BDA Baby (Before, During and After Baby)

This episode was recorded before my baby arrived, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you!  Days before I had my baby, I spoke with Jane Baecher, founder of Anya, about the profound lack of support for mothers during the postpartum period—a gap that inspired her to create a company focused on healing and recovery. Anya was born from Jane’s personal postpartum struggles and her realization that many mothers are left to navigate this challenging phase alone, with little guidance or resources.  In our conversation, Jane shares how Anya addresses this white space by providing tools, products, and information that support moms during the weeks, months, and even years after birth. We discuss everything from societal stigmas around postpartum recovery to the importance of nourishment, rest, and self-care. Jane also explains how traditions from other cultures inspired her approach, creating solutions that truly prioritize the well-being of mothers.  This episode is a powerful reminder of the changes we need to see in postpartum care and how one company is working to redefine recovery for moms everywhere.  Shop Anya here: https://amzn.to/41FdEiE  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Brooklyn Decker joins us today to share her postpartum and motherhood experiences. She shares the challenges many women face with pregnancy and postpartum care. Brooklyn speaks about the lack of preparation many women face regarding maternal health, particularly the physical and emotional aspects of giving birth. Brooklyn shares about her collaboration with Bodily, a brand dedicated to supporting mothers. Throughout our conversation, Brooklyn emphasizes the importance of open and honest conversations about maternal health, as well as better support for new mothers. We discuss the important topic of maternal mortality and why it is important for moms to share their experiences with others. Brooklyn shares her impactful motherhood experience with us all, aiming to destigmatize the challenges of motherhood while promoting better care for mothers.  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

This episode was recorded before my baby arrived, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you!  This week on BDA Baby, we sit down with Dr. Becky Kennedy to tackle some of the biggest parenting challenges today. With the holidays approaching, many of us struggle with setting boundaries for our kids—especially with family. Dr. Becky offers a fresh perspective, reframing boundaries as something we will do rather than placing expectations on others. We also dive into the challenges of managing technology with kids and how to keep them safe in today’s digital world. Dr. Becky introduces us to her company, Good Inside, which offers valuable resources to help parents raise resilient, confident kids in an ever-changing world.  Tune in for a practical and empowering conversation just in time for the holidays!  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Maegan Brown, better known as The BakerMama, joins us today to discuss her new book Brilliant Bites: 75 Amazing Small Bites for Any Occasion. Maegan talks to us about her journey in the culinary world and how she involves the whole family in the kitchen! She speaks about the importance of involving children in cooking from a young age. Maegan encourages parents to create a welcoming kitchen environment where kids can participate in meal preparation. Maegan shares how the recipes in her new book are designed to be approachable and customizable, making them even suitable for picky eaters!  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

This week, Tia Mowry joins us to share her journey through major life transitions, from single motherhood to personal growth and embracing new beginnings. Tia opens up about the ups and downs of this new chapter, her dedication to being present in every moment, and the healing practices that help her stay grounded. We discuss how she balances the demands of motherhood, prioritizes self-care, and creates a safe, emotionally open environment for her kids. Tia also shares her insights on dealing with uncomfortable feelings, practicing self-compassion, and building a support system. Through this heartfelt conversation, Tia reminds us that embracing discomfort is key to personal growth and that joy is found in the present moment.  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Laura from Brightly joins us today to discuss sustainable parenting practices. Laura shares how parents can help reduce waste and make eco-friendly choices. We discuss the need for realistic and accessible solutions for parents, such as cloth diapering, meal planning to reduce food waste, and using eco-friendly alternatives for food storage. We discuss the importance of community support among parents, and Laura shares her tips for sharing baby items in order to reduce consumption. Our conversation is loaded with lots of tips to begin to make simple eco-friendly swaps as busy parents. Be sure to listen to this episode for advice and resources on eco-friendly practices!  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Tovah Haim, founder and CEO of Bodily, joins us today to discuss postpartum and postpartum isolation. Tovah founded her company Bodily in order to raise awareness about postpartum isolation. Bodily aims to provide resources for both mothers and their partners in order to foster both understanding and empathy regarding the postpartum time. We discuss the unique challenges new mothers face and how important education and community support are for new parents. We discuss how many women often feel alone during postpartum, despite having people around them. We discuss the need for normalizing discussions about the realities of the postpartum  period and how to best facilitate those discussions. Our conversation is packed with lots of information about the postpartum period; be sure to listen as Tovah shares her wisdom and resources.  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

