Finding Your Village

Thank you so much for listening to this episode today. This episode is really just to express my gratitude and provide a conclusion update to everyone. It's a quick one, and I'm here to announce that I've decided to end this season of my life in podcasting. As a result, there will be no new episodes of the Finding Your Village podcast. However, all 137 episodes will remain available for you to listen to anytime as resources.I just want to take the time to say thank you. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has listened to one episode, all 137 episodes, or anywhere in between. I appreciate you and the opportunity to have recorded these episodes over the past three-plus years. This podcast has been a jumping-off point for me in pivoting my career and helping me settle into parenting. It has been a significant outlet for me to process my experiences as a parent, especially since I launched the podcast in February of 2020 and entered the global pandemic and parenthood the following month. This podcast has been with me through the ups and downs of parenting, the pandemic, and my recovery journey. I'm incredibly grateful for it, but I've come to the conclusion that the time has come for me to end this season.I also want to say thank you to every single guest who has appeared on this show. The connections I've made through interviewing guests have been phenomenal and way more than I expected. Some guests have become close personal friends, important members of my parenting village and support system, business partners, and more. Some conversations have shaped the next chapter of my life, especially as a parent. I just wanted to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to every single guest and listener.While I feel both sadness and peace with my decision to stop recording new episodes, I'm also excited to move on to the next phase of my development as a birth worker. This podcast was the jumping-off point for me to pivot from my previous corporate job to now working with Postpartum Support International and Birthing from Within. It's now my job to help support parents as they embark on their parenting journey, and I can't express enough how grateful I am for that.If you'd like to stay in touch and see what I'm up to, I'm not going anywhere—I'm just pivoting where I show up in life and online. You can find me mainly on TikTok at Finding Your Village, as well as on Instagram at Finding Your Village, and on my website at findingyourvillage.com. My contact information is available there, so feel free to email me at amanda@findingyourvillage.com.To wrap this up, I just want to say thank you one last time. I appreciate you all, and I sincerely hope that you stay healthy, safe, and connected.Get in touch with me: Take the 4 Day Birth ClassFollow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind past episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening, in today's episode, I'll be discussing the concept of being a "good enough" parent. This idea might be surprising to some, but it's an essential perspective that can help relieve the pressures and anxieties that often accompany parenthood. So, let's dive in.The term "good enough parent" was first introduced by British psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott in the 1950s. The concept suggests that parents don't need to be perfect; instead, they simply need to provide a loving, nurturing, and safe environment that allows their children to grow and develop into healthy, well-adjusted adults. It's important to recognize that no parent is perfect, and that's okay. All parents make mistakes, and the key is to learn from those mistakes and strive to do better moving forward.So, what are some practical tips for becoming a "good enough" parent? One of the main aspects is being present and attentive to your child's needs. This means listening to them, empathizing with their feelings, and validating their experiences. Emotional connection is crucial for your child's well-being.Setting boundaries are also important components of the "good enough" parenting model. Setting boundaries creates a safe and secure environment for your child, helping them understand the consequences of their actions and teaching them important life skills. In Birthing from Within birth classes we do an exercise about what a good enough parent is. I’ll summarize it and feel free to join in. To start, think about the term “bad parent”, now write down or think of some words associated with what it means for someone considered to be a bad parent. Next, think about the term “good parent”, and write down or think about the words or phrases you associate with what it means to be a good parent. Finally, think about the term “good enough parent” and jot down or think of the phrases that come to mind. Do you find that the phrases associated with being a good enough parent are somewhere in the middle of the first two, perhaps closer linked with being a good parent? Maybe they are a step down from being a good parent. For instance, if you thought of reading to your kids everyday as something associated with being a good parent, perhaps you could think of reading to your kids every other day or every week as a good enough parent alternative. In conclusion, remember that being a good enough parent is about progress, not perfection. Give yourself grace and be patient with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. Your love, support, and presence are what truly matter to your child. I hope that you found this episode enlightening and that it helps you on your journey towards becoming a "good enough" parent.  Get in touch with me: Sign up for a live virtual birth class in April or MayTake the 4 Day Birth ClassFollow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. In today’s episode, I interview Dr. Sam Rader, who is a former psychologist who took what she learned about childhood development, personality, and growth   and turned it into a new healing modality called Source Code. Source Code allows us to peel back the curtain on why we are the way we are, and what we can do about it. It helps us understand how our negative patterns get formed during childhood, and shows us that we can let go of our outdated defense mechanisms to reveal more of who we really are--our true essence of joy, ease, and love. We can use Source Code to recode ourselves and to parent our children differently, so that we enjoy happier, healthier, more beautiful lives.How to follow Dr. Sam:WebsiteInstagramParenting as Love CourseHow to get in touch with me: Take the 4 Day Birth ClassGet the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

 Today, I’ll be introducing a new preparation method that I have been working on for awhile now! I call it the LEAP Method and it is a four-component system for preparing to have a baby. I have taught birth classes over the years, created pregnancy and postpartum content and worked with hundreds of birth and parenting professionals and my takeaway from all that work is that there are four main things that parents can do to prepare for the arrival of their new baby.Those four things became the LEAP Method, a four-component system designed to help new parents prepare for the arrival of their baby. So here is what LEAP stands for. LEAP represents the four things that all parents can focus on to prepare to bring home a new baby. L stands for Learning, E is for Emotional awareness, A is for Administrative tasks, and P is for products:Learning:Importance of acquiring knowledge and skills for baby care, postpartum self-care, and coping strategiesAdapting the learning process to suit individual family needsEmotional Awareness:Recognizing and navigating the emotional challenges of new parenthood, including hormonal changes and mood swingsImportance of understanding perinatal mood disorders for both parentsResources available to help cope with these emotionsAdministrative Tasks:Planning for and completing necessary tasks before and after the baby's arrival, such as doctor's appointments, maternity/paternity leave, and finding a pediatricianImportance of staying organized for a smooth transition into parenthoodProducts:Identifying essential products and services for new parents, including physical, digital, and service-related productsBalancing priorities and budget while choosing productsThe role of professionals such as doulas, lactation consultants, and postpartum doulas in your support systemLinks mentioned:Get the Confident New Parent Class!Click here to take the 1 minute podcast survey Contact formGet in touch with me: Sign up for a live virtual birth class in April or MayTake the 4 Day Birth ClassFollow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. Today we are talking about play therapy, a treatment modality for children experiencing emotional, behavioral, or adjustment issues. We discuss the benefits of play therapy, how to find a play therapist, and when it might be appropriate for your child. Our guest is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Doctor of Educational Psychology (EDD),  Lindsey Epstein Webster. Lindsey is a therapist who has been in practice now for 12 years. She specializes in working with children and families and has been trained in attachment based non-directive play therapy. She is also the parent to a beautiful 5 year old little girl. Prior to the pandemic Lindsey did play therapy in office and now predominantly works with parents on offering dyadic strategies to help improve their children's ability to identify and express emotions and improve overall behavior in both the home and academic setting.In this episode we discussed:Definition and explanation of play therapyFirst session expectations for parents and childrenAge recommendations for beginning play therapyExplanation of various terms: non-directive play therapy, dyadic therapy, and adjustment disorderDuration of play therapy for childrenSigns that a child might benefit from play therapyThe role of parents in the play therapy processFinding a play therapistChallenges of play therapy during the pandemic and alternative optionsImportance of play therapy techniques for parentingKey Points:Play therapy is a primary modality for treating emotional, behavioral, and adjustment issues in nonverbal to early elementary age children.Non-directive play therapy allows the child to guide the session while the therapist observes and interprets their play.Dyadic therapy involves the parent and child working together with the therapist.Adjustment disorder is a general diagnosis used when a change in a child's life is causing emotional or behavioral problems.The length of play therapy can vary depending on the child's needs and external factors.Parents can find play therapists through the National Association for Registered Play Therapists, insurance providers, or word of mouth.Play therapy techniques can be beneficial for both the child and parent in navigating emotional challenges.How to follow Lindsey:WebsiteHow to get in touch with me: Take the 4 Day Birth ClassGet the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

