Are your children exceptionally sensitive to the feelings of individuals nearby? Do they seem to read others' emotions well -- to the point of becoming overwhelmed? It's possible they could be an empath. Nicole chats with medium, intuitive healer and empath, Heather Sprigg. She explains what an empath is, the signs that your child could be an empath, how to parent an empath, and ways you can help them protect themselves. 
-----------------------------------

SHOW NOTES:

Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTV

Guest: Heather Sprigg

https://www.angelhealer111.com/

**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: [email protected] or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV

Nothing can prepare parents for the lack of sleep they will experience -- from the time their children are born until they are out on their own (and even then a lot of parents say they still don't sleep well). Sleep deprivation is unavoidable at times, but there are some things you can do to improve your quality of shuteye. Sleep expert Dr. Pedram Navab chats with Nicole about some sleep tips and tricks, and also explains why 'daylight saving' time is especially difficult on families. 


-----------------------------------

SHOW NOTES:

Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTV

Guest: Dr. Pedram Navab DO, FAASM, ESQ.

**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: [email protected] or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV

There are two sides to every story, and this topic is no exception. The title of this episode is not meant to scare you, or make you feel guilty (parents have enough guilt)! But let's get real -- work is inevitable and it's something most of us have to do in order to survive and provide. Many parents spend hours upon hours at their jobs each week, so how does that come into play in the arena of parenting and your children's development? Nicole is trying to understand when (and under what conditions) can your job actually be a *good* thing and relate to *positive* developmental outcomes for your kiddos -- and under what conditions is it *not*. Researcher and Psychologist Maureen Perry-Jenkins has been studying this topic for 20+ years, and shares hers latest findings with Nicole in an engaging conversation parents of ALL ages should listen to.
 

-----------------------------------

SHOW NOTES:

Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTV

Guest: Maureen Perry-Jenkins

https://www.umass.edu/psychological-brain-sciences/people/maureen-perry-jenkins

**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: [email protected] or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV

This episode is dedicated to breastfeeding and all the emotions, challenges and misconceptions that are tied to it. Nicole does a deep dive into some of the most-common questions, concerns, and fun (and funny) facts--you've probably never even heard of--with lactation consultant Lori Atkins of "Oh, Baby! Lactation". Lori has a lighthearted and comical way of delivering her "legendairy" info.  So, whether you're interested in breastfeeding, you've done it, you've tried it, or it's not for you -- this is an episode you're going to want to hear!

-----------------------------------

SHOW NOTES:

Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTV

Guest: Lori Atkins RN, IBCLC

http://www.ohbabylactation.com

Instagram: @ohbabylactationcare

**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: [email protected] or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV

Are you feeling overwhelmed as you try to balance your home life, your work life, life as a parent and life with your partner? There's a new time-and anxiety-saving system for parents who are feeling very unbalanced in their duties at home. Catherine Bailey of "Think or Blue" is back on "Mommyhood Unscripted" to talk about the "Fair Play" method with Nicole. She has some helpful tips that will help you rebalance your life and reclaim your time for self-care, friendships and creative fulfillment.

-----------------------------------

SHOW NOTES:

Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTV

Guest: Catherine Bailey

http://www.thinkorblue.com

Instagram: @thinkorblue

**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: [email protected] or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV

Self-care. Two small words that carry so much weight. It's something that seems to dissipate the moment you become a parent. So, how do we attain it and reclaim it without feeling the guilt or the stress? Nicole chats with therapist, Sarah Baroud of "Practice Makes Present" who gives us all some positive insight into how one can start their new self-care journey. 

----------------------------------

SHOW NOTES:

Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTV

Guest: Sarah Baroud, LICSW  

www.sarahbaroudlicsw.com 

Instagram: @practicemakespresent

**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: [email protected] or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV

Has your child been badgering you for a cell phone? Or have you been considering getting one for them as they become more independent outside of the house? It’s a hot topic many parents seem unsure about — especially when it comes to what age is best and how to regulate screen time. 

Nicole chats with CNET’s Dan Ackerman, who also serves as CBS Mornings’ resident tech expert. He provides some great insight into what the “going age” is right now, some affordable options in terms of devices on the market, and what you can do to protect your child from the open waters of social media apps and the web.

----------------------------------
SHOW NOTES:

Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTV
Guest: Dan Ackerman

Instagram: @danack

**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: [email protected] or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV

Everyone knows c-sections leave a physical scar, but have you heard about the emotional scars they can also leave behind? Nicole caught up with Kristen Kjerulff, Ph.D., a professor of public health sciences and obstetrics and gynecology at Penn State College of Medicine, who has been researching this topic in depth. She breaks down her findings, which include why a significant number of moms who undergo a c-section feel shame and disappointment. Dr. Kjerulff also shares some other information involving the impact c-sections can have on fertility and libido.

----------------------------------
SHOW NOTES:

Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTV
Guest: Kristen Kjerulff, Ph.D

Contact expert: [email protected]

Post-partum resources: https://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/postpartum-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/

https://resolve.org/get-help/find-a-support-group/

**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: [email protected] or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV

Gender bias is everywhere, including in our parenting--and chances are you don't even realize it! So, how does a world of gender stereotypes impact children over time? In this eye-opening episode, Nicole chats with lawyer and gender equity expert, Catherine Bailey. She founded "Think or Blue", which is comprised of a community of parents, teachers, and family who strive to raise and educate children free from gender stereotypes. Catherine walks us through some of the common yet hidden gender biases that have snuck their way into our daily lives. She also provides parents with some simple tips, so they can help their children embrace who they truly are.

Before Catherine started "Think or Blue", she was instrumental in passing policies that support work and family--such as pay equity and paid family and medical leave in her home state of Connecticut. 

-----------------------------------
SHOW NOTES:

Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTV
Guest: Catherine Bailey

https://thinkorblue.com/

Instagram: @thinkorblue

**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: [email protected] or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV

Let's face it: once children come into the picture, relationships change -- including your relationship with your partner. Now that you're responsible for another life (or lives), you and your partner have to take a backseat. But just because you’re parents doesn't mean you should throw in the towel when it comes to working on your relationship. Dr. Patty Ann Tublin has an honest talk with Nicole about the best ways to balance parenthood and "couplehood", how to foster your relationship, the red flags you should be on the lookout for and how to stay true to yourself.

-----------------------------------
SHOW NOTES:

Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTV
Guest: Dr. Patty Ann Tublin

https://drpattyann.com/

Instagram: @dr_patty_ann

**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: [email protected] or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV