Mom Chat with Mamistad on Pregnancy and New Motherhood

As New Moms, we face a world of uncertainty. Each day brings new adventures and we can't help but wonder what our littles will be like as toddlers, then big kids, then teenagers and beyond! Having solid parenting advice in advance can be a game changer - especially when it's from a master certified life and parenting coach and proud mom of 5 boys ranging in age from 17 - 31 years old.  Today, we're joined by Heidi Allsop, proud mom of 5 boys, master certified life and parenting coach and host of the top 2.5% globally ranked podcast, Raising Boys, Building Men.  With a background in social work, advanced life coach training, and over three decades of experience raising sons, Heidi knows first-hand how discouraging it can feel to try to “fix” a son’s behavior, only to end up feeling even more disconnected.Heidi enlightens us on some of the specific challenges our boys are facing and how we can better connect with and advocate for them. She also shares 5 AMAZING tips on how to better connect with our sons AND daughters! Her tools can not only help us have a better relationship with our kiddos, they can lead to a better understanding of ourselves as mothers. Some time stamps: 03:41 Heidi’s Five Boys Story07:04 Cancer Perspective Shift09:02 A Mother Calms the Nervous System12:48 FACTS VS. STORIES18:02 Community and the Village21:07 What's Different about Boys25:11 Tip 1 - See The Good28:57 Tip 2 - Praise Publicly - Correct In Private31:10 Be Their Believer 31:36 Tip 3 - Boundaries 38:12 Tip 4 - Comparison Steals Joy40:49 Tip 5 - Stop Micromanaging44:19 Self Validation As MomWebsite: Heidi Allsop Coaching 48:35 Ask How They Feel Loved(https://www.heidiallsopcoaching.com/)Instagram: Heidi Allsop - Certified Life Coach (@heidiallsopcoaching)Facebook: Heidi Allsop CoachingLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-allsop/Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ for a full list of all episodes.Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

 Touch sends wordless messages of sympathy and security that humans benefit from no matter their age. Medical research reveals touch is also essential to a child's health and emotional and psychological development. ~American Academy of Pediatrics. Today's guest is registered nurse, certified infant massage instructor and certified pediatric massage therapist Melanie Wattles. Melanie the founder and CEO of Baby Strokes in Austin, Texas, where her goal is to promote infant child massage to facilitate bonding and to enable parents, babies, and children to experience the many benefits of massage. She says, cross-cultural studies show that in societies where babies are rocked and massaged, they tend to develop into adults that express compassion and caring rather than violence and aggression. Melanie believes that deep emotional bonds formed in infancy through touch, lay the foundation for a lifetime of love, trust, courage, and dependability.Today we'll discuss some of the many profoundly positive effects of infant massage on your child's physical health, including: more restful sleeppositive effects on hormonesrelaxed muscles and increased flexibilitybetter digestionless constipationstronger immunitylessening of colic symptomsStudies show parents and caregivers also benefit from massaging their babies through a reduction of cortisol production and an increase in oxytocin, the feelgood hormone. This can be especially helpful in alleviating symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. Plus it's super cute and it's incredibly bonding! Find Melanie here: Baby Strokes Website: https://babystrokes.com/On Instagram: @babystrokes_infant_massageOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babystrokes1/?ref=PROFILE_EDIT_xav_ig_profile_page_web#Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ for a full list of all episodes.Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

"You will lose yourself in motherhood. And though that might seem terrifying to you now, let me say the next part, the part we all keep forgetting: you will find someone entirely new. I feel like I want to say that again. You will lose yourself in motherhood.And: You will find someone entirely new."— Jessie Harrold, Mothershift: Reclaiming Motherhood as a Rite of PassageBecoming a mother is a major transformation in a woman's life. Matrescence is the word used to describe this transformation in its many forms​ - some are physical, spiritual, emotional, economic, they affect your body, your relationships, your values, your identity, your career.Our guest today is coach, doula and author, Jessie Harrold. She has been supporting women through radical life transformations and other rites of passage for over 15 years. She is also the host of the Becoming podcast and the author of Mothershift: Reclaiming Motherhood as a Rite of Passage. Mothershift is a Nautilus Gold Medal Book Awards Winner, has been featured in international media and Is being recognized as contributing to a pivotal development in our understanding of matrescence.One review states that "Mother Shift offers a wise, inspiring and practical view of what it can look like. When women are supported and encouraged to experience motherhood as a doorway to becoming more deeply in touch with who they are and what is possible in their lives. It is a vision for an experience of motherhood that is understood as a rite of passage filled with power and potential."Jesse has also created a three month Mother shift program of support dedicated to helping you embody your motherhood and embrace the process of matrescence.Jessie is brilliant, experienced, compassionate and a blessing to us all. I am humbled to have her as a guest on Mom Chat. I will now recommend mothership as a handbook to every Mamistad mom - and to all moms!Some timestamps:01:14 Understanding Matrescence03:18 Jessie's Journey into Motherhood05:18 The Concept of Matrescence11:49 Challenges and Realities of Modern Motherhood22:06 The Four Elements of Radical Transformation29:46 The Importance of Community​​W​here to find Jessie:Instagram: ​ @jessie.es.harroldWebsite: ​https://www.jessieharrold.com/mothershift/​Find the quiz​:  https://www.jessieharrold.com/quiz/​Mothershift (the book): https://www.jessieharrold.com/mothershiftbook/​Jessie's linktree.Jessie referenced the book Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture by Sara Petersen https://sara-petersen.com/momfluenced/​Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ for a full list of all episodes.Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.​ Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

Meet Ciarra Morgan of Empowered Beginnings. She is a certified birth and postpartum doula, HypnoBirthing educator and pediatric sleep consultant. Ciarra's also the owner of a doula agency in Austin, Texas and the founder of Birth, Baby! Academy where she offers classes for both parents and birth professionals. Finally, she's the host of the Birth, Baby! Podcast on which I had the distinct honor of being a guest recently.  Ciarra has created a place for families to empower themselves via a team of birth doulas and postpartum doulas, childbirth educators, sleep consultants, and a lactation counselor whose services prepare and support from conception through the first years after birth.Empowered Beginnings ATX: https://empoweredbeginningsatx.com/The Birth, Baby! Podcast: ⁠https://www.birthbabypodcast.com/⁠Birth, Baby! Academy: www.birthbabyacademy.comCynthia on Birth, Baby!: ⁠https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-qq6yb-19c998b⁠Ciarra mentioned GALS - Giving Austin Labor Support:https://www.givingaustinlaborsupport.orgVisit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ for a full list of all episodes.Thank you - you are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

I'm wishing all Mamistad Moms and families and all families everywhere, a wonderful holiday season. Last year I shared a quick Holiday message that was well-received (thank you for your feedback), So, I'm reposting it bc the message is important and as true as ever. There are so many podcasts out there to help us deal with the mental load of the holidays so I'll leave that to the experts. My message is simply to wish you the happiest holidays ever or, if you don't exactly feel overjoyed, to remind you that, that's okay too. Personally, I miss my mom more than ever on Christmas and I'm sure many of you can relate or have your own situations that can bring you down. My wish is that as parents, your kiddos can bring you back up, even just a little bit. Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ for a full list of all episodes.Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

It's time for THE BIRTH OF A MOTHER to take its rightful place next to ​t​he birth of her baby.Today's guest, Dr. Nicole Kumi PhD, PMH-C & Founder & CEO of The Whole Mom, shares the story behind the amazing business she built to focus on the critical challenges of the postpartum period, rather than gloss over them and consequently, underserve the newborn mother.The psychological shift in motherhood is profound and should be discussed openly, normalized and celebrated! Dr. Kumi teaches that awareness is key. When we're more aware of possible postpartum challenges, we can better prepare for them and minimize their potentially harmful effects on a mother who is naturally hyper-focused on her baby.Sleep deprivation, lack of communication and self-doubt are seeds that can quickly grow into deep-rooted issues when we don't make a concerted effort to understand them in advance. As she puts it, The sooner we focus on these areas, the sooner we find more joy and less chaos and frustration in the postpartum period.​Some time stamped highlights:04:53 Struggles with Postpartum Depression13:40 The Psychological Shift in Motherhood17:49 Challenges of Postpartum Sleep Deprivation21:32 Postpartum Fears and Social Media23:35 Embracing the Evolution of Motherhood25:04 The Strength of a Mother26:31 The Importance of Support Systems34:20 Educational Workshops for MomsL​inks to Dr. Kumi: https://www.thewholemom.com/​On IG: @nicole_kumi Podcast: Midnight Mama with Nicole Kumi on AppleMom Chat Ep. 8: MATRESCENCE with Megan MacCutcheon, LPC, PMH-C on Apple on SpotifyVisit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! If you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ for a full list of all episodes.Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

