Chick Chat

If you've recently had a baby (or even if it’s been a while), chances are you’ve heard some version of the phrase “bounce back.” Maybe you’ve seen it on social media. Maybe it came from a well-meaning friend, family member, or even your own inner voice.

And maybe, like so many moms, that phrase made you pause and wonder: What exactly am I bouncing back to?

In this episode of Chick Chat, I’m joined by Haley Wienke, a prenatal and postpartum fitness and nutrition coach, to unpack the real meaning behind the “bounce back” narrative. Spoiler alert: it's not about shrinking your body or erasing the evidence of motherhood. It’s about reclaiming your confidence, reconnecting with yourself, and redefining strength on your terms.

Who is Haley Wienke?

rmer version of yourself after baby. With over 15 years in the fitness industry and a personal postpartum journey of her own, Haley combines her professional background with real-life experience to help moms rebuild their strength, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally, too.

As a mom to a food-loving little girl, Haley understands the balancing act of parenting, self-care, and staying grounded. Her goal? To help moms ditch guilt, stop the comparison game, and create routines that support long-term wellness and confidence.

What Did We Discuss?

This conversation was filled with honesty and so many lightbulb moments. Here’s a look at what Haley and I chick-chatted about:

We also talked about the internal shift that so many mothers experience — the quiet but profound identity transition that happens after you become a parent. It’s not something we’re always prepared for, and it can leave you wondering who you are now that life looks completely different. Haley shares how she worked through that shift and how other moms can start to feel more grounded in who they are now, not who they were before baby.

Final Thoughts

Motherhood changes us. Sometimes subtly. Sometimes all at once. But the idea that we need to “bounce back” to who we were before — physically or emotionally — is outdated and unrealistic. You are allowed to become someone new because, let's be honest, you are someone new. You are allowed to take your time. And you are allowed to honor every part of the journey, not just the parts that look good in photos.

This episode is for the mom who feels a little down and lost. The one who’s tired of the pressure, the expectations, the constant noise, and the one who's trying to find herself again. If that’s you, I hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not alone — and that your strength doesn’t lie in how fast you “get back,” but in how fully you show up for yourself today.

Whether you’re newly postpartum or years into motherhood, know this: your worth was never tied to your body or how quickly you “got back” to anything. You’re allowed to define motherhood — and your postpartum journey — on your terms.

Haley's Resources

Thank you for being here and for continuing to show up for yourself. Cheers to bouncing back your way — with strength, grace, and self-love.

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In today’s fast-paced, overstimulated world, kids are absorbing so much. They are seeing us overpack our schedules, rushing from one thing to the next, and are constantly "on." Many of us parents are wondering: how do we help our kids regulate their emotions, connect with their bodies, and stay grounded? I know that I certainly am. That’s why I’m so excited to share this conversation with Lauren Chaitoff, founder and chief visionary of Yogi Beans.

In this episode of Chick Chat, Lauren and I dive into the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for kids, how parents can begin introducing it at home (even if you’ve never done yoga yourself!), and why practices like grounding, movement, and breathwork are so essential for emotional regulation. We also talk about how moms and dads can reconnect with their own inner calm and lead by example. Whether you’re a parent looking for mindful tools or just curious about where to start, this conversation is full of heart, hope, and helpful tips.

Who is Lauren Chaitoff?

Lauren Chaitoff is the founder and visionary behind Yogi Beans, a yoga and wellness technology company designed specifically for children. With a background in Pilates and a deep love for movement, Lauren’s path shifted after discovering yoga’s powerful mind-body-heart connection. Since founding Yogi Beans in 2007, she’s created a curriculum that inspires children to feel more grounded, emotionally connected, and authentically themselves.

Lauren is a Northwestern University grad, wife, and mama to two “beans” — Vivienne and Juliette. She’s passionate about giving kids tools to manage their emotions and move through life with more confidence, compassion, and joy.

What Did We Discuss?

In this episode, Lauren and I chick-chat about:

One of my favorite parts of this conversation was how approachable Lauren makes all of this feel. You don’t need to be a yogi, have a meditation app, or even own a mat to start these practices with your kids. What matters most is showing up with intention, curiosity, and a willingness to grow together.

If you’re a parent craving more connection, calm, and emotional support (for you and your little ones), I hope this episode inspires you to try something new and discover the beauty of mindfulness — one breath, pose, or giggle at a time.

I’m so grateful to Lauren for sharing her heart and wisdom with us today. And if this episode resonates with you, please send it to a fellow parent, share your thoughts with us on Instagram @thebabychickchat, and don’t forget to subscribe to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast. We’re here to support you with expert insight, real talk, and a whole lot of love.

Lauren's Resources

Thank you for being here and for continuing to show up for yourself. Cheers to finding your calm in a world of chaos.

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We are back with Dr. Jen Wagner and RN Bethany Scott continuing our conversation about C-sections! In Part 1 of our conversation, we talked all about what to expect before, during, and immediately after a C-section. But as we all know, the birth is just the beginning. In this episode of Chick Chat, Dr. Jen and RN Bethany from The C-Section Experience Podcast talk about what comes next: the healing, the emotions, and the realities of postpartum recovery after a cesarean birth.

We dive into the stigma that still surrounds C-sections, why some moms feel like they “missed out” when their birth doesn’t go as planned, and what every woman deserves to hear before heading into the OR. This conversation is raw, honest, and so needed, because your birth story matters, and your healing matters, too.

What Did We Discuss?

In this second part of our series on what to expect during a C-section, we go deeper into:

I’m so grateful to Jen and Bethany for joining me again and sharing such vulnerable, powerful insights. Whether your C-section was planned or emergent, joyful or complex — or all of the above — you are not alone. Your emotions are valid, your experience is real, and your story deserves to be honored.

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another mama who needs to hear it. And as always, tag us on Instagram @thebabychickchat and @thecsxpodcast — we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Bethany + Jen's Resources

Thank you for being here and for continuing to show up for yourself. Cheers to empowered, supported cesarean births and to owning your story with pride!

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Whether it’s scheduled or unexpected, I firmly believe that a cesarean birth is still a birth, and every mom deserves to feel informed, supported, and empowered through it. But the truth is, many women go into their C-sections feeling unprepared and unsure of what to expect during a C-section. That’s why I knew we needed to record this episode, and I found the perfect guests to help us do just that: Dr. Jen Wagner, a board-certified obstetric anesthesiologist, and Bethany Scott, a registered nurse, doula, and fellow C-section mom.

We had such an incredible discussion that we ended up talking for hours! There was so much valuable information being shared that we decided to split it into two episodes, because we truly didn’t want to leave anything out. These kinds of honest conversations are exactly what we need to help shift the narrative around cesarean birth.

Who are Bethany + Jen?

Dr. Jen Wagner is a board-certified, fellowship-trained obstetric anesthesiologist with years of experience supporting women through labor and delivery, especially during C-sections. She’s not only a practicing physician but also an educator and advocate for integrating evidence-based medicine with patient-centered, trauma-informed care. After giving birth to her daughter via C-section in 2018 and her son via VBAC in 2020, Dr. Jen became even more passionate about improving the birth experience for others. 

Her dear friend and co-host,  Bethany Scott, is also here to chick-chat with us. Bethany is a registered nurse, certified birth doula, and mom of three born via C-section — plus one angel baby. Her journey started in the fashion world, but after moving to New York City, she followed her true calling into women’s health. Bethany began as a doula, later transitioning to labor & delivery nursing and OB/GYN triage. Through her own powerful experiences with birth and postpartum, she recognized the lack of preparation resources specific to C-sections. She decided to create the kind of support she wished she had. Today, Bethany is passionate about helping women feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout birth and beyond. 

She and Dr. Jen now share their insights and perspectives through their podcast, The C-section Experience Podcast, which helps women prepare for and process their birth stories with more confidence and compassion.

What Did We Discuss?

In this part 1 episode, Dr. Jen, Bethany, and I chick-chat about what really happens before, during, and immediately after a C-section — whether it’s scheduled or unscheduled — and how to make the experience feel more like a birth and less like a procedure. It's essential for moms to understand what options are available to them every step of the way, and we feel like this episode does that.

Final Thoughts

I hope this part 1 episode gives you the information that you were looking for to prepare for the procedure and your birthing experience. Next week, we are going to dive into more of the postpartum experience and what you can expect.

Bethany + Jen's Resources

Thank you for listening to our podcast. Cheers to an empowered & supported cesarean birth!

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Toddlerhood is often described as a rollercoaster, which, as a mother to two myself, I can see why. Riding those emotional highs and lows can be a lot, but luckily, if you're also riding the waves, you’re not alone. From epic meltdowns over the “wrong” snack to power struggles over everything from bedtime to toothbrushing, it’s a season filled with big feelings (from both the kids and the parents!). That's why we're excited about this episode of Chick Chat. I’m chatting with Laura Amies, also known as Nanny Amies, all about surviving toddlerhood.

Laura Amies – aka Nanny Amies – has worked with hundreds of children across her 20-year career, both in nurseries and as a private nanny, and was the TV expert "toddler tamer" for Channel Five’s 'Toddlers Behaving (Very) Badly'. Laura has been supporting parents for the past 20 years. Offering a heartfelt approach to childcare and development within nurseries, schools, playgroups, family homes, and hotels worldwide. When it comes to children’s behavior, she believes there’s really nothing that she hasn’t seen.

In this episode, Laura and I chick-chat about all things toddlerhood. She shares what’s really behind common toddler behaviors, how to support your child through big emotions, and the best strategies to not just survive but thrive through raising your toddler. Whether you're in the thick of tantrums or just gearing up for this stage, this conversation will leave you feeling more informed, confident, and supported. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

Toddlerhood doesn’t have to feel like a battlefield. As Laura reminded us, these challenging moments are opportunities for connection, learning, and growth — for our children and for us as parents. With the right tools, realistic expectations, and a little perspective, you can feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

If you’re navigating the toddler trenches right now, I hope this episode reassures you that what you’re experiencing is normal and that you’re not alone. Laura’s wisdom is a gift, and I’m so grateful she shared her practical, heartfelt strategies with us. Be sure to share this episode with a fellow parent who could use a little extra support during this season. We’re all in this together!

Thank you for listening to our podcast. Cheers to surviving toddlerhood!

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As a doula and advocate for mothers, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is that every woman feels safe, seen, and supported throughout her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. But the reality is, not all women are receiving the care they deserve — especially Black mothers. In fact, Black women in the United States are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women — a heartbreaking and unacceptable reality that demands action, awareness, and systemic change. That's why today's discussion is so important because we need to spread this message.

I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell about the Black maternal health crisis. This discussion was full of passion and vulnerability where Dr. Bayo generously shared her personal birth story, the critical data we all need to know, and powerful, practical ways we can begin to create change. While I may not share this lived experience, I believe it’s my responsibility — as a woman, a mother, and a birth professional — to listen, learn, and use my platform to help protect and support every mother. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about improving maternal care in our country and around the world.

Dr. Bayo, a family medicine physician and nationally recognized health equity advocate, is the founder and CEO of Beyond Clinical Walls, a platform that delivers credible health information through social media and podcasts. She’s also a powerful TEDx speaker, where her talk “Do No Harm” has garnered over 2 million views and sparked a nationwide conversation about the maternal health crisis. Dr. Bayo is a passionate advocate for improving healthcare inequalities, and her work as the medical director for urgent care clinics at Saint Mary's Health Network and her numerous leadership roles — including serving on the CDC Community and Public Engagement Workgroup and the Nevada Patient Protection Commission — have solidified her as a trailblazer in healthcare.

If you’re an expectant mom, a healthcare provider, or simply someone who wants to be part of the solution, I hope this episode encourages you to listen more deeply, speak up more boldly, and advocate for better care for all mothers. Because every mom deserves to be protected, heard, and valued — no matter her race, background, or birth plan. Let’s continue to show up for one another and be part of the change our maternal healthcare system so desperately needs.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. Cheers to equal maternal rights and supportive care for all!

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The term “mommy makeover” has gained popularity over the past decade or so, but what does it actually involve? And who is it the right choice for? In this episode of Chick Chat, I’m joined by renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Francel to pull back the curtain on mommy makeovers and help us really understand what women need to consider. With over 30 years of surgical expertise and a passion for educating and empowering women, Dr. Francel shares what these procedures include, how to navigate the emotional and physical aspects of the journey, and more. Whether you're curious, considering a consult, or simply want to understand the facts before getting any plastic surgery done, this conversation is honest, eye-opening, and super helpful.

Dr. Thomas Francel is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated over 30 years to transforming lives through his surgical expertise. Dr. Francel has established a trusted private practice and a distinguished reputation in the field. His medical journey began with training at Harvard Surgical Services, followed by a specialization in plastic surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. As a sought-after speaker, he has presented at 20 national and international plastic surgery conferences. Dr. Francel gained national recognition when ABC’s 20/20 interviewed him about severe post-surgical infections, where his insights influenced best practices across the industry. His passion extends beyond the operating room, focusing on education, empowerment, and compassionate care for others. In his debut book, Exposing Bad Plastic Surgery, Dr. Francel demystifies the plastic surgery experience to protect consumers as they navigate their needs and options.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Francel about plastic surgery post-baby, also called by many “Mommy Makeovers,” and what women really need to know. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

I hope this episode gives you the information you need to explore what’s right for you — not based on societal pressure — because, as Dr. Francel said, “that shouldn't matter” — but on what makes you feel your best.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. Cheers to being informed and doing what's right for you!

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Empathy is one of the most powerful skills we can teach our children — but it can feel like such a big, important topic. You might wonder, "Where do we start?" In today’s fast-paced, often self-focused world, raising empathetic kids takes intention, awareness, and ongoing conversation. It's something that I find incredibly important, so that's why in this episode of Chick Chat, I sit down with Monica Berg to explore how parents can begin introducing and nurturing empathy in their children from a young age. Monica shares her wisdom on age-appropriate strategies, the impact empathy has on relationships, and how to model it through our own daily actions.

