Stork'd

In today's episode, Julia talks with Dr. Aimee, a renowned fertility specialist recognized as the "egg whisperer." Together, Julia and Dr. Aimee delve into her complete "obsession to bring more love into this world" by helping more intended parents conceive. They also discuss the many ways she is changing the patient experience by shifting the mindset around fertility treatment - from one of a battle to one of glitter, hope, and magic.

Dr. Aimee distinguishes her approach to in vitro fertilization (IVF) from that of her peers, emphasizing her focus on "OLS (Ovarian Life Support)" and her unwavering dedication to retrieving every viable egg from her patients. While she exudes enthusiasm for IVF, Dr. Aimee remains pragmatic, acknowledging that not every woman will achieve pregnancy, and she candidly reveals how she navigates such circumstances. Don't miss this captivating two-part series.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:48] Dr. Aimee shares her love of being a fertility doctor, knowing that was her calling from an early age

• [05:05] Why is she called 'the egg whisperer' and getting through the hard stuff

• [10:15] Dr. Aimee's advice to someone who is discouraged. Who is her typical patient

• [13:24] How her process is different than other specialists and how she is committed to treating women in all 50 states

• [21:55] How she advises someone who loses a baby

• [25:55] Dealing with the cost of IVF and Dr. Aimee's hope for the future

• [30:30] Dr. Aimee encourages patients to know their medical history and the procedures they have had to prevent mistakes

• [33:28] Dr. Aimee defines family

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Dr. Aimee provides online IVF classes available to anyone. They are similar to getting a full consultation.

• Learn about IVF. Remember your treatment history. Don't expect every doctor to remember the details about your medical treatments. Be your advocate.

• After many treatments and discouragements trying to get pregnant, you might need to stop and take a break to see if going through more treatment is right for you. Be realistic.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Stork'd - Facebook

Stork'd - Instagram

Stork'd - YouTube

Dr. Aimee - Facebook

Dr. Aimee - Website

Egg Whisperer - Instagram

Egg Whisperer School - Website

BIO

Dr. Aimee graduated from UCLA School of Medicine and completed her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Harvard Medical School. She also completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility and holds a Master's in Public Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan.

She has presented her research at the national meetings of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, The Endocrine Society and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Her research has been published in several journals, including Fertility and Sterility, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Menopause. She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and continues to contribute to research in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She has co-authored book chapters on ultrasonography and male infertility with national leaders in the field of reproductive endocrinology.

In her off-time, Dr. Aimee is a mom to four rambunctious kids aged ten and under. You can email her directly at [email protected]

Join Julia and Brooke Cates, CEO and founder of The Bloom Method fitness program, for your motherhood journey. The Bloom Method keeps you active during pregnancy and postpartum. Brooke shares how the system was conceived and encourages women to listen to their bodies. In today's world, the culture can guilt women into strenuous exercise programs, and Brooke says that's not OK. Over 60,000 women have experienced this method, which prepares you for birth and is perfect as you chase your toddler. Brooke also shares her non-traditional journey into entrepreneurship, carving her own path and following her intuition. We discuss her personal family building story, her postpartum experience and her relationship with her mother. Invite your friends to listen to this episode and join the Bloom Method. They will thank you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Julia gives an overview of the dilemma of getting back in shape postpartum

• [03:39] Brooke shares who she was ten years ago and the woman she is now

• [10:07] How the Bloom Method was conceived and why it fights against the "bounce-back" culture of postpartum

• [15:07] Brooke describes the Bloom Method and talks about a judgment-free way of seeing yourself

• [22:12] Brooke's belief is "movement" rather than "exercise," and she encourages women to stop taking exercise so seriously

• [31:29] Brooke responds to Julia's experience 18 months after birth and says workouts should feed us and turn motherhood into mom-movement

• [34:07] Brooke reflects on her journey as a path less traveled and not letting discouraging comments hold her back

• [43:00] Brooke shares her definition of family

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• What is right for one mom may not be right for another mom. That's ok. Don't let society dissuade you from listening to your intuition.

• If you are having a battle within yourself about your fitness program, you have the wrong fitness program. Movement doesn't hurt. Movement should bring you joy and remind you who you are.

• Mainstream exercise programs make a woman feel negative about her body.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Stork'd - Facebook

Stork'd - Instagram

Stork'd - YouTube

The Bloom Method - Instagram

Brooke Cates - Website

The Bloom Method - Website 30% Off Coupon - Use code - STORKED30

BIOGRAPHY: Brooke Cates

Brooke is the CEO and Founder of The Bloom Method—a pioneer in the pre + postnatal fitness industry. Aside from being the creator of The Bloom Method, Brookee is a Pre and Postnatal Corrective Exercise Specialist, Core Rehabilitation Specialist and Pre and Postnatal Holistic Health Coach. Brookee believes that the transformation into motherhood is where we truly ignite our real strength and that in this, all women deserve to have access to safe + effective workouts geared towards whichever stage of motherhood they're in.

In 2018, The Bloom Method introduced its innovative concept to thousands of women worldwide with the first virtual pre + postnatal online studio. Today, with over 500+ fitness classes, ten fitness styles, empowering education, and a community of 50k moms, Studio Bloom is helping women step back into their power through smart + empowering embodiment practices.

Can an astrologer predict the best time to do IVF? In the latest episode of Stork'd, Julia and Nicola Smuts Allsop delve into her journey as a fertility astrologer and how she predicts the "lucky time" for conception. Nicola's personal experiences with infertility lend a captivating touch to her narrative. She discusses the influence of diverse planetary alignments on a couple's fertility prospects and also addresses the naysayers. In addition, Nicola expresses her conviction in the impact of the "placebo effect." Enjoy this enlightening installment of Stork'd.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:39] Nicola shares the story of her early career and how she became a fertility astrologer

• [09:38] Nicola feels it's important to have a "witness" or someone to walk with you through your infertility journey, and she discusses her research

• [16:28] Nicola addresses the naysayers of astrology and what one would expect who used her services

• [25:35] Nicola shares various client stories, the trends she sees in who comes to her and the patterns that are presenting

• [38:30] Nicola discusses how society has affected fertility and what circumstances need to exist for her to give up on a client

• [44:28] What does Nicola tell a couple who most likely will not get pregnant

• [49:51] What is Nicola's family situation currently, and how does she define family

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• There are questions or concerns a woman would not tell a doctor but would discuss with a fertility astrologer.

• A fertility astrologer listens to clients and does not project their ideas onto them.

• Knowing when bad times are coming and when they will be over is helpful for a person to deal with the situation.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Stork'd - Facebook

Stork'd - Instagram

Stork'd - YouTube

Fertility Astrology - Website

Nicola Smuts Allsop - Instagram

Fertility Astrology: A Modern Medieval Textbook

BIOGRAPHY:

Nicola Smuts Allsop is a consulting astrologer living in the United Kingdom. Originally from South Africa, she completed her first studies at the Rod Suskin School of Astrology in Cape Town and completed a Diploma in Medieval Astrology with Astro Logos (Bernadette Brady) in the UK. Nicola has recently graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University with a Master's Degree in Myth, Cosmology and The Sacred.

Author of the newly published FERTILITY ASTROLOGY, A Modern Medieval Textbook, Nicola has specialized in this field and has undergone fertility treatment herself. She is a mother of two adult children and can empathize and understand the pain and desperation of trying to conceive.

Nicola lectures internationally on her fertility work, and her research and methods in this field are pioneering and unique.

Her success in diagnosing fertility issues in charts and finding potentially fertile times to try In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and other reproductive treatments has been published in The Sunday Times (London), The London Times, and the Daily Mail. Her work has also been featured on national television (Free Spirit, Top Billing) in South Africa.

Many couples are extremely grateful to her for the valuable, time-saving advice and recommendations she can provide to maximize the potential for conception. Her practical knowledge of the process of IVF and other reproductive treatments is extensive, and her personal experience of infertility makes her a compassionate and caring professional.

