Mini Episode: Book Reminder, Support the Show & New Feature Next Year

Hi all - today's episode is a short quick reminder episode:

First - the deadline for the postpartum year anthology is quick approaching!  Please get your stories in by December 1st.  More information and guidelines here. 

Second - don't forget you can support the show by shopping with us on Amazon. Just bookmark the link and do your shopping as usual.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate this!

Finally - in 2016 I will be introducing mini episodes called "Ask the Childbirth Educator"  so please send any and all questions you have about pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum to postpartumpodcast@gmail.com.

Here is the link for today's short episode and thank you ALL for listening! 

Episode 23: From Lawyer to SAHM - how choosing our path in birth & work can help us feel like "real" adults with Monica Denniston

Today is a very special episode, I talk with one of my best mama friends, Monica Denniston.  Monica and I met when our daughters were just 5 and 8 weeks old in a mommy baby yoga class.  Our girls are nearly two now and have literally ‘grown up’ together.  Monica is due with baby number 2, a boy, in January.  We’ve been talking about having her on the podcast since I began recording them, and I’m so glad to be able to share her story.

In this episode we talk about:

  • Monica’s unique vaginal breech birth story. Monica delivered at the same hospital I did here locally. If you check out the Mama Sherpas documentary, Sutter Davis is featured and includes her OB delivering another vaginal breech birth.  (Shout out Annette Fineberg!)
  • How Monica made the decision to go from being a corporate lawyer to staying at home with her daughter and the ever-present pressure society puts on women to stay in the workforce.
  • How to deal with “helpful” advice from friends, family and even strangers
  • The importance of mom friends, hiring a doula and reaching out to a lactation consultant.
  • How being able to make the choice to stay at home was the first time she really felt like a “real” adult because she was doing something for herself and not just because society said she “should.”

I know you will love this episode and our conversation! Love you, M.

You can find Monica’s blog “Cest’ Law Vie” here.

As always, you can find the podcast on iTunes or stream it directly here.

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Don’t forget! You still have a couple weeks to submit your stories for The Postpartum Year anthology.  More information at www.kelliejoy.com/book

Thank you again for listening, supporting the show, and supporting moms!

Episode 22: "Find Your Tribe" with Catharine Bramkamp

Today I chat with Catharine Bramkamp.  Catharine is an author, college professor, writing coach and podcast host of The Newbie Writers Podcast. She is also mom to two grown boys.  Catharine and I met several years ago at the San Francisco Writer's Conference. She's hilarious and witty and I loved getting to chat with her about her postpartum stories - especially because she has the great benefit of perspective on those early years now that her boys are grown. We chat about:

  • The benefits of having mom friends close by, within walking distance
  • The benefits of having kids close together in age - hers are 16 months apart
  • The great benefit of building your tribe, it doesn't have to be family, it can be anyone who is supportive!
  • The real challenge but importance of staying in the moment with our babies while they are little. 
  • And finally - why we need to stay away from Dr. Google!

I know you will enjoy her interview, and be sure to check out Catharine's website here.

You can check out her new book, Future Gold on Amazon.

And give The Newbie Writer's Podcast a listen!

As always, you can find the podcast on iTunes or stream it directly here.

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Have you reviewed us on iTunes?  You still have time to enter this giveaway by leaving us a review this week!

Don't forget to get your submissions in for The Postpartum Year anthology

 

Episode 21: "It's Gonna Be Fine" with Author, Nurse, and Maternal Healthcare Advocate Jeanne Faulkner

I am so excited to share this episode with you all!  When I heard Jeanne Faulkner speak on One Bad Mother a few months ago, I knew right away that I wanted to have her on the show.  Jeanne is a writer, registered nurse and strong maternal health care improvement advocate.  She works with the Every Mother Counts non-profit which is dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for all mothers around the world.  She is also the author of the book Common Sense Pregnancy: Navigating a Healthy Birth for Mother and Baby which came out earlier this year. 

In this episode we talk about how Jeanne came to change paths from a career as a labor and delivery nurse to that of a writer. We also talk about how her "Ask the Labor Nurse" column for Fit Pregnancy led to her writing her Common Sense Pregnancy book.  

We talk about her very differing birth and postpartum stories with each of her children.  She's given birth with all kinds of practitioners and both in and out of hospitals.  She talks about pregnancy, birth and postpartum during nursing school, and as she took the nursing boards, and even during cancer treatments after her 4th child. 

I loved being able to share Jeanne's knowledge and expertise with you all. We talked about the state of maternal healthcare today and about how she hopes we are going into seeing a shift in the way things happen, and how we as women and moms, as well as practitioners can help make this happen.  

I really think it's good for us to hear moms who have been there already, perhaps have grown kids,  and are able to tell us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel getting through these hard early years of raising kids.  Thank you so much again, Jeanne for coming on and sharing with us!

You can find Jeanne's book here.

You can find her website here

Here is more about the  Every Mother Counts nonprofit.

As always, you can find the podcast on iTunes or stream it directly here.

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Have you reviewed us on iTunes?  You still have time to enter this giveaway by leaving us a review. 

Don't forget to get your submissions in for The Postpartum Year anthology

Episode 20: Breech Caesarean to 10lb Home Birth VBAC with Samantha Broyles

Today I was SO inspired by Samantha Broyles Birth and Postpartum stories.  Samantha is the blogger behind All About Baby's World and a mom of two girls.  In her episode, we talk about how she went from having a breech caesarean in the hospital to delivering her second daughter as a VBAC at home and what went into making that happen. We discuss the challenges of tandem nursing and how she's making that work with her 2 1/2 year old and 3 month old. I love what she said about breastfeeding being natural but not always easy.  This is so true and a reason to always ask for help. Seeing a lactation consultant or La Leche League leader can make all the difference.  Samantha's strength in truly advocating for herself and her maternal healthcare is inspiring. 

You can find out more about her blog and the types of baby products she reviews, check out All About Baby's World.

You can also find her on Facebook & Twitter

As always, you can download the episode on iTunes here and stream it directly here.

While you’re on iTunes, I hope you consider rating and reviewing the show so that we can reach more moms! It only takes a couple minutes and it really helps out the show. Plus, if you do so between now and November 1st, you'll be entered the win this New Mama Care Package.

Ready to share YOUR story? The Postpartum Year: Tales From the Trenches in the First Year of Motherhood anthology is accepting submissions now! 

Mini Episode: Fall Rating & Review Drive and Giveaway!

Today on the show, some exciting news! 

Between now – (the first day of Fall!) and November 1st, I am holding an iTunes Rating & Review Drive & giveaway! 

To enter, simply leave a rating/review on iTunes for the show.  On November 1st I will pick one reviewer at random and send them a new mama fall favorite things care package!

If chosen, your package will include:

·      My favorite adult coloring book & colored pencils (For relaxing during naptime)

·      “Be Brave” Gadanke journal (To record your new mama thoughts)

·      Sweater Weather Bath & Body Works Candle (The best fall sent!)

·     Sunlight & Apple Trees Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer (because come on... diapers!)

·      Thank You Cards (because you ALWAYS need more)

·      Relaxing essential oil roller (Also for nap time relaxing :) )

·      My favorite French milled soap from a local boutique (sometimes showers are our only alone time, am I right?)

·      And more!

Thank you again for your continued support and for helping more moms find the show through your ratings and reviews!

You can listen to today's mini episode about the giveaway here. 

Episode 19: On being an empowered single mom with Danielle Corrales

Today I chat with Danielle Corrales. Danielle is single mom to one 4 year old boy, Joah and works full time in mortgage banking.  Danielle found the podcast via the social media grapevine and reached out to me to be on the show (which yay - please keep doing that!) And I'm so glad she did.  Not only is her story unique, but she's local here in Sacramento where I'm based and we've even been able to meet up in person for a playdate since the recording.  

In the episode we talk about what it was like for her to go through pregnancy and postpartum as a single mom, how going to school full-time and caring for Joah actually turned out to be 'the best of both worlds, and how amazing it sometimes can be when you get to create an unconventional family for your kiddo.  Danielle shares how even though her birth didn't go to her "plan" she still felt empowered and educated.  She wants to stress to new moms that every baby is unique and every mama is unique and every story is unique.  Things we all need to remember!

We also mentioned the super helpful Happiest Baby on the Block book and DVD.

Enjoy!

As always, you can download the episode on iTunes here and stream it directly here

While you’re on iTunes, I hope you consider rating and reviewing the show so that we can reach more moms! It only takes a couple minutes and it really helps out the show.

Ready to share YOUR story? The Postpartum Year: Tales From the Trenches in the First Year of Motherhood anthology is accepting submissions now! 

Episode 18: The Importance of Owning and Sharing our Stories with Katie Clemons of Gadanke

Today I got to interview Katie Clemons, creator of Gadanke and blogger at Making This Home. In this episode we talked about how Katie was inspired by her 90-year-old grandma and Story Corps to start her journaling and writing prompt business Gadanke.  She has a fantastic pregnancy journaling course and she explains how that came to be. 

We also talk about how even though storytelling is her business, she struggled with sharing her own positive birth story for fear of what others with difficult births would think.  She shares her experience of giving birth around the same time that she lost both of her grandmothers and how that affected postpartum for her, and finally how it was to give a TedX talk at 7 months pregnant.

Katie is such a wonderful soul, I am sure you will be encouraged by her stories!

You can find Katie’s TedX Talk here.  

You can learn more about Katie's journal company Gadanke here

Be sure to check out her pregnancy journaling course, also!

You can find Katie's blog Making This Home here.

You can find here on Twitter and Instagram.

As always, you can download the episode on iTunes here and stream it directly here.

While you’re on iTunes, I hope you consider rating and reviewing the show so that we can reach more moms! It only takes a couple minutes and it really helps out the show.

Ready to share YOUR story? The Postpartum Year: Tales From the Trenches in the First Year of Motherhood anthology is accepting submissions now! 

Episode 17: "Honor What Each Moment Needs" with Lindsey Taylor of Taylor Made Doulas

This week I chat with Lindsey Taylor, the owner of the doula agency Taylor Made Doulas. Lindsey is a full spectrum birth and postpartum doula and mom of 4.  In this episode we talk about the mom/life balance, how she started a business during her 4th child's postpartum year and how that experience compared to that of her first child when she was just 18 years old.

We also talk about the importance of prenatal childbirth education and postpartum support and how we need to be real with one another about the whole picture when it comes to breastfeeding, not just the social media worthy moments. 

You can find out more about Lindsey and her doula agency here. 

The postpartum depression documentary we mentioned is Dark Side of the Full Moon

As always, you can download the episode on iTunes here and stream it directly here.

While you’re on iTunes, I hope you consider rating and reviewing the show so that we can reach more moms!

Don't forget - The Postpartum Year: Tales From the Trenches in the First Year of Motherhood anthology is accepting submissions now! More info at www.postpartumyear.com

Episode 16: “No matter how you’re feeling, it’s normal” with Rachel Rambach of Guitars and Granola Bars

Today I chat with the lovely, jack of many trades Rachel Rambach. She is a board certified music therapist, singer, songwriter, educator, blogger, podcaster and now – a mom of TWO!  Her daughter, Mia, was born at the end of May after we recorded this podcast.

We chat about:

·      The unique challenges of maternity leave when you work for yourself and own a business, and working as a music therapist in the afternoons.

·      Sleep Deprivation

·      Dealing with an incredibly quick first labor and how that shaped her view and expectations for her second labor

·      What a music therapist does. (So cool!)

·      How pregnancy is different the second time around with a toddler running around

·      And a whole lot more!

It was so wonderful talking with Rachel – if you want to learn more about her, check out her podcast, Guitars & Granola Bars, her Blog, and her private music therapy practice.  You can also find her on Instagram and Twitter

As always, you can download the episode on iTunes here and stream it directly here.

While you’re on iTunes, I hope you consider rating and reviewing the show so that we can reach more moms!

Look for a SPECIAL Mini-Episode next week with an exciting announcement! 

Happy August!