In episode 128, we talked about the phases and stages of labor and we mainly focused on the mother’s experience. In today’s episode, we are going to focus more on the baby’s experience and what gets labor going.In this episode we discuss:What Starts Labor:The uterus goes through hormonal and physical changes to prepare for labor and delivery.The baby's maturing organs produce surfactant, which sends signals to start labor.Oxytocin hormone causes uterine contractions that lead to cervical dilation and birth.Baby's Experience During Labor:The baby is gently pushed down into the pelvis and moves through the birth canal.The baby's head may mold and change shape to fit through the narrow opening of the pelvis.Hormones produced by the mother's body can provide natural pain relief and promote bonding.After birth, the baby takes its first breath, may cry, and is often placed skin-to-skin with the mother.Click here to take the 1 minute survey to give me feedback on what topics you'd like to hear in future episodesHow to get in touch with me: Get the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. Today I am talking to Heidi Mills about what we have been noticing on social media in the birth world. There is a lot of division between doulas and OBGYNs and/or clinicians and non-clinicians over spreading misinformation on social media. Heidi and talk about what we have noticed and how it can impact pregnant people. Heidi Mills is a Certified Birth Doula, owner of Bloc Births LLC, and content creator at the handle "whatadoulado". As a hospital-based doula, she has had the opportunity to support a wide range of births, from unmedicated deliveries to planned c-sections. Heidi is passionate about expanding doula care to be accessible to all birth experiences, so every family can have the support they need during this pivotal experience.In this episode, we discuss the growing division between the more holistic, natural-focused world of doulas and alternative practitioners and the more medically-centered care providers. The episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration between medical professionals and doulas to lead to the best possible outcomes for parents and their babies.We discussed:The growing division between the holistic and medical approach to pregnancy and birthThe role of social media in perpetuating this divisionThe importance of vetting sources on social media and seeking balanced and collaborative careAvoiding divisive language and focusing on helping pregnant individualsBeing mindful of raw emotions when creating content for social media and taking a step back to process them properlyUnderstanding the intentions of content creators on social media and using the "not interested" button or blocking them if necessaryThe role of doulas in providing physical, emotional, and informational support during childbirth and the importance of never making absolute statementsThe need to focus on building skills to provide better support to pregnant individuals.How to follow Heidi:TikTokInstagramHow to get in touch with me: Take the 4 Day Birth ClassGet the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. Today I have invited a friend back to talk about why gentle parenting is so hard. Marisa Hughes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Reparenting and Parenting Coach and mom of 2. She specializes in trauma therapy and is certified in perinatal mental health. Marisa is passionate about helping moms reparent themselves so they can break generational cycles and parent their children with authenticity and intention.How to get in touch with Marisa:WebsiteInstagramHow to get in touch with me: Take the 4 Day Birth ClassGet the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. Today we are talking about the transformation that happens when you become a parent and how that can impact your decision making abilities. Our guest to discuss this is Marin Laukka. Marin Laukka is a decision coach and speaker with a Master's Degree in positive developmental psychology and certifications in budget coaching, life coaching, and yoga. As the business owner of Yes&, Marin passionately supports women with 1:1 and group coaching programs to overcome exhausting patterns of perfectionism and self-doubt so they can make confident decisions that lead to authentic meaning and freedom for their life. Over 276 clients and audiences around the United States have applied Marin’s coaching to end procrastination, overthinking, indecision, and regret so they can clarify what they want, strengthen self-trust, and experience true happiness.Marin is also the #1 New Release author of Ready Enough: Your 7-Step Guide for Life's Hardest Decisions. For an introduction to her work, preview chapter 1 for free at www.yesandbymarin.com/readyenough.How to get in touch with Marin:WebsiteInstagramHow to get in touch with me: Take the 4 Day Birth ClassGet the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

In today’s episode, we are talking about the phases and stages of labor.What do I mean by phases and stages? There are four main stages of labor, these are the big catagories. Then within the first STAGE of labor, there are 3 phases within that.So I’ll start with an overview of the four main stages, then I’ll go into detail for each one.The first stage of labor is what most people think of when they of a person being in labor. It’s when a birthing person’s cervix dilates to 10 centimeters. The second stage of labor is the pushing phase. The third stage of labor is the delivery of the placenta, or what I call the most forgotten part of labor. The fourth and final stage of labor is called involution. This is when the uterus contracts back down to its pre-pregnancy size and this is the longest stage of labor as it takes about 6 weeks.Three phases of the first stage of labor: Phase 1: early laborPhase 2: active laborPhase 3: transitionHere is the Four Day Birth Class I talked about in the episodeHow to get in touch with me: Take the 4 Day Birth ClassGet the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

