Why is the way we connect with our babies at birth so vital for our long-term relationship?

Stefanie Antunes began her journey as a doula and educator over twenty years ago after the birth of her second son taught her the true value of preparation and support. She is now a visionary in the field, training thousands of doulas and helping families navigate the intense transition into parenthood. Stefanie believes that birth is an embodied experience that acts as a gateway to our emotional world. She has seen how modern hospital practices often disturb the natural hormonal flow that nature designed for safety and bonding.

A major challenge she addresses is the pressure for parents to follow "head-based" information instead of trusting their own inner landscape and instincts. She transformed her practice by focusing on helping people connect with their heart and gut before the "noise" of the world takes over. Stefanie advocates for a return to our mammalian roots, emphasizing that we aren't meant to parent in isolation. She encourages us to reject the myth that we should know everything automatically and instead surrender to the community support we deserve. By prioritizing skin-to-skin contact and planning for postpartum care, she helps families create a foundation of connection that lasts a lifetime. We believe this conversation is a beautiful reminder to look inward and trust the wisdom of our bodies.

Key Takeaways

• Early connection at birth is deeply rooted in our mammalian biology and sets a vital foundation for the lifelong parent-baby relationship.
• Learning to distinguish between anxiety in the head and instinct in the gut helps parents make better decisions for their families.
• Modern hospital disturbances, like early inductions, can disrupt the essential hormones that nature provides for a safe and bonded birth experience.
• The "nuclear family lie" makes us believe parenting should be easy, but we actually need a village to thrive in the postpartum period.
• Planning for postpartum support through exercises like the "four circles" helps families navigate the intense changes in time and energy after birth.

Resources

• Doula School Canada's Website: https://doulatraining.ca

• Doula School International's Website: https://doulaschool.com

• Stefanie Antunes's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieantunes

Guest Bio: Stefanie Antunes has been a Lamaze® Educator and doula since 2002, after the birth of her second son showed her just how valuable it is to be prepared for birth and to have good support around you. Stefanie is a visionary in the childbirth field. Her commitment to the profession has been exemplary. She founded Ontario’s first doula agency, helping to obtain insurance for the doula industry, creating the Birth Doula Program, Ontario’s first and only hospital doula program, and more! Stefanie is the director of public relations for the Association of Ontario Doulas, former Public Relations Director and Treasurer for DONA International and sits on many local boards and coalitions to improve our communities.

"Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum

FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

How can we use the challenges of motherhood as a powerful medicine for our own healing and growth?

Kim Marshall spent nearly 25 years working with children and families as a teacher before realizing the best way to support kids was to help the people raising them. Six years ago, she left her corporate teaching career to become an online parenting coach and reorganized her life to focus on her own motherhood journey. This shift allowed her to move away from a fast-paced "doing" mindset and embrace a slower, inward-looking way of "being".

Her biggest challenge was navigating the "noise" of a world designed to keep us busy and distracted. She realized that if we aren't intentional, we can lose our true selves in the expectations of others. Her transformation came through accepting "matrescence"—the threshold of becoming a mother—and viewing motherhood as a sacred "portal" for growth.

Kim's journey inspired her to curate an anthology called Motherhood Expanded, featuring 15 authentic stories of mothers and grandmothers. She believes that our children act as mirrors, holding up invitations for us to heal our deepest wounds and unlearn old patterns. By sharing these vulnerable stories, we find the strength to come home to our humanity and break generational cycles. We believe this episode offers a beautiful reminder that we are never alone in the messy, painful, and glorious process of raising children while raising ourselves.

Key Takeaways

• Motherhood is a unique threshold where we are birthed and chosen to step into the primal and transformative force of love.
• Our children act as mirrors that hold up invitations for us to address our deepest triggers and begin the work of healing.
• We must intentionally slow down to avoid losing ourselves in a fast-paced world that prioritizes constant doing over the beauty of being.
• Vulnerable storytelling helps us connect with a collective motherhood energy, reminding us that we are enough exactly as we are right now.
• It is a privilege to confront generational wounds and transform them into blessings for the children who are born for these specific times.

Resources

• Kim Marshall's Book: Motherhood Expanded https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GVJWZNFC

• Kim Marshall's Website: https://www.rootsandwingsmethod.com

• Kim Marshall's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootsandwingschildhood

• Kim Marshall's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootsandwingschildhood

Guest Bio: Kim Marshall is a mother of 2 and founder of Roots and Wings Childhood. As a parenting coach, she works online to serve an international audience, helping mothers unlearn and relearn what it takes to mother themselves and their children with connection instead of control. Her holistic approach to understanding behavior and relationships guides families toward emotional safety. Kim provides personalized private and group coaching that integrates mindset, strategy, and somatic work to help parents break generational cycles.

Ready to Connect with Greer?

"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

What if the most crucial job we have in motherhood is learning to mother ourselves?

Dr. Gertrude Lyons, a master coach and thought leader, developed the "Rewriting the Mother Code" framework after conducting an in-depth doctoral thesis. Her purpose is to help women rewrite outdated narratives surrounding motherhood, self-worth, and identity. Dr. Lyons was prompted to begin this work after realizing that even as an established coach, she had lost herself in motherhood, stopped mothering herself, and experienced deep regret and remorse. This experience motivated her to investigate what is possible when women put themselves in the picture.

Her doctoral thesis centered on raising women's awareness of the possibility of personal growth and transformative experiences within motherhood. This included challenging personal norms. For example, when facing fertility issues, Dr. Lyons chose to listen to her intuition rather than immediately adopting the full medical model. By tuning in, she uncovered a deep, unconscious fear of being a mother and continuing generational trauma. Addressing this "unfinished business" proved to be a critical part of her healing journey.

Dr. Lyons emphasizes that motherhood, despite being painful or chaotic—described as the "caterpillar to butterfly gelatinous mass period"—is the ripest time for transformation and rewiring. She champions the idea that we all mother (ideas, careers, relationships), and the most important person we need to mother is ourselves.

● Recognize that the challenging, chaotic early phase of new motherhood is the ripest time for profound personal transformation and rewiring.

● Challenge the traditional view of motherhood as pure sacrifice and duty, and instead embrace it as an opportunity for self-realization.

● The deepest form of self-mothering is self-actualization and awareness, requiring ongoing internal work to truly know yourself.

● We all express "mother energy" by nurturing careers, relationships, ideas, and dreams, not just children.

● Approach pain as informative and a natural vehicle for wisdom and transformation, rather than something to numb or simply avoid.

Join our February 2026 Program:

https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page

Guest Bio: Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a master coach, podcast host, and thought leader who helps women rewrite outdated narratives around motherhood and identity. She developed the "Rewriting the Mother Code" framework after completing an in-depth doctoral thesis. She offers retreats in Mexico and Ireland, and one-on-one immersive coaching experiences.

References and Resources:

● Book: Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust, a Cosmic Approach to Motherhood https://a.co/d/b4MU6hl

● Website: https://www.drgertrudelyons.com (includes her TEDx talk)

● Podcast: Rewrite the Mother Code with Dr. Gertrude Lyons https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewrite-the-mother-code-with-dr-gertrude-lyons/id1534581166

● Instagram: @drgertrudelions https://www.instagram.com/drgertrudelyons/?hl=en

"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

• Focus on the quality of sleep as much as the quantity, and anchor your morning wake time for circadian rhythm consistency.
• When a full nap isn't possible, schedule "daily pauses" by lying down horizontally, screen-free, to refresh and restore your mind.
• Optimize your body's sleep-wake cycle by ensuring you receive bright light exposure in the morning and limit bright light in the evening.
• Develop a purposeful and relaxing wind-down routine before bed to signal to your brain and body that it is safe to relax and anticipate sleep.
• Aim for "good enough" sleep instead of seeking perfection every night, recognizing that sleep is not static and will fluctuate.

How do you turn a childhood of "low nurture" into a passion for helping other parents find confidence and joy in responsive motherhood?

Erin and Hayley are twins and the co-founders of The Nurture Duo. They shared their challenging upbringing, having grown up in a single-parent household with two older brothers. Due to circumstances including poverty, mental illness, and addiction, they experienced a "low nurture" background, though they are grateful their parents did the best they could. They always nurtured each other from the womb, leading to a strong bond. Their shared love of children led them to work in early childhood education for ten years. During their bachelor's degree studies, they took a course on infant mental health, which was eye-opening. They realized that many educational settings had high expectations for children's self-regulation, largely because professionals lacked sufficient knowledge about infant mental health. This realization was a driving force, making them passionate about helping parents because they recognized that the change needed to start there.

Their personal journey intensified when they both became pregnant with their first babies, whose due dates were two weeks apart. Motherhood, especially concerning sleep, was initially a shock. They were confused by the pervasive sleep training culture until they found a holistic sleep consultant (TikTok handle: raised to flourish). This consultant helped them trust themselves and their babies more, leading them to embrace responsive parenting practices like contact naps, feeding to sleep, and nighttime parenting. Feeling the transformative and healing power of this knowledge, they enrolled in the Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner course while pregnant with their second children. They launched The Nurture Duo by offering free workshops to build their community. They are now successfully running back-to-back, unique, in-person support circles where mothers feel safe and receive non-judgmental support, allowing them to connect with their own intuitive nurturing abilities and proudly bring the nurture revolution to their town.

• Recognizing previous challenges, like coming from a low nurturing background, can provide the drive needed to implement change for your own children and community.
• Trusting yourself and your baby allows you to lean into responsive parenting practices, transforming sleep from a managed problem into a source of joy and precious memories.
• Understanding infant mental health and brain development is critical for all professionals working with children, enabling the setting of appropriate expectations.
• Responsive parenting includes embracing contact naps, feeding to sleep, and nighttime parenting, offering a healing alternative to sleep training culture.
• In-person support circles create essential safe and non-judgmental spaces, allowing mothers to be vulnerable and connect deeply with their babies and peers.

• Join our February 2026 Program:

https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page

● Instagram: @thenurtureduo https://www.instagram.com/thenurtureduo

● Facebook: The Nurture Duo https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572289780969

● Website: https://thenurtureduo.my.canva.site/

● Email: thenurtureduo@gmail.com

Guest Bio: Erin and Hayley are twin sisters and certified Nurture Neuroscience Practitioners who co-founded The Nurture Duo. They both previously worked for 10 years in early childhood education, holding a BA in Early Childhood Studies.

Their path was motivated by their own "low nurture" upbringing and a challenging start to motherhood, which led them to realize the importance of understanding infant mental health. After discovering responsive care practices that they found to be "very healing", they dedicated themselves to supporting families.

As practitioners, they focus on educating caregivers about nervous system care and biologically normal infant sleep to help them feel more confident and capable of providing responsive care. They currently run unique, in-person support circles for mothers that are described as non-judgmental and safe spaces.

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Are you feeling conflicted because your mothering instincts feel right, but everyone around you insists you are doing it wrong?

Amanda Hadfield, who was previously working as a veterinary nurse, started maternity leave looking for self-discovery and a complete career change. While pregnant, she knew she was looking for something else. She faced a major challenge during this time: she felt deeply conflicted because everything she was doing felt right in her heart, yet she was under immense pressure from family, friends, and health visitors who told her she was mothering incorrectly.

Her path changed when a mother at her breastfeeding group recommended The Nurture Revolution by Greer Kirshenbaum. The book changed everything for her. When she received a newsletter announcing the certification program, she knew 100% that this was the path for her, manifesting getting into the limited spaces.

Amanda became the world's first Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner to certify. She launched her first circle in March 2025, initially expecting only two mothers but welcoming eight. The impact was profound, providing mothers with a space to be nurtured and find healing from issues like birth trauma or difficulty bonding with their baby. Amanda also experienced significant personal growth, moving from being "terrified" before her first class to gaining the confidence to lead circles and workshops. Her group fostered deep connections, with the first block of mothers continuing to meet up every week, forming a tight-knit group.

● Up until the age of three, your primary role is to spoil your baby with affection, attention, and protection.

● When women gather in person, magic happens, creating a supportive sisterhood and community that lasts a lifetime.

● The Nurtured Presence practice is highly emotive, centering on four questions that affirm to your baby, "I see you, you are enough".

● Inner child work involves holding your baby but answering the four natural questions as if you were addressing baby-you.

● Ambivalence can be practiced by holding two rocks to help you really feel two conflicting emotions at the same time.

Join our February 2026 Program: https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page

● Amanda Hadfield´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabennison

● Amanda Hadfield´s website: https://northstarnurture.com/

● Amanda Hadfield's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/north.star.nurture

Guest Bio: Amanda Hadfield is the world's first Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner to certify in the certification program. Her business is North Star Nurture. She runs in-person circles every Wednesday at 9:30 AM in the Glencore Center in Scotland. Amanda also offers sleep consulting and is planning to team up with another practitioner, Gabrielle, for parental regulation support.

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

● "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

● FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

● FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

● Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

How does embracing neuroscience and genuine community support transform the challenges of early motherhood, especially when navigating conflicting advice on infant sleep?

We sit down with Linda, a Nurture Neuroscience practitioner, to discuss her incredible journey into supporting mothers. Originally from the Czech Republic, Linda moved to the United States and found that becoming a mother completely transformed her life. She experienced significant challenges early on, particularly facing conflicting advice regarding infant sleep. She was told she had to sleep train her son before he turned four months to avoid sleep regression, a suggestion that left her deeply conflicted so she searched everywhere for answers.

Her transformation began when she found a holistic sleep expert, which eventually led her to discover Greer's work. She was drawn to the professional training because it was grounded in neuroscience and research, which made the information digestible and true. Linda's initial goal was clear: to support families with sleep and ultimately prevent sleep training by working with newborn and pregnant families. The course offered the direction, hope, and light she needed to launch her practice. She fought hard to build her circles, getting creative with marketing—including recording videos and drawing with chalk in front of playgrounds, grocery stores, and schools—to ensure everyone knew about the neuroscience circle. Now, Linda leads successful, intimate circles and one-on-one consultations, providing mothers with a vulnerable and safe space where they receive vital community support and knowledge based on science, ultimately changing lives.

● Preventing sleep training is best approached by working with newborn or pregnant families, as sleep training is often initiated very early on.

● When seeking parenting guidance, prioritize information and knowledge that is backed by credible research and neuroscience over popular myths.

● Community circles offer a safe and intimate space, allowing mothers to be vulnerable and receive deep emotional support and connection in real life.

● The work of a sleep consultant, focusing on finding alternatives to sleep training, can be a flexible job that allows prioritizing time with young children.

● Societal pressures often hide what mothers are missing; community circles help mothers realize they need to be surrounded by other supportive moms.

●Join the next Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner Certification: https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-page

● Linda´s Instagram: @nurturewithlinda

● Guest Bio: Linda is a Nurture Neuroscience practitioner who leads in-person circles in Fairfax, Marin County, California. She never offers sleep training but finds different options to maximize family sleep and help with problems like frequent waking or night weaning.

Ready to Connect with Greer?

● "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

● FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

● FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

● Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

What if the key to maximizing bonding time with your newborn was created out of a moment of terrifying crisis?

Hayley Mullins, the founder of the Joey Band, shares the deeply personal and frightening experience that led to the development of her innovative product. When her newborn daughter, just two weeks old, startled and fell from her chest onto a hardwood floor, Hayley was devastated. After rushing to the emergency room, she learned that infant falls during skin-to-skin time happen often, even in hospital settings, occurring at an estimated rate of one in 165 births. Frustrated that existing baby-wearing products like wraps and carriers didn't offer the simple, soft support she needed while resting, she and her husband developed the Joey Band. This stretchy, yoga pant-material device wraps around the parent, securing the baby in a proper skin-to-skin position. This simple change transformed the practice, enabling comfortable, hands-free bonding time and mimicking the snug comfort of the womb. The Joey Band has become a game-changer in hospitals, particularly for C-section mothers, allowing uninterrupted kangaroo care right on the operating table, with one nurse noting it turns "a surgery to a birth". It has also been instrumental in NICU settings, helping vulnerable babies get home sooner by encouraging consistent kangaroo care.

● Skin-to-skin contact is crucial for brain development, temperature regulation, and nutrient absorption, which helps babies gain weight faster.

● Babies held skin-to-skin have been found in studies to cry 12 times less, offering enormous relief and increased confidence for new parents.

● The Joey Band is non-ambulatory and is meant to be used while sitting or reclining, helping parents slow down, recover, and focus on bonding time.

● The simplicity of the Joey Band makes skin-to-skin easier for non-birthing and adoptive parents, giving them confidence and growing the bond.

● For C-section moms, the use of the Joey Band reduces maternal anxiety and decreases the need for pain medication post-operation.

● Joey Band Website: https://joeyband.com/

● Hayley Mullins's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com

● Guest Bio: Hayley Mullins Inventor of the Joeyband Device & Infant Falls SME. Passionate about revolutionizing newborn care practices worldwide, she´s the visionary behind JoeyBand™, a globally patented medical device designed to elevate the crucial practice of skin-to-skin care. As the driving force behind this groundbreaking initiative, her responsibilities and achievements include spearheading a mission to redefine the standard of newborn care.

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

● "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

● FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

● FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

● Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

What happens when the thought of transitioning your baby to daycare brings anxiety and tears, but the reality turns out to be a surprising success story?

We sit down with Kelly as she shares her candid journey through the daunting process of transitioning her 10-month-old baby, Noa, into daycare. Kelly faced a non-negotiable deadline: returning to work in November. Because her chosen daycare was highly sought after and had firm start dates, she began the transition in September, two months before she needed to be back at work.

This forced early start actually became the best option, allowing for the slow, flexible transition Kelly desired, where she could spend time in the room or drop off Noa for short periods. Kelly details her initial fears, which centered on disrupting her hyper-focused, high-attachment "Greer's method" of parenting, including concerns about Noa crying alone, eating (as she was predominantly breastfed and had never taken a bottle), and sleeping (as she only napped on Kelly).

Despite these major worries, the transition moved much faster and smoother than Kelly anticipated. The daycare staff embraced the learning curve, successfully introducing a bottle and helping Noa transition from sleeping on a person to sleeping in a crib over the course of a week, without tears during the process. This unexpected success led Kelly to pivot her original plan, shifting from a part-time/nanny hybrid approach to confidently choosing full-time daycare, a decision she made by listening to her gut and observing how well Noa was thriving. Kelly's story offers reassurance that a successful and smooth transition is common when anchored by flexibility, trust, and a focus on building a strong relationship with the care provider.

● Trust your gut throughout the process and hold plans loosely; you can change your decisions and reassess as you go, based on your baby's experience.

● Prioritize finding a childcare setting or implementing a strategy that allows for forming a trusted, loving relationship between your baby and at least one caregiver.

● Encourage social referencing by spending time with the baby and caregiver, showing the baby through your calm nervous system that the caregiver is trustworthy.

● You do not need to change feeding or sleep routines at home (like breastfeeding or co-sleeping) before daycare; babies will typically adapt to new sleep methods in the new environment.

