Poised & Powerful Parenting

How often do you think about your bones? Bones are your structure. Using visualization around our bones and skeletons can change our experience of being in our bodies. This week, in episode 43 of the Poised & Powerful Podcast, I’m sharing a guided skeleton standing alignment visualization! With this practice we can use a lot less muscular tension by using this guided practice. 

Do you find yourself needing extra time to recover from your weekend or time to prepare your mind and body for the week ahead? Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday Scaries Support group class: https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews 

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

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LINKS MENTIONED:

Music by Ashot-Danielyan-Composer from Pixabay

Click Below for the Episode Transcript here

Content Warning: pregnancy loss and miscarriage are mentioned throughout this episode. Find mental health support for pregnancy loss at Postpartum Support International.

Pregnancy loss isn’t talked about enough, but it’s just as important to hear those stories as it is to hear birth stories. Many women struggle with their pregnancy loss alone and in secret. If we can all have a better understanding of what to expect and how to find support for ourselves or support those around us, we will all be better for it. Episode 42 of Poised & Powerful Podcast is sharing the holistic healing that is important after pregnancy loss! 

Sick of starting the week exhausted by the Sunday Scaries? Let’s help you reset.

Is stressing about stress in pregnancy making you stressed? Learn some tools to cope with a supportive online group. 

Dr. Anietie Ukpe-Wallace, PT, DPT, also known as Tia, is an orthopedic and pelvic health physical therapist who specializes in providing a continuum of care and support from pregnancy loss to postpartum all while emphasizing the importance of self-care. Tia has had a life-long fascination with the human body and its inner workings which ultimately led her to path that she is on today. Beginning with a formal introduction to movement in college, she has continued that journey ever since. 

In addition, she is a Women’s Health Coach through the Integrative Women's Health Institute, host of her podcast, The Masterful Art of Self-Care, and an amateur pole and Lyra artist. She is a wife, mother to her 6-year-old daughter, and a cat mom.

In this episode of Poised & Powerful Podcast, my guest(s) and I discuss the following:

• Navigating pregnancy loss and the grief that happens with that.
• Bringing awareness to stories of pregnancy and infant loss is going to help you support other people in your life.  
• What does holistic care look like for postpartum moms, whether they’ve had a live birth or a miscarriage or stillbirth. 
• Aspects of healing during pregnancy loss can include your physical, emotional, and spiritual self. 

It’s important to establish a reconnection with your womb after a loss. It can be a slow process, but it’s a start toward healing.

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews

CONNECT WITH DR. TIA UKPE-WALLACE:

Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss Support

Holistic Healing Workshop

IG: @selfcarephysio and @what_i_wish_i_had_after_loss

Self-Care Physio Website

The Masterful Art of Self-Care Podcast

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

Newsletter

Instagram

Work with Sarah! 

LINKS MENTIONED:

Find all links here.

Being responsible for your children’s education can feel high pressure - from fostering brain development to choosing schools. Today’s guest will help you zoom out from the details to help you focus on what’s important to you as you incorporate learning in your home. Children’s learning is a whole-self activity, and you might be surprised at the simplicity of the things you can do together that help them grow and develop! This week, episode 41 of Poised & Powerful Podcast reassures you that you have what you need to be your child’s first teacher! 

Feeding and caring for young children can do a number on your body - and it can be hard to find that time to take care of yourself. Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday night group: Restore on the Floor for parents and caregivers. https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break Or sign up here to be the first to know about new classes and offers.

Amanda Blair MacDonald (she/her) is an educator, speaker, and consultant based in Chicago, IL. Amanda uses decision-making analysis (MPA), Alexander Technique, and developmental movement to help you gain self-mastery and optimal performance. 

