40 Weeks to Forever

Episode Highlights

[01:30] Defining a Cesarean Section

• There are multiple reasons why a patient might have a cesarean section. Listen to the full episode for a comprehensive list!
• The entire cesarean birth process takes about 45 minutes to an hour; it takes less time if everything goes well and longer if complications arise. 
• Preparation for a c-section includes ingesting preoperative antibiotics, establishing anesthesia, placing the catheter, and cleaning the belly through antiseptics. 
• Doctors open the patient in layers; if the baby is well, the OBGYN will attempt delayed cord clamping and proceed to close the patient's skin. 
• The patient will be transferred to the recovery room if no complications arise. 

[07:37] Birthing Support for Cesarean Patients 

• Dr. Kelly shares that their center currently allows up to two support people for the birthing patient. 
• If the patient needed a general anesthetic, the partner or support person would not be allowed inside. 
• In cases when the patient is uncomfortable, the standard practice is for the OBGYN or their nurse to inform the support person that they will not be allowed to enter.
• The partner or support person may enter the room once the baby has emerged.

[09:37] Emergency Vs. Planned Cesarean Sections

• Labour and delivery can be very unpredictable. 
• Dr. Kelly shares that the practice is to move quickly in case of an emergency cesarean section; patients might not have the time to get comfortable with the regional anesthetic. 
• The support person is also not allowed in an emergency cesarean birth. 
• Delayed cord clamping is also more challenging for emergency cases.
• Skin-to-skin contact between the mother and infant during an emergency caesarian is also slightly more complicated.

[11:52] Advice for Mothers Planning to VBAC

• Patients with non-recurring indications such as a breech baby or a placenta previa are typically better candidates for VBAC.
• Patients who haven't given birth for two years or longer are also good candidates.
• Dr. Kelly emphasizes that discussing VBAC is a risk-benefit discussion.

Dr. Kelly: "Everyone is willing to tolerate different risks and make informed decisions, and then we make an informed decision and we sort of have some backup plans… It's just an informed discussion to the whole pregnancy about what they feel is best for them and what are the possible outcomes depending on if things change in labour."

[14:43] Dealing with Cesarean Section Scars 

• Due to medical advancements, cesarean incisions are now only slightly larger than necessary to remove the baby's head. 
• There’s little difference in the scarring whether a patient receives staples or stitches.
• Dr. Kelly recommends keeping the incision open in the air to dry it out. She advises against swimming, bathing, and sitting in a tub until the skin heals fully. 
• Ointments in the incisions are also not advised except in cases of infections that may require topical antibiotics.
• Listen to our episode with pelvic health physiotherapist Aliya Dhalla for more information on the cesarean scar healing process. 

Judith: “Women are very sensitive when it comes to the scar and I think everyone needs to remember: it’s just so important that your baby made it here earthside regardless of how that happened.”

[18:59] Recovery for Succeeding Cesarean Sections

• The difficulty of the second cesarean section depends on how the first one went. 
• Most patients find succeeding cesarean sections easier to handle. 
• According to Dr. Kelly, OBGYNs recommend vaginal birth for both the mom and baby.

[22:14] A Mother’s Journey into Parenthood

• Many people think the mother is not given much attention after giving birth. However, the mother's health is also a priority
• Dr. Kelly encourages mothers to take time away from the baby, take a break, and get enough sleep. 
• Find the grace to feel what you feel and talk to people about your feelings.
• Talk to your friends or opt for counseling so you can find someone to connect with and process all changes. 

Judith: "Birth can be a very empowering process, so it's important to work through any fears or disappointments you may have surrounding the process. For some even if things did go smoothly, it's still important just to chat things through."

About Dr. Kelly

Dr. Kelly Katherine Strode, MD, is an OB-GYN specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. She is currently in Guelph Obstetrics and Gynecology, a clinic in Ontario that offers preconception, prenatal, and postpartum care. She also has privileges at Guelph General Hospital, where she attends deliveries, admits patients, and performs surgeries.

Learn more about Dr. Kelly’s work at Guelph Obstetrics and Gynecology or reach her at (519) 265-7477.

Resources

• Shop at Canada’s Baby Store, Snuggle Bugz
• Prepare for your baby’s arrival! Shop your baby's needs at Medela or Canada’s baby store SnuggleBugz.ca
• 40 Weeks to Forever: Pushing, Poop, & Your Post Partum Body with Aliya Dhalla
• Visit Guelph Obstetrics and Gynecology to learn more about Dr. Kelly’s work. 

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Thanks for tuning in! For more updates, visit our website. You can also listen to more amazing episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Episode Highlights

[01:24] Defining Minimalism

• Tara is a believer in progress over perfection.
• Minimalism is about defining your own way of living with less. This style of living can look different for each person.
• Tara is currently trying to embrace minimalism even as she enters a new season in life with a baby.
• One challenge of being a parent is the increasing amount of things in your home.

[04:24] Parenting with Reduced Environmental Impact

• Tara reached out to her other friends who are parents to share and exchange whatever they have and need.
• When buying new items, invest in quality over quantity. You can also find baby items secondhand, borrowed, or from gifts.
• Buy with longevity in mind. These quality items can last longer and be kept for future children or passed along to others.
• Using cloth diapers helps reduce waste.
• For toys, keep only a limited number that was just right for the family.

[08:40] Reduce What You Buy

• Reducing is an old way to refer to minimalism. Tessa set boundaries with family and friends about what they want or don’t want for their family.
• You can buy cute things, just don’t overshop. This decreases how often you have to declutter and maintain order in your home.
• If you want to buy fast fashion, don’t view it as fast fashion. Enjoy it and make good use of what you bought.
• You can also choose to buy second-hand or avoid shopping as a hobby altogether.
• Before buying, filter what you truly need and will actually use.

[12:59] Respectfully Refusing

• Sometimes we may need to refuse what others are offering before it becomes too much.
• Refusing includes setting boundaries with your friends and family.

Tara: “Refusing is really setting boundaries. I think that’s ultimately what it is — boundaries about what you want to bring into your life and what you don’t want and setting those boundaries with friends and family.”

• Tara was able to do this during Christmas by making clear what they truly need for their daughter.
• Another way you could refuse is by accepting only what you need. You can return the remaining items to pass them on to someone else.

[15:56] Making Cloth Diapering Work For You

• There are different types of cloth diapers. One kind uses removable inserts, allowing you to change the lining as needed.
• If you’re going to start cloth diapering, create a setup that is easy and convenient for you to use. Tara’s setup makes the diapers easy to reach, replace and wash regularly.
• While you’d have to do more laundry, reusable and washable are a worthy investment. You can use them longer and for more than one child.
• When going out, be prepared and have all the supplies that you need including enough inserts, covers, and a wet bag.
• Explore and figure out what works best for you. Listen and share experiences with other parents for their tips.

Judith: “It doesn’t have to be perfect, and I love that. That’s what we’ve weaved through this entire conversation. Little things make a difference.”

[20:18] The Convenience of Reusables

• Tessa has experienced using both reusable and disposable diapers.
• Tessa has found that reusable is more reliable in avoiding diaper overflows.
• Using reusable diapers is an investment that saves you from having to buy disposable diapers constantly.
• People perceive the learning curve as intimidating, but you could say the same thing about every aspect of parenting. Once you’ve done it, it’s easy to maintain your system.

Tara: “It’s just like clockwork. We have the system set up. It’s a routine, it’s a habit. It’s literally seamless at this point where we don’t even think about it.”

[22:49] Invest in Quality Over Quantity

• Parents should look into investing in high-quality baby gear. Tune in to the episode to hear some of Judith’s recommendations from Snuggle Bugz!
• These days, there are more cheap and low-quality items that are easily disposable.
• It’s better to buy a good quality item to save money and energy in the long run.
• Investing in quality products can benefit not just your wallet but also the planet and your sanity.
• You can choose to save money through swapping, sharing, and buying secondhand.

[26:28] Using a Wish List

• Many new parents take on the hobby of browsing for items in magazines, online stores, and malls. Unfortunately, this can end up being quite expensive.
• Using a wish list allows you to make calculated purchases — things you need and will actually use. It also reduces clutter.

Tara: “Shopping with a wish list is helpful because if you’re only buying the things that you know you [want and need], then you focus on making those purchases and not browsing and potentially adding a bunch of stuff that you don’t need."

• If you end up seeing something you want to buy, you can add it to your wish list. Give it time to see if you truly want to buy and use that item.
• Find other hobbies that you can enjoy that don’t cost money.

[30:39] The Zero Waste Collective

• The Zero Waste Collective is a blog Tara created to talk about reducing waste, decluttering, and minimalism.
• Continuous consumption stops you from living your best life.
• Tara’s book Don’t Be Trashy helps you live your best life by reducing your waste.
• It’s a journey of progress over perfection. What works for you before may change over time depending on your season of life.

About Tara

Tara McKenna is a sustainability entrepreneur, speaker, and author. She is the founder of the blog The Zero Waste Collective, where she inspires others to live a life of zero waste, sustainable living, and minimalism. Tara is also the author of the book, Don’t Be Trashy: A Practical Guide to Living with Less Waste and More Joy.

Tara has a master’s degree in urban and regional planning with her specialty in environmental planning. Through her work, she helps and teaches others to live their best life by lessening their waste and creating more joy.

Learn more about Tara on her website and her blog. Connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also send her an email at [email protected].

Resources

• Get quality baby gear on Snuggle Bugz!
• Baby gear mentioned in the episode:
• Medela Breast Pumps
• Ubbi Diaper Pail
• Baby Jogger stroller
• Britax One4Life Clicktight All-In-One Car Seat
• UPPAbaby strollers
• Read Diaper Pail 101 for your diaper pail comparisons
• Connect with Tara McKenna: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Email
• The Zero Waste Collective
• Don't Be Trashy: A Practical Guide to Living with Less Waste and More Joy by Tara McKenna
• Facebook Marketplace
• Aquafit
• Lead Podcasting

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, leave us a review. You can also share this with your friends and family. This episode will help you define minimalism in your parenting lifestyle!

Have any questions? You can connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Thanks for tuning in! For more updates, visit our website. You can also listen to more amazing episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Episode Highlights

[02:38] Finding The Right Baby Stroller 

• Melissa and Haleigh believe that quality all-terrain wheels and suspension are non-negotiable.
• Strollers with a broad canopy are crucial for protecting the infant from the sun.
• The right baby stroller for you depends on your preference and needs. 

Judith: “...things change as you change and, as you kind of dig into parenthood, you realize what features are maybe more important or maybe you're willing to downgrade versus an upgrade.” 

[05:53] On Travel Systems 

• A baby stroller’s travel system must be compatible with the car seat.  
• Children can quickly outgrow their infant car seats, and parents need to switch to convertible ones.  
• Choose a car seat that will last a long time.
• Personally visit stores to know how the product works and feels.  

