Chick Chat

Staying active during pregnancy isn’t just about fitness. It's so much more than that. It’s about feeling strong, prepared, and connected to your changing body. But with so much conflicting advice on what’s safe and effective, many expecting moms aren’t sure where to start. That's why in this episode of Chick Chat, we sit down with Gina Conley, the founder of MamasteFit.com, to break down the powerful benefits of prenatal fitness. From boosting overall health and reducing pregnancy discomforts to preparing the body for labor and postpartum recovery, Gina shares expert insights on how movement can empower moms-to-be. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, this episode will give you practical tips to feel your best throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Gina Conley holds an MS in Exercise Science and is the Founder & CEO of MamasteFit, an industry-leading perinatal fitness provider with a training facility located in Aberdeen, North Carolina. Aside from her work as a personal trainer specializing in perinatal fitness, Gina is a seasoned birth doula who has supported nearly 200 births in North Carolina. Gina is a mom of four and a military spouse. She is also a 7-year Army Veteran who served a combat tour to Afghanistan in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom Sentinel.

Gina and I discussed all about prenatal fitness including common myths about exercise during pregnancy and what the facts really are. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, and staying active can be one of the most powerful ways to support both your body and mind through pregnancy and prepare yourself for a smoother postpartum. As Gina reminded us, prenatal fitness isn’t about pushing limits—it’s about moving with intention, preparing for labor, and embracing strength in all forms. We hope this episode leaves you feeling inspired to find movement that works for you, whether it’s strength training, yoga, or simply taking more mindful walks. If you loved this conversation, be sure to share it with another mama-to-be, and don’t forget to subscribe to Chick Chat for more expert advice on pregnancy, birth, and motherhood!

Thank you for listening to our podcast! Cheers to a healthy and fit pregnancy!

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If you have a picky eater at home, you’re not alone! I'm right in the trenches with you. I've noticed that many parents find mealtime to be one of the most frustrating parts of the day, wondering how to get their child to try new foods without a battle. That's why I had to chat with Amanda Blechman, a registered dietitian, recipe developer, and mom of two, to help us parents navigate the tricky world of picky eating. I loved this episode with Amanda — she shared expert insights on what parents might be unintentionally not helping the situation, practical strategies to expand our child’s palate without pressure or power struggles, and so much more. Whether you’re dealing with a toddler who refuses vegetables or a child stuck in a chicken-nuggets-only phase, this episode is packed with helpful tips to make mealtimes smoother and more enjoyable for the whole family.

Amanda Blechman is a registered dietitian, recipe developer, and mom of two young children who loves to combine her passions of food and family in her work. As part of the Nutrition and Scientific Affairs team at Danone North America, Amanda provides scientific guidance to support nutrition communications, outreach, and education for healthcare professionals and consumers. Amanda is also a creative cook and recipe developer, and in her free time, she enjoys sharing helpful tips on social media to make family meals less daunting for parents and caregivers.

As I mentioned, I got to chat with Amanda about picky eaters and how we can help them become adventurous eaters. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

I know all too well — and Amanda confirmed! — that conquering picky eating doesn’t happen overnight. However, with patience, consistency, and these different approaches, parents can help their children build a more positive relationship with food. Amanda’s expert advice reminds us that mealtimes should be about exploration, not coercion, and that small wins — like a child simply touching a new food — are steps in the right direction.

Thank you for listening to our podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to share it with another 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 raising adventurous eaters!

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Pregnancy is a time of profound transformation — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As your body grows and adapts to nurture new life, finding ways to connect with yourself and your baby can be a grounding and empowering experience. Prenatal yoga has been a popular form of exercise and movement during pregnancy because it offers a unique opportunity to do just that, blending movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to ease discomforts, calm the mind, and prepare the body for labor and birth.

In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jesse Bennett about the transformative power of prenatal yoga. Together, we explored its many benefits, from relieving aches and pains to fostering a deeper connection between mom and baby. Jesse also shared valuable insights into breathwork, poses to embrace (and avoid), and the importance of slowing down during pregnancy. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this episode is packed with tips and inspiration to help you feel more empowered during your pregnancy journey.

Jesse is an author, Yoga and Pilates teacher, wellness expert, and mother based in California. Jesse writes and illustrates children’s books made to help children regulate their nervous system through practices seen in yoga. Her first book, The Yoga House, was inspired by her daughter, who has a difficult time falling asleep, encouraging them to meditate and breathe together. Jesse’s mission is to teach goodness, love, and kindness to children and their families, which we love and appreciate.

As I mentioned, I got to chat with Jesse about the benefits of prenatal yoga, from easing discomforts to embracing the power of slowing down during pregnancy and more. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

Jesse reminded us that prenatal yoga is more than just a form of exercise — it’s a way to honor and care for yourself during one of the most remarkable chapters of your life. By embracing movement, mindfulness, and breathwork, you can find greater balance, ease, and connection throughout pregnancy and beyond.

I hope this episode inspires you to explore the incredible benefits of prenatal yoga for yourself. Whether it’s through simple poses, calming breathwork, or just the practice of slowing down, every little step toward self-care makes a difference.

Thank you for listening to our podcast! Don’t forget to share this episode with an expecting friend who might also benefit from these insights! 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 embracing the power of slowing down!

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Welcoming a baby into the world is a beautiful experience, but the postpartum journey often comes with its own set of challenges. Between sleepless nights, recovering from birth, and adjusting to your new role as a mom, it’s easy for self-care — especially fitness and wellness — to take a back seat. However, prioritizing your physical and mental health is not only important for you but also for your family.

In this episode, we’re diving into postpartum fitness and wellness. We’re exploring practical tips for finding balance, staying motivated, and establishing healthy habits as a new mom. Whether you’re wondering how to ease back into exercise, build a sustainable routine, or simply feel more like yourself again, this episode is packed with advice and encouragement to help you thrive during this transformative season.

Marlie is a mom of two, a certified prenatal and postnatal trainer, and a certified health coach based in Toronto. She helps busy moms reach their fitness and wellness goals with her company, Bounce Forward Co., and shares her day-to-day life on social media under the alias Kale and Krunches. Marlie has created a lifestyle brand gaining the like, know, and trust of women across the globe and has partnered with top brands, including Google, Nike, Dyson, and more.

In this episode, I chat with Marlie about finding strength in motherhood. We discuss postpartum, fitness after baby, fitting workouts into your busy day, and more. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

Motherhood is an incredible journey, but it’s not without its hurdles—especially when it comes to balancing your own needs with those of your little one. Postpartum fitness and wellness isn’t about “bouncing back”; it’s about rediscovering your strength, finding joy in movement, and creating habits that support your well-being.

I hope this episode inspires you to take small, intentional steps toward prioritizing your health and happiness. Remember, your journey is unique, and every step counts.

Thank you for listening to this episode! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast, leave us a review, follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content, and share this with a fellow mom who might need a little extra encouragement. Cheers to finding strength in motherhood! Let’s support each other on this motherhood journey—one healthy habit at a time.

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I believe that most parents have heard about how synthetic dyes are “bad” for us and should probably be avoided. However, I don't think we really understand the reasons why and the science behind it. It's just not talked about enough, unfortunately. But, after talking to today's guests and learning more about the truth of synthetic dyes and the science about how they affect us, especially our kids, is seriously disturbing and downright maddening! Thankfully, our guests set out to discover and share the truth in their upcoming documentary, To Dye For. In my opinion, it's something that everyone needs to know about.

Brandon and Whitney Cawood are parents-turned-filmmakers who embarked on a fascinating quest after discovering their child's sensitivity to synthetic dyes. Their documentary journey delves into the profound impacts of these chemicals, featuring meetings with leading experts and heartfelt interviews with affected families. Through poignant stories and scientific evidence, they unveil the hidden perils of synthetic dyes, igniting awareness of their far-reaching effects on individuals and families. It's a powerful message that hopes to ignite change!

When Whitney and Brandon are not working and advocating, this Georgia couple loves to be outdoors, go camping, running, and enjoy time with their son and daughter.

In this episode, I chat with Whitney and Brandon about, you guessed it, the impact of synthetic dyes on our children. We discuss how they became passionate about this issue and what parents really need to know about synthetic dyes that they discovered through their research. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

This episode is for anyone caring for children — parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, daycare and preschool employees, etc. After listening to it, I hope it sparks a fire inside of you like it did me to make even a small change because it's more than obvious that change must happen. I am so incredibly grateful for the powerful work that Brandon and Whitney are doing and for taking the time to chat with us about this important topic.

What can you do?? Listen to this episode, watch their documentary (available January 14th), and speak up! These companies are putting profits over people... and our children and we deserve better. Thankfully, we have the power to make it happen. Let us know your thoughts and what you plan to do to make a difference.

Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to a healthier future for our children!

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It's no secret that more and more couples are facing fertility challenges today. Fertility treatments are on the rise, and people are looking for alternatives and more natural solutions to help them during their fertility journeys. When looking back at generations before us, they didn't experience as many fertility issues as our generation. This got me thinking about why this might be the case and what we can do about it. I wanted to learn more and got to talk to today's guest, pre-pregnancy expert Alexandria Devito, about preparing for pregnancy and what we can do to optimize our health before conception to increase our chances for a positive pregnancy test.

Whether you're considering egg freezing, just starting to think about pregnancy, or have been navigating the path to parenthood, this episode is for you and for anyone looking to embrace a holistic approach to fertility and generational health.

Alexandria DeVito is a functional nutritionist who specializes in fertility and preconception health. She is the author of 9 Months Is Not Enough: The Ultimate Pre-pregnancy Checklist to Create a Baby-Ready Body and Build Generational Health. She is also the founder and CEO of Poplin, the first pre-pregnancy wellness company. Prior to founding Poplin, Alexandria worked in management consulting at McKinsey & Company. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. She also has a master’s degree in nutrition, extensive training as a doula, yoga teacher, and personal trainer, and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, all of which inform her approach to pre-pregnancy wellness.

In this episode, I chat with Alexandria about the importance of pre-pregnancy wellness, the impact our preconception health has on our fertility, and what we can do to optimize it. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

I was blown away by my conversation with Alexandria. She brought to light so many things that most people (including me!) don't know about when it comes to our pre-pregnancy wellness. I learned a ton, and I hope you leave this episode feeling hopeful and inspired, too. This is definitely one that I am going to share with people who are thinking about growing their family so they can start focusing on their overall health and wellness now. I hope you found this episode helpful as much as I did!

Mentioned in episode: Sophia Ruan Gushée's episode about Detoxifying Your Home for Newborns & Kids

Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to prioritizing your pre-pregnancy wellness!

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When preparing for labor, most people are fixated on getting through the first stage and handling the contractions. And I get it. It's the longest stage of labor, and it can determine how you will birth your baby. But one area that I think does not get enough time and attention that really should when talking about labor and birth is pushing.

You might think that there’s not much when it comes to pushing. "You just push the baby out, right?" But you couldn’t be more wrong. If only it were that simple! Sometimes, women are quickly and effectively able to push their babies out, but more often than not, a lot of mothers who are pushing look to their care providers to give them guidance on how to push and if they are pushing correctly. Why can't we give them this guidance and prepare them better so they can feel confident during the pushing phase? That's why we’re talking all about it today with our guest HeHe. As a fellow sister doula, I knew this conversation was going to be a great one filled with awesome tips and information. And it is!

HeHe Stewart is a birth and postpartum doula, the Founder of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, and the creator of The Birth Lounge and Dad Daze, a birth prep course for fathers. With a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and 10 years in the Family Life Education field, HeHe helps women prepare for childbirth with research-backed education and expert support to have a confident birth experience while feeling informed and in control of labor (without fear or coercion). She is also a pro with preparing for postpartum, helping you master feeding your tiny human and understanding newborn sleep!

In this episode, I chat with HeHe about pushing during labor. We cover it all, from when you should actually start pushing to effective techniques, timing, and more! Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

HeHe is such a gem to mothers and the birthing community. It's so much fun for me to talk about birth with other birth workers and share helpful stories. Our conversation is filled with gold nuggets of wisdom! HeHe shared amazing advice and tips that I believe would help any parent feel more prepared for their pushing phase in labor. I hope you leave feeling more knowledgeable and prepared for pushing when it comes time for you. Let us know your thoughts and experience!

Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to a positive pushing & birth experience!

