CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of Mental Health and Graphic Medical Procedures

In this episode of Unprepared, Sahar and Rachel dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of birth with special guest, doula Hannah. Their conversation was so juicy, we had to split it into 2 parts! From the unpredictable twists of labor to the importance of trauma-informed support, we explore what no one prepares women for—emotionally. Hannah shares her wisdom on overcoming fear, balancing birth stories (without toxic positivity!), and why having the right doula can make all the difference.

We also tackle systemic issues in maternal care, the rise of "birth influencers," and the pressure of "bounce back" culture. Plus, Hannah shares one of her wildest birth stories! Whether you’re expecting, a new parent, or just curious about the realities of childbirth, this episode is packed with raw, real, and empowering conversations.


Connect with Hannah:
www.hannahdoula.com
@hannahbirthdoula on Instagram

Connect with Sahar and Rachel on Instagram @swan_sahar and @rackenz and join the conversation @unprepared_w_sahar_and_rachel

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of Mental Health and Graphic Medical Procedures

In this raw and powerful episode of Unprepared, Sahar and Rachel sit down with Hannah, a doula with a story that reshapes everything we think we know about birth, trauma, and postpartum mental health.

The girls leave no subject on the table and Hannah shares her own harrowing birth experience—from a prolapsed umbilical cord emergency to a NICU stay, and ultimately, a postpartum psychosis diagnosis that changed her life. This isn’t just a birth story—it’s a lifeline for anyone who’s felt unprepared, isolated, or shamed by their postpartum experience.

Connect with Hannah:
www.hannahdoula.com
@hannahbirthdoula on Instagram

Connect with Sahar and Rachel on Instagram @swan_sahar and @rackenz and join the conversation @unprepared_w_sahar_and_rachel

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome back to Unprepared with Sahar and Rachel! With summer in full swing, we dive into the challenges of the summer schedule, the merits and drawbacks of summer camps, and setting proper sleep over boundaries.

We also discuss the importance of fostering independence, instilling trust, and setting boundaries around social media, TikTok, and the unfiltered nature of the internet. Join us as we unpack the realities of parenting, share laughs, and seek advice on how best to prepare our kids for the world ahead.


Connect with Sahar and Rachel on Instagram @swan_sahar and @rackenz and join the conversation @unprepared_w_sahar_and_rachel

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Unprepared, join us for a candid and lively chat about summer adventures, family travel, and the wild ride of expecting number three! From overpacking on a cruise to toddler mayhem at the pool, we share funny mom fails, parenting hacks, and heartfelt moments.

Plus, get the scoop on Rachel’s pregnancy journey at 23 weeks and her thoughts on welcoming another little one. Whether you're navigating bedtime battles or dreaming of future vacations, this episode is packed with real-talk, laughs, and a dash of chaos. Tune in for honest parenting stories and a reminder that, despite the madness, we're all in this together.

Connect with Sahar and Rachel on Instagram @swan_sahar and @rackenz and join the conversation @unprepared_w_sahar_and_rachel

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Unprepared with Sahar and Rachel, we dive into the raw realities of mom rage — those moments when patience runs out and emotions boil over. From bedtime battles to that boiling over moment, we share our personal experiences, struggles, and surprising tips for managing the chaos.

Whether you're a seasoned mom or new to the journey, you'll find comfort in knowing you're not alone. Join us as we explore how acknowledging our triggers, practicing self-compassion, and owning our imperfections can help us to be better spouses, moms, and co-workers. Grab a cup of coffee (or wine) and let's get real about the wild, wonderful, and sometimes messy world of being a mom.


What was your worst Mom Rage Moment? Reach out to @swan_sahar and @rackenz or join the conversation @unprepared_w_sahar_and_rachel

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the days get longer and summer approaches, moms everywhere feel the pressure to make the most of the season — from activities and festivals to endless outings. But how do we balance all the fun without burning out? In this episode of Unprepared with Sahar and Rachel, we dive into the chaos, joys, and best practices of summertime parenting. Plus, in a new segment, Sahar and Rachel share their biggest mom fails and best mom wins as well as the emotional tug of war that comes with both.
 
Whether you’re planning summer camps or just trying to survive the heat, this episode is your friendly reminder to keep it simple, and enjoy the sunshine no matter what's happening under it!


Connect with Sahar and Rachel on Instagram @swan_sahar and @rackenz and join the conversation @unprepared_w_sahar_and_rachel

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Unprepared, Sahar and Rachel dive into the trending world of tradwives, social media influence, and the complex issues surrounding body image, parenting, and cultural expectations. From exploring the romanticized 1950s gender roles to the realities behind influencer lifestyles, we examine how social media shapes our perceptions of family, success, and identity.
 
Plus, we discuss the impact of diet culture, the "almond mom" phenomenon, and the importance of fostering healthy mindsets in our children. Join us as we unpack these topics with humor, honesty, and a desire to navigate this new frontier of parenting!

Connect with Sahar and Rachel on Instagram @swan_sahar and @rackenz and join the conversation @unprepared_w_sahar_and_rachel

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this introspective episode of Unprepared, Sahar (not Sean) and Rachel reflect on the importance of strong friendships, how to do Mother’s Day the right way, and the importance of using getaways to recharge your batteries. With kids, husbands, and parents pulling you every which way, spending time with your village is not only fun, but necessary to be your best for the people that matter!

As the conversation evolves, your favorite working moms turn their attention to the Male Loneliness Epidemic, the fact that men don’t seem to see the value in opening up to their friends, and the weight that being closed off to friends can put on their spouses.

With such important questions as “what do men talk about when they golf anyway?” You won’t want to miss this dynamic and candid conversation!

Connect with Sahar and Rachel on Instagram @swan_sahar and @rackenz and join the conversation @unprepared_w_sahar_and_rachel

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Sahar is fresh off a whirlwind weekend celebrating her brother's gorgeous wedding in Austin, Texas. She shares all the behind-the-scenes details, from the beautiful Persian rehearsal dinner, complete with a saxophonist and napkin dance, to the stunning wedding day itself! Sahar also raves about the incredible live band that kept the party going as well as the touching speeches that brought tears to her eyes.

But it wouldn't be an episode of Unprepared without some raw and relatable parenting stories! Rachel dives into the latest adventures with her kids, including the adorable bond Miles has formed with Stevie (Sahar’s Dog)  and the hilarious (and slightly alarming) progress in the potty training department – involving some less than private places! This leads to the delicate topic of kids and social media privacy.

In a segment of true vulnerability, Sahar shares a personal health story she's been navigating since her first pregnancy. What she initially thought was a common postpartum issue turned out to be something else entirely, leading to a candid discussion about the physical changes and sometimes embarrassing realities that come with childbirth. This conversation is a reminder that many moms are silently dealing with similar challenges and that we should all work to encourage open dialogue and community support.

Connect with Sahar and Rachel on Instagram @swan_sahar and @rackenz and join the conversation @unprepared_w_sahar_and_rachel

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome back to another episode of Unprepared! In this lively and candid discussion, we embrace the chaos of parenting as we dive into the unsolicited opinions and judgments that can often come from friends, family, and even strangers.

Rachel and Sahar share their personal anecdotes about the pressures of parenting, from personal doubts, to managing your kids in public. Listen in as they explore whether these opinions affect their self-worth as moms, and reflect on how to remain true to their values amidst the noise. With relatable stories about good enough gowns, public meltdowns, and the intricacies of family dynamics, this episode promises to resonate with anyone navigating the beautiful and chaotic journey of momhood.

Share your own public parenting stories with Sahar and Rachel on Instagram @swan_sahar and @rackenz and join the conversation @unprepared_w_sahar_and_rachel !

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.