This week, we’re joined by Alice Tapper, the inspiring young author of Use Your Voice, a book inspired by her experience with misdiagnosed appendicitis. Alice shares how this lighter retelling of her journey encourages kids to speak up when they’re in pain and reminds parents not to ignore the signs when something feels off. As Alice begins her next chapter at the University of Michigan, she’s already making an impact by helping launch their Center for Diagnostic Excellence. Join us for an empowering conversation about advocating for health, trusting your instincts, and inspiring the next generation to use their voice.  Purchase Use Your Voice here: https://amzn.to/40Y26qq Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Kelly LeVeque, functional nutritionist and best-selling author, joins us today to discuss the critical role of nutrition before, during, and after baby. Kelly talks about the importance of proper nutrition postpartum and how it aids in recovery and milk production. We discuss the book “The First Forty Days”, which is a must read for postpartum nutrition. Kelly shares how warm foods aid in digestion postpartum as well as the need for essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and folate. We discuss pregnancy cravings, the importance of protein intake, and lactation cookies. Kelly shares her superfood recommendations for women before, during, and after baby as well as resources for new mothers. Our conversation is packed with loads of information about nutrition, be sure to listen as Kelly shares invaluable advice for both new and seasoned moms.  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Becky Vieira joins us today to discuss her book, Enough About the Baby: A Brutally Honest Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood. Becky’s book serves both as a resource and a love letter to new moms, offering insights and support during a transformative time in their life. Becky shares with us the importance of addressing the postpartum experience, as well as the importance of support and understanding in navigating the postpartum period. She shares her personal postpartum journey with us, while emphasizing that postpartum looks different for everyone. Becky encourages mothers to trust their instincts and that it is okay to seek help when needed. We discuss the unrealistic expectations placed on new mothers and the pressure mothers feel to bounce back after birth. Be sure to listen as Becky shares invaluable advice for both new and seasoned moms.  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

This week, we’re diving into the world of acupuncture with Katya Mosely from Spirit Gate Acupuncture and Wellness. Katya breaks down how acupuncture can support hormone health and fertility, helping at every stage—whether you’re trying to conceive, navigating postpartum, or managing menopause. For those a bit nervous about needles, Katya offers reassuring tips on how she creates a comfortable experience for even the most needle-phobic clients. She shares her philosophy of “befriending our challenges” and explains how acupuncture can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety, improving fertility, and achieving deep relaxation. Katya’s insights will leave you inspired to explore the transformative benefits of acupuncture!  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Dr. Shannon Clark (Babies After 35) joins us today to discuss her journey through infertility and the impact of her social media account in educating others about reproductive health. Dr. Clark underwent IVF treatment and discusses the challenges she faced. She talks to us about her multiple failed embryo transfers and her complicated twin pregnancy. We discuss the importance of addressing medical misinformation, particularly on social media. Dr. Clark urges listeners to seek medical advice early in their family planning journeys and urges listeners to have proactive conversations with doctors. We discuss both the emotional and financial toll of infertility, as well as tips for managing anxiety during pregnancy. Our conversation is filled with tons of insights on all things fertility! Be sure to listen in as Dr. Clark shares invaluable advice on this important topic.  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

In this episode, Dr. Aviva Romm joins us to discuss hormone health and the lifestyle and environmental factors impacting young girls and women today. With girls entering puberty at younger ages, Dr. Romm sheds light on the role of environmental factors, including endocrine disruptors that are present in everyday items. She shares practical tips for reducing exposure—covering everything from food choices to household products—while emphasizing that as parents, we are just doing our best with the information we have. Dr. Romm encourages us to make small, manageable changes and to keep conversations about puberty and health open with our kids.  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Ashley Spivey joins us today to talk about infertility and pregnancy loss. She shares her journey navigating unexplained infertility. Ashley shares how she experienced multiple pregnancies and losses and the emotional toll it took on her. Throughout our conversation, Ashley highlights the importance of women trusting their instincts and the importance of asking questions during medical appointments. Ashley also speaks to us about the importance of political activism in raising awareness about stillbirth prevention, the need for better resources for families that experience pregnancy loss, and the importance of paid time off after pregnancy loss. Our conversation is emotional as Ashley shares her journey in the hopes it empowers others facing similar challenges to find the support they need and deserve.  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

This week, we’re joined by Jessi Malay as she shares her journey into motherhood, raising three daughters, and how she and her husband prioritize communication and boundaries to stay connected . We talk about all 3 of Jessi’s pregnancies and births, all very different experiences. Jessi opens up about the joy of watching her 3 girls grow into their unique selves while balancing the ups and downs of raising siblings. She also talks about how each of her pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum experiences were completely different, and how advocating for herself became a key lesson through it all. We dive into the importance of setting boundaries, and how she and her husband work together to balance parenting, career, and home life with healthy communication. Jessi’s story is filled with lessons on strength, partnership, and embracing every moment of motherhood.  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Ashley Lemieux joins us today to talk about her journey to motherhood. In our open and honest conversation, Ashley shares the details of her pregnancy loss with us, recounting her struggles with grief after losing two children and the healing process that followed. She emphasizes the importance of community support during pregnancy and the importance of honest conversations. We reflect on the pressures of motherhood, the need for compassion both for ourselves and others, and the importance of sharing our experiences to support one another in our parenting journeys. We discuss breastfeeding, introducing solids, pregnancy loss, grief, support, societal pressures, and so much more!    Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

This week, we talk with Julie Scelfo mother, journalist and, founder of MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction), to discuss her mission to combat media addiction in kids. Julie explains how the rising mental health crisis among youth is deeply tied to media overuse. She shares practical tips for parents on managing their kids' screen time, advocating for less tech in schools, and the importance of being aware of all types of media’s impact. We also dive into the latest legislative efforts aimed at limiting the addictive algorithms used on platforms frequented by children.  To learn more, check out MAMA’s website at the link below!  https://www.joinmama.org Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video! 

My dad, Arnold Schwarzenegger, joins us today to talk about all things fatherhood! We discuss my dad’s parenting style, and he shares anecdotes from my childhood. My dad shares how his strict household rules, such as chores and curfews, ultimately shaped my siblings and I into the people we are today. He candidly shares his favorite parts of fatherhood with me, too! We discuss the joys of being a grandfather, and my dad shares how fun it is to enjoy time with his grandkids. Our conversation showcases the joys of fatherhood, and the lessons learned along the way. Be sure to tune in to this heartfelt and hilarious conversation!  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video! 

It’s election season and a lot of us are wondering how to navigate this topic with our kids. This week on #BDABaby, we’re diving into a conversation with Lindsey Cormack, author of new book “how to raise a citizen”, all about raising kids who are thoughtful, mindful and are inspired to make positive change in their communities and the world. ! In today’s polarized world, the subject of politics and the election climate is pretty much unavoidable. Which is why it’s more important than ever to teach our children how to navigate complex topics and stay engaged in their communities. Lindsey shares her expert tips on how to talk about politics with your kids depending on their age group and how to help them understand their power to create change. No surprise here but it all starts with us as people and parents being watched by little ones, so start by leading by example.   Check out Lindsey’s new book How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up To You To Do It) at the link below!  https://amzn.to/3ZZA90Y Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Ariane Goldman, founder of HATCH, joins us today to talk about her company, HATCH. Ariane shares her journey and inspiration to start HATCH and how it quickly grew into an online platform that fostered a supportive community that addresses the needs of women during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. In our conversation, Ariane emphasizes the need for open and honest communication surrounding women’s health and topics such as maternity leave and postpartum. We discuss how it is important for women to have options and support during their motherhood journeys. Ariane shares her perspective on being a working mom and how she balances it all. Our conversation highlights the importance of community as well as HATCH’s evolution to serve the needs of mothers.  Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!