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Thanksgiving is around the corner! This is the time when we're solidifying our menu, confirming guests, and thinking about all of the ways we can keep our little ones happy and involved during the event. The holidays can bring up a lot of emotions. As moms, we feel the pressure to create the magic around the holidays and have things perfect for our guests and kids. And when you're the one hosting Thanksgiving, it can feel like extra pressure on your shoulders, especially if kids are attending. We want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere but also make it fun and memorable. Well, we had to ask event expert Cameron Forbes for her top tips for hosting a beautiful Thanksgiving for the whole family, including the kids. She shared some excellent advice and also gave us permission to not put so much pressure on ourselves and enjoy the moment.

Cameron Forbes is the visionary founder of Forbes Functions, where exceptional event planning meets the pulse of New York City. At Forbes Functions, Cameron leverages her extensive network of vendors as well as her female team, to curate bespoke experiences for her clients. Her flair for hosting, coupled with an innovative approach, has positioned her as a leading tastemaker in the event planning scene. Under her guidance, Forbes Functions is not just planning events; it’s crafting unforgettable moments and trendsetting celebrations that resonate with elegance and exclusivity. Cameron has planned parties for the likes of Erin Lichy, Serena Kerrigan, Baked by Melissa, and many other notables and tastemakers in NYC.

In this episode, we chat with Cameron about how to host a fabulous, kid-friendly Thanksgiving for your family, including tips and tricks for hosting with the kids. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

Cameron gave us practical and creative tips on how to host a memorable and stress-free Thanksgiving with kids. I loved her examples and the special touches she does at her Thanksgiving events with her family and friends. Tune in for some great advice!

Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to a beautiful and memorable Thanksgiving with your family!

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month. To get involved and help spread awareness, we wanted to learn more about Type 1 diabetes, its signs and symptoms, how common it is, and what we can do to help. I learned a lot during this episode, and one thing that stood out to me was that Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, but it can develop at any age. I had no idea! Anastasia really broke everything down for us, including what parents really need to know about Type 1 diabetes and what to look for so we can look out for our kids and each other.

Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, Ph.D., ARNP, CDCES transitioned to a career in diabetes care, education, and research in 2008, and since that time has committed her professional life to improving the lives of people with diabetes. She currently serves as director, community screening and clinical trials education at Breakthrough T1D and is the founder and board chair of a Florida-based diabetes education non-profit, Diabetes Toolkit. Anastasia formerly served as director of diabetes education and clinic operations in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida, where she maintained an active research portfolio and clinical practice. Prior to working in diabetes care, Anastasia was the highest-ranking executive for Southwest Airlines in southern California, where she oversaw the company’s local marketing, public affairs, and community and media relations. She plans to retire as soon as a cure for Type 1 diabetes is discovered, but not a moment earlier.

In this episode, we chat with Anastasia all about Type 1 diabetes and what parents need to know — from symptoms to diagnoses and beyond. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

90% of people who develop Type 1 diabetes have no family connection with the condition, so it can happen to anyone, even if it doesn't run in your family. This is helpful information for us all to know and be aware of as we grow and raise our babies. Be sure to spread the message!

Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to making everyday life better for those with Type 1 diabetes and their families!

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Nowadays, it's common for most women to be in the workforce before they embark on motherhood. Once they have decided to expand their families, maternity leave is something that enters their minds. How much time will she have off? How much will be paid or unpaid? What should she prepare for to have a smooth maternity leave? There are a lot of questions, so we had to "chick chat" with Dr. Jessica Madden, a mom of four, a board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist, and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), her recommendations on how to prepare for maternity leave and what to mothers should add to their maternity leave checklist.

Dr. Jessica Madden has been a board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist for over 15 years. She's currently on staff in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, OH. She previously worked in the Boston and Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospitals. In 2018 she started Primrose Newborn Care to provide in-home newborn medicine and lactation support. Dr. Madden is currently the Medical Director at Aeroflow Breastpumps. She also enjoys traveling, yoga, reading, and spending time with her four children.

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Madden about the ideal maternity leave checklist for expectant mothers, such as what to discuss with employers and insurance companies, what resources are available during and post-delivery, including lactation support, and more. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

Dr. Jessica Madden gave us some incredible insights in this episode, and we are including all of them in our maternity leave checklist, which you can find and download in our SHOW NOTES. Be sure to download it to prepare for your maternity leave successfully!

Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to preparing for an amazing maternity leave!

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