Join us for an honest and deeply personal conversation about anxiety, OCD, pregnancy, and postpartum mental health. In this episode, Jackie, a mom of two, opens up about her lifelong struggle with anxiety, the difficult decision to stop medication during pregnancy, and the severe panic attacks and sleep struggles that followed. She shares how finding the right psychiatrist and staying on medication during her second pregnancy completely transformed her experience.

If you've ever questioned whether to stay on meds during pregnancy, struggled with postpartum anxiety, or felt the weight of mental health in motherhood—this episode is for you.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Jackie’s lifelong anxiety and OCD diagnosis—and how it shaped her parenting journey

• Why she stopped taking medication during pregnancy—and the extreme anxiety that followed

• How a major life trigger during pregnancy sent her into panic attacks and severe sleep deprivation

• The importance of finding the right psychiatrist and mental health provider

• How staying on medication during her second pregnancy changed everything

• Why sleep is essential for mental health—and how it affects anxiety and intrusive thoughts

• Breaking the stigma around postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD

Key Takeaway:

"We spend so much time thinking about what’s best for the baby—we forget that what’s best for mom is just as important."

Resources & Mentions:

• Postpartum Support International (PSI) – A leading organization for perinatal mental health support

• NAPS Mental Health Resource Guide – A curated list of trusted mental health providers and support options

• Find a Perinatal Psychiatrist – PSI’s directory of mental health professionals

Mental health in motherhood is real—and it deserves more attention. Listen now for a raw, insightful conversation about anxiety, pregnancy, and the power of finding the right support.

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order

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kozēkozē: Use code NAPS for 20% off your purchase​

Join us as we sit down with Ellie Rinnick, a longtime NAPS client, Moms Together founder, and fellow romance novel enthusiast, to have a brutally honest conversation about postpartum, newborn life, and the expectations placed on new moms. Ellie shares how she struggled to connect with her newborn, why the idea that motherhood is “natural” set her up for failure, and how finding community changed everything.

Motherhood isn’t all baby snuggles and magical moments—sometimes, it’s wondering if you’ll ever sleep again, texting your best friend “What have we done?”, and crying over your nipples. And that’s okay.

In This Episode, We Cover: 

• Why you don’t have to like your newborn—and why that doesn’t make you a bad mom

• The myth that postpartum is “natural” and why that mindset sets moms up to struggle

• The moment Ellie realized she actually liked her baby (hint: it took weeks)

• The guilt of not feeling how you’re “supposed” to feel after birth

• How finding a community of moms helped Ellie navigate postpartum struggles

• Reframing expectations for motherhood—because not every moment is magical

Key Takeaway: 

• There’s no manual for motherhood—but having real conversations like this one makes it a little easier.

Resources & Mentions: 

• Moms Together – Ellie’s in-person support groups for moms in the Milton, MA area

• NAPS Support Groups – Virtual and in-person groups to help parents feel less alone

• Mother Brain by Chelsea Conaboy – A book about how becoming a parent changes your brain

• Ellie’s Podcast: Day in Her Life – Where Ellie interviews women about the details of their daily lives

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order 

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

kozēkozē: Use code NAPS for 20% off your purchase

In this episode of the Unswaddled Podcast, Emily and Jamie sit down with Tina Cartwright, founder of Rebranding Motherhood, to have a no-BS conversation about postpartum struggles, body literacy, and the massive gaps in support for new parents. Tina shares her raw and real experience with postpartum depression after both of her children, how she learned to advocate for herself in the healthcare system, and why she’s on a mission to change the way we talk about motherhood.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The reality of postpartum depression—how it looked different with each of Tina’s kids

• The importance of body literacy—why tracking your cycle and understanding hormones can be life-changing

• The myth of "bouncing back"—Tina shares the truth about postpartum recovery and how long it really takes

• How she created Rebranding Motherhood to bring real, unfiltered parenting conversations to the forefront

• What support actually looks like—beyond baby registries and cute nursery decor

Key Takeaways:

"Motherhood is sold to us in a way that is completely sanitized—and that’s a problem." Tina explains why the way we prepare parents for postpartum is failing us, and what needs to change

"Your body takes YEARS to recover postpartum—not weeks." Understanding your body is key to healing, and no one teaches you how to do that​

"It takes a village—but sometimes, you have to build your own." Tina shares how she redefined what support looked like when traditional help wasn’t available​

Resources Mentioned:

• Rebranding Motherhood – Curated by Tina Cartwright, founder of Rebranding Motherhood, this deeply engaging and highly connected membership brings together expert-led resources, real-time support, and an unshakable community of moms who truly get it. https://www.rebrandingmotherhood.co/member-site-homepage-1

• Pelvic Guru – A resource for finding pelvic floor physical therapists

• NAPS Support Groups – Postpartum support and education for parents

• Mother Brain by Chelsea Conaboy – A must-read book on how parenthood changes the brain

Listen now for a brutally honest, deeply insightful conversation on what it really means to recover postpartum. This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

kozēkozē: Use code NAPS for 20% off your purchase

In this episode of the Unswaddled Podcast, Emily and Jamie sit down with long-time client and mom of two, Phoebe Goldsberry. Phoebe shares her transformative journey into motherhood, including her experiences with hypnobirthing, navigating postpartum life with two young children, and finding positivity in the chaos of parenting.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Phoebe’s Story: Learn how Phoebe's hypnobirthing journey shaped her labor experiences with her two boys, Graham and Miles, and why she became a passionate advocate for this approach.

• The Power of Hypnobirthing: Discover how hypnobirthing works, how it helped Phoebe embrace her natural instincts, and why she recommends it to every expecting parent (yes, even dads!).

• Navigating Differences: Phoebe opens up about the stark contrasts between her two pregnancies and births and how she adapted her parenting approach to meet each child's unique needs.

• Mindfulness in Parenting: Explore how Phoebe applies mindfulness techniques from hypnobirthing to everyday parenting challenges and why she believes positivity is a superpower for moms.

• Let’s Talk Comparison: Hear Phoebe’s honest take on the inevitable comparisons between siblings and how she stays grounded in meeting her kids as individuals.

• Practical Self-Care: From 15-minute resets to creative ways of combining self-care with parenting, Phoebe shares her go-to tips for avoiding burnout.

Resources Mentioned:

• Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method: Phoebe’s top book recommendation for expecting parents.

• NAPS Pre-Baby Bootcamp: Mindfulness and labor preparation led by Sarah Harmon, a licensed mental health counselor and yoga instructor.

• Wayne Dyer’s Teachings: Inspiration for shifting mindset and embracing positivity. Key Takeaways:

• "You're going to find what you're looking for." Phoebe’s mantra for seeking positivity in parenting and life.

• Mind over body: Trusting your instincts and allowing your body to do what it’s naturally designed for can transform the birthing experience.

• Comparison is the thief of joy: Focus on your unique journey instead of measuring yourself against others.

Whether you’re a first-time mom, preparing for your second, or simply curious about hypnobirthing and mindful parenting, this episode offers relatable stories, actionable tips, and a fresh perspective on embracing the highs and lows of motherhood.

Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and a little dose of positivity to brighten your day!

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

kozēkozē: Use code NAPS for 20% off your purchase

In this episode of the Unswaddled Podcast, Emily and Jamie sit down with Haya, a mom of two-year-old twins, to discuss her journey through unexplained infertility, a challenging twin pregnancy, NICU life, and postpartum recovery. Haya’s candid storytelling is both raw and inspiring, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating the highs and lows of parenthood.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Haya’s Fertility Journey: Battling unexplained infertility, experiencing multiple miscarriages, and enduring five rounds of IUI before success with IVF.

• The Reality of a Twin Pregnancy: From navigating migraines, nausea, and late-stage complications like preeclampsia to managing the uncertainty of delivering early.

• NICU Life: The emotional and logistical challenges of caring for premature twins and the support systems that made it manageable.

• Postpartum Struggles: The first year as a twin mom, the impact on her mental health, and her husband’s journey through anxiety and OCD symptoms.

• Building Community: How Haya leaned on a robust medical network, virtual support groups, and friends to get through the hardest year of her life.

• Starting "Our Gathering Place": Haya shares how her experiences inspired her to create inclusive support groups for parents of multiples.

