Episodios
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At the end of the third trimester, most expecting moms are over being pregnant and are beyond ready to meet their baby. If you're expecting or have had a baby, you can probably relate. Something else that the majority of these women will tell you is that even though they are so excited to meet their babies, they are also a bit afraid of labor and birth. We get it! Childbirth is unpredictable, and the unknown can be scary. We all want a healthy mom and baby, and a safe, positive childbirth experience. But why doesn't everyone get that experience? There are a lot of reasons to answer that question, but our latest guest, Gina Mundy, can answer this further. We had an engaging conversation with her that we believe every pregnant mama preparing for birth should listen to!
Who is Gina Mundy?
Gina Mundy is an attorney specializing in childbirth cases. For over 20 years, she has been working to gain an in-depth understanding of childbirth. She has traveled nationwide, engaging with healthcare professionals to explore all aspects of labor and delivery. Her goal is to become involved before childbirth to prevent mistakes, and she is the best-selling author of "A Parents Guide to a Safer Childbirth."
As a mother of three herself, Gina is passionate about helping parents have the best childbirth experience possible and bringing a healthy baby into the world! She's my kind of girl, and I couldn't wait to talk to her about birth and hear all about her experience as a childbirth attorney.
Gina's Resources
Website: GinaMundy.com
Gina Mundy's book: A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth
Facebook: @ginamundy
Instagram: @ginamundy
LinkedIn: @ginamundy
Gina's Podcast: The Childbirth Attorney Podcast with Gina Mundy
Thank you for listening to this episode! Go to our SHOW NOTES for more details. Also, follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to a beautiful, safe birth and a healthy baby!
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Are you someone who has a sweet tooth? Do you get cravings for something sweet throughout the day or in the evening before bedtime? If so, I can completely relate. I get sugar cravings, and when they hit, the cravings are strong. And this happens to kids, too! As parents, we sometimes use sweets to show love, appreciation, and sometimes even bribery. I know I have. These cravings can start young. Sugar is also hidden in our foods, and it doesn't have to be advertised or regulated. It's a major part of our culture's diet, but do we really understand the impact of sugar on our health and our kids' health? I'm not sure. That's why I'm talking to scientist and mother, Dr. Nicole Avena, to understand the science and learn what we can do.
Who is Dr. Nicole Avena?
Dr. Nicole Avena is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and a Visiting Professor of Health Psychology at Princeton University. She is quite impressive! Dr. Avena is also a public speaker and the author of several popular books like "What to Eat When You’re Pregnant," "Why Diets Fail," "Hedonic Eating," and her latest book, "Sugarless," which covers the latest science on sugar addiction and how to overcome it. She has done groundbreaking work developing models to characterize food addiction and the dangers of excess sugar intake. She is the perfect person to chat with about understanding the impact of sugar on our kids' and our health.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we're chatting with Dr. Avena about the impact of sugar and the effect that it has on the health of our families. We all know that the majority of kids (and adults) love sugar. So, we’re gonna "chick chat" about some actionable steps to help reduce sugar impact and why this is so important for us to do so. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:
What led you to research the impact of sugar on our health?
Tell us more about what you have learned about the effects of sugar on our physical and mental health.
Can you elaborate more on the evidence that sugar is addictive?
Often, we are unaware of how much sugar is in the food we eat. How can we become more aware of what we are putting into our bodies and the bodies of our children?
I think we are all familiar with "sugar cravings." How can we cope with these cravings?
What about artificial sweeteners? What should we be aware of when consuming this type of product?
What are some ways families can begin to remove excess sugar from their diets?
Can you tell us some of the long-term risks of consuming a diet with too much sugar?
What are some of your favorite sugar-free recipes and snacks?
What resources do you recommend for parents who want to learn more about the dangers of sugar and how to lessen their intake?
It was an eye-opening conversation that I think everyone can benefit from and should listen to. Our diets are incredibly important, and because we are the gatekeepers of the kitchen for our kids, these details we discuss are imperative for parents to know. We are building our children's future health now. Tune in to learn all about it and the impact of sugar on our kids and our health!
Dr. Avena's Resources
Website: DrNicoleAvena.com
Dr. Avena's books
Facebook: @drnicoleavena
Instagram: @drnicoleavena
YouTube: @drnicoleavena
LinkedIn: @drnicoleavena
Thank you for listening to this episode! Follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover. Cheers to better health and less sugar!
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One of our greatest roles as parents, in my opinion, is to teach our children how to be independent, good human beings. While academics are important, are we (society) putting enough emphasis on basic life skills and emotional intelligence? I'm not sure. I think that life skills can often be misunderstood as "chores." However, life skills are independence skills and organizational skills. There's more to intelligence than just IQ. There's EQ (emotional quotient, also known as emotional intelligence). And in my opinion, that is just as important, if not more important, especially in this technological, AI/digital world we live in today. So, how do we raise good humans? It's a great question and we're chatting all about it with our guest today, Dr. Jenny Woo.
Who is Dr. Jenny Woo?
Jenny Woo, MBA, PhD, is a Harvard-trained researcher and educator. As the founder and CEO of Mind Brain Emotion, she has created a series of award-winning card games and tools to help adults and kids build emotional intelligence and social mastery. Her product line has been used by teachers, psychologists, parents, and teens in more than 50 countries. In addition to her MEd from Harvard, MBA from UC Berkeley, and PhD from UC Irvine, she also spent several years as a Montessori school director and seven years as a human capital consultant at Deloitte and executive coach at Cisco Systems. Dr. Woo teaches emotional intelligence at the University of California, Irvine.