 As children,​ we escape the boring grownup world with imaginative daydreams, full of color, life, creativity, and fun. Now imagine an actual place where fun and curiosity rule and children learn manners and etiquette at the same time! When my daughter was little, some 15 years ago, that place was tucked away in Falls Church, Virginia, that place was T​ea with Mrs.B. I'm thrilled to say that T​ea with Mrs. B lives on even bigger and bolder than before.​ Today we are so fortunate to welcome as our guest, Mrs. B herself, Rebecca ​Czarniecki.Rebecca undoubtedly plays a starring role in the memories of many children and adults who have joined Mrs. B over the years​ for manners camps, tea parties, birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, engagement parties, tea time with Santa, and my daughter's favorite​, fairy tea time​. Now​, add cotillions to the lis​t! Rebecca is a breath of fresh air in a world that often feels full of bitterness and angst. She is a one​-of​-a​-kind creator who brings her own dreams to life every day with ​​éclat​ and an insatiable ​joie de vivre, by working with her favorite people on the planet​, children. She encourages us to dream​, dance​, and throw confetti, all while treating others with respect and kindness​. I am beyond thrilled to have her as a guest today​!Some time stamped highlights: 05:48 Rebecca's Journey and Philosophy08:50 The Role of Manners in Child Development16:51 Teaching Kindness and Courtesy21:43 The Importance of Respect in Society28:26 Manners and Tea Camp for Children35:45 Holiday Season EventsFor more on Rebecca and Tea with Mrs. B:Website: https://www.teawithmrsb.com/On Instagram: @teawithmrsbO​n YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3H-h8M4mGg​Thank you Mrs. B! Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ for a full list of all episodes.Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

Mom Chat is FINALLY welcoming a perinatal nutritionist - and she is outstanding! The fact that she's a young mom of three children under four and a military wife would be enough to make her a hero, but add an insatiable appetite for learning , training under Maranda Bower of Postpartum University, and a passion for helping moms thrive - and you Have Brooke Harmer, holistic perinatal nutritionist, blogger, recipe developer and Founder of The Well Nourished Mama.  Her commitment to perinatal nutrition was born out of her own struggle with an eating disorder, her dream to become a mom and her determination to show up as the best possible mother for her children. When she didn't have the resources to pay someone to "fix her", she  went down the rabbit hole of diet and lifestyle and wound up in the best shape of her life. Now, through her website, podcast, resources and recipes she's helping tons of moms feel better and avoid pitfalls we didn't even realize were tied to nutrition!In this episode, hopefully the first of many with Brooke,  we explore why it's crucial to cultivate the right mindset around nourishing yourself well from the moment you decide to conceive, through pregnancy and postpartum, into your baby's first year, and ideally beyond. Highlights:06:07 The Turning Point: Overcoming an Eating Disorder14:50 The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Moms22:17 Body Image and Eating Habits During Pregnancy23:20 Postpartum Nutrition: Myths and Facts25:35 The Importance of Eating Well Postpartum30:05 Nutrient-Rich Foods for Postpartum Recovery30:28 Addressing Vegetarian and Vegan Diets Postpartum37:01 Meal Planning and Stress Management for New MomsWebsite and podcast: https://www.thewellnourishedmama.com/On IG: @thewellnourishedmama_Get the cookbooks:https://www.thewellnourishedmama.com/shopMaranda Bower - Postpartum University Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ for a full list of all episodes.Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

​A JAMA Pediatrics study published in June of 2025, highlights Paternal mental health as "an important target for prevention and early intervention to support the well-being of fathers and next-generation offspring" It found that “Men are at risk of increased mental distress during the transition to fatherhood." The study highlights PATERNAL DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND ELEVATED STRESS, and "the importance of supporting fathers if we want to see better outcomes for families.” See the study here: Paternal Perinatal Depression, Anxiety, and Stress and Child Development​In this episode, we talk to Founder of Dads with Wisdom.Adam ​Angel, a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience working with youth, adults, and families.  Dads With Wisdom seeks to build on men's knowledge, skills and instincts of fatherhood by placing Soon-to-be dads, first-time dads, and experienced dads into FACILITATED support groups to SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES.​With pregnancy, labor and delivery and new fatherhood, Adam explains how, for some men, the sense of responsibility coupled with the inability to control the situation can lead to​ feelings of helplessness and sometimes, trauma. This trauma, can lead to ​a​nxiety and depression.​ Adam creates a space to help dads share ​t​heir feelings and deal with, or avoid these outcomes.As Adam puts it: "Men want to be the rock, but they need a mountain to support them​...and that mountain is other men who understand, validate, and normalize their feelings and concerns.​"Terms like paternal postpartum depression and anxiety are real and can have dramatic effects on dads and families. Just like with moms, dads need to hear that they are not alone in these feelings. Human connection in​ new parenthood can be the key to our progress.  H​IGHLIGHTS: 08:55 Structure and Dynamics of Dad Support Groups13:27 The Emotional Impact of Birth on Dads21:00 Navigating Postpartum Depression in Men25:50 Lessons for Sons and Rites of Passage27:50 The Role of Mentors in Parenting28:52 The Pressure of Parenting and Cultural Shifts32:31 Co-Parenting Challenges and RealitiesFind Adam here: ​https://www.dadswithwisdom.com/​For therapy: https://www.adamangeltherapy.com/​Adam's PSI Interview: https://postpartum.net/discussing-dads-and-early-parenthood-with-adam-angel-founder-of-dads-with-wisdom/Dan Singley, Ph.D.: Director of The Center for Men’s Excellence. His research and practice focus on men’s mental health with a particular emphasis on reproductive psychology and the transition to fatherhood.  https://www.menexcel.com/​Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.​Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ ​for a full list of all episodes​.Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

