
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Send a text
Are you or someone you know on the IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) journey? It can be lonely, but you're not alone.
Infertility is a challenge faced by many, and hearing personal stories can provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of community. In today's episode, we get into Vanessa Nasrallah’s IVF journey, exploring the physical, emotional, and financial aspects she and her husband encountered along the way.
Last year, the World Health Organization reported that worldwide, one in six people experience some form of infertility during their lifetime. Vanessa’s willingness to share her story aims to normalize the IVF process and offer hope to others just starting their own journeys. Vanessa and Peter live in Nova Scotia, Canada, with their son and are expecting their second child later this year.
We talk about the complexities and emotional challenges of IVF, highlighting the importance of sharing honest experiences. Vanessa describes the hormonal preparations leading up to IVF, including intense birth control regimens to stabilize hormone levels. The process was physically and emotionally overwhelming, requiring daily bloodwork and ultrasounds.
For those starting or in the midst of their IVF journey, Vanessa’s experience offers insights, reassurance, and a sense of community. Her journey exemplifies the complexities of IVF—from the physical intricacies to the emotional rollercoaster. Her courage in sharing her story provides valuable support to others navigating this challenging path. If you or someone you know is on a similar journey, remember that you're not alone.
Reach out, ask questions, and seek the support of others who have walked this path. Vanessa's story reminds us of the power of community and openness in overcoming infertility challenges.
We talk about:
Connect with me
Send a text
In today's episode, we dive deep into aware parenting with María of Mama Maria Coaching. María, a psychologist and certified aware parenting coach, brings a wealth of knowledge to parents looking to navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey of parenthood. From her multicultural blended family in Amsterdam, Maria offers insights and practical advice to parents worldwide.
After accepting her own role in her daughter's struggles, Maria embarked on a year-long program with an aware parenting coach, Chris Muller. She learned to feel and process her own emotions and teach her daughter to do the same. Maria shares how these experiences paved the way for her work as an aware parenting instructor.
Maria developed her own framework called SMART, which stands for:
- Self-development and Self-care
- Money
- Aware Parenting
- Relationships
- Time
Each pillar addresses critical aspects of both parenthood and personal growth. The SMART approach provides practical tools and guidance for creating a more serene and balanced family life.
Highlighting the first 1000 days of a child's life, Maria emphasizes how crucial these formative years are for brain development and emotional growth. Studies like the ACE Study show that early adverse experiences often lead to trauma, which impacts individuals throughout their lives. Maria's framework incorporates this understanding to help parents nurture healthier relationships with their children.
Maria's insights and the SMART framework offer a comprehensive approach to parenting that emphasizes self-awareness, practical tools, and emotional connection. By addressing our own needs and creating a nurturing environment, we can foster healthier relationships with our children and navigate the challenges of parenthood with greater ease.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with María
Connect with me
Send a text
Every new mom’s journey with their newborn is different, but in some ways, we encounter similar challenges, yet often feel alone. In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Gwyneth Fountain, a 22 year old first-time mom to a beautiful baby boy. She shares her experiences of the initial four weeks postpartum, and we cover everything from unmet expectations to coping mechanisms.
One of the central themes of the conversation is the disparity between expectations and reality. Gwyneth shares that her newborn son was a hefty 10 pounds, five ounces at birth, which brought its own set of challenges and surprises.
The conversation turns to the physical and mental challenges Gwyneth faced during the final weeks of her pregnancy. She candidly discusses the pelvic pain, back pain, and the mental toll of the prolonged waiting period. Gwyneth also addresses the relentless and often overwhelming external reminders from loved ones and acquaintances about her overdue pregnancy.
Gwyneth opens up about her initial struggles with breastfeeding, including a traumatic start that required the use of a nipple shield. She describes the conflicting advice she received from different healthcare professionals and the emotional toll it took on her. Cindy reinforces the importance of patience and persistence, offering practical advice for overcoming breastfeeding challenges.
We talk about:
Connect with Gwyneth
Connect with me
Send a text
Bringing a baby into a household that already has a dog can be both joyful and challenging. How do you ensure that your beloved pet adapts well to this significant change? In this episode, I’m joined by Dominika Knossalla-Pado, a certified dog trainer and founder of Dog Meets Baby, to discuss tips and insights for introducing a newborn to a household with a dog.
Dominika is a Certified Dog Trainer and the founder of Dog Meets Baby. She lives in beautiful San Francisco with her 8-year-old twins and a yellow Labrador Retriever named Lola.
Dominika graduated with honors from the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers (called the Harvard of Dog Training).
Lola’s predatory reaction to her newborn twins was one of the main reasons why she started Dog Meets Baby. Dominika is passionate about helping parents of young children and dogs (like herself) who want real tips and solutions to keep everyone safe. She wants parents to have an action plan when they bring their baby home and know what to do when their baby becomes mobile.
Dominika shares various techniques and tools to prepare your dog for a new baby. One of the most crucial elements is to practice with a doll or a baby-like object. By simulating the presence of a newborn, dogs can get used to the new addition. Dominika also emphasizes the importance of familiarizing dogs with newborn sounds, such as crying and grunting, which are available for free on her website.
Dominika Knossalla-Pado’s insights provide valuable guidance for anyone preparing to introduce a new baby into a household with a dog. By planning ahead, using practical training techniques, and recognizing the signs of distress in your dog, you can create a harmonious environment for both your baby and your pet.
Bringing a baby home is a significant change for everyone in the household, including your dog. With the right preparation and guidance, it can be a smooth transition that ensures the safety and well-being of your entire family.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Dominika
Connect with me
Send a text
Are you a parent struggling with your child's sleep patterns and wondering how sleep training could help? Rebecca Mendoza, a certified child sleep consultant, shares her wisdom on the journey to better sleep for your little ones in this week’s episode.
Timing is crucial when it comes to sleep training. Most sleep consultants recommend starting no earlier than four months, with many preferring to begin at five or six months. Babies should be developmentally ready to understand the connection between their actions and responses, which typically occurs around five months. Premature babies may require adjusted timing based on their development.
Parents need to consider their comfort levels and involvement. More involved methods, where parents stay in the room, can be gentler but tougher. Less involved methods, such as the Ferber method or sleep wave method, involve checking at intervals but not soothing the baby back to sleep immediately. Remember, consistency is key. By allowing your baby to practice self-soothing with decreasing parental intervention, they will eventually learn to fall back asleep on their own.
Having seen, first-hand, with her own children, the enormous benefits that come from making sleep a priority, the seed of Rebecca's career in sleep consulting was planted. As she transitioned out of a 25-year dance career, Rebecca dove into the formal study of sleep science, studying Sleep Physiology with Dr. Richard Horner at the University of Toronto. She continued her studies with The Family Sleep Institute and became a certified child sleep consultant. As a knowledgeable and compassionate consultant, Rebecca gives families the tools and confidence to succeed.
By following a consistent method, understanding your child's cues, and being patient, you can successfully navigate sleep training and help your child—and yourself—enjoy better, more restful nights.
We talk about:
Connect with Rebecca
Connect with me
Send a text
In today's busy world, maintaining fitness and nutrition during pregnancy and the postpartum period can be incredibly challenging. However, Tonya Holmes, a certified prenatal and postnatal fitness and nutrition coach, has dedicated herself to helping women navigate these crucial stages of motherhood. With her personal experience and professional expertise, Tonya is a beacon of knowledge and support for expecting and new moms.
Tonya Holmes has been coaching women online for over four years and recently expanded her services to include in-person coaching. Her journey into fitness began five months postpartum after delivering her son prematurely at 27 weeks due to preeclampsia. Her son spent a challenging 84 days in the NICU and returned home as COVID-19 surged. Driven by her experiences and a newfound passion for fitness, Tonya now aims to educate others on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle before, during, and after pregnancy.
In addition to fitness, Tonya also provides invaluable guidance on nutrition during pregnancy. She highlights the importance of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and macronutrients (fats, carbs, and proteins) for fetal growth and development. Her nutrition plans address the increased calorie needs during different trimesters and debunk myths like "eating for two."
We talk about:
Connect with Tonya
Connect with me
Send a text
In this episode, I’m joined by Phillip, who’s Cayla’s husband, whom we’ve had the pleasure of talking to in the last three episodes to uncover her postpartum depression journey. Today, we’ll be hearing from Phillip’s perspective on those challenging times and gaining insights into how dads or partners can offer more support.
Philip explained the mix of excitement and nervousness that comes with expecting a first child. He juggled work in a competitive sales industry and the anticipation that seemed endless. He knew there was no rule book to follow and that every parent figures it out as they go along.
We get into those early days after bringing Claire home and Phillip shared the surreal experience of leaving the hospital with their newborn, expected to care for her with no manual or test to guide them. He likened it to paternal instincts kicking in – doing whatever it takes to ensure your child’s well-being.
He explains how Cayla was emotionally distraught, tending to a crying baby, and feeling overwhelmed. It was then that he realized postpartum depression wasn't just a concept but a real, palpable issue affecting their family.
Philip reflects on whether a change in awareness and actions could have altered their experience, and how men are typically hardwired differently. He emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s gut feelings.
Philip’s story highlights that while the journey through postpartum depression is challenging, it can be navigated with communication, support, and understanding. Our conversation serves as a reminder that no one is alone and that finding and offering help is a vital part of the journey.
We talk about:
Connect with me
Send a text
Motherhood is often depicted as a joyous and seamless transition, but the reality for many can be starkly different. This third part of Cayla’s story offers an intimate look into the struggles and triumphs of navigating motherhood while dealing with overcoming postpartum depression (PPD). Together, we aim to shed light on her experiences from the dark days of the birth of her first child, to the hopeful journey through her second, emphasizing the importance of support, therapy, and self-care in overcoming the challenges faced.
During our conversation, Cayla emphasized how weekly therapy sessions became her lifeline. The process wasn't just about finding someone to speak with; it was about finding the right therapist who could offer validation, understanding, and strategies to cope with her anxiety and negative thinking. This part of Cayla's journey illustrates the crucial role of mental health support in healing and recovery.
The decision to have a second child after experiencing PPD can be filled with fear and uncertainty. Cayla demonstrates the transformative power of hope and the importance of proactive planning. By seeking postpartum support in advance and focusing on the potential for a different, more positive experience, Cayla and her husband embraced the possibility of expanding their family.
Cayla’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience many mothers tap into as they navigate the complexities of motherhood with PPD. It underscores the critical need for open discussions about maternal mental health, the importance of seeking and accepting help, and the possibility of healing and finding joy in motherhood after PPD.
For mothers experiencing similar challenges, Cayla's journey underscores the importance of reaching out for help and the value of creating a postpartum plan that addresses potential mental health concerns. Know that you're not alone and that with the right support and resources, healing and hope are within reach.
Cayla's journey provides crucial insights into the realities of postpartum depression and the importance of proactive planning, seeking support, and embracing self-care. Her story is a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles, highlighting that with determination, support, and understanding, it's possible to navigate the darkest of times and emerge stronger on the other side.
We talk about:
Connect with me
Send a text
In this episode, we get into the second part of Cayla’s journey through postpartum depression. This episode uncovers the raw and often hidden struggles that many new mothers face after childbirth.
The first signs of trouble appeared early on when Cayla faced judgment for her baby's weight loss and her decision to breastfeed. Despite the pediatrician’s suggestion to switch to formula feeding, Cayla was determined to breastfeed, clinging to the societal notion and pressure that it was the best for her baby. Unfortunately, the continued efforts and the isolation she felt as a new mother only added to her growing feelings of inadequacy and exhaustion.
As her postpartum depression deepened, Cayla sought the support of a postpartum doula. Though partially helpful, it did not alleviate the overwhelming sense of failure she felt. Her husband, Philip, struggling to understand and support her through this time, inadvertently added to her isolation and despair.
Recognizing the severity of her condition, Cayla reached out to her OB for help, leading to a recommendation for hospitalization at UNC Chapel Hill's perinatal psychiatric unit. Despite her initial resistance due to fear of losing her baby, Cayla’s desperation for relief compelled her to seek the necessary treatment.
Cayla’s two-and-a-half-week hospital stay became a turning point in her journey. It provided her with the support and validation she so desperately needed. The medical team worked closely with her, adjusting medication, and providing therapy to start her on the path to recovery. Her stay in the hospital, though difficult, marked the beginning of her healing process, offering her hope and tools to manage her depression.
Cayla’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a reminder of the critical importance of seeking help and the strength found in honest conversations about mental health. Her advice to other mothers facing the "sticky anxiety" of postpartum depression is clear: recognize the signs and don’t ignore them, ask for help, and know you're not alone.
We talk about:
Connect with me
Send a text
Welcoming a new life into the world is an incredible occasion that brings joy, excitement, and sometimes, unexpected challenges. In this week’s episode of The Whole Bundle, we share part 1 of Cayla Guins heartfelt story about her journey through postpartum depression following the birth of her first daughter. This conversation touches on the often unspoken struggles of new mothers, emphasizing the importance of conversation, support, and understanding in navigating postpartum depression and anxiety.
Cayla's journey began in North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Phillip. Having been married for over 4 years and together for 12, they were ecstatic about starting a family. However, what was supposed to be a joyous phase of her life took an unexpected turn after her daughter's birth. The transition into motherhood brought Cayla face-to-face with postpartum depression, a struggle she chose to share to bring light to this crucial issue affecting many new mothers.
Despite a relatively straightforward pregnancy, Cayla, who had experienced mild anxiety and depression in the past, found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions postpartum. The joy of birth was quickly overshadowed by anxiety, doubts, and the overwhelming responsibilities of motherhood. These feelings were exacerbated by difficulties in nursing and bonding with her daughter, amplified by the lack of sleep and adjustment to her new role.
Cayla's openness about her struggles brings to light the critical need for discussions about postpartum depression and anxiety. From her candid recount of the emotional toll taken by sleepless nights trying to nurse, to the feelings of inadequacy and frustration when things didn't go as planned, Cayla's story is a beacon for others facing similar battles.
Through her vulnerability, Cayla teaches us the power of standing in one's truth and reaching out for help when needed. Her journey is a testament to her strength and resilience, qualities that shine brightly even in the darkest times. It's a reminder to all new mothers that it's okay not to be okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Through seeking support, speaking out, and prioritizing her mental health, Cayla began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Her experience serves as a message of hope and resilience for anyone in the throes of postpartum depression, reminding them that they are not alone, and that with time and support it does get better.
We talk about:
Connect with me
From the publisher's feed
Are you in the newborn haze? Maybe you’re navigating the toddler years? Or possibly the early stages of childhood?
Welcome to The Whole Bundle: Nurturing Parents Through…
Each week, we explore the unspoken challenges and unexpected joys of parenting, from the nitty-gritty of newborn care to the nuanced path of self-awareness and emotional healing that parenting provokes. Our guests range from frontline parents sharing their raw, real-life experiences to experts offering practical guidance on everything from sleep and feeding to mental health and family dynamics.
The Whole Bundle is more than a podcast; it's a community for those seeking to illuminate the complexities of parenthood, eager to heal themselves, and dedicated to raising conscious, confident children. Join us as we uncover the stories that need to be shared, offer a wealth of knowledge, and provide resources to support you at every step of your parenting journey. Because here, we believe it's never too late to have the childhood you deserved, and through healing ourselves, we pave the way for a brighter, more connected future for our children.