Baby Steps Podcast

In this eye-opening and deeply insightful episode of Baby Steps, we sit down with Julietta Skoog, a veteran school psychologist, parent coach, and founder of Sproutable. Julietta brings over 20 years of experience, using the framework of Positive Discipline, to help parents cut through the overwhelming noise of information and truly connect with their children. She shares her personal journey as a mother of three and explains why intentionality, trust, and understanding the brain science behind behavior are the keys to raising resilient, capable, and confident humans.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• The unexpected pregnancy craving (and what happened when her daughter was a baby!)
• One word to describe parenthood
• Her unexpected game-changer product for colicky babies
• The biggest issue Julietta sees in new parents today (and why this generation is actually "more chill")
• How to create your "parenting compass" to guide your discipline
• Why discipline literally means 'to teach'
• Julietta's "soapbox" take on gentle parenting and the importance of firmness/healthy limits
• Why kids need help with co-regulation since their brains don't fully develop until their mid-twenties

Get personalized, practical help for your family’s daily challenges: 

Parent Coaching: besproutable.com/early-years/parent-coaching 

Parent Membership: besproutable.com/early-years/parent-membership 

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Baby Steps, we sit down with Daisy—a full-time working mom and first-time parent—for a candid conversation about pregnancy, birth, and finding balance in early motherhood. From unexpected postpartum surprises to the unforgettable moment her newborn smiled at 3AM, Daisy shares the raw realities, challenges, and joys of raising her little one while learning to trust herself along the way.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

- The surprising postpartum side effect no one warned Daisy about

- Her “what now?” moment the first day home with her baby

- Why her baby’s bouncer became her ultimate sanity-saver

- The late-night smile that reminded her everything would be okay

- The motherhood myths she learned to tune out

- Her perspective on balance, patience, and finding your own parenting style

- Encouragement for moms and dads to take it one step at a time

Whether you’re navigating sleepless nights or reflecting on your own parenting journey, Daisy’s story is a reminder that there’s no single “right way” to parent—just the one that works for you.

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Baby Steps, we sit down with Beth—Army veteran, inventor of Busy Baby, and mom of two—for a candid conversation about motherhood, resilience, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From delivering her first baby at 40 to navigating miscarriage, high-risk pregnancy, and the rollercoaster of parenthood, Beth shares the raw realities and unexpected joys of raising little ones while building a business from scratch.

What you'll hear in this episode:

- Why McDonald’s was her ultimate pregnancy craving (and the very specific order she couldn’t resist)

- The never-ending diaper vs. wipe dilemma—and why wipes always win

- How a messy lunch with friends inspired the invention of the Busy Baby Mat

- The dramatic difference between her first intense labor and her second calm, peaceful delivery

- The surprising side effect of antibiotics in infancy—and how it impacted her son’s teeth

- The biggest mistake she regrets as a first-time mom—and how she turned it into wisdom for other parents

- Her candid advice on handling colicky nights, mom guilt, and the myth of being “perfect”

- Why empathy and validation may be the most powerful parenting tools of all

Whether you’re knee-deep in newborn chaos or looking back on the baby stage with nostalgia, Beth’s story is a reminder that parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, grace, and connection.

In this vulnerable and powerful episode, we sit down with Shaquita Garcia—artist, storyteller, and mom of two—for an unfiltered conversation about the raw realities and unexpected beauty of motherhood. From postpartum depression to C-section recovery, Shaquita opens up about the hard moments no one talks about—and the quiet victories that make it all worth it.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

- Why sushi was her top pregnancy craving—even though she couldn’t have it

- The round ligament pain no one warned her about—and how being petite made pregnancy more intense

- What it’s really like to recover from a C-section, and the surprising post-op checklist that stood between her and seeing her baby

- Her honest struggle with breastfeeding, cracked nipples, and why she cried every time her baby needed to eat

- The friend’s advice that helped her let go of guilt and embrace formula without shame

- Singing to her babies in the womb—and why she believes that’s why her son says she has the most beautiful voice

- The moment both kids said “I love you”—and why it hit harder than anything else

- The myth of motherhood as purely “beautiful”—and why she calls it the most ridiculous, amazing thing she’s ever done

- Her go-to advice for parents everywhere: if you’re doing your best, that is always enough

Whether you're navigating newborn nights or reflecting on your own parenting path, Shaquita’s story reminds us that motherhood is both wildly difficult and deeply sacred. There’s no manual, no perfect way to do it—but grace, honesty, and love will carry you through.

In this candid and uplifting episode, we sit down with Gabby—lifestyle content creator, small business owner, and new mom—for a fresh, vulnerable conversation about what it really means to navigate motherhood in your early 20s. From a surprisingly smooth pregnancy to an unexpected epidural twist, Gabby shares the highs, the hiccups, and the heartfelt lessons she’s learned on the road to raising baby Luca.

Through humor and honesty, she opens up about those “I have no idea what I’m doing” moments (hello, formula machine chaos), the beauty of baby kicks, and why she’d do it all again. Gabby also reflects on learning to parent as a team with her husband—and how even the messiest days are filled with love, growth, and grace.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

- Gabby’s #1 pregnancy craving (spoiler: McDonald’s fries save the day)

- Why her pregnancy flew by—and how moving states mid-pregnancy shaped the journey

- A surprising twist during labor: when the epidural was suddenly off the table

- Her “please work!” moment with the Baby Brezza formula machine

- Honest reflections on combo feeding and the pressure to get things “right”

- The unexpected beauty of baby movements (and why she already misses them)

- How one piece of advice—“drink water!”—turned out to be life-saving

- Challenging the idea that motherhood means “giving things up”

- Powerful advice for new parents: patience, partnership, and knowing you’re on the same team

Whether you’re a new parent, expecting, or just love hearing real stories about the chaos and clarity of raising little humans, Gabby’s episode is a warm reminder that even when it’s messy—you’re doing better than you think.

In this honest and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Alyssa Bolaños—lifestyle creator and mom of two wild-hearted boys—for a conversation full of humor, insight, and raw reflections on the unfiltered side of motherhood. From unexpected battles with hyperemesis to building a foundation of gentle parenting, Alyssa opens up about creating her own path and healing generational patterns along the way.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

- The one food Alyssa could actually eat during pregnancy—and why french fries became her daily lifesaver.

- Her unexpected journey through hyperemesis and why she felt prepared for everything except the constant sickness.

- Pregnancy surprises: how people treated her, what brought unexpected joy, and the creative way she announced her second child.

- The joys and chaos of raising boys—and how “not knowing what she’s doing” has actually shaped her confidence.

- The golden advice from her aunt and doula that helped her navigate exhaustion and keep her cup full.

- Her experience with breastfeeding, self-forgiveness, and embracing imperfection.

- Debunking the myth: why she didn’t turn into her mother and the power of choosing your own parenting path.

- A candid take on gentle parenting, healing from trauma, and how therapy helped her become a more mindful, empathetic mom.

- Her must-read book that changed her parenting lens: The Body Keeps the Score.

- Building a united front with her husband through parenting classes—and why she believes your partner is not your enemy.

Whether you're in the thick of toddlerhood, navigating your own upbringing, or learning how to parent without a map, Alyssa’s story is a powerful reminder that progress is messy—and that healing, grace, and teamwork can carry you through. You don’t need all the answers. You just need to show up—one chaotic, beautiful day at a time.

In this tender and insightful episode, we sit down with Cheryl Wong—fashion and lifestyle creator and first-time mom—for an honest, joy-filled conversation about intuitive parenting, breastfeeding wins, and why being present is the greatest gift you can give.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

- Why Cheryl didn’t have major pregnancy cravings—except for a surprising new love for apples and yogurt with honey.

- The unexpected emotional and physical shock of labor—and how she learned to surrender when her birth plan didn’t go as expected.

- Diapers vs. wipes: which one she really can’t do without.

- Why her breasts became her ultimate parenting multitool—from soothing to sleeping and everything in between.

- How preparing her mindset and trusting her instincts helped her overcome fear and embrace the chaos with calm.

- The overwhelming gratitude she feels for a peaceful pregnancy, a supportive partner, and a baby who made her transition to motherhood smoother than expected.

- Cheryl’s deeply personal take on parenting with grace, intuition, and mindfulness in a world full of overwhelming advice.

- A beautiful reminder that time flies, and being fully present for those fleeting first moments is the most meaningful thing you can do.

Whether you're navigating your own labor fears, wondering if you’re “doing it right,” or simply looking for a voice of calm in the parenting storm, Cheryl’s story is a warm, grounded companion for the journey. Her gentle wisdom is a reminder: you don’t need perfection—you just need presence. One moment at a time.

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Dani Odiamar—writer, lifestyle creator, and first-time mom—for a deeply personal, raw, and empowering conversation about unexpected motherhood, spiritual guidance, and learning to let go.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

- The wild way Dani discovered she was pregnant—thanks to a psychic and a bag of pickles and chips.

- Her surprising pregnancy cravings (hint: it wasn’t junk food!).

- Diapers vs. wipes—and why wipes are her parenting MVP.

- The emotional toll of breastfeeding struggles, and the relief of finding the right formula.

- How a planned natural birth turned into an unexpected C-section—and the powerful lesson it taught her about surrender and resilience.

- The truth about motherhood: it's chaotic, beautiful, and full of growth for both baby and parent.

- A gentle reminder that everything is a phase—and time really does fly when you're raising a little human.

- Dani’s soulful advice on parenting with presence, grace, and self-care.

Whether you’re navigating postpartum recovery, choosing formula, or just figuring out what kind of fruit to eat next, Dani’s story is a comforting reminder: you don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to be present, be kind to yourself, and take it one baby step at a time.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Rebekah Elaine Higgs—TV host of DIY Mom, single mom, and former nanny—for a raw, emotional, and eye-opening conversation about the unpredictable journey of motherhood. From going two weeks overdue and walking the streets of Toronto to kickstart labor, to experiencing a grueling three-day labor that ended in an emergency C-section, Rebekah shares it all. She recounts the heartbreak of being separated from her newborn due to a NICU stay, reflecting: “After the C-section, I was alone in the hospital room with no baby… she was taken to the NICU. I thought we’d have delayed cord clamping and I’d breastfeed right away—but the first thing she tasted was sugar water. All those dreams just... shattered.”

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Rebekah’s unforgettable pregnancy craving: chocolate and cheese—yes, together.
• A hilarious blowout story and why she calls cloth diapering moms her heroes.
• Her honest take on a labor that went from water birth dreams to emergency surgery.
• The NICU experience that challenged her emotionally and changed her perspective.
• The baby products she swore by: a white noise machine, Amber teething necklace, and a trusty baby swing.
• Why baby-led weaning worked wonders for her daughter’s adventurous palate.
• The surprising reality of parenting a 12-year-old in the age of TikTok and smartphones.
• Her biggest advice: delay screen time, trust your instincts, and be gentle with yourself.

Whether you’re planning for labor, recovering from birth, or navigating the wild ride of parenting, Rebekah’s story reminds us that even when things don’t go as planned, we grow, we adapt—and we keep moving forward.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Samara Chienye—lifestyle content creator, author, pharmacist, and first-time mom—for a candid, emotional, and empowering conversation about navigating motherhood with grace and grit.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

- Samara’s unforgettable pregnancy journey—from Chick-fil-A cravings to discovering she was pregnant on her birthday.

- The diaper vs. wipes debate, and a blowout story that every parent can relate to.

- Why labor was beautiful, parenthood is emotional, and how the Baby Brezza became her favorite parenting hack.

- A raw account of her unexpected emergency C-section after two weeks of labor—and how her daughter’s positioning changed everything.

- The advice that truly helped: take it one day at a time and trust your instincts.

- The myths she’s glad she ignored, like “having a girl means nonstop attitude” or “motherhood ends your social life.”

- The deep joy of watching her daughter grow, bond, and blossom into her own little person.

- A gentle reminder to stop comparing, go at your own pace, and honor your unique parenting path.

Whether you’re preparing for birth, recovering from it, or simply figuring it out day by day, Samara’s story is a comforting reminder: You’re doing better than you think—and your journey is your own.