● Seek consistency of care in the schedule, as a baby better understands an every-day pattern (even short days) than inconsistent schedules like Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

● Lillio App: https://www.lillio.com/

● Guest Bio: Kelly Yefet is a strategic brand and growth marketer who specializes in identifying key business challenges to uncover innovative and data-driven solutions. Kelly is also a devoted parent to her baby, Noa and shares her personal journey of successfully transitioning Noa into daycare.

Ready to Connect with Greer?

● "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

● FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

● FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

● Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of adding another baby to your family and wondering how everyone will ever sleep? We've got you covered!

In this episode of the Spoil Your Baby podcast, we connect with Rachel Shepard-Ota, the founder of Hey Sleepy Baby. Rachel shares her personal journey into the world of baby sleep, which began after a "horribly traumatic experience" with sleep training her first child. This pivotal moment led her to extensively research and discover attachment-focused sleep certifications, initially for her own benefit as she was on maternity leave with her second baby during COVID. What started as a personal quest and a potential "side hustle" quickly blossomed into Hey Sleepy Baby, a platform that took off, allowing her to leave her decade-long career as a special education teacher. Rachel is now dedicated to changing the narrative around infant sleep, moving away from sleep training as the default, especially in the US where lack of parental support adds extra pressure. Through her work, she aims to normalize sleep and support parents, offering alternatives and guidance to families seeking gentle, attachment-focused approaches.

Key Takeaways

● Remove the pressure to space children closely: Allow breathing room between babies to recover from tough sleep or deprivation

● Prepare for toddler regression: Have a flexible plan for how you'll tackle sleep in the night, as toddlers may regress with a new baby

● A two-year-old is still a baby: Avoid putting too much pressure on older children; they are still tiny and need support

● Implement a "divide and conquer" strategy: If two parents are present, one can take the toddler and the other the newborn for nighttime support

● Embrace flexibility: There's no single "right" solution in parenting, and acknowledging that everything is a phase helps manage expectations

Resources

● Guest's Instagram: @heysleepybaby

● Guest's Website: https://heysleepybaby.com/

● Guest Bio: Rachel Shepard-Ota is the founder of Hey Sleepy Baby, established in 2020. She was a special education teacher for about a decade before dedicating herself to attachment-focused baby sleep after a challenging experience with sleep training her first child.

Ready to Connect with Greer?

● "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

● FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

● FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

What if "spoiling" your baby with affection, attention, and protection is actually the best path to their long-term mental health and success?

Tracy Gillett, a natural parent, felt alone in her early parenting choices like full term breastfeeding and bed-sharing. This led her to create the Raised Good summit, offering a community where parents find confidence, education, and support. The summit highlights research and experts, empowering parents to trust their intuition and parent consciously.

Key Takeaways

• Spoil babies with affection, attention, and protection for long-term mental health.
• Natural parenting, backed by science, empowers trusting your intuition and conscious choices.
• Find confidence and community through events like the Raised Good online summit.
• Understanding a child's nervous system helps interpret behavior and promote healthy development.
• Extended breastfeeding offers immense benefits; let go of societal expectations and embrace it.

Resources

• Raised Good online summit: https://raisedgood.com/
• Guest Bio: Tracy Gillett is the founder of Raised Good and hosts its sixth annual online summit. As a natural parent, she started the summit to build a community for parents seeking confidence, education, and support in their alternative parenting choices.

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREEBIES for Parents https://nurture-neuroscience.com/Freebies-For-Parents
• FREEBIES for Professionals https://nurture-neuroscience.com/Freebies-for-Professionals
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Are we truly supporting mothers postpartum, or are we perpetuating a cycle of misunderstanding and neglect?

Maranda Bower, a biological researcher, bestselling author, and the visionary behind Postpartum University, embarked on her journey into postpartum health driven by her own profound and unprepared experience as a new mother.

Sixteen years ago, with her first child, she found herself amidst extreme postpartum depression and anxiety, experiencing panic attacks and fearing for her son, all while the topic of postpartum mental health was largely taboo and unsupported by research or public conversation. This personal crisis fueled her determination to understand why this was happening, pushing her beyond conventional science into anthropological studies of ancient cultures. She discovered universal "postpartum truths" from cultures worldwide, traditions that had specific, often unscientific-sounding yet physiologically accurate, methods for caring for new mothers.

These ancient practices, which focused on needs like digestion and overall body care, revealed a stark contrast to modern North American norms. Maranda transformed her personal quest into a professional mission, becoming a postpartum doula and childbirth educator.

She developed the "postpartum restorative method," a framework for healing that blends traditional wisdom with modern scientific understanding. Through Postpartum University, she now educates and certifies providers, empowering them with the crucial knowledge often missing from their formal training, ultimately changing the world by healing mothers.

Key Takeaways

● Postpartum care extends far beyond the traditional six-week mark, with physiological and psychological changes lasting up to six years.

● Many common postpartum practices in modern society, like drinking smoothies, can actually hinder a mother's recovery, especially regarding digestion.

● Societal pressures often lead to the medication of natural female life stages (menstruation, birth, postpartum, menopause), preventing natural transformations.

● "Postpartum depression" is often a misdiagnosis, masking deep mourning for a previous life or a biological warning from isolation.

● Comprehensive postpartum support encompasses physiological restoration, proper nutrition and absorption, neurological regulation, rhythmic recovery, and identity integration.

Resources

● Manranda's Podcast: Postpartum University podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/postpartum-university-podcast/id1562727360

● Guest's Website: https://postpartumu.com/

● Guest Bio: Maranda Bower is a biological researcher, and the CEO and Founder of Postpartum University®, supporting both mothers and professionals in health and whole body healing. She is a renowned expert and top educator in the fields of functional nutrition and coaching in relation to postpartum and nicknamed the "Womb Whisperer". Named as a best-selling author, international speaker, and has appeared in over 50+ publications.

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

● "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

● FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

● FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

● Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

How can writing and community help us navigate the beautiful, scary, and opposing feelings of motherhood?

Hannah Rosenberg is a poet and mother who uses writing as a vital tool to process the intense emotions of parenthood. Her journey into public writing began as a way to capture the duality of grief and joy that often defines the mothering experience. During the episode, she reflects on the "overpowering and scary" realization of her own mortality that came with having children, leading her to write about generational love and the legacy of care we leave behind.

A major challenge Hannah addresses is the modern pressure to be independent and parent in seclusion. She admits to feeling guilty about needing help with her first child but underwent a transformation with her second, learning to surrender to the support of her village. She now advocates for rejecting the "modern lie" that we can handle everything on our own. By sharing her poems, Hannah helps us see that even our strangest fears are shared by others. She encourages us to prioritize deep friendships and community, reminding us that being a good mother includes taking care of our own well-being and staying connected to the world.

Key Takeaways

• Motherhood is full of opposing feelings like grief and joy, and it is normal to experience both at the same time.

• The idea that we should parent in total independence is a modern lie that often leads to burnout and unnecessary isolation.

• Nurturing our children creates a beautiful cycle of generational love that changes their biology and stays with them for a lifetime.

• Prioritizing friendships is not a luxury but a necessary part of modeling well-being and healthy social connections for our children.

• We can build community by letting go of the need for a perfect house and inviting others into our real, messy lives.

Resources

• Hannah Rosenberg's Website: https://www.hannahrowrites.com

• Hannah Rosenberg's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahrowrites

• Hannah Rosenberg's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-rosenberg-8103861a

Guest Bio: Hannah Rosenberg is a poet whose writing touches on womanhood, marriage, friendship, and motherhood. She started sharing her writing regularly online in 2020 and has since developed a special community of readers. Hannah is the author of the book of poems, Same.

"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Your baby speaks in movement—do you?

In this episode of Spoil Your Baby, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined by Erica Hornthal, a licensed movement therapist, professional counselor, and author of Body Aware and Body Talk. Known as "the therapist who moves you," Erica offers a powerful reframe on how we understand mental health—not through words alone, but through the body.

Together, Greer and Erica unpack the core truth that movement is not optional—it's the first language between parent and child. From the rhythms in the womb to the moment-to-moment physical attunement with our children, movement holds the key to co-regulation, healing, and reconnection with the self.

This isn't about "getting your body back" or squeezing in a workout. It's about learning how your own posture, breath, gestures, and tension patterns reveal what's happening inside of you—and how that awareness can help you connect more deeply with your child, especially in moments of overwhelm.

Whether you're a mother navigating early postpartum anxiety or simply trying to survive toddler tantrums, Erica shares tiny but transformative tools—like noticing your grip on the steering wheel or how you walk into a room—that help you ground, regulate, and reconnect to your body, so you can be present for theirs.

If you've ever felt lost in the mental fog of early parenting, this conversation is your invitation to redefine movement as self-care, communication, and healing.

Key Takeaways

• Why movement is the original form of parent-child communication
• What it means to listen with your whole body
• How to co-regulate through body awareness, not just words
• Why parenting books often miss this essential component of connection
• Movement as a tool to grieve, reclaim, and rebuild your sense of self after birth
• "It's not bad behavior—it's a body having a hard time." Reframing child behavior through the lens of movement
• Micro-movements = micro-moments of self-care—especially for moms of babies 0–3
• How movement can help process postpartum feelings of anxiety and depression

More on Erica Hornthal:

• Instagram: @thetherapistwhomovesyou
• Website: www.ericahornthal.com
• Books: Body Aware, Body Talk Journal
• Card Deck: The Body Awareness Deck

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Carrying your baby is about more than comfort… It's about fostering a deep connection through proximity.

On today's episode of the Spoil Your Baby podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum sits down with Busi Musiiwa: an Occupational Therapist, mom, and founder of BabueBaby, whose baby carriers are transforming the baby-wearing industry.