Feeding, sleeping, pooping, and playing - these are the the basic functions we expect from our babies and its likely not until we face a problem in these areas that we really think about our little one's musculoskeletal well-being. We are delighted to chat with Dr. Kristi Hammerle, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist. Dr. Kristi founded Year One Wellness in Austin, TX, focusing on early childhood wellness and personalized care for families and babies from birth through walking.Year One Wellness was named WINNER OF BEST PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPISTS in the ATX Best in Birth Awards in 2023 and 2024.Year One Wellness offers physical and occupational therapy services to infants and toddlers facing various challenges, including but not limited to:Torticollis (tight neck)Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)Gross and fine motor milestone delaysTethered oral tissues (tongue/lip ties)Bottle feeding and breastfeeding difficultiesStarting solids & picky eatingYear One Wellness also offers in-person BABY PLAY classes and virtual motor milestone checks for families everywhere. You can learn more about these services on their website or at mamistad.com.Find Dr. Kristi and Year One Wellness...Online: https://www.yearonewellness.com/On Instagram: @yearonewellnessVisit Mamistad.com for more information about Mamistad and to learn about our groups. As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit Mom Chat with Mamistad to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee episodes from our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you for your continued support!Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.***Disclaimer: Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

I am honored to welcome Dr. Stephanie Hack, OBGYN and mother of 3 beautiful children.​ She hosts one of my favorite podcasts, The Lady Parts Doctor, ​where she helps us tackle the hard questions about ourselves and our health in a way that leaves us feeling confident and empowered—not confused, patronized, or dismissed.​With over 20 years of clinical expertise and advocacy, Dr. Hack ​is a dynamic speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of a groundbreaking women's health educational platform​. She's also a trusted media consultant and member of Elle magazine's Beauty Advisory Board. Her work sparks conversations that drive real change in healthcare, workplaces, and communities. She has ​also served as commissioner for the D.C. Lactation Commission, trained future physicians, and performed countless life-changing procedures.In her own words: "My mission is to demystify women's healthcare as much as I can. Through focusing on proper care of our mind, body, and spirit, I want to empower you to make decisions for yourself and feel confident seeking the care you desire."TODAY SHE SHARES: 5 things your OB won't tell you but you absolutely need to know—and I am HERE for it!Highlights:​03:51 Dr. Hack's Journey Through Motherhood10:02 The Importance of Physical Therapy During Pregnancy​ with reference to:Quality Touch PT DC⁠​⁠Mom Chat ⁠⁠Ep.17 - Dr. Katie Bayer, PT Tyson's⁠​14:48 The Need for Mental Health Support​ - references:​Dr. Nicole Kumi - Midnight Mama Podcast ​⁠Ep.8 MATRESCENCE with Megan MacCutcheon, PMH-C⁠18:11 Building a Support System19:07 The Importance of Support Systems for New Mothers​ 20:13 The Role of Doulas in Pregnancy and Postpartum​ - ​can reduce likelihood of a c-section​, can help shorten labor, ​m​ay lessen need for an operative deliver​y (incl.vacuum deliveries or forceps deliveries​) and​ lead to fewer reports of dissatisfaction with your pregnancy experience. ​Reference: Ep.20 DOULAS CHANGE THE WORLD with Ursula Sabia Sukinik21:10 Creating a Services Registry for New Moms23:20 The Significance of a Mom Tribe​ -    See mamistad.com    26:59 Challenges and Realities of Breastfeeding​ - references:​MOM CHAT Ep.11 BREASTFEEDING GOLD w/Susan Howard, IBCLC​MOM CHAT Ep. 23 Babywearing, Breastfeeding & the Wonders of Skin-to-skin with Laci Tang, IBCLC​Dr. Hack's website: https://ladypartsdoctor.com/ Lady Parts Doctor podcas​t​ is on Apple​ and wherever you listen to podcasts​!Find her on Instagram: @ladypartsdocDr. Hack's Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/I_8hcka1GT0Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to see a list of all episodes and share your podcast idea!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.​Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

