Entering Motherhood: Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Support

In this podcast episode, we delve into the most common complication that can arise during pregnancy or after childbirth - postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS). May is Mental Health Awareness month, and we aim to break down the stigma, misinformation, and misunderstandings surrounding PMADS. We discuss how it's common to project our feelings and interpretations onto others, leading to a "conspiracy of silence" when it comes to speaking out about our struggles. However, it's important to rely heavily on self-reporting, as the system isn't always set up to catch mental health issues. We touch on the differences between baby blues, which typically subside within two weeks, and postpartum depression, which can manifest in various ways for different mothers. Under the umbrella of PMADS, it's crucial to recognize if we feel "off” to seek professional evaluation if necessary. Often, symptoms of PMADS can be masked by the significant identity shift that comes with motherhood. However, if we don't take the time to heal ourselves and work through these issues, it can have a lasting impact on not just us but our children and future generations as well. Tune in to learn what to look for, what to do, and who to ask for help when it comes to postpartum mental health. Postpartum University 3 Postpartum Freebies Connect more with Susannah Baldwin, MEd, LPC, PMH-C: Website: reproductivejourney.com Facebook: reproductivejourney Email: [email protected] Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhood Services: Birth and Postpartum Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: LoveHeld Kindred Bravely Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off)

April is Cesarean Awareness Month and in this episode we talk with the host of the Birth Trauma Stories podcast, which is a place that holds space and sheds light on perinatal trauma, Cathy Garrett. She shares her experience with AFE (amniotic fluid embolism), stroke, and postpartum endometritis. From having a cesarean with her first, attempting a VBAC for her second, and ultimately experience another cesarean along with need need for a hysterectomy she has faced many birthing situations from her 2 births. After her second birth, she found herself in a coma for 9 days and over the course of that time she went through 6 surgeries. We explore her perspective and how she has become an advocate in this much needed space. If you are willing and open to this conversation I invite you to listen in and hear how this has shaped her life and opened up her awareness to these rare conditions that need to become more of a priority and talked about more in the motherhood community. Sarah’s Interview on Cathy’s Podcast: S2 EP. 4 - Birth Trauma With An Unplanned Cesarean Postpartum University 3 Postpartum Freebies Connect more with Cathy Garrett: Birth Trauma Stories Podcast Join Cathy's Trauma Tribe Instagram: birthtraumastoriespodcast Facebook: BirthTraumaStoriesPodcast Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhood Services: Birth and Postpartum Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: LoveHeld Kindred Bravely Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off)

April is Cesarean Awareness Month and in this episode we break down 6 ways to physically and emotionally recover from a cesarean delivery. It’s important to acknowledge where we are on our recovery journey and to take the time to listen to our bodies and connect to what we need as an individual. This episode is created utilizing my personal experience to give you insight on what this type of procedure can be like and how you can learn to heal during this transition of entering motherhood. Postpartum University 3 Postpartum Freebies Related Episodes: 11. Healing Your Postpartum Body with Food 19. Prioritizing Yourself as a Busy Mama with Layne Stowell 69. Establishing Good Nutrition Habits and Dealing with Picky Eaters with Stephanie Machecek 103. Healing Your Relationship with Food Through Intuitive Eating with Victoria Yates 110. How to Begin Processing Your Birth Story With Shelley Rahim Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhood Services: Birth and Postpartum Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: LoveHeld Kindred Bravely Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off)

April is Cesarean Awareness Month and this is an episode from another podcast called Thyme in the Studio that I guest appeared on. We talk about my journey of having an unplanned cesarean and then preparing for and having an unmedicated VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did creating it and if you liked this idea of podcast swap and hearing episodes that I have been a guest on let me know! Thyme in the Studio Podcast Postpartum University 3 Postpartum Freebies Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhood Services: Birth and Postpartum Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: LoveHeld Kindred Bravely Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off)

April is Cesarean Awareness Month and in this episode I discuss the history of cesarean delivery and the reasons why cesareans are performed in the United States. We explored the most common indications for cesarean delivery, including failed labor progression, multiple gestation, maternal hypertension, fetal distress, and other medical reasons. We also covered the risks and benefits of Cesarean delivery, including the potential impact on maternal and neonatal health. Finally, we discussed the importance of informed decision-making and shared decision-making in the cesarean delivery process, and the need for comprehensive and accurate information about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Postpartum University 3 Postpartum Freebies [1:44] History of Cesareans [12:40] Full List of Reasons [17:25] Failure to Progress [24:50] Fetal Distress [27:12] Abnormal Fetal Presentation [28:25] Breech Position [30:55] Maternal Hypertension [34:10] Previous Cesarean Delivery [36:50] Multiple Gestation [39:13] Maternal Request [40:30] Other Medical Reasons [53:55] Unknown/Not Stated Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhood Services: Birth and Postpartum Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: LoveHeld Kindred Bravely Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off)

March is Women's History Month and in this episode we briefly cover the history of women’s health in American the culture. It's fascinating to look at history and see what it has taught us. This knowledge can be used to build off of and create new outcomes for the future. The Farmer and the obstetrician Postpartum University Episode 110 - Shelley Rahim Episode 116 - Dr. Jodi Pawluski 3 Postpartum Freebies Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhood Services: Birth and Postpartum Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: LoveHeld Kindred Bravely Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off)

March is Women's History Month and in this episode we cover the history of working mothers in the American culture. It's fascinating to look at history and see what it has taught us. This knowledge can be used to build off of and create new outcomes for the future. 3 Postpartum Freebies Postpartum University Books: Opting Out?: Why Women Really Quit Careers and Head Home by Pamela Stone Modern Motherhood: An American History by Professor Jodi Vandenberg-Daves Double Lives: A History of Working Motherhood by Helen McCarthy Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years Women, Cloth, and Society in Early Times by Elizabeth Wayland Barber The Women's History of the Modern World: How Radicals, Rebels, and Everywomen Revolutionized the Last 200 Years by Rosalind Miles Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhood Services: Birth and Postpartum Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: LoveHeld Kindred Bravely Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off)

In this episode we talk with Rachael Brown about her book, For Fork's Sake, which shares her journey of how she learned to heal herself and the planet through a plant-based way of eating. We discuss how plant based can actually help with your grocery budget and be a lot easier to maintain then you may think for you and your family as a busy mom. 3 Postpartum Freebies Postpartum University - Nutrition Plan Connect more with Rachael Brown: Website: forforkssakebook.com (Sign up for the newsletter and get a printable guide to cooking and baking without oil) Facebook: forforkssakebookcom Instagram: forforkssakebook Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhood Services: Birth and Postpartum Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: LoveHeld Kindred Bravely Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off)

In this episode we talk with Helen Thompson who is a past childcare provider and now teaches baby massage. We go into how baby massage can help not only with bonding but also social skills, digestive issues, teething, and vital developmental skills. As a parent who works and utilizes childcare I am all about utilizing my time with my baby more efficiently and learning how to best bond with them in the time that I have with them. This conversation is full of benefits that correlate to baby massage and learning how we can discover more about our babies and build a relationship with them even as an infant. 3 Postpartum Freebies LoveHeld Ring Sling Carriers First Time Mum's Podcast Episode with Sarah Marie Bilger Connect more with Helen Thompson: Website: mybabymassage.net Podcast: First Time Mum's Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Services: Birth and Postpartum Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: LoveHeld Kindred Bravely Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off)

Hey Mamas! In this episode we talk with Alissa Alter about her journey into motherhood and the shocking truths she found out about her own body during the process. 3 Postpartum Freebies LoveHeld Ring Sling Carriers Postpartum University - Nutrition Plan Connect more with Alissa Alter: Website: alissaalter.com Instagram: alissaalter Facebook: Mom's Club Podcast: Alter Your Life and Myth of Motherhood Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Services: Birth and Postpartum Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: LoveHeld Kindred Bravely Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off)

This episode is an update of where I’m at one year postpartum after my VBAC with my second child. Find the freebies on our website for useful hack, items, and tasks to help navigate in the first year postpartum. Listen to the full episode to get a deep dive on what’s going on one postpartum with baby number two. 10 Postpartum Tasks - How Others Can Help 80 Postpartum Items - What You Need the First Year 4 Postpartum Hacks - How to Navigate the First Year Postpartum University - Nutrition Plan Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Services: Birth and Postpartum Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: LoveHeld Kindred Bravely Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off)

In this episode we talk with Alyson Caffrey about how we can take control of our maternity leave and be more intentional about the time we take off from work. We specifically cover how she helps small business owners along this journey so that they can leave their company for a short period of time without having to shut down anything or feel guilty for leaving in the process. If you are not a business owner this is still a really great episode because you can apply what we talk about here to help structure how your maternity leave may look. from work or even how you will transition at home with a new baby if you’re a stay at home mom or have a side gig you’re working on. Read the full blog here Postpartum University - Nutrition Plan 10 Postpartum Tasks - How Others Can Help Connect more with Alyson Caffrey: Website: mastermaternityleave.com Instagram: mastermaternityleave Facebook: Master Maternity Leave LinkedIn: master maternity leave Podcast: growing pains podcast Ultimate Maternity Leave Checklist Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Website: enteringmotherhood.com Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Services: Birth and Postpartum Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: LoveHeld Kindred Bravely Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off)

In this episode we talk with Elizabeth Andreyevskiy about how burnout shows up in motherhood, how it affects us, and how we can avoid it. Elizabeth is a stress coach for moms. She is the host of the Emotionally Healthy Legacy podcast and a mom of 4. Elizabeth is super passionate about mental health and emotional wellness in motherhood. She helps overwhelmed moms reduce the mental stress so they can respond with patience and calm towards their kids. She teaches proactive ways to be less stressed, prioritizing moms needs without guilt and ways to regulate emotions when feeling triggered. Read the full blog here 10 Postpartum Tasks - How Others Can Help Postpartum University - 6-Week Nutrition Plan Connect more with Elizabeth Andreyevskiy: Podcast: Emotionally Healthy Legacy Instagram: emotionally_healthy_legacy Website: https://www.emotionallyhealthylegacy.com Bonus Gifts from Elizabeth Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Trauma Healing: healyourtraumamama Birth and Postpartum Services: Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University

Hey mamas! I know we’re a bit late into this whole new years resolutions state but I’m here to bump up that dip you might be feeling. We are back fully rested, revamped, in full force and bringing it to you like never before! Hit that subscribe button, message me, email me, call me, beep me, you know how to reach me! We’re doing this mamas, so excited to catch you here next week! This is your one stop, go-to place for helping you find the resources you need to help make the best choices for you and your family during pregnancy, birth, and most importantly postpartum. Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Trauma Healing: healyourtraumamama Birth and Postpartum Services: Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