Busi moved to Canada from Zimbabwe at a young age, yet she has always honored her home country and culture. In much of Africa, baby wearing is a way of life, shaping how babies experience their first years. When Busi arrived in Canada, she set out to design a carrier that honored those traditions while also meeting the comfort and safety expectations of Western parents.

No matter where you are in your parenting journey, one thing is clear: by listening to this podcast, you are choosing to grow, to make space, and to care with intention.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend. To learn more about Busi's company, visit babuebabycarriers.com

Key Takeaways:

• Baby carriers should place the weight around the hips & torso, not shoulders.
• You are shaping your baby's nervous system from the moment they're born.
• Don't fear the teenage years, lead with empathy.
• The deepest human need is to be known, and that's true for you with your baby.
• You and your baby have the ability to co-regulate.

More on Busi Musiiwa:

• "BabueBaby Carriers" Official Website: https://babuebabycarriers.com/
• Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babuebabycarriers
• Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babuebabycarriers

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Your intuition as a mother is to care for your child… and it's OK to trust it.

On today's episode of the Spoil Your Baby podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum sits down with Kelly Yefet, a mother, keynote speaker, brand and growth advisor, entrepreneur, and Greer's sister-in-law.

Greer and Kelly have known each other for many years, and even while personally knowing and understanding the science behind co-sleeping, many people in Kelly's circle were encouraging her to follow a more modern sleep training approach with her newborn daughter, Noah. It wasn't until Noah was actually born that Kelly's intuition fully kicked in. She realized she absolutely did not want to be apart from her child while they slept.

This is a powerful, real-life example of how society often pushes us to parent in ways that go against our natural instincts. Most importantly, it is a reminder that it's OK to trust yourself when it comes to co-sleeping and connection.

No matter where you are in your parenting journey, one thing is clear: by listening to this podcast, you are choosing to grow, to make space, and to care with intention.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend. To learn more about the Badass Affirmation Cards for Women, visit: amazon.com/Nurture-Neuroscience-Affirmation-Cards-Badass/dp/B0F5P5TQDT

Key Takeaways:

• As a new mother, don't be afraid to trust your gut.
• Having a calm, happy, playful, baby isn't just the result of luck.
• When you become a pro at co-sleeping, it allows for a more restful night.

More on Kelly Yefet:

• Official Website: https://kellyyefet.com/
• LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kellyyefet
• "How I Became" Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howibecame_/
• X: https://x.com/kelly_saltzman
• Badass Affirmation Cards for Women: amazon.com/Nurture-Neuroscience-Affirmation-Cards-Badass/dp/B0F5P5TQDT

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

On today's episode of the Spoil Your Baby podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined by master herbalist, certified lactation consultant, doula, and mother of seven, Sara Chana Silverstein. With over 45,000 mothers and babies supported through lactation, Sara Chana brings a wealth of clinical wisdom and heart-centered, holistic care to the table.

Together, they explore the benefits of mixing conventional medicine with herbs, and unravel one of the biggest misconceptions in modern motherhood: that herbs are "unregulated" or unsafe. In truth, when used accurately, these ancient plant allies can be powerful tools to support physical recovery, emotional wellbeing, and postpartum healing.

From calming tinctures like skullcap and motherwort to nourishing teas like nettle and lemon balm, this conversation will shift the way you think about postpartum care. Sara Chana also breaks down why most breastfeeding issues are about baby training, not milk supply—and why modern medicine often misses the mark on long-term maternal health.

This is the episode for every parent who has ever felt dropped after giving birth… and wants to reclaim simple, effective tools for lifelong care.

Key Takeaways:

• Herbs like nettle, skullcap, valerian, and motherwort can support pregnancy, postpartum, and emotional wellbeing with minimal risk and maximum impact
• Most postpartum recovery protocols in Western medicine are lacking, but herbs offer real solutions for healing, mood, and energy
• Kids can safely use herbs, too (think lemon balm popsicles, elderberry tea, and catnip tinctures)
• You don't need to "enrich" your milk, you need to nourish the mother
• Safe, trusted herbal brands include: Herbalist & Alchemist, Herb Pharm, and WishGarden

More from Sara Chana:

Website + Free Resources: www.sarachana.com Moodtopia (for moms) + Moodtopia for Kids (coming soon!)

Instagram @sarachanas: 1-min plant tutorials for busy moms

Brain health matters… and it's worth prioritizing with your children.

On today's episode of the Spoil Your Baby podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum sits down with Marion Van Horn, PhD. Marion is a neuroscientist and a mom whose work took on a whole new meaning when it started to overlap with her everyday life. As she began to understand more about how babies' minds grow and develop, it reshaped the way she thought about parenting.

That journey led Marion to team up with an illustrator to create something special: a series of coloring books about the brain, designed to bring children and parents together. They are playful, meaningful, and full of simple ways to spark connection. And the truth is, it is never too early to help kids start understanding what is going on inside their own minds.

No matter where you are in your own parenting journey, one thing is clear. By listening to this podcast, you are choosing to grow, to make space, and to care with intention.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend. To learn more about the Brain Coloring Book, visit Marion's website: https://www.thebraincolouringbook.com/

Key Takeaways:

• Your baby's mind is constantly growing and changing through its development
• Your child will retain what you choose to expose them to
• Focusing on your child's brain health has huge benefits for the parent as well
• The best way to get your kid to do something is to start by doing it yourself

More on Marion Van Horn:

• LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/marion-van-horn-phd-b937b35
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion.phd
• "The Brain Colouring Book": https://www.thebraincolouringbook.com/

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

The world will be stressful for your child. That's why they need you as a safe haven.

On today's episode of the Spoil Your Baby podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined once again by co-host Rocio Zunini, Ph.D., a neuroscientist, parental brain educator, and expert on the connection between your body and your baby.

There's a common piece of advice in the parenting world that can be so harmful, we felt it needed an entire episode:

Some people will tell you that because the world is harsh, we need to be harsh with our babies to prepare them for what's to come. This advice is not just misguided, it goes against decades of research. Yes, the world can be challenging. But what your child truly needs is a safe haven to return to. A place where they feel loved, seen, and supported.

Today's conversation is all about stress. How much is helpful for growth? When does it become too much? Where do we draw the line? And who can we trust for guidance? These questions aren't easy, but they're essential for any parent.

No matter where you are in your parenting journey, one thing is already true. By listening to this podcast, you're making space to grow, to be more intentional, and to show up with care.

If this episode resonates, share it with a friend! And if you'd like to join our free five-day event for mothers this July, visit instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum and comment "BLOOM" on any post to receive a personal invitation via DM.

Key Takeaways:

• The world can be hard on our babies, but children thrive most when they have a deeply nurturing parent
• Your relationship to your child is the most important thing
• You are the safe haven in a stressful world
• Your child should face mild stressors at home with your loving guidance

There's a common message you'll hear in parenting circles. It sounds empowering on the surface, but actually? It reinforces deep disconnection to your child.

On today's episode of the Spoil Your Baby podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined for another great conversation with co-host Rocio Zunini, PhD. Together, they take a deep dive into a common (yet infuriating!) sentiment floating around social media that questions whether moms who resist sleep training are simply too "lazy" to do the hard work.

This is not JUST a bad take. It is a harmful myth rooted in outdated science and cultural pressure. When we take a look at where these concepts come from, they are never from mothers. They come from male doctors who have never raised a baby on their own.

This episode dives into the science of the parental brain, the real roots of sleep training advice, and the generational voices that have tried to sever the sacred connection between mother and baby. You will learn how empathy, intuition, and attunement are not signs of weakness. They are the foundation of lifelong resilience.

No matter where you are in your parenting journey, one thing is already true. By listening to this podcast, you're making space to grow, to be more intentional, and to show up with care.

If this episode resonates, share it with a friend! And if you'd like to join our free five-day event for mothers this July, visit instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum and comment "BLOOM" on any post to receive a personal invitation via DM.

Key Takeaways

• Sleep training advice often comes from outdated sources with no real experience caring for babies.

• Your empathy and sensitivity are powerful strengths.

• The parental brain is wired for connection, emotion regulation, and intuition.

• Nurturing your baby builds their brain and stress system in profound and lasting ways.

More on Dr. Rocio Zunini:

• "Newborn Parents" Official Website: https://www.newbornparents.net/

• "Newborn Parents" Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rociozunini_newbornparents/

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

You might think you know how to breathe. But if you're not doing it intentionally, there's a good chance you don't.

On today's episode of the Spoil Your Baby podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined by Rocio Zunini, Ph.D, a neuroscientist, parental brain educator, and expert on the connection between your breath, your body, and your baby.

This is one of our most practical episodes yet. Dr. Rocio walks us through a simple breathing exercise you can use anywhere to reduce stress and regulate your nervous system.

As a parent, your stress level affects everything. It shapes your brain, it impacts your emotions, and it directly influences your baby's experience. Your nervous system is in constant conversation with your baby's. Learning to breathe with intention is one of the most powerful and accessible ways to support both of you at the same time.

No matter where you are in your parenting journey, one thing is true. By listening to this podcast, you're already making space to grow, to care more intentionally, and to be present. If this episode resonates, share it with a friend. Register for our FREE 5 day event Raising Resilience : https://nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-neuro-free-event-registration-page

Key Takeaways:

• Your nervous system is in constant dialogue with your baby's
• The mind changes the breath, and the breath changes the mind
• Try a "physiological sigh" by taking a deep inhale through your nose, then a second short inhale, followed by a long exhale through your mouth
• Join our Free 5-Day Event for Mothers in July

More on Dr. Rocio Zunini:

• "Newborn Parents" Official Website: https://www.newbornparents.net/

• "Newborn Parents" Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rociozunini_newbornparents/

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

The transition from bath to sleep matters more than you think… but it doesn't have to be hard.

On today's episode of the Spoil Your Baby podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined by Sue-Rose Reed, founder of Oneberrie, a company that has reimagined bath towels to simplify the transition into and out of your baby's bath.

Spoiling your baby is about creating opportunities for closeness in ways that draw you together. Paying deep attention to the bathtime routine isn't just about hygiene. It's about improving the entire bedtime and sleep experience. When you prioritize the process, you help your baby fall into a deeper, more natural sleep… which often means more rest for you, too.

Like many aspects of parenting, the bathing process is surprisingly underdiscussed. This conversation between Greer and Sue-Rose sheds new light on the role of the bath, beyond just getting clean, in a way you've likely never heard before.

No matter where you are in your parenting journey, one thing is absolutely true: by listening to the Spoil Your Baby podcast, you're already choosing to grow, to create space, and to care more intentionally. If you found value in this episode, share it with a friend. And to explore Bath Swaddles, Lotions, and more, visit oneberrie.com.

Key Takeaways:

• Bathtime for your baby is not just for hygiene… It's also the beginning of sleep.
• If your baby is fussy, get them wet or get them outside.
• A great bath guide for your baby:
  • Focus on warm water, not hot
  • Start with their face, eyes, neck
  • Hair next, extending the transition to feeling water
  • Swaddle & wash the body from there, with the face finished
  • Bring them close to your chest to transition out
  
  

More on Sue-Rose Reed & Oneberrie:

• "Oneberrie" Official Website: https://oneberrie.com/
• "Oneberrie" Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneberrie/

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Fighting Societal Sleep Norms Isn't Easy. But That's what makes it so special.

On today's episode of the "Spoil Your Baby" Podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined for a conversation with Sleep Specialist and Neuroscience Practitioner, Brittany Chambers. Brittany's "Good Night Moon Child" program combines Modern Science with Ancient Wisdom surrounding Natural Infant Sleep.

For Brittany, Sleep Sharing was instinctual. When she gave birth to her daughter, regardless of what she was told by the caregivers in the hospital… She wanted to have her daughter share sleep with her. It came from her own experience as a child constantly feeling like she desired to stay in bed with her own parents. The decision paid off, and it has given her daughter so much autonomy as she has grown older.

Brittany's work is totally natural, it's backed by anthropology and science… and it's part of our own design as human beings. The biggest issue that mothers are facing are years of tradition and societal norms. Despite our good intentions, oftentimes many of us were separated from our parents as children. It happened to Brittany, and even as a child she thought it felt unnatural. Now she is helping so many others by working to change our societal mindset surrounding sleep.

Regardless of your struggles as a parent, one thing that is absolutely true: by listening to the "Spoil Your Baby" Podcast, you're already choosing to improve yourself, to create space, and to grow as a parent. If you've found value in this conversation, be sure to pass along the episode to a friend! And to learn more about Brittany, visit her official website at www.goodnightmoonchild.com/

Key Takeaways:

• Many of Our Parents Were Doing What They Thought Was Best, By Putting Us in Bassinets as Children
• Bedsharing is Safe & Natural
• Children in Hospitals are Often Treated Unfairly
• Tips for Spending Time in the Hospital With Your Child:
  • Do Your Research
  • Find the Commonality with the Caregivers Who Desire to Help
  • Openly Discuss Rules & Boundaries with Caregivers
  • Make the Room Feel Warm, Inviting, & Safe
  
  
• Connection is Healing & Preventative of Deep Emotional Wounding

More on Brittany Chambers:

• "Good Night Moon Child" Official Website: https://www.goodnightmoonchild.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodnightmoonchild/
• Substack: https://goodnightmoonchild.substack.com/

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

How can we stay emotionally grounded and raise hopeful children when the world around us feels so heavy?

Ariella Cook-Shonkoff is a psychotherapist and writer who has spent her life finding healing and refuge through the creative process. Her journey toward writing her book, Raising Anti-Doomers, was sparked by her own "mother bear" worries about raising kids in a California region increasingly threatened by intense wildfires. In her therapy practice, she also noticed a deep need to resource parents and young people who were struggling with climate anxiety and a sense of hopelessness. She wanted to find a way to counter the "doomer" narrative that often dominates our news and social media feeds.

Her transformation involved developing the concept of the "anti-doomer"—a way to live a fulfilling life while acknowledging difficult realities. She encourages us to find a "sweet spot of engagement," where we keep one foot in the muck of reality and the other foot firmly in a place of grounding. Ariella emphasizes that we don't have to choose between denial and panic; instead, we can use social connection, creativity, and time in nature to stay resilient. By modeling curiosity about the natural world for our children, we can help them feel a sense of belonging and stewardship. She teaches us that parenting with hope is a form of activism that starts at home and ripples out to the rest of the world.

Key Takeaways

● Finding the "sweet spot of engagement" helps us balance an awareness of difficult truths with the grounding needed to stay calm.

● Building a "parent club" or women's group provides essential social connection and validation, helping us feel less isolated in our concerns.

● Spending time in nature allows us to experience "interbeing," where our personal problems feel smaller in connection to the vast natural world.

● Modeling curiosity about nature, like watching insects or sunsets, helps children develop a lifelong habit of gratitude and environmental stewardship.

● Small, daily acts of giving back to nature serve as a powerful form of family activism that seeds important values in younger generations.

Join our February 2026 Program:

https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page

Resources

● Ariella's Book Raising Anti-Doomers https://anti-doomer.com

● Ariella's Website: https://www.ariellacookshonkoff.com

● Ariella's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariella-cook-shonkoff-09a7922a

● Ariella's Instagram: @ariellacookshonkoff https://www.instagram.com/ariellacookshonkoff

Guest Bio: Ariella Cook-Shonkoff is a psychotherapist, writer, and the author of Raising Anti-Doomers. She is affiliated with the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America and holds a deep belief that both art and therapy are transformative. She uses the creative process as a backbone for healing and invites her clients to express themselves authentically with self-compassion.

"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Spoil Your Baby, host Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum welcomes Emily Getz—Certified Fertility, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Coach—for a vulnerable and science-rooted conversation on what it means to parent through and after loss, fertility treatment, and donor conception.

Emily shares her story with raw honesty: the emotional weight of navigating fertility trauma, the complexities of carrying a baby not genetically connected to her, and the deep healing work that began even before her baby was born. Greer brings insight from her neuroscience expertise, explaining how epigenetics, maternal neuroplasticity, and early nurture profoundly shape babies—and parents—during the first three years.

This episode is for anyone who's walked through heartbreak to become a parent. It's a tender exploration of how love, biology, and nurture intersect to rewrite generational trauma and rewire both our brains and our babies'.

Key Takeaways:

• Nurture during pregnancy and early years biologically shapes baby development
• Parenthood doesn't start with birth—it begins in the body and brain after conception
• Donor conception creates unique emotional landscapes—but profound connection is still possible
• Pregnancy loss changes the maternal brain and body—even without a surviving child
• Cells from lost pregnancies remain in the body and can pass to future children
• Epigenetics shows how stress and healing are encoded—and how nurture changes everything
• The first three years are a chance for both parent and baby to heal, grow, and transform
• Grief and joy can coexist—and both shape how we attach, love, and parent

More on Emily Getz:

• Website: Day One Fertility
• Podcast: Day One Podcast
• Instagram: @dayonefertility

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Shared Sleep is Done by All Other Mammals… So why don't we do it as humans?

On today's episode of the "Spoil Your Baby" Podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined for a one-of-a-kind conversation with Professor, Anthropologist, and Director of the Durham Infancy & Sleep Center, Dr. Helen Ball. Together they celebrate the launch of Dr. Helen's BRAND NEW BOOK, "How Babies Sleep: A Science Based Guide to the First 365 Days and Nights".

You don't have to be familiar with her work to quickly notice… Dr. Helen Ball is incredibly impressive. She has spent years as an Anthropologist studying human behavior, and studying the behavior of mammals, and her research brings to light a lot of questions about the way that we think babies should sleep– particularly in Anglophone (English Speaking) countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, and others.

Mammals– with the stark exception of humans– generally sleep with their babies. It makes sense! Mammal babies need that safety because we don't create nests, and because the process of creating milk requires frequent attention. Throughout her incredible and enlightening conversation with Greer, it becomes so apparent that our cultural mindset surrounding shared sleep is very skewed– not just from an anthropological standpoint, but also beneficially.

Regardless of your struggles as a parent, one thing that is absolutely true: by listening to the "Spoil Your Baby" Podcast, you're already choosing to improve yourself, to create space, and to grow as a parent. If you've found value in this conversation, be sure to pass along the episode to a friend! And to learn more about Dr. Helen's incredible research on the Sleep of Babies, be sure to buy her BRAND NEW book by clicking here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Babies-Sleep-Science-Based-Nights/dp/0306834634/ & gain more free resources by visiting https://www.basisonline.org.uk/

Key Takeaways:

• More People Have Taken Part in Bedsharing, Culturally, Than Many Had Initially Realized
• In Western Society We Often Downplay What it is that Babies Expect
• Every Other Mammal Has The Mothers Sharing Sleep With Their Babies… It Makes Sense that we Should Do the Same
• Human Babies Evolved in the Context of Human Milk
• More Sleep as Babies is spent in REM Sleep Than Any Other Point in Our Lives
• The Biggest Fear for Parents Around Bed Sharing is BreastFeeding
• Every Family Needs to Know How to Bedshare, whether they are Planning to Or Not
• "Sleep Pressure" is an Essential Concept to Grasp & Can Alleviate a lot of Frustration

More on Dr. Helen Ball:

• Dr. Helen's BRAND NEW Book: "How Babies Sleep": https://www.amazon.com/How-Babies-Sleep-Science-Based-Nights/dp/0306834634/
• "BASIS" Official Website: https://www.basisonline.org.uk/
• Durham Infancy & Sleep Center: https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/durham-infancy-sleep-centre/
• Professor Profile: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/h-l-ball/
• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helenlball

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Thinking About Sharing Your Bed With Your Baby? It doesn't have to be scary!

