BABIES DOWN, BOTTLES UP

Merry Christmas from the Babies Down, Bottles Up crew! This episode is a fun holiday special, full of festive energy and end-of-year laughs. We kick things off by talking about what our kids are most excited for this Christmas, from the gifts they have been counting down for to the little traditions that make the season feel special. Then it is time for a Playlist Playoff holiday edition, where we each share our top three Christmas songs we absolutely cannot stand. Strong opinions are shared, feelings may be hurt, and no one backs down. We also reveal what our Secret Santas got us, unwrapping and reacting in real time as we talk through the gifts and the thought behind them. Before closing out the episode, we take a moment to say thank you. To everyone who has pressed play, shared an episode, supported our work, mentioned us to a friend, sponsored an episode, or believed in the mission, we are incredibly grateful. A huge thank you as well to all of our guests and supporters this year. Celebrate the holidays with us, get a few laughs in, and wrap up the year together. We will see you in 2026. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Amber from WonderBaby.org joins us for a conversation that feels like sitting down with the friend every parent of a disabled child wishes they had sooner. Amber takes us back 20 years to when WonderBaby.org first started, long before Facebook groups and endless resource websites existed. What began as a need for information turned into a lifeline for families raising children with disabilities. She talks about the parents she’s connected with over the years, the friendships that grew out of shared experiences, and what it really means to be a steady resource for families who are figuring things out as they go. We get into adapting mainstream toys for kids with different needs and the simple materials Amber keeps on hand to make toys more accessible. She also shares practical advice for relatives and extended family, especially during holidays and gatherings, on how to make things easier and more inclusive for families who are already doing a lot of planning behind the scenes. Then Amber delivers something parents will want to bookmark, her favorite toy picks broken down by category. From sound and music toys to tactile and exploration toys, light-up toys for kids with light perception, movement and motor skill toys, braille toys, and other developmentally appropriate options, she gives thoughtful recommendations and explains why they matter. We wrap up with Amber offering grounded advice for parents and advocates who are supporting children with special needs and want to feel more confident doing it. If you are looking for ideas, reassurance, and tools you can actually use, this episode is one you will want to listen to more than once. Visit WonderBaby: https://www.wonderbaby.org Email Amber: help@wonderbaby.org WonderBaby on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wonderbaby.org/ Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

When your child has to go into the hospital, everything shifts. In this episode, Kisha and Terrin open up about their personal experiences with surgeries, long hospital stays, and what it takes to keep yourself together when your child is on the operating table. They break down how they prepared themselves and their kids, physically and emotionally, for surgery day, from pre-op appointments to fasting rules to finding age-appropriate ways to explain what is about to happen. They also talk about the anxiety that builds as surgery approaches and the different ways they have learned to stay grounded while waiting for updates. Once surgery is over, that is when the real work begins. Kisha and Terrin walk through the recovery phase at home, comforting kids through pain, handling mobility limitations, and staying on top of medication schedules without mistakes. They also get real about how they label and identify prescriptions as blind moms and why asking for weight-based doses is one of the most important safety steps you can take. This episode also digs into medication awareness inside the hospital, specifically fentanyl, why it is commonly used, how it is administered, and the questions every parent should be ready to ask before anything is given. They talk openly about overdose concerns, what warning signs look like, and how to advocate for your child in a medical setting. Terrin also shares her experience with long-term hospital stays: what to pack, how to make an unfamiliar room feel a little more like home, staying strong when you are hit with hard news, and balancing communication with doctors while still trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for the rest of your family. They also discuss anesthesia. Together, they talk through what parents should expect before, during, and after anesthesia, how kids often respond differently than adults, and the little things they wish they had known sooner, told through their own real experiences. From prepping your kid for surgery to surviving days or weeks in the hospital, this episode is an honest look at what families actually go through. If you ever find yourself in this situation, this one will prepare you in ways you did not know you needed. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

```html The cookisode is finally here, and it is landing just in time for the holidays. Whether you are trying to keep the kids fed while they are home on break or you are just ready to level up in the kitchen, this one is for you. We are talking all things cooking and baking, starting with simple beginner meals and the kitchen gadgets that actually make life easier. We get into meal prep routines, grocery shopping strategies, and how to confidently drift away from a recipe without losing the plot. We also walk through how we orient ourselves around the stove as blind moms, from finding your bearings with burners to safely managing multiple dishes at once. And of course, we get into baking: the tips, the tricks, and the basic ingredient science that makes the difference between “it worked” and “why did it turn into a brick?” Some of our favorite lessons from independence training make their way into the conversation too, including the little skills and shortcuts that changed the way we move in the kitchen. If you have been wanting to sharpen your cooking skills, get more comfortable with baking, or simply feel more confident whipping up something good, this is your episode. Hit play and let’s get cooking. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.```

