JUST BE

JUST BE

By Amanda ScharpfEducationSelf-Improvement
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JUST BE episodes

  • Why Massaging the Juicy Parts Matters (bellies, boobs and more)

    Who doesn’t love a good massage? (Don’t be shy - we know we have the non-massage preference listeners out there 😉 ). Whether you love or hate massage there is sooo many reasons why incorporating massage before, during and after pregnancy and birth is beneficial. That could be self massage, massage from your partner or a friend, or a professional massage. AND bonus points for massaging the tender parts that desperately need the touch and attention throughout this journey: our breasts and stomachs. 

    Some topics we cover in this episode:

    • why baby massage is talked about a lot but not much about massage for mama, 
      • how the giver gets so much out of giving a massage, 
        • the importance of getting massage in pregnancy and postpartum 
          • how to build massage into your day-to-day (tips for 5 min massage moments)
            •  practicing ASKing for massage (without guilt)
              • the many benefits of practicing massages as parters 
                • massage and mastitis 
                  • suggestions if you feel resistance to massage and touch 
                    • massage after cesarean 
                      • energetics of massage and how it can help you somatically process

                      • Resources:

                        • how organs shift during pregnancy
                          • Maya abdominal massage
                            • research that shows benefits for GIVING a massage

                            • Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: ⁠www.speakpipe.com/JustThis⁠

                              Looking for more? Head over to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you’ll find additional resources, ways to join the conversation and more goodies.

                              We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                              If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

                              Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show.

                              37 min
                            • Midwife's and Doula's: what's the difference and why we recommend having both

                              Ever wondered what the difference between a midwife and a doula is? Today we dive into this topic and explain why having a birth doula (even when you have a midwife) can be super helpful. Jen also gives the perspective from a midwifes view on why having a doula is helpful. Some of the topics we touch in on:


                              • what the simple difference is between a midwife and doula
                              • some of the different kinds of doulas
                              • why midwifes really love having a doula present
                              • our own experiences with midwifes and doulas
                              • how doulas help partners of the birthing parent
                              • a quick info on background of midwives  

                              • Have more questions about doulas or midwifes? Or anything else? Leave us a voicemail here: www.speakpipe.com/JustThis

                                Looking for more? Head over to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you’ll find additional resources, ways to join the conversation and more goodies.

                                We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                                If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

                                Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 😉

                                24 min
                              • Co-creating and Finding Spaces To Play (without your children) While Being a Parent

                                As promised we are back with our Part 2 of reflections that unfolded after going to Burning Man in 2023 without our children. Joining us for this convo we've got a special (and very first) guest on the podcast, Teny. She is a mama and business owner (and friend) that joined us on the adventure. The conversation goes in so many good directions. Some of the things we explore:


                                • the importance of engaging with your inner child as a mother (on your own without having your own children around)
                                • finding opportunities and spaces to connect with nature and the dark mother
                                • communal living and sharing of resources - how to bring this back into motherhood
                                • surrender as a parent vs. control
                                • co-creating vs. directing in parenthood
                                • attachment styles, inter-dependancy and codependency 
                                • disassociation (it’s not a bad thing) 

                                • Additional Resources:

                                  • Episode #10 - Taking Extended Solo Time and Separation from Our Babies (Part 1 of Our Burning Man Reflections)
                                  • Luis Mojica - Holistic Life Navigation
                                  • Briana MacWilliams (for attachment styles)

                                  • Looking for more? Head over to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you’ll find additional resources, ways to join the conversation and more goodies.


                                    We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


                                    If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

                                    Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 😉

                                    43 min
                                  • All Things Breastfeeding in First Weeks Post Birth: the realities, struggles, tips and more

                                    Let's talk about boobies! And all the amazing and hard things they go through in those first weeks with a new baby. Breastfeeding struggles are a REAL thing - just like birth it's not always as magical as we hope it to be. But we promise it does get easier and you are NOT alone. In this episode we talk about:


                                    • why the perception around 'easy breastfeeding' in the first weeks exists
                                    • why stress matters with breastfeeding
                                    • how you actually need to intake more food and water for breastfeeding than pregnancy (always a shocker to people)
                                    • how every baby is different (and the struggle can still exist with baby 2, 3, 4...)
                                    • reasons breastfeeding in the early weeks can be hard
                                    • our tips for making the breastfeeding journey easier
                                    • We hope you enjoy this episode and please share with us your breastfeeding tips or share this episode with a friend that would benefit from it.


                                      Additional Resources:

                                      • ‘the baby crawl’ - youtube video (also note this is not always how it goes - it's good to release expectations around this like we talk about in the podcast)
                                      • La Leche League
                                      • nipple shields and SNS systems (links just give examples but search these for more options)
                                      • the Breastfriend and Boppy pillows (links just give examples but search these for more options)
                                      • Rachel Yellen's breastfeeding meditations
                                      • hormone chart in first weeks postpartum (coming soon!)
                                      • Episode #11 - Exploring and Reframing Your Relationship to Pain for Birth and Life
                                      • Episode #1 - Week #1 Post Birth

                                      • Looking for more? Head over to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you’ll find additional resources, ways to join the conversation and more goodies.


                                        We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


                                        If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

                                        Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 😉



                                        40 min
                                      • Exploring and Reframing Your Relationship to Pain for Birth and Life

                                        Today we dive into PAIN (both in birth and in life). Jen wanted to explore this topic because she is tired of people shying away from using the word in relation to the experience of giving birth. Amanda had a slightly different take on it, where she actually finds it helpful to use different languaging. The topic sparked a beautiful conversation that unfolded around the word 'pain' and our relationship with the word, the sensations and more. We talk about the difference between pain and suffering as well as the benefits of going on a little date with 'pain' and getting to know it better, before birth or after or really anytime in your life (even without birth as part of the experience).


                                        Additional Resources:

                                        • orgasmic birth
                                        • Existential Kink (about it + link to the book)
                                        • The Whole Brain Child
                                        • Hypno-Birthing
                                        • Peri Massage
                                        • Rachel Yellen’s Audios 

                                        • Looking for more? Head over to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you’ll find additional resources, ways to join the conversation and more goodies.


                                          We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


                                          If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

                                          Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 😉



                                          31 min
                                        • Taking Extended Solo Time and Separation from Our Babies (of all ages)

                                          Leaving our babies and children often is an emotional roller coaster. The solo and away time is a key part of emotional balance and refilling our own energy cups but the separation tug on your heartstrings is a very real feeling. Whether it's your first time leaving your baby/kiddo or if you are a seasoned pro on taking 'you time' it's important to know that all emotions are valid and you are NOT alone in any of your feels. This is a special episode recorded leaving playa from Burning Man 2023 (filled with lots of magic and love). We give insight on our own unique experience of being away from our kiddos with little communication at Burning Man as well as tips and advice for taking steps to build in your own away time as needed.


                                          Additional Resources:


                                          • postpartum belly womb massage and yoni steaming - postpartum package with Radiant Moon Medicine
                                          • Jen’s childbirth classes (contact her directly for info: [email protected])
                                          • Struggling with separation from your baby or kiddo? We have a great intention setting workbook and meditation that can help with this - you can opt-in and find it at www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

                                          • Looking for more? Head over to⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you’ll find additional resources, ways to join the conversation and more goodies.


                                            We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠⁠.


                                            If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

                                            Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 😉

                                            22 min
                                          • The Many Forms of 'Co-Sleeping' - One Size Does Not Fit All

                                            Jen and I are both huge fans of co-sleeping. BUT as birth workers we also know that ultimately what is 'best' is going to be what works best for you as a parent. We discuss how co-sleeping is actually a very common practice in most cultures around the world, about the recent changes the AAP made with regards to baby sleeping in the same room, how most people end up doing some form of co-sleeping at some point postpartum, how co-sleeping doesn't always mean baby in bed next to you (there are so many ways to co-sleep) and Jen even spices things but with diving into the questions around 'how to you have sex if you kid is in your bed'.


                                            Additional Resources:


                                            • The 4th Trimester podcast episode #4 (on Apple, Google, Spotify)
                                            • change in AAP suggestions for co-sleeping
                                            • co-sleeping in other cultures around the world
                                            • travel sleeper (Amanda used ON the bed between parents)
                                            • Montessori floor mattress 
                                            • some photos of Amanda's co-sleeping she discussed with travel sleeper and with child teepee
                                            • moses baskets for sleeping (example of one here)

                                            • Looking for more? Head over to⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠ where you’ll find additional resources, ways to join the conversation and more goodies.


                                              We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at ⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠.


                                              If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

                                              Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 😉

                                              33 min
                                            • Balancing Life with Boundaries and Desires

                                              For our first in-person podcast recording Jen had an intuitive desire to talk about desired and boundaries. First we recorded this episode here on Scheduling vs. Rhythms and ultimately the convo led right back into this topic. These two elements of discovery and communication play such an important role in all your relationships before, during and after baby (including your relationship with yourself).


                                              Additional notes and resources:

                                              • Episode #6: Rhythms and Structures vs. Time and Scheduling
                                              • Via Negativa and The Twelth House podcast episode that covers this topic
                                              • our Intention Setting Workbook (just opt-in on our page to get it) is a GREAT way to connect to your desires

                                              • We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at ⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠.


                                                If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

                                                Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 😉


                                                Looking for more? Head over to⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠⁠ where you’ll find additional resources, ways to join the conversation and more goodies.  

                                                33 min
                                              • Placenta Supplements, Ceremonies and Other Fun Facts

                                                In this episode we talk about the basics around placentas. If you didn’t already know, many cultures and people out there consume the placenta in different forms after birth. We chat about the benefits, ways (from capsules, tinctures, smoothies…) and why this is done. AND if you are not so into the idea of consuming placenta we talk about placenta ceremonies and why we find them so special to integrate into your post birth experience. Jen also shares what traditionally a 'lotus birth' actually means (beyond just delayed cord cutting).


                                                Additional notes and resources:

                                                • episode #4 on The Fourth Trimester (Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify)

                                                • We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at ⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠.


                                                  If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

                                                  Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 😉


                                                  Looking for more? Head over to⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠ where you’ll find additional resources, ways to join the conversation and more goodies.

                                                  38 min
                                                • Rhythms and Structures vs. Time and Scheduling

                                                  For our first in-person podcast recording we discuss the benefits and reasons behind schedules and non-schedules. From baby into many years post birth with even a glimpse at how you can start to play with these elements pre-birth. Jen gives some great reframes on how to lean into rhythms and structures to find more ease starting from even pre-conception.


                                                  Additional notes and resources:

                                                  • Playful Parenting by Lawrence Cohen

                                                  • We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at ⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠.


                                                    If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

                                                    Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 😉


                                                    Looking for more? Head over to⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.justthis.site⁠⁠ where you’ll find additional resources, ways to join the conversation and more goodies.  

                                                    30 min

                                                  About JUST BE

                                                  From the publisher's feed

                                                  A podcast around navigating the journey into parenthood with conversations that go deeper than the highlight reel. Each episode peels back the layers of becoming and being a parent to explore what…