Join Julia and Alona Shaked as they delve into her remarkable story. She was a 28-year-old lawyer who embarked on a challenging journey of fighting breast cancer and also discovered the heartbreaking truth that cancer treatments can significantly impact fertility. Explore the highs and lows of Alona's international path to building a family as she pursues fertility treatment in both Israel and the US. . Witness how Alona has transformed the setbacks she experienced into a coaching business catering to professional women who have undergone profound life changes.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:25] Alona shares what her different roles are and how she discovered she had cancer

• [07:12] What did Alona do the night before she found she had cancer, and how she evaluates her life and makes priorities

• [18:38] Alona's Egg retrieval was subpar, and how others reacted to her cancer and desire to have a family

• [20:15] Alona received international fertility treatments while living Israel

• [27:53] Alona and her husband may not be on the same page

• [31:50] Who is to blame for infertility

• [40:04] Alona gives an example of a positive outlook on the journey of building a family, and she shares starting IUI and IVF, and the result

• [47:52] What kept Alona going on the journey and what is driving her today

• [52:22] Alona defines her definition of family and recommends tools she used during her path to pregnancy, and she discusses her coaching business

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Having cancer can affect your fertility.

• Life's WTF moments are an opportunity to get clear on what you really want

• Family and friends are essential to help you get through a cancer diagnosis.

• There is a stigma that it is the mother's fault when a couple cannot get pregnant.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Stork'd - Facebook

Stork'd - Instagram

Stork'd - YouTube

Alona Shaked - Website

Alona Shaked - Instagram

Alona Shaked - Facebook

Alona Shaked - Linkedin

BIOGRAPHY: Alona Shaked

I am an executive and lifestyle coach who shows women how to turn significant life challenges into purposeful, fulfilling careers and lives. I started my career as a lawyer at a big firm. When I was 28 years old, I was suddenly diagnosed with breast cancer, completely changing my perspective on what I wanted out of life and how I wanted to spend my time. After beating breast cancer and traveling the world, I transitioned into nonprofit management. I founded my non-profit, Thrivacious, an international community dedicated to helping women touched by cancer thrive and fulfill their dreams. I am also an IVF mama, writer, & women's health activist. While taking a sabbatical from nonprofit management to undergo fertility treatments and build my family, I trained to become a coach. I've now helped dozens of clients across the globe thrive through life's challenges, find their purpose, and succeed and grow in their careers and personal lives.

I received my B.A. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and my J.D. from UCLA School of Law. I live in Philadelphia with my husband Oren, Labradoodle Franklin and miracle baby Ella.

Today, Julia and Dr. Rebekah Diamond, author of Parent Like a Pediatrician, focus on parenting newborns and children. Where do you turn when you have questions? When seeking guidance, do you rely on friends, family, or social media input to glean insights from "expert" influencers? Julia and Rebekah discuss how to filter through the well-intentioned relatives and the mistruths on social media to find your own voice and inner wisdom as a parent. This book, and this episode, focus on empowering parents to make data driven choices that suit your own individual goals for how you want to parent. We also discuss Rebekah's experience as a first time parent and pediatrician, particularly her experience with postpartum depression and anxiety has changed how Rebekah practices and teaches medicine. Discover valuable insights in this episode as you decide what is best for you and your child.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:24] Rebekah explains she wrote the book because of her experience as a new parent

• [05:23] Rebekah discusses all the information available, but the impracticability of achieving all of those goals

• [08:29] Operating in the "safe range of options" and giving advice regarding parenting

• [18:30] Why the book was helpful for Julia. The book is based on science and not influencers

• [20:40]Rebekah explains why she doesn't tell a parent what to do and her feelings about the path the medical profession has taken

• [25:48] Rebekah discusses her anxiety and depression and her advice for others

• [30:27] What would Rebekah change in the medical system if she could regarding supporting parents and empowering them

• [37:02] Discussing the breastfeeding concept

• [45:00] Rebekah explains her definition of family

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• There is information on social media about everything you should do as a new parent. However, it is not humanly possible to wrap your mind around all of it, let alone put all those ideas into practice.

• Don't let social media and influencers set the schedule and do's and don'ts for your baby or yourself.

• The medical institution needs to do more to support parents. One size does not fit all.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Stork'd - Facebook

Stork'd - Instagram

Stork'd - YouTube

Rebekah Diamond - Twitter

Parent Like a Pediatrician - Website

Parent Like a Pediatrician - Instagram

BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Rebekah Diamond

I was born in New York City but spent most of my childhood in Connecticut. After high school, I stayed local and received my undergraduate degree from Yale University and my M.D. from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Following completion of my pediatrics residency training at the University of Michigan, I accepted a position as a pediatric hospitalist in New York City and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University, where I still work today.

My training and practice mean that it is literally my job to stay up to date on all of the data behind what experts say are the safest and best choices for parents to make for their children.

I'm also a mother of a young daughter and know firsthand the challenge of sorting through conflicting pediatrician and internet recommendations. It's why I'm here to explain how pediatrician parents actually raise their own kids so you can make the safest, sanest choices for your little ones.

Julia and Christina Bailey engage in a heartfelt conversation about the challenges and triumphs of healing from divorce, falling in love, fertility and creating a family in a same-sex relationship. We discuss her first fertility journey using reciprocal IVF with her ex wife - she used her eggs and her ex carried. We discuss Christina's heartbreak over her divorce and her experience parenting through the pain and how she slowly re-emerged and started dating again. In a brand new relationship, she communicated to her girlfriend, "I am expanding my family, are you on board?". A conversation which resulted in a set of twins.

Drawing strength from Glennon Doyle's words, "You Can Do the Hard Things," Christina's openness highlights her resilience and the transformative power of her experiences.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Julia introduces Christina Bailey and discusses her journey with infertility

• [03:51] Christina shares why she decided to share her fertility journey publicly and the difficulty in creating a family in a same-sex relationship

• [12:04] Christian reflects on how she thought her life would unfold as a young adult and the shock she felt when served with divorce papers

• [16:55] How divorce affects your mental state and the resources you can lean on

• [22:25] Christina discusses starting to date after a ten-year marriage and what she has learned about herself in that process

• [33:21] Christian talks about her new partner and being authentic about wanting to have more children

• [40:20] The ups and downs of getting pregnant and the path Christian took to have twins

• [50:26] What happens to embryos post-divorce, and what advice Christina has regarding that process

• [56:34] Christian explains her definition of family

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• A lawyer should be involved when you venture into embryo retrieval and dispensing those embryos in case of divorce.

• Dating after a divorce may clarify who you are and what you want in a partner.

• It is critical to have the support of family and friends when going through a divorce and an infertility journey.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Stork'd - Facebook

Stork'd - Instagram

Stork'd - YouTube

Christina Bailey - Instagram

Our guest today shares her experience as an egg donor to a family experiencing infertility. We discuss her decision to donate, her experience through multiple donations (for a sibling later on) and her relationship to the recipient family. As time passed, she reached her forties, remarried, and, together with her husband, embarked on a journey to start their own family. Join us as she shares her remarkable account of undergoing fertility treatments and giving birth to their son. Her story is a compelling journey evidenced by the virtues of patience, perseverance, and triumph.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:34] Rovy shares her life journey and why she decided to become an egg donor

• [08:00] Rovy explains how she met the donor-recipient and what she and the recipient experienced

• [17:57] The recipient wants another child, but the procedure is not successful, and they attempt a third time

• [23:03] What is the relationship between Rovy, the birth parents and the children

• [29:02] What do you tell the children about their parentage and Rovy's fertility journey

• [36:47] Rovy explains her shift in perspective from initially desiring no children to eventually wanting a child and how a fertility specialist exploited her vulnerability

• [41:29] Rovy has advice on how the fertility industry should change

• [44:03] Rovy shares how she and her husband dealt with the miscarriages and how pregnancy affects your job as a female chef in a man's world

• [50:07] Rovy explains her definition of family

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Women who face infertility and opt for any treatment to achieve pregnancy should expect to be treated with dignity. Similarly, egg donors who generously contribute their eggs should also be supported in the same manner.

• Choosing to tell children of egg donors requires forethought and should be talked about before agreeing to the treatment.