Dr. Woo is a two-time TEDx speaker, author, and has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Yahoo! Finance, Parents, and The Harvard Gazette.
Dr. Woo is the former host of 52 Essential Conversations to Inspire Children for Life podcast. She has also done two TEDx talks, including "How to Be Self-ish Without Feeling Selfish." Dr. Woo has spoken at the Institute for Child Psychology conference, the Happy Family conference, and other gatherings for parents, teachers, educators, and school administrators across the country. That’s right, she’s been everywhere, and we’re excited to have her here with us on our podcast.
What Did We Discuss?
Today, we’re chatting with Dr. Jenny Woo about how to build life skills and emotional intelligence for children. As I mentioned, life skills can often be misunderstood, so we are thrilled to have Dr. Woo here to "chick chat" with us about mastering these important skills, as well as how to raise good humans. As an educator and mother, Dr. Woo has seen and experienced all of this firsthand. Her warm presence on this episode and valuable insight on these topics are encouraging and refreshing. She gives parents and kids a great place to start to grow life skills, and she gives us hope for what the future can look like for our children. Be sure to tune into this episode and leave us a review!
Mentioned in the Episode
EQ Workshop video
Empty-Nester Coach on Wall Street Journal
Practical Life Skills for Kids on YouTube
Dr. Woo's Resources
Website: mindbrainemotion.com
Mind Brain Emotion cards
Facebook: @mindbrainparenting
Instagram: @mindbrainparenting
YouTube: @mindbrainemotion
LinkedIn: @jennyjcwoo
Thank you for listening to this episode! Follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you'd like for us to cover. Cheers to life skills and being a good human!
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Just a few weeks ago, I had a birth doula client who asked me if she would really know when labor was starting. This question surprised me because she was pregnant with her second child. Her first childbirth experience was an induction, but she knew what contractions felt like. However, the more I thought about this question, the more I realized many expecting moms have asked me this, "Will I really know when I'm in labor?" So, I thought it would be a good time to review the signs that labor is starting so you have more confidence in when to contact your doctor or midwife.
How to Know That Labor is Getting Closer
I know that you are so excited for your little one to be here (and not to be pregnant anymore). The third trimester can feel like the longest one. Each week and day can feel like forever because you are getting increasingly uncomfortable. I get it. Thankfully, there are some signs that you should be aware of that can be good indicators that labor is on the horizon! I discuss these FOUR THINGS to look for as you approach your due date. In this episode, I share what each one is, when you can potentially experience them, and what to possibly expect from these signs. This will give you more confidence that your body is doing what it's supposed to and getting you closer to meeting your baby. So exciting!
4 Signs That Labor is Starting
Once you have experienced those signs of labor approaching, you will soon experience the real deal. If you're unsure what to pay attention to and look for, there are FOURS SIGNS that indicate labor is starting. If you want to learn about these signs and what they mean, I talk about them in this episode. Download and play this episode wherever you listen to podcasts, or scroll up and play on the player provided above. I walk you through these signs of labor and what you can expect from each.
I know that this is an exciting and anxious time. You are so ready to meet your baby that you begin to second guess if you are really in labor. But I promise, if you listen to this show and pay attention to your body, you will really know when you are in labor and when to go to the hospital.
Mentioned in the Episode
Here are some more details on some of the topics mentioned in this episode:
Cervical dilation (cervical checks)
Mucus plug
Contractions
Bloody Show
Water breaking
When to go to the hospital in labor - our very first podcast episode!
Thank you for tuning into this episode. Tell us your thoughts and labor experience on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychick! For expecting mamas still waiting to meet their little ones, I hope this helps you better understand your body and know what to look for when labor begins.
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If you have a new baby, you have probably heard of Moms On Call. Maybe you've heard of their books, their courses, their apps, or their consultants. Either way, it's no surprise that you have because they have helped over 1,000,000 and counting moms and dads across the world parent with confidence. As someone who has been in the mom-and-baby industry for over a decade, I even remember hearing some of my first clients talk about how they were reading Moms On Call. So, these two women co-founders behind this company have been doing some pretty incredible things over the years, and we are so grateful to have them on our podcast today.
Laura Hunter is a mother of five, a pediatric nurse with over 30 years of experience, an entrepreneur, an author, a public speaker, and a highly sought-after infant care consultant with an international following. There’s one common passion for all the areas of Laura’s life—it’s her desire to inspire and encourage parents. Jennifer Walker has multiple roles as well: wife, mother of three, pediatric nurse, public speaker, infant and toddler care consultant, and author. Jennifer has over 30 years of pediatric nursing experience and has the heart to equip parents with practical advice and inspiration for the joys and challenges of parenthood. These are my kind of mamas, and I’m so excited for you to tune in and listen to this episode with these amazing ladies!
These two women are not only amazing mothers and nurses, but it's obvious that their hearts are committed and fulfilled in serving families during these vulnerable times of parenthood. We had a playful yet profound discussion on parenting styles and modern-day motherhood. Be sure to tune in and leave us a review on what you think!
Moms On Call's Resources
Website: momsoncall.com
Moms On Call books
Podcast: The Moms On Call Podcast
Moms On Call Blog
Facebook: @momsoncallparenting
Instagram: @momsoncall
YouTube: @momsoncall
Pinterest: @momsoncall
Thank you for listening to this episode! Follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat!
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I can't believe we first launched this podcast in 2018, and this is my very first solo episode! We have been playing around with the idea of incorporating solo shows into our podcast for a bit. Now that this is my first one, I am super excited to hear what you guys think about it. Because my career background is heavily tied around birth and my work as a doula, I thought "How to Choose the Right Doula for You" would be a great first solo episode for me to share my thoughts and advice with all the pregnant mamas.
What the heck is a doula?
If you are pregnant or have been pregnant in the recent past, you have probably heard the word “doula.” Some of you might be getting some witchy, burning sage, banging-on-the-drum vibes when you read/hear this word. And for those of you who have used a doula during your birth experiences, you may be laughing to yourself as you read this because you know that while we can do those things, if that is what you want as the birthing mother, we don't really do those things. That's at least speaking for myself and many of the doulas I've worked with and know.
I have been a doula for the past 13 years and have attended over 300 births in many different settings — mainly hospitals, a few birthing centers, and home births. I first started working with moms and attending births in 2011. I can’t believe it's been 13 years, and we’re in 2024.
For those of you who have never heard of the word "doula," it’s actually an ancient Greek word meaning ‘woman servant, caregiver, or a woman who serves.’ More recently, it refers to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother and her partner during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and their postpartum journey.
In This Episode
In this episode, I talk about the different types of doulas there are and my 6 steps to help you pick the best doula for you. I even include a FREE printable of interview questions you should be asking doulas when you are interviewing them. (Click the show notes link to download it!)
Please share your thoughts with us and leave us a review on my very first solo show. I'd love to hear what you think and what you would add to my list. And join us on our podcast's Instagram page @thebabychickchat to continue chick-chatting with us! https://www.instagram.com/thebabychickchat/
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Are you a mother who feels stretched thin and exhausted? Maybe you can't remember anything, and you're feeling lonelier than ever before? If you're saying yes to yourself after reading these questions, you just might be experiencing "mommy burnout." Our guest today is an expert on this topic, and she is sharing her tips on navigating and reclaiming your life while raising healthy and happy children.
Today's guest is Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, a psychologist, author, speaker, and mother. She literally wrote the book on Mommy Burnout and has been counseling overwhelmed, exhausted, and lonely mothers for 20 years. Dr. Sheryl has led over 10,000 face-to-face sessions focused on "mommy burnout" and its related issues, including anxiety, depression, and divorce. With less help available and high pressure on moms to do it all, it's no wonder that there is a loneliness epidemic going on right now. We're so grateful to have Dr. Sheryl Ziegler shed some light on a topic we feel most (if not all) mothers can relate to.
Check our show notes for more details and a FREE well-mom checklist printable to help you take better care of yourself!
Dr. Sheryl's Resources
Website: drsherylziegler.com
Mommy Burnout book - https://amzn.to/48G4IJA
Her podcast: Dr. Sheryl's Podcouch - https://drsherylziegler.com/podcast/
Facebook: @mommyburnout
Instagram: @drsherylziegler
LinkedIn: @drsherylziegler
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Welcoming a new baby into the world and becoming a parent are some of the greatest gifts in life. As soon as you see those two pink lines on your pregnancy test and the moment you hold your baby in your arms, life is never the same again. And just as your baby is learning about you and this new world, you are also learning about this new baby and your new role as a mother. There are highs and lows and twists and turns, but it is the most worthwhile ride of your life. Dr. Sears knows this very well as a pediatrician and father of eight (that's right, eight!) children. We chat with him on this episode about developing your parenting style and his experiences as a doctor and father.
Who is Dr. William Sears?
Dr. William Sears, MD, is a world-renowned pediatrician and the author of the million-copy bestseller The Baby Book. He received his medical training at Harvard Medical School's Children's Hospital in Boston and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He has now been advising parents on how to raise healthier families for more than 50 years.
Dr. Sears co-founded AskDrSears.com and the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, which has certified over 12,000 Health Coaches worldwide. As a father of eight children, he coached Little League sports for 20 years and, together with his wife Martha, has written more than 45 books on nutrition, parenting, and healthy aging. In May 2012, Dr. Sears and his contribution to family health were featured on the cover of TIME Magazine, and they named him "the man who remade motherhood." He serves as a health consultant for magazines, TV, radio, and other media and is noted for his science-made simple-and-fun approach to family health. We are thrilled and honored to have him with us on our show today!
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Sears about developing the parenting style that works best for you and your children. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:
You have so much first-hand experience as a medical professional and being a father of eight. How have these experiences shaped the way you offer advice to new parents?
I love that you say, "There is no one way to parent a baby." Can you elaborate on that statement?
How do you think new parents can begin to develop a parenting style that best suits their family?
We all have different needs, as do our children. How important is it to be flexible in parenting and adapting to the changing needs of ourselves and our children?
What role does self-awareness play in finding the best parenting style?
How do you think external influences impact our parenting styles?
How can parents best find a balance between incorporating expert advice and trusting their instincts when it comes to parenting?
Do you have any examples of different parenting styles that have worked for different families and why they were effective?
In your experience, how have parenting styles evolved?
If you could offer one piece of advice to a new parent looking to find their stride, what would it be?
Dr. Sears answers these questions with heartfelt stories of his patients and his own family experiences that make you feel his genuine passion and care for families and their babies. It's an episode that will leave you with a full heart and a better understanding of how to listen to your instincts as a mother. Be sure to tune in and leave us a review!
Dr. Sears' Resources
Website: AskDrSears.com
Facebook: @askdrsears
X: @askdrsears
Instagram: @askdrsears
YouTube: @askdrsears
Go to our SHOW NOTES for more details!
