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What should you pack in your hospital bag for labor, delivery, postpartum recovery, and your baby? If you are searching for a hospital bag checklist, it can be difficult to know which essentials you really need and what you can leave at home.

In this solo episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere shares her guidance on what to pack in a hospital bag for birth and postpartum recovery. She covers hospital bag essentials for birthing parents, partners, and newborns, including labor comfort items, postpartum supplies, baby necessities, and common items that may not be worth packing.

You'll learn:

• When to start packing your hospital bag and how to prepare before your due date

• What to pack for labor, including useful comfort items for the hospital

• Postpartum recovery essentials to bring for your hospital stay

• What partners should pack and bring to the hospital

• Newborn hospital bag essentials and which baby items you may not need

• Common hospital bag packing mistakes and how to avoid overpacking

• Practical hospital bag tips from experienced doulas who have supported hundreds of births

Whether you're preparing for a hospital birth, induction, or scheduled cesarean, this episode will help you create a practical hospital bag checklist for labor, postpartum recovery, and your newborn.

🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, first-time parents, partners, doulas, and anyone preparing for labor, birth, a hospital stay, and postpartum recovery.

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 Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Measles outbreaks and vaccine protection are becoming a growing concern for parents as cases rise again across the U.S. What do families actually need to know, and what steps are recommended if exposure happens?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin sits down with Dr. Michael T. Myers Jr., a pediatrician with more than 35 years of experience in pediatrics, public health, and healthcare consulting, and former Chief of Primary Care, Pediatrics, and Practice Transformation at Summit Health New Jersey, to break down what parents need to know about current measles outbreaks, vaccine protection, and practical steps for protecting children.

We dive into:
 • What parents should know about current measles outbreaks in the U.S.
 • How measles vaccine protection works and what it means for children
 • What's recommended if your child is exposed to measles
 • How misinformation affects family health decisions
 • Why conversations with your pediatric provider are especially important right now

This conversation helps parents cut through fear and confusion so they can focus on clear, practical information about measles risk and child health.

🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, families with young children, and anyone wanting to stay informed about current pediatric health concerns.

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 Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Baby soothing techniques, newborn sleep help, and how to calm a crying baby are some of the most searched concerns for new parents in the early postpartum weeks. But what actually works when your baby is inconsolable and sleep feels impossible?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere is joined by Dr. Harvey Karp, renowned pediatrician, bestselling author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, and founder and CEO of Happiest Baby, to share practical, science-backed strategies for soothing fussy babies, improving infant sleep, and building confidence during those exhausting newborn weeks.

We dive into:

• Why babies cry and how to respond effectively
• The science behind soothing techniques and infant sleep
• How the "5 S's" can calm newborns quickly
• Safe sleep recommendations every parent should know
• How calming strategies support parental confidence and mental health

Whether you're preparing for baby's arrival or navigating sleepless nights right now, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help your whole family rest easier.

🎧 Perfect for expectant parents, new parents, doulas, and anyone supporting families through the newborn stage.

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 Kristin Revere's birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Sleep deprivation, postpartum mental health, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are often dismissed as a normal part of new parenthood, but chronic exhaustion can affect the brain and body in ways that go well beyond tiredness.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we're joined by Mariana Yancik of Gold Coast Doulas to explore the connection between sleep deprivation and PMADs, and how this affects parents during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

We dive into:

• How sleep deprivation can contribute to postpartum depression, anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout
• What chronic exhaustion actually does to the brain and body in the perinatal period
• How to tell the difference between normal fatigue and something more serious
• Common misconceptions about infant sleep and realistic parental sleep expectations
• How support systems and personalised sleep guidance can protect mental health

Whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or supporting families professionally, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-informed insight into one of the biggest challenges of early parenthood.

🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, new parents, and birth professionals supporting families through postpartum mental health challenges.

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 Kristin Revere's birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Postpartum recovery and fourth trimester support are often the most overwhelming parts of having a baby, especially when families are sent home from the hospital without a clear roadmap for what comes next. But what actually happens during this transition, and why do so many parents feel unprepared?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere is joined by Ciara Lyons, MSN, RN, PHN, to explore the physical, emotional, and mental transition into postpartum life and the gaps many families experience in standard postpartum care.

We dive into:

• The physical, emotional, and mental changes in the postpartum period

• Why many families feel unprepared after hospital discharge

• Gaps in postpartum care and support systems

• What recovery and healing can look like in the fourth trimester

• How to build stronger support for the postpartum transition

Whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or supporting someone after birth, this conversation helps you better understand what to expect and how to feel more supported in the early weeks at home.

🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, new parents, doulas, and anyone preparing for postpartum recovery and fourth trimester care.

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 Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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The cost of having a baby, from pregnancy and birth to postpartum care, adds up faster than most families expect. And even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can catch you off guard.

In this solo episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere of Gold Coast Doulas breaks down what families should realistically budget for during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, including both expected costs and the ones nobody warns you about.

We dive into:

• How to prioritize spending across pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
• How to build a realistic baby budget without overwhelm
• Deciding where to invest (and where to save) 
• Common unexpected costs new parents don't always plan for
• How planning ahead reduces financial stress during pregnancy and postpartum

Whether you're newly pregnant or preparing ahead, this episode helps you approach baby planning with clarity, not financial stress.

🎧 Perfect for expecting parents and families planning for pregnancy, birth, and life with a newborn.

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 Kristin Revere's birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Newborn sleep is unpredictable, frequent wake-ups are normal, and exhaustion in those early weeks is common. The key is understanding what newborn sleep actually looks like, and how to work with it rather than against it.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas podcast, we’re joined by certified sleep consultant Mariana Yancik of Gold Coast Doulas to explore what newborn sleep really looks like and how parents can set realistic expectations during the early months.

We dive into:

• What is normal for newborn sleep and frequent wake-ups

• How to set realistic expectations for early postpartum sleep

• Common mistakes new parents make with sleep

• How to create a calm and supportive sleep environment

• When it may be helpful to seek sleep consultation support

This conversation helps parents understand newborn sleep patterns so they can feel more confident navigating rest, recovery, and day-to-day rhythms in the fourth trimester.

🎧 Perfect for expecting parents and new parents navigating newborn sleep and early postpartum recovery.

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 Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Daycare sleep problems are one of the most common challenges parents face, especially when baby and toddler naps suddenly become inconsistent outside the home. But what’s actually driving these changes, and how can parents approach it?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re joined by certified pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, founder of Sleep and Wellness Coach, who has supported over 1,000 families in improving baby and toddler sleep and navigating daycare sleep transitions.

We dive into:
 • Why babies and toddlers sleep differently at daycare vs at home
 • How structure, routine, and peer environment impact naps
 • How to prepare your baby before starting daycare
 • How to talk with caregivers about sleep routines and expectations
 • What to do when daycare naps are inconsistent or fall apart

Whether you're just starting daycare or trying to stabilise sleep after the transition, this conversation helps you feel more confident supporting your child’s sleep in real-world childcare settings.

🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, working parents, and families navigating daycare sleep challenges with babies and toddlers.

This Mother's Day, give the gift that shows up every single night. Head to
cozyearth.com and use my code GOLDCOASTBOGO for an exclusive Buy One, Give One offer running from April 12th to April 18th on sheet sets, and if you get a post-purchase survey, mention you heard about Cozy Earth here. This offer can't be combined with other discounts.

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

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Birth center access, midwifery care in the US, and finding birth center options are becoming increasingly important for families trying to navigate maternity care. But why is access still so limited, and what is being done to change it?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re joined by Lauren McCullough, labor and delivery nurse turned birth center strategist and founder behind national initiatives advancing midwifery-led care and improving maternal health systems across the United States.

We dive into:
 • The vision behind the National Birth Center Directory and how it improves access to birth center care
 • What March for Midwives is and its role in supporting midwifery advocacy
 • What families should understand when exploring birth center options
 • The challenges and realities of launching and supporting birth centers nationwide
 • How advocacy and community-driven care models are shaping maternal health in the US

Whether you're expecting, working in birth support, or interested in how maternity care systems are evolving, this conversation helps you understand the movement behind expanding birth center and midwifery care access.

🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, doulas, midwives, and birth workers interested in birth center care and maternal health advocacy.

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 Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Bringing a dog and newborn home together, preparing your dog for a baby, and managing pet behaviour after birth are some of the biggest concerns for expecting parents. But how do you actually make that transition safe, calm, and predictable when emotions, routines, and attention all change at once?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re joined by Dominika Knossalla-Pado, certified dog trainer and founder of Dog Meets Baby, to talk about how families can safely prepare their dog for life with a newborn and set up positive early introductions between dogs and babies.

We dive into:
 • How to prepare your dog before baby arrives
 • What a safe first introduction between dog and baby looks like
 • Common mistakes families make when bringing baby home to a dog
 • How to read dog body language and stress signals
 • How doulas can support families with pets during the postpartum transition

Whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or supporting families as a birth and baby professional, this episode helps you feel more confident navigating life with both a baby and a dog at home.

🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, new families, and birth and baby professionals looking to support safe dog and baby introductions.

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 Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas