You'll want to listen to this episode. It is truly beautiful to hear Rachel's experience with postpartum depression. The way that she and her husband grew together and found ways to get her the help she needed, the way she found cake decorating as a way to work through that difficult time (that then became a successful business), and the way that she describes her gratitude for her postpartum depression because it has helped her figure out better who she was as an individual and as a mom. 

Other topics we cover in this episode:

• How her postpartum depression and anxiety went undiagnosed for a long time with her first baby. 
• Her on-going experience with this and her ability to recognize symptoms and advocate for herself in her third pregnancy compared to her first. 
• Symptoms she experienced (real, concrete, relatable examples that you will want to hear). 
• Having humility to listen when someone points out that you don't seem like yourself. 
• Advice from her pediatrician about the pros and cons of medication while pregnant. 
• Getting professional help, as well as accepting help from partners and friends. 
• Importance of education on postpartum depression and anxiety for both you AND your partner. 
• "You are the mother your children need". 
• What control you do have in this situation (that often feels outside of your control).
• How you can help someone who might be experiencing postpartum depression (being the friend to ask the bold questions)
• And so much more!

Ultimately, I'm grateful for Rachel's years of experience and her wisdom. I'm sure that this will help any mom experiencing postpartum depression right now, or anyone supporting someone going through it.
 
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Rachel's professional cake account - "Cake's By Rach"
Book that Rachel mentions - "You Are the Mother Your Children Need"
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Struggling in the postpartum stage? Schedule a 30 minute session and you will leave with an actionable plan of how to turn your postpartum experience around! (Common concerns include breastfeeding difficulties, overwhelming emotions, sleep deprivation, strain on relationships, etc.) 

Together we've got this! I promise.

How do you stay sane when you are up all night with a baby?! I'm here to help you with this. In this podcast episode, I'm sharing FOUR ways that have helped both me and my clients with this exact topic.

Most of us worry about getting enough sleep in the postpartum stage. And everyone tells you to be worried about it! 🤪 But I PROMISE you, there are things you can do that will help you SO much. So make sure to listen to this episode as well as check out my free resource of  "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage."

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Struggling in the postpartum stage? Schedule a 30 minute session and you will leave with an actionable plan of how to turn your postpartum experience around! (Common concerns include breastfeeding difficulties, overwhelming emotions, sleep deprivation, strain on relationships, etc.) 

Together we've got this! I promise.

If you have had a difficult time with birth control, this episode is for you!!! You will want to listen to this episode to hear all about the Fertility Awareness Method which is DIFFERENT than what you’ve likely heard about - the “Natural Family Planning Method.” It’s much more exact and backed by science. (Let’s be clear - the Natural Family Planning Method is not bad! It’s just good to be aware of and educated on the differences.)

I’m so grateful to have Alexa Jeppson join me to discuss this topic. She is an RN, has done a ton of research on this method, and has her own personal experience as well.

Here are some of the topics that are covered in this episode:

• Alexa’s personal experience with hormonal birth control
• What led her to the Fertility Awareness Method (The Daysy specifically)a
• Benefits of using this method
• Concerns she had going into using this method and how she researched/addressed those
• How effective this method is vs other birth control methods
• How this method works day-to-day, how much time is involved, how long it takes to sync to learn how your personal body functions, how it links the information to an app to refer back to, etc.
• Advice for someone navigating this with their partner (the possibility of switching from hormonal birth control to this method)
• How Alexa's medical provider felt about her pursuing this method and why she thinks this isn’t talked about more often as an option.

This episode is NOT about being anti-birth control! If traditional birth control methods have been a positive experience for you, then keep using them! That’s wonderful. But if they are NOT… if they are causing anxiety, depression, unwanted weight gain, or other negative side affects, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER. There is another way that is equally as effective (and as a bonus, it helps you get to know your own body even better).

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The fertility tracker that Alexa personally uses: The Daysy
Another one she mentions: Natural Cycles

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Download your free guide of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage." We all know that sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of the newborn/postpartum stage. But don't worry! I've got you! 

Here's a quick tip that has helped me as a mom of three kids navigate the holidays - especially Christmas. I tend to have big expectations and hopes for the holidays, and this is the NUMBER ONE thing that has helped me have a great Christmas every year :) Listen and let me know what you think! Just message me over on my Instagram page @jessformoms. Happy holidays!!

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Download your free guide of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage." We all know that sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of the newborn/postpartum stage. But don't worry! I've got you! 

This is SUCH an important topic. Did you know that 1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression?! It is not just the mom that is at risk for postpartum mood disorders. Knowing this is the case can help you and your spouse or partner be better prepared for how to recognize depression or anxiety, and know how to get help. 

That is why I invited Alyssa Nilsen on the podcast. She and her husband have personal experience with this and are such an amazing team. Listen as she shared their experience with their first two kids and their personal struggles as Thomas (her husband) experienced depression both times (as well as anxiety and OCD). 

I loved hearing about the way they prepared for their third baby, and the ways that it paid off. (ESPECIALLY since Alyssa literally almost died due to a crazy rare infection - but you will need to listen to hear that crazy story and how it has affected them these past several months since their baby girl was born). 

We cover things like: 

• What she and Thomas learned from their first two postpartum experiences. 
• How they prepared better and more intentionally for their third baby. 
• Some symptoms that your partner is struggling with mental health during that stage. 
• Ways to best support them.
• And Alyssa's amazing advice to someone whose partner is struggling with their mental health right now (whether or not you are in the postpartum stage)

If this is you, you are not alone! Mental health challenges are SO common among women AND men. In and outside of the postpartum stage. Their is help available to you. Talk to your doctor or a counselor. Or at least, talk with your partner or someone you love and trust.

You can also check out Alyssa and Thomas' Instagram page where they share their journey navigating mental health - providing support and tips. You can also listen to their own podcast called "Love, The Nilsens".

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Download your free guide of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage." We all know that sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of the newborn/postpartum stage. But don't worry! I've got you! 

So grateful for Lindy Lemperle sharing her experience with going back to work after having her baby! 

Here are a few of the things we cover throughout the episode:

• Lindy's experience working professionally through a couple miscarriages, then her pregnancy with her baby, Miles. And then going back to work
• How she prepared for maternity leave.
• Advocating for herself in her current position, now that she is a working mom.
• Benefits that she has seen for her son from her working. 
• Ways that she has found that help her stay balanced in her career, as a mom, and in taking care of her own needs.
• Advice for women struggling with feeling guilty when they want or need to go back to work. 

And much more! It's an episode you won't want to miss!

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Download your free guide of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage." We all know that sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of the newborn/postpartum stage. But don't worry! I've got you! 

This week's episode is one of my favorite topics! It's one that I have seen make a huge difference not only for myself, but my clients as well. Doing things that help you "feel like you" in the postpartum and newborn stage will be a GAME CHANGER. 

In the episode we answer some common questions I get around this topic:

• Why is it so important to feel like you in this stage? 
• How do I identify what activities help me "feel like me" 
• How do I work those into the postpartum stage?
• What if I don't enjoy all the things that I used to do?

You'll hear me talk about my one-on-one, 30 minute sessions that are specifically for women who are struggling to feel like themselves in the postpartum stage (or any other challenge like breastfeeding, anxious thoughts, sleep deprivation, etc). These 30 minute sessions are meant to help turn your postpartum experience around so that it can be a time that you actually enjoy (rather than endure).

I know you are tough. I know you could do it on your own. But I promise you, this is a much better (and easier) way 💛 Click here to schedule. I've got you!

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Download your free guide of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage." We all know that sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of the newborn/postpartum stage. But don't worry! I've got you! 

Sharing a check in on where I am 9 months postpartum! Specifically how I am doing in regards to healing, how I'm doing emotionally, how sleep is going with a 9 month old baby, and an update on breastfeeding. We will also be talking about how this applies to YOU in your own postpartum journey - whether you are currently in the first year postpartum or are just thinking ahead. 

I have two goals in sharing this:
1. For you to have a general idea of what you can expect around 9 months postpartum. 
2. Give you ideas, resources, and options of ways you can improve your own healing process, emotional wellbeing,  sleep, and breastfeeding (if you are going that route). These are things I have found to work well for me and my clients, as well as things that I am currently working on. 

ALSO, as we are heading into season two of the podcast, if you (or someone you know) would like to be a guest sharing a topic related to postpartum that you are passionate or experienced with, please reach out to me!

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Referenced sleep products from episode:

• Taking Cara Babies Newborn Sleep Course
• "Get Your Sleep On" by the Peaceful Sleeper, Christine Lawler

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Download your free guide of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage." We all know that sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of the newborn/postpartum stage. But don't worry! I've got you! 

Definitely bring all the items you want for your baby - but don't forget to bring items just for YOU! Planning ahead for these types of things will only help improve your experience with labor and delivery. Remember, you're worth taking great care of too ❤️

Listen to this episode to hear the TEN items I recommend bringing. As well as an important announcement about the podcast!

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Download your free guide of "Questions to Ask Your Doctor in the Postpartum Stage." This is a resource you can take to your next doctor's appointment to help you feel better prepared!

My daughter turned FIVE this past week… I honestly can't believe it! It means I've been a mom for FIVE years. I totally recognize that five years does not make me a pro… But it got me thinking about the things that I have learned in the past five years that I wish I had known back then.

So that is what I'm sharing with you! Three things that I wish I knew when I first became a mom (plus one bonus one).

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Download your free guide of "Questions to Ask Your Doctor in the Postpartum Stage." This is a resource you can take to your next doctor's appointment to help you feel better prepared!