Baby Steps Podcast

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Chrissy—a pediatric sleep consultant, licensed marriage and family therapist, and mom of four—for a practical, honest, and deeply reassuring conversation about baby sleep and the realities of early parenthood. From the shock of newborn sleep deprivation to the emotional toll it takes on parents, Chrissy breaks down what’s normal, what’s not, and how families can find a path to better sleep without guilt or unrealistic expectations.

She explains why babies aren’t biologically wired to sleep well at first, how sleep deprivation impacts mental health and relationships, and why so many parents feel like they’re failing when they’re actually doing just fine. Chrissy also shares her approach to sleep training—including her widely used “10-minute method”—and emphasizes the importance of tailoring strategies to each unique baby.

Beyond sleep, the conversation dives into relationships, identity, and the importance of not losing yourself in parenthood. Chrissy offers grounded advice on how small, consistent investments in your relationship can make a lasting difference, even in the busiest seasons of life.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

- Why newborn sleep struggles are completely normal—and harder than expected

- The emotional impact of sleep deprivation on parents, especially moms

- How to tell the difference between normal sleep patterns and real sleep issues

- Realistic sleep milestones from newborn stage to 6+ months

- Why “one-size-fits-all” sleep advice often fails

- A breakdown of different sleep training approaches—and which babies they work for

- How the “10-minute method” works and when to adjust it

- What your baby’s cues reveal about what they actually need

- The connection between sleep, mental health, and relationship strain

- Why parents shouldn’t lose themselves—or their relationship—after having a baby

- Simple, realistic ways to invest in your relationship (even with no time or budget)

- The importance of asking for help and building a support system

Whether you're running on empty with a newborn or trying to fix ongoing sleep struggles, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and actionable guidance—reminding every parent that better sleep is possible, and it can transform your entire family’s well-being.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Robyn Sajeski, special needs sleep consultant, registered nurse, and co-founder of Sleep Ability Consulting, for a grounded and eye-opening conversation about children’s sleep as both a biological need and a developmental skill. Robyn breaks down how sleep needs change from toddlerhood through adolescence, why consistency matters more than perfection, and how families can create realistic routines that actually work in everyday life. She also shares her compassionate approach to supporting children with neurodevelopmental differences, emphasizing that sleep challenges are not a reflection of “bad parenting,” but often a signal that individualized support is needed.

From understanding overtiredness and why “tired but wired” behavior shows up in kids, to building a calming 45–60 minute bedtime routine that supports regulation and connection, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-informed guidance. Robyn also explains how factors like light exposure, timing, communication needs, sensory sensitivities, and even medical concerns such as breathing issues can all influence sleep quality—and why a holistic, child-first assessment is essential before any sleep plan begins.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Whether you’re a parent struggling with bedtime battles or simply trying to understand how to better support your child’s sleep, Robyn’s message is clear: progress comes from consistency, patience, and a willingness to work with your child’s individual needs—one step at a time.

In this episode, we sit down with Allison Egidi, Certified Pediatric Sleep Coach and Founder of Sleep and Wellness Coach, to unpack the science and reality of children’s sleep from newborns to teenagers. She breaks down how much sleep kids truly need, why it changes with age, and how it impacts behavior, learning, and emotional development.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Sleep isn’t just about rest—it’s a foundational pillar of a child’s development and a family’s overall well-being. By understanding your child’s unique sleep needs and building simple, consistent routines, parents can create calmer days, healthier kids, and more peaceful nights for the whole family.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Melissa Eastlick, child and parent therapist and parent coach, for an honest, heartfelt, and practical conversation about the challenges and joys of modern parenting. From navigating meltdowns and sleep struggles to helping children develop resilience, Melissa shares her expert perspective on raising happy, confident, and self-aware kids. Reflecting on the balance between gentle parenting and necessary boundaries, she says: “If you can show up and be with your children and connect with them 30% of the time, like you're already a good parent.”

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Whether you’re raising toddlers, tweens, or teens, Melissa’s guidance reminds us that parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, empathy, and learning as you go.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln—board-certified OB-GYN and author of The Birth Book—for an honest, empowering conversation about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum mental health. From surviving the first trimester and understanding what’s truly “normal,” to recognizing real warning signs like changes in fetal movement, Dr. Lincoln cuts through misinformation and replaces fear with clarity.

She unpacks the difference between common pregnancy symptoms and red flags, explains why trusting your instincts could be lifesaving, and opens up about the realities of postpartum depression and anxiety. With practical advice on kick counts, birth plans, mental health treatment, and preparing for labor without panic, this episode is a must-listen for expecting parents who want evidence-based guidance and reassurance.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Why the first trimester is about survival — and why that’s okay.

Whether navigating early pregnancy, preparing for delivery, or adjusting to life postpartum, this episode delivers reassurance, practical tools, and the reminder that parents don’t need to be perfect — just informed and supported.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Lisa Caputo—sleep educator and mom of two—for an eye-opening conversation about what infant sleep really looks like. From debunking the myth of “perfect sleepers” to explaining why fragmented sleep is biologically normal, Lisa breaks down how temperament, nervous systems, and development shape every child’s unique sleep journey.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Why there’s no universal sleep chart that fits every baby.
• The truth about sleep training—and why sleep isn’t a linear process.
• How to tell if your baby is truly awake or just in active sleep.
• What overtiredness actually looks like (and how it differs by temperament).
• Why screen time spikes cortisol and disrupts bedtime routines.
• The power of contact naps in the first year of life.
• Why postpartum preparation and building a support system matter more than nursery décor.
• Her biggest advice: trust instincts, seek support, and stop chasing “perfect” sleep.

Whether you’re deep in newborn nights or navigating toddler chaos, this episode offers reassurance, science-backed perspective, and a reminder that no two sleep journeys are the same.

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Amanda Koroma—lifestyle content creator and first-time mom—for an honest and refreshing conversation about pregnancy, labor, and the realities of postpartum life. From surviving a brutally exhausting first trimester to enduring nearly 24 hours of labor (with 20 minutes of pushing), Amanda shares what the pain, the beauty, and the transformation of motherhood truly felt like. She opens up about the postpartum surprises no one fully prepares you for—intense night sweats, body changes, anxiety, and the emotional shift of realizing, “That’s really my baby.”

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Amanda’s biggest pregnancy craving: sugary treats and Coldstone’s Birthday Cake Remix.
• The moment she realized she was in labor—on the morning of her birthday celebration.
• What 24 hours of labor really felt like—and why she’d do it all again.
• The postpartum symptoms that caught her completely off guard.
• How managing anxiety and OCD during pregnancy and postpartum shaped her experience.
• The baby product she refuses to live without: the Owlet sock monitor for peace of mind.
• Why she was surprised to become more “chill” as a mom than she expected.
• The small, unexpected milestones that have meant the most.
• Her biggest advice to parents: take the photo, take the video, and be fully present—it goes by fast.

Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or reflecting on your own journey, Amanda’s story is a reminder that motherhood is challenging, beautiful, unpredictable—and deeply worth it.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Robin Daniels, Chief Business Officer at Zensight and dedicated father, on Baby Steps. Robin shares his journey from a challenging childhood in Copenhagen to a thriving career in tech, and how becoming a father transformed his perspective on life and work. He opens up about the lessons he hopes to pass on to his son, including gratitude, intentionality, courage, and living with purpose. Robin also explores how parents can model joy, resilience, and presence in everyday life, showing that the small, consistent actions often make the biggest difference.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• The moment Robin realized fatherhood would change everything
• How his childhood shaped his parenting philosophy
• The guiding “North Star” behind his decisions as a dad
• Balancing career ambition with being a present parent
• Teaching gratitude, intention, and joy through daily actions
• Why leading by example is the most powerful parenting tool
• The importance of creating meaningful moments with your children

In this episode of Baby Steps, host Medea speaks with lifestyle content creator and first-time mom Rose Montes about postpartum anxiety, mindset shifts, and navigating the early stages of motherhood. Rose opens up about her positive birth experience, the difference between postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression, and the tools, faith, and community that helped her through the most overwhelming moments. This episode is a must-listen for new moms seeking reassurance, perspective, and encouragement that motherhood can be both challenging and deeply fulfilling.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Postpartum anxiety vs postpartum depression explained
• A positive birth story you don’t hear often
• Baby products that helped ease anxiety
• The emotional challenges of being a first-time mom
• Why motherhood doesn’t end your life — it expands it
• How mindset, routine, and community support new moms

In this candid episode of Baby Steps, host Medea sits down with Daria Willems, lifestyle content creator and mother of two, to talk about the unfiltered realities of motherhood. Daria opens up about high-risk pregnancies, premature births, NICU experiences, and an unexpected postpartum medical complication that permanently changed her voice. She also shares her experience with postpartum depression, grieving her former identity, and learning patience through the challenges of raising young children.

This episode is a must-listen for new and expectant parents looking for honest conversations about pregnancy, postpartum mental health, and the everyday struggles of parenting.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Pregnancy cravings and early motherhood “fast five” questions
• One word to describe labor and one word to describe parenthood
• The baby product Daria swears by for better sleep
• A rare postpartum complication no one warned her about
• Navigating premature birth and NICU stays
• Postpartum depression and identity changes after becoming a mother
• Potty training struggles and lessons learned
• Why patience is one of the biggest parenting skills
• The importance of accepting help as a new parent
• Honest advice for expectant mothers before life changes