Ask the Doulas Podcast

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After fourteen years of supporting families as a doula and experiencing motherhood herself, Kristin Revere has learned that some things you just can’t fully understand until you’ve been through them.

In this solo episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin shares what she wishes more expecting parents knew about birth, postpartum, relationships, and those early days with a new baby. She talks about why you can prepare for birth without being able to control the outcome, why having an involved partner makes such a difference, and why accepting help is not a sign of failure.

Kristin also shares her thoughts on setting boundaries with family, navigating the overwhelming amount of advice available online, and giving yourself time to recover and adjust to life with a baby. These conversations are at the heart of her work with families and her book, Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby, co-authored with Alyssa Veneklase.

You don’t have to love every minute, and you don’t have to do it all on your own. There is no prize for doing postpartum alone, and your well-being matters just as much as your baby’s.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Expecting a baby or preparing to welcome another little one? Tune in to this episode of Ask the Doulas for an honest conversation about what to expect, what you can let go of, and how to give yourself more grace during the transition to parenthood. Kristin’s years of experience supporting families offer a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out, and you deserve support, too. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

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High blood pressure during pregnancy can be concerning, particularly when it develops into gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. But what role can nutrition play in supporting maternal health?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere talks with registered dietitian and nutrition expert Lily Nichols about nutrition, hypertension, and preeclampsia during pregnancy. They discuss the connection between nutrition and blood pressure, important nutrients during pregnancy, blood sugar regulation, hydration, and practical ways to build balanced meals.

Lily also shares an evidence-informed perspective on what nutrition can and cannot do when blood pressure becomes a concern, and why understanding the difference between supporting your health through nutrition and treating a medical condition is so important.

Whether you are preparing for pregnancy, currently pregnant, or have questions about gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, this conversation offers practical information to help you feel more informed about nutrition and maternal health.

High blood pressure and symptoms of preeclampsia during pregnancy should always be discussed with your healthcare provider. Nutrition is one part of comprehensive prenatal care and does not replace medical evaluation, monitoring, or treatment.

Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based prenatal nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and sensible. She is the founder of the Institute for Prenatal Nutrition® and the author of three books: Real Food for Fertility (co-authored with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack), Real Food for Pregnancy, and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. 

Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

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What should you know when preparing for a C-section? Whether you are planning a cesarean birth or facing an unexpected C-section during labor, knowing what to expect before, during, and after surgery can help you feel more informed and prepared for birth and postpartum recovery.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere discusses cesarean birth preparation, including what happens in the operating room, how to create a gentle or family-centered cesarean plan, skin-to-skin after a C-section, and ways partners and doulas can support families during birth.

We also talk about C-section recovery, including the physical and emotional aspects of postpartum healing, what support can be helpful during the early weeks, and why recovery after a cesarean can look different from recovery after a vaginal birth.

Kristin also explains VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean, and some of the questions families may want to discuss with their healthcare provider when considering a VBAC or repeat cesarean.

Gold Coast Doulas has completed Operating Room Trainings at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Trinity Health Muskegon, and Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. This training helps the team understand hospital operating room procedures and how doulas can support families during both planned and unplanned cesarean births.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, you’ll learn:

• Preparing for a planned or unplanned C-section
• Gentle and family-centered cesarean options
• Skin-to-skin after a C-section
• Partner and doula support during cesarean birth
• What to expect during C-section recovery
• VBAC and repeat cesarean considerations

Whether you are preparing for a C-section, considering a VBAC, creating a gentle cesarean birth plan, or looking for information about cesarean recovery, this episode offers practical information to help you understand your options and plan for the experience.

Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

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How can you keep your baby or toddler safe in a shopping cart? In honor of Infant Safety Month, Kristin Revere talks with Simon Hardie, Vice President of SafeStrap, about shopping cart safety and child safety and the simple steps parents and caregivers can take to prevent shopping cart falls and injuries.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we discuss baby shopping cart safety, toddler safety, shopping cart accidents, safety restraints, and common mistakes parents make when putting young children in shopping carts. Simon shares practical guidance on using safety restraints correctly, supervising children while shopping, and creating safer shopping routines for families.

We also talk about how retailers can help create safer shopping environments for families and what parents should know before their next trip to the grocery store, Target, or other retailers.

If you have a baby or toddler, this conversation is packed with practical infant and child safety tips you can put into practice right away.

In this episode, we cover:

• Shopping cart safety for babies and toddlers
• How shopping cart falls and injuries happen
• Proper use of shopping cart safety restraints
• Common shopping cart safety mistakes
• Infant and toddler supervision while shopping
• How retailers can improve child safety
• Practical baby safety tips for everyday life
• Why shopping cart safety deserves more attention during Infant Safety Month

This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off.

Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

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How often should you bathe a newborn? What is the safest water temperature for a baby? What products are best for sensitive newborn skin? And which ingredients should parents look for when choosing baby bath and skincare products?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere talks with Stephanie Ross Leshney, founder of Dabble & Dollop, about newborn bath safety, baby bath products, newborn skin care, and creating a safe and enjoyable bath routine.

Stephanie shares practical tips for bathing a newborn, including water temperature, bath frequency, preventing slips and falls, caring for delicate baby skin, and choosing gentle personal care products. They also discuss common ingredients found in baby bath products and what parents should know when reading ingredient labels.

Stephanie dreamed up Dabble & Dollop as a way to capture the magic, experimentation, and imagination of childhood. Founded in 2019, Dabble & Dollop creates play-inspired bath products made with minimalistic, worry-free natural ingredients. The products are now available at Target and Walmart.

Stephanie brings decades of cosmetics and personal care ingredient expertise to the conversation. She is a two-time E&Y Los Angeles Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist, wife, and mom to three children.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, you’ll learn:

• How to bathe a newborn safely and prevent slips and falls
• How often you should bathe a newborn
• The safest water temperature for a baby bath
• How to care for sensitive newborn skin
• What to look for in baby bath and skincare products
• How to understand ingredients on baby personal care product labels

Whether you are pregnant, preparing for your baby's arrival, or navigating the first few months of newborn life, this episode offers helpful newborn care and baby bath safety tips to make bath time safer, simpler, and more enjoyable.

This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off.

Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

Send us Fan Mail

How do you stay connected to your partner after having a baby and make your relationship a priority when life gets busy? Pregnancy, new parenthood, and other demanding seasons of life can make it easy for couples to put their relationship on the back burner.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere talks with Janelle Langford LeConte, founder of Matrimo, about why your relationship deserves to be a priority, and how intentional connection can support couples through busy times.

Janelle shares practical ways to strengthen your relationship, reconnect before you reach a crisis point, and build habits that support a healthy partnership. We talk about the importance of relationship wellness pillars, how to stay connected when life gets demanding, and why waiting until something feels broken can make reconnecting much harder.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to make your relationship a priority after having a baby
• Practical ways to stay connected as new parents
• How relationship wellness can support a healthy partnership
• Ways to reconnect before your relationship reaches a crisis point
• How to maintain connection and communication during demanding seasons of life

Whether you are preparing for a baby, navigating new parenthood, or simply want to be more intentional in your relationship, this conversation offers meaningful reminders and actionable strategies for making your partnership a priority.

Listen in for an honest conversation about connection, communication, relationship wellness, and creating a stronger foundation together.

This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off.

Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

Send us Fan Mail

How do you choose the right car seat and make sure it is installed correctly? Car seat safety and proper car seat installation are essential when preparing for a new baby, but knowing which seat to choose, how to fit the harness, and when to transition to the next stage can be confusing. In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere talks with Kristin Morter, a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) with Gold Coast Doulas, about everything parents need to know about car seat safety and proper car seat installation.

From choosing a newborn car seat to understanding rear-facing and forward-facing recommendations, Kristin shares practical guidance to help parents feel more confident about keeping their babies and children safe in the car.

They discuss how to choose a car seat that works for your child and vehicle, proper installation, harness fit, common car seat mistakes, car seat expiration dates, and when children are ready to transition to the next stage. They also talk about car seat safety for grandparents, caregivers, and anyone else who regularly transports your child.

Whether you're pregnant and preparing for your baby's first ride home from the hospital, a new parent installing an infant car seat for the first time, or a parent wondering if your child's current car seat is still the right fit, this episode offers practical, judgment-free car seat safety information.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Car seat safety for newborns, infants, and young children
• How to choose the right car seat for your child and vehicle
• Proper car seat installation
• Harness fit and positioning
• Rear-facing and forward-facing car seat safety
• Common car seat installation mistakes
• When to transition to a new car seat or booster seat
• Car seat safety tips for grandparents and caregivers
• The benefits of working with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST)

Gold Coast Doulas offers car seat safety services in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, including personalized education and guidance to help families feel confident using their car seats correctly. Learn more about car seat safety services with Kristin Morter at https://www.goldcoastdoulas.com/car-seat-safety/.

Sponsored by Savvy Rest: Create a more natural and comfortable sleep environment for your family with Savvy Rest natural mattresses and bedding. Save 20% with code GOLDCOAST.

Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

Send us Fan Mail

What do parents need to feel informed, supported, and empowered through pregnancy, birth, and the early years of parenthood?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re joined by Heidi Murkoff, bestselling author of the What to Expect books, creator of the What to Expect app, and founder of the What to Expect Project. Heidi has spent decades helping parents navigate pregnancy and parenthood, and her work has grown far beyond the books that became a trusted resource for millions of families.

We talk about the importance of advocating for parents and families, the unique needs of military families, and why supporting dads and partners needs to be part of the conversation. Heidi shares her perspective on making reliable information and meaningful support more accessible, while also discussing the real-world challenges families face today.

We also dive into Bump Day, the What to Expect Project, and the importance of creating stronger communities around parents. From pregnancy and birth to fatherhood, military life, advocacy, and everything in between, this conversation is about what families need to feel informed, supported, and empowered.

What we cover:

• How to advocate for parents and families during pregnancy and parenthood
• Making reliable pregnancy and parenting information more accessible
• The unique needs of military families and the importance of family support
• Why dads and partners need to be included in conversations about pregnancy and parenting
• Building stronger communities and support systems for parents
• The challenges families face from pregnancy and birth through the early years of parenthood

Whether you grew up reading What to Expect When You’re Expecting, are preparing to become a parent, or simply care about improving the experience of parenthood for families, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off.

Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

Send us Fan Mail

Who has access to IVF and fertility treatment, and what factors shape the ability to use reproductive technology to build a family? As fertility technology continues to evolve, questions about equality are becoming increasingly important for people exploring their paths to parenthood.  On this episode of Ask the Doulas, we speak with Professor Leonard M. Lopoo, author of Wanting Children, about the intersection of fertility, technology, economics, and inequality.

We explore how IVF and other reproductive technologies are increasingly shaping who can become a parent, why access is far from equal, and how income, race, geography, insurance coverage, and social policies can influence fertility outcomes. Professor Lopoo also shares insights from his research on Americans' changing attitudes and experiences around having children.

This thoughtful conversation looks beyond the technology itself to ask a bigger question: What happens when the ability to build a family depends on who can afford the opportunity?

We'll cover:

• Why access to IVF and fertility treatment is not equal for all prospective parents
• How income and the cost of fertility care can affect family-building options
• How insurance coverage and geography can influence access to reproductive technology
• What changing attitudes toward having children can tell us about parenthood in America
• Why fertility technology raises broader questions about inequality and the future of parenthood

If you are navigating fertility treatment, considering your options, or interested in the larger social and economic forces shaping parenthood today, this episode offers an important perspective on the future of family building.

Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

Send us Fan Mail

What should you eat during pregnancy when you are tired, busy, dealing with food aversions, or simply trying to make it through the day? In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere sits down with Nina Spears, founder and CEO of Baby Chick®, to talk about realistic, practical nourishment during pregnancy and the postpartum recovery period.

Nina shares some of the key nutrients that are especially important during pregnancy, why they matter for both mom and baby, and simple foods that can help support those nutritional needs without making meals feel overwhelming. They also talk about the often-overlooked importance of postpartum nourishment and how eating well after birth can help mothers feel more replenished, supported, and cared for during recovery.

Nina Spears is a certified baby planner, birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator, newborn care specialist, infant massage instructor, and perinatal nutrition expert with more than 15 years of experience supporting families. She is the founder and CEO of Baby Chick®, host of Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast, and author of The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy.

You’ll learn:

• Which key nutrients are important during pregnancy and why they matter
• Simple foods that can help support pregnancy nutrition when you are tired or busy
• Practical ways to eat well when pregnancy food aversions make meals more difficult
• How to make healthy eating during pregnancy feel realistic rather than overwhelming
• Why postpartum nourishment is an important part of postpartum recovery
• Practical ways to prioritize food and nourishment after giving birth
• How partners, family members, and others can support a mother’s nutritional needs during pregnancy and postpartum

Whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or supporting someone through this season, this conversation offers approachable ideas for making nourishment feel a little more realistic and a lot more supportive.

This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off.

Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.