk about juggling motherhood and her demanding athletic career. Betsi discusses the challenges of balancing training and parenting, the importance of sleep for both her and her toddler, and the support she receives from her husband and family.  Find out how splitting the parenting load has been beneficial to her and her family and how she splits parenting duties with her husband. Betsi shares all about the need for self-care and mental health in order to be a better parent. She also highlights the lessons she has learned as a mom athlete and the importance of pelvic floor therapy in her recovery. Betsi's story serves as an inspiration for other women to pursue their dreams after becoming mothers. Betsi is a professional beach volleyball player, wife and toddler mom. She is a 6-time AVP Champion, 2-time AVCA All-American and is currently in the race toward the 2024 Paris Olympics while also balancing motherhood. Betsi is passionate about empowering women and mothers to follow their goals. Mentioned in this episode: Betsi’s IG page: https://www.instagram.com/betsiflint/  If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website  Episode Sponsored By: Mysteries About True Histories Podcast:  Tune in every Thursday for a brand new episode of Mysteries About True Histories! This series is perfect for kids ages six and up. Even if your child hasn’t learned some of these concepts yet in school, the storytelling seamlessly plants the seeds for all kinds of math, history, geography and science lessons that will keep your little ones curious and excited to learn. Listen to the podcast here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices