Naming your baby is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in the early years as a parent (and one of the most emotional). Some people have names picked out since childhood. Others scroll baby name lists for hours, feeling totally overwhelmed because they haven't found "the right one." And once you add in opinions from your partner, your in-laws, and your fourth cousin twice removed… it’s a lot.

That’s why we’re so excited to share this week’s episode of Chick Chat, where we’re talking all things baby names with professional baby name consultant (yes, that’s a real thing!) Colleen Slagen, founder of Naming Bebe.

Colleen is a former nurse practitioner turned viral baby-naming expert whose work has been featured on NPR, Today, The Washington Post, and ABC News. With a unique blend of research, psychology, and creativity, she helps parents find names they genuinely love — names that feel meaningful, stylish, and totally “them.”

Whether you're naming your first baby or trying to match a sibling set without sounding cheesy, Colleen’s insights will help you feel way less stressed and way more confident. In this episode, we cover:

What a baby name consultant actually does (and why it’s not just for celebrities)

How to start the name search when nothing feels right

What to do when you and your partner can't agree on a name

Naming siblings without being too matchy-matchy

How to pick a name that grows with your child

Baby name "drama" — like when someone steals your favorite name

Tips for handling family pressure or traditions

The top baby name trends of the moment

Common naming regrets (and how to avoid them!)

If you’re in the middle of name-storming (or just love talking about baby names as much as we do), this episode is such a fun listen. Colleen’s advice is practical, thoughtful, and filled with ideas to help you pick a name that you’ll love and be proud of for years to come.

And don’t forget to follow Colleen at @namingbebe, visit namingbebe.com for naming services and inspiration, and check out our SHOW NOTES for more details about the episode!

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Starting solids is a major milestone, but it can also be one of the most confusing times for new parents. When should you start? What foods are best? And how do you keep things safe and enjoyable?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Krupa Playforth, board-certified pediatrician and founder of Warm Heart Pediatrics, known online as @thepediatricianmom. With her signature blend of clinical expertise and relatable, real-mom advice, Dr. Playforth breaks down everything you need to know about introducing solids, whether you’re going the puree route, trying baby-led feeding, or somewhere in between.

We cover:

Signs your baby is ready for solids

How to reduce choking risks

The biggest myths about baby-led feeding

Creating positive mealtime experiences

Easy, nutrient-rich foods to start with

Tips to prevent picky eating from day one

If you’ve been feeling nervous or unsure about starting solids with your baby, this episode will leave you feeling informed, supported, and ready to move forward with confidence.

Listen now & check out more at our SHOW NOTES!

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Think big feelings are just for toddlers? Think again.

In this episode, emotional development expert Alyssa Blask Campbell joins me to explore how to raise emotionally intelligent and connected kids, especially during the often-overlooked elementary years.

Together, they dive into:

Why big kids still have big feelings (and what to do about it)

Nervous system regulation and how it impacts behavior

Signs of dysregulation in parents and children

Alyssa’s F.A.C.T.S. acronym for staying calm in hard moments

The 5-step CEP Method to support emotion processing

Simple mindset shifts that help you connect instead of react

Whether your child is dealing with defiance, anxiety, or meltdowns, or you’re just feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers tools, compassion, and clarity for the emotional ride of parenting.

Learn more about Alyssa’s work at seedandsew.org and follow her on Instagram at @seed.and.sew. For all the SHOW NOTES, go to: https://www.baby-chick.com/big-kids-bigger-feelings-podcast/

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Grief in motherhood isn’t always about the loss of a loved one. Sometimes it’s the quiet ache of losing parts of yourself... the identity you once had, the dreams you imagined, or the version of motherhood you thought you’d live.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Mel Parent, nurse practitioner, fitness instructor, and founder of The Hive Method, to talk about the hidden grief many mothers carry and how it affects our minds, our bodies, and our ability to show up in daily life. After losing her own mother, Mel brings a deeply personal perspective to this conversation and offers science-backed, heart-forward guidance on moving from survival mode to feeling fully alive again.

We’re unpacking:

The different types of grief in motherhood (and why it’s more common than you think)

How unprocessed emotions can show up as physical symptoms and burnout

The duality of grief — holding space for both joy and pain

How movement and nervous system support can be powerful tools for healing

Small, sustainable shifts that help you feel grounded, strong, and like yourself again

Whether you’re deep in a hard season or walking alongside someone who is, this episode will remind you: you are not broken, you are not alone, and healing is possible.

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This episode is sponsored by Naturepedic.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the baby product industry, and trust me, it gets messy. From hidden toxins in crib mattresses to the rise of greenwashing and misleading “eco-friendly” labels, parents are navigating a world that’s more confusing than ever.

To help us make sense of it all, Naturepedic’s Chief Growth Officer, Arin Schultz, is joining me for a real‑talk conversation about what’s actually in the products our babies sleep on, roll on, and breathe in every day. Arin is a dad of four boys, a brilliant (and hilarious) industry insider, and one of my favorite guests to learn from when it comes to organic products.

We’re covering:

If you’ve ever wondered: “What should I really be looking for when shopping for my baby?” — this episode is your new go‑to guide.

Special savings for our listeners!

Tune in, learn something new, and feel more empowered in the choices you make for your family!

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What if your uterus could speak—what would it say?

In this episode of Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast, Nina sits down with Dr. Krystal Lynn Couture—licensed acupuncturist, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and founder of The Pelvic Acu—to explore the powerful energetic and emotional connection between the heart and the womb.

Dr. Krystal shares how acupuncture and holistic pelvic care can help restore flow, support fertility, ease painful periods, and release trauma stored in the pelvic bowl. She also explains what it means when your heart-uterus connection is out of sync—and how healing this pathway can transform your emotional and physical well-being.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What the “heart-womb channel” is—and why it matters

How emotional stress affects pelvic health

What signs may indicate this connection is blocked

At-home practices to reconnect with your womb space

How acupuncture supports hormones, flow, and fertility

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone craving a deeper connection to their body, their cycle, or their healing journey.

Learn more at thepelvicacu.com and follow Dr. Krystal on Instagram @thepelvicacu

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What if the support you need during pregnancy and postpartum is already available... You just haven’t been shown how to access it?!

In this episode of Chick Chat, Nina sits down with Pachet Bryant, Founder of MINE Maternity and Pregnancy/Postpartum Care Coordinator, to explore how families can actually afford the care they need and deserve.

From insurance benefits and HSA/FSA funds to employer perks and nonprofit programs, this conversation breaks down the exact tools that can help you plan ahead, reduce financial stress, and receive more comprehensive support during this transformative time.

You’ll learn:

💡 How to decode your insurance benefits and what to ask

💡 The real difference between FSA and HSA (and how to use them for maternity and postpartum care)

💡 What to do if your preferred provider or support isn’t covered

💡 Why financial planning for your care is just as important as baby prep

Whether you’re trying to conceive, expecting your first baby, or already in the postpartum phase, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to make the most of your benefits.

👉 Connect with Pachet at minematernity.com

or on Instagram @minematernity or YouTube @MINEmaternity

Subscribe & listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

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Motherhood changes us — and not just in the ways we expect. For many women, having a child prompts a deep reevaluation of priorities, identity, and ambition. It’s not that ambition disappears; it evolves into something new. And in a world that often pushes women to choose between work and family, this shift can often leave new mothers feeling confused, lonely, or even disempowered.

But what if pausing your career to focus on family wasn’t a setback, but a powerful, intentional move that reshapes your life and strengthens your future? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Neha Ruch, wants us to see.

In this episode of Chick Chat, I sat down with Neha to talk about how we can reframe motherhood, ambition, and success, especially for women navigating the “gray area” between caregiving and career.

Who Is Neha Ruch?

Neha Ruch is a thought leader, author, and speaker on women, identity, and work. After a decade in brand strategy and earning her MBA from Stanford, she chose to pause her career following the birth of her second child and quickly realized how outdated the conversation around stay-at-home motherhood still was.

She launched Mother Untitled, now rebranded as The Power Pause, a movement and platform that supports modern women who are embracing career pauses or slowdowns as a strategic, meaningful chapter in their lives. She created a space for ambitious women who are pressing pause, not delete on their careers. Her work has sparked a cultural shift around caregiving, ambition, and redefining success in the parenting years, resonating with hundreds of thousands of women.

Her debut book, The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids – and Come Back Stronger Than Ever, is a first-of-its-kind guide that reimagines this chapter as one filled with purpose, growth, and long-term opportunity.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever questioned your worth during a season of slowing down or wondered how to hold onto your ambition while being present for your family, this episode is for you.

Neha Ruch is rewriting the script around what it means to be a mother, a professional, and a whole person. Her work gives voice to a growing movement of women who are choosing to press pause and reminding us all that there is power in every chapter.

Neha's Resources

Mentioned in the episode:

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Going back to work after having a baby isn’t just about finding childcare or picking out comfortable outfits in your new postpartum body. It’s an emotional, physical, and often overwhelming transition that touches everything from your identity and energy levels to your legal rights and workplace support.