Hey mamas! This is a simple bonus episode to let you know that the Entering Motherhood podcast is taking a short break. We will be back in the new year with new topics, new guests, and as always, I’ll be sharing information with you that I’ve been lucky enough to obtain since becoming a mom. Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Trauma Healing: healyourtraumamama Birth and Postpartum Services: Services Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

Baby boy has arrived and in this series of episodes I'm sharing whats been going on in the months after his birth. In this episode specifically I share from 7-10 months postpartum. I am now pumping almost exclusively because of biting issues and we have introduced formula into our feeding routine. We took a big trip this month and I also had to spend a weekend alone without my partner since he took a hiking trip with a friend. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode and how you are currently navigating motherhood. More updates to come as baby boy continues to grow and things progress along the first year postpartum. Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Trauma Healing: healyourtraumamama Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

118: Free Birth and Radical Motherhood with Dr. Kayla Abeid In this episode we talk with Dr. Kayla Abeid about her experience with free birth and what the journey of motherhood has looked like for her. This conversation was so insightful to listen to while we were actually recording. I hope you are able to pull so many empowering pieces from Kaylas journey because it truly is a beautiful perspective. We go through how she prepared for her free birth and what that was like for her as far as finding the support and information to do so and also we lean into the postpartum experience as well. We talk about past traumas and needing to heal and the lessons that are presented to us in birth and postpartum. She shares about how she initially struggled with breastfeeding and how she also did a 40 day lay in. In this time she found the support she needed and talks about what a healing experience it really was. Listening to Kayla is just such a treat in itself and she really has such a unique perspective of motherhood that we all can learn from. We also touch on having to leave our babies if and when we go back to work and how that decision looks different for every mother. We touch on the aspects of self care and especially the mental side of it. You could be doing all the external things but if you don’t work on the inner work you can be unable to heal in the ways you truly need to. The overall vulnerability and ability to express the transition of entering motherhood in such great description makes this conversation so life giving. I hope this conversation inspires and lights you up as much as it did for me. So listen in and enjoy this full conversation of motherhood. Connect more with Dr. Kayla Abeid: Instagram: lovelightfamilychiropractic Website: www.loveandlightfamilychiropractic.com Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Website: www.enteringmotherhood.com Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University (Postpartum Nutrition Plan and Certification)

117. Why Movement and Community is Important in Motherhood with Lisa Druxman In this episode we talk with Lisa Druxman who is the founder of Fit4Mom about how we can use movement to help us navigate motherhood and how finding community and determining our priorities is vital along the journey. Lisa is not only the founder of Fit4Mom but also a mom of two herself and also the author of two books; The Empowered Mama, which teaches moms how to live their best lives and Lean Mommy, which offers tips on how moms can quickly get back into shape after giving birth. In this episode we talk about how Fit4Mom was started when she was still on maternity leave and wanted to create a workout with her baby because she didn’t want to leave him. She gathered a few other moms in the neighborhood to join and things simply took off from there. She went on to create what we now know the company to be and it is still growing and shaping with moms in mind. We also dive deep on other aspects of what her motherhood journey was like and what the past two decades has been like for her. Listen in to gain insight on navigating motherhood as an entrepreneur, how you can find yourself and your strength in motherhood, and how we can focus on what’s most important to us as we enter motherhood. Connect more with Lisa Druxman: Instagram: fit4momhq Website: fit4mom.com Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Website: www.enteringmotherhood.com Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University (Postpartum Nutrition Plan and Certification)

116. The Neuroscience Behind Motherhood with Dr. Jodi Pawluski In this episode we talk with Dr. Jodi Pawluski who is a neuroscientist and therapist about her research that focuses on how the brain changes in motherhood and perinatal mental illness. Although others are doing similar research it is important to talk more about the findings and continue to open up the conversation surrounding what is being discovered. This is one of the reasons she has created her podcast, Mommy Brain Revisited, and is doing the work she does. This episode is particularly exciting because it is aligned with the direction of where the Entering Motherhood podcast is going and highlights a fellow mom in STEM. Dr. Pawluski is a mom of two herself and started her journey in researching motherhood actually before she became a mom. Her story is so encouraging and this episode is full of so much knowledge surrounding the science behind what is going on inside the brain as we make the transition into motherhood. We talk about what parts of the brain seem to be most affected during this time, how our emotions, motivation, and decision making abilities are altered, and what research is currently being done and what research needs more attention if we hope to make great strides in the future on this topic. Connect more with Dr. Jodi Pawluski: Instagram: dr.jodi_pawluski Twitter: JodiPawluski Podcast: Mommy Brain Revisited Website: www.jodipawluski.com Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Website: www.enteringmotherhood.com Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University (Postpartum Nutrition Plan and Certification)