In this episode of Poised & Powerful Podcast, Amanda and I discuss the following:

• How developmental movement, play, and daily activities can help children learn - no elaborate materials needed! 
• How Amanda’s perspective as an Alexander Technique trained teacher meshed with the Montessori philosophy when she was hired at a Montessori school. She gives an educator’s insight on scaffolding children’s learning so they can master skills with confidence, and the emotional and kinesthetic skills that are vital for their development. 
• Amanda compares the independence of her daughter's education with her own schools, which were more authoritarian and grades-focused. 
• Collaborative problem-solving with kids, and how that develops as they get older. 
• We hear from Amanda’s daughter about what she values in her education - you can hear her sense of ownership of her learning experience at a young age. 

We hope this conversation gives you the valuable perspective of the “big picture” of supporting children’s learning, and has you thinking about what you value in education, and gets you excited about sharing that with your family.

CONNECT WITH AMANDA BLAIR MACDONALD:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Website

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

Stress Less in Pregnancy Class Online

Sunday night Zoom: Restore on the Floor

Work with Sarah! 

LINKS MENTIONED:

Brain-Compatible Dance Education/ Anne Green Gilbert

Episode Transcript here

In parenthood, we realize so much is out of our control - how do we cope when things don’t go as planned? I recently had the honor of being a guest on the Woven podcast talking about my journey using the Alexander Technique as a practice during early parenthood to deal with physical and emotional stresses. This week, episode 40 of Poised & Powerful Podcast is a replay of my conversation with Evelyn Correa on her podcast, Woven! 

Feeding and caring for young children can do a number on your body - and it can be hard to find that time to take care of yourself. Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday night group: Restore on the Floor for parents and caregivers. https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break Or sign up here to be the first to know about new classes and offers.

In this episode of Poised & Powerful Podcast, Evelyn and I discuss the following:

• Using Alexander Technique in stressful parenting situations
• Approaching parenthood from a skills-based perspective rather than a knowledge-based perspective
• The reality of being a new mom and the unique struggles each of us go through, from the daily routines to the pressures we put on ourselves as moms.
• How we respond physiologically to stress and how we can apply Alexander Technique skills in the moment to make life easier.

Remember these - Am I seeing? Am I breathing? Am I balancing?

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews 

CONNECT WITH EVELYN CORREA:

Woven Podcast

Personal - Instagram

Podcast - Instagram

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

Newsletter 

Instagram

Stress Less in Pregnancy Class Online

Sunday night Zoom: Restore on the Floor

Work with Sarah! 

LINKS MENTIONED:

The Alexander Technique Birth Book by Ilana Machover 

Guided constructive rest practice 

Do constructive rest together!

Practice “the cycle” to calm down

Ep. 32: Asking for Help as a New Mom with Hannah Lee, LSW

Click Below for the Episode Transcript (COMING SOON)

Support the podcast! 

I bet your hands are very busy! So busy it might lead to some common conditions of postpartum or new parenting. This week, I have a bonus episode of the Poised & Powerful Podcast, and I’m sharing common conditions affecting the wrist and how to cope with and prevent them in doing your everyday activities! 

Some of these conditions include wrist pain, carpal tunnel and “Mommy Thumb”. 

Remember to tune into yourself: Pause, Exhale, Lighten Up.

Feeding and caring for young children can do a number on your body - and it can be hard to find that time to take care of yourself. Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday night group: Restore on the Floor for parents and caregivers. https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break Or sign up here to be the first to know about new classes and offers.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews 

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

Newsletter 

Instagram

Stress Less in Pregnancy Class Online

Sunday night Zoom: Restore on the Floor

Work with Sarah! 

LINKS MENTIONED:

How to check for DeQuervain’s/ Mommy Thumb

Relax Up While Sitting Guided Practice

Constructive rest guided audio: Your Daily Reset

Do constructive rest with me! 

Video tips: Stress-free Strollering

Video tips: How to pick up baby without hurting your back

Click Below for the Episode Transcript (COMING SOON)

So often, in early parenthood, we talk about putting the baby first. Today’s guest has a fresh approach to her journey in breastfeeding that we can all learn from. This week, episode 39 of Poised & Powerful Podcast is sharing the story of two different breastfeeding journeys! 

Feeding and caring for young children can do a number on your body - and it can be hard to find that time to take care of yourself. Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday night group: Restore on the Floor for parents and caregivers. https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break Or sign up here to be the first to know about new classes and offers.

Shanti Geiser grew up in Florida and moved to Washington State in December 2019,  just months before the pandemic started. As a mom of two kids, also juggling schooling for a master's in HR, it has been an intense journey. Despite the ups and downs, breastfeeding has been an area of her life that feels like a reprieve. It has been a bonding and meditative experience where she can release worries and struggles and just be present in the moment with her children. She uses breastfeeding as a time to recharge, learn about things that interest her, and connect with her kids. It has also been empowering.

In this episode of Poised & Powerful Podcast, Shanti Geiser and I discuss the following:

• Having a pre-pandemic baby vs. a pandemic baby and what those experiences were like.
• The ups and downs of hospital birth vs. home birth (in two different states), NICU stays, weaning, and extended breastfeeding. 
• What it’s like when you truly have a supportive birth and pediatric support when you need that. 
• Ultimately do what works best for you first, as a mom and as a breastfeeding parent, and taking time to take care of yourself.

Breastfeeding is a service to your baby, but it should also be an empowering experience. Do breastfeeding for you and listen to your body.

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews

CONNECT WITH SHANTI:

Facebook Shanti would love to be a resource for anyone considering extended breastfeeding or chatting on parenting topics. 

Shanti recommends: Kai Chi Do for embodied meditation. She’s been practicing with her dad (its founder!) since childhood.

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

Newsletter 

Instagram

Stress Less in Pregnancy Class Online

Sunday night Zoom: Restore on the Floor

Work with Sarah! 

LINKS MENTIONED:

Angela Garbes on the Science of Breastfeeding

Like a Mother by Angela Garbes (Affiliate link)

Click Below for the Episode Transcript here

“How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?” is a common worry for new and even seasoned moms. Especially if you’re new to breastfeeding, you might be feeling unsure. Now, there are data-tracking apps and pumps that can help you keep exact measurements and monitor feeding schedules for your infant. But are these helpful or stressful? Are we stuck in a comparison trap unlike any other? This week, episode 38 of Poised & Powerful Podcast is sharing the importance of trusting the breastfeeding process! 

Feeding and caring for young children can do a number on your body - and it can be hard to find that time to take care of yourself. Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday night group: Restore on the Floor for parents and caregivers. https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break Or sign up here to be the first to know about new classes and offers.

Allison Tolman is an IBCLC, Childbirth educator, nurse and doula, passionate about helping working moms find calmness and confidence in pumping and breastfeeding while out in the workforce.

In this episode of Poised & Powerful Podcast, Allison Tolman and I discuss the following:

• The training lactation consultants receive and what they do, and why you really want someone who understands your unique circumstances and breastfeeding goals.
• Allison’s three different breastfeeding journeys, both in the US and as a military spouse overseas, and how her lack of pumping support led to her business.
• Anxiety about whether or not your baby is getting enough to eat, and other common situations where lactation consultants can provide help and reassurance.
• The inside scoop on picking a breast pump. The number of choices and tracking apps can be overwhelming - what do you really need to get started feeding or pumping?

It’s really common to need practical and emotional support around feeding your baby, and if you have questions, lactation specialists are here to help! As you learn to trust the process, and you see your baby grow, hopefully you will be able to feel more relaxed about it.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews

CONNECT WITH ALLISON TOLMAN:

Website

Podcast

YouTube

Facebook

Work with Allison! 

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

Sign up for my mailing list

Instagram

Work with Sarah! 

Click Below for the Episode Transcript here

Listener Warning: This episode discusses topics like sexual assault and abusive relationships as well as suicide and depression.

Unplanned Parenthood: Letters to an Army of Millions is an installation about the history of birth control in America that addresses Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger’s racism. It is a mixed media installation centered on the stories of these people who longed for reproductive justice—and reminding us of the urgency of retaining our control over our destinies. This week, episode 37 of Poised & Powerful Podcast is sharing about unplanned parenthood! 

Do you find yourself needing extra time to recover from your weekend or time to prepare your mind and body for the week ahead? Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, backs, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday Scaries Support group class: https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break

Michelle Hartney is an incredible artist who specializes in multiple mediums to create and advocate for women’s rights, maternal healthcare issues, and discrimination in art institutions through installations, community and guerilla performances, and online works. She founded the Women’s Health Collective, an organization dedicated to utilizing creative approaches to raise awareness of women’s health issues through collaborative projects. 

In this episode of Poised & Powerful Podcast, artist Michelle Hartney, museum manager Juli Lowe and I discuss the following:

• The story behind Motherhood in Bondage and how that’s being used to create the Unplanned Parenthood mixed media project.
• Why it’s important to have conversations about heroizing Margaret Sanger when her legacy included things like eugenics and white supremacy.
• How the stories of these people can be felt through the words and the importance of letting their voices be heard.

With everything going on in the country right now, these conversations are more important than ever.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews 

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE HARTNEY:

Instagram

Unplanned Parenthood

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

Facebook

Instagram

Work with Sarah! 

LINKS MENTIONED:

21C Museum Hotel

Motherhood in Bondage [Article by History Matters]

UNPLANNED PARENTHOOD: Inside the Art Installation Using Historical Testimony to Call for a Feminist Future 

Ep 16 with Michelle Hartney

Click Below for the Episode Transcript here

We are going on a family vacation soon and due to the pandemic, I am a little out of practice with travels with a little one. It’s pretty common for travel to leave our bodies a bit out of sorts, even vacations or travels that are supposed to be fun. Every bit of energy and tip with making an experience more enjoyable, counts. This week, episode 36 of Poised & Powerful Podcast is sharing tips to make traveling as a family more enjoyable and less stressful! 

Do you find yourself needing extra time to recover from your weekend or time to prepare your mind and body for the week ahead? Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday Scaries Support group class: https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break

In this episode of Poised & Powerful Podcast, I discuss the following:

• When we get stressed, we may experience tunnel vision, and so I touch upon how to identify that you’re in that tunnel vision, and what to do with that energy so it actually serves you.
• How to properly lift a heavy suitcase or a child in various scenarios in your travels.
• What I recommend bringing on the plane with you, and what popular items I don’t recommend for your posture and comfort while on the plane.
• Tips for long car trips and buckling kids in car seats. 
• What you should do when you get to your destination to undo and un-scrunch all the tension and back issues caused from your travels.

This episode is the perfect episode to save to refer back to both before you travel and after your travels, so you can keep your body and mind in alignment and reduce tension.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

Facebook

Instagram

Work with Sarah! 

LINKS MENTIONED:

TushBaby

Constructive Rest (Audio Guide)

Stress Free Strollering (Video Tips)

Episode Transcript: Travel Tips to Make Your Body Feel OK

Today’s episode is an embodied meditation all about the pelvic floor. This pause is going to help us take time to connect with a part of the body which we may not normally be aware of. I hope you’ll come away with some key facts and greater confidence in your own body. Grab some pillows and let’s pause together! This week, episode 35 of Poised & Powerful Podcast is sharing a short guided meditation around your pelvic floor!

Do you find yourself needing extra time to recover from your weekend or time to prepare your mind and body for the week ahead? Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the my online group for a restorative lie down: https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break

In this episode of Poised & Powerful Podcast, I walk you through a powerful yet brief meditation to explore and more deeply understand your pelvic floor. I also help you discover how your pelvic floor responds to movements like breathing, and how to identify parts of your pelvic floor.

This episode will allow you to more deeply understand your body, and relax if you’ve been bearing down a lot or been stressed. Allow 12 minutes of calmness into your world today.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

Facebook

Instagram

Work with Sarah! 

LINKS MENTIONED:

360 Breathing Episode

Lindsey Vestal Episode

Sphincter Law & Childbirth

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com