Prepared for Parenthood is an educational podcast for hopeful, expectant, and new parents with little ones up to age 5. On this show, we’ll discuss everything from the most up-to-date practicals of best supporting your children, to thriving in relationship as a family, to more eye-opening and even surprising topics around the psychology and development of babies from conception through age 5. I’m your host, Dr. Stephanie Dueger, a psychotherapist, author, educator, parent coach, and married mother of two. My background is in pre- and perinatal psychology and health, and child development.
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Interview with Dr. Kailey Buller: Medical Care for Babies: What Parents Should Know
Season 2 · Episode 20
Thursday, November 6, 2025 • Duration 29:24
Keywords
parenting, newborn care, postpartum, emergency medicine, breastfeeding, sleep training, parental advice, baby health, parenting myths, Dr. Kailey Buller
Summary
In this episode of Prepared for Parenthood, Dr. Kailey Buller, a double-board-certified physician in emergency and family medicine, shares her insights on postpartum and newborn care. She discusses common parental concerns, the importance of seeking medical advice when worried, a checklist of the most important concerns with which to seek emergency care, and the challenges of breastfeeding and sleep for new parents. Dr. Buller emphasizes the need for flexibility in parenting and provides practical advice from her new book, Surviving Tiny Humans: The Messy Truth About Parenting and Your Guide to Baby's First Year.
Takeaways
~If you're worried about your baby’s physical health, you should always consult a medical doctor.
~Dr. Buller provides an important list for parents that includes five symptoms, four injuries, and three features of a fever that she would want parents to bring their child into the emergency room for evaluation.
~It's important to adapt all parenting strategies as needed. Parents should be skeptical of any blanket advice regarding parenting as there is often a sub-context from the provider.
~Breastfeeding and sleep challenges are common for new parents and are not a reflection of a parent's ability to care for their child.
~In both feeding and sleep issues, support and methods can vary widely and should be tailored to the needs of the whole family.
~Support systems play a significant role in new family success. Seek out professional support if needed.
~Dr. Buller's book, Surviving Tiny Humans: The Messy Truth About Parenting and Your Guide to Baby's First Year, provides practical advice for new parents.
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
Interview with Elly Taylor part two: Parenthood versus Parenting: Navigating Becoming A Family
Season 2 · Episode 19
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 • Duration 25:11
Keywords
parenthood, parenting, relationship expert, couplehood, mental health, support systems, emotional growth, nesting, bonding, preparation for parenthood
Summary
In part two of this conversation, Dr. Stephanie Dueger speaks with Australian parenthood and relationship expert, bestselling author, and founder of Becoming Us, the whole-family approach to parenthood, Elly Taylor. Elly shares how parenthood changes everything – it is a seismic shift and insistent invitation to grow. From your own inner experience, to experiences with your partner, to getting to know your little one and adjusting to your new family life, nothing is untouched. We discuss how learning to grow with these changes, instead of fighting against them, allows for the process to unfold more easily, as does being attuned to and supportive of each other. Elly shares how it’s never too late to up-level in these relationships.
Takeaways
~Parenthood changes everything. Embracing the changes instead of fighting against them is the path to both more ease and more growth for the couple.
~Relationship dynamics and roles will be impacted when becoming parents. Being clear about and focusing on priorities supports the whole family system. So does expressed gratitude.
~Becoming a parent often opens us up to seismic changes within ourselves as well. We may find that our relationship with our body and our emotions deeply shifts.
~While it’s helpful to become aware and make some needed changes before becoming a parent, it is never too late to up-level. Attuning to ourselves, our partner, and our baby provides some of the best chances for healthy family relationships.
Guest Contact:
Website: www.becomingusfamily.com
Purchase Elly Taylor's Book on Amazon:
Interview with Nina Ketscher: Raising Nourished, Nurtured, Connected Children from the Beginning: Caring for the 'Soul Spark'
Season 2 · Episode 10
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 • Duration 26:55
Keywords
holistic parenting, prenatal psychology, somatic movement, energy healing, conscious conception, mantras, nurturing relationships,emotional wellness, spiritual growth, family dynamics
Summary
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Stephanie Dueger speaks with Nina Ketscher, a holistic and integrative somatic prenatal and perinatal practitioner. They explore Nina's personal and professional journey into holistic parenting, the importance of nurturing the soul spark in children, and the transformative power of mantras and energy healing. Nina shares her insights on how parents can support their children's emotional and spiritual well-being through various practices, emphasizing theinterconnectedness of family dynamics and the healing process. The discussion also touches on the role of nature in healing and the significance of maintaining balance in our lives.
Takeaways
~ Nina Ketscher's journey into holistic parenting began with her love for children and movement and also her deep connection to and curiosity about her spirituality.
~ Understanding the body-mind-spirit connection can be an opportunity for personal growth and healing. The energy we carry affects our relationships with others.
~ One's soul spark is their essence and unique reason for living.
~ The mother can be the greatest healer for her child, impacting their well-being from conception on. Nurturing oneself is essentialfor nurturing one's children.
~ Mantras can serve as vibrational medicine for emotional and spiritual healing.
~ The five elements carry powerful healing vibrations within them that can help restore well-being.
Guest Contact
Interview with Kate White: Healing the Impacts of Prenatal and Perinatal Challenges
In this conversation, Dr. Stephanie Dueger speaks with Kate White, an expert in the prenatal and perinatal field of somatic work. They explore the significance of early life experiences, how trauma is stored in the body, and the impact of birth trauma on both parents and infants. Kate shares her insights on working with families, the importance of somatic therapies, and practical tips for parents to support their infants at home. The discussion emphasizes the need for presence, support, and understanding in the parenting journey.
Takeaways
~ Prenatal and perinatal somatic work focuses on early life experiences, from conception through about age 2, as well as work with the parents.
~ Prenatal and birth memories can be stored in the body as implicit and cellular memory, and the autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in memory storage.
~ Working with parents involves acknowledging their birth experiences, as they may feel guilt or shame about how the birth unfolded.
~ Healing for parents and babies can occur through Somatic Experiencing, Biodynamic Craniosacral work, and other bodywork.
~ Support systems are vital for new parents, and teaching parents skills to recognize their baby's needs is essential.
~ Presence and regulation of the parent's nervous system are critical in helping soothe and support their little ones.
In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Dueger speaks with integrative nurse practitioner, author, and mother of three, Chelsea Ann O'Brien about an epidemic of overwhelm and illness in women Chelsea believes may be stemming from being separated from our feminine nature. Chelsea describes how she was led to pursue and share about her evolving trajectory of work through her practice and her books. She shares insights about some of her patients journeys as well as her own journey to better health through resting more into the feminine and discusses some of her work.
Takeaways
~ Chelsea sees many patients who are women trying to manage parenthood and working jobs outside of their homes who present with illness and exhaustion.
~ Chelsea believes many of these issues stem from women being out of their feminine nature.
~ Through her forthcoming book, and previous books, Chelsea invites ways to find ourselves and deeply connect with what is most important to each of us.
Mystical Motherhood: Create a Happy and Conscious Family: a Guidebook for Conception, Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond
Fertile: Prepare Your Body, Mind, and Spirit for Conception and Pregnancy to Create a Conscious Child
Alchemy of Becoming: The Journey to Finding the One
Interview with Sara Barbosa: Traditional Indigenous Muisca Midwifery & Plant Support
Season 2 · Episode 7
Thursday, March 6, 2025 • Duration 29:09
Keywords
Indigenous midwifery, Muisca medicine, plant medicine, women's health, postpartum care,holistic psychology, community health, empowerment, traditional knowledge,intercultural midwifery
Summary
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Stephanie Dueger interviews Sara Barbosa, an intercultural midwife with over a decade of training and experience in Muisca Indigenous midwifery in Colombia. They explore the rich traditions of midwifery, the importance of plant medicine, and the holistic approach to women's health. Sara shares her journey of apprenticeship, the significance of empowering women's voices in motherhood, and the Indigenous Muisca practices surrounding prenatal, birth, and postpartum care. The discussion emphasizes the integration oftraditional knowledge with modern healthcare practices, aiming for a community-centered approach to health and well-being.
Takeaways
~ Sara Barbosa has been training and apprenticing in Muisca Indigenous midwifery in Colombia for 11 years.
~ Midwifery in this context encompasses care beyond birth, including all stages of a woman'slife.
~ The incorporation of plant medicine is integral and is approached through stories and needsrather than symptoms. For example, chamomile is integrated for comfort and spiritual support during birth.
~ Indigenous Muisca midwifery emphasizes the importance of women's sexuality and sensualityduring birth, inviting the woman to open fully during this process.
~ Postpartum care includes a 40-day quarantine with different plant infusions, baths, and massages for recovery and bonding with the baby.
~ Empowering women to find their own voice in motherhood, integrating more traditional and modern health care practices, and enlivening community health care are crucial, core tenants in the future of women's health care.
Interview with Stefanie Adler: Eating for Healthy Conception, Pregnancy, & Postpartum
Season 2 · Episode 6
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 • Duration 26:52
Keywords
nutrition, conception, pregnancy, postpartum, ancient cultures, healthy eating
Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Stephanie Dueger speaks with Stefanie Adler, a Certfied Nutrition Concultant and Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist about healthy eating for conception, pregnancy, and postpartum. Stefanie shares her journey into the field of nutrition and becoming a parent herself, emphasizing the importance of nourishing, whole foods for health. Stefanie discusses the importance of understanding the root causes of our health challenges, how they can be addressed, and what kinds of foods can best support hopeful, expectant, and new parents in their journey into parenthood.
Takeaways
~ Healthy eating has one of the largest impacts on one's ability to conceive and maintain a pregnancy.
~ Solving health problems can be holistically supported by taking a "root cause" approach.
~ There are specific foods and nutrients that have been shown to increase the ability to conceive, support a healthy pregnancy, and help one recover from pregnancy.
~ Many ancient cultures emphasize the importance of nutrition during conception, pregnancy, and postpartum.
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Stephanie Dueger speaks with Laura Uplinger, Vice President of the Brazilian National Association for Prenatal Education, one of the founders of the Prenatal Alliance, an international NGO, and prominent advocate for conscious conception, pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Laura shares her journey into the field of prenatal psychology and becoming a parent herself, emphasizing the importance of the emotional and spiritual aspects of conception, pregnancy, and birth. They discuss the significance of inviting a child in with love during conception, the beliefs of ancient cultural practices in this process, and the need for truthfulness and support with our children. Laura also highlights the importance of nurturing environments for pregnant families and the profound connection between parents and their unborn (and born) children.
Takeaways
~ Parenting can begin with just the intention and wish to have a child.
~ The emotional state of a pregnant individual and couple affects the baby. Supporting these individuals and couples benefits all of humanity.
~ Conscious conception can lead to a more fulfilling parenting and family experience.
~ Many ancient cultures emphasize the importance of conception and the prenatal period.
~ Inviting a child in with love during conception can potentially positively transform the energy of the human race.
~ Loving truthfulness with our little ones is crucial for parents, including those who have faced challenges in the prenatal and perinatal periods.
~ Engaging youth in discussions about birth, including their own births, can both spark interest in their own beginnings and have lasting impacts on how they interface with the world.
Interview with Lo Kawulok, RM, CPM: Traditional Homebirth Midwifery
Season 2 · Episode 4
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 • Duration 30:43
Keywords
midwifery, homebirth, traditional care, community health, maternal health, holistic care, access to care, cultural practices, reproductive health, birth experience
Summary
In this conversation, Lo Kawulok, RM, CPM, a homebirth midwife and community advocate, shares her journey into midwifery, highlighting the differences between traditional midwifery and modern Western medical models of care. Lo discusses the importance of choosing a birth the parents feel safe with, the individual and community impacts of midwifery, and the challenges of access to care, particularly for marginalized communities. The conversation also touches on the role of art and connection in community engagement and the various cultural perspectives that shape traditional midwifery practices.
Takeaways
~ Traditional midwifery emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating body, mind, spirit, and ancestral wisdom, and honoring the rite of passage of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences.
~ Homebirth is suitable for low-risk individuals who would feel safe birthing at home, while higher-risk cases may require more medical oversight and intervention.
~ Midwifery can positively impact community health and individual well-being.
~ The arts can serve as a powerful medium for community engagement and education about midwifery.
~ Access to homebirth midwifery care is often limited by financial barriers, lack of full insurance coverage, and lack of exposure to education about what midwifery is.
~ Cultural representation in midwifery is crucial for building trust within communities.
~ Community Roots Midwife Collective aims to increase access to homebirth midwifery and postpartum care through sliding scale fees and education.
Interview with Dr. Veronique Mead: Mitigating Adverse Babyhood Experiences
*Trigger warning: We discuss trauma and its impacts in the pre- and perinatal time period.
In this conversation, Dr. Veronique Mead discusses the concept of Adverse Babyhood Experiences (ABEs), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and their significant potential impacts on chronic illness. She explains the ten categories of ABEs, the role of trauma in potentially shaping health, and the importance of early interventions and support for parents. The discussion highlights the differences between stress and trauma, the link between early trauma and chronic illnesses, and therapeutic approaches to repair ABEs. Dr. Mead emphasizes the need for greater awareness and integration of trauma research in medical practice to improve outcomes for families and individuals with chronic health issues.
Takeaways
ABEs can significantly influence long-term health outcomes.
Trauma in early life may lead to the development of chronic illnesses later.
Support for parents is crucial during pregnancy, the perinatal time, and throughout early childhood.
Understanding the difference between stress and trauma is essential for professionals who work with vulnerable populations.
Early interventions can help prevent some chronic health issues.
Connection, attachment, and bonding are vital for child development.
Naming and addressing trauma can facilitate healing of that trauma.
Some chronic illnesses may stem from unresolved trauma responses.
Medical training often lacks focus on trauma's impact, but future research may bridge the gap between trauma and medical practice.
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
~ Creating as nurturing an environment as possible helps support a healthy pregnancy, including, when availble, beautiful music and nature.
~ The journey of pregnancy, birth, and parenting is unique for every individual. If pieces didn’t occur as someone hoped for, they can oftenbe healed with support.
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
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