On today's episode of the "Spoil Your Baby" Podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined for a fantastic conversation about cosleeping with Speaker, Actor, Author, and founder of CoSleepy, Tiffany Belanger.

CoSleeping has been taking place across cultures since the dawn of humanity. Despite persistent fears that arise whenever the concept comes up– cosleeping is absolutely possible and is absolutely safe… but it does require intentional planning and preparation on the part of the parent/s.

As she explains to Dr. Kirshenbaum, Tiffany's first child simply would not take to the bassinet. Every time she placed him into his "own space", he would immediately begin crying. CoSleeping was the natural solution to the problem… however there wasn't nearly enough information available on the topic. Tiffany decided to take matters into her own hands– doing the research and writing the books that were needed in order to fill in the gaps. In this episode, she shares just a brief introduction to CoSleeping, how to do it safely… and how to learn so much more about it so you can implement it for yourself.

Regardless of your struggles as a parent, one thing that is absolutely true: by listening to the "Spoil Your Baby" Podcast, you're already choosing to improve yourself, to create space, and to grow as a parent. If you've found value in this conversation, be sure to pass along the episode to a friend! And to learn more about Tiffany Belanger and CoSleeping, visit her official company website at www.cosleepy.com

Key Takeaways:

• The "Cuddle Curl" Position Physically Prevents You From Leaning Over Onto Your Baby
• Be Open to Sleeping in Shifts With Your Partner
• If You're Comfortable With Bedsharing, Be Open to Allowing it to Go As Long as Needed
• Setting Up a Floor Bed in Your Room, if Possible, is Ideal for a Gradual Transition
• Once Old Enough, Be Sure to Communicate with the Child About Changes

More on Tiffany Belanger:

• Official Website: www.cosleepy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosleepy/
• Tiffany's Book, "Cosleepy: Sharing Your Bed With Your Baby Safely and Comfortably": https://www.amazon.com/Cosleepy-Sharing-Your-Safely-Comfortably/dp/1951995325
• The "CoSleepy" Podcast: https://cosleepy.com/podcast

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Food. Safety. Sleep… It's Not as Simple As it Sounds.

On today's episode of the "Spoil Your Baby" Podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined for a fantastic and enlightening conversation with counsellor, scientist, author, teacher, and Mother, Dr. Deborah MacNamara.

Despite the many varying opinions you'll hear in the world of parenting and psychology, one thing is indisputably true– your child needs you to provide them with Nourishment… Not just in the body, but also in the soul.

Dr. Deborah MacNamara knows the importance of Nourishment at every level, and it shows with her incredibly well-rounded and mature view of parenting. She understands that the first 3 years of life are about the birth of the psychological self, and your child will thrive when you begin to recognize the importance of establishing yourself both as a leader AND as a source of comfort. Your child being emotional around you means that they feel safe and secure around you… and learning how to embrace and not take advantage of that vulnerability is key in your child's growth and development.

Regardless of your struggles as a parent, one thing that is absolutely true: by listening to the "Spoil Your Baby" Podcast, you're already choosing to improve yourself, to create space, and to grow as a parent. If you've found value in this conversation, be sure to pass along the episode to a friend! And to learn more about Dr. Deborah MacNamara, purchase her books, or sign up for her newsletter, visit her official website at macnamara.ca/

Key Takeaways:

• Sleep & Food is Where Our Parenting Shows Up Initially
• Make Eating a Social, Relaxed, & Fun Experience
• Cascading Care: The Adult Takes the Lead and the Child Will Follow
• A Leader is Caring & Firm, but Doesn't Use Relationship or Vulnerability Against Them
• It's Not Egalitarian – Parents Have to Make These Decisions
• More Discipline Does Not Equal More Maturity
• The First 3 Years are the Birth of the Psychological Self
• It's OK to be the Source of Your Child's Stress
• Your Child's "Emotional Mess" is a Sign of Safety & Security
• There's Nothing Like the Immaturity in a Child to Test the Maturity in You

More on Dr. Deborah MacNamara:

• Official Website: https://macnamara.ca/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdeborahmacnamara/
• Dr. Deborah's Latest Book, "Nourished": https://macnamara.ca/nourished/
• Dr. Deborah's Newsletter Sign-Up: https://macnamara.ca/newsletter/

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

In this heartfelt episode of Spoil Your Baby, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum welcomes Tracy Gillett—writer, advocate, and founder of the award-winning blog Raised Good. Together, they dive deep into the experience of finding your own path as a parent amidst a sea of societal pressure, outdated medical advice, and cultural myths.

Tracy shares her powerful journey from veterinary medicine to conscious motherhood, and how her own parenting awakening led to the creation of a global platform supporting parents in choosing connection over convention. They unpack the myth of the "three-month sleep regression," explore the overreach of pediatric advice on infant sleep, and emphasize the importance of trusting your intuition and building a community of like-minded parents.

Whether you're bedsharing, contact napping, or simply trying to stay grounded in your values, this episode offers wisdom, reassurance, and practical insight to help you parent from a place of confidence and connection.

Key Takeaways:

• Tracy's journey from vet to parenting advocate
• Why modern sleep advice often clashes with infant needs
• The truth behind the "three-month sleep regression"
• How to handle pediatric advice outside their scope
• Why nighttime should feel safe and connected
• The power of combining science with intuition
• The importance of community and finding your village
• Presence over perfection in parenting

More on Tracy Gillett:

• Website: raisedgood.com
• Instagram: @raisedgood
• Facebook: Raised Good

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Are You Pouring From a Full Cup?

On today's episode of the "Spoil Your Baby" Podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined by Hormone, Gut Health, and Fertility practitioner, Stephanie Adler.

If you look back to many ancient cultures throughout World History, you'll find a common thread: human beings instinctively knew that women need to nourish themselves differently before, during, and after the pregnancy process. So much of our nutrients are being passed along to our babies, it makes sense that we should be nourishing ourselves accordingly. Yet, somewhere along the way, we've largely abandoned these practices… and it's hurting women.

Stephanie Adler is a fountain of energy, joy, and knowledge, and her conversation with Dr. Kirshenbaum is absolutely can't-miss for new or soon-to-be mothers. Ensuring that you are taking care of yourself and your body can feel overwhelming, but thanks to Stephanie's incredible advice, it can actually be quite easy… and even enjoyable! By the end of their discussion you'll have so much more knowledge on what to eat, and how to better set yourself up for success and nutrition in the long run.

Regardless of your struggles as a parent, one thing that is absolutely true: by listening to the "Spoil Your Baby" Podcast, you're already choosing to improve yourself, to create space, and to grow as a parent. If you've found value in this conversation, be sure to pass along the episode to a friend! And be sure to connect with Stephanie Adler by reaching out and sharing your parenting story with her directly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanieadlerwellness

Key Takeaways:

• Not Nourishing Yourself is Never an Option
• Ancient Societies Knew The Importance of Certain Foods in Pregnancy
• Motherhood Doesn't Have to Mean Depletion
• Consider Investing in a Post-Partum Chef
• Focus on Nutrient Rich Foods– They Aren't What You Might Expect
• Salt is Important… But Only the Right Kind.
• Look Into Adrenal Cocktails, They Taste Good & Nourish.
• Meat Stock is so Nutrient Rich… And Easy to Make!

More on Stephanie Adler:

• Official Website: https://www.stefanieadler.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanieadlerwellness

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Cry. It's OK!

On today's episode of the "Spoil Your Baby" Podcast, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined by MJ Renshaw, founder of "The Being Method" and author of the upcoming book "How to Cry".

The essence of MJ's work is focused on the connection between the mind and the body, most specifically through breathwork. Understanding, controlling, and regulating the breath is essential to anchoring yourself in the present– an enormous benefit both to your own wellbeing and to the wellbeing of your child.

Dr. Greer and MJ share a fantastic conversation that touches on the power of the breath as a tool for regulating your emotions, the impact of our own upbringing in how we approach parenting, the need for emotional expression, and so much more. In whatever capacity you're able to achieve it, "Holding Space" for yourself and your emotions is essential in having the capacity to do the same for your child.

Regardless of your struggles as a parent, one thing that is absolutely true: by listening to the "Spoil Your Baby" Podcast, you're already choosing to improve yourself, to create space, and to grow as a parent. If you've found value in this conversation, be sure to pass along the episode to a friend! And make sure that you join the waitlist to purchase "How to Cry" written by MJ Renshaw, by clicking here: https://beingmethod.myflodesk.com/howtocry

Key Takeaways:

• Breathwork is Important
• You Must Be Willing to Do the Cerebral Work AND Physical Work
• Your Child's Tears are Important to THEM
• We "OverParent" where our own parents "Underparented"
• You Will Have Negative Thoughts – But You are in Control
• 9 Out of 10 Deaths Can be Traced Back to Emotional Suppression
• Practice Active Listening With Your Child
• You ARE a Good Parent, Just for Being Someone Who Listens to this Podcast

More on MJ Renshaw:

• "Being Method" Official Website: https://www.beingmethod.ca/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingmethodbreathwork/
• "How to Cry" Book Waitlist: https://beingmethod.myflodesk.com/howtocry

Ready to Connect with Greer?:

• "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
• FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
• FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
• Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Whether you're a new parent or raising teens, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable tools to create deeper connection, more joy, and lasting well-being for the whole family. Dr. Greer Kirschenbaum and guest Jessica Joelle Alexander discuss how Denmark's parenting style— centered on respect, empathy, and togetherness— creates a more connected and compassionate approach to parenting.