In this episode we talk with Lindsay Blair about her journey of infertility and how she is now advocating and helping those who are dealing with similar situations that she went though as she was entering motherhood. Lindsay is currently a mother to two visible children however she has experienced 9 pregnancy losses along her journey of becoming a mother. Early on she had experienced multiple miscarriages which later lead to the removal of her fallopian tubes and needing to begin IVF to later have her twins. We not only discuss Lindsays personal journey but we also dive in on how we can help others struggling with infertility. She explains how it can be overwhelming to know what we want and need in these moments but if we’re given options it’s sometimes easier to make decisions. An example would be to try asking a mom if she would like take out or a home cooked meal for dinner and then just bringing it over to help them. It’s also okay to have silence, we don’t need to fill every moment with noise and sometimes all we need is someone to just sit with us. Being there to validate the loss and their motherhood experience can have a huge impact and acknowledging that they are a mom despite their loss can also be very helpful. It’s very common for mothers who have experienced some type of loss to experience anxiety in pregnancy due to the previous loss and thoughts of imagining something could happen even after they’re born can be seen. Making sure a support system is in place can help in these moments. In the conversation we break down ways to help regulate our emotions and heal from the trauma that may have occurred from loss. She mentions a therapist on instagram, ,who says our issues live in our tissues. And Lindsay mentions that it’s important to remind ourselves we are courageous, resilient, and strong. Her past experience and training with supporting survivors of sexual trauma specifically sexual trafficking with a non profit has given her the ability to now help moms. She is certified as birth and bereavement doula as well as a fertility coach and offers both virtual and in person support for other women going through loss and infertility. Connect more with Lindsay Blair: Instagram: catalystforcourage Website: www.catalystforcourage.com Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Website: www.enteringmotherhood.com Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University (Postpartum Nutrition Plan and Certification)

In this episode we talk with Sara Rose Whaley on ways to drop the shame, guilt, and resentment we feel in the toddler stage by implementing gentle parenting strategies to bring more joy for everyone in the family. If those feelings of guilt, resentment, shame, and other emotions have come up for you when dealing with toddlers this episode is going to help. We discuss toddler behaviors like hitting and biting and tantrums and how to address them. Sara talks about how what she teaches is 30% actually addressing the toddlers behavior and 70% brining more awareness and consistency to the parents. Sara struggled with infertility at the start of entering motherhood and has been so thankful and loving motherhood. She wants parents to feel that same joy when it comes to their own family dynamics. With her background as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a developmental therapist she brings a unique perspective on how we can holistically navigate and improve life during toddler struggles. Connect more with Sara Rose Whaley: Instagram: joyfultoddlerparenting Website: joyfultoddlerparenting.com Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Website: www.enteringmotherhood.com Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University (Postpartum Nutrition Plan and Certification)

In this episode we talk with Tracy Connor who is a local lifestyle photographer about the top things we need to know about a newborn photo session. Her main focuses is on maternity, newborn, and milestone sessions for families. What makes her great at what she does is she is a mama of 3 herself and absolutely loves the newborn stage. Tracy I connected a couple months ago and she came and did a session for us in our home when Isaac was around 6 months and I am so happy we had these done. We did not have any photos of our whole family and we were really looking to capture this time in our life. If you are local please check her out. She is such a joy to work with and really has an amazing ability to capture those sweet precious moments that you just want to hold on to forever. In this episode we break down what it was like for her entering motherhood, what you can expect from a newborn session, why lifestyle photos, when and how to book, and how to best prepare for your session! Connect more with Tracy Connor: Instagram: tracyconnerphotographjy Learn More About Tracy’s Lifestyle Newborn Sessions: https://www.tracyconnerphotography.com/newborn-session-information Link to Tracy’s Lifestyle Newborn Portfolio: https://www.tracyconnerphotography.com/newbornportfolio Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Email: [email protected] HYTM Event: Heal Your Trauma Mama Website: www.enteringmotherhood.com Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University (Postpartum Nutrition Plan and Certification)

111. Hidden Struggles Surrounding Maternal Mental Health With Sasha Nicole In this episode we talk with Sasha Nicole about her mental struggles and the thoughts she was having in the postpartum period, how she overcame those feelings of guilt and shame, and how she now is an advocate for maternal mental health and sharing our stories with others. We specifically go into the judgement circling mental health and the downfall of telling mothers they need to just get through it. We have generations before us and friendships with others who have struggled or are still struggling which leaves no-one around to help lift them up and allow them to feel safe and validated. When we are in the healing process, you don’t have to drop that shame and guilt right away or even talk about it. It will come with time and needs to be when you’re at a point of reflection with yourself. People like Sasha are here to show that it’s possible to push through and be an example of continuing to persevere. Very rarely are we able to share in real time what’s truly happening, it’s typically after the point of coming out the other side that we are able to look back and acknowledge how far we’ve come. It is then that we typically see our strength but I encourage you to try and remain present and see your strength in the moment. It can be hard to make sure you are able to prioritize yourself in those early months and is definitely easier said than done when you’re still in that state of survival but we can start imagining a time when we care for ourselves fully again and start planning and taking action towards that version of ourselves even if we mental can not get to that point yet. Good things take time, remember you are in a season of rest and true growth. Become more aware of your thoughts, listen to this conversation, and see what comes up for you in this stage of life. Connect more with Sasha Nicole: Instagram: therealsashanicole partumevolution Website: fearlessnfluence.com partumevolution.org Episodes discussing mental health to look back on: Episode 20 - Sarah Weeger Episode 59 - Zahra Kara Episode 76 - Jane Shomof Episode 98 - Christie Rocha Episode 105 - Mindy Keegan Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Email: [email protected] HYTM Event: Heal Your Trauma Mama Website: www.enteringmotherhood.com Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University (Postpartum Nutrition Plan and Certification)

111. Writing Poetry to Help Heal in Motherhood With Rupa Mehta In this episode we talk with Rupa Mehta, the author of someone calls me mommy, about her journey of motherhood and get a glimpse into who she is. We start off chatting about their move from NY to PA and mostly how it was going from the city in a small apartment to house with lots of land to roam. Rupa also expresses how the loss of her mother was a big transition for her while she was first entering motherhood. We mention how her daughter was born via emergency cesarean and she says as someone who has always done fitness she thought she would “bounce back” not in a way of being skinny but just physically be back and be able to be comfortable in her own skin. But she found that with her first she was emotionally there but physically drained. So with her second she made it a priority to be present through the pregnancy, birth, and now postpartum. To her entering motherhood is being able to slowly let go of control. Throughout our conversation, Rupa brings up memories that she has of her mother and how she sees her mom in her daughter now. Which is a large reason into how she started her book. In discussing the creation and process of writing her book we read off one of the poems from the collection and share details of specific parts. She is truly a light and I enjoyed talking with her so much. This episode is an example of healing in postpartum and how we can look to finding a creative outlet sometimes to embrace the healing journey. Connect more with Rupa Mehta: Instagram: rupa_mommy Website: me-mommy.com Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Email: [email protected] HYTM Event: Heal Your Trauma Mama Website: www.enteringmotherhood.com Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University (Postpartum Nutrition Plan) Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

In this episode we talk with Shelley Rahim about how we can begin processing our birth story so that we can heal from it and be able to take pride in the experience. She goes into her own personal journey of entering motherhood and the steps she has taken to now be in a position of deeply helping women through this transition into the postpartum period. We touch on the history of birth and the ways different cultures have cared for and still continue to care for their new mothers. Shelley is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to healing in postpartum and gives us amazing tips on how to start understanding ourselves more during the transition into motherhood. Full show notes found HERE Connect more with Shelley Rahim: Instagram: newmothercaregiving Website: www.newmothercaregiving.com Email: [email protected] Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast HYTM Event: Heal Your Trauma Mama Website: www.enteringmotherhood.com Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University (Postpartum Nutrition Plan) Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

In this episode we talk with Catherine O’Brien, a licenced marriage and family therapist, about how we can navigate our relationship with our partners after baby is here. She specializes in working with new and expecting parents. When she first entered motherhood she realized that parenthood was not as easy as she thought it would be and now helps others through the transition through offering coaching and courses. Catherine is also an author of, Happy with Baby, a book filled with essential relationship advice for when partners become parents. We talk about a few of the struggles you may face with your partner as you enter motherhood and solutions to work through issues so that you can navigate being parents as a team and keep your relationship as strong as it was before kids. Connect more with Catherine O’Brien: Instagram: happywithbaby Website: happywithbaby.com Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Email: [email protected] HYTM Event: Heal Your Trauma Mama Website: www.enteringmotherhood.com Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University (Postpartum Nutrition Plan) Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

In this episode we talk with Kellie Davis and discuss how parents can effectively communicate with their children in order to achieve a brighter night sleep. Kellie is a certified pediatric sleep consultant and the owner of A Brighter Night Sleep Consulting. She has 3 children now and was a teacher when she had her first baby. She knew she wanted to get sleep in order so that she could properly do to her job. She read books and educated herself, making sleep a priority in her own family from the very beginning. Kellie now enjoys helping other families get healthy sleep habits in place so they can achieve the sleep they desire. Bedtime Book List (PDF) Join the Heal Your Trauma, Mama Movement Connect more with Kellie Davis: Instagram: @abrighternightsleepcoach Website: www.abrighternight.com Email: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University (Postpartum Nutrition Plan) Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

In this episode we talk with Lauren Boyd about setting boundaries and building a business all while navigating motherhood. Lauren is an attorney who started her own firm so that she could create the work life balance that fit her family and aligned with her needs in motherhood. Listen in to the full episode to gain insight on how she made this vision a reality and how she helps motive and help others to build a business that fits their needs as well. Connect more with Lauren Boyd: Instagram: @thelaurenboyd Podcast: The Lauren Boyd Show Website: guidemybusiness.co Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University (Postpartum Nutrition Certification) Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

Baby boy has arrived and in this series of episodes I'm sharing everything that's been going on in the months after his birth. In this episode specifically I share from 4 - 7 months postpartum. We have transitioned to daycare and I am now pumping so I share how that journey has been. May was mental health awareness month and I touch on the importance of parental mental health and making sure to check in with yourself and other parents of young children. We also talk about world breastfeeding week, which is August 1st-7th 2022, and the benefits and work that goes into breastfeeding. More updates to come as baby boy continues to grow and things progress along the first year postpartum. Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast HYTM Event: healyourtraumamama Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

In this episode we talk with Mindy Keegan about her postpartum experience, finding holistic ways towards personal development, and starting her online shop, Made for Mama. We get real about what it was like having negative thoughts postpartum, the process of finding help, and where she is now. We also talk about how a huge part of her healing journey was affirmations and how that is a leading reason for why she places these motivating messages on her mugs for mamas to enjoy. The main message she wants mamas to know is that they are enough and we are not alone in this journey. Connect more with Mindy Keegan: Instagram: madeformama Facebook: madeformama Website: madeformama.com (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 15% off) Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

In this episode we talk with Amanda Tice about everything from matrescence and breastfeeding to honoring our imperfections or as she calls them “mom gems” along our motherhood journey. Amanda is the author of The New Mom Code and has been a curve model before entering motherhood and still is today. She is an advocate for body positivity and is just a joy to chat with. Listen in on this full episode to get a glimpse into what she has to talk about when in comes to motherhood and what you can expect to get from reading her book. Amanda Tice is a successful curve model who has worked the past twelve years for and with well-known retail clients such as Nordstrom, Target, Saks, and Hanes. Since becoming a mom, Amanda has built on her background in Comparative Human Development to lead a mom revolution aimed at helping mothers tap into their inner wisdom and uncover hidden truths about motherhood to thrive postpartum and beyond. Connect more with Amanda Tice: Instagram: amandatice Website: amandatice.com Facebook: amandaticemodel Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (MOTHERHOOD10 for 10% off) Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

In this episode we talk with Victoria Yates about how we can learn to love our bodies and feel confident choosing the food we eat through intuitive eating. Victoria is an intuitive eating and body image coach for women who is also a mom. She gets what it’s like when we enter the postpartum period and are overwhelmed with the noise of needing to “jump back” in this diet culture society. She talks about how we can learn to love our body in any stage we are in and how in doing this we will be more inclined to choose food that will nourish and fuel our body the way it needs to be. Connect more with Victoria Yates: Podcast: The Redefining Health Podcast Instagram: nondiet_rn Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (MOTHERHOOD10 for 10% off) Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

In this episode we speak with Jessica Lamb about her podcast and what really started to inspire her about learning the baby making process before she was even trying to conceive. Connect more with Jessica Lamb : Podcast: The Baby Making Podcast Instagram: thebabymakingpodcast Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (MOTHERHOOD10 for 10% off) Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

In this episode we talk with Megan Rempel about ways women can better understand the energy behind their monthly cycle. We discuss the 4 main phases of a woman’s cycle and dive into ways you can utilize your cycle so that you can live a more productive and fulfilling life. About Megan: Megan is a Registered Nurse with a certificate in Women’s Hormonal Health, a health coach, and a cycle syncing expert. Her mission is to help other women discover that life can actually be easier, IF they tap into the magic that we’ve had inside us all along - our monthly cycle. Her own journey from overwhelmed and exhausted mom of 4 to gaining back control of her life through simple and effective things like cycle syncing is what fuels her passion to help women get out of survival mode and find ease and joy in their lives. 3 tips for getting started with cycle syncing gudie Connect more with : Instagram: meganrempel4 Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Email: [email protected] Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (MOTHERHOOD10 for 10% off) Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off)

In this episode we recap the past 100 episodes of the Entering Motherhood podcast. With 58 guest episodes, a 30 episode mini series to help heal your trauma, and 12 solo episodes (including this one) we have made it to 100 and it is such an accomplishment. Listen in on what the journey has been like, how we’re feeling, and what’s next to come. Please remember to hit subscribe from what ever platform you listen in on so you don’t miss out on all the latest episodes. Early Episodes Episode 9 Episode 15 Heal Your Trauma, Mama Event Resources Page 2022 Spring Festival VBAC Birth Story Remember to please rate and review the podcast and to interact with our social media page to let others know about the podcast! Official Affiliates of the Podcast: Made for Mama Shop (MOTHERHOOD10 for 10% off) Postpartum University Hypnobabies (MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off) Podcasts Referenced in Episode: Her Pursuit (Episode 29) The Ash + Ivy Show For God So Loved The Mom Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast Email: [email protected]

In this episode we talk with Julie Reynolds about how her background in counseling and dealing with anxiety and how it’s been able to help her navigate motherhood, help other families, and even start a series of children’s books. Her books teach you different ways to help navigate common emotions we all might experience through out our lives. With out giving too much away, we go over strategies and techniques that you can use when you find yourself feeling anxious. We also talk about how when we learn these methods for ourselves we are able to pass them on to our children as well. Listen in on the full episode to learn more about Julie and what she’s up to as a mom of two. Connect more with Julie Reynolds: Instagram: juliebreynolds Facebook: yourconfidencecure Website: www.juliereynolds.com Get the Books: amazon Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast HYTM Event: healyourtraumamama

In this episode we talk with Christie Rocha, the host of the Sass Says podcast about her journey into motherhood and how she is an advocate for mental health. Christie shares stories from her own experience and how diving deeper into mental health has allowed her to discover more about herself and her motherhood journey. The Sass Says Podcast has conversations that you can listen in on to help normalize mental health and learn ways to better self care in so many areas of your life. Connect more with Christie Rocha: Instagram: sasssays Facebook: Sass Says Website: sasssays.com Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast HYTM Event: healyourtraumamama

In this episode we talk with Priya Santhanam about her journey of struggling with infertility and becoming a mother through IVF while also pursuing a career in STEM. She discussing what it was like to go through multiple miscarriages, beginning IVF, and navigating motherhood all while still advancing in her career as an engineer/scientist. Priya is on a mission to collect 100 stories from women who have shared a similar experience as her. She hopes to showcase that we are not alone in our journeys and when we share our stories we can help others feel more supported and heard. Help eliminate the shame and bias around infertility and motherhood in the STEM profession by helping this reach those who may be in a similar situation. Connect more with Priya Santhanam: Instagram: scientistengineermom LinkedIn: priyarsanthanam Website: www.scientistengineermom.org Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast HYTM Event: healyourtraumamama

In this episode we talk with Kerry Tuschhoff the founder and director of Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis about her personal journey into motherhood, why she started Hypnobabies, and how the program continues to help individuals on their birthing journey and beyond. Founder and Director of Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis, Kerry Tuschhoff is a nationally renowned speaker and writer on a wide range of women's pregnancy and childbirth concerns. Her subjects include prenatal and childbirth choices, informed consent issues, health and low-risk status concerns, comfort in childbirth, the power of birth language, and midwifery advocacy. As a childbirth educator for 30 years, a doula and hypnotherapist, Kerry has developed many educational programs for birthing mothers, medical and childbirth professionals and hypnotherapists. These efforts have become immensely popular and have started a chain-reaction of interest to change the way women give birth, how newborns are cared for, and the way natural childbirth is perceived by the general public as well as the medical community. Kerry created a very comprehensive natural childbirth program of her own; Hypnobabies Childbirth Education. This unique program has trained hundreds of thousands of women to use medical-grade hypnosis techniques and give birth unmedicated in a much easier and more comfortable way. Connect more with Kerry Tuschhoff: Twitter: hypnobabies Facebook: Hypnobabies Instagram: hypnobabiesofficial Website: hypnobabies-store.com Use code MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% Hypnobabies store Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast HYTM Event: healyourtraumamama

In this episode we talk with Jamie Kolnick about the loss that she has faced in her life and how she feels it has altered her life as a mother. As a fellow motherless mother Jamie and I relate on how important it is for us to remember those we have lost and how we talk about loss with our children. Listen to the full episode to learn more about Jamie and her motherhood journey. Connect more with Jamie Kolnick: Instagram: jamwithjamie Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast HYTM Event: healyourtraumamama Spring Festival Event: Entering Motherhood Spring Festival 2022 Use code ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD50 for 50% off tickets

In this episode we talk with Kyriaki Birkeland about everything she went through in the postpartum period as well as her book Motherhood is Big Enough. Kyriaki, as she says it, “hit the postpartum lottery”, from PPA/PPD/PPTSD and even levator myalgia and vaginismus, she has been through it all. We dive deep into what she experienced along her journey of entering motherhood, how she started reaching out and hearing stories from other mamas, and how she hopes to spark a little bit of hope so that mamas can find joy in these early years of motherhood. Listen in to the full episode to hear all the details and what you can expect to gain from grabbing a copy of her book. Connect more with Kyriaki Birkeland: Instagram: the_kyriaki Website: thedenmother.net Buy the Book: motherhood is big enough Podcast: The Denmother Podcast Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast HYTM Event: healyourtraumamam Spring Festival Event: Entering Motherhood Spring Festival 2022 Use code ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD50 for 50% off tickets

Baby boy has arrived and in this series of episodes I'm sharing everything that's been going on in the months after his birth. In this episode specifically I share his birth story and first month postpartum. More updates to come as baby continues to grow and things progress along the way. Wonder Weeks: Check out the Apps Enneagram: Take the Test Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook: EnteringMotherhoodPodcast HYTM Event: healyourtraumamama Spring Festival Event: Entering Motherhood Spring Festival 2022 Use code ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD50 for 50% off tickets

In this episode we talk with Chiara Townley about her experience of first entering motherhood and how she now helps soon to be moms on their spiritual journey. We go on to talk about how her first birth resulted in a cesarean and a panic attack soon after the birth. She found herself dealing with PPD and PPA and needing to go on a healing journey. We also go over how chakras tie into motherhood and how the natural elements relate to our journey. Chiara Townley was born in Italy, lived in the UK and Spain, and now lives in Portland, Oregon. In 2020, she had PPD/A and healed herself by deeply connecting with her emotions at the body level through the chakra system. Now she helps women transitioning to motherhood to let go of anxiety and align with their soul path so that they can enjoy the powerful gift of motherhood. Connect with Chiara Townley: Website: https://www.chiarabtownley.com Upcoming Workshop: https://www.chiarabtownley.com/workshop Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook Group: Entering Motherhood HYTM Event: healyourtraumamama Spring Festival Event: Entering Motherhood Spring Festival 2022 Use code ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD50 for 50% off tickets

In this episode we talk with Bethany Arrington, local certified nurse midwife, about her journey into motherhood and how she has been serving mothers for over 15 years. We discuss how her care has changed, switching from a labor and delivery nurse to a now midwife and how after becoming a mother herself adjusted the way she sees motherhood. Connect with Bethany Arrington: Instagram: genesisbirthandwellness Facebook: Genesis Birth and Wellness Website: genesisbirthandwellness.com Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook Group: Entering Motherhood HYTM Event: healyourtraumamama Spring Festival Event: Entering Motherhood Spring Festival 2022 Use code ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD50 for 50% off tickets

In this episode we talk with Danielle Kamar, owner of Silent Nights Sleep Solution, about how we can start implementing good sleep practices with our babies so that we can get more restful sleep ourselves. Connect with Danielle Kamar: Instagram: danielle.kamar Facebook: silentnightssleep Website: www.silentnightssleep.com Connect more with The Entering Motherhood Podcast: Instagram: entering_motherhood and sarah_marie_bilger Facebook Group: Entering Motherhood HYTM Event: healyourtraumamama Spring Festival Event: Entering Motherhood Spring Festival 2022 Use code ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD50 for 50% off tickets

In this episode we talk with Shannon Fleming, the owner of Brave The Waves Birth & Beyond, about her own personal birthing journey and how she now helps mamas avoid the struggles she endured in her early years of motherhood. Shannon has four children herself, with two being out of hospital births. However, when she first entered motherhood her birth experiences lacked the support she desired and ultimately after her second was born she had a form of tubal ligation called essure done, which resulted in a bit of a mishap. Despite the tubal ligation attempt, she later went on to have two more children after that. One being at a birth center, and her last one being at home. Due to her own birth and postpartum experiences she decided to become a doula herself who focuses on birth and preparing sibling She is also on her way to become a postpartum doula as well. Connect with Shannon Fleming: Instagram: bravethewaves.doula Facebook: bravethewaves Email: [email protected]

In this episode we talk with Sara Belanger, the host of the Awkward Mom Podcast about her life now with a newborn and toddler. Listen to the full episode for a real and raw conversation about how we’re currently navigating the postpartum period. Connect with Sara Belanger: Website: https://theawkwardmompodcast.com/ Instagram: theawkwardmompodcast Facebook: TheAwkwardMomPodcast

In this episode we talk with Stephanie Rosenfield, a mom coach who focuses on helping overwhelmed moms enjoy the life they always wanted. We discuss how she entered motherhood for the first time, how she was able to reach her own goals, and how she uses what she learned to help other moms do the same. Stephanie started her own motherhood journey feeling completely unprepared of everything that came with motherhood in the postpartum period. She had gone from being in control of so much to feeling completely lost and unable to control so much around her. When searching for solutions she noticed so much was driven by society and how society defines what equals a happy life. She was over the stereotype of “mommy wine time” and “target therapy” and knew there had to be another way of navigating motherhood. Finding herself tired of just pretending to be happy, she started a journey of finding true happiness. After working with a life coach herself, she decided to become certified as well and is now able to help moms in so many aspects of their life. She realized happiness does not come from external factors and noticed she needed to look within and see what she wanted and needed for herself. Stephanie has so many amazing examples from her own life that are so easy to relate to and are able to help us as moms better understand our emotions and create a future that is different and aligned with what we need. Listen to the full episode for a deep conversation on how it’s possible to find happiness in motherhood and fall in love with this stage of our life. Connect with Stephanie Rosenfield: Website: https://www.stephaniercoaching.com Instagram: StephanieLRosenfield Facebook: StephanieRCoaching

In this episode we talk with Melissa Salmeron about her journey into motherhood and how she now helps moms work through issues that took her years to achieve in a short about of time by using what she likes to refer to are the CARE Method. She typically works with moms though a 12 week program and guides them through a transformation where they see very powerful changes in a very short amount of time. We discus how its important as mothers to overcome perfectionism and that we need to go through the process of rediscovering who we are now as a mother. We break down the components of her signature program that she refers to as the CARE Method and go over how each part is so important for us as mothers to understand. A main realization Melissa had on her journey was that she needed to slow down and for her it looked like starting a meditation practice and taking time to listen to herself more. She mentions how so many things are tied to what we “do” and we really need time to just connect with ourselves. We talk about becoming more aware of ourselves, how people pleasing comes into play, habit setting and also letting go of habits that no longer serve us, and how we can become more empowered in motherhood. Melissa emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for our life and how we choose to respond to situations. With a few simple changes our life can look so different in a very short amount of time. Listen to the full episode to hear our whole conversation and learn helpful ways to navigate motherhood and make it more manageable and enjoyable. Connect with Melissa Salmeron: Instagram: melissa_momcoach Facebook: From Overwhelmed to The Connected Mom

In this episode we talk with Carrie Creed about how she learned to take control of what she could control and the power of what can happen when we chase our dreams and share our story with others. From dealing with a history of health conditions Carrie was considered high risk and unsure how pregnancy would go but successfully first entered motherhood in 2015 with her son which resulted in a cesarean birth at 38 weeks due to him being breech. Since the first pregnancy had gone relatively smooth, they tried again for a second and then at 20 weeks they found out she had placenta previa. Knowing she was planning on having a repeat cesarean anyway she wasn’t too concerned but after a few weeks she found herself hemorrhaging while out at a store, called 911, immediately went to the hospital, and ended up staying in the hospital for 65 days on bed rest. When Carrie found out she needed to stay in the hospital until the birth of her baby she realized that she needed to take control of the things she could control while she was there and stay positive as best she could. As days went by, issues progressed and she found out she now had placenta accreta which resulted in needing to have a hysterectomy at the time of delivery. While holding on to hope, she continued to persist and her baby was born at 34 weeks, needing a few days of NICU care. She talks about how she felt like her body failing and it was her fault this was happening to her daughter. She was also torn that she had to be under general anesthesia and miss the birth. She encourages moms to be honest and tell others how they can help out. She knows it’s hard to think about what we need but deep down we really do know but may just be afraid to ask. She goes on to say that she’s learned that we need to give ourselves grace and don’t beat up on ourselves. Once she came home from the hospital she saw a large drop in support since everyone believed they were fine and all safe now. It’s important to remember that once mamas come home from a traumatic birth or experience it does not end there and support must continue when they come home. She now believes everything truly happens for a reason and she was able to come out of this and make it through because of her past medical history. When asked how can we take control and find out what we truly need she encourages us to dig deep, figure out what our internal body triggers are, and then determine what helps bring them down and makes us feel better. Carrie is a true example of someone who saw an opportunity to share their story and use it to help others. She has created a community where mamas who have experienced trauma can come together in order to feel supported and validated. She wants them to know that once the experience is over, its not really over, it’s actually just the beginning. Connect with Carrie Creed: Website: https://carriecreed.com Instagram: carriecreedspeaker Facebook: carriecreedspeaker