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Prepared for Parenthood
Prepared for Parenthood episodes
- Interview with Dr. Özgür Bolat part 1: The Reward Trap
Summary
In this episode, Dr. Özgür Bolat, Fulbright Scholar, education scientist, and author of The Reward Trap: Why Rewards Backfire and the Real Science of Motivating Kids, discusses the science behind rewards and intrinsic motivation, revealing how rewards can backfire and how parents can foster genuine motivation in children.
Keywords
motivation, rewards, parenting, intrinsic motivation, child development, psychology, education, behavior, self-esteem, connection
Key Topics
~The impact of rewards on motivation and brain activity
~Misconceptions about rewards and intrinsic motivation
~The dangers of external control and praise
~Practical strategies for fostering intrinsic motivation
~The importance of connection and understanding in parenting
~The role of self-regulation and modeling in child development
Guest Contact
Website: https://ozgurbolat.co.uk/
Buy the Book on Amazon: The Reward Trap
Contact: [email protected]
Host Contact
Dr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]
Website: https://preparedforparenthood.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQ
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
20 min - Interview with Susanna Peace Lovell Part 2: Embracing Motherhood: Loving & Supporting A Child with Disabilities
Summary
In part two of this interview, Susanna Peace Lovell shares more about her journey supporting her daughter with disabilities, from navigating finding the right schools through the most important things she's learned about herself in her motherhood experience. The co-host of the Brave Together Podcast: Support and Community for Caregiving Parents, and a Connection Circle leader for We Are Brave Together, a supportive community for mothers raising children with disabilities, Susanna is a contributing author in the new book Suddenly Brave Together: Letters to Caregiving Moms in a Defining Moment of Their Lives (2026), as well as a memoir, Your True Self is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism (2024). Discover practical insights on advocacy, community building, and embracing life's unpredictable path.
Keywords
motherhood, disability advocacy, community support, autism, ADHD, school, parenting journey, resilience, special education, mental health, caregiving
Takeaways
~ Finding the best school(s) and support for your child with disabilities may require a great deal of advocacy and tenacity. It is worth it.
~ Sometimes our greatest challenges in life can be our greatest teachers as well.
~ What gifts can we glean from difficult experiences? Can we slow down? Be more present? Release a long-held belief about what things are "supposed to" look like?
Guest Contact
Website: www.susannapeacelovell.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mamapeace/
Memoir: Your True Self is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism
Podcast: Brave Together Podcast: Support and Community for Caregiving Parents
Host Contact
Dr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]
Website: https://preparedforparenthood.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQ
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
14 min - Interview with Susanna Peace Lovell: Embracing Motherhood: Loving & Supporting A Child with Disabilities
Summary
In part one of this interview, Susanna Peace Lovell shares her inspiring journey of motherhood, navigating complex diagnoses, building community, and finding joy and growth in supporting her daughter with disabilities. The co-host of the Brave Together Podcast: Support and Community for Caregiving Parents, and a Connection Circle leader for We Are Brave Together, a supportive community for mothers raising children with disabilities, Susanna is a contributing author in the new book Suddenly Brave Together: Letters to Caregiving Moms in a Defining Moment of Their Lives (2026), as well as a memoir, Your True Self is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism (2024). Discover practical insights on advocacy, community building, and embracing life's unpredictable path.
Keywords
motherhood, disability advocacy, community support, autism, ADHD, parenting journey, resilience, special education, mental health, caregiving
Takeaways
~ Often our early dreams of parenthood may not end up matching our reality. How will we choose to navigate these differences?
~ Building a support network is essential for parents, even more so when the parent or child or both are facing any life challenges or learning differences.
~ Sometimes a shift in perspective can allow parents to embrace their child’s individuality and focus on support.
Guest Contact
Website: www.susannapeacelovell.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mamapeace/
Memoir: Your True Self is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism
Podcast: Brave Together Podcast: Support and Community for Caregiving Parents
Host Contact
Dr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]
Website: https://preparedforparenthood.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQ
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
23 min - Interview with Ana Grantham, RN, IBCLC Part 2: Navigating Breastfeeding Challenges & Support Strategies
Summary
In part 2 of this interview, Dr. Stephanie Dueger speaks with lactation expert Ana Grantham who shares her insights on other common breastfeeding concerns, such as questions around increasing milk supply, how to protect and heal skin on the breast, attachment and bonding, and introducing a bottle.
Keywords
breastfeeding, lactation, milk supply, bottle feeding, paced feeding, milk supply, postpartum recovery, bonding, attachment, skin-to-skin
Key Takeaways
- Increasing one's milk supply is not necessarily needed for most people and can lead to unwanted issues later on.
- If breastfeeding is painful, correcting the baby's latch is the priority.
- Feeding is about more than nutrition; it also supports attachment and bonding, physical development, and many other needs. These can be thoughtfully developed without breastfeeding as well.
- Babies don't get "nipple confusion" - they have a preference for what they already know and are used to.
- Bottles should be introduced early if they’ll be needed later, ideally around 3 to 4 weeks. Paced bottle feeding can help babies transition between bottle and breast more easily.
Guest Contact
Ana Grantham, RN, IBCLC
Website: https://findingpeacelactation.com
Host Contact
Dr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]
Website: https://preparedforparenthood.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQ
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
19 min - Interview with Ana Grantham, RN, IBCLC: Navigating Breastfeeding Challenges & Support Strategies
Summary
In part 1 of this episode, Dr. Stephanie Dueger speaks with lactation expert Ana Grantham who shares her insights on common breastfeeding issues like clogged ducts and mastitis, triple feeding, bottle introduction, pacing feeds, and NICU transitions. Ana offers compassionate, evidence-based advice for families navigating pressure, pain, and uncertainty.
Keywords
breastfeeding, lactation, clogged ducts, mastitis, triple feeding, NICU, bottle feeding, paced feeding, milk supply, postpartum recovery, bonding, attachment, skin-to-skin
Key Takeaways
- Clogged ducts are usually from inflammation, not a literal blockage. Ice, rest, and lymphatic drainage are often more helpful than deep massage.
- Mastitis is often inflammatory and may not require antibiotics if it improves quickly.
- Triple feeding can be useful short-term, but it is usually unsustainable long term.
- Feeding is about more than nutrition; it also supports bonding, regulation, and development.
- Bottles should be introduced early if they’ll be needed later, ideally around 3 to 4 weeks.
- Paced bottle feeding can help babies transition between bottle and breast more easily.
Guest Contact
Ana Grantham, RN, IBCLC
Website: https://findingpeacelactation.com
Host Contact
Dr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]
Website: https://preparedforparenthood.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQ
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
19 min - Interview with Cherionna Menzam Sills part 2: How Our Earliest Experiences Shape Attachment, Healing, and Human Potential
Summary
In part two of this episode, guest Cherionna Menzam Sills explores how our earliest experiences—beginning before birth—can shape our relationships, attachment patterns, sense of safety, and lifelong potential. Cherionna shares her groundbreaking embryological perspective on human development, explaining how key prenatal milestones such as implantation, connection, and early development may influence our emotional and relational experiences throughout life. Cherionna illustrates how prenatal challenges can become unconscious patterns that follow us into adulthood—and, more importantly, how healing and repair are always possible. She also introduces listeners to biodynamic craniosacral therapy, explaining how this gentle approach can support nervous system regulation, bonding, attachment, and healing for both parents and babies.
Keywords
Prenatal psychology, prenatal trauma, birth trauma healing, prenatal and perinatal psychology, pregnancy emotional health, attachment and bonding, embryological development, biodynamic craniosacral therapy, infant mental health, conscious parenting
Takeaways
~Human development begins long before birth. Many of the developmental milestones we celebrate after birth have prenatal counterparts that occur in the womb.
~Experiences such as implantation difficulties, prenatal stress, or disruptions in connection may later show up as challenges with attachment, relationships, belonging, or feeling safe.
~While prenatal and birth experiences can leave lasting imprints, healing and growth remain possible throughout life. Our original potential is never lost.
~Parental blame is neither helpful nor accurate. Parents are doing the best they can within the support and knowledge available to them.
~One of the most powerful gifts parents can offer is a sense of loving welcome, emotional presence, and connection—both before and after birth.
~By becoming aware of our own history and seeking support when needed, we can reduce the likelihood of unconsciously passing unresolved experiences to the next generation.
~Support matters during pregnancy and parenthood, helping parents feel more regulated, supported, and emotionally available for their babies.
~Babies often respond to the emotional and physiological state of their caregivers, making parental well-being an important part of infant well-being.
~Biodynamic craniosacral therapy can help support healing and regulation.
Guest Contact
Website: birthingyourlife.org
Website 2: resourcingyourlife.org
Host Contact
Dr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]
Website: https://preparedforparenthood.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQ
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
23 min - Interview with Cherionna Menzam Sills: The Prenatal Shadow: How Unacknowledged Birth and Womb Experiences Shape Our Lives
Summary
In this episode of Prepared for Parenthood, Dr. Stephanie Dueger speaks with internationally respected prenatal and perinatal psychology educator and author Cherionna Menzam Sills about the concept of the “prenatal shadow” — the ways experiences in utero, during birth, and in the earliest postpartum moments can leave lasting implicit imprints on our nervous systems, emotions, relationships, and sense of self. Drawing from decades of work in somatic prenatal and birth therapy, Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy, and prenatal psychology, Cherionna explains how babies are deeply aware long before birth, even if they cannot consciously remember experiences later in life. Cherionna shares how feelings of welcome, ambivalence, separation, and repair can shape early development and attachment. The conversation offers hope and healing, emphasizing that it is never too late to address early imprints and that repair, reflection, and compassionate presence can profoundly support both children and adults. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of how understanding our earliest experiences may help us parent more consciously and heal more deeply.
Keywords
prenatal psychology, perinatal mental health, prenatal trauma, birth trauma, implicit memory, nervous system healing, attachment, postpartum support, somatic therapy, biodynamic craniosacral therapy, prenatal shadow, conscious parenting, infant mental health, trauma healing, parenting podcast, motherhood, pregnancy support, early childhood development, embodied healing, Prepared for Parenthood podcast
Takeaways
~Babies are capable of implicit memory before birth and during infancy, even without conscious autobiographical memory.
~Experiences during pregnancy and birth can leave lasting imprints in the nervous system, body, emotions, and relational patterns.
~The “prenatal shadow” refers to early experiences that were never acknowledged, reflected, or integrated.
~Repair is possible at any stage of life through acknowledgment, emotional attunement, explanation, and supportive therapeutic work.
~Feelings of not being welcomed, or separation between parent and baby after birth may create distress that can sometimes be eased through compassionate communication and repair.
~Slowing down, creating safety, and providing relational support are essential in healing prenatal and birth trauma.
~Parents do not need to be perfect; awareness and repair are deeply meaningful and healing.
Guest Contact
Website: birthingyourlife.org
Website 2: resourcingyourlife.org
Host Contact
Dr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]
Website: https://preparedforparenthood.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQ
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
29 min - Interview with Dr. Jay Warren: How Chiropractic Care Can Help Ease Perinatal, Breastfeeding, & Colic Issues
Summary
In part two of this interview, Dr. Jay Warren shares how chiropractic care can help during pregnancy to ease discomfort and help make the birth process smoother for parent and baby. He also discusses how postpartum chiropractic care can help mom recover faster and baby find more ease with breastfeeding and challenges with fussiness.
Keywords
Prenatal chiropractic care, postpartum chiropractic care, chiropractic care for birth, postpartum recovery, chiropractic baby care, chiropractic care for breastfeeding, chiropractic care for colic, family bonding
Takeaways
~Chiropractic care during pregnancy and the postpartum period can ease pain and discomfort and make birth easier for mom and baby.
~Chiropractic care can facilitate faster recovery from birth.
~Chiropractic care can help babies who are having breastfeeding challenges, or who are fussy or colicky.
Guest Contact
Website: https://drjwarren.com
Podcast & New Dads Groups Offerings: https://thedadhoodjourney.com
Host Contact
Dr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]
Website: https://preparedforparenthood.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQ
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
18 min - Interview with Dr. Jay Warren: Developing Skills and Intuition in New Fatherhood
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Jay Warren shares insights on fatherhood and supporting new parents through practical advice and personal stories. Discover how intuition, skills, and slowing down can transform the parenting experience.
Keywords
fatherhood, new parents, parenting tips, intuition, skills, postpartum recovery, baby care, mental health, family bonding
Takeaways
~Most new dads are faced with unique challenges when becoming parents.
~Practicing listening to your gut feelings as a parent is as essential as learning and rehearsing important baby care skills before birth and throughout the parenting journey.
~Engaging in open conversations with your partner about expectations and support can lead to an easier transition for parents.
~Local or online dads groups can help new fathers build a supportive community.
Guest contact:
Website: https://drjaywarren.com
Podcast & New Dads Groups Offerings: https://thedadhoodjourney.com
Host Contact
Dr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]
Website: https://preparedforparenthood.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQ
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
23 min - Interview with Dr. Susan Highsmith Part 2 - The Power of Reading to Babies In Utero
Summary
In part two of this interview, Dr. Stephanie Dueger and Dr. Susan Highsmith both share personal stories about their own pregnancies and circumstances surrounding them. Dr. Highsmith discusses why and how important reading to babies and providing attention to them is in the NICU. She also shares how research demonstrates the lifelong, and sometimes extraordinary, impacts that early intervention can have for babies and families.
Keywords
early consciousness, pregnancy, prenatal influence, subconscious, spirituality, reading to babies, communication
Key Topics
~Emotional and spiritual conversations with a baby, even before conception, are not uncommon and may have surprising results.
~Early impressions and experiences may shape lifelong health patterns and self-esteem.
~Sharing authentic, positive birth stories and overcoming societal narratives centered on trauma can be deeply empowering for both babies and parents.
~Supporting women, parents, babies, and whole families through challenging pregnancy and birth experiences can help heal emotional wounds.
Guest Contact
Dr. Susan Highsmith Website: susanhighsmithphd.com
Host Contact
Dr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]
Website: https://preparedforparenthood.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQ
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
21 min
About Prepared for Parenthood
From the publisher's feed
Prepared for Parenthood is an educational podcast for hopeful, expectant, and new parents with little ones up to age 5. On this show, we’ll discuss everything from the most up-to-date practicals of…
best supporting your children, to thriving in relationship as a family, to more eye-opening and even surprising topics around the psychology and development of babies from conception through age 5. I’m your host, Dr. Stephanie Dueger, a psychotherapist, author, educator, parent coach, and married mother of two. My background is in pre- and perinatal psychology and health, and child development.