In this episode we're joined by Chandler Lipe, Founder & Owner of The Den - a social club for families in Denver unlike any other!I wanted to chat with Chandler not just because she's an amazing entrepreneur and mother, but because I LOVE the vision and heart behind what she does. Chandler faced two difficult pregnancies and ISOLATION played a major role in both. She transformed that struggle into fuel for her mission to create something better - for other parents.Her dream? "to provide a supportive and dignified experience for anyone navigating the parenthood journey and searching for something different."Her preparation?  As a phone line operator for Postpartum Support International, Chandler was honored to be welcomed into the lives of hundreds of strangers in need during a hard time in their lives. She was moved to become a better listener. She also became fascinated with the concept of matrescence. ANOTHER COMMON THEME WITH OUR AMAZING GUESTS! She studied with ​reproductive psychologist and matrescence authority, Aurélie Athan, Ph.D. who teaches that "matrescence, like adolescence, is a stage of human physical, psychological, social & spiritual development."As Chandler puts it: "The concept of The Den came about as a place to combine the resourcing that Postpartum Support International provides, plus the validation that comes from data and research, plus the community we're all hungry for,plus a space that's beautiful and uplifting where we can be reminded of our whole selves."The result? The Den Family Social is a true gathering place for families—a space "lovingly designed for adults and children in equal measure." It features a kid-friendly coffee shop, social play areas, a crafts room, classes, meetups, and so much more.The Den has become a favorite spot for many of our Mamistad Denver group members. Mamistad is excited to share the inspiring vision of THE DEN and its important message to PARENTS EVERYWHERE: "When parents are resourced and in community, they have the opportunity to shift their paradigm from meeting requirements, scarcity, and desperation to fulfillment, abundance, and inspiration. When people are in community with each other, they do more than survive—they're invited to thrive."Visit The Den...​On IG: @thedenfamilysocial​Website: https://www.thedendenver.com/Learn more about MATRESCENCE and Reproductive psychologist Aurélie Athan, Ph.D.: https://www.matrescence.com/​More on Texas Coffee School: texascoffeeschool.com/Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

After two decades of connecting first-time pregnant and new mothers through support groups, one truth has become crystal clear: a healthy mama mindset is everything. That's why I've created the Mamistad Mama Mindset Team (find us at Mamistad.com), and I'm thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Author and Therapist, Becky Morrison Gleed.As a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist (PMH-C) and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), Becky provides dedicated support and practical resources for mothers navigating the challenges of motherhood and the transition back to work. Becky's journey into perinatal mental health began with her own experience - despite being a licensed therapist, her traumatic first birth led to severe postpartum anxiety and OCD that went undiagnosed due to the lack of perinatal resources at the time. It wasn't until she experienced pregnancy loss years later that she began to find answers. After the birth of her second daughter, Becky recognized the lack of perinatal resources in both private practice and emergency psychiatric settings. This inspired her to pursue advanced training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), earning her certification as a Perinatal Mental Health Professional. Today, she serves mothers and families across 7 states and DC, providing crucial support during the transition to motherhood and return to work.  Becky has authored a comprehensive book series for mothers, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.In today's conversation, we chat about the unique challenges moms face returning to work. Becky sheds light on how the unrealistic expectations and what she calls an "OUTRAGEOUS mental load" can seriously impact our wellbeing. She encourages us to define our own sense of "enoughness."With her training in the Gottman Method for couples counseling, Becky also shares valuable insights on partner support and communication.Becky's Books:A Workbook: How to Healthily Transition to Motherhood​A Gratitude Journal: Thankful for Motherhood​A Book for Working Moms:​ Employed Motherhood: Healthily and Holistically Transition Back to Work after Having a Baby​A Practical Journal: A Second Brain for MomnesiaA Guide for Working Mothers: Healthily and Holistically Transition to Working Motherhood: A Gentle, Practical Guide to Returning to Work After Having a BabyHer Podcast: Perinatal & Reproductive PerspectivesHer website: perinatalreproductivewellness.comOn Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠employedmotherhood⁠⁠⁠Find her on LinkedIn as Becky Morrison Gleed*Becky is Level 3 Gottman Trained and subscribes to The Gottman Method for couples counseling.*For perinatal providers​, here is the Perinatal Mental health Screening Consultation​ website we discussed - Ingram Screening: https://ingramscreening.com/​Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to SEE ALL EPISODES and share your ideas. Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

Perinatal trauma is more common than we realize, and when ignored, it can have a profound effect on our lives as mothers and consequently, on our families.We welcome Licensed & Certified Trauma and Perinatal Mental Health Therapist,Sultana Karim to discuss trauma and other perinatal struggles. She's a powerhouse who has created a passion out of her pain.As a mother herself, Sultana struggled in  pregnancy with anxiety and depression and then in postpartum after experiencing birth trauma and a NICU stay for her baby. She has also experienced pregnancy loss and is a survivor of childhood trauma. Sultana has advanced training and extensive experience in trauma, domestic violence, sexual trauma, infertility counseling, perinatal mental health, perinatal loss, abortion mental health support, attachment & childhood trauma.  She's the Owner & Perinatal and Trauma Therapist at Karim Counseling Services, PLLC.Sultana is not only a therapist, she's living proof that good therapy can heal many wounds. Highlights:01:29 Understanding Trauma and Therapy05:22 Postpartum Challenges and Support16:53 The Importance of Cultural Understanding in Therapy20:07 Addressing Perinatal Loss23:04 Understanding Miscarriage and Emotional Healing23:39 The Importance of Seeking Support25:44 Challenges of Parenting with a Partner in Law Enforcement and Military28:06 Coping Strategies and Therapy32:02 The Role of Self-Care in Parenting33:27 Creating a Supportive Village39:45 Specialized Services for MomsSultana was a client of, and highly recommends Premier Birth Center in Chantilly, VA. :)Contact Sultana:Sultana Karim, M.A., LCPC, LPC, CCTP, PMH-COwner/PsychotherapistKarim Counseling Services, PLLCw: karimcounseling.orge: skarim@karimcounseling.org-Offering a Free Monthly Virtual Perinatal Loss Support Group on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 12pm (for mothers who had miscarriage(s), TMFR, & still birth)- to register: email me  or visit my contact page here: www.karimcounseling.org/contact/ -Offering a Virtual Perinatal DBT group for overwhelmed and exhausted pregnant and postpartum moms - up to 5 years postpartum- starting 9/18/25 from 7pm-8:30pm, register here: www.karimcounseling.org/group-therapy-for-moms/   -Fast Healing, Lasting Change with EMDR Therapy Intensives: a powerful mind-body therapt that accelerates healing, processes trauma faster, and helps you feel like yourself again. Specialized in process traumatic birth or grief, & past trauma that impacts your parenting; more on my website at www.karimcounseling.org/emdr-intensives/Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

MOM RAGE!!!  It's always been a thing – even when we didn't talk about it, bc it meant we were a bad mom who had no self-control and clearly didn't love our kids or our family for that matter. The good news is...not only have we named it, we've finally started to normalize it! Our dear friend Megan MacCutcheon, PMHC and co-founder of Be Hive Wellness, is here  to change the way we look at Mom Rage. Megan enlightens us through her own lived experience and She shares tools, insights, and more than anything, reassurance that we  are NOT ALONE!For many (if not all) of us, mom rage is part of the reality of being a mom. Once we acknowledge it, we have ways to deal with it and let the same and guilt go before they become part of our lifelong motherhood journey and steal our precious motherhood JOY! This episode will leave you feeling seen and relieved that not only is it more common than you think, mom rage can be dealt with and in the process, might even help us in teaching our children about emotions, accountability and healing. Some highlights by the minute... 01:22 Discussing Mom Rage: A Common Struggle05:51 The Importance of Acknowledging and Repairing10:57 Factors Contributing to Mom Rage14:50 Managing Mom Rage: Tools and Strategies15:50 The Role of Self-Compassion and Community Support21:05 Understanding Internal Dialogue and Self-Doubt26:14 Recognizing and Treating Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMADs)36:37 Flexible Therapy Options for MomsMore on Megan...Ep.8 MATRESCENCE with Megan MacCutcheon On Spotify  The blog article she referenced: https://www.meganmaccutcheon.com/blog/beltmeltdownDownloadable freebie she referenced:https://www.meganmaccutcheon.com/momstoolkit Nicole McNelis - Megan referenced her work with Mom Rage: https://nicolemcnelis.com/For anyone wanting to dive deeper into mom rage:https://www.meganmaccutcheon.com/offers/F452XAzv/checkoutMegan's Websites:https://www.meganmaccutcheon.com/https://bewell-wellness.com/https://behivewellness.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganmaccutcheonpmhchttps://www.instagram.com/bewell__wellnesshttps://www.instagram.com/behivewellnessVisit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Take care of each other!Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