In episode 179 of Chick Chat, we talked with Daphne Delvaux, also known as The Mamattorney, about how to co-plan your maternity leave so your return to work feels smoother and less stressful. If you haven’t listened to that one yet, definitely go check it out!

In today’s episode (part two of our conversation), we’re diving into what happens after baby: how to navigate the return-to-work phase with confidence and legal protection. Daphne shares what every mom should know before reentering the workplace and how to advocate for yourself if the support just isn’t there.

Who Is Daphne Delvaux?

If you missed part one, Daphne Delvaux is a trial attorney, legal expert, and founder of The Mamattorney, a platform dedicated to educating mothers about their legal rights in the workplace, especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and maternity leave.

Daphne’s work has helped thousands of women feel more empowered and informed about their options for taking leave, protecting their jobs, and advocating for their families and futures. As a mom herself, she deeply understands the real-life challenges working parents face.

What We Talked About

This episode is all about the next chapter. What happens when you’ve had your baby, your leave is ending, and it’s time to return to work? Daphne covers each and shares legal protections, emotional prep tips, and powerful mindset shifts to help moms navigate this transition with more ease and less guilt.

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

Leaving your baby for the first time can be heartbreaking. Daphne shares ways to prepare mentally and emotionally so you’re not caught off guard and so you can create space for your own healing, too.

From lack of flexibility to outdated expectations, the return to work can be filled with pressure. Daphne talks through practical ways to set boundaries, ask for support, and reset your expectations of yourself.

Did you know you're entitled to certain accommodations for pumping? Daphne outlines the federal protections you have, including the PUMP Act, so you know exactly what to expect—and demand—from your workplace.

Unfortunately, not every workplace gets it. If you’re met with resistance, Daphne explains the steps to take—from documenting everything to filing a complaint—and why it’s important to advocate not just for yourself, but for other moms, too.

Most moms focus on the time off, but forget to plan for the return. Daphne shares the #1 thing moms forget to do (and how it can change everything).

Daphne closes with one action step that any woman can take right now to ensure a smoother, more empowered transition back to work.

Final Thoughts

Returning to work after having a baby is hard. But with the right tools, the right mindset, and the right knowledge of your rights, it doesn’t have to break you.

Daphne Delvaux’s work is a powerful reminder that you’re not just a working mom, you’re a protected, empowered parent who deserves support. Whether you’re navigating legal concerns, emotional struggles, or both, this episode will help you return to work on your terms with your confidence and boundaries intact.

Again, if you missed our first episode with Daphne (episode 179), where we talked all about co-planning your maternity leave, go listen to that one too. It’s the perfect companion to this conversation!

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When we think about preparing for a new baby, most of the attention goes to labor and delivery, but what about what happens after the birth?

Too often, parents are sent home with a newborn and very little support for their physical recovery, mental health, and emotional well-being. And when things feel overwhelming, scary, or not how they expected, they wonder if something is wrong with them. But what I want new mothers to know is: Nothing is wrong with you. However, something is missing from the way we prepare families for postpartum, and it’s time we talked about it.

In this episode of Chick Chat, I sat down with Nancy Di Nuzzo, Founder of Anamav Postnatal Care, to talk about the reality of postpartum recovery, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), and what it truly looks like to feel supported during one of life’s most intense transitions.

Who Is Nancy Di Nuzzo?

Nancy Di Nuzzo is a Postpartum Doula, New Parent Educator, Perinatal Mental Health Specialist, and CPA. Yes, you read that right! She went from working in finance to becoming a fierce advocate for families after living through her own traumatic postpartum experience. Now a mother of two, Nancy is the founder of Anamav Postnatal Care, a practice dedicated to supporting families with doula care, lactation support, therapy, sleep coaching, and more, both virtually and in-home.

She brings not only her professional expertise, but also deep empathy and lived experience to every conversation. Her mission? To help close the huge gap in postpartum care and make sure no parent feels like they have to “just get through it” on their own.

What We Talked About

This episode is an essential listen for any new parent, whether you’re expecting your first baby or already in the thick of postpartum life. Nancy breaks down what many people wish they had known before giving birth, and shares practical tools for building a more supported, emotionally safe experience.

Postpartum doesn’t have to be something you just survive. With the right planning, the right tools, and the right support, it can be a season of healing, bonding, and growth. But it starts with knowing you deserve support — not just your baby.

Nancy’s insight is such a powerful reminder that your mental health matters. Your story matters. And how you feel in this season matters. If you’re a new or expecting parent, I hope this conversation helps you feel seen, validated, and encouraged to build a postpartum experience rooted in real care.

Mentioned in the episode

Nancy's Resources

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