[07:44] Defining Travel Systems 

• A travel system is a multi-piece set. It includes a stroller and a compatible baby car seat that attaches to the stroller.
• Travel systems make it easy for parents to bring the baby into the car and do their errands. 
• Choosing a travel system depends on your baby’s needs and your goals.  

[11:35] Single Strollers Versus Double Strollers 

• Home space is crucial in choosing between a single or double stroller.  

Melissa: “And realistically, most families will have more than one stroller throughout their kind of evolution. So I knew that even if we did have our second and if we did go to a double stroller that single stroller would still be very helpful.” 

• Every type of stroller has its unique function. 
• Plan for the present and buy only based on what you know. 

[15:47] Strollers for Small Spaces 

• A stroller with sturdy wheels is best for parents who live in tiny areas and take public transportation.
• A separate baby stroller with a broad canopy that doesn't need an additional bassinet or pram can broaden your options.

[19:11] Expandable Strollers

• There is no answer to which is the best expandable stroller. 
• It’s best to check options that suit you and your child’s needs. 
• Consider which style of expandable stroller you’ll be comfortable with, a side-by-side or tandem one. 

[22:14] Tandem Versus Side-by-Side 

• Side-by-side strollers allow for greater maneuverability. 
• Tandem strollers are great for small spaces, but it's sometimes difficult to use them uphill or in bumpy areas.  
• Consider the weight limitations of your baby stroller and how long you'll use it. 
• If you have twins, find a stroller with an equal weight limit on both seats. 
• Tune in to the entire episode to know how Melissa and Haleigh describe their favorite strollers in emojis! 

[29:43] Strollers for Airplane 

• Make sure you can fit a full diaper bag in the basket of your travel stroller to keep your hands free.

[33:33] On Running Strollers 

• Running strollers are suitable for everyday use as well as running.
• Consider where you’ll use the stroller and its weight. 
• Use running strollers only when your child has complete head control already. 

Haleigh: “There are strollers that check a lot of boxes, strollers that check various specific boxes, and, ultimately, it comes down to what you want. What feels right for you? What are you happy with? And you go from there.” 

About the Guest

Melissa Kriz is a proud mother of two. She is currently the Director of Marketing at Snuggle Bugz, where she demonstrates her experience in marketing and eCommerce.

Haleigh Ryan is the Social Media Marketing Manager of Snuggle Bugz. She's an experienced traveler who knows how to navigate an airport with a newborn in tow. She flew with her son for the first time at three weeks old! 

Melissa and Haleigh are both passionate about anything baby-related. You can connect with Melissa and Haleigh on LinkedIn if you want to reach out.

Resources

• Clek Liing
• Bugaboo Fox 3 | Bugaboo Donkey 3 | Bugaboo Donkey 5 | Bugaboo Bee | Bugaboo Butterfly
• UPPAbaby VISTA 2 | UPPAbaby CRUZ V2
• Nuna MIXX
• Baby Jogger City Select 2
• Cybex Gazelle
• Peg Perego YPSI 
• Silver Cross Wave | Silver Cross Jet Stroller
• BOB Gear Alterrain Stroller
• Thule Urban Glide
• Medela Breast Pumps
• Find Snuggle Bugz on our website. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, leave us a review. You can also share this with your friends and family. This episode will help you choose the best baby stroller for you and your lifestyle!

Have any questions? You can connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Thanks for tuning in! For more updates, visit our website. You can also listen to more amazing episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Episode Highlights

[01:13] Preparing the Body for Pregnancy

• The preconception period is very optimal.

Dr. Courtney: “Preconception—so the time before you're trying to conceive is so optimal because we can change our health and our future baby's health.”

• Optimize your egg quality, hormones, and overall health.
• You can optimize your health with naturopathic medicine. It combines nutrition with movement, lifestyle, supplements, and herbs.

[02:36] Handle Morning Sickness With Naturopathic Medicine

• Many women experience morning sickness. It can happen in the first and second trimesters.
• Naturopathic medicine can help with morning sickness by reducing nausea and taking the edge off the symptoms.
• Ginger, B6, and acupuncture are three things that can help.
• It’s hard to eat during the first trimester. Simple proteins can keep nausea and mood swings at bay.
• You must get enough complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats on top of having ginger, B6, and other supplements.

[04:09] On Prenatal Vitamins

• Naturopathic medicine is not only about supporting people with their symptoms but also about education.
• Prenatal vitamins are not all the same. Some have more non-medical than medical ingredients.
• Stay away from supplements with a long list of food colouring, corn starch, sugar, and other sketchy ingredients.
• Find prenatal supplements that have more absorbable forms of vitamins. For instance, methylfolate, B12, magnesium, and iron may be more bio-available to the body.
• 60% of women can have a methylation mutation and can’t absorb folic acid as well as they can methylate folate.

[06:51] Getting the Support of a Naturopath

• Instagram is a powerful platform. It allows people to share information about ways to support pregnancy.
• Collaborations with midwives and OBs are significant.

Dr. Courtney: “If you're not getting necessarily what you need from your medical provider, there's definitely someone who will advocate for you. It’s just it can be a little bit of finding them, which is the hard part.”

• Courtney tries to work with local birth providers, so they know the services she provides.
• Naturopathic medicine is recognized as a way to support, advocate, and find something that works for people.

[09:30] Why a Balanced Diet and Nutrition is Important During Pregnancy

• The first trimester must involve optimizing the diet by adding more protein, fats, and fiber that can don't exacerbate morning sickness.
• Food and sleep are foundational for setting up the rest of the pregnancy and postpartum.
• Gaining the nutrition values in preconception or early pregnancy will make you feel confident and encouraged in the postpartum stage.
• It’s best to work with a nutritionist or a naturopathic doctor who focuses on nutrition.
• You can find good healthy fat and fiber-rich snacks that can help ensure you're getting adequate nutrition instead of restricting anything.

[12:00] Exercising in the First Trimester

• Every person is different. You can try to continue what you've been doing during preconception.
• Jumping into a new exercise program, like CrossFit, in the first trimester is not ideal.
• Movement is essential, but it's critical to go easy during the first trimester. You can explore yoga, stretching, walking, hiking, or swimming.
• The second and third trimester is when you can find a movement technique that will work for you.
• You don't have to do your chosen activity every day; it can be a couple of days a week.

[14:11] Natural Ways to Induce Labor

• Many naturopathic medicines and modalities can help induce labour naturally. Dr. Courney usually starts working with midwives around the 30 to 34-week mark.
• Red raspberry leaf tea can help prepare the uterus and prevent labour complications. It's rich in magnesium, potassium, iron, and phosphorus.
• Another big thing is acupuncture. Specific acupuncture points can help soften the cervix, help tone the uterus, and engage the baby.
• You can also do things at home like exercise balls, movement, walking, stairs, and primrose oil combined with intercourse.
• Pelvic floor physiologists can give individualized movement plans for specific patients.

[18:17] Acupuncture and Flipping Breech Babies

• Dr. Courtney used to work at a clinic with an 85% success rate with flipping breech babies.
• Combining acupuncture with moxa increases the success rate up to 70% for flipping breech babies naturally.
• The earlier you know the baby is in a breech position, the better. It can be around the 36 to 37-week mark.
• Studies show that you can still flip the baby and have vaginal births at the 39-week mark.

[20:33] Preparing for the Changes in the Fourth Trimester

• Try to seek out positive birthing experiences to lessen the fear and anxiety, especially if you're a first-time mom.
• Dr. Courtney recommends reading the book Ina May's Spiritual Guide to Childbirth.
• Prepare for what will happen postpartum and how to get physical and mental support.
• Focus on eating nutritious foods and recovering from vaginal birth. Tune in to the episode to learn more!
• Set up your team with a pelvic floor physiologist and a lactation consultant if you need them.

[25:19] Postpartum Healing

• A woman undergoes tons of bloodwork and assessments during the fertility stage and more testing in the first, second, and third trimesters on top of labour.
• Low iron correlates with low energy and hair loss, while a bad thyroid may cause postpartum anxiety and depression.
• Ferritin levels in pregnancy are usually low and carried forward in postpartum. It's where the importance of proper nutrition and vitamins D and B12 comes in.
• Bloodwork gives us a big glimpse into someone’s health.
• For nutrition, it's helpful to have bone broths and stews, quinoas, nuts, seeds, and energy balls on hand.

[29:06] Dr. Courtney's Final Advice

• Get support from a professional team that can resonate with and has your back at all stages of your pregnancy journey.

Dr. Courtney: “Getting yourself set up with someone if you have the means, I think, is so important. It doesn't actually have to be a naturopath—it can be a pelvic floor physio, a psychotherapist, even a chiropractor, or someone again who just knows your story, knows your journey, and knows you and what you want, and can support you no matter what.”

About Dr. Courtney

Dr. Courtney Clayson-Russell is a naturopathic doctor, birth doula, and entrepreneur. Courtney has a special focus on women's health, particularly fertility and pre/postnatal care, and is sensitive to the unique challenges women face today. Specifically, she specializes in nutrition, supplementation, botanical medicine, acupuncture, and physical therapy. She is also the creator of Well Baked Box and Fecunditas Fertility.

If you want to know more about Dr. Courtney and her work, you can connect with her on her website or on Instagram.

Resources

• Shop at Canada’s Baby Store, Snuggle Bugz
• Medela
• Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May
• 40 Weeks to Forever Season 1, Episode 1: Delivery, Doulas, and Diapers [for Mom]
• Connect with Dr. Courtney: Website | Instagram

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, leave us a review. You can also share this with your friends and family. This episode will help mommies optimize their health and prepare for all stages of pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, nutrition is a paramount concern — naturopathic supplements may be what you need for a healthy pregnancy!

Have any questions? You can connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Thanks for tuning in! For more updates, visit our website. You can also listen to more amazing episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Episode Highlights

[01:50] Parenthood and Spousal Relationship

• Research has shown that marital satisfaction decreases after three years of marriage. 
• Priorities and demands have changed, and your attention moves to your dependent new little being. 
• There must be intentionality in building connection and intimacy in the relationship during this time.
• Sit with your partner and talk about the small things you do together. Then, incorporate these rituals into your daily routine. 

[03:51] Respecting the Differences in Parenting Experience 

• Always ask yourself, 'Would you speak to your friend or co-worker the way you speak to your partner?'
• Dr. Tracy emphasizes the importance of having compassion for each other. Give your partner the same kindness you give yourself and other people. 
• Both your parenting experiences are dynamic and natural. Never tell your partner that they never help out.

Dr. Tracy: "It's also important to recognize that when it comes to [parenthood], it's not going to be equal between you and your partner, but you need to find a way to find what feels fair."

• Acknowledge that your partner’s experience of the world is different from yours. 
• Be sure to vocalize your concerns to understand your parenting experience better. 

[07:24] Dealing with Resentment 

• Feeling resentment means that you or your partner has unmet needs. 
• It is crucial to address resentment because it can slowly erode the health of your relationship. 
• Motherhood can be overwhelming — especially when you’re not communicating with your partner and don’t have an agreement regarding your plans. 
• Communication is important. You have to have an agreement and plan with your partner. 

[11:29] Effectively Communicating Your Needs 

• Relationships have complex dynamics because of differences in upbringing, experience, and culture.
• Have a values-based conversation with your partner and discuss the values you want for your family. 
• Do not carry the mental load. Instead, be fair and onboard your partner.  
• According to Dr. Tracy, sitting shoulder to shoulder instead of across each other can help foster communication. This position makes your partner feel you are working together.
• Celebrate your partner. Remember not to put the blame. Instead, make a plan and decide how to move forward together. 

[14:22] Eve Rodsky’s CPE Method

• Eve Rodsky, in her book Fair Play, shares a system for people looking to couples looking to find balance in their domestic life. 
• In dealing with partner issues, Eve recommends the CPE method: conceptualization, planning, and execution. 
• Resentment often builds up in women when they feel their partners only execute tasks instead of completing them.
• Learn to step back and trust that your partner will fulfill their roles and complete their tasks.

Dr. Tracy: "[If I] over-function, the only space that is left for my partner is to under-function. And if I step back, then that means he's going to learn and grow. So, I don't have to carry all of it. And on top of that, then he gets to build the relationship with our kids."

[20:04] Supporting Your Partner and Child’s Relationship

• Dr. Tracy shares that it is essential to acknowledge that children have different relationships with each parent.
• Understand that it is not going to be perfect all the time, but that is good enough.
• Have a conversation with your partner and identify what matters most for you. Having this kind of conversation is essential, but not in front of your kids. 
• Your children need to see you as a strong parenting team. This will enable them to share feelings and learn boundaries.
• Let your partner have a unique relationship with your child. Understand that they will learn to develop that with each of you.

[25:01] Understanding Differences in POVs

• Learn each other’s non-negotiables and be in understanding positions. Practice being good listeners. Listen to understand and not argue. 
• Dr. Tracy recommends having a bridge conversation where you see the situation from each other's perspectives or lenses.
• Communication with your partner may not be a one-time conversation. You may have to peel back every layer of the onion.
• Remind yourself that not you won't resolve every relational issue right away. There may be recurring problems that show up repeatedly. 
• Understanding breeds empathy and relationships need more empathy. 

[30:10] Tackling Postpartum Intimacy

• Postpartum intimacy makes mothers desire closeness from their partners. It is a part of birth processing and emotional recovery ⁠— even for non-birthing parents. 
• Do not push for sex if one of you isn’t ready, even if your OB-GYN gives you the clear.
• You will experience many changes in the first few years of parenting. Focus on other ways to build intimacy with your partner. 
• Reassure your partner that they are still your person and that you want to be intimate with them. 
• Have a conversation with your partner about what intimacy can look like — may it be emotional or physical intimacy. Broaden the definition of intimacy in your relationship.  

[34:27] Making Time for Each Other

• Making time for each other is challenging if you have a child interrupting constantly.
• Dr. Tracy shares that it is practical for partners to schedule sex so that you can focus on being intimate.
• It is also vital to have a regularly scheduled time for communication when you can build emotional intimacy.
• The meeting can offer an opportunity to deposit into the Love Bank. Listen to the full episode for what that is and tips for facilitating your conversations!

Dr. Tracy: "It's also about emotional intimacy. Can you and your partner make sure you spend 10 minutes on the couch at least once a week, talking about how grateful you are for each other?"

[40:39] Dr. Tracy's Advice for Parents-To-Be

• Start your communication before the baby arrives. Discuss how you deal with struggles and how each partner can help. 
• Remember that you are both ready for the baby you will have. 
• Learn to trust that challenging moments are going to pass. Take things slowly. 
• Take a lot of pictures in good moments. 

About Dr. Tracy

Dr. Tracy Dagleish, C.Psych is a psychologist from Ottawa, Ontario, with over 15 years of experience working with women and couples. She is also the owner of Integrated Wellness: a mental health clinic that provides assessment and treatment services for various emotional, cognitive, or behavioural issues, as well as couples and sex therapy. 

She hosts 'I’m Not Your Shrink,' a podcast designed for women. Dr. Tracy also contributes to popular media sites, including Motherly HuffingtonPost, PsychCentral, Circle Around, and Bustle. 

If you want to know more about Dr. Tracy and her work, you can connect with her on her website, LinkedIn, or Instagram. 

Resources

• Shop at Canada’s Baby Store, Snuggle Bugz
• Prepare for your baby’s arrival! Shop your baby's needs at Medela.
• Integrated Wellness
• Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much To Do (And More Life to Live) by Eve Rodsky
• Listen to Dr. Tracy's podcast, I’m Not Your Shrink. 
• Sign up for Dr. Tracy's Webinar: Conquer Resentment in Your Relationship
• The Love Bank by Dr. John Gottman

Enjoyed This Episode?

If you did, subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, leave us a review. You can also share this with your friends and family. This episode will help parents practice healthy communication and maintain emotional intimacy even during the stress of parenting.

Have any questions? You can connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Thanks for tuning in! For more updates, visit our website. You can also listen to more amazing episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Episode Highlights

[01:26] Most Obsessed-Over Baby Product

• Melissa spent the most time researching the stroller, car seat, and baby monitor.
• Haleigh was obsessed with searching the car seat, bassinet, baby monitor, baby bath, and mattress.

Melissa: “People think that just because we work in baby, the decisions might be super easy, but actually it's so much harder because we know all the options and all the advantages that different brands and products have and trying to converge all of those best of the best into picking the ultimate solution that works for your family is so difficult whether you work in baby or not.”

[04:28] Top 3 Most Used Products in the First 30 Days

• Haleigh used the BabyBjörn Bouncer and a portable sound machine the most.
• After nine months in the womb, a newborn is still not used to silence, so a sound machine can provide great comfort to the baby.
• Haleigh experienced getting an emergency C-section, and the Skip Hop Diaper Caddy helped move essential items, even when changing floors.

Judith: “We're making this happen because these products exist to help you. They're [not] as crutches or as a hindrance. You get to choose how you want to go about this.”

Haleigh: “I think about it from the baby's perspective, too. They are used to being in the womb. That's all they've ever known so, of course, there's gonna be quite a shock to them coming into the world. As much familiarity as you can provide them with as possible to ease the transition, I was all for it.”

• Don't spend so much money on cute baby outfits since the baby will be in sleepers most of the time.

[11:28] Best Swaddle or Sleep Sack for Newborns

• Melissa and Haleigh recommend the ErgoPouch Cocoons.
• Haleigh used the ErgoPouch Cocoon in the baby's first three months. Once the hands and arms were out, she used the Woolino Sleep Sack and rotated three sleep sacks.
• Get the ErgoPouch Cocoon at 0.2 TOG at cooler temperatures.
• Melissa uses three sleep sacks: one actively used, one in the laundry, and the other one as spare if the first one gets soiled by the baby.

[13:48] Diaper Pails

• Melissa has the Dekor Plus Diaper Pail, which has a convenient foot pedal and a continuous bagging system.
• Haley uses the Munchkin Diaper Pail because it is good at containing the smell and can hold up to 80 diapers.
• The Ubbi Diaper Pail doesn't need a specific diaper bag to go with it — you can even use grocery bags.

[20:13] Baby Monitor

• Haleigh uses the Nanit Baby Monitor, which helps her husband see the baby even when travelling. Its insights can also help parents give the baby a better night's sleep.
• Melissa used the Vtech Baby Monitor because of its handheld device and Wi-Fi. It also has an app that enables her to check her baby even when she’s out.

[24:52] Breast Pumps

• Melissa rarely used the pump with her first son, but it became essential when she had her second baby.
• When the baby was in NICU, Melissa needed to pump both in the hospital and at home. She was glad to have a personal pump in the first few days before seeing the lactation consultant.
• Haleigh's baby liked feeding on the bottle, so she needed to pump out milk for storage.
• Haleigh used the Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump, which was game-changing for her because it's very portable.

[30:32] Top Advice for Transitioning Mothers at Home

• Do not wean yourself off of Tylenol and Advil earlier than is required.
• Melissa relied heavily on her diaper bag while her baby was in the NICU.
• Have a car seat manual ready, so you don't have to rely on a nurse for help. Even if you're exhausted, getting it right the first time is important.

About the Guests

Melissa Kriz is the Director of Marketing at Snuggle Bugz and a proud mother of two. 

Haleigh Ryan is the Social Media Marketing Manager at Snuggle Bugz. She’s happily taking care of her six-month-old baby, which she birthed with an emergency C-section. 

Both moms are passionate about all things baby.

If you want to reach out, you can connect with Melissa and Haleigh on LinkedIn. 

Resources

• Use our 10% off discount code (PODCAST10) when you order online at Snuggle Bugz! Valid until the end of summer.
  • *Ends 08/31/2022. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exclusions apply.
• Get up to $200 of Snuggle Bugz gift cards after completing your baby registry. The registry must have at least 25 items to qualify.
• Get a 10% completion discount at Snuggle Bugz on any items left on your registry.
• Read our complete list of Baby Registry Perks
• BabyBjörn Bouncer
• Skip Hop Diaper Caddies
• 40 Weeks to Forever Episode: Good Night, Sleep Tight!
• ErgoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Bags
• Bugaboo Stardust Play Yard
• Frida Mom Disposable C Section Post-Partum Underwear
• Woolino Sleep Sack
• Diaper Pail 101
• Dekor Plus Diaper Pail 
• Diaper Genie
• Ubbi Diaper Pail
• Keekaroo Peanut Diaper Changer Pad
• Natart Matty Baby Changer 
• Natart Matty Baby Changer vs Keekaroo Peanut Changer
• Nanit Baby Monitor
• How to Install Your Nanit Baby Monitor
• Nanit Pro Complete Baby Monitor Review
• Vtech Baby Monitor
• 10 Items to Keep at the Grandparents’ Place
• Medela Freestyle Flex Double Electric Breast Pump
• Medela Breast Pump Overview
• Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump Product Review
• 40 Weeks to Forever Episode: Car Seat Safety 101 - Protecting Your Precious Cargo
• What to Pack in your Hospital Bag
• Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray
• Bugaboo Stroller
• Baby Jogger Stroller
• Maxi-Cosi Stroller
• mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet
• Upseat
• Baby Jogger City Bistro High Chair

Enjoyed this Episode?

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Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, leave us a review. You can also share this with your friends and family. This episode will help you complete your baby registry!

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Thanks for tuning in! For more updates, visit our website. You can also listen to more amazing episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Episode Highlights

[01:30] Getting Started with Decluttering

• One common reason behind clutter in many homes is the lack of room for organization.
• It’s important to take everything out before putting it all right back. This creates a sense of mental and physical clarity.
• After taking everything out, rebuild the space by only putting in the things that are top priority.
• We have to go back and address the exciting milestones in our lives because these big events usually bring in the clutter.

Megan: “My big advice would be: don’t get in your own way. When you’re ready, you’re ready, but don’t be your own enemy. Get after it, and do it right, and just address the issue, which is usually clutter.”

• Keeping clutter is costing you.

[08:54] How to Store Important Documents

• Get a small bin once you know how much you have and label it.
• We never touch twice much of the paperwork we keep. You can instead scan and access these documents online.
• Designating a place for them helps avoid anxiety and enables you to find things easily.
• Establish organization systems before the baby — or even the next baby — comes.

[11:20] Systems in Diaper Changing and Closet Organizing

• Create a cart containing all the essentials. You can wheel or move this around the house.
• Keeping it simple and only having the essential items make it easier to stay organized.
• It also helps you avoid getting overwhelmed or taking too much time looking for and organizing your things.
• We all have different organizational styles, so the first thing to do is to identify your style.
• Always have a bin in the nursery labelled too small, for donation, or giveaway.

[17:16] How to Organize Baby Clothing

• When you rebuild a room, take everything out and rebuild the space from highest to lowest priority.
• Less is more. You get to enjoy your time with your baby and not waste time managing the things around you.
• When something comes in, another thing has to come out.
• Sometimes it’s easier to declutter while telling your story out loud, which gives you permission to let go of it.

[24:51] Why It’s Hard to Let Go of Things

• It comes from our evolutionary feature as hunters and gatherers, but we no longer live in the wild. Our lifestyles have evolved as well.

Megan: “Sometimes you hear your parents’ voices too, and they were raised a certain way. It’s so ingrained in us, so we almost want to protect them by hanging on to things. But you need to realize you’re your own person, and you are allowed to live the way you want to live, not out of guilt or shame.”

• Many people hang on to things because of perfectionism.
• Some people have made poor purchase decisions, and it’s easier just to keep them than to admit they made a mistake.
• Learn to let go. You can give these things to other people who need it more.
• There is joy in giving.

[29:56] Instilling Good Cleaning Habits in Your Kids

• Parenthood is a new season of life. It’s okay for things to get messy, especially for first-time parents.
• It’s a wild ride, but there are a lot of ways to build good habits in our kids.
• Start teaching them responsibility while they’re still young to help set them up for future success.

[31:44] Toy Rotation

• It can be hard to get rid of kids’ toys.
• Toy rotation is great because it only lets them have a few bins at a time. Megan recommends having a maximum of six bins and putting the rest away for a week or a month.
• This practice helps kids avoid feeling like they’re drowning from their toys during play.
• Having fewer toys or employing toy rotation makes the child more focused, most especially for sensitive children.
• Flip the mindset and dig deep. It won’t be easy or comfortable, but don’t get in your own way. Your kids don’t need all their toys at the same time.

Megan: “Remember that things need to earn the right to be in your lives, whether they're people, whether it's feelings, whether it's friends, whether it's toys. And, it needs to be there for a reason, not just because it showed up in a box and someone gave it to you, and so you feel guilty and you need to keep it.”

About Megan

Megan Golightly is a professional organizer and the Founder of Simplified. Megan believes that if your life is simplified and decluttered, then you can then enjoy the small moments. 

Megan’s interest in home organization has evolved from a lifelong fascination with how our brains work. She has a degree in psychology and an ongoing interest in neuroscience.

If you want to know more about Megan and her work, you can connect with her on her website or on Instagram.

Resources

• Shop at Canada’s Baby Store, Snuggle Bugz
• Medela Breast Pump
• Learning Centre Articles
• Simplified’s How-to Guides
• Sarah Landry of The Birds Papaya
• Jillian Harris
• Connect with Megan: Go Simplified

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, leave us a review. You can also share this with your friends and family. This episode will help mommies declutter their homes as they prepare for a new baby.

Have any questions? You can connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Thanks for tuning in! For more updates, visit our website. You can also listen to more amazing episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Episode Highlights

[01:46] Foods to Eat When You’re Nauseous

• Change your mindset around food and know that any food will give you energy, macronutrients, protein, fat, and carbs — which you and your baby need.
• When you’re pregnant, your blood sugar gets out of whack.
• Keep your blood sugar steady by eating protein as much as possible.
• When you wake up, stay in bed for 15 minutes and eat something rich in protein.

[06:01] What’s For Lunch and Dinner?

• Base your lunch, snack, or dinner around protein.
• Some protein-rich foods are peanut butter, almond butter, cheese, or seeds.
• If you feel an aversion to vegetables, you can still get the core nutrients from vegetables by eating fruits!

[08:43] Getting Back to Healthy Eating

• Don’t pressure yourself to eat healthy.
• In creating an effective pregnancy diet plan, keep your meals the same and add one or two things to that meal.
• Even if you’re not eating the most nutritious foods in the first trimester, your body has nutrients stored from before you were pregnant.

Lindsay: “... your body is so ready for this pregnancy journey. And even if you’re not eating the most nutritious foods in the first trimester, your body has nutrients stored up all over your body from the foods that you ate before you were pregnant. So those nutrients will start to be pulled into the placenta to be delivered to baby so that those key nutrients for growth and development can be met. So your body is really smart and is helping you out during that time.”

[11:03] Foods to Avoid

• Understand the risks of not eating certain foods.
• Consider your feelings around those risks since we have different risk tolerance.
• Think about how you can lower the risks.
• Look at policy changes around food safety and management.

Lindsay: “Nothing we can do will bring our risk down to zero, but it can almost bring our risk down to the same level of risk we get while eating any food because there is inherent risk of foodborne illness on even the safest foods that we have available to us in the grocery store.”

[16:11] Spilling the Coffee on Caffeine

• Pregnant women can have 200mg of caffeine per day.
• Be careful just before pregnancy and in the first semester due to the risk of miscarriage.
• Figure out how much caffeine you have throughout the day.

[20:10] Producing More Milk

• Calories and water are the things that contribute most to milk supply.
• Have a well-balanced diet and stay properly hydrated.
• Weigh the pros and cons of the culinary foods that might be galactagogues; even if they don’t contribute directly to milk production, they may still be beneficial.

[24:21] Quick, Healthy Snacks

• Eating well is important for your physical and mental health.
• In your pregnancy diet plan, pack anything you can with nut butters, seeds, oats, and dates.
• You can stock up on sweet snacks, such as granola bars, as well as savory snacks, such as egg muffins and meatballs.
• Prepare snacks to keep in the freezer for the seventh and eighth months.
• Keep in mind that you might feel more hungry, and hunger may come at random times.

[31:37] The Food Doula Cookbook

• Many people feel confused about food and nutrition during pregnancy.
• The Food Doula Cookbook contains a hundred recipes designed to make it way easier to eat during the whole pregnancy journey.
• It also tackles the different struggles and how to overcome them.
• Her favorite recipe is the Golden Mama Healing Stew.

[31:37] Taking Baby Steps

• During postpartum, food and nutrition become harder.
• Meet yourself where you’re at and take small steps towards eating healthier.

Lindsay: “It doesn’t need to be all or nothing. One small step to improve your nutrition to eat more, to eat better, to start to live that and feel the consequences of it, the benefits of it, because there’s nothing more motivating than seeing the difference in your life.”

About Lindsay

Lindsay Taylor is a pre & postnatal nutrition expert, health researcher, and doula who supports pregnant women to get confidently nourished before, during, and after pregnancy.

She is the author of The Food Doula Cookbook, which contains easy, delicious recipes for preconception, all three trimesters, and postpartum. She believes that we deserve to feel good and eat the food we love throughout our pregnancy journey.

If you want to know more about Lindsay and her work, you can connect with her on Instagram!

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, leave us a review. You can also share this with your friends and family. This episode will help aspiring and soon-to-be parents become more informed about staying healthy during and after their pregnancy.

Have any questions? You can connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, or shop with us online at snugglebuz.ca. 

• 0:48-Mom Montage | reflections on meeting baby for the first time
• 2:44- The reality around meeting baby and bonding with them for the first time 
  -expectations vs. reality 
  -1/3 of birthing parents deal with birth trauma 
  - the parent-child attachment bond is critical for social, emotional, and cognitive development
  -does not rest on any specific moment in time or one singular experience [including the birthing moment]
• 6:46 – We create and cultivate secure attachment beyond that first meeting moment by using the 3 R’s
  1. Reflection- using narration
  2. Responding [sensitively]
  3. Rupture & Repair
• 11:35- Why we should strive to embrace the messy and to be okay with a relationship rupture
  -children learn to trust through rupture and repair
  -we are teaching them to learn that we can move from a negative to a positive
  -we are teaching them emotion regulation 
  -they are learning about resilience because they didn’t feel alone as you helped them through these emotions
• 15:47- Our children are hardwired from birth to seek the responses they need 
  -the child plays a role in the relationship
  -it takes 2 to tango
• 19:09 – Daycare separation and the want and desire to be with your child for every “first” moment
  -the key to a secure attachment is proximity in order to explore
• 22:35- Does perfect parenting actually exist?
  -The notions of “reparenting” and becoming conscious of how you were raised 
  -Ask yourself, what did I need growing up that I did not receive?
• 25:21 – Self-Compassion 101
  -use your inner voice to encourage and lift yourself up not to be a critic 
  -speak to yourself the way you speak to your children
• 29:58– The importance of boundaries and limit setting with our children
• 32:20 – Why we should stop striving for perfection
  -It’s okay to step on toes as you navigate parenthood
  -Advocate for yourself as a parent 
  -The hardest part of the identity shake-up of Motherhood is learning to find your voice
• 34:55- Confidence Corner 
  Product 1: ERGObaby Embrace Carrier 
  Product 2: Stokke Tripp Trapp Complete +  Newborn Set 
  Haleigh’s Baby Registry Product Picks 
  Top Carriers of 2021
  StokkeTripp Trapp Product Review
   

About our Guest 
Dr. Tanya Cotler is a Clinical Psychologist, author, and speaker who specializes in reproductive mental health, infant mental health, and parent-child attachment. 
Through nearly 20 years of clinical and research experience, Dr. Cotler has honed her particular interest in the emotional bond between parent and child – including how it is formed and the role it plays in lifelong capacities for emotion regulation, empathy, and social-emotional development.

Connect 
@drcotler 
tanyacotlerphd.com 

Learn More 
@snugglebugzbaby
snugglebugz.ca