Ready for Baby - evidence-based, realistic prenatal and postpartum education and support

In this episode, fertility educator and postpartum doula Kenzie Radigan guides us through the empowering practice of menstrual charting. Kenzie debunks common myths and educates on the distinct phases of the menstrual cycle, providing tools to enhance body literacy and self-awareness. She discusses the importance of distinguishing between common and healthy menstrual experiences, the emotional intelligence gained from charting, and its practical applications, including non-hormonal birth control and understanding postpartum fertility. 

Whether you're looking to conceive, seeking non-hormonal birth control options, or simply aiming to deepen your connection with your body, Kenzie offers valuable advice and emphasizes the transformative impact of tuning into your body's unique rhythms.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The importance of menstrual cycle and fertility education, debunking common myths, and the need for whole-person care.
• The empowerment and benefits of menstrual charting, including non-hormonal birth control, conception, and overall health monitoring.
• Fertility awareness methods, charting basics, and the significance of understanding one's fertile window.
• A breakdown of the menstrual cycle's phases and how charting can foster a deeper connection with one's body.
• Recommendations for those new to charting, including starting with a good charting app and understanding the value of privacy and personalization.

Resources from this Episode

• Learn more about Kenzie Radigan on her website (www.zenwithkenz.com). 

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Join me as I sit alongside Jessica Faith Achugbue, a wellspring of knowledge in perinatal mental health and EMDR therapy, to explore how emotional undercurrents affect not just new parents but also the little ones they're nurturing. We peel back the layers of early experiences, revealing their undeniable impact on the adult psyche and, consequently, on parenting practices.

We discuss the sweeping synaptic shifts and the spiritual awakenings that define matrescence, highlighting the power of EMDR therapy in forging pathways to inner healing. For any parent grappling with the duality of joy and challenge that birth brings, our conversation illuminates the path to harnessing confidence and conscious choice-making, ultimately shaping a more nurturing environment for both parent and child. 

Jessica also shares how she demystifies the therapy sessions, from identifying life patterns to processing traumatic memories, all through the lens of attachment. For those inspired to seek out this form of therapy, Jessica extends an invitation to connect through her practice, emphasizing her commitment to accessible and effective mental health care.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Discussion of matrescence and its holistic changes impacting identity and relationships.
• Introduction to EMDR therapy and its use in processing and healing from traumatic experiences.
• The Adaptive Information Processing Model and EMDR's application to a broad range of psychological wounds.
• What to expect during EMDR therapy sessions for new parents.
• The significance of creating a therapeutic environment that promotes safety and self-soothing.

Resources from this Episode

• Learn more about Jessica on her website (https://www.gentlepeopletherapy.com) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/gentlepeopletherapy/).

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

The journey of parenthood can feel like navigating a maze filled with endless baby product choices. Join me and Taya from EcoNow, as we unravel the confusion to help you build a baby registry that aligns with your values of safety, eco-friendliness, and non-toxic living. From the critical selections of a high-quality, organic mattress and a safe crib that passes the strictest certifications to the subtleties of choosing the softest, kindest fabrics for your baby's skin, we've got you covered.

In this episode, we go beyond the basics to discuss the lesser-thought-of essentials that make a world of difference in your child's life. So whether you're expecting your first or you're a seasoned pro looking to make more conscious choices, this is your invitation to join a community that's dedicated to the well-being of our little ones and the planet they will inherit. 

Your journey to parenthood just got a little easier — and a lot more informed.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Importance of non-toxic, eco-friendly nursery products for baby's health and environment.
• Guidance on choosing certified safe mattresses, cribs, and clothing for babies.
• Baby registry essentials: diapers, wipes, car seats, and clothing made from natural fibers.
• How to navigate certifications like GOT, Greenguard Gold, and EWG for baby products.

Resources from this Episode

• Learn more about my baby registry consulting services (https://www.asimplehome.org/baby-registry-consulting)
• Here are my favorite burp cloths (https://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/collections/prefolds-and-flats/products/cloth-eez-prefold-diapers-organic-white)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Join me and the eco-conscious Thea Merritt, founder of EcoNow, as we navigate the journey toward sustainable living and parenthood. Our conversation underscores the importance of choosing non-toxic, eco-friendly products, particularly during pregnancy, to protect both our little ones and the planet. Discover how Thea’s path led her from feeling isolated in her environmental endeavors to fostering a community-centric business that champions refillable, eco-friendly products. Listen in as we share our motivations for embracing eco-friendly practices and the realities of waste reduction, and provide tangible starting points for those looking to make safer, greener choices.

In this episode, we unravel the concerns surrounding harmful chemicals present in everyday products, like PFAs and PFOAs, and their link to potential health issues. We also offer insights into the misconceptions surrounding the need for multiple specialized cleaners, advocating for versatile, eco-friendly alternatives. From the benefits of repurposing glass jars to the implications of using plastics, especially with hot foods, we cover the breadth of adjustments that can contribute to a healthier environment. 

Whether you're intrigued by the prospect of sustainability or seeking to refine your eco-friendly journey, this episode offers an authentic and educational perspective on embracing a life of minimal waste and maximum well-being. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• The dangers of PFAs and PFOAs in consumer products and their effects on health and the environment.
• The concept of greenwashing and how to identify misleading eco-friendly claims.
• Strategies for navigating information overload and making informed choices regarding non-toxic products.
• The gradual transition to sustainable living.
• The role and benefits of local refill shops in promoting eco-friendly practices within communities.
• The importance of simple, natural ingredients in products used during pregnancy and postpartum.

Resources from this Episode

• Connect with Thea on the Eco Now website https://www.econowca.com/ and Instagram instagram.com/eco.now.ca.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Discover the often unspoken journey of postpartum healing as Dr. Kylie, our esteemed pelvic floor physical therapist, joins forces with me to shed light on the significance of nurturing pelvic floor health after childbirth. Together, we're tearing down the taboos and unpacking everything from diastasis and prolapse to cesarean recovery. Dr. Kylie's transition from social work to pelvic health offers unique insights into a holistic approach that interweaves diet, sleep, and stress management for formidable postpartum wellness.

This week's conversation offers empathy and expert guidance for new mothers navigating the complexities of their postpartum bodies. Dr. Kylie makes sense of the relationship between the core, diaphragm, and pelvic floor, using vivid imagery to simplify the intricate dance of pressure management within our bodies. The spotlight also falls on pelvic organ prolapse, unmasking its symptoms and emphasizing the criticality of early intervention. 

With the Beyond Birth program as our guide, we're handing you the tools for a confident and informed postpartum recovery.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Understanding the importance of pelvic floor health postpartum.
• Explaining the interconnectedness of the core, diaphragm, and pelvic floor, and techniques for teaching muscle coordination.
• Discussion on pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, severity, and the urgency of seeking treatment.
• The role of diet, sleep, and stress management in pelvic floor health and recovery.

Resources from this Episode

• Connect with Dr. Kylie on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyliefaildo_pt/ and her latest course – Beyond Birth: https://kylie-s-site-e9a5.thinkific.com/courses/Beyondbirth

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

As the gentle embrace of a loved one can lift the spirits, so too can the power of touch offer profound healing for new mothers. Joining me, Gigi Vera Vincent, is the remarkable Sophia Juarez, whose expertise stretches beyond the bounds of Alchemystic Wellness, delving into the transformative realm of postpartum care. Together, we weave through the narrative of touch's pivotal role during this tender time, where planning for the well-being of mothers before the baby's arrival is not just thoughtful—it's essential. Sophia reflects on her personal voyage into the field, a journey sparked by her own motherhood experiences and the cultural chasms in maternal support.

The tapestry of motherhood is complex, interwoven with threads of joy and challenges, where self-advocacy becomes a daily pursuit in the face of new demands. Our conversation turns to the mirror--reflecting on how self-care practices evolve from pre-baby favorites to the urgent need to reconnect with oneself amidst the whirlwind of nurturing a new life. We traverse the emotional landscape where love for a child and longing for former freedoms collide, and self-care, such as therapeutic bodywork, becomes not just beneficial, but necessary to flourish in motherhood. Sophia's insights extend further, addressing the profound potential of touch to mend the tapestry of generational trauma, offering a hand to hold as one navigates the ripples of parenthood.

Closing the loop, we spotlight the oft-neglected arena of bodywork during pregnancy and the critical conversations around C-section scar tissue care. Sophia's wealth of knowledge illuminates the path for the proactive management of discomfort and care for the physical marks motherhood may impart. The importance of being acknowledged and understood through one's healing journey resonates as a beacon for listeners, reminding us that touch can be both a balm for the body and a catalyst for change. For those eager to embrace a deeper understanding of the perinatal period and the nurturing power of touch, this heart-to-heart with Sophia is an unwavering guidepost.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Importance of touch in postpartum care: Discussing the critical role touch plays in healing and well-being for new mothers.
• Emphasizing the need for mothers to plan for their own postpartum care, including therapeutic touch, before the baby's arrival.
• Exploring how self-care practices like massage therapy can aid new mothers in reconnecting with themselves and thriving amidst the demands of motherhood.
• Addressing how nurturing touch in postpartum can help heal generational trauma and support mothers emotionally.
• Highlighting the importance of community support in the postpartum period and the value of being seen and heard in one's healing journey.
• Dispelling common misconceptions about the need for light touch and the timing of postpartum massage.

Resources from this Episode

Connect with Sophia on her website (alchemysticwellness.com ) and Instagram (@alchemysticwellness)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Discover a new lens for viewing postpartum and menopause with Dr. Tina Ghahramani-Singh, who joins us in unpacking the potential of these life stages through traditional Chinese medicine. As an intuitive healer, acupuncturist, herbalist, and somatic coach, Tina offers a blend of Eastern and Western practices that nurtures women's health. This episode shines a light on the pivotal moments of postpartum and menopause, emphasizing self-care, the role of community, and the power of reframing these times as golden opportunities for empowerment and connection.

Tina's personal journey through postpartum depression and her passion for helping women reconnect with their bodies during significant life transitions are especially poignant. We tackle the roles of food therapy, movement, and breathing exercises, all while underscoring the undeniable benefit of having a strong support network in place to aid new mothers in their healing process.

Join us for a conversation that not only challenges Western perceptions of menopause but also offers practical guidance on integrating traditional Chinese medicine into women's health routines. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine's perspective on postpartum and menopause as golden opportunities for women's health and empowerment.
• The importance of community support and cultural practices in nurturing postpartum mothers for long-term vitality.
• Combining Eastern wisdom with Western practices to enhance women's healing during significant life transitions.
• The connection between proper postpartum care and smoother transitions into perimenopause and menopause.
• How Traditional Chinese Medicine can personalize treatment plans for women's health needs.
• The role of dietary choices and lifestyle changes in improving postpartum recovery and overall well-being for women.

Resources from this Episode

Connect with Dr. Tina Ghahramani-Singh on her website (https://www.healinglightfamilyacupuncture.com) and learn about her coaching services here (https://tinaghahramani.com).

You can learn more about my upcoming workshop, Healing Practices for Doulas, here (https://www.asimplehome.org/blog/healing-practices-for-doulas).

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Unlock the secrets to nurturing your baby's physical development with our latest chat featuring Dr. Taylor Henderson, a renowned pediatric physical therapist. Our discussion goes into the critical impact of early intervention on infants who may not be meeting developmental milestones. Witness the importance of vigilance in monitoring your baby's head shape with practical steps like altering sleep positions and engaging in regular physical therapy evaluations. Our conversation brings to light the potential long-term developmental hurdles tied to untreated plagiocephaly and underscores the necessity of parental intuition in pursuing specialized care.

We present creative adaptations, including the use of a birthing ball, to align with your baby's unique developmental stage. Learn how these activities can foster spatial awareness and muscle engagement, setting the stage for healthy rolling and crawling. Our episode culminates with innovative ways to avert the emergence of "happy sitters" and instead encourage a path of dynamic exploration. Join us for an episode packed with actionable tips and compassionate support on your baby's journey to mobility.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Importance of early intervention for babies not meeting developmental milestones.
• Strategies for monitoring and treating flat head syndrome.
• The role of parental intuition in recognizing developmental issues and seeking specialized pediatric physical therapy care.
• Reframing tummy time to be an enjoyable bonding activity.
• Techniques to foster spatial awareness and muscle engagement.
• Discussion of yellow flags for torticollis.

Resources from this Episode

• Connect with Dr. Taylor on her website (https://bloomwellpt.com) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bloomwellpt/?hl=en)
• You can learn more about my upcoming workshop, Healing Practices for Doulas, here (https://www.asimplehome.org/blog/healing-practices-for-doulas)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Join me as I sit down with Dr. Nikki Amaro, orthopedic physical therapist and mom, for an insightful discussion on the journey back to exercise after pregnancy. Many new moms grapple with when and how to reintroduce physical activity into their lives postpartum. Dr. Amaro brings her professional expertise and personal experience to light, busting myths about post-birth fitness and guiding moms on crafting a personalized plan to reclaim their pre-pregnancy vitality.

Listen in as we tackle the unique challenges that come with motherhood and movement. From my own struggle to regain strength post-childbirth to redefining exercise for moms, this conversation is about making intentional movement a feasible part of a mom's busy life. 

By recognizing signs of overexertion and understanding the body's need for a gradual return to fitness, new moms can better manage their recovery and maintain a healthy lifestyle while nurturing their newborns. Tune in to this episode for a supportive guide through postpartum recovery, filled with advice that cherishes both mother and baby's well-being.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Strategies for new moms to integrate workouts into daily routines.
• The importance of gradual progression and patience when easing back into postpartum exercise to avoid injury and rebuild strength.
• Identifying and addressing common postpartum issues such as pressure, pooch, pain, and persistence, and knowing when to seek professional help.
• Specific exercises recommended for new moms.
• The benefits of "mommy and me" exercise classes and the significance of tummy time for both baby and mother.

Resources from this Episode

• You can connect with Dr. Nikki Amaro on the BloomWell website (https://bloomwellpt.com) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bloomwellpt/). 
• You can learn more about my two-hour parent workshop, Holistic Healing in the Fourth Trimester, here: https://www.asimplehome.org/shop/p/all-about-holistic-postpartum-healing and Holistic Healing for Doulas here: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/appointment-scheduler/65963d93094cdcd22fd46368/schedule.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.

Stepping into the world of Chinese medicine, I’m joined by the venerable Dr. Tina Yang, a fourth-generation TCM doctor, to explore the natural and nurturing remedies of acupuncture for women navigating the seas of pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. Yang, with her wealth of experience and personal insights, reveals how acupuncture isn't just about needlework — it's a symphony of care that harmonizes the body's Chi and brings relief to the common ailments of expectant mothers. From the initial waves of morning sickness to the blissful calm of the second trimester, our conversation with Dr. Yang paints a vivid picture of a holistic journey tailored for each unique mother-to-be.

Acupuncture and its siblings, acupressure and moxibustion, aren't just ancient relics; they're dynamic practices that adapt to the modern individual's needs and sensitivities. Our discussion delves into the rich traditions of TCM that support new mothers through the often-overlooked fourth trimester. We discuss the cultural wisdom of nourishing soups, now conveniently encapsulated, and the bespoke herbal formulas that cater to a mother's recovering body.

From the initial waves of morning sickness to the new challenges of the fourth trimester, my conversation with Dr. Yang paints a vivid picture of a holistic journey tailored for each unique mother-to-be.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Relief from common pregnancy symptoms like fatigue and morning sickness through acupuncture. 
• Presentation of non-needle alternatives like acupressure and essential oil acupressure by Dr. Yang. 
• The traditional Chinese technique of moxibustion for breech babies. 
• Emphasis on postpartum recovery using TCM methods. 
• How to focus on hormonal balance, lactation support, and postpartum conditions. 
• The importance of fourth trimester, postpartum care. 
• Cultural contrasts in postpartum recovery practices. 

Resources from this Episode

• You can connect with Tina Yang on her website (https://www.reviveqi.com) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/revive_qi/). 
• You can learn more about my two-hour parent workshop, Holistic Healing in the Fourth Trimester, here (https://www.asimplehome.org/shop/p/all-about-holistic-postpartum-healing) and Holistic Healing for Doulas here (https://www.asimplehome.org/blog/healing-practices-for-doulas).

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.