Episode 15: “Community, Not Comparison” with Anne Dimond of Bella Materna Designer Maternity

Today's episode was an incredibly informative and helpful episode! I chat with Anne Dimond who is a co-creator of Bella Materna. Whoever said there was no such thing as a pretty nursing bra never has bought from Bella Materna. Their maternity wear and bras are beautiful and very well made. (I think I need to buy several more of their anytime tanks - they are SO comfy.)  

We chat about so many different things, her experience with pre-term bedrest, MRSA on her breasts, the importance of wearing comfortable clothes during labor and negotiating parenting roles with your partner ahead of time. 

And especially important since it's Anne's expertise, we talk about nursing bras, bra sizing during your pregnancy, postpartum and later breastfeeding periods. Important stuff! 

I learned so much during this episode and I know you will too. Anne has also graciously offered podcast listeners 20% your purchase at Bella Materna now until September 1st with the code PostpartumPodcast.

You can find Bella Materna online here.

You can also find and follow them on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

As always, you can subscribe to the podcast, download the episode on iTunes here. You can stream it directly here.

While you’re on iTunes, I hope you consider rating and reviewing the show so that we can reach more moms!

Thank you!

Episode 14: Iliacus Muscles, Tongue Ties and PPD with Sara Hery

This week I talk with Sara Hery. Sara is an internationally certified childbirth educator and has been a practicing birth doula since 2005. She is also working towards becoming a certified nurse midwife and is a mom of 2. Sara's story is such a wonderful example of pushing through the adversity that new moms often face.  We talk about her experience with a home birth transfer and tongue tie with her first, and a torn iliacus muscle that led to postpartum depression with her second and how Bowen therapy helped her recover. Her experience is inspiring and I hope it helps other moms realize that you can come out on the other side of these experiences, or similar ones, stronger.  Enjoy!

You can find out more about Sara, her classes and the BBB Cafe here.

Some other resources for postpartum support that we also mentioned include La Leche League, Postpartum Support International, Doula Match, DONA and CAPPA

As always, you can download the episode on iTunes here and stream it directly here.

While you’re on iTunes, I hope you consider rating and reviewing the show so that we can reach more moms!

Thank you!

Episode 13: The importance of thinking ahead to postpartum with Heather Ash of Happiness Mama

Today I chat with Heather Ash of the blog Happiness Mama.  Heather is mom to two little girls and step mom to one boy.  In this episode we chat about the importance of remembering to think about postpartum while you are pregnant, postpartum depression and anxiety awareness, and the beauty of lactation consultant home visits. 

Heather was also generous enough to offer podcast listeners her postpartum bliss list - which is 10 conversations to have before (or after) baby comes and her favorite baby and toddler sleep tools and resources. Make sure you go here to get yours! 

You can find Heather at her blog Happiness Mama

And on Twitter here

As always, you can download the episode on iTunes here and stream it directly here.

While you’re on iTunes, I hope you consider rating and reviewing the show so that we can reach more moms!

Thanks for listening!

Episode 12: “Be the YOU that you want your kids to become.” with Lisa Druxman

                                                          Lisa's Weekly Podcast

                                                          Lisa's Weekly Podcast

This week I’m so excited to be chatting with Lisa Druxman!  Lisa is the creator of the incredibly popular Fit4Mom exercise program, which includes Fit 4 Baby, Stroller Strides and their newer Body Back program.  Lisa also created the Motivating Mom Podcast, which I love, to give moms ‘the strength for motherhood.”  In this episode we talk a lot about fitness and health because that’s her specialty, and we also talk about taking time for ourselves as moms.  She has so many wise words and practical advice, and I love what she says about thinking about ‘How do we want this chapter of our stories to read?” New motherhood is such a short flicker in the span of a life, so I think that’s a perfect way to think about it! Enjoy!

To learn more about Lisa’s podcast, check out the Motivating Mom Podcast.

To learn more about Fit4Mom and to find a class in your area, go here.

As always, you can download the episode on iTunes here, or stream it here.

While you’re on iTunes, I hope you consider rating and reviewing the show so that we can reach more moms!

Thanks for listening!