• If you experience disrespect from any medical professional, they are unprofessional, and you need to stand up for your rights and dignity.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Stork'd - Facebook

Stork'd - Instagram

Stork'd - YouTube

Journalist Maressa Brown joins Julia to discuss her new book, Raising Baby by the Stars. She explains how astrology can teach you about your child and support your parenting. Maressa also made a few major life pivots that found her restructuring her life as a married woman employed in lifestyle journalism in NYC to a single woman freelance writing for women's magazines in LA. Now engaged, Maressa and her fiancé are currently going through IVF, and Maressa shares the raw emotions of being in the midst of a fertility journey. Don't miss this episode of Stork'd.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:07] Maressa shares who she is and how astrology framed her life from infancy. She also discusses moving from one form of journalism to another
• [11:56] Maressa outlines how a child's natal chart will reflect what they become and what characteristics they will have
• [14:13] Discussion of the north and south nodes and how they connect with the planets. She talks about Gemini, Mercury and Aquarius
• [17:01] Maressa shares that there are connections between a child's planetary placement and the parents and how astrology becomes another tool in your toolkit of parenting
• [25:12] Maressa discusses how she met her fiancé and how she created the life she dreamed of, and the most significant challenge she faced moving from New York to LA
• [34:42] Maressa discusses her infertility journey and how she and her fiancé handle the discouragement and encourage one another
• [42:22] Maressa tells how you need to stand up for yourself going through the IVF process, and she expresses what family means to her

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Maressa's book discusses how astrology predicts your child's emotional well-being and how they grow, learn, and develop.
• A parent can clash with their child because of their signs
• A person needs to stand up for themselves when seeing a doctor. Self-advocacy is critical.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Stork'd - Facebook

Stork'd - Instagram

Stork'd - YouTube

Maressa Brown - Website

Maressa Brown - Facebook

Maressa Brown - Instagram

BIOGRAPHY:

I'm a Los Angeles-based journalist, author, and astrologer with nearly two decades of professional experience covering lifestyle, astrology, parenting, and pop culture. Whether I'm delivering expert-voiced astrology writing, doing one-on-one interviews with celebrities like Jane Fonda, Channing Tatum, Serena Williams, Jimmy Fallon, or Mindy Kaling, developing and penning my signature monthly horoscopes for publications like InStyle or brands like Geico or Neutrogena, or tackling in-depth features on buzzworthy trends, my copy is conversational and substantive. I have appeared in live and taped-to-air video segments as a commentator on WGN-TV and Good Morning America. My content area specialties include Health, Love & Sex, Astrology, Parenting, Pop Culture, News & Politics, Beauty & Style, On Camera, and Branded Content. A graduate of Emerson College, I'm also a member of the International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR) and the Authors Guild.

HeHe Stewart, advocate, educator and founder of Maternity Concierge and The Birth Lounge, joins Julia to discuss pregnancy, informed consent and the education of the birthing process. HeHe is passionate about helping people prepare for a pregnancy and birth experience. She educates women on their rights, the role of the hospital and physician and topics you may have yet to consider. This episode is for anyone who has childbirth in the future, along with your support team. You don't want to miss this educational episode of Stork'd.

IN THIS EPISODE:

● [00:00] Julia shares who HeHe Stewart is and the many educational resources she has made available

[02:25] HeHe explains the services she provides and how she came to start her business

[08:21] The critical need to bridge the gap between patients and providers

[13:18] Julia outlines the changes within the system that need to change and four takeaways from the education she provides

[18:44] How do you know what you don't know medically, and what if your doctor/hospital is not following your plan

[28:06] Six decisions from HeHe's list of 175 decisions you could make

[32:54] HeHe discusses how she works with clients and how to overcome fear and trauma and the percentages involved

[42:30] What is the ambiance of the labor room

[44:16] HeHe defines her definition of family

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The policy of a hospital is not a law. Therefore, you can say no thank you. Also, find a doctor who honors your plan for birthing or change doctors until you find a doctor who is on the same page.

Women in the past felt they had no say or control over their bodies. That is a fallacy. Informed consent is your right, and women need to champion that concept.

Educate yourself before the pregnancy so you know the options, the process, and the what-ifs so you can make an informed decision.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Stork'd - Facebook

Stork'd - Instagram

Stork'd- YouTube

HeHe Stewart - Facebook

HeHe Stewart - Website

HeHe Stewart - Instagram

Birth Lounge/Tranquility - Podcast

Birth Lounge - TicTok

Birth Lounge - Instagram

Birth Lounge - App

ABOUT: HeHe Stewart

As a doula, I view my role as the guardian of the energy of your birth experience. I want you to be informed, in control, and supported. I believe in you and your body. I believe you are strong and courageous. I believe in trusting the process and surrounding yourself with love, warmth, encouragement, kindness, and serenity. I believe birth is a magical and transformative time in your life, your partner's life, and your baby's life. I want you to feel respected and relaxed at your birth. I want your birth to be a pleasant memory that you carry with you for the rest of your life and are happy to share with others.

There is no right or wrong; there is only what's right for you. I'm here to help you explore, discover, and advocate your wants and needs to have the birth experience you've always wanted. I believe there is a need for self-care and compassion in the care of expectant parents. It is important that every parent feels supported in their choices after discussing all possible options. It's imperative that parents have access to judgment-free spaces, educators, and support. That's what I want to be for all my clients and their partners.

Fiona Kong, an author and a single parent, joins Julia for a conversation about her book titled Home Sweet Homes Journal. Fiona's life underwent significant changes with divorce, a job loss, and the impact of the COVID pandemic. During this transformative period, Fiona took the opportunity to contemplate her upbringing and the kind of co-parent she aspired to become. During this period, the idea for the Home Sweet Homes Journal and Planner came to be. Fiona has devised a valuable resource that enables parents to support their children's transition between homes as well as to gain insight into their child's experiences while they spend time with the other parent. This episode is for any parent, no matter how you build your family.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:31] Fiona separates from her husband and loses her job in 2019, and she describes the grieving process
• [05:57] Instagram and co-parenting books helped Fiona transition through this challenging time
• [07:44] How to tell a two ½-year-old they will be spending time with mom and then time with dad and how a visual schedule helped
• [11:28] How Fiona and her ex-husband determined how they would co-parent, and after time, they admitted their contribution to the divorce
• [15:31] What drove Fiona to take responsibility for her part in their divorce and how her father fostered an unhealthy atmosphere when she was growing up
• [20:22] Fiona describes how she developed a planner to become a part of her son's life when he was not with her and how it evolved, and she shares different features of the book and tells about her next venture
• [32:13] What do you experience going from time with a child and partner 50 percent of the time to time alone with no child and no partner 50 percent of the time
• [36:28] Fiona discusses how mediation has helped her, and she discusses what family means to her

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• It's important to have a visual aide, like a schedule, to explain to a child how their week will unfold concerning visitation between parents.
• A divorced single parent should be aware of their child's mental health but should also take time for self-care.
• When divorced parents decide to work in the child's best interest, that contributes to a more regular upbringing for that child.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Stork'd - Facebook

Stork'd - Instagram

Stork'd- YouTube

Home Sweet Home Journal and Planner - Website

Home Sweet Home Journal and Planner - Facebook

Home Sweet Home Journal - Instagram

BIOGRAPHY:

I'm Fiona Kong, founder of the Home Sweet Homes journal and planner for co-parents and children.

I'm a single mom to a 5-year-old boy. I'm a former analyst turned dreamer turned creator and small business owner after finding a lack of resources and tools available to support young children after a separation or divorce.

After my son's dad and I separated, I remember feeling so many things. I was stressed, anxious, and worried about my son adjusting to the constant back and forth between homes. I felt sad to miss out on my son's day-to-day life. And I also felt guilty for putting my son through this situation.

And so, I looked for tools or products that could help those who co-parented but found few existing solutions - especially something geared toward young children.

My mission through Home Sweet Homes is to help co-parents and their children stay connected while bringing a child comfort and joy across their two homes.

By combining the benefits of a journal and planner into a tool that stays with your child, I hope to bring positivity out of a stressful and hard event.