In today's episode, we learn that hormones and pregnancy can be fun - when you discuss them with the most entertaining board-certified OBGYN and truthteller I know, Dr. Shweta Patel.We discuss her books The Book of Hormones , The Book of Pregnancy and soon, The Book of Down Under. They  are part of what will be a collection of 4 books she calls The Book Of Her: Series on Women's Health And Wellness.Dr. Patel was commissioned into the US Navy and served for 13 years as a medical officer. She then moved to Florida and where she provided obstetrical and gynecological care in person, until the pandemic inspired her to create Gaya Wellness-a platform that provides women with virtually comprehensive and convenient healthcare and wellness.  Today, Dr. Patel will help us better understand the role of hormones in our pregnancies, as well as the the lovely symptoms they can cause. We'll also touch on the importance of nutrition and sleep and their impact on our hormonal health whether we're pregnant or not. Connect with Dr. Patel at: https://gayawellness.org/and on Instagram: @gaya_wellnessHer books are available on Amazon: The Book Of Her: Series on Women's Health And Wellness⁠The Book Of Hormones: The Ultimate Playbook For Women's Health And Hormonal Balance Through Every Stage Of Life (The Book Of Her: Series on Women's Health And Wellness) (November 30, 2024)It's phenomenal! ~Mamistad :)The Book Of Pregnancy: The Ultimate Playbook To An Empowered Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum On YOUR Terms (The Book Of Her: Series on Women's Health And Wellness) Paperback – March 17, 2025Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

In honor of Mother's Day this episode celebrates the beauty of motherhood in all its forms. It also honors those moms who have left this earth, and those of us who revere and cherish them. Gia lost her mom only a few months prior to this recording, and my own precious mom battled Alzheimer's from 2004 to 2012.  If you have a mom, if you have a child, if you nurture and love a child, we celebrate you!My guest today is my dear friend of nineteen years, Gia Mariam Hasan. Mariam is an integrative wellness coach, facilitator, and clinical and functional nutritionist. She is a trained mindfulness meditation teacher and stress and resilience coach. She was born in the UK and later lived and worked in the Middle East as a reporter and in refugee camps.I met Gia when she joined Mamistad in 2007. We were instantly connected. Gia was like a missing piece in my life's puzzle. She was (and still is) beautiful and wise beyond her years.  I know now that her mom plays a huge role in that.Over the years, we lost touch for a while, though she always remained an inspiration for me. Gia and I recently reconnected when I learned that her precious mother, Selma, had passed away last December. My heart broke for her. I remember how connected she's always been to her mother. I reached out and we picked up where we left off. This time though, we're both navigating motherhood without the earthly guidance of our incredible mothers. After an eight-year journey with Alzheimer's my own mom defeated it and departed this earth in 2012.I asked Gia to join me for this special episode to honor her mom, as I honor mine. I knew she would bring her usual grace, beauty and love to the discussion, and she did not disappoint.  Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

How you choose to deliver your baby should absolutely be your decision and based on your pregnancy and personal needs. In this episode, we explore the option of midwifery with ​Hilary Biesecker, Certified Nurse Midwife, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse & Founder Loudoun Homebirth & Healthcare.Hilary began her path to midwifery in 1999 as a certified doula. She then earned an undergraduate nursing degree and practiced as a L&D nurse while earning her graduate degree in Nursing -midwifery. She has attended more than 600 births and has naturally birthed her own four children - the final two as she says, "into the loving hands of midwives".Hiliary believes in helping parents learn about their options ​while respecting their decisions so that everybody in the delivery room is on the same page.She feels every woman deserves to feel supported, respected and heard during her pregnancy, delivery and postpartum.Timestamps to our topics: 00:00 Introduction to Mamistad and Mom Chat00:40 Exploring Midwifery with Hillary Beker02:06 Hillary Beker's Journey to Midwifery03:06 The Importance of Natural Birth07:16 Challenges and Realities of Hospital Births09:21 Empowering Women Through Informed Choices14:51 Historical Context and Midwifery's Role25:48 Personal Stories and Family Experiences28:42 Home Birth Journey Begins29:34 Discovering Midwifery30:30 Advocating for Home Birth32:17 Midwifery in Different Cultures33:00 The Role of Black Midwives34:11 Becoming a Midwife36:03 Midwifery Practice and Philosophy45:29 Supporting Mothers Post-Birth49:02 Home Birth Transfers52:05 Resources and Support for Mothers53:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts​You can find Hilary at Loudoun Homebirth & Healthcare and The Body, Birth, and Baby Center.The famous Ina May Gaskin, author of countless books on midwifery and childbirth who is known as the “mother of authentic midwifery.” once said:Whenever and however you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life. Find more on​ her here: https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/ina-may-gaskin/Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

#BMHW25In this episode, we spotlight Black Maternal Health Week. Held annually on April 11-17th, BMHW is a week-long campaign founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to build awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives and lived experiences of Black Mamas and birthing people.We also welcome back our dear friend,  Samantha Griffin .She's an amazing doula and founder of DC Metro Maternity, a group of black women who are incredibly passionate about providing professional doula support to women of color and their partners.It is shameful that in 2025, our black sisters are still embarking on their new motherhood experiences with a horrible statistic looming over their heads. Black women are dying at a rate nearly 3.5 times higher during and after childbirth. Samantha helps us understand some of the outdated but still prevalent reasons for this statistic.According to the AMA,  “racial essentialism" is a decades-old belief that races are biologically distinct groups determined by genes AND HAS NO scientific basis - yet, it lingers, along with many other racist ideas, in U.S. health policies and clinical practices. Along with racism in medicine, the belief has perpetuated generations of harm.We discuss the concept of RACE MEDICINE: which uses race as a biological variable in healthcare, and can perpetuate inequities and biases. ​Dr. Dorothy Roberts (a social justice advocate and law professor at the University of Pennsylvania) states: race medicine is bad medicine. It's poor science, and it's a false interpretation of humanity. It is more urgent than ever to finally abandon this backward legacy to affirm our common humanity by ending the social inequalities that truly divide us.The GOAL: "Race-conscious medicine"  where race is no longer relied on as a biological determinant, but where structural racism's impact on health is acknowledged.and ultimately, better healthcare exists for all, but especially black mothers, - because black mothers should NOT have to add fear for their lives to the many concerns all new moms face.​Black Maternal Health Week/Black Mamas Matter:  https://blackmamasmatter.org/bmhw25/Samantha Griffin's website: https://dcmetromaternity.com/Samantha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcmetromaternity/Race Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2025/02/race-is-not-biologyDr. Dorothy Roberts TED TalkShe has authored and co­-edited ten books, including the award-­winning Killing the Black Body and Shattered Bonds. Her latest book is Fatal Invention: How Science, Politics, and Big Business Re­-create Race in the Twenty­-First Century.birthFUND: https://www.thebirthfund.com/Midwifery care provider parntered with birthFUND:  The Victoria Project - https://www.the-victoria-project.com/Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

Our esteemed guest, Denise Stern, is a mother of three and Founder and CEO of Let Mommy Sleep - a nationally acclaimed company that offers a simple service: nurturing, overnight care to newborns and evidence-based education to their parents.Let Mommy Sleep has become the country’s leading Baby Nurse and Postpartum Care service  by building and maintaining a team of newborn care experts, baby nurses (RN/LPN) and postpartum doulas across the US. They support families with single babies, twins & triplets with services including:Newborn CareBaby Basics ClassPostpartum VisitsSleep TrainingCorporate CareDenise is also an advocate for working families on the national stage, working with expecting parents, families with small children, and mothers transitioning back into the workplace after childbirth.Let Mommy Sleep is the country's only newborn care franchise and their non-profit, Mission Sleep, provides free care to military and first responder families whose babies arrive when a partner is deployed, wounded or deceased.Denise continues to be a sought after contributor to local and national media appearing on such outlets as NPR, What to Expect, Care.com, The Associated Press and the Washington Post and now, Mom Chat! :)In this episode, Denise shares why she believes whole-heartedly in her work that was born out of her own life experiences. She has some wise words for us about the importance of support during the critical newborn period. Times have changed and we owe it to ourselves to change the way we look at newborn care. Just Googling Denise Stern will bring up TONS about her and if you want to learn more about her services, find everything you need at: https://letmommysleep.com/Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.*Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.