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Feeding your new baby can come with its challenges. You may think that breastfeeding your newborn will come naturally, and for some, it does. However, for many others, it isn't so simple. Breastfeeding is a skill that both mother and baby must practice and learn together. Then, once they have figured out their feeding rhythm, it's time to introduce a bottle, and mothers are left unsure how to do it properly so as not to halt their breastfeeding journey. They wonder how they can successfully combine breastfeeding and bottle-feeding to experience both benefits because moms deserve to feed their babies the way that works best for them. Today's guest is sharing all the tips on how to introduce a bottle to baby, how to combine breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, and all the details parents need to know about Emulait and their baby bottle.
Who is Madison Blampied?
Today's guest is Madison Blampied. Madi is Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Relations at Emulait. With a keen eye for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships, Madi has learned to balance the demands of a high-powered career with the joys of motherhood. She found Emulait when her 2-year-old was only six weeks old and knew she needed to be a part of this revolutionary product. Now, as she eagerly anticipates the arrival of her second child, her outlook on bottles has shifted since her first pregnancy before Emulait existed. She is passionate about empowering women and giving them the tools to choose the outcome of their feeding journey!
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Madi about combining breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. We want to help parents feel confident in their feeding journey and support them by answering common questions while providing some helpful tips and tricks we have learned from our hands-on experiences as moms and professionals in the baby space. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:
Can you talk about some of the different ways mothers feed their babies and how bottles play a role in these journeys?
What should parents consider when looking for a bottle for a breastfed baby?
What makes Emulait's bottle unique? Can you elaborate on the development and science behind this unique product?
What tips do you have for introducing a bottle to a baby?
What are the biggest challenges you see parents facing when transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle feeding? How can they be overcome?
You said your outlook on bottles has shifted since your first pregnancy. Can you tell us more about your experience?
What are your top bottle-feeding tips and tricks?
Support is so important regardless of how you choose to feed your baby. Please tell our listeners more about how Emulait supports all parents on their feeding journeys.
What is one piece of advice you would like to give parents about to embark on their feeding journey?
Between the laughter and helpful tips, this was one of my favorite episodes! We covered a lot with Madi about the Emulait brand and how to help families with their baby-feeding journeys. We sincerely hope you enjoyed the episode as much as we did. Be sure to check out Emulait's bottles and products, and stay tuned for all of the amazing new things they are launching (as Madi mentioned) this year! Cheers to a stress-free baby-feeding journey!
*Check out Emulait's products here!*
Mentioned in the Episode
Emulait's other accessories
Emulait's app: Apple Store and Google Play
They have a lactation consultant available for their customers (free of charge) to help them through their breastfeeding and bottle-feeding journeys.
Madi's Resources
Website: Emulait
Facebook: @emulait
X: @emulait
Instagram: @emulait
TikTok: @emulait
Watch the episode on our YouTube channel!
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Safety is at the top of every parent's mind. We always want to do everything we can to keep our little ones safe, but sometimes, we don't know where to start. There is so much to consider. Car seat safety, babyproofing, safe sleep, and more! Luckily, we have Sarah Haverstick, a baby and child safety guru, answering all of our questions. She's sharing what every parent needs to know about baby safety.
Who is Sarah Haverstick?
Sarah Haverstick is a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor, the Safety Advocate for Evenflo, and an instructor in the safe transportation of children with special healthcare needs. She is a former chair of the National Child Passenger Safety Board and current vice chair of the Manufacturers Alliance for Child Passenger Safety. In 2021, she was inducted into the Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame, so she is a big deal in the baby safety world! Sarah has been educating kids and adults on child passenger safety topics for 15 years.
She is a mom to two awesome kiddos (a 3-year-old and a 10-year-old) – and a few fur babies (four cats and two dogs). Rounding out her family is a husband who might not love all the car seats that live in the garage!
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Sarah about all things baby safety! We discuss best practices and life-saving tips for parents while in the car and at home with their little ones. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:
What important safety concerns are often unknown or overlooked?
Babyproofing your home can feel overwhelming as a new parent. How do you recommend parents make their home a safe space for baby?
Sleep safety is also critical. What are your top safety tips for safe sleep?
What are the most important things parents need to know about safe transportation for babies in the car?
What steps can parents take to make sure their children are safe in the car each time they buckle them in?
What do you recommend parents look for when shopping for safe baby products like cribs, car seats, strollers, toys, and other baby products?
How can parents stay updated on the latest safety recommendations and guidelines?
Do you have any personal stories related to baby safety that could help shed light on its importance?
What is your number one baby safety tip?
We covered so many great safety topics in this episode! Sarah is a pro, and we are so honored to have had her as a guest on our show. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Cheers to keeping our babies safe!
Mentioned in the Episode
NoHeatstroke.org
Virtual babyproofing
Sarah's Resources
Website: Evenflo
Sarah's LinkedIn
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While pregnancy is a miracle, there are times when it can be uncomfortable and not so glamorous. People hear about morning sickness and swollen feet, but not necessarily about pregnancy complications. Pregnant women need to know what is normal and abnormal in pregnancy so they can know what to look for regarding any concerns. One of the first tips today's guest shared on this episode is choosing a primary care provider you like and trust. Having a good relationship with your doctor or midwife and having continuity of care throughout your pregnancy can help you have a healthier pregnancy.
We learned a lot of insightful tips from our special guest, Dr. Alison Cowan. If you are interested in learning more about pre-eclampsia, tips for self-advocacy, common pregnancy complications and what to look for, this episode is for you!
Who is Dr. Alison Cowan?
Dr. Alison Cowan is an OBGYN, a mom of three (ages 10, 7, and 3), and the Head of Medical Affairs for Mirvie. Mirvie is a maternal health company pioneering a new way for women, expecting parents, and their doctors to predict potential pregnancy complications early on.
Alison attended Emory University Medical School, where she also received a master's in clinical research before moving on to do her OBGYN residency at Northwestern University. With over a decade of bedside experience, Alison has delivered hundreds of babies. She is now on a mission to help change the status quo for pregnancy health. She is passionate about sharing tips for self-advocacy, having the healthiest pregnancy possible, and advocating for change and equity in pregnancy health at every opportunity. Alison resides in Colorado with her husband, Patrick, and three children.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Alison about the facts behind common pregnancy complications, like pre-eclampsia, how women can advocate for themselves during pregnancy, and equity in pregnancy health. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:
What steps can women take to ensure they have the healthiest pregnancy possible?
Why is self-advocacy an important part of a woman's pregnancy?
What tips do you have for self-advocacy during pregnancy?
What are some common pregnancy complications? And what symptoms should women look for?
Can you tell us more about the science and facts behind some of these common pregnancy complications?
How common is pre-eclampsia?
What causes pre-eclampsia? Can it be prevented?
Are some women at a higher risk for developing pre-eclampsia than others?
What are the symptoms of pre-eclampsia?
Does pre-eclampsia go away after delivery?
I know you advocate for equity in pregnancy health. Can you elaborate on this and what it means?
Dr. Cowan's passion and knowledge about women's health is evident in this episode. We learned some helpful information that can help every person have a healthier pregnancy. We hope you learned something new, too! Cheers to healthy pregnancies!
Mentioned in the Episode
ACOG.org
Comprehensive care plan to prevent pre-eclampsia
Care providers should be mindful of these CUS words from their patients:
I'm Concerned.
I'm Uncomfortable.
Safety: I feel unsafe.
Dr. Alison Cowan's Resources
Website: Mirvie.com
Instagram: @mirviedx
Facebook: @MirvieDx
X: @MirvieDx
Dr. Alison Cowan's LinkedIn
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Planning a trip and traveling to Disney World or Disneyland with kids is extremely exciting but, at the same time, can be very overwhelming. There is so much to do and think about. What should you reserve? What do you need to pack? How can you find the best deals? That's why we're chatting with Sarah, today's guest, to give us the scoop on all the best tips and tricks to make your next Disney vacation with the kids just as amazing as you imagined!
Who is Sarah Huff?
Sarah Huff is a SoCal native and mom to two boys (8 and 6 years old). With a background in Business Administration and Psychology, Sarah joined the Baby Quip team in 2016. She now manages the ever-growing Quality Provider Community by providing real-time support to Quality Providers, maintains a superb brand image through quality control, and oversees customer service and support for all of BabyQuip. When she’s not chasing her tiny boy gang around, she’s soaking up the California sunshine.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Sarah about all things Disney, including the best tips on how to have a magical trip with the kids! Here are several of the questions that we covered:
Where should a family start when planning a Disney trip?
How can families get the most out of a Disney trip?
What should families take into consideration when choosing a place to stay at Disney? And how do you recommend families find the best hotel deals?
What recommendations do you have for planning out each day when visiting Disney?
Do you plan out your rides and meals at Disney in advance of your trip? What recommendations do you have for this process?
What are your top tips and tricks for babies and toddlers at Disney?
What gear and products are the most important things to bring to Disney World with a baby or toddler?
What "must haves" do you pack in your bag for a day at Disney?
What are your top “Disney hacks” for doing the parks like a pro?
How do you recommend keeping young kids engaged when they might get tired after a long day at Disney?
Disney vacations can be expensive. What are your tips for saving, and what is worth the splurge?
What resources would you recommend for families who are looking to plan a Disney vacation?
Sarah shared some amazing and helpful information with us today. Now we feel completely ready for our next trip! We hope you feel the same. Cheers to a magical Disney vacation with the kids!
Sarah's Resources
Website: BabyQuip.com
Instagram: @babyquip
Facebook: @babyquip
Sarah's Facebook: @babyquipsarahhuff
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With November being National Adoption Month, we’re thrilled to end the month chatting with a guest who knows this topic extremely well, Becky Fawcett. We talked about all things adoption with Becky in this episode. We discussed her personal adoption journey, the adoption process people need to know, costs, and much more.
Who is Becky Fawcett?
Becky Fawcett is the founder and president of Helpusadopt.org, an equality-based organization that seeks to reduce the financial burden of adoption. After graduating from Franklin & Marshall College, Becky had a successful career in the magazine industry, first for Baltimore magazine and then for Philadelphia magazine as the director of marketing. She then went on to found The Fawcett Group, a full-service public relations and marketing firm.
Becky and her husband, Kipp, adopted their first daughter, Jane, in 2005 and their second daughter, Brooke, in 2009. After adopting their first child, Becky and Kipp were so grateful that they had the financial means to adopt that they decided to make a donation to an organization that would help ease another family’s financial burden. Sadly, they could not find an adoption grant organization that was based on a mission of equality. To address this need and help all types of families, they founded Helpusadopt.org in 2007.
Helpusadopt.org has been featured on CNN, People.com, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, O Magazine, and Good Housekeeping for their groundbreaking work in the world of adoption. Becky lives in Manhattan with her husband, Kipp, and their children, Jane and Brooke.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Becky all about adoption! Here are several of the questions that we covered:
Becky, did you always know you wanted to adopt?
We'd love to hear more about your personal adoption story and experience. Please share with us!
What were the biggest challenges you faced while going through the adoption process?
I’ve heard from families that the adoption process can be overwhelming. Where do you suggest a family start to explore adoption?
What aspects of adoption do you think the general public might be unaware of?
Can you walk our audience through a typical adoption process?