Monica Berg is an international speaker, spiritual thought leader, bestselling author (Fear is Not an Option, Rethink Love, and The Gift of Being Different), and co-host of the Spiritually Hungry podcast. A self-proclaimed “Change Junkie,” Monica is a fresh voice that channels her many years of kabbalistic study along with personal life experiences. Monica shows individuals how to create a life that not only feels like it’s working but, most importantly, a life in which they are living and loving as the powerful, fulfilled person they’ve always wanted to be.

In this episode, I chat with Monica about empathy in children, why it’s important, and when to introduce the concept. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

As you know, teaching empathy isn’t a one-time conversation. It’s a lifelong practice that starts at home. And, as Monica reminded us, creating a safe, emotionally rich environment where children feel seen and heard is key to helping them grow into compassionate, self-aware adults. Whether your child is a toddler just beginning to understand feelings or a tween navigating friendships, it’s never too early — or too late — to nurture empathy in our children. I hope this episode inspires you to lead with love, listen more deeply, and model the kind of empathy we all want to see more of in the world.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. Cheers to raising empathetic children!

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If mealtimes feel like a battle in your home, you’re not alone. Many parents struggle with picky eating, and I’ve experienced it firsthand with my daughter — who, like many kids, has earned the label of a "picky eater" in our family. But how do you know when picky eating is more than just a phase? I recently heard about Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFDs) and was shocked, confused, and intrigued by the topic. When I learned how PFDs affect millions of children, yet they often go undiagnosed or misunderstood, leaving parents feeling frustrated and helpless, I knew that I had to learn more and spread the word. That's why in this episode of Chick Chat, we sit down with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, to break it all down for us.

With over a decade of experience in program development, Jaclyn Pederson’s broad knowledge of programming in the public and social sectors includes program and strategic initiative design, fund development, special events, grant writing, and community engagement. A system thinker and positive team builder, she uses transformational leadership principles to develop energized and efficient workgroups that influence significant organizational and systemic change for all affected by pediatric feeding disorder – such as the development of the expanded PFD Alliance. Jaclyn also manages Feeding Matters’ strategic partnerships with numerous professional associations including American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).

In this episode, Jaclyn and I discussed everything about pediatric feeding disorders — from signs and symptoms to navigating and overcoming PFDs. Jaclyn also shares her expertise on when to seek help, how feeding disorders can impact a child’s development, and what treatment options are available. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

If you think your child’s mealtime struggles go beyond picky eating, this episode is a must-listen. Jaclyn shares expert insights to help parents feel more confident in identifying and addressing Pediatric Feeding Disorders. Listen now, and don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow parent who may need this information!

Thank you for listening to our podcast. Cheers to finding the best way to nourish your children!

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If you have a child who seems to fight sleep with every ounce of their being . . . you’re not alone. While some kids easily drift off, others — especially those who are highly sensitive, alert, and intense — struggle with winding down, leaving parents exhausted and desperate for solutions. In this episode of Chick Chat, I sit down with sleep expert Macall Gordon to discuss why traditional sleep advice often fails these “livewire” children and what parents can do instead. With years of research in infant mental health and temperament-based sleep strategies, Macall shares science-backed insights to help parents navigate bedtime battles with compassion, patience, and a plan that actually works.

Macall Gordon has a masters degree in applied psychology from Antioch University in Seattle with a research-based specialization in infant mental health, sleep advice, and parenting culture. She also has a bachelor of science in human biology from Stanford University. Macall has conducted and presented her own research on temperament, sleep, and parenting advice at infant and child development conferences around the world and she is a certified Gentle Sleep Coach as well as a featured provider on the women’s telehealth platform, Maven Clinic. She is also the author of the new book Why Won't You Sleep?!: A Game-Changing Approach for Exhausted Parents of Nonstop, Super Alert, Big Feeling Kids. Macall comes to this work because she had two sensitive, alert, intense children, and she didn’t sleep for 18 years.

In this episode, I chat with Macall about sleep strategies for children with alert temperaments. We know that every child is different. However, when it comes to sleep, parents of highly sensitive kids aren't always prepared for what bedtime might bring. That's why we had to get the scoop from Macall. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

Sleep challenges with highly sensitive and intense kids can be beyond frustrating, but understanding how temperament affects sleep is a game-changer. As Macall Gordon explained, these children aren’t choosing to resist sleep. Rather, their perceptiveness, persistence, and big emotions make it harder for them to settle. With the right approach, parents can support their child’s natural sleep needs without endless battles or forcing a method that doesn’t work. We're so grateful that Macall could share her insights with us in this episode!

Thank you for listening to our podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to share it with another tired parent who could use some encouragement. And, as always, be sure to subscribe to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast for more empowering conversations like this one, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more inspiring content. Cheers to a restful night's sleep!

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