Dear Doula

For many of us, feeding babies and toddlers can be overwhelming, especially when you're faced with food rejection and other issues at the table. Helene Skantzikas is the creator of the French Foodie Baby, a blog which chronicles her journey in the nurturing and expanding of her son Pablo's tastebuds and love of life through good food.

Helene joins me today to share her secrets to fostering healthy eating habits, including the role her family and French cultural background has played in her approach to feeding her son (possibly the best fed child I have ever known!). Listen in to discover the power of modeling a healthy, joyful approach to food, being engaged in the enjoyment of food preparation, and seeing the family meal as an opportunity for connection and togetherness.

Even if your child is only used to eating a few foods, Helene gives us hope that it's never too late to nurture a healthy, happy, and positive relationship to the nourishment of their bodies.

Connect with Helen:

Read her blog: French Foodie Baby

Follow her on Instagram

Audio Stamps:

2:00 - Helene tells us why she started her blog 'French Foodie Baby'

3:49 - We find out why it's important to have an open mind about what our babies might like

6:17 - We hear Helene's tips for how to integrate children into the preparation of family meals.

8:37 - Brandi asks Helene if it was a struggle to go against the "conventional" way of feeding her baby.

14:36 - We find out what Helene has observed around food in early childhood education.

16:30 - Helene shares what lessons her family is learning about food during their travels.

21:30 - Brandi and Helene discuss what it is about the French way of life that leads to their commitment to creating fresh, joyful meals.

26:56 - Helene gives her advice to parents who want to incorporate trying new foods, but feel they've already set an expectation where their kids are used to eating just a few things.

As a new parent, you deserve to have the opportunity to welcome your new family member and transition into this new chapter, without stressing about work. But the lack of comprehensive federal policies for paid parental leave in the U.S. places a significant burden on new parents who are faced with the impossible choice between caring for their children and maintaining their careers.

In today's episode, I'm interviewing parental leave consultant Arianna Taboada, who is working to disrupt the narrative that growing a family is incompatible with growing a company or having a career. She is the author of The Expecting Entrepreneur: A Guide to Parental Leave Planning for Self Employed Business Owners (2021), and joins me to answer key questions about how to map out parental leave, and build the self-awareness you need as you move through the momentous shift into parenthood.

References:

The Expecting Entrepreneur: A Guide to Parental Leave Planning for Self Employed Business Owners

https://www.abetterbalance.org/

Connect with Arianna:

Visit her website: theexpectingentrepreneur.com

Follow her on Instagram

Follow her on LinkedIn

You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to [email protected]. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!

If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.

If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!

Audio Stamps:

• 1:55 - Arianna tells us about her business and how she helps people navigate parental leave

• 3:11 - We find out the common knowledge gaps when it comes to parental leave

• 4:55 - For anyone who is thinking of having kids, Arianna shares what they should be doing now to understand and prepare for parental leave

• 6:16 - Arianna recommends what to do if you have an employer with a parental leave policy

• 8:53 - Brandi asks what people could be doing with their employer and HR when pregnant or before becoming pregnant

• 10:22 - Arianna shares what she wishes more parents knew about parental leave

• 11:13 - We hear Arianna's advice for anyone who is afraid to speak about their pregnancy in the workplace for fear of retaliation or discrimination

• 13:11 - Arianna tells us about how her book helps people navigate the process of parental leave

• 14:10 - We find out if disability leave is the same as parental leave

• 16:16 - Brandi asks what you can do about parental leave if you're already far into your pregnancy

Endless Google searches, relentless posting in Facebook groups, asking other parents for advice…. It's no wonder most first time parents feel overwhelmed shopping for products for their little ones. But does it really have to be so confusing, exhausting, and depersonalized?!

To help us sift through the vast array of baby products on the market, I invited a very special guest and THE ultimate baby product guru to talk to us about what is new and cool in 2023! Join me as I sit down with Monica Banks from Gugu Guru, the only creator community focused entirely on maternity and parenting content.

Still not found the right baby monitor for you? Not sure which stroller will fit your lifestyle?

If you are a new or expectant mom and want to confidently choose the right gear for your family, this episode is a must-listen!

References

Ask A Doula: Brandi's Top 15 Questions and Recommendations

Download Brandi's Breastfeeding Checklist

Download Brandi's Healthy Sleep Foundation Guide

Connect with Monica:

Gugu Guru Website

Private Mom Creators Facebook Community

Instagram

X

TikTok

Product recommendations:

Aura baby monitor, Babyation pump, Baby Bottle Brush Bib, Babymel (diaper bags), Babyzen strollers, Globowl (infant food), HAPP (diaper bags), Kibou (diaper bags), Lily Jade (diaper bags), Larktale (wagons), Mockingbird strollers, Nanobebe breastmilk bottle, TWELVElittle (diaper bags), Uppababy strollers

If you have ideas about shows and content, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to [email protected]. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!

If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.

If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!

In today's fast-paced world, "pause, rest, be" are three simple words that many of us (especially parents!) often overlook. Society doesn't give us any accolades for taking time out to rest, but as people's schedules get busier, our presence and connectedness as humans gets weaker.

Joining me today to normalize and demystify the practice of rest, is Octavia Raheem, an award-winning author, rest coach, and restorative yoga teacher. Octavia invites us into practices that enhance presence, groundedness, and a better sense of wellbeing– all of the things that we need and desire, yet are not reflected in our day-to-day living and calendar. We also explore how we can instill this practice into our children, without feeling like we're limiting their opportunities.

References:

Connect with Octavia:

Visit her website

Follow her on Instagram

Connect with Octavia on LinkedIn

Learn more about Devoted to Rest™, a transformational rest focused experience for visionary women leaders making a high impact in their fields

Octavia's books:

"Gather"

"Pause, Rest, Be"

You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to [email protected]. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!

If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.

If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!

Time Stamps

1:42 - Octavia tells us about her bestselling book "Pause, Rest, Be" and what brought her to the space of telling people that they need to pause.

4:58 - Brandi asks Octavia how we can decondition ourselves from the narrative that we can only be successful if we are being productive.

10:50 - Rest isn't just simply sleeping, but it does start with good sleep hygiene. Recording restful, affirming, and restorative messages for you and your children can help to wind down.

13:59 - People are very overscheduled but embracing blank space can yield a lot of creativity.

16:36 - For people who didn't have access to lots of activities growing up, it can lead to overcompensating and putting our kids in things to make up for what we didn't get.

22:12 - Octavia and Brandi share their personal stories of times they have been overly productive to feel worthy and how they were able to catch this and build in rest and space.

27:46 - Brandi asks Octavia how she handles people who feel like they understand they need to rest but think that they don't have time.

34:07 - Octavia invites us into a one minute pause to help us embody the practice of pausing so that we can start to find that drop of peace for ourselves in our everyday lives.

When you've been a doula for as long as I have, you start to get a lot of the same questions—which comes as no surprise for the absolute flood of information, products and advice new parents are given. That's why, to kick off season 3 of Dear Doula, I'm doing a quick overview of my top 15 most-asked questions. Wondering what diapers, bottles, or blankets are best? Not sure if those sleepy "dream feeds" are the right call? This is the episode for you.

Brandi's Recommendations:

• Bottles and Breastfeeding
  • Wabi Bottle Sterilizer
  • Dr. Brown's Bottles
  • Swehl
• Bras and Clothes
  • Kindred Bravely
  • Target Nursing Bras
• Diapers and Wipes
  • Pampers Swaddlers
  • Kirkland Wipes at Costco
  • DiaperChamp Diaper Pail
  • Ubbi Diaper Pail
  • Keekaroo Peanut Changer
  • Dy-Dee Diaper Service (the cloths also make great burp cloths!)
• Baby Carriers and Lounges
  • Dockatot Baby Lounge
  • Artipoppe Baby Carriers
  • Solly Baby Carriers
• Sleep
  • Sleep Pea Swaddle
• Care For Mom
  • OHLOLLY Lotions and Skincare
  • Osea Body Oil
• Other Recommendations
  • NoseFrida (and other Frida products)

My Interview with Romper: "Do I Need A Baby Bottle Sterilizer?"

If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review!

Get more on Instagram from Brandi and Dear Doula

Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Reach out to [email protected].

Podcast Description

Working with families for the past 20 years I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to relationship issues. There has been no shortage of relationship stories from life in the trenches, including a dad leaving in the middle of the night to go to Vegas just 3 days into postpartum!

Despite its prevalence in society, divorce remains such a taboo topic. People can feel a sense of shame and failure when separating from a partner, and emotions are often running high. So how do we continue to prioritize the children when going through a divorce? And can we reframe divorce to be a positive experience for our kids?

In today's epsode, I'm delighted to be joined by Kim Korven, aka The Conflict Queen, who helps us to explore a gentler way through family conflict and reminds us that while you won't be the first or the last to do it, you can do it where everyone wins.

Connect with Kim

Visit Kim's website: www.gentlewaydivorce.com

References

"High Conflict" by Amanda Ripley

"Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After" by Katherine Woodward Thomas

"Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It" by Chris Voss

Kim Korven's workbook: how do I tell my husband I want a divorce?

If you have further questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to [email protected]. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!

If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!

Time Stamps

01:52 - Brandi introduces today's guest, Kim Korven, who tells us more about herself and her work in helping clients find a gentle way through divorce.

03:38 - Kim gives advice to people who may feel shame for walking away from something that they know is not working for them.

07:17 - Kim discusses how to prioritize the kids when emotions are running high during a divorce.

08:58 - Brandi asks what to do if one person is not willing to be amicable.

11:36 - We find out what often leads people astray from the idea of putting the kids first.

15:59 - We learn what Kim recommends for being able to amicably share resources and the raising of children.

19:45 - Brandi asks Kim how couples can turn it round if emotional hurt is fueling disagreements during a divorce.

23:44 - Kim names some good resources for someone who's looking to be conscious about how they're going about divorce.

25:56 - We hear some words of wisdom for anyone who's going through divorce or thinking about it.

26:40 - Brandi shares how her own parents' divorce created a lot of positive things for her in her life.

Podcast Description

As a board certified lactation consultant, I have seen just how disheartening it can be for new mothers facing breastfeeding challenges. I also know how much more difficult this is made by the amount of myths and misinformation floating around on this topic.

One of the most common hurdles I have seen in recent times is low milk supply, which can lead to concerns about providing enough nutrition for your little ones. In this episode, we will explore some common reasons women struggle with milk supply, and offer practical tips and strategies to help overcome these issues and boost milk supply.

References

War on Want was the first organization to draw attention to the damage caused by baby milk companies like Nestlé with its groundbreaking 1974 publication The Baby Killer.

View Mrs Patel's lactation treats and teas at www.mrsmilk.com

Swehl Latch Kit

If you are struggling with breastfeeding, The Cradle Company offers an array of services for breastfeeding mothers, with lactation consultants that can help you virtually or in person. Go to www.thecradlecompany.com or follow us on Instagram or on Facebook.

If you have further questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to [email protected]. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!

If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!

Time Stamps

01:27 - Brandi shares the shocking experience that led her to become a board certified lactation consultant.

04:47 - We get an overview into why a lot of people are struggling with milk supply.

05:37 - We learn how having an induction can affect milk supply.

08:00 - We find out how people who have had assisted pregnancies can be at a higher risk for developing milk supply issues.

09:25 - Brandi gives some advice for people who are having issues with milk supply, including pumping and galactagogues.

18:19 - We discover how issues with the actual anatomy of the breast can also cause problems with milk supply.

Podcast Description

Unrealistic expectations can often overshadow the immense achievements of working parents. Working moms in particular can get so wrapped up in all the fires they have to put out, that they end up at the very bottom of their to-do list. In my work, I've seen first hand how that can lead to feelings of resentment, overwhelm, and failure.

Today's special guest Lindsay Dreyer was an overwhelmed business owner not so long ago, suffering from poor physical and mental health, and drowning in intense guilt that she wasn't spending more time with her baby.

She joins me today to discuss how she managed to turn this around to make space to enjoy her success, her family, and rediscover what she loves. Lindsay's practical insights on navigating this fulfilling yet challenging path will empower you if you're struggling to strike the right balance.

Connect with Lindsay:

Follow her on Instagram

Visit her Website

If you need more support for this or if you have questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to [email protected]. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!

If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!

Time Stamps

01:21 - Lindsay tells us more about who she is and what she does.

02:44 - Lindsay explains what her clients struggle with most and how she helps them.

05:15 - Brandi and Lindsay discuss why "work/life balance" is a myth.

08:33 - We find out the importance of putting yourself first and modeling that to your kids.

12:43 - Brand and Lindsay discuss how society is pitting working moms against stay-at-home moms.

16:28 - We hear two important things mompreneurs should keep in mind when building or scaling a business.

23:48 - We find out the perks of being an entrepreneur and a parent.

24:46 - Lindsay gives advice to those craving more flexibility about how to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

As new parents or parents-to-be, we can spend hours going down rabbit holes trying to find the best information to support our birthing and parenting decisions. In a lot of instances, the articles people see online talking about controversial issues are heavily slanted towards the author's own views and not necessarily backed by evidence.

While most of what I talk about is related to what I've seen in the trenches working with families over the past 20 years, I am a strong believer in passing evidence-based information to parents to inform decisions.

My special guest today, Dr. Rebecca Dekker, became fed up with how the system treats birthing families. She is now working hard to take the stress out of research and make science sexy for parents and birth workers alike! She is the founder of Evidence Based Birth®, and has made it her mission to ensure all birthing families have access to safe, respectful, evidence-based, and empowering care.

Join our conversation now to hear her evidence-based insights into two controversial birthing topics.

Resources

Read the Evidence Based Birth® article on circumcision here

Read more on the evidence around waterbirth here

Watch the College Humor video on the history of circumcision

Listen to the Evidence Based Birth® Podcast

Follow @ebbirth on Insta

Go to the Evidence Based Birth® Youtube Channel

If you need more support for this or if you have questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to [email protected]. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!

If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!

Time Stamps

01:22 - Dr. Rebecca Dekker tells us more about Evidence Based Birth® and the work that they do.

02:47 - Brandi tells us about her own experience of circumcision with her now 16 year old son.

03:58 - Dr. Dekker discusses her background and how she approached the evidence-based work she has produced around circumcision.

06:02 - Dr. Dekker shares how she was personally confronted with the topic of circumcision and how this put the procedure into perspective for her.

07:59 - Dr. Dekker discusses the ethical considerations around circumcision.

11:46 - We find out what the evidence shows with regard to circumcision.

16:30 - Brandi and Dr.Dekker speak about the regret parents can feel around their decision to circumcise their children.

23:06 - We learn about the historical context of circumcision.

26:25 - Dr. Dekker talks through evidence-based information surrounding waterbirths.

Are you a parent who's gearing up to start the potty training journey with your child? Potty training is a significant milestone in a child's development and can be an exciting yet challenging time for both parents and children.

Parents often feel the pressure to meet societal expectations when it comes to potty training. Whether it's comparing your child's progress to that of other children, feeling judged by other parents or family members, or facing cultural expectations, it's important to manage these societal pressures.

As with any new stage in parenting, being prepared and equipped with the right information to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible is key. In this episode, I'll be guiding you through the tips and tricks that will help you navigate this important transition with confidence.

If you need more support for this or if you have questions about potty training, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments, and platitudes to [email protected]. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!

Brandi does do potty training consultations, so feel free to email and check that out if you're interested!

If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!

Time Stamps

00:57 - Brandi introduces this week's topic of potty training and one of the main issues that causes us problems.

01:42 - We hear Brandi's experience of potty training her now 16 year old son.

02:47 - We learn about the role of culture defining when a child is potty trained.

05:54 - Brandi talks about the importance of exposure and why the Western world often gets this wrong.

08:43 - We find out why we need to consider the language we use on this topic with our kids.

10:41 - We discover how diaper free time can play a part in successful potty training.

13:16 - We learn what to avoid when working with children when it comes to potty training.

14:35 - Brandi addresses the idea of 'bootcamp' style potty training methods.