One of the most stressful things about being a new mom is worrying about your child meeting developmental milestones. I remember being so worried when it seemed like our first may or may not have been hitting each milestone right on time. But is it really as big a deal as we think? 

Here to share more about supporting your child’s motor development from infancy and beyond is Meg Garhan. Meg is a pediatric physical therapist working at a large pediatric hospital in Chicago. She works in the NICU, specializing in seeing babies both inpatient and outpatient, as well as kids of all ages for developmental delays and injuries.

In this episode, we discuss: 

What developmental milestones are and when parents should be concerned if their child is not reaching them.

Why tummy time is so important even after infancy. 

Which toys do more harm than good for motor development. 

How to encourage and promote motor development throughout your child’s life. 

Connect with Meg:

Blog posts on milestones and development:

https://meggarhan.com/blog/category/Milestones

To receive the "PT-approved baby registry" and subscribe to my email list:https://meggarhan.myflodesk.com/babyregistry

Meg on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meg_garhan/

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Questions:

What is something that you wish you could tell all parents about milestones?

Why is tummy time so important?

What should I do if I have concerns about my child’s development, but my pediatrician is following the “wait and see approach”?

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Human beings are meant to spend time in nature. There are countless studies documenting the benefits of spending time outdoors on the brain and the body no matter what age you are. Spending time with plants is vital to our health and wellness. 

Joining me today is Laura Cochrane, a PA turned lifestyle medicine educator and health and wellness coach. She’s on a mission to help you find the health and happiness you deserve using realistic and sustainable evidence-based tools.

She’s sharing what it means to go forest bathing and how just a few minutes a day in nature can significantly impact your physical and emotional health. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

What forest bathing is and who it helps

Why forest bathing is a practice everyone she get into

The science behind the benefits of spending time in nature, and more specifically, with trees

How to get started with a forest bathing practice

Ways to incorporate your family in your forest bathing practice

Connect with Laura:

Website:www.thestillandbloom.com

IG: @‌thestillandbloom

Resources: 

Park Rx America: https://www.parkrx.org/leaders/park-rx-america

Your Guide to Forest Bathing (Expanded Edition) Experience the Healing Power of Nature: https://amzn.to/47rdg72

Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness: https://amzn.to/3MANSDV

The Outdoor Adventurer's Guide to Forest Bathing: Using Shinrin-Yoku to Hike, Bike, Paddle, and Climb Your Way to Health and Happiness: https://amzn.to/40E1UKD

FB FREEBIE to download my audio guided forest bathing walk: http://www.thestillandbloom.com/forest

Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT) - www.anft.earth

International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine INFOM | International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine

International Society of Forest Therapy International Society of Forest Therapy – Society to advance the study, education and practice of forest therapy worldwide

Park RX: for providers or patients - text reminders -PRA - Nature Prescribed

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Questions:

Can you start by explaining what forest bathing is and how it differs from a typical nature walk or hike?

What inspired you to dive into the scientific research behind forest bathing, and what got you interested in this topic?

Can you share some of the key findings from scientific studies that support the benefits of forest bathing for mental and physical well-being?

How does spending time in a forest environment affect our stress levels, and what physiological changes occur in our bodies during and after forest bathing?

Some people might be skeptical about the idea of forest bathing having measurable health benefits. What are the most compelling pieces of evidence that could change their minds?

What role does the concept of "biophilia" play in explaining why humans feel a strong connection to natural environments like forests?

Can you discuss the potential impact of forest bathing on conditions such as anxiety, depression, or even attention deficit disorders? Are there any case studies or personal anecdotes that highlight these benefits?

Many listeners may not have access to forests or natural areas in their immediate surroundings. Are there alternative ways to experience the benefits of forest bathing in urban or less wooded settings?

What are some common misconceptions or myths about forest bathing that you've encountered in your research, and how would you address them?

Are there any specific age groups or demographics that may benefit more from forest bathing, and if so, why?

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Trigger Warning: There are mentions of suicide and infant death in this episode. 

Postpartum hormones are no joke, but sometimes the behavior a woman exhibits is due to much more than hormones. Our bodies and minds react to the magnificent and overwhelming process of growing and birthing life in many different ways, not all of them good. What happens when our minds start to crumble and we aren’t aware of it?

Ayana Lage is a lifestyle blogger and freelance writer. She writes about motherhood, mental health, social justice, and everyday life. She was aware of her own struggles with mental health and had an entire support system around her during and after the birth of her daughter. Thank goodness, because just days after birth she found herself deep in the pit of psychosis.

Listen as Ayana shares with us her experience with postpartum psychosis. She shares the signs and symptoms she experienced, what hospitalization was like, and how that experience has changed her life.

In this episode, we discuss: 

What postpartum psychosis is and signs to watch out for

Some of the most challenging moments she faced during this time

How she and her family coped with her diagnosis

Why awareness is so important

Resources available to women and families who are experiencing postpartum psychosis

Resources: 

Asked by Ayana Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/asked-by-ayana/id1559669014

Ayana on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ayanagabriellelage/?hl=en

Episode 9: Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum Depression, and Intrusive Thoughts with Dr. Catherine Schmidt - https://lynzyandco.com/episode-9-postpartum-anxiety-postpartum-depression-and-intrusive-thoughts-with-dr-catherine-schmidt/

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Questions:

Could you please share your personal journey and experience with postpartum psychosis to help our listeners better understand what you went through?

Can you describe some of the early signs or symptoms of postpartum psychosis that you noticed, and when did you realize that something was seriously wrong?

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe condition. What were some of the most challenging moments for you during this time?

How did you and your family initially cope with postpartum psychosis, and what support systems did you have in place to help you through it?

It's often said that awareness is key to early diagnosis and treatment. Can you tell us about your advocacy work in raising awareness about postpartum psychosis and its importance?

Can you share some of the common misconceptions or stigmas associated with postpartum psychosis that you've encountered in your advocacy efforts?

What resources or organizations have been particularly helpful in your journey toward recovery and advocating for women experiencing postpartum psychosis?

For mothers or families who suspect postpartum psychosis, what steps would you recommend they take to seek help and support as soon as possible?

In what ways can healthcare providers and medical professionals improve their recognition and response to postpartum psychosis, based on your personal experience?

Ayana, your story is incredibly powerful. Could you share some advice for mothers and families who may be going through a similar experience or for those who want to support someone in this situation?

How has your experience with postpartum psychosis affected your approach to motherhood, self-care, and mental health in general?

What future initiatives or projects do you have in mind to continue advocating for women dealing with postpartum psychosis and mental health issues during motherhood?

Where can my listeners connect with you or learn more about your advocacy efforts and your journey with postpartum psychosis?

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There are as many ways to parent as there are parents in the world, but is there a “right” way to parent. Of course that answer is no, but there are definitely ways to parent that help meet your children where they are. Both developmentally and emotionally. No matter what, parenting is hard, but sometimes it’s easier to navigate those challenges with responsive parenting.

Liz Luize is an educator, daycare owner, and M.Ed in Learning, Cognition, and Development. After becoming a mom, she found her mission to empower parents with research-driven insights to boost their children’s cognitive and emotional growth. Through her Instagram page, she offers a blend of scientifically-backed parenting tips and real talk, dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of tiny humans. 

Listen as Liz shares more about what responsive parenting is, what it isn’t, how she’s applied it both at home and in the classroom, and how it compares to some of the other parenting styles you hear about. Again, there is no one right way to parent and we’re all going to make mistakes. So no matter what style of parenting you choose to employ, give yourself, and your children, grace. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

What responsive parenting is

How parents can strike a balance between setting boundaries and being responsive to their child’s needs in discipline

The differences between gentle parenting, permissive parenting, and responsive parenting

Tips on how to foster open and empathetic communication with children

Resources: 

“How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish - https://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Kids-Will-Listen/dp/1451663889

“Good Inside” Dr. Becky Kennedy - https://www.amazon.com/Good-Inside/dp/0008505543/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1699973848&sr=1-1

“The Whole Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson - https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/B0B94JC2TN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DTNXAZFNDPQ5&keywords=the+whole+brain+child+by+daniel+siegel&qid=1699973880&s=books&sprefix=the+whole+brain+child+by+%2Cstripbooks%2C92&sr=1-1

“No-Drama Discipline” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson - https://www.amazon.com/No-Drama-Discipline-audiobook/dp/B00NQAW77K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EEG23AHU69G4&keywords=no+drama+discipline&qid=1699973906&s=audible&sprefix=no+drama+discipline%2Caudible%2C78&sr=1-1

Join Liz’s Newsletter - https://parentingcharlie.myflodesk.com/jointhenewsletter

Liz’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parentingcharlie/

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Questions:

Can you tell us a bit about your journey in parenting and how you got into exploring different parenting styles?

What does "responsive discipline" mean to you, and how does it differ from more traditional disciplinary approaches?

Can you share some examples of how you've applied responsive discipline in your own parenting journey with Charlie?

How can parents strike a balance between setting boundaries and being responsive to their child's needs in discipline?

Many parents may confuse gentle parenting with permissive parenting. Could you clarify the key differences between the two?

What are the potential advantages of practicing gentle parenting, and what are some common misconceptions about it?

How do you handle situations where it might be challenging to be gentle while still maintaining necessary boundaries?

Effective communication is often a cornerstone of gentle parenting. Can you share some tips on fostering open and empathetic communication with children?

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Life is filled with roles that are neither made for men nor women. The household for instance, is a place that needs human labor. But how do we break the stereotypes that we’ve grown up with and knock down the walls of gender equity in the home and at work? 

Joining me to talk about this important topic as well as her new book is Dr. Shelly Vaziri Flais. Shelly is a board-certified practicing pediatrician, the mother of 3 sons and 1 daughter, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. She is the author of Raising Twins, Editor in Chief of Caring for Your School-Age Child, and co-editor of The Big Book of Symptoms. She is an American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson and frequent media contributor

Listen as she shares her thoughts on everything from modeling equitable behavior at home, why she was happy to be the “hangout house” for her kids and their friends, and why the change we want to see in the world starts in our homes. If you are raising children, whether they are boys or girls, you’ll want to listen in. 

Also, don’t forget to grab a copy of her new book, Nurturing Boys to Be Better Men. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

What inspired Shelly to write her latest book

Her thoughts on ways that bigger families lean into more well-rounded kids and adults

Ways to include your kids in the tasks of the household

What it means to model equitable behavior at home

Why it’s important to also model equitable roles in the workplace

Resources: 

About Shelly - https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/faculty-profiles/az/profile.html?xid=27113

Nurturing Boys to Be Better Men by Shelly Vziri Flais, MD, FAAP - https://www.aap.org/Nurturing-Boys-to-Be-Better-Men-Paperback 

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Questions:

What inspired you to write your latest book? 

How can we model equitable behavior at home?

Why is it important to include children in household chores from an early age?

What can we do to inspire equitable play for our children?

What are some ways to open up conversations with our kids about their world and life as they get older? 

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Your child is getting enough sleep. Most likely. Honestly, even as a mom of four, I still struggle with this whole sleep thing. How much should they be getting? When do you know that their sleep is impacting their health? Do children need significantly more sleep than adults? 

Here to unlock the secrets of sleep is Dr. Laura Gainche, Ph.D. Laura is a Neuroscientist and a sleep scientist with a background in holistic family sleep. On her Science For All Women platform, she helps mothers turn sleepless nights into blissful slumber with the power of science and connection. She wants families to find their unique way to parent at night.

Listen as we chat about the importance of sleep for adults and children, the key differences between the sleep needs of adults and children, how much sleep we really need, and so much more. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

What inspired Laura to become a sleep scientist and how she got started

The importance of sleep for both adults and children in terms of overall health

What the key differences are between the sleep needs of adults and children

How sleep cycles differ between children and adults

The difference between “sleep training” and “holistic sleep”

Resources: 

Science For All Women - http://www.sciwom.org/

Science For All Women on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scienceforallwomen/

Your Science Team on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yourscienceteam/

Free Sleep Science Masterclass for Professionals - https://mailchi.mp/5a669b264532/yourscienceteam

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Thrive Market: 30% off your first order plus a $60 Free Gift - https://thrivemarket.com/lynzy

Questions:

What inspired you to become a sleep scientist, and how did you get started?

Could you explain the importance of sleep for both adults and children in terms of overall health and well-being?

What are the key differences between the sleep needs of adults and children?

How many hours of sleep should the average adult strive for and how does this change as we age?

How about children? Is the 12-hour night realistic for all babies and young children?

Can you explain the concept of sleep cycles and how they differ in adults + children?

What role, if any, does genetics play in sleep patterns?

How important is timing of sleep (i.e. circadian rhythms) for both adults and children, and how can people align their sleep schedules with their natural rhythms?

Can you share some strategies for managing sleep-related anxiety or insomnia in adults?

What are some tips for establishing healthy sleep habits from a young age?

How can parents use sleep schedules, and should they?

What is the difference between "sleep training" and "holistic sleep"?

How can parents survive the first months and years of sleep struggles?

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Ever wondered what attachment parenting is and how it impacts your child? Believe it or not, you are already your child’s primary attachment and have been teaching them about healthy, or unhealthy, attachment since they were born. Because your child requires attachments to learn, grow, and thrive. 

Here to chat about parenting through attachment is Michelle Charriere. Michelle has her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Masters in Infant Family Practice and she is a trained Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator. She specializes in Birth-5 mental health which includes an emphasis on the attachment relationship. She is also the founder of Babies and Braines. 

Listen as we discuss what child attachment is and why it is so crucial for a child’s development and growth. We also go into how attachments can change and why a good foundation of attachment and boundaries will help foster independence as your child grows. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

What attachment is

When children form an attachment relationship

How many attachments a child can have

Whether or not attachments change

Assessing your child’s attachment style

Resources: 

Episode 118: Attachment Theory & What Parents Can Do to Support Healthy Attachment with Dr. Alex Shrake - https://lynzyandco.com/episode-118-attachment-theory-what-parents-can-do-to-support-healthy-attachment-with-dr-alex-shrake/ 

Babies and Brains - www.babiesandbrains.com

Parenting Through Attachment Course - http://babiesandbrains.com/ptacourse 

Preparing for a New Sibling Guide - http://www.babiesandbrains.com/sibling-guide 

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Questions:

What is attachment?

When do children form an attachment relationship?

How many attachments can a child have?

Do attachments ever change?

Are there things that can happen during the attachment windows that impact the attachment itself?

What signs should parents look out for if they’re concerned about their child’s attachments?

Can parents assess their children’s attachment style?

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What is human trafficking? You might be surprised to learn that there is so much more to it than what you see portrayed in the movies and media. Also, it isn’t only happening in the seedy underbelly of society. It’s happening in our communities much more often than you might think.

Alexandra Ford joins me to share her own experience as a human trafficking victim and why she is now working to educate people everywhere about the realities of human trafficking and sexual assault. She also co-founded Uprising in Wyoming, The Laughing Survivor, and is in the process of writing her first book.

Alexandra and I spoke about some pretty heavy subjects for this episode. Everything from her personal story of being groomed and sexually assaulted to then finding herself in the middle of being trafficked. Her story is incredibly powerful and I’m so happy she joined me to share it.

We also talk about how we can talk to our children about consent, what consent really looks like, what trafficking is, and so much more. No matter what age or stage your children are in, Alexandra truly provides some invaluable insights and how to keep them as safe as you possibly can.

In this episode, we discuss: 

When sexual empowerment is really sexual exploitation

What human trafficking really is and who are real players

Why consent is so important and ways to move from a “no means no” culture to “yes means yes” 

Practical tips and advice for introducing cell phones to your children and how keep them safe

Resources: 

Uprising

The Laughing Survivor

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Questions:

When Sexual Empowerment is Really Sexual Exploitation Rebranded: Explaining the truth behind the nuances of consent

What is Trafficking and Why Do I Need to Care About It?: What domestic human trafficking looks like and how it happened to Alexandra

Help, My Kid Wants Their First Cell Phone!: How do we introduce technology safely? How do we keep kids safe online?

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If you’ve been around for any amount of time, you’ll know that I’ve had a love-hate relationship with social media for a long time. For all intents and purposes, social media has brought me to where I am today, but at what cost? There are hidden costs when you’re using social media and slowly but surely they’re all coming to light. 

Here to share more about the hidden costs of social media is Jenny Wise Black. Jenny is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the author of Our Digital Soul and the host of Lose The Phone podcast. She specializes in the impacts media has on our mental health and has been featured as a Tedx Speaker on this very topic.

In today’s episode, we will be chatting about trauma in media and how that applies to both the creators of media and consumers of media. Jenny ditched her smartphone a while back and we talked about why and how that has impacted the raising of her children and her life overall.

In this episode, we discuss: 

Why social media is so pervasive

What media trauma is and who it impacts

Ways to start removing social media from your life

How social media and smartphones have impacted our most important relationships

Why it's not too late for you to change your relationship with social media and your phone

Resources: 

Lose the Phone: http://Losethephone.com

The Slow Drip of Media Trauma - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mflf3bsrDI

Our Digital Soul - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Digital-Soul-Collective-Recovery/dp/B0BK4WYLGB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3H2BLYY6VNPG1&keywords=our+digital+soul&qid=1691602921&sprefix=our+digital+soul%2Caps%2C332&sr=8-1

Podcast: Lose the Phone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suUNH9sqHzs

Promo Code for Gabb Phone: http://gabb.com/promo/JENNYBLACK

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Questions:

Why is social media so pervasive? 

What is media trauma and who does it impact? 

How can we remove social media from our lives? 

How are social media and smartphones impacting our relationships with our kids? 

Is it too late to make changes? 

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Have you ever heard of the “hidden work” of women? Perhaps you’ve felt that hidden work? So many of us equate hidden work with the labors of running a household, but that’s not where it stops. The true hidden work is steeped in the emotional labor women take on as they manage a household and all that that entails. Join me as I chat with Regina Lark, Ph.D. about the true cost of emotional labor and what we can do to create more equitable households. 

Regina Lark is an entrepreneur, business owner, author, speaker, and all-around cool woman. She completed a Ph.D. in U.S. Women's History, and lives in Long Beach, CA.

In today’s episode, we will be talking about women’s work and emotional labor. We will chat about how women’s work has been undervalued and marginalized throughout history and what the consequences have been. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

What emotional labor and women’s work is

Why women’s work never done 

How to identify your own brand of emotional labor and ways to shift household responsibilities

The steps you can take to create a more equitable household

Resources: 

Mom’s First Website - https://momsfirst.us/

Regina’s TEDxFolsom Talk: Emotional Labor and the Myth of “Women’s Work” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJLawgDbn_E

50 Years of Ms. - https://amzn.to/3ZvXjJS

Fair Play: A Game Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much To Do - https://amzn.to/3EUDSAW

The Managed Heart by Arlie Hochschild - https://www.amazon.com/Managed-Heart-Commercialization-Human-Feeling/dp/0520272943

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Questions:

What is "emotional labor?"

What is "woman's work,” and why the heck is it never done?

How do women identify their own brand of emotional labor and how to make the shift in the household from doing ALL the labor to creating a more equitable relationship with the other adult in the household?

What are some steps to create a more equitable household?

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