Join us on this special episode of Moms in the Middle as Elly celebrates the 2-year anniversary of her second “birth”day with her daughter Brenley’s birth story. From the shock of discovering a natural pregnancy after IVF with her first born, to the dramatic entrance of her daughter into the world, Elly’s story is one of resilience and advocacy. In this episode, Elly candidly recounts the emotional ups and downs of her pregnancy, navigating the uncertainties with courage and hope. After choosing a non-traditional induction at 40 weeks and 3 days, Elly dives into the whirlwind experience of a remarkably quick labor, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and the support of her healthcare team. Tune in as Elly celebrates the unexpected blessings, embraces the challenges, and shares the invaluable lessons learned on her journey. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! If you're interested in taking Heidi's Course - "Build Your Hospital Birth Skills - For Doulas" use the code "MOMSINTHEMIDDLE" for $100 off! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow us on Instagram! Heidi - @whatadoulado Elly - @your.hometown.doula
Settle in for some casual mom (and doula) talk on this week's episode of Moms in the Middle! Heidi & Elly catch up on the past week discussing the woes (or lack thereof) of Daylight Savings time, a recent birth they attended with great examples of how collaborative care is so important to improving birth outcomes, and a killer prenatal yoga class with Jenny from Full Circle Yoga KC! Check out Full Circle Yoga KC here! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow us on Instagram! Heidi - @whatadoulado Elly - @your.hometown.doula
We're at it again! Drawing inspiration from candid discussions on Reddit threads, we're giving our unsolicited advice to two topics that many parents can relate to: parenting pet peeves and coping with postpartum anxiety. We share our experiences as well as our own struggles with postpartum anxiety and our tips for navigating your first time away from baby. If you have situations or topics you want us to weigh in on, send them our way @ themomsinthemiddle@gmail.com! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow us on Instagram! Heidi - @whatadoulado Elly - @your.hometown.doula
In this episode of Moms in the Middle, we discuss the crucial topic of birth advocacy and informed decision-making. Drawing from our experiences both as mothers and birth professionals, we explore the pivotal role that advocacy plays in ensuring a positive birth experience for both parents and babies. We emphasize the importance of trusting one's intuition and feeling empowered to make informed choices throughout the birthing process and discuss the integral roles of partners and support persons in advocating for the birthing person's preferences and desires. This topic is one that we feel very passionate about in our profession therefore we're also highlighting the invaluable support provided by doulas in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Listeners will gain valuable insights into effective communication strategies when interacting with healthcare providers, including tips for fostering collaborative relationships and advocating for personalized care. From discussing birth plans to addressing unexpected challenges, we're offering practical advice for maintaining autonomy during childbirth. Tune in to Moms in the Middle for a thoughtful conversation on advocating for your birth preferences with confidence and grace. Whether you're expecting your first child or navigating the journey of parenthood, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to embrace the birthing experience with clarity and conviction. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow us on Instagram! Heidi - @whatadoulado Elly - @your.hometown.doula
Join us on this enlightening episode of Moms in the Middle as we delve into the often overlooked realm of sexual health during pregnancy and postpartum. Our guest, Bethany Peterson, an amazing pelvic floor physical therapist, shares her journey into this specialized field and sheds light on the importance of normalizing body conversations, especially within the context of motherhood. From tackling the infamous "sex talk" with our kids to addressing common issues like pain during intercourse, hormonal shifts, perineal tears, and scar tissue, Bethany provides valuable insights into the experiences of pre-pregnancy, pregnant, and postpartum women. We explore strategies for navigating the six-week wait postpartum, understanding the impact of c-sections on sexual health, and creating space for a positive sexual relationship amidst the challenges of motherhood. Drawing from her expertise, Bethany references essential reads like "Come as You Are" and "The Great Sex Rescue" to further empower our listeners in their journey towards reclaiming sexual wellness. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, compassion, and practical advice for moms navigating this vital aspect of their well-being. [Amazon Links] “Come As You Are” “The Great Sex Rescue” As always, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rate and review so we can reach new moms in the middle! Follow Heidi and Elly on social media for more day to day mom content!
This week, Elly and Heidi sit down to hear all about Heidi's second birth! Heidi opens up about her early pregnancy loss before this pregnancy and the perinatal mental health issues she dealt with; ending in a culmination of what she would consider her "ideal" low-intervention, unmedicated, hospital birth. Join us for an episode that hilariously enough, is as long as Heidi's entire birth! We laugh, we cry, and we commiserate about the ups and downs of welcoming a new baby into your family. As always, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rate and review so we can reach new moms in the middle! Follow Heidi and Elly on social media for more day to day mom content!
Heidi hosts the podcast this week with her husband, Joe, and they have a raw discussion about how they have divided household labor over the years. From navigating young marriage, figuring out a relationship that looks different from their parents; to working jobs with different stress levels, fluctuations in workloads, and lots of random things in-between... They review the book "Fair Play" and discuss how it has helped them navigate a major hang-up in their relationship and strike balance as a two-parent working family. Want to check out the book for yourself? Find the book "Fair Play" and the related playing cards on Heidi's Amazon Book Recommendations! Find this episode relatable? Don't forget to follow the show and leave us a review to help us reach more Moms in the Middle! And for more day-to-day content make sure to follow Heidi and Elly on Instagram!
This week we recap Heidi’s 30th birthday festivities and then dive in to a discussion about setting boundaries as parents and the enduring impact of generational influences on modern parenting. Whether you're a seasoned parent seeking validation or a newcomer navigating the joys and challenges of raising children alongside us, this episode offers valuable insights and relatable anecdotes to inspire and empower you on your journey. Did you find this episode relatable? Don't forget to follow the show and leave a review to help us reach more Mom's in the Middle! Interested in following along on social? Find us on IG! Heidi - @whatadoulado Elly - @your.hometown.doula
Join us on this week's episode of Moms in the Middle as Elly dives deep into the world of pelvic floor health with the highly knowledgeable Dr. Meg Schwartz, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach. Pregnancy is a transformative journey, and understanding the crucial