Resources Mentioned: 

• All Paths Family Building: A nonprofit organization offering support groups for families navigating infertility and parenthood.

• Keeping Pace Multiples Support Group: A nonprofit providing resources like diapers, formula, and community support for parents of twins and triplets.

• Our Gathering Place: Haya’s business, offering inclusive support groups for parents, with a focus on families of multiples. Website: ourgathering.place newsletter sign up link: https://www.ourgathering.place/newsletter-sign-up 

Key Takeaways: 

• "You need a village, and it doesn’t have to look traditional." Haya explains how creating a support network, including friends in different time zones, helped her husband cope with postpartum anxiety.

• Be proactive about mental health: Both Haya and her husband leaned on therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups to navigate the intense emotional and physical toll of parenting twins.

• Support changes everything: Haya highlights the importance of asking for help—from medical professionals, friends, or even strangers—when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

• This episode is a must-listen for parents of multiples, those navigating infertility, or anyone curious about how to support a loved one through postpartum challenges. Haya’s humor and resilience will leave you inspired and empowered to build the village you need.

Tune in now for this honest, heartfelt conversation. Link in bio!

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

kozēkozē: Use code NAPS for 20% off your purchase

In this episode of the Unswaddled Podcast, Emily and Jamie chat with longtime client Jenna, who shares her incredible journey through miscarriage, IVF, postpartum recovery, and her experience of building a support system as a mom of two. Jenna’s raw honesty and humor provide both inspiration and practical takeaways for every parent navigating the highs and lows of motherhood.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Jenna’s Story: From early pregnancy loss to a complicated IVF journey and eventually becoming a mom to two boys under three years old.

• Postpartum Challenges: Jenna opens up about navigating pelvic floor issues, recognizing prolapse symptoms, and her journey to pelvic floor physical therapy.

• IVF Realities: The emotional and physical toll of multiple rounds of IVF and Jenna’s decision to take a break to prioritize her mental health.

• Building Your Village: How Jenna found her “mom tribe” through support groups, including NAPS, and why she believes every parent deserves a village—even if it looks unconventional.

• Pelvic Health Awareness: Jenna’s candid reflections on postpartum constipation, prolapse symptoms, and the importance of seeking help when something feels off.

• Parenting Wisdom: Why she says, "Don’t move your toddler to a big kid bed too early!" and other advice for navigating sibling dynamics with young children.

Resources Mentioned: 

• Pelvic Guru: A resource to find pelvic floor physical therapists near you. www.pelvicglobal.com

• NAPS Groups: Jenna shares how her support groups became a lifeline and helped her feel less alone.

• Centrality Wellness: Jenna’s recommended pelvic floor PT in Guilford and New Canaan, CT.

• The Vagina Coach: An educational resource Jenna found helpful for learning about pelvic health. Key Takeaways:

• "It’s common, but it’s not normal." Jenna discusses the importance of addressing postpartum symptoms like leaking, constipation, or prolapse, and why they shouldn’t be ignored.

• Building an intentional village: Support doesn’t have to come from family - it can come from groups, friends, or even virtual communities. 

• Taking care of yourself matters: Jenna shares how learning to prioritize her own health alongside her kids' needs was a game-changer.

This episode is packed with humor, relatability, and valuable advice for moms at any stage of their journey. Jenna’s openness about her challenges and triumphs will leave you feeling seen, heard, and inspired to take care of yourself.

Tune in now for an honest, unfiltered conversation about parenting, postpartum recovery, and everything in between. Link in bio!

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

kozēkozē: Use code NAPS for 20% off your purchase

In this heartfelt episode of the Unswaddled Podcast, Emily and Jamie welcome Sarah, a mom of two, who shares her deeply personal story of navigating a high-risk pregnancy, a NICU stay, and the challenges of transitioning from one to two children. Sarah’s story highlights resilience, the importance of support systems, and the complexities of parenting through unexpected challenges.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Sarah’s Journey: From her water breaking at 29 weeks to a month-long antepartum stay and a NICU journey with her daughter, Ella.

• High-Risk Pregnancy Challenges: The emotional and logistical hurdles of being on antepartum while parenting a toddler at home.

• NICU Realities: Balancing time between home and the hospital, coping with feeding challenges, and leaning on incredible NICU nurses.

• Transitioning to Two Kids: The wild reality of splitting time, love, and energy between a newborn and a toddler.

• The Unexpected Emotional Toll: Sarah opens up about guilt, anxiety, and how she managed the emotional and physical recovery post-birth.

• Support Systems: Practical advice on utilizing family, friends, and resources for both emotional and logistical help during tough times.

Resources Mentioned:

• Veteran Mom Survival Guide: A course by NAPS to help parents navigate the challenges of multiple children.

• Pelvic Physical Therapy: Sarah reflects on how this could have improved her postpartum recovery. Key Takeaways:

• "Two things can be true." Sarah reflects on the duality of wanting her baby home while understanding the importance of keeping her safe in the NICU.

• The power of peer support: How connecting with other parents in similar situations can provide validation and encouragement.

• Kids are resilient: Sarah’s reminder that even amidst challenges, young children adapt more than we give them credit for.

This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating high-risk pregnancies, NICU stays, or the transition to parenting multiple children. Sarah’s vulnerability and honesty will resonate with anyone who’s felt overwhelmed yet determined to make it through.

Tune in to hear her incredible journey, gain insights, and find comfort knowing you’re not alone.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

kozēkozē: Use code NAPS for 20% off your purchase

Jamie and Emily celebrate their last podcast episode before their summer break by discussing a highly requested topic- their daily routines! They emphasize both the similarities and the differences in their parenting styles, and how this plays out in their day to day schedules. Emily starts out by discussing her mornings and the challenges of dealing with an early-rising toddler, while Jamie talks about her more relaxed mornings and the benefits of having older, more independent children. They delve into mealtimes, and the strategies of ordering out and letting kids watch TV during meals vs eating together as a family. Emily and Jamie then discuss their bedtime routines, highlighting the different routes they each take with their children, from quick good nights to more involved nighttime rituals. They reflect on the flexibility and challenges of parenting, emphasizing the importance of adapting routines to individual family needs and doing what works best for the family as a whole. 

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order

kozēkozē: Use code NAPS for 20% off your purchase

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Jamie and Emily start off this week’s episode by introducing their guest, Alex DiGrado (@bostonpelvicpt), a doctor of physical therapy who specializes in pelvic floor health. They humorously discuss their own personal experiences with Alex, and highlight the resources that Alex provides both in person and virtually.

In their conversation, Jamie, Emily, and Alex discuss the importance of pelvic floor health, especially during and after pregnancy. They talk about common misconceptions and fears about pelvic floor physical therapy, and Alex shares her approach to trauma-informed care, ensuring that patients feel safe and respected when in her care. She describes the logistics of pelvic floor PT, from when to go, how to find a good provider, and what patients can expect before and during their visit. Alex also touches on the flexibility of care, from one-time postpartum visits to more extended treatments, and the significance of realistic lifestyle modifications and home exercises in maintaining pelvic health.

In this week’s Q&A, Jamie and Emily discuss when parents can stop using baby monitors.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Directory 

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order

kozēkozē: Use code NAPS for 20% off your purchase

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Emily and Jamie kick off this week’s episode by discussing Jamie’s recent experience with training her dog. Switching gears, they introduce their guest for this week, Nicole Fox. Nicole is a familiar face on the Nurture platform, providing virtual and in-person support and education for parents. As a registered nurse, dietician, and lactation consultant, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, addressing common parental questions about infant formula and feeding.

In their discussion, Nicole acknowledges the overwhelming variety of infant formulas and the key factors to consider when choosing a formula, such as accessibility, cost, and specific dietary needs. Nicole shares her expertise on the importance of gut health in infants, explaining the differences between standard and hypoallergenic formulas, and the common misconceptions about lactose intolerance versus milk protein allergies. In their discussion, Emily, Jamie, and Nicole’s discussion also underscores the crucial role of proper education and support for parents, particularly regarding elimination diets in breastfeeding mothers, and emphasizes consulting with dietitians to ensure nutritional adequacy and manage dietary changes effectively. 

In this week’s Q&A, Emily and Jamie discuss the transition from formula and bottles at the one year mark. 

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order

kozēkozē: Use code NAPS for 20% off your purchase

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+