In today’s short episode, we are kicking off season 6 of the podcast. I am planning on getting more intentional about the podcast moving forward and trying to align my content into more of a topic based focus. One thing I am thinking of incorporating is sharing birth stories. If this is something that interests you, I would love to hear from you. I have created a 60 second survey to go along with this episode, and it will be available in the show notes of this episode and on my website. If you like the idea of hearing birth stories on the podcast or if you would like to share your birth story on the show, please click the link below and take 1 minute to fill out the survey letting me know if you would like to hear birth stories and whether or not you would like to share yours! Click here to take the 1 minute survey!Another thing I am considering adding to the podcast episode repertoire is guided meditations for birth and postpartum. If that is something that interests you as well, please let me know in that survey.I really love hearing from you. Its challenging to do that with podcasts because they are so disparate in how people listen to them, unlike social media where I can say “leave a comment” so I would absolutely love to hear from you in the survey. I will leave an area in it too for open input on topics that you’d like to hear about. What I have in store for this season is: Understanding where we learn about birth at a young age and how that impacts us in preparing to give birth to our own babies in adulthoodWhat starts labor, what our body is doing during the process and what baby’s experience is likeFetal positioning and physiologyPain coping practices and relaxation techniques during laborThe phases and stages of laborAll about pushing and all about cesarean birthsA partners role during labor and birthWhat happens right after baby is bornHow to advocate for yourself and babyLots of postpartum topics, like getting into a routine with baby, caring for yourself in the days after delivery, newborn care and making a postpartum planI am also going to change up this season by having a mix of both solo episodes and guest episodes annnnd I am hoping to hear some of you on here too share your birth stories!I’m looking forward to this season and for making this change that is more aligned with my overall vision for finding your village. Thank you so much for listening and if you have one minute to take the survey, it would help me out a lot. Thank you!How to get in touch with me: Get the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. Today we are talking about communication between couples in the early days of parenting. Our guests to talk about this are Meagan and Jeremiah Conley. They are married with three kids and host a podcast, called The Minivan Years, that focuses on improving family relationships.This will be the last episode of Season 6! We are taking a short break for the holidays and will kick off Season 7 in early January. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!In this episode we discussed:The Conley’s background and history of their communication as a coupleThe difficulty of communication when you have babies and toddlersThe difference between having a baby in your early twenties and early thirtiesEpisode 7 of the Minivan YearsThe Conley’s tips and communication advice for new parentsHow to get in touch with Meagan and Jeremiah:PodcastFacebookInstagramHow to get in touch with me: Get the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. Today we are talking about baby wearing and our guest is Carly Flemming, who is one of the founders of the Fourth Trimester Foundations. They are registered nurses who found their passion working in the postpartum & newborn speciality. They met working at work and identified that most of their patients, especially the first time moms, were completely uninformed about what would happen to their own healing bodies after birth. They decided to change that narrative together by founding Fourth Trimester Foundations.They’re also moms of many littles, so they’ve been right there on the other side of the bed too! (They’ve got 5 children between them) They know the transition to motherhood, even if it’s not your first baby, is beautiful, messy, transformative, and full of growing pains.In this episode we discussed:Baby wearing 101SafetyTypes of carriersVideo of Carly putting on a carrierHow to get in touch with CarlyWebsiteInstagramTikTokHow to get in touch with me: Get the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. Today we are talking about alternatives to screen time for toddlers and preschoolers. Our guest to talk about this today is Bradley Morris. Bradley is the founder of Majik Kids (alongside his son, Sauryn). His mission is to raise the Spiritometer on Planet Earth by spreading joy to the world via Majik Kids' magical audio stories, illustrated books, imagination meditations & music (the first ever Fair Trade Publishing company). To date, Bradley has written and published 12 children's books and incredible audio stories . As a homeschooling dad, he believes in fostering imagination, creativity & curiosity in kids, so they grow up to be empowered, confident, caring grown-ups. For fun, he plays professional golf.In this episode we discussed:Screen time recommendationsAlternative options for screen timeAudio stories and activities for kids to spark their imagination and creativityHow to get in touch with Bradley: WebsiteInstagramBlogSpotifyHow to get in touch with me: Get the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. Today we are talking about healing trauma with Holographic Memory Resolution. Our guest to discuss this is Lenora Edwards, who was on the show a couple weeks ago. Our guest to talk about this Lenora Edwards and she is an ASHA Board Certified Speech Language PathologistResources for healing trauma:Holographic Memory ResolutionEMDRBooks mentioned in the episodeThe Body Keeps the ScoreWaking the TigerHow to get in touch with me: Get the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. Our guest today is Lou-Ann Wattley Belk. As the creator of Well Worth Watering, Lou-Ann's goal is to empower parents with soulfully-curated childbirth education classes and postpartum services that honor each unique birth journey. At the core of Well Worth Watering’s mission is the belief that the birthing year offers seeds of self-discovery that bloom for the rest of our parenting lives. She also believes in creating space for the telling and holding of powerful stories, specifically those of black birthing people as heard on her podcast.How to follow Lou-Ann:WebsiteInstagramFacebookPodcastHow to get in touch with me: Get the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. In today’s show we are going to be talking about making speech therapy more affordable and accessible. Our guest to talk about this Lenora Edwards and she is an ASHA Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist working with Better Speech. She works with individuals of all ages from little toddlers and children who are learning to understand and express themselves.In this episode we discuss: What speech pathology is and what a speech pathologist doesWhy early intervention is so importantGuidelines on screen time for toddlersHow Better Speech makes speech therapy more affordable and accessibleHow to follow Lenora:WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeHow to get in touch with me: NEW: $29 Birth ClassGet the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. In today’s show we are going to be talking about why it is so important to vote in the midterm elections in the US, and how  you can do it even if you are a postpartum mom. Our guest to talk about this is Emily Tisch Sussman is a podcast host, women’s empowerment and family policy advocate, leading democratic political strategist, contributor to Marie Claire and Parents,  and mother of three. She  has made over 250 appearances on MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, HLN, and CBS. Season 2 of her podcast She Pivots is set to release in Spring of 2023.In this episode we discuss: Emily’s story of having 3 kids, close together and how it impacted her career as a political strategistWhy it is so important to vote in this midterm electionThe decisions about women’s healthcare that are on the ballotHow difficult it is for a parent, especially a mom, to vote while they are postpartum or have little kidsResources to help you get out and vote:Vote.org Swingleft.orgRunforsomething.net Emilyslist.org How to follow Emily: She Pivots the PodcastInstagramHow to get in touch with me: NEW: $29 Birth ClassGet the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. In today’s show we are going to be talking about a lesser discussed topic, which is Postpartum Psychosis. Our guest to discuss this is Megan MacCutcheon. Megan is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Perinatal Mental Health practitioner who helps overwhelmed moms find a sense of balance while raising young children. As a busy mom of three, Megan knows that motherhood is a juggling act. She loves teaching tools and strategies to help moms de-stress and embrace self-care so they can better navigate challenges associated with parenting.She is passionate about spreading awareness regarding the various and very common perinatal mood and anxiety disorders women can experience, and enjoys supporting moms through healing and finding fulfillment in their journeys. She is the co-founder of Perinatal Place, a resource to help women in her community get access to all the resources they may need during pregnancy and postpartum.In this episode we discuss: What Postpartum/Perinatal Psychosis isHow it differs from Postpartum OCDResources that are available for help and supportMegan’s blog about the topicMegan’s training videoHow to get in touch with Megan:WebsiteInstagramHow to get in touch with me: NEW: $29 Birth ClassGet the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show

Thank you so much for listening. In today’s show we are going to be talking about using alchemical hypnotherapy to re-parent yourself.. Our guest today to discuss this is Debbie Unterman. Debbie Unterman has seen thousands of clients, and taught hundreds of students in the techniques of Alchemical Hypnotherapy, both at the Alchemical Hypnotherapy Association of Atlanta (AHAA!) and the Alchemy Institute in California. She describes herself as “a private eye for the soul” – helping people find themselves and restore lost dreams. She is well known for her work with survivors of childhood abuse or neglect, her innovative cure for co-dependency, and her skillful style in dealing with sub-personalities, all of which she has written a self-help book about, called Talking to My Selves: Learning to Love the Voices in Your Head. She is also skilled in helping couples relate better through cutting edge communication techniques.How to get in touch with Debbie:WebsiteHow to get in touch with me: NEW: $29 Birth ClassGet the Postpartum Online Class!Follow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show