Author of the best selling book 'The Danish Way of Parenting,' Jessica Joelle Alexander shares the deeply personal and cross-cultural journey that inspired her to write her groundbreaking book—a journey that began when she married a Dane, experienced Danish parenting firsthand, and realized how profoundly different (and effective) it was.

This conversation dives into the philosophy behind the P.A.R.E.N.T. acronym—Play, Authenticity, Reframing, Empathy, No ultimatums, and Togetherness (and Hygge). Jessica's also introduces her new book, The Danish Way Every Day, a hands-on guide to bringing this philosophy into your home, from screen time to bedtime routines. Plus, she shares her latest project, Raising Digital Citizens, which helps families navigate the challenges of technology with empathy, communication, and mutual trust.

In this engaging conversation, Carson Meyer, a doula and nutrition consultant, discusses her journey into motherhood, the writing of her book 'Growing Together', and the importance of nutrition and community support during pregnancy and postpartum. Meyer explores the various trimesters of pregnancy, emphasizing the emotional and physical changes women experience, and offers insights into how to navigate these challenges with grace and support.

This conversation explores the significance of nurturing approaches in swimming education, emphasizing the neuroscience behind trauma-free learning experiences for children. Discussing the impact of early experiences on brain development and the importance of parental involvement in creating a supportive environment for children learning to swim. They critique traditional swim lessons that may induce fear and stress, advocating for a more respectful and nurturing approach to aquatic education.

Why is "normal" infant sleep so often labeled as a problem needing medical intervention?

Gabrielle Ferrara began her professional life dedicated to mental health counseling and social work, holding a Master's in Social Work and licensure as a clinical social worker in both New Jersey and Florida. She initially planned to return to her full-time therapy job after having her son, never anticipating motherhood would completely uproot her career path. When her son's personal sleep journey began to get "a little hairy" at four months old, she discovered Greer's work. Listening to the resources gave her the language and the tools to quiet the intense pressure and noise she was receiving about sleep training, allowing her to trust her intuition about what her baby needed. This transformative personal experience motivated her to enroll in the first cohort of the Nurture Neuroscience practitioner program. She saw this as an opportunity for self-education and to be among other like-minded professionals and parents with similar values, with the hope of translating the knowledge into a professional career.

In her consults, she found her primary job was offering education and reassurance to parents who constantly ask, "Is what my baby doing normal?". Her own path has been challenging, as her son has nearly every medical red flag or sleep disruptor, including reflux, oral ties, low ferritin, and snoring. She has faced significant pushback from the medical system, which often promotes a medicalized behaviorist approach, prescribing "self soothing" even when physical symptoms are present. Gabrielle emphasizes that for families facing complex sleep issues, responsive co-sleeping or bedsharing is often the only way to get enough sleep to function. She uses her combined therapeutic and personal experience to help parents navigate these complexities and balance their child's medical needs with their nurturing needs.

Key Takeaways

● The majority of consult work involves reassuring parents that their baby's needs and behaviors are developmentally normal.

● We must reject the overwhelming mainstream messaging that sleep training is the only viable solution for infants.

● It is crucial to normalize the grief parents feel when the reality of infant sleep doesn't match cultural expectations.

● Some families rely on responsive co-sleeping or bedsharing as the only practical solution while addressing underlying health issues.

● Parents need support to stand confidently in their attachment-based choices against external pressure and medical pushback.

Join our February 2026 Program:

https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page

Resources

● Website: https://www.gabrielle-ferrara.com

● Instagram: @nurtured.mom.nurtured.baby https://www.instagram.com/nurtured.mom.nurtured.baby

Guest Bio: Gabrielle Ferrara is a Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner and Consultant. She holds a Master's in Social Work (MSW) and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey and Florida.

"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Host Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined by Carly Grubb, who shares her experiences and insights on parenting. Particularly focusing the conversation on the challenges of baby sleep and the impact of external advice on new parents. She discusses the importance of nurturing in parenting, the value of co-sleeping, and the need for community support among parents. Carly emphasizes trusting one's instincts as a parent and recognizing the individuality of each baby's needs. She also touches on the complexities of sleep training and the compassion required in navigating differing parenting choices.

Host Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum discusses the importance of spoiling babies with affection and attention, emphasizing the role of music and mindfulness in parent-child connections. Guest Vered Benhorin, a music therapist and psychotherapist, shares insights on the significance of singing to babies, the magic of lullabies, and the concept of 'bubble moments'—intentional interactions that foster attachment and joy in parenting. The conversation highlights practical tips for parents to engage with their babies authentically and meaningfully.

Host Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum and Dr. Rocio Zunini discuss the significant differences between baby brains and adult brains, debunking common myths about infant development. They emphasize that babies are not mini adults and cannot perform cognitive tasks that require a developed prefrontal cortex. The conversation highlights the importance of responding to babies' emotional needs and the role of co-regulation in soothing them. The hosts encourage parents to understand the unique developmental stage of their infants and to provide the necessary support for healthy brain development.

Host Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum and Dr. Rocio Zunini discuss the vital role of caregiver support systems in a baby's life. They explore the importance of maintaining nurturing relationships, practical strategies for transitioning to new caregivers, and how to choose the right daycare or caregiver. The conversation emphasizes that attachment and connection are crucial for a baby's development, and offers insights into how parents can facilitate smooth transitions for their children.

Host Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum and Dr. Rocio Zunini explore the critical concept of sensitive periods in infant development. They discuss how these periods are crucial for shaping the brain's structure and function, particularly in areas such as vision, language, and emotional regulation. The hosts emphasize the importance of co-regulation in nurturing a child's emotional health and the long-term implications of early experiences on mental well-being.

Today, we're going to talk about something that affects every parent-child relationship: emotional contagion, relatively new in study but incredibly important for our relationships with our babies and each other. It is so important to be authentic with our babies and to feel our huge range of emotions, but we also need to have self-awareness and the tools to manage our emotions and stress. In this episode, Dr. Rocio Zunini and I dive into emotional contagion, building self-awareness, and some bedtime tricks.

Host Greer Kirshenbaum discusses the importance of nurturing and supporting babies through affection and attention. Joined by midwife Laura Latina, they explore the transformative experiences of parenthood, the significance of compassionate care during birth, and the lasting impact of birth experiences on both mothers and babies. They emphasize the need for personalized care, the healing power of sharing birth stories, and the importance of community support for mothers during the postpartum period.

Today, we're diving into one of the most passionate and probably misunderstood topics in infant care: sleep. When it comes to infant sleep, it's important to know what's out there, what we're dealing with, and how deep this "don't spoil your baby" message is ingrained in our society. Tune in to learn more about listening to your parental brain and tuning out all the noise.

This week, I am so excited to be joined by fellow neuroscientist and mother, Rocío Zunini.

Rocío and I work together nearly every day helping parents learn to spoil their babies. Today, we are going to dive into some really big myths about infant care that can actually be really harmful to your baby's long term mental health. These myths are everywhere, from parenting books to advice from relatives to even some medical professionals. Well, we are here to tell you that science tells us a different story. With the right knowledge and mythbusting, babies can leave infancy with boosted potential for lifelong health, and parents can also transform their brains in a really beautiful way.

Today we're diving into one of the more challenging aspects of responsive parenting:

What happens when the people around you start criticizing your approach? We have to move away from disconnected care, and that includes having compassion for those whose pain makes them resistant to change. In order to do this, we first have to understand why some people criticize responsive parenting, what to say when they challenge your approach, and just how impactful spoiling your baby is in those first three years of life. Let's get started!

Why is traditional discipline actually causing anxiety and behavioral problems in our children?

Dr. Vanessa Lapointe began her career as a practicing psychologist and mother, having been trained in a behaviorist approach that taught her to squash any unwanted behavior to make it stop. She quickly noticed a profound mismatch between this training and the reality of the children coming into her clinic. Dr. Lapointe observed that many referrals were anxiety-based, and it seemed that the very discipline methods being employed by parents were actually causing the anxiety and leading to challenging behaviors. This realization prompted her to conduct a deep dive into child development, including studying the work of Gordon Neufeld.

Her key transformation involved moving away from punishment-focused methods, recognizing that the "downstream fallout" from harsh discipline creates more disruption in children's lives than a compassionate approach. Dr. Lapointe now operates from the developmentalist perspective, focusing on the antecedent—what happens in the environment before a behavior occurs—rather than the consequence. She explains that because babies' brains are immature and lack the necessary wiring for self-regulation and impulse control, their "bad behaviors" are actually developmentally appropriate expressions of overwhelm or excitement. Dr. Lapointe emphasizes that we must approach parenting with compassion, humanity, and heart, ensuring our children can grow up in the way nature intended, without having to recover from their childhood.

Key Takeaways

● Traditional behaviorist discipline, which focuses on stopping behavior, often leads to negative outcomes like anxiety and continued disruption later in life.

● Focus on the antecedent (the environment and stressors before the behavior) rather than the consequence (punishment) to nurture healthy development.

● Misbehavior does not exist; all challenging behavior is simply communication of a child's needs or an underlying stress response.

● Boundaries for babies should define how we hold ourselves within, not how we keep the baby out or make them wait.

● Compassionate parenting gives us the opportunity to heal our inner child by retemplating our own childhood experiences and emotional reactions.

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Resources

● Books:

○ Discipline Without Damage

○ Parenting Right From the Start

○ https://drvanessalapointe.com/child-discipline-books

● Website: https://drvanessalapointe.com

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drvanessalapointe

● Instagram: @dr.vanessalapointe https://www.instagram.com/dr.vanessalapointe

● X (Twitter) https://x.com/DrVlapointe

Guest Bio: Dr. Vanessa Lapointe is a mom, parenting educator, best-selling author, international speaker, and a regularly invited media guest. She holds a doctoral degree in psychology, and practiced as a psychologist for nearly 20 years, before devoting her full-time energy to connecting with parents and other "big people" around the globe in 2023. Founder of The North Star Developmental Clinic, Dr. Vanessa has long been supporting families and children in her developmental clinic alongside her team, and has previous experience in community mental health and the school system.

Dr. Vanessa is known for bringing a sense of nurturing understanding and humanity to all of her work. Her passion is in walking alongside parents, teachers, care providers, and other big people to really see the world through the child's eyes. She believes that if we can do this, we are beautifully positioned to grow up our children in the best possible way.

"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

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FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

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As a mom, neuroscientist, and longtime expert to parents, I want you to know that almost every expert has it wrong when they say, "don't spoil your baby." Up until the age of 3, your only job is to spoil your baby, with affection, attention, and protection. I promise you that it's the best path to the long term mental health and success of your child. On my podcast, I will interview leading experts to explain why you need to spoil your baby, as well as those who may disagree for a spirited debate. I will also give you the most up-to-date, science-backed tools and tips that will help you raise your baby for lifelong health and success. Welcome to Spoil Your Baby.

How does optimal breathing and jaw development impact your child's sleep, mood, and ability to thrive?

Dr. Shereen Lim, originally a general dentist for 26 years, first delved into the world of sleep apnea due to her husband's persistent snoring. Her initial focus was on dental devices for adults, but this quickly shifted when she wondered why children's jaws weren't helped to grow properly from the start. She came across research indicating that palate expansion could reduce snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in children. This led her to pursue early interceptive orthodontics. However, when she spoke to a pioneer in sleep medicine about palate expansion, she was told she was too late, which prompted a critical realization: form follows function. Her attention then shifted entirely to the earliest years of life, focusing on how to ensure a child's tongue and other oral muscles work well to promote optimal jaw development. Dr. Lim stresses that good airway health is defined by nasal breathing 24/7 and optimal jaw development, which serves as the foundation for thriving health and vitality across the ages. She emphasizes that sleep and breathing problems should be viewed as family health issues, often leading to attachment difficulties in infants and behavioral problems in older children, ultimately impacting the entire household.

Key Takeaways

● Airway health is defined as promoting nasal breathing 24/7 and optimal jaw development through effective oral function.

● Snoring, mouth breathing, and a lack of silence during sleep are signals that airflow difficulties may be present, leading to unrestorative sleep.

● Breastfeeding, with optimal latch mechanics, is crucial because it acts as nature's palate expander, helping develop the jaws forward and wide.

● We must consider the outer borders of the airway—the jaw structures—not just tissue removal, to increase airflow and space for the tongue.

● Poor breathing quality during sleep can increase the risk of behavioral, learning problems, anxiety, and separation anxiety in children.

Join our February 2026 Program:

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Resources

● Book Breathe, Sleep, Thrive. https://breathesleepthrivebook.com

● Website: https://www.drshereenlim.com.au

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drshereenlim

● Instagram: @dr.shereenlim https://www.instagram.com/dr.shereenlim

Guest Bio: Dr Lim is a Perth, Australia, based dentist with a postgraduate diploma in dental sleep medicine from the University of Western Australia.

She has been involved in the team management of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea for over a decade.

Dr Lim is dedicated to promoting airway health from infancy as an alternative approach to minimize the development of these problems, and is author of the book "Breathe, Sleep, Thrive: Discover How Airway Health Can Unlock Your Child's Greater Health, Learning and Potential."

Her work in private practice is restricted to tongue tie management from infancy to adulthood, early interceptive orthodontics and myofunctional therapy.

"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Why is healing the complex relationships between adult siblings a universally overlooked area in mental health?

Jessica Marriot and Dr. Bluma Sapir, who are sisters, were estranged and hated each other for their entire lives until the pandemic prompted a change. Their relationship healing began slowly on Zoom. This unusual process led to a realization: adult sibling healing is a universally overlooked population in the mental health field, with everything else seeming to exist except for it. This observation reinforced their decision to document their journey and write their book, I'm Right, You're Stupid: Growing up your sibling relationship. Dr. Bluma Sapir, a clinical psychologist, provided valuable background, enabling them to dive deep into existing research, reinforcing their path to help others.

They discovered that their deep pain stemmed from origin stories where family legacy burdens, such as the generational pattern of one sibling being the "black sheep" and the other the "favorite," played a defining role. Both sisters came to understand that they had played dual roles, acting as both the victim and the abuser for each other. The healing process involved using neuroscientific tools, like deep breathing and grounding exercises derived in part from Polyvagal Theory, to co-regulate themselves. Through this hard work, they stress the importance of teaching repair and perspective-taking, emphasizing that true healing focuses on authenticity (what was felt) rather than accuracy (what was precisely remembered). Ultimately, this repair offered a "wider lens" on their purpose, provided clarity in other relationships, and helped rewire their nervous systems toward calm and security.

Key Takeaways

● Adult sibling healing is recognized as a universally overlooked population in the mental health field.

● The relationship with a sibling is often the first relationship where we learn how to get along or not get along with others.

● The roots of sibling conflict often stem from family legacy burdens, where generational roles like "black sheep" or "favorite" are passed down.

● When managing sibling conflict, parents should serve as regulators and co-regulators, avoiding the urge to choose sides or let children "figure it out".

● Healing requires focusing on authenticity—hearing what the other person experienced—rather than arguing over the factual accuracy of past events.

Join our February 2026 Program:

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Resources

● Book I'm Right, You're Stupid: Growing up your sibling relationship.

● Websites Your Sib Hub: https://yoursibhub.com (for more information and their fun quiz).

Guest Bios: Jessica Marriot is the founder of Forward Thinkers and innovative entrepreneur who partners with global brands to disrupt industries and drive revenue growth. Dr. Bluma Sapir is a distinguished clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience providing transformative psychotherapy to individuals and pairs.

"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution

Why does our society place more value on controlled baby sleep than on maternal support, proper feeding, or comfort?

Tracy Cassels began her influential work while pursuing her PhD in developmental psychology, coinciding with her pregnancy. She observed a profound contradiction between the widespread advice advocating for infant sleep training—even when pushed by some academics—and the robust findings found in developmental literature and her own research. This mismatch, which she initially felt was a foreign concept given her own background, became the critical momentum to start sharing her perspective publicly. This led to the launch of her extensive website, Evolutionary Parenting, roughly 15 years ago. This platform developed into an invaluable resource, providing detailed and thoroughly referenced information on nearly every topic related to infant brain development for parents. Tracy often interacts with families, some of whom bring along skeptical relatives or partners, seeking clarification on the evidence surrounding sleep practices. She approaches the topic by presenting an honest assessment of what the research confirms and what remains unknown, helping listeners discern the subtleties often missing from conventional advice. She argues that the findings against certain practices, such as sleep training, form an "incredibly strong circumstantial case" rather than a clear-cut legal link. Furthermore, Tracy contends that many sleep problems are misinterpreted as behavioral failures when they are actually symptoms of underlying issues like allergies, sleep apnea, or hormonal imbalances. Her most recent paper with Levita DeSousa advocates for researchers to adopt a much broader perspective, moving away from seeking a "one size fits all solution" and instead considering the full family dynamic, cultural influences, and health context when studying infant sleep.

Key Takeaways

● Sleep problems are often symptoms of underlying physical or psychological issues, not always primary behavioral faults of the baby or parent.

● The research focusing specifically on mothers and babies, particularly concerning clinical interventions and emotional connection, is significantly lacking.

● An overemphasis on controlled sleep in modern society leads parents to prioritize it over other critical nurturing components like love, comfort, and proper feeding.

● Some research proposes methods to help mothers suppress the natural anxiety they feel when hearing their distressed baby cry, counteracting an essential evolutionary response.

● Infant sleep should be viewed as a family dynamic influenced by culture, general family preferences, health issues, and the need for connection.

Join our February 2026 Program:

https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page

Resources

● Tracy's Instagram: @tracycasselsphd https://www.instagram.com/tracycasselsphd

● Books by Tracy Cassels:

○ Finding Daycare: Navigating the Murky World of Child Care in Today's Society

○ https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Daycare-Navigating-Todays-Society-ebook/dp/B07PGDR6TC

● Evolutionary Parenting's website: https://evolutionaryparenting.com/ (Note: Some parts are currently missing due to a crash, but it will be restored soon).

Guest Bio: Tracy Cassels holds a PhD in developmental psychology and is the founder of Evolutionary Parenting. She co-authored a paper with Levita DeSousa, an attachment theory specialist at Monash University in Australia, focusing on how sleep training ignores the larger family dynamic. She is also a contributor to an upcoming academic book on sleep, edited by Jenny (who Greer has also written with), which includes chapters from Darshan Arves and LaVita DeSousa.

"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/

FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress

FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution