Ready for Baby - evidence-based, realistic prenatal and postpartum education and support – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, fertility educator and postpartum doula Kenzie Radigan guides us through the empowering practice of menstrual charting. Kenzie debunks common myths and educates on the distinct phases of the menstrual cycle, providing tools to enhance body literacy and self-awareness. She discusses the importance of distinguishing between common and healthy menstrual experiences, the emotional intelligence gained from charting, and its practical applications, including non-hormonal birth control and understanding postpartum fertility. 

Whether you're looking to conceive, seeking non-hormonal birth control options, or simply aiming to deepen your connection with your body, Kenzie offers valuable advice and emphasizes the transformative impact of tuning into your body's unique rhythms.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The importance of menstrual cycle and fertility education, debunking common myths, and the need for whole-person care.
• The empowerment and benefits of menstrual charting, including non-hormonal birth control, conception, and overall health monitoring.
• Fertility awareness methods, charting basics, and the significance of understanding one's fertile window.
• A breakdown of the menstrual cycle's phases and how charting can foster a deeper connection with one's body.
• Recommendations for those new to charting, including starting with a good charting app and understanding the value of privacy and personalization.

Resources from this Episode

• Learn more about Kenzie Radigan on her website (www.zenwithkenz.com). 

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Join me as I sit alongside Jessica Faith Achugbue, a wellspring of knowledge in perinatal mental health and EMDR therapy, to explore how emotional undercurrents affect not just new parents but also the little ones they're nurturing. We peel back the layers of early experiences, revealing their undeniable impact on the adult psyche and, consequently, on parenting practices.

We discuss the sweeping synaptic shifts and the spiritual awakenings that define matrescence, highlighting the power of EMDR therapy in forging pathways to inner healing. For any parent grappling with the duality of joy and challenge that birth brings, our conversation illuminates the path to harnessing confidence and conscious choice-making, ultimately shaping a more nurturing environment for both parent and child. 

Jessica also shares how she demystifies the therapy sessions, from identifying life patterns to processing traumatic memories, all through the lens of attachment. For those inspired to seek out this form of therapy, Jessica extends an invitation to connect through her practice, emphasizing her commitment to accessible and effective mental health care.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Discussion of matrescence and its holistic changes impacting identity and relationships.
• Introduction to EMDR therapy and its use in processing and healing from traumatic experiences.
• The Adaptive Information Processing Model and EMDR's application to a broad range of psychological wounds.
• What to expect during EMDR therapy sessions for new parents.
• The significance of creating a therapeutic environment that promotes safety and self-soothing.

Resources from this Episode

• Learn more about Jessica on her website (https://www.gentlepeopletherapy.com) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/gentlepeopletherapy/).

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Prepare to journey into a wholly unique perspective on childbirth and parenthood as we unravel the labyrinth metaphor with our guest, Madi Rose Doula, a renowned full-spectrum doula based in Southern California. We unpack how the ancient symbol of a labyrinth offers a refreshing lens for the twists and turns that accompany the journey into parenthood.

Madi shares her expert insights on providing postpartum support, underlining the need for self-care and a robust support system during this life-changing period. We delve into the complexities of postpartum emotions, where guilt and shame can surface if birth doesn't go as planned. Using the labyrinth as a guiding principle, we learn to navigate these emotions, fostering a more holistic approach to parenthood. This episode is not just a conversation but an expedition into the intricate labyrinth of childbirth and parenthood, redefining the entire journey through a new perspective.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The unpredictability of labor and how the labyrinth framework helps expectant parents navigate it beyond traditional education.
• Postpartum support and the labyrinth's representation of the journey into integrated parenthood.
• The emotional complexities of postpartum.
• The importance of self-care and a robust support system during the postpartum period.
• The labyrinth as a tool for contemplation and presence during labor and postpartum.

Resources from this Episode

• You can connect with Madi on her website (https://www.madirosedoula.com) or her Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/madirosedoula/).

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Have you ever felt like a square peg trying to squeeze into the round hole that is the picture-perfect world of parenting? As a postpartum doula, I've noticed that the festive season often exacerbates this tension, piling on the pressure to curate an Instagram-worthy holiday experience while navigating the highs and lows of new parenthood. So, let's shake off the shackles of perfection and embrace the beauty of an imperfect, normal postpartum and parenting journey. We'll discuss the challenges of bonding with your newborn, interpreting their cues, and managing the festive frenzy, reminding you that it's okay to opt for comfort over glamour. 

Parenthood is a rollercoaster ride, filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty, especially during the often-overlooked fourth trimester. Instead of letting these feelings overwhelm you, I invite you to join me as we normalize the fear of the unknown and learn to be kinder to ourselves. We discuss why it's perfectly fine not to have all the answers and how making mistakes is an integral part of the journey. 

Take a deep breath and step away from the unrealistic expectations set by social media. Remember, there's no such thing as a 'perfect parent,' and it's okay to carve out your own unique path. Together, let's revolutionize your approach to pregnancy and parenthood.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Challenging societal pressures to curate a 'perfect' holiday season.
• The realities of postpartum body image and the societal pressure to dress up during the festive season.
• The uncertainties and challenges of parenting and debunking the myth of 'perfect parenting.'
• Common struggles faced by new parents.
• Normalizing the need for help and support in addressing baby feeding issues and interpreting baby cues.
• Discussing the appearance of postpartum.
• The importance of creating one's own supportive community or village during the postpartum period.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting? Imagine if there was a simple, accessible technique that could help you navigate these emotions and even transform them into empowerment. Today, I have the pleasure of hosting April Fors Johnson, a postpartum doula and certified EFT tapping practitioner. She shares her journey into birthwork and reveals how she discovered the power of tapping, a technique that marries psychology and acupressure to help process emotions and trauma.

April discusses the adaptability and potential benefits of tapping for birth trauma and the regulation of a child's emotions. As a belly bind specialist, she opens up about the versatility of tapping, particularly for new mothers wrestling with the challenges of postpartum. Whether you're interested in virtual sessions or want to learn more about belly binding, this conversation is your guide to redefining your approach to pregnancy and parenthood. Let's revolutionize the way we handle our emotions, one tap at a time.

In this episode, you will hear:

• EFT tapping and its application in pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood.
• The use of EFT tapping as a psychological tool and acupressure method to process emotions and traumas.
• The potential of EFT tapping for healing birth trauma and regulating emotions.
• The role of EFT tapping and belly binding in self-care and emotional healing.
• Use of EFT tapping as a tool for empowerment and self-healing.
• Incorporating EFT tapping into children's routines as a tool to regulate emotions and diffuse tension in the household.

Resources from this Episode:

• Connect with April on her Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/aprilforsjohnson/ ) and see the basics of tapping here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAclBdj20ZU) 

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Join me on today’s episode, where I explore ways to build your village of support as a new parent, even on a budget. Listen in for a plethora of low-cost or free programs, both at a national and local level, aimed at helping new parents navigate the challenging journey of parenthood. I cover everything from developmental milestones for your child to mental health resources. I also discuss ways to afford paid support like doulas, offering creative suggestions that can fit into a range of budgets.

In the second part of the episode, I highlight the importance of connecting with a supportive community for new parents. Discover tips and strategies to make your life easier and more prepared for any situation that comes your way. I stress the importance of reaching out, starting conversations and building connections as you adjust to your new role of parenting. 

This episode is packed with invaluable resources and insights to support your journey, whether you're a new parent or expecting.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Discussion on affordable support programs and resources for new parents.
• Introduction to mental health platforms and the importance of acknowledging developmental milestones for children.
• Tips and guidance on how to create a resilient and supportive community for new parents to help navigate the challenges and triumphs of parenthood.
• The importance of building meaningful connections and starting conversations to help reduce the feeling of isolation and overwhelm for new parents.
• Practical ways to afford doulas, including creative funding solutions and sliding scale payments.
• The disparities in access to care for new parents and the ongoing effort to improve support systems.
• Importance of expressing gratitude for parenthood, even amidst challenges.

Resources from this Episode

• National Prenatal Health Care Line” 1-800-311-BABY
• WIC: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
• Planned Parenthood: https://www.plannedparenthood.org
• March of Dimes: https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/support-your-area
• Moms OC: https://www.momsorangecounty.org
• Nurse Family Partnership: https://www.nursefamilypartnership.org
• Head Start / Early Start: https://childcare.gov/consumer-education/head-start-and-early-head-start
• Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net
• Mental Health Hotline: https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Fi

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Are you prepared to transform your postpartum experience into one that empowers and heals? Join me as I sit down with the passionate and inspiring Megan Limon, a certified postpartum doula who is all about empowering mothers. Megan walks us through her holistic approach to postpartum healing, using nutrient-rich meals, belly binding, and bodywork as the cornerstones of her practice. We explore how to create a unique healing timeline tailored to your individual experience and why it's critical to avoid comparing your journey to others.

Together with Megan, we highlight the importance of allowing for a recovery timeline that's as unique as your baby's first giggle. We delve into the benefits of belly binding and craniosacral therapy, offering practical insights to help new parents navigate this often-overlooked aspect of postpartum healing. 

Megan also shares her wisdom on postpartum nutrition, emphasizing the importance of incorporating nutrient-dense, warm foods into your diet. She offers practical tips to prep meals ahead of time so you can focus on what truly matters – healing and connecting with your newborn. We also touch on the power of slowing down, embracing stillness, and giving yourself the time and space to heal. 

This episode is a love letter to all new parents – you've got this, and we're right here with you.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The dangers of comparing personal healing journeys to social media portrayals and the need for a supportive community during recovery.
• Benefits of physical healing practices like belly binding and craniosacral therapy and their transformative impact on new parents.
• The importance of postpartum nutrition, especially warm, nutrient-dense meals, and practical tips on meal preparation for easier postpartum recovery.
• How new mothers can embrace stillness and slow down during postpartum recovery.
• The power of practices like journaling, meditation, and bodywork.

Resources from this Episode

• You can connect with Megan on her website (https://meganlimondoula.com) or her Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/meganlimondoula/)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of parenthood? Guess what? You're not alone. Join us as we chat with Stephanie Rosenfield, a former speech pathologist and current life coach for overtaxed moms. Stephanie shares her personal journey from being an overwhelmed mom to becoming a calm and confident life coach. We delve into her unique methods that help mothers reclaim control over their emotions and mindset, as well as the critical role of self-care that supports not only us but our kids as well.

We explore the thorny issue of emotional management during those testy parenting moments. Stephanie’s insightful thoughts on handling frustration and stress provide fresh perspectives to cope with these challenging times. We also discuss the journey of rediscovering yourself amidst all the mayhem of parenthood and creating meaningful "me time." We talk about establishing sustainable routines, dealing with the uncomfortable emotions that may pop up when taking time out for yourself, and the need to step away from distractions. 

Tune in now for a valuable conversation about navigating parental overwhelm and the journey to self-discovery.

In this episode, you will hear:

• About managing emotions during challenging parenting moments.
• The concept of emotional intelligence in parenting, focusing on self-awareness, emotional control, and building confidence.
• The importance of creating meaningful "me time" for parents, with tips on establishing sustainable routines and managing emotions during personal time.
• Managing parenting stress, including the identification of personal limits and devising unique approaches for each family.

You can connect with Stephanie on her website https://www.stephaniercoaching.com/, podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-5-minute-shift-for-moms/id1668210439, or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stephanie.rosenfield/.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Discover the importance of postpartum nutrition with our special guest, Holly, from Mama Meals. Holly shares her journey of transforming her personal postpartum nutrition experience into a successful meal prep company. She emphasizes the significance of holistic, nourishing food during the postpartum period and how her company aims to help new parents with the same. Listen in as we talk about finding the right sources of protein, even for those who don't consume meat, and the importance of providing nutrient-dense nourishment to new parents.

Journey with us as we explore holistic approaches to pregnancy and postpartum. You'll also learn about the negative impacts of cold, raw foods that inhibit digestion and how to make your postpartum meals simple yet nutritious. Discover how Mama Meals and other meal delivery services can help you have nutritious food on hand during and after pregnancy. We underline why investing in postpartum nutrition is beneficial and how Mama Meals' food is designed to give you a familiar and comforting feeling. 

Tune in for this enlightening discussion on postpartum nutrition and how it can revolutionize your approach to pregnancy and parenthood.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Importance of nutrition during postpartum and how it can impact the recovery process and overall health of new mothers. 
• Holistic practices like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine in postpartum nutrition.
• The benefits of warm, easy-to-digest foods during postpartum, avoiding cold raw foods that can stall digestion. 
• Discussing nutrient-dense foods such as organ meats and bone broth and plant-based alternatives for vegans and vegetarians. 
• The role of meal delivery services like Mama Meals in making postpartum nourishment more accessible and convenient. 
• Encouragement for new parents to rethink their approach to postpartum nutrition.

You can connect with Stephanie on her website https://www.stephaniercoaching.com/, podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-5-minute-shift-for-moms/id1668210439, or Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/stephanie.rosenfield/.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Experience the joy of preserving memories with our special guest, Reshma Sondagar, a dedicated mother and talented photographer. Fascinated by the fleeting nature of family moments, Reshma found her passion for photography after the birth of her own children. Now, she serves her clients by not only capturing their precious moments but also guiding them through the process of photo selection, revealing, and ordering. Join us on a journey where we will not merely be discussing photography but a legacy to be cherished for generations.

With Reshma, every picture tells a story of familial love, connection, and bonding. They're more than just photos; they're intimate expressions of cherished moments that weave together the beautiful tapestry of family life. Capturing and preserving memories, particularly during the early years of a child's life, creates a legacy of love and connection. 

Tune in and let Reshma guide you to turn your fleeting moments into lasting memories.

In this episode, Reshma and I discuss:

• Why is it so difficult to prioritize taking photos? And why is it important to take those photos?
• How can we actually use all of the photos that we have stored up?
• What is the connection between photography and nostalgia?
• What are your best tips for taking photos?

Connect with Reshma on her Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/reshmasondagar/ ) or her website (https://reshmasondagar.com ). 

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.