We spend a lot of time planning for our baby's arrival, but often overlook getting ready for breastfeeding. This important stage in your newborn’s life can be challenging, so it helps to prepare before your baby is born.

In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, Natalie Gouché chats with Dr. Doreen Brass. Doreen, also known as The Mama Coach, is a lactation consultant who helps moms learn about breastfeeding and much more.

Doreen often hears moms compare how much milk they pump and expel to what influencers show online. She says it’s like seeing someone’s mansion when you live in a regular house. What you see online is often an idealized version of a tough journey that has ups and downs. Doreen recommends seeking real professional advice early and not basing your expectations on what you see on social media.

Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Your baby is learning along with you. If you have more than one child, each baby can be different and bring new challenges, as Doreen points out.

Doreen encourages moms to be proud of themselves, no matter how much milk they produce or pump. She believes it’s important to set realistic goals that fit each mom’s unique situation.

Episode Highlights
01:06 – When should moms start thinking about when preparing for breastfeeding?

03:32 – What are ‘realistic’ breastfeeding expectations?

06:25 – Breastfeeding myths that aren’t true.

10:11 – Mom should given themselves grace.

11:16 – How partners can help with breastfeeding.

12:35 – Nutrition and breastfeeding.

16:53 – Doreen’s final thoughts.

About the Guest: Dr. Doreen Brass
Doreen is a Registered Nurse, Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, and a mom of two. Throughout her 20+ year career, she has worked in L&D, High Risk Obstetrics, Mom/Baby, GYN, Nursery, and NICU.

Her passion is helping guide new families into their most challenging and rewarding role, starting from the womb. She has supported and advocated for informed consent, physiological birth, and shared decision-making. 

Through her work as a nurse and her own experience as a mother, she has learned that bombarding new families with education during their short hospital stay is not the most effective teaching method. This realization is what led her to start her mama coach journey. 

Her own motherhood journey included two high-risk pregnancies and several breastfeeding challenges. She would love to take the time to get to know you and the challenges you face, so she can tailor her support to your needs in a judgment-free zone.

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Momcozy
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Dr. Doreen Brass
Website

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

Enjoying the Show? 
Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com

Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm

Sex can be a tough topic to talk about, especially when your body, hormones, and sense of self are changing. So, in this episode, we’ll cover what you need to know about sex during pregnancy and after your baby arrives. To dig deep into this topic, Natalie is joined by Dr. Somi Javaid, an OB/GYN, founder of HerMD, and host of the award-winning podcast disruptHER.

Pregnancy often changes how moms feel about sex, and these shifts can happen at different stages. In the first trimester, things like morning sickness and changes in breast size can affect how women see sex. Some women even notice their sex drive goes up in the second trimester, but that’s not true for everyone. By the third trimester, more gas and concerns about the pelvic floor can make sex less appealing again. Dr. Somi points out that not all women go through the same sexual changes during pregnancy. What matters most is talking openly with your partner about how you feel. These conversations can cover what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not, and it’s best to keep them going throughout pregnancy and after.

Dr. Somi also clears up some common myths about sex during pregnancy, such as worries about hurting the baby or causing labor to start.

She also encourages moms to ask their doctor questions about sex and pregnancy to make sure they are staying safe, especially if they have a condition that could be a concern. She also reminds listeners how important it is to have an OB/GYN you trust and feel comfortable talking to.

Overall, Dr. Somi emphasizes that you are in control of your sexual health and have the right to ask questions to get the best care for yourself.

Episode Highlights

00:58 – Changes in pregnant mom’s sex life.

05:34 – Dr. Somi busts some pregnancy sex myths.

08:30 – Are there times when moms shouldn’t have sex when pregnant?

11:20 – Advocating for clear conversations with your OB/GYN.

13:11 – How mom’s sex lives change after giving birth.

15:36 – Communicating with your partner before and after the baby arrives.

 16:31 – Busting the ‘six week’ myth.

19:14 –  Other ways of creating intimacy.

24:25 –  Dr. Somi’s final thoughts.

About the Guest: Dr. Somi Javaid
Dr. Somi Javaid is a board-certified OB/GYN and surgeon who founded HerMD in 2015, a women's healthcare platform built to close longstanding gaps in menopause, sexual health, and gynecologic care. She earned her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, completed her OB/GYN residency there (serving as Chief Resident), and did a preceptorship at the San Diego Institute of Sexual Medicine. She later served as an assistant professor of gynecology at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center before scaling HerMD into a venture-backed care platform.

She's been named to Inc.'s Female Founders 250 (2024), received the Cincinnati Top Doc honors, and delivered a TEDx talk on gender disparity in sexual healthcare. Her work centers on de-stigmatizing conversations around women's sexual health, hormones, and menopause care. She is also the host of the award-winning disruptHER podcast,

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Momcozy
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Dr. Somi Javaid
Website | disruptHER podcast | HerMD

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

Enjoying the Show? 
Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com

Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm

We’re turning back the clock for Breastfeeding Month with a special episode with Dr. Colette Wiseman,  a triple-boarded physician and certified lactation consultant, to unpack the nuanced realities of breastfeeding in today’s world.

Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a natural and instinctive part of motherhood, but the reality can be far more complex and emotional. Dr. Wiseman brings her holistic, evidence-based approach to the conversation, offering compassionate guidance on a wide range of topics, from the critical early days of feeding to the transition back to work. She also demystifies common concerns like low supply, nipple pain, and engorgement, sharing clear advice on what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek help.

Dr. Wiseman also addresses the emotional weight many mothers carry when their feeding journey doesn’t go as planned. With warmth and wisdom, she reminds us that love is not measured in ounces, and a fed, loved baby with a supported, mentally healthy mom is always the goal.

Episode Highlights
01:14 How Dr. Wiseman Got Interested in Breastfeeding

02:52 Early Breastfeeding Experiences and Challenges.

04:13 Timing and Impact of Milk Coming In.

05:58 What Happens Between Birth and Milk Coming In?

07:46 What is a ‘Normal’ Supply of Milk?

12:05 Navigating Stigma Around Breastfeeding.

15:30 Love is Not Measured in Ounces of Milk.

18:45 Everyone’s Breastfeeding Journey is Different.

22:30 Combo Feeding and Emotional Well-being.

25:58 Final Support and Encouragement.

About the Guest: Dr. Colette Wiseman
Dr. Colette is a double-boarded physician and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who offers holistic, evidence-based lactation care grounded in over a decade of medical experience. A mother of three who breastfed for more than 50 months, she combines clinical insight with real-world empathy to help families navigate breastfeeding challenges with confidence and compassion.

Since 2012, she has supported parents through her private practice, hospital work, and community advocacy. Dr. Colette is also a mentor to fellow healthcare professionals and a moderator for a local Breastfeeding USA support group in Torrance, CA, championing a more breastfeeding-friendly culture across workplaces and communities.

Connect With Us
Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Dr. Colette Wiseman
Website

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

Enjoying the Show?
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com

Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm

We’re turning back the clock for Self Care Day with a special episode with Rebekka Wall to find out how moms (and dads) can sleep better. Rebekka is a certified adult sleep consultant who has helped hundreds of parents get a better night’s sleep.

In this episode, host Lalaina Rabary sits down with Rebekka to find out why restful sleep is often out of reach for moms and what can actually help. Together, they discuss the cultural pressures that frame rest as selfish or unproductive, the impact of hypervigilance and anxiety on sleep, and why rest isn’t a luxury but a biological necessity.

Rebekka introduces her unique "Triangle Model" for identifying the root causes of sleep struggles, ranging from overlooked sleep hygiene habits to deeper emotional patterns. You’ll get practical, mom-friendly tools to build better routines, create restorative pauses in your day, and balance rest with the demands of parenting and partnership.

Learn how to calm your nervous system, use anchor statements and bedtime rituals, and finally get the rest your body and mind deserve.

Episode Highlights
01:20: Rebekka's Personal Sleep Insights

03:39: Understanding Rebekka’s Triangle Model for Sleep Issues

06:38: Practical Sleep Hygiene Tips

10:14: Addressing Hyper Vigilance in Moms

13:29: How Anxiety Increases with Lack of Sleep

15:18: Rebekka’s Most Common Sleep Myths

17:56: What is Revenge Bedtime?

19:27: How Rebekka Makes Sure She Gets Rest

21:06: The Role of Restorative Breaks

23:42: Encouragement for New Moms

About the Guest: Rebekka Wall
Rebekka Wall is a certified adult sleep consultant who helps individuals overcome sleep challenges with personalized, evidence-based strategies and compassionate support. She specializes in improving poor sleep habits and reducing the stress and anxiety often tied to bedtime, empowering clients to wake up feeling rested and recharged.

Connect With Us
Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Rebekka Wall
Website

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other.  Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood—from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

Enjoying the Show?

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com

Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm

Nannies work with families all around the world. They often become like family members and give parents the chance to work, unwind, or just enjoy some time alone. But how do you choose between a babysitter, a nanny, or an au pair?

In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, Natalie Gouché talks with Rebecca Stewart. Rebecca is the founder and owner of VIP Nannies, a Los Angeles agency that serves Oscar winners, pro baseball players, and other well-known clients seeking privacy.

Rebecca may work with celebrities, but she still has helpful advice for any mom considering childcare. She explains why taking a night off for a date or time with friends or family can be so valuable. Not everyone needs a full-time nanny, but having regular help can make a big difference. Rebecca also stresses that having regular help on the horizon can do a lot to help with the mental load of motherhood, especially when moms are struggling or need a break.

Rebecca also explains how to find the right nanny or babysitter. She covers everything from background checks to positive signs, like someone who loves their job or has stayed in past positions for a long time. She encourages moms to take their time and do their homework to find the best fit for their family. This is NOT something you want to cut corners on - a nanny or babysitter could become a big part of your family, and it’s important to choose the right person.

Finally, Rebecca says the first thing moms should do is think about their childcare budget. Childcare can be expensive and finding help isn’t always easy, so it’s important to know what you can afford before you start looking.

Episode Highlights

01:19 – What is VIP Nannies, and who are their clients?

02:24 – Rebecca’s experience of needing help after giving birth.

04:14 – The difference between a nanny and a babysitter.

07:08 – What should moms do if they can’t afford a full-time nanny?

09:32 – The less-obvious benefits of hiring childcare help.

10:27 – Red flags when looking for a nanny.

 14:54 – Green flags when looking for a nanny.

17:48 – The importance of setting a childcare budget.

About the Guest: Rebecca Stewart
Rebecca Stewart is the Founder and Owner of VIP Nannies Inc., Los Angeles's premier household staffing agency. Her story began at 24, when losing her nanny job with a high-profile family inspired her to start her own agency. She got a small business loan and launched VIP Nannies with just a phone and a vision.

Today, Rebecca works quietly behind the scenes for some of the world’s most well-known families, including Oscar-winning actors, famous '90s pop stars, and Forbes Top 50 families. She has made over 2,500 successful placements and partners with the LA Rams and LA Chargers. Her reputation stands out for two reasons: her strong sense of discretion and her genuine, small-town approach that makes every client feel special.

Connect With Us

Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Rebecca Stewart
VIP Nannies’ Website

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

Enjoying the Show? 
Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com

Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm

We’re turning back the clock for Father’s Day with a special episode with Eric Taylor (dope_dad_e). Many dads struggle with the responsibilities of fatherhood, leaving moms to shoulder the burden alone. How can dads break these curses?

With his viral ‘dusty son’ trend featured on The Sherri Show, Buzzfeed, and Good Morning America, Eric has become a powerful voice around breaking generational curses, loving with intention, and raising kids with purpose.

Eric opens up about what “dusty” really means, sharing his own evolution from dusty habits to intentional fatherhood. He reflects on how growing up without a father, living through addiction, and learning from his wife’s example helped him step into the husband and dad he wants to be.

The conversation also explores the loneliness men often face in fatherhood, the shifting of friendships and relationships when kids come along, and the courage it takes to ask: ‘Who do I want to be for my partner, my children, and myself?’

Episode Highlights

00:55 – Why Eric got into social media to share his message.

02:19 – What is a ‘dusty’ son?

04:50 – Eric’s experiences of his shortcomings as a husband and dad.

06:17 – What are generational curses?

10:19 – Can you train yourself to be a good father or partner?

12:28 – How do dads experience loneliness?

16:23 – How does friendship work in dad circles?

17:53 – What questions do moms ask Eric?

21:01 – Moms need to let dads do their part.

23:13 – Men hate to feel stupid

24:12  – Parents need to start saying what they need.

24:12  – Eric’s final thoughts.

About the Guest: Eric Taylor (dopedad_e)

Eric Taylor is a parenting and marriage content creator known as dopedad_e on social media. Eric creates relatable parenting and relationship content for his community of nearly 300k followers, emphasizing breaking generational curses, loving your spouse with power, and raising your children with purpose. He has collaborated with brands like Sour Patch Kids, Play-Doh, Dave’s Killer Bread, and Time 4 Learning. In 2023, his ‘Dusty Son’ viral trend was featured on The Sherri Show, Buzzfeed, and Good Morning America, and his content has been further featured in publications like Parents and Goodful.

Connect With Us

Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Lalaina Rabary
LinkedIn

Eric Taylor
Instagram | Website

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

Enjoying the Show?

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com

Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm

Losing a parent is always hard. But, how do you talk to your kids about grief while also trying to heal yourself?

In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, Natalie Gouché chats with actress and author Jenny Robinson Clark about loss, parenting through grief, and what led her to write her children’s book Are You Here?.

Jenny talks about losing her mother in 2018 and a powerful moment that began her healing. She woke up at 3:00 AM and felt her mom was speaking to her. What began as song lyrics she wrote with her husband, Travis Clark, later became a children’s book about noticing the special ways our loved ones stay with us.

Jenny shares what it was like to grieve while raising young kids, how she moved through the stages of grief, and the habits that helped her find peace again. She mentions meditation, prayer, journaling, and even talking to her mom every day, showing that remembering loved ones can be part of daily life.

Jenny also talks about being open with her kids about emotions, helping them be curious about death rather than scared, and allowing both joy and grief to coexist. 

Overall, Jenny thinks that going through grief has made her a more communicative, conscious parent who is able to talk to her children about difficult topics and help them grow.

Episode Highlights

01:12 – What is Are You Here? about and why did Jenny write it?

03:49 – Trying something new during every pregnancy.

06:49 – The dreams, desires, and purpose outside of pregnancy.

07:44 – How Jenny kept parenting through her grief.

10:25 – Connecting with a loved one when they’re no longer there.

12:20 – Jenny’s children were part of her grief process.

 17:44 – What Jenny wishes every parent knew about grief.

21:02 –  How grief changed Jenny’s parenting style.

About the Guest: Jenny Robinson Clark

Jenny Robinson Clark is a believer in the enduring power of love and the magical signs all around us. The first draft of Are You Here? was written in the wee hours of the morning in a season of grief after the passing of her mom, Gigi. Her husband, Travis, turned Gigi's message into a hit song and then encouraged her to develop it into a children's book. Prior to her life as a mom/author/entrepreneur, she was a dancer and actor in California. 

With a lot of faith and courage, Jenny and Travis relocated the family from Orlando, FL to Nashville, TN to build a creative life with their four children. Through storytelling and song, they hope to offer comfort to anyone who has deeply missed someone and still longs to feel close.

Jenny Robinson was an actor known for Meet the Spartans, Iron Man 2, and Burlesque. She has been married to Travis Clark of the band We The Kings since December 30, 2014.

Connect With Us

Momcozy
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Jenny Robinson Clark
Website | Instagram

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

Enjoying the Show? 
Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com

Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm

Mental health challenges are the most common complication during pregnancy and after childbirth, affecting at least one in five women. Even so, many mothers find it hard to tell when their feelings go beyond just normal tiredness. How can parents tell the difference, and where can they get help?

In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, host Natalie Gouché talks with Adrienne Griffen, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. Adrienne shares her own experience with postpartum depression, including the challenges of getting care while raising both a toddler and a newborn.

Adrienne explains that mental health screening should happen more than once, during pregnancy, around childbirth, and throughout the postpartum period. She talks about how joy and overwhelm can exist together, but when depression or anxiety start to outweigh joy, it’s important to notice. 

She also points out that if thoughts become overwhelming, like feeling unable to keep going, it may be time to reach out for support. 

They also discuss the biological and life stress factors that can affect a mother’s mental health. Adrienne explains why planning ahead for the postpartum period and building a support system early are important.

Episode Highlights

01:13 – Adrienne’s experience with postpartum depression

02:45  – How common are postpartum mood disorders?

05:05  –  How to tell the difference between normal exhaustion and something more.

08:25  –  What are the biggest factors that contribute to postpartum mood disorders?

10:56  – Adrienne’s experience of running support groups.

15:27  – The first steps in getting support.

19:17  – What does treatment for postpartum mood disorders look like?

21:22  – What if someone is on the fence about getting support?

About the Guest: Adrienne Griffen
Adrienne is an advocate and subject-matter expert in maternal mental health. 

Prior to joining MMHLA, Adrienne founded Postpartum Support Virginia and served as executive director for 10 years, establishing a statewide network of peer-led support groups, creating educational programs for mental health providers and maternal-child healthcare professionals, and helping to pass legislation requiring that information about postpartum depression and anxiety be provided to new mothers. 

About MMHLA:

The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) is a 501(c) (3) nonpartisan nonprofit organization leading national efforts to improve maternal mental health in the United States by advocating for policies, building partnerships, and curating information.

Connect With Us

Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Adrienne Griffen
LinkedIn | MMHLA Website | National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA)

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

Enjoying the Show? 
Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com

Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm

A lot of people don’t really understand what the postpartum period is like, especially when it comes to self-care. Family, friends, and other caregivers are important during this time, but how can moms figure out what actually helps after having a baby?