What is the average cost of adoption?
Why is adoption so expensive?
What obstacles does the high cost of adoption create for families and children?
What advice would you give families who are just beginning to explore adoption options?
It was a pleasure chatting with Becky about the adoption journey and hearing her passion and knowledge about such a very special topic. We hope that this episode brings hope and encouragement to families out there who may or may not be considering adoption.
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Now that my daughter is two-and-a-half years old, I am approaching when I need to potty train her. From my years of experience working with families, I know that each child is different, and potty training your child might look a bit different from how I potty train mine, and that's okay! Potty training can be a challenging process for some children and smooth for others. I was lucky enough to have an easy experience with my son, but I am preparing for anything with my daughter. That's why I'm chatting with my guest today, Arin Schultz. He has four boys and knows a thing or two about potty training. In this episode, we share our potty training experiences with our kids, potty training tips, what to keep in mind, and how we got started.
If you want a good laugh and some relatable information on potty training, this episode is for you!
Who is Arin Schultz?
Arin is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Naturepedic and has over nine years of experience in the organic mattress industry. Since 2003, Naturepedic has been on a mission to transform the lives of its customers through safer, healthier sleep and top-of-the-line baby and children's products. By eliminating materials like flame retardants and polyurethane foam from their line of certified organic natural mattresses, Naturepedic supports an organic, holistic lifestyle while protecting the environment.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Arin all about potty training! Here are several of the questions that we covered:
What were your potty training experiences like with your four boys?
Which potty training readiness signs did your kids exhibit?
When do you believe a parent should start the potty training process?
With your experience, what do you think is the best way to get started with potty training?
We know that children vary developmentally and in temperament. Do you think the potty training process varies based on each child?
What are some products that can help with potty training?
What about nighttime potty training? Where does this fit into the training process, and how can parents integrate it into their routine?
What are your top potty training tips & tricks?
What is one piece of advice you would like to give parents about to embark on potty training their child?
Episode Notes
We talked about several products during this episode. You can learn more about them here:
Waterproof Mattress Pad
Organic Cotton Waterproof Pillow Protector (Kids Collection)
Organic Kids Waterproof Mattress
Naturepedic's Resources
Website: Naturepedic.com
Instagram: @naturepedic
Facebook: @naturepedic
YouTube: @naturepedic
Listen to our other episodes with Naturepedic:
Why Your Crib Mattress is an Important Decision – Podcast Ep 42
How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe – Podcast Ep 67
How to Create an Eco-Friendly Sustainable Nursery
Naturepedic Crib Mattress is Trailblazing Healthy and Safe Sleep
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Naturepedic. They are offering all of our listeners a discount!
20% off on their website: www.naturepedic.comDiscount code: BabyChick20
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The holidays are upon us! This means creating special memories, holiday parties, and delicious food. If you're the one who is hosting the holidays this year, or you need to bring a dish or two to a party, it can be daunting to know where to start. Maybe you want to make a tasty but healthy dish. And perhaps you want to make something kid-friendly so everyone can enjoy. Today, we have a special guest on the podcast, The BakerMama, who is answering all of our questions and is serving some fantastic tips to help make hosting and entertaining easier!
Who is Maegan Brown?
Maegan Brown (aka The BakerMama) is the best-selling cookbook author of Beautiful Boards, Spectacular Spreads, and Brilliant Bites. Her popular food blog, TheBakerMama.com, features hundreds of her tasty recipes and creative meal ideas. In her latest book, Brilliant Bites, Maegan continues her quest to share her best ideas for effortless entertaining with 75 charming and delicious small bites for all occasions, such as parties, family meals, breakfast, snack-time, dessert, and holidays.
Maegan loves to entertain with ease and is passionate about inspiring others to create delicious moments with their loved ones. She lives in Dallas with her husband and four children, and in their house, the kitchen is the heart of their home, and they love welcoming others into it!
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Maegan all about entertaining during the holiday season! Here are several of the questions that we covered:
Have you always loved to cook?
What inspired you to start The BakerMama?
What are your top tips for entertaining during the holidays?
If you are hosting a party, how do you begin to plan out a menu?
What are some of your favorite recipes for entertaining?
What are your favorite kid-friendly recipes?
What are your tips for keeping it easy in the kitchen?
Do your kids like to help you in the kitchen? How do you recommend including kids in the cooking process?
What tricks do you have up your sleeve for keeping dishes both healthy and delicious?
What's your go-to sharable appetizer to take to a party?
What must-have products do you have in your kitchen?
What cooking hacks do you think every mom should know?
What items are always in your fridge/pantry?
What are your kid's favorite recipes that you make?
What are your top tips for entertaining like a pro?
Maegan's Resources
Website: TheBakerMama.com
Instagram: @thebakermama
TikTok: @thebakermama
YouTube: @TheBakerMamaBlog
Facebook: @thebakermamablog
Cheers to effortless entertaining!
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Childcare is a huge decision to make when a family has a baby. Will they utilize childcare or have a parent stay home with the baby? And if they choose to send their little one to daycare or use some form of childcare, which ones are available to them in their area? How much do they cost? There are lots of things and questions to consider. Today's guest knows this well and wanted to create a better option for families, so she did! Britt Riley is chatting with us about childcare in the U.S. and childcare solutions for modern families. Tune in to find out what expecting and new parents need to know.
Who is Britt Riley?
Britt Riley is an entrepreneur, mom of two, and the CEO and founder of The Haven Collection. Haven is the first network of fully licensed daycares in the U.S. to offer flexible childcare, unlimited workspace, and fitness to all member families. Before founding The Haven Collection, Britt was the principal of Established, LLC., her marketing consultancy organization. Britt's inspiration for founding Haven came in between feeding her newborn and trying to catch some Zs when she started wondering how people do it all! And so, her business was born out of her own need for a better solution. Britt is the co-chair of the Founder's Network's Women's Leadership Committee and has been recognized by the Harvard Business School Association of Boston. Britt resides in Portsmouth, RI, with her husband, Matt, and two young daughters, Harper and Zoe.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Britt about childcare in the U.S. and childcare solutions for modern families. Here are several of the questions that we covered:
How did you become passionate about childcare for the whole family?
How did your experiences as a new mom drive your passion?
Please explain the different types and styles of childcare available to families in the U.S.
What things or questions should parents consider when choosing childcare for their little ones?
One of the problematic aspects of managing work and parenting is that they both take a tremendous amount of executive function, often simultaneously. How can parents ease the exhaustion of this juggle?
We've been hearing about and experiencing the childcare crisis in the U.S. Can you explain this to our listeners and your thoughts on this topic?
We'd love to learn more about "childcare for the whole family." Can you elaborate on this concept for us?
What are the most significant benefits you see from parents with access to childcare for the whole family?
Britt's Resources
Website: YourHavenLife.com
Instagram: @yourhavenlife
Article mentioned: Questions to Ask When Interviewing Daycares
We hope you enjoyed this episode! If you haven't already, please subscribe to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and leave us an honest review. Cheers to caring for the whole family!
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We've all heard stories about birth. Maybe you've heard your own birth story from your parents. And if you are pregnant or have children of your own, you have definitely heard several birth stories, even from strangers! Some of those stories are good, and some are not so good. Unfortunately, it seems like the not-so-great and even scary birth stories are the ones that are told the most. As a doula who helps families have better birth experiences, this breaks my heart. What we hear can form a belief about how birth is and what it can be. Imagine if you only heard stories about birth being beautiful, empowering, even pleasurable, and orgasmic. What an impact that would make! My guest today knows all about this and is chatting with us about orgasmic birth and what expecting families need to know.
Who is Debra Pascali-Bonaro?
Debra Pascali-Bonaro is a world-renowned inspirational speaker, podcaster, filmmaker, doula trainer, childbirth educator, and author. She brings together her passion for pleasure in every aspect of life with her Jersey-Girl attitude of talking about what no one is talking about!
Debra is a mother, grandmother, and featured expert in parenting journals and media worldwide. She is also Co-Chair of the International Childbirth Initiative, which promotes safe, respectful childbirth maternity care. She is a Lamaze International childbirth educator, birth and postpartum doula trainer with DONA International, Director of the award-winning documentary Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, co-writer of "Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth," Author of "The Ultimate Guide To Sex After Baby: Secrets to Love and Intimacy," and the Founder & President of the revolutionary online childbirth class Pleasurable Birth Essentials which prepares expectant mothers, fathers, and partners to be positively prepared for birth and focuses on the intimate and sacred nature of birth. It's evident that Debra is highly passionate about changing childbirth so that every woman/partner has a safe, respectful, and pleasurable birth.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Debra about orgasmic birth and tips and secrets to create more love and intimacy in birth and parenting. Here are several of the questions that we covered:
How did you become passionate about the birthing experience?
Childbirth and sex can both be taboo subjects. Why do you think this is, and how can we change this narrative?
Can you elaborate more on the connection between childbirth and sex?
What is orgasmic birth? And is it real?
Why should pregnant people include intimacy and sexuality in preparing for birth?
What can women do during pregnancy to help prepare for a positive birth experience?
What role does a partner play in this experience?
How can a doula help facilitate a pleasurable birth experience?
What are your top tips for ensuring an enjoyable and pleasurable birth?
What are the benefits of an orgasmic birth?
The narrative around birth is often that it is painful and scary, but I have heard you say it is powerful and can be pleasurable. How can we empower more women to approach birth with this mindset?
How do you recommend women continue to connect to their intimacy during the postpartum period?
Debra's Resources
Website: OrgasmicBirth.com
Instagram: @orgasmicbirth
Facebook: Orgasmic Birth
YouTube: Orgasmic Birth
TikTok: @orgasmicbirth
Podcast: Orgasmic Birth Podcast
Documentary: Orgasmic Birth
Books:
Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying, and Pleasurable Birth Experience
The Ultimate Guide To Sex After Baby: Secrets to Love and Intimacy
If you haven't already, please subscribe to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick podcast and leave us an honest review. Cheers to a positive and pleasurable birth!
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Many women experience it during their pregnancies . . . it's pregnancy cravings. Over the years, I've heard from hundreds of my clients about their pregnancy cravings. I've had women tell me they craved fruit, a particular flavor of ice cream, cheese, protein, french fries, and even some strange pregnancy cravings. We wanted to learn more about what causes these pregnancy cravings and why they can be so different from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy. Joni Davis is joining us today to help us learn more about this topic and discuss the importance of health before, during, and after pregnancy.
Who is Joni Davis?
Joni Hanson Davis is the female founder of Kirkland, Washington Femtech company Beli, modernizing reproductive, prenatal, and fertility health based on the latest nutritional science with one small yet significant act of a daily prenatal vitamin for both men and women. After a long, successful career leading Fortune 500 companies and technology startups to IPO, Davis founded Beli in 2018 with a personal mission to address the growing crisis of infertility and modernize the stagnant prenatal vitamin market. The fertility market is a $24B market, and yet prenatal vitamins still haven't caught up with modern nutritional science. 50% of all infertility can be traced to male infertility, and nutrition plays a significant role in successful pregnancy outcomes. Science led Beli to look deeper at how nutrition plays a vital role in sperm health, launching the first modern male prenatal in 2019. Today, thousands of men across the country are using Beli, and the company has built a following of loyal customers, including heavy-hitter celebrity customers. The success of the men's prenatal vitamin led Beli to launch an exclusive women's prenatal in 2021 based on the latest folate and choline research to address both male and female fertility nutrition together. Beli has grown organically to become a profitable company with a multi-million dollar run rate with a small investment from strategic angel investors in the direct-to-consumer space in less than two years. Prior to Beli, Davis held executive positions with Microsoft, InfoSpace, and Tableau Software.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Joni about pregnancy cravings, controlling them, and what nutrients are needed for you and your growing baby. Here are several of the questions that we covered:
What nutrients are essential for women during the prenatal period?
What are the best sources of these essential nutrients?
Many women experience pregnancy cravings at some point in their pregnancy. Is there any science behind these cravings?
Pregnancy cravings may often be for foods not traditionally considered "healthy." Is it okay for women to indulge in these cravings?
What do you suggest for women to help curb their cravings?
Do you have any favorite "treats" that are also nutritional for pregnant women?
What is your top tip for moms during the prenatal phase?
Joni's Resources
Website: Beli
Instagram: @beli.baby
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While being a parent is one of the greatest joys in life, it can also be overwhelming and exhausting. There is so much to keep up with that parents can often identify as chaos coordinators. From scheduling doctor appointments, play dates, extracurricular practices, preparing meals, cleaning the house, managing all of the big emotions from our little ones, and much more, it can feel like our lists never end. At times, the chaos can be all-consuming. However, if we want to create calm for ourselves and our families in the house, it all begins with us. Our guest today, Jenna Hermans, knows all about turning chaos into calm and is sharing her secrets with us!
Who is Jenna Hermans?
Jenna is living proof that you can create a life of calm within chaos and overwhelm. She uses her bachelor's degree in psychology, master's degree in organizational management, and over fifteen years of Human Resources experience to build strong teams, both at work and at home. Jenna co-founded Be Courageous, and she's a busy mom of 4, a coach, and an author. As seen in Forbes, The Sun, ELLE, Yahoo, and more, Jenna takes an intentional and inclusive approach to help people (especially parents) implement tools that put organization and systems around their busy lives that infuse calm and more joy, helping them go from 'Chaos to Calm,' which doubles as the title of her debut book that launched in May 2023.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Jenna about creating more time, less stress, and understanding how we, as parents, can spend more hours appreciating our families and living our lives with intention and joy! Here are several of the questions that we covered:
What actionable steps can parents take to begin to reduce the stress and chaos in their lives?
Sometimes, the chaos feels so overwhelming that it's hard to know where to start. How do you recommend that overwhelmed parents take the first step to gaining control?
I've heard you speak about "owning your calm." Can you elaborate on this idea?
Which habits are most important to reduce the chaos of your daily life and increase your calm?
How can communication and what communication tips can help busy parents create more calm?
What role does community play in helping parents feel less overwhelmed? How can parents find their community when they may not have one already?
I know you talk about self-care as an essential part of creating calm. How do you suggest parents start to care for themselves if this concept is foreign to them?
Jenna's Resources
Website: jennahermans.com
Her company: bcrgs.com
Instagram: @jennazhermans
Facebook: @ChaosToCalmBook
Chaos to Calm Book
If you haven't already, please subscribe to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and leave us an honest review. Cheers to less chaos and more calm!
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The anticipation of having a baby is often regarded as a joyous event in the life of a couple, and yet the transition to parenthood usually involves profound transitions and challenges in the couples' intimate relationship. Further complicating things, the perinatal period is when women are most vulnerable to mood and anxiety disorders, with perinatal depression being the number one medical complication of the postpartum period. Thankfully, a brief intervention has been developed to strengthen couples' relationships called The Before Baby Relationship Checkup. It's offered during pregnancy to help ease the transition to parenthood and reduce the risk of perinatal mood disorders. We're excited about this new service for new mothers, and we're "chick chatting" with Dr. Ellen Darling to learn more.
Who is Ellen Darling, PhD?
Dr. Ellen Darling is a clinical psychologist in Providence, RI, specializing in couples therapy, young adult mental health, and perinatal mental health. She holds a PhD from Clark University, where she trained at the Center for Couples and Family Research. Dr. Darling is passionate about guiding couples through challenges, including intimacy difficulties, alienation, communication impasses, chronic conflict, infidelity, parenthood issues, and other periods of transition. She practices Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), an evidence-based approach that identifies patterns that keep partners disconnected and, in doing so, offers new possibilities for empathy and change.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Ellen about the Before Baby Relationship Checkup. This checkup is a couples intervention specifically designed to address maternal mental health by screening pregnant women for early detection and decreasing primary risk factors. Here are several of the questions that we covered:
What is perinatal depression, and why don’t we hear much about it?
What are some of the risk factors for perinatal depression?
If untreated, what are the risks beyond pregnancy for a woman with perinatal depression?
How does a relationship play a part in maternal mental health?
Tell us about the Before Baby Relationship Checkup. What is it, and why do pregnant women need to know about it?
What does the relationship intervention consist of?
How are the results of the checkup addressed, and what are the next steps?
How can couples benefit from participating in a Before Baby Relationship Checkup?
Why is early detection important when it comes to maternal mental health?
What can couples do to strengthen their relationship prior to having a baby?
How can a spouse support a mother experiencing perinatal or postpartum depression?
Ellen's Resources
ellendarlingphd.com
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