BDBU in Austin? On the court? Absolutely. Kisha and Josselyn officially drag Terrin into their world of sports as Babies Down, Bottles Up reps Metro Blaze at the Texas Goalball Tournament. We break down what goalball actually is, how the game works, and what it felt like to finally play together as a trio. The sportsmanship, the teamwork, the chaos, and the inside jokes on the court, we’re giving you all of it. We swap stories from our weekend in Austin, our favorite moments from being reunited, and yes, the bruises we didn’t expect but proudly brought home. Terrin shares what it was like touching a goalball for the very first time, and how surprisingly natural she felt jumping into a game she’d only ever heard about from the other two. We also get into our first experience riding in a Waymo self-driving car and why we instantly became fans. No weird small talk. No unhinged rants. No “five-star if I drop you at this random corner instead?” Danny proves our point perfectly with a real recording of the chaotic Uber driver he got stuck with on the way to the airport. It’s friendship, sports energy, and pure BDBU vibes from the court to the rideshare. Hit play and join us in Austin. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Safety isn’t optional when you’re raising kids, and this week we’re getting into the real, everyday work that goes into keeping your home and your family protected. We’re talking first aid basics, what supplies you should always have stocked, and how we blind parents stay organized so we know exactly what we’re giving and when. We get into babyproofing, toddler-proofing, and teen-proofing the house as your kids grow, plus the importance of locking up anything that could become a temptation or a risk—meds, alcohol, firearms, and more. We also talk about how we tell what’s going on when our kids come running to us in pain or panic: listening for certain cues, asking the right questions, checking their bodies safely, and trusting our instincts even when we can’t see what’s wrong. And because emergencies don’t wait for you to get ready, we’re breaking down safety plans too: what happens if there’s a fire, a break-in, or any situation where every second counts. Why having a plan matters, how to talk to your kids about it, and how to make sure everyone knows what to do. It’s an important conversation full of practical tools, family-tested systems, and reminders that preparation really does make all the difference. This one’s for every parent who wants their home to be as safe and steady as possible. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

We’re joined by friend of the show Kristin Revere from Gold Coast Doulas to explore a role that many don’t hear about often enough — the bereavement doula. Kristin walks us through the vital support she offers families who experience miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, or a traumatic birth. She explains how this work differs from therapy and why having someone by your side who truly understands these moments makes all the difference. We talk about what happens in the immediate aftermath of loss, both physically and emotionally, and how a bereavement doula helps families process shock, communicate with partners, and begin to heal. Kristin also shares ways to work through grief in healthy, sustainable ways, and how to set realistic expectations for yourself when it comes to recovery. The conversation moves into how families can find balance when they’re ready to re-enter daily life, and the importance of giving yourself grace through anniversaries, due dates, and other emotional milestones. We also touch on what it’s like when the doula’s work comes to an end, and how to continue that healing journey afterward. It’s a powerful and compassionate conversation — one that reminds us all that grief doesn’t have a timeline, and that no one should have to face it alone. Find Kristin Revere with the links below: Gold Coast Doulas Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby Check out Kristin's Podcast and Media Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Traveling with kids isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when you’re juggling strollers, car seats, and white canes. This week, the crew shares their best tips, stories, and survival tactics for traveling as blind parents. From wrangling car seats in Ubers and Lyfts to managing flights, trains, and buses, we’re breaking down how to keep the little ones safe, close, and calm. You’ll hear how we plan seating arrangements, pack efficiently, and handle those unpredictable moments in airports because there’s always one. We also talk motion sickness, yes, Dramamine gets a shoutout after Kisha’s unforgettable plane story, and the rules we set for the kids when we’re out in public. Whether it’s staying hydrated, staying together, or staying sane, this episode’s full of the small details that make traveling just a little smoother. Hit play, grab your carry-on, and let’s get going. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

This episode is one of the hardest we’ve ever recorded. Terrin and Josselyn open up about their personal experiences with miscarriage, sharing what it was really like to go through it from start to recovery. They talk about the first signs that something was wrong, how they identified what was happening as blind women, and what the medical process looks like when a miscarriage occurs. They walk through the procedures doctors perform, what recovery actually feels like, and how the emotional impact lingers long after the physical pain fades. The conversation gets deeply personal as they describe how grief affected them and their partners in different ways, and how even simple things—like attending events or enjoying certain activities—can bring back memories. They also share what it’s like dealing with doctors who don’t always say the right thing, and why it’s important to express your own feelings separately on medical paperwork. Both women reflect on the joys they felt during pregnancy, the parts of that experience they miss, and the moments that took time to enjoy again without the weight of those reminders. It’s a heavy, honest episode that doesn’t shy away from the details—but it’s also a reminder of the strength it takes to talk about what most keep to themselves. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

It’s giving petty, pretty, and witty! 💅🎤 The crew finally linked up LIVE in Dallas, glammed up and ready to pod with champagne flutes in hand! The energy was sky-high, the laughs were nonstop, and this one feels like you’re right there in the room with us. We’re spilling all the tea—from our airport adventures to whether our families actually listen to the podcast 👀. We share what we’re most proud of, get a little sentimental (in between the jokes), and even introduce you to our amazing studio engineer and photographer who came through for our Dallas photoshoot. And because no BDBU moment is complete without a surprise guest, Tanner Gers from Accessibility Officer pops in to tell us what he loves about the show and why he had to jump on board to support. So grab your glass, press play, and catch the vibe—it’s BDBU, live, loud, and unapologetically us. 🥂✨ Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Friend of the show Tanner Gers, founder of AccessAbilityOfficer.com, joins us to get real about employment in the blind and visually impaired community. With most blind adults still facing massive barriers to finding and keeping steady work, Tanner breaks down what it actually takes to stand out and succeed. He talks about learning your strengths, mastering assistive tech, and why staying close to people in positions of influence—what he calls “proximity to power”—can change everything. We also talk about the hidden skills that stay-at-home parents build every day and how to translate those into résumé-ready experience when it’s time to rejoin the workforce. Along the way, we share our own work-life balance struggles, the lessons we’ve learned about professionalism, and why effort matters more than excuses. Tanner keeps it straight, reminding us that in this world, cutting corners isn’t an option. It’s an honest, practical, and motivating conversation about knowing your worth, putting in the work, and creating your own opportunities—no matter where you’re starting from. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Potty training—it’s one of those milestones every parent faces, and we’re sharing exactly how it went down in our homes. From spotting the first signs that our kids were ready, to the ways we encouraged them to keep going once they started, nothing is off the table. We talk about the rewards that worked (and the ones that didn’t), how we handled kids who just weren’t ready yet, and the creative methods we used to help them through the process. Kisha, being the only one on the team with experience training both a boy and a girl, breaks down the differences and what worked for her family. We also open up about teaching independence—how we showed our little ones to care for themselves after using the potty—and the tools that made life easier once they started going on their own. If you’re a blind parent trying to figure out what works, or you just want to hear a few tried-and-true ideas to make potty training less stressful, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and a whole lot of real talk. Press play and learn a few things with us. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Last week we took you through pregnancy. This week—perfect timing for episode 69—we’re tackling sex. From pregnancy sex to postpartum changes, we’re laying it all out: the awkward, the funny, the “hell yes,” and the “not tonight.” We talk about how desire shifts before and after birth, how to bring the spark back when you’ve been with someone forever, and why communication is the real MVP of the bedroom. From straight-up saying what you like to experimenting with new ways of getting there, we’re giving you suggestions that will encourage your partner to listen—and deliver. Birth control makes an appearance too: how it affected our bodies, why we stayed on, why we came off, and what sex felt like on both sides of the decision. And then there’s the jaw-dropping part—sighted people who can’t seem to wrap their heads around the fact that blind people have sex. (Yes, seriously.) We’re not just laughing at it—we’re asking YOU to send us your best retort for the next time someone drops one of those comments. It’s blunt, it’s funny, it’s episode 69. Press play, because you know you want to hear this one. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

This one’s personal. We’re opening up and sharing our pregnancy journeys—everything from the moment we found out we were expecting to the rollercoaster of labor and delivery. You’ll hear how we navigated those early pregnancy tests, what it was like experiencing ultrasounds and hearing our babies’ heartbeats, and the ways morning sickness showed up during each of our pregnancies. We talk about what we packed in our hospital bags, the contractions that signaled it was time, and the unique challenges that came with delivering during COVID. We don’t hold back on the hard stuff either—the complications, the unexpected moments, and how it all felt as we entered motherhood for the first time. At the same time, we celebrate the joy, the belly, and the miracle of growing a tiny human. This episode isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s an honest look at the journey of becoming a mom, from the scary parts to the magical ones. We want you to walk away embracing the beauty of pregnancy, showing off that belly proudly, and knowing you’re part of something miraculous. Hit play and come along for the ride—we’re taking you from that first trimester all the way to the delivery room. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

This week we’re keeping things fun and light! We’re talking about the people in our lives who knew us before we were moms—and what it’s like for them to see us as parents now. We also share the best (and worst) parenting advice we’ve ever been given and play another round of Playlist Playoff, this time featuring the songs that get us through our cleaning routines. But that’s not all. We reflect on the things we would never do now as parents that we might have done—or thought about doing—before motherhood. We get into gentle parenting, why “just popping your kids” isn’t the answer for us, and even share the wild story of a blind family who bought their teenager a car and expected them to chauffeur everywhere. And, as always, we kick things off with “What’s on your mind?”—because sometimes you just need to catch up, laugh, and get real before diving into everything else. It’s a mix of laughs, real talk, and plenty of stories to give you a better glimpse of who we are beyond the mics. Hit play and hang out with us—you’ll definitely get to know us a little better in this one! Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

When it comes to your child’s education, nothing is more important than understanding their rights—and yours. In this episode, Terrin and Josselyn roll up their sleeves and get into the world of evaluation plans, accommodations, and everything tied to IEPs, 504s, and ARD meetings. They break down the differences between an IEP, a 504 plan, and ARD meetings, explaining what each one actually covers and why it matters for your child’s success. From what’s typically discussed in these meetings to how to make sure your child’s true needs are reflected in their plan, this conversation gives parents the clarity and tools they need to walk into the room prepared. But it doesn’t stop there. Terrin and Josselyn also tackle the emotional side of these meetings—the overwhelming jargon, the intimidating number of professionals sitting across the table, and the pressure parents often feel to agree to whatever is suggested. Their message is clear: you are the boss in that room, and you have the final say. Along the way, they share stories from their own school days, recalling what it was like to go through ARD and IEP meetings themselves, and how those experiences now shape the way they advocate for their own children. They also talk about seeking outside advocates when necessary, making sure you know when and how to push for more, and the power of documenting exactly what you want in writing. Packed with practical advice, personal experiences, and encouragement, this episode is your guide to showing up strong in IEP and 504 meetings, ensuring your child gets the support they deserve. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Your baby’s growth doesn’t come with a manual, but early childhood intervention comes pretty close. In this episode, we talk and get real about what it looks like from day one through those first critical years of development. We start at the beginning: screenings at birth for vision, hearing, and reflexes, and how prematurity can shift the timeline for everything that follows. Extra rounds of testing? Yep. Developmental charting? Absolutely—but with a reminder that it should be about your child’s progress, not your abilities as a blind parent. We as moms open up about our own journeys navigating early intervention services. Terrin shares her path of switching out therapists until she found the right fit, while Josselyn talks candidly about an occupational therapist that just wasn’t working out. Together, they dive into the ups and downs of speech therapy, the benefits they’ve seen in their kids, and the sometimes awkward invasion of home life when therapists show up at the door. You’ll hear about what therapists actually test for, how progress is measured, and why speaking up about what you are (and aren’t) comfortable with is essential. The conversation also covers the frustrating pushback districts can give when it comes to referrals—and exactly how to advocate for your child when they try to say no. If you’ve ever wondered what early intervention really looks like, how to gauge if your child needs services, or how to make sure you’re being heard in the process, this episode breaks it down with honesty, humor, and hard-earned insight. So grab your coffee, settle in, and hit play—because this one is packed with the info you’ve been waiting for. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Backpacks packed, pencils sharpened—the kids are officially back in school, and Terrin and Josselyn are here to talk all about it. They kick things off with some Taylor Swift chatter before jumping into the real stuff: uniforms versus no uniforms, how pricey clothes and supplies have gotten, and even the added hit of class and lab fees for Terrin’s teenager. The conversation doesn’t stop there. They get into when it’s smartest to shop for supplies, the latest craze around Labubu figures, and how they keep track of school-issued tech like Chromebooks and iPads. They also break down what it looks like to meet teachers and stay on top of homework as blind moms, offering a peek into their routines and challenges. It’s back-to-school season BDBU style—equal parts laughs, real talk, and useful takeaways. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

In this “Best of BDBU” episode, the girls share the moments their kids first realized they were blind, the baby items they were given or bought but never actually used, and their experiences with breastfeeding. They also bring back the “Playlist Playoff,” picking songs that match their parenting styles, and talk about their opinions on sleepovers and slumber parties. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Traveling with kids is already a challenge—but throw in summer heat, sports gear, and being blind, and you’ve got a whole new level of coordination. This week, Kisha and Josselyn break down exactly how they make it all work when it comes to traveling to sports events with their kids. From must-have snacks and hydration hacks for those long, hot days, to how they keep things flowing smoothly with their partners, this episode is packed with practical tips. Josselyn shares her experience as a beep baseball athlete, and Kisha brings in her perspective from both beep baseball and goalball, offering a real glimpse into what it's like to parent from the sidelines while still staying game-ready. They also talk about leaning on your village, mentally preparing for big trips, and how to balance your athlete mindset with your mom brain. Whether you’ve got a tournament coming up or you’re just trying to figure out how to not forget the sunscreen, this episode’s for you. Hit play and take notes. This is the real playbook for traveling as blind moms. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.