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, host Natalie Gouché chats with celebrity doula and Mama Glow founder Latham Thomas about what caring for mothers after birth really looks like. Latham shares that seeing a lack of in-person community care led her to start Mama Glow, a Black-led group that has trained over 3,000 doulas on six continents and keeps working for better maternal care.

One of Latham’s main ideas is “mothering the mother.” This means seeing postpartum care as listening closely, being present, and offering support that fits each mom’s needs. Latham challenges society's focus on returning to work and being productive rather than on healing, bonding, and building community. She also says that being isolated or separated, or returning to work too soon, can be hard on both the parent and the baby. Latham encourages everyone supporting moms to care for them the way you would care for a baby, never leaving them alone, making sure they’re fed, keeping them warm, and looking after them in every way.

Latham shares easy and practical self-care tips for new moms, like journaling or recording voice notes, talking with a support group about your daily ups and downs, practicing mindfulness and affirmations, getting outside, and taking breaks from your phone. She also talks about different ways to pay for doula care, including private pay, insurance, FSA or HSA accounts, Medicaid, and free options.

Episode Highlights

03:22 – What does “mothering the mother” actually mean?

07:34 – What are the biggest misunderstandings of post-partum self-care?

11:11 – Treating the mom like a baby.

14:59 – Some realistic ways that moms can care for their bodies day to day.

21:22 – Simple shifts moms can make if they’re feeling overwhelmed.

22:35 – Debunking the cost of post-partum dolas.

About the Guest: Latham Thomas
Latham Thomas is a top women’s health expert, advocate for Black maternal health, entrepreneur, professor, and best-selling author. She started Mama Glow, a global platform for maternal health and education with a community of over 3,000 doulas in the U.S. and around the world, and the Mama Glow Foundation, a nonprofit that works for reproductive justice and birth equity. She serves on several advisory boards, has worked with Mt. Sinai and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to improve doula access, and in 2022 became a Visiting Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies at Brown University. Mama Glow’s doula training was the first course of its kind at an Ivy League school.

Latham was named one of Oprah’s Super Soul 100 and has worked with celebrity clients like Alicia Keys and Anne Hathaway. She has written two best-selling books and created the guided meditation program "Peaceful Parenting." She also leads the annual Doula Expo by Mama Glow, which Good Morning America called the "Coachella for Birth Workers." With more than 20 years of experience, she is a respected speaker and advocate for better maternal health around the world.

Connect With Us

Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Mother’s Day Sale 

Latham Thomas
Mama Glow Website | Mama Glow Foundation Website  Instagram

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

Enjoying the Show?
Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com

Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm

By 2026, 14 states and Washington DC will have paid family leave policies. Still, many parents are unaware that they might qualify. Despite this, only two out of five parents actually utilize these benefits.

With so much information out there, how can parents figure out their rights and talk to their employers about taking leave?

In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, Natalie Gouché talks with Nina Harstad, Director of PaidLeave.AI. This new tool from Moms First helps answer questions about leave rights at work.

Nina explains that PaidLeave.AI uses artificial intelligence to help parents find out if their state has a paid family leave program, estimate their eligibility, and get support with applications. This is especially helpful for people without strong HR support or those with complex work situations, such as part-time, gig, multiple jobs, or self-employment.

Nina points out that there are often-overlooked benefits for dads and non-birthing partners, such as Colorado’s paid NICU leave and New York’s paid prenatal care time. She recommends asking HR to review all paid and unpaid leave options and using the tool to help draft letters to employers.

She also shares tips on how parents can start the conversation with HR about taking leave and manage the process smoothly.

Episode Highlights

01:09 – What is PaidLeave.AI?

03:28 – How many parents access paid leave benefits, and who qualifies?

05:46 – Which benefits exist that parents might not know about?

08:36 – How to approach HR when you’re thinking about taking leave.

12:20 – How PaidLeave.AI can help with complicated situations or topics.

16:37 – What other resources are available to parents?

18:35 – If you feel like being a parent is impossible right now, you are not alone.

About the Guest: Nina Harstad
Nina has a background in economic mobility, focusing on expanding access to public benefits for underserved communities. Before joining Moms First, she worked directly with families across Alabama on a cash assistance program, where she saw firsthand how eligible families faced significant barriers navigating systems to access benefits like SNAP and WIC. These experiences shaped her commitment to closing the gap between policy and practice, leading her to Moms First and Paid Leave AI. Her work is also deeply personal, informed by her family’s experience navigating disability leave after her husband developed long COVID, which reinforced her passion for making support systems more accessible during times of crisis.

Connect With Us

Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Nina Harstad
PaidLeave.AI | Moms First | LinkedIn | A Better Balance |  New York City Childcare Navigator

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

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Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm