Hi Everyone! & thank you so much for tuning into this week's episode of Mom Mode! On this week's episode we have Gabby Lyn on the podcast! Gabby was previously a full time speech-language pathologist turned SAHM to her daughter Ella and during her transition she has shared her journey of motherhood, the challenges of transitioning from a working mom to a SAHM and the importance of community and self-care along the way! 

Gabby and I discuss her experience with postpartum anxiety, the isolating feeling that being home can bring to you during those early days of motherhood and what helped her find this new version of herself, the joys of connecting with her daughter through singing and the need for support among mothers and the significance of finding balance in their lives (really highlighting how much finding a community matters) and honestly I couldn't agree more! 

Key takeaways: 

• The vulnerable transition from working mom to stay-at-home mom.
• Gabby shares her experience of rediscovering herself after becoming a mother.
• The importance of being an intentional mom, encouraging mothers to find joy in the small moments.
• The power of singing for bonding and language development.

• How social media has helped her connect with other moms and find community- community is something that Gabby strongly advises new moms to find as it can help so much to discuss, relate and not feel alone.

xo, Nichole

Follow Gabby on Instagram!: @itsgabbylyn

As always, thank you so much for listening to Mom Mode - I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood and if you enjoyed listening please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube and leave us a review! 

Hi Everyone! & thank you so much for tuning into this week's episode of Mom Mode! On this week's episode we have Laura Arroyo on the podcast! Mother of a daughter born with a cleft palate and host to her own podcast "Our Forever Smiles" supporting mothers of children born with a cleft lip or palate.  

During this episode of Mom Mode,  Laura shares her personal journey as a mother of a child born with a cleft palate. She discusses the challenges faced, the emotional rollercoaster of receiving the diagnosis, her experience in the NICU and emphasizes the importance of community support for parents navigating similar situations and provides valuable resources for those newly diagnosed. The conversation highlights the emotional and practical aspects of parenting a child with a cleft lip or palate, offering insights and encouragement for other parents. Moms, you are not alone if you are currently navigating a diagnosis. 

Key takeaways: 

• Laura hosts the Our Forever Smiles podcast to support mothers of children with cleft lip or palate
• Cleft lip and palate can occur independently or together, with different prevalence rates between genders.
• It's normal for parents to feel a range of emotions, including guilt and worry, when facing a cleft diagnosis.
• Breastfeeding can be challenging for babies with cleft palates due to suction issues. Bottle recommendations listed below! 
• Community support is crucial for parents of children with cleft conditions.
• Resources such as Facebook groups and podcasts like (Our Forever Smiles) can provide valuable information and support. 

Perfect for:

• Moms who are currently experiencing the birth of a baby with cleft lip or cleft palate. 
• First-time moms feeling overwhelmed by their child's cleft diagnosis. 
• Moms looking for a cleft community for support.

Laura's Bottle recommendations:

• Dr. Brown's Specialty Feeding Systems (SFS) - designed for infants with cleft lip and palate or complex feeding challenges. Utilizes a blue "infant-paced feeding valve" to create compression-based flow, allowing infants to feed without needing to generate suction. 
• Pigeon Cleft Palate Bottle - specialized feeding system for infants with cleft lip/palate or weak sucking strength. 
• The Medela SpecialNeeds Feeder (formerly the Haberman Feeder) - specialized bottle designed for infants with cleft lip/palate, allowing infants to feed with minimal suction. 

Resources:

• Instagram: @ourforeversmiles 
• Podcast: Our Forever Smiles (Spotify, Apple Podcasts)
• Facebook Group: Cleft Lip and Palate Support Group 

As always, thank you so much for listening to Mom Mode - I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood and if you enjoyed listening please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube and leave us a review! 

xo, Nichole

Hi Everyone! & thank you for tuning into this week's episode of Mom Mode! On this week's episode we have Becca Bunch Booker! Becca is a first time mom to her 7 month old son and business owner to Homemade Social - a digital marketing agency based in Phoenix, Arizona. 

During our conversation, Beeca shares her journey through pregnancy, the challenges of having a breech baby, her experience trying the ECV procedure, her experience having a scheduled C-section and the importance of self-care and grace during motherhood. 

We also dive into what work-life balance has been like being a business owner taking maternity leave and the support systems she has in place allowing for a successful return back. Becca offers valuable advice for other moms navigating similar experiences, emphasizing the importance of preparation and mental health. Get ready for a candid conversation that reminds you: no matter what your pregnancy journey looks like, you’re doing amazing. Hit play to hear the full story—and maybe even learn a thing or two you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode, you'll uncover:

• A first time moms experience having a breech baby and experiencing a positive scheduled c-section.
• Becca's experience trying the ECV procedure in order to try and flip breech baby.
• The importance of having a support system, like a nanny, can significantly ease the transition back to work after maternity leave.
• The importance of communicating your needs with your partner during the postpartum period.
• Preparation for maternity leave when you are a business owner. 
• Finding a good balance between work and motherhood when returning back to work. 

Perfect for:

• Expectant mothers facing breech or complications
• First-time moms feeling overwhelmed by birth choices
• Entrepreneurs and working moms balancing baby and business
• Anyone seeking honest, relatable pregnancy stories with practical tips

As always, thank you so much for listening to Mom Mode - I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood and if you enjoyed please leave us a review or subscribe so you can continue following along!

xo, Nichole

Hi Everyone! & thank you for tuning into this week's episode of Mom Mode! On this week's episode we have Mandy Davis, mom of two on the podcast!! 

Mandy Davis, M.Ed., is a former school principal and author of The Homeschool Bible, a definitive guide to homeschooling. She is the founder of Homebuilt Education and leads a community of over 400,000 families online, delivering trusted resources and guidance for parents. 

Most parents underestimate how liberating—and essential—lifelong homeschooling can be, especially when the school system isn’t working. During our conversation, Mandy reveals the untold truths behind traditional schooling’s pitfalls—from bullying and anxiety to outdated curricula and rigid schedules—and shares how to reclaim your child's education on your own terms. In this episode, Mandy shares her transformational journey from the trenches of the public school system to homeschooling her own children, exposing the systemic issues she encountered that many parents don’t see from the outside. She discusses how bullying, mental health struggles, and misaligned schedules impact kids’ well-being, and explains how homeschooling offers a personalized, less stressful alternative.

During this episode we discuss:

• Why the school day’s timing and structure undermine teenage health and mental wellness.
• The myths about socialization in homeschooling versus reality—and how kids truly build community.
• Practical strategies for starting homeschooling even if you work full-time or feel overwhelmed.
• The power of hybrid models and local co-ops to enrich kids’ social and extracurricular experiences.
• How emergency remote learning during COVID blurred the line between schooling and actual education—and why it’s not homeschooling.
• How - The Homeschool Bible is a comprehensive resource for new homeschooling families.

This episode is perfect for overwhelmed parents questioning whether the traditional school system is the best fit for their kids, or anyone curious about stepping outside the system but unsure how to start. Mandy’s insights are grounded in her personal story, educational expertise, and her new resources—like the upcoming Homeschool Bible and Parent Planner—designed to guide parents every step of the way. If you’re ready to rethink education, find confidence in your parenting choices, and explore practical options to personalized learning, this episode is your must-listen. The path to empowering your child’s future begins here.

Mandy Davis Info:

Instagram: @homebuilteducation

Resources: Thehomeschoolbible.com, HomebuiltEducation.com

As always, thank you so much for listening to Mom Mode - I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood and if you enjoyed please leave us a review or follow up on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you can continue following along 

xo, Nichole

In today's episode, we welcome Abbi Warden to the show!

Abbi is a Toronto-based COO, proud mom of three under two, and advocate for honest motherhood conversations.

Most moms feel like they've lost themselves when new chaos arrives— Abbi's journey from postpartum overwhelm to thriving mom and COO will change how you see your own motherhood experience.

During our conversation - Abbi shares her rawest moments of postpartum anxiety, the dramatic shift in her identity after having twins, and the surprising ways she found her confidence again after welcoming her 3rd baby. From living thousands of miles away from family to now finding her groove with three kids, she reveals the importance of community/family, asking for help/accepting help, having a supportive partner and prioritizing self-care amidst chaos.

Why this matters: Missing out on your own well-being can leave you stuck in survival mode—Abbi’s story shows it’s not only okay to prioritize yourself but essential to truly enjoy motherhood. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or juggling life with little ones, her insights will inspire you to redefine what success and self-care really mean.

This episode isn’t just about surviving—it’s about reclaiming your confidence and remembering who you are outside of motherhood’s chaos.

During this episode we discuss:

• How postpartum anxiety can sneak up even when everything looks "okay" on the surface.
• The real truth behind postpartum identity shifts and feeling like you’ve lost yourself.
• Practical advice for asking for help and building your village, especially when living far from family.
• The unexpected relief of returning to work—what Abby calls her purpose—after feeling lost.
• The behind-the-scenes of her hernia battle and how medical uncertainty affected her mental health.
• Finding her “Pink” and what its like prioritizing yourself from time to time.
• Experience around exclusively breastfeeding

Follow Abbi on Instagram! @abbiwarden

As always, thank you so much for listening to Mom Mode - I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood and if you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! XO, Nichole

Please join me in welcoming Meems Gillette to Mom Mode as we have such a fun and honest conversation about motherhood and what it is like to have 2 kids in your mid-40s. A journey that began for Meems with IVF due to male factor, transitioning from being a teacher to a SAHM, balancing a healthy marriage by maintaining individuality and advocating for herself when it came to experiencing perimenopause. We truly talk through it all! Once becoming a mom to her second child she also started posting on social media as a way to connect with other women and find community and now content creates full time by sharing raw relatable and unfiltered mom humor!

During this episode we discuss:

• How perimenopause is often overlooked in women's health discussions and how important it is to find the answers you need. 
• How motherhood can feel isolating, but community helps and the power of social media is great for finding that community of women. 
• The journey of IVF due to male factor. 
• Finding balance between self-care and parenting.
• Maintaining individuality in marriage is important and finding a good routine that works for both.
• Ways that parenting gets easier but also harder as your kids continue to grow. 

For more from Meems, follow her on Instagram @twolittlestolove  !

As always, thank you so much again for listening to Mom Mode - I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood! XO, Nichole

In today's episode, I have a beautiful conversation with Danielle Marple (mother of 3) where we talk about her profound journey through motherhood which began at 24 after finding out she carried the gene BRCA1- after a year of research her and her boyfriend (now husband) decided the best case would be removal of fallopian tubes to reduce the risk of her having cancer in the future. The downside was that IVF would in their future when they were ready to grow their family. 

During their first transfer - Danielle and her husband found out they were having twin girls and could not be more excited! On a trip to Paris she was extremely swollen but thought it was due to traveling. After being back home and the swelling not going away she went to the doctor to find out she in fact had preeclampsia. Her twin girls were born at 25 weeks and although they are healthy and hitting all the milestones now it was a long journey for them in the NICU. Danielle discusses the importance of faith, community support, and the lessons learned from her pregnancy, including the healing process after trauma. They decided their family was not complete with just 2 and had another IVF transfer (their now son)! This pregnancy was much different although there were fears due to her previous experience which we talked through and how she handled them and now they feel complete as a family of 5! This episode is for any mom who has experienced trauma during conception, pregnancy or delivery - in hopes that Danielle's journey can inspire you to heal and continue to grow your family and not let the trauma or fear step in the way. Thank you so much for being here, for listening and I hope this helps someone who needs to hear a similar journey. 

During this episode we discuss:

• Danielle's journey to motherhood began with a BRCA1 mutation diagnosis.
• She had to undergo IVF to grow her family due to her genetic risks.
• Her twin daughters were born at 25 weeks, leading to a challenging NICU experience.
• Faith and community support played a crucial role in her recovery.
• She encourages mothers to envision their family's future when considering more children and to not let fear get in the way. 
• The healing process after trauma can be gradual but is essential for moving forward.
• She advocates for awareness and research around preeclampsia.

For more from Danielle, follow her Instagram! @daniellepmarple

Thank you so much for listening! Enjoy!

In today's episode, I sit down with Registered Dietician Leslee Flannery to discuss ALL Things Gestational Diabetes. This is not something I personally have experienced during pregnancy but it is something us moms are at risk for and I thought who better to talk to about it than Leslee. Leslee has spent 13+ years working with women/moms who currently have gestational diabetes, previously had gestational diabetes or are just looking to stabilize blood sugars. While working her dream job at a local MFM OB office she realized that gestational diabetic women only met with a dietician one time their entire pregnancy and that's when she realized there was a need. In 2020 Gestational Diabetes Nutrition was created! You canreach out to Leslee if you have further questions about what she offers and how she can help! I will list her contact info below!

During this episode we talk about;

• How to manage gestational diabetes. 
• Is gestational diabetes avoidable?
• Who is more susceptible to getting gestational diabetes.
• Eating consistently every two to three hours helps maintain blood sugar levels.
• Dieting and restricting can hinder pregnancy growth.
• Why Carbohydrates are not inherently bad; they just need to be consumed correctly.
• Portion control of carbohydrates is essential for blood sugar management.
• The importance of balancing meals with protein, fiber, and fat alongside carbohydrates.
• Misconceptions around cutting carbs for gestational diabetes.
• Proper meal timing can significantly impact blood sugar stability.
• Alternatives around the glucose drink. 

Leslee Flannery Info:

Instagram: @gestational.diabetes.nutrition 

Website: gdmnutrition.com 

As always, thank you so much again for listening to Mom Mode - I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood! XO, Nichole

Welcome back to Mom Mode Season 2! During the first week of 2026 we are welcoming Liz Webber to the podcast as she shares her journey as a content creator and mother of two beautiful little girls! Liz discusses her long-term relationship with her husband and the many seasons of life they have grown through together, their decision on when it was time to start a family as well as the joys and challenges that come with motherhood. Liz dives into her transition from her full time career into content creation, the importance of community among moms and how having a mom community across social media has helped her so much, and shares some of her experiences with pregnancy and parenting. She emphasizes on the significance of self-care for mothers and shares insights on navigating life changes, moving into a new home and habit breaking…for Liz it was breaking the habit of needing a latte daily. I loved our conversation and I hope you enjoy it too!

For more from Liz & Mom Social Club follow along @lizwebber_ & @mom.social.club!

Thank you for listening to Mom Mode- I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood. XO 

In this episode of Mom Mode, mom of 4, Kirstin Czernek (@kirstinczernek) shares her experiences of guiding her children through adversity and the challenges of having difficult conversations with them. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and the strength that comes from facing whatever life has in store together as a family and how going through one of the most difficult times in their lives made them stronger.

Kirstin’s motherhood journey began when she and her husband Tomas adopted siblings from foster care and then continued to grow in the most unique selfless way. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire. 

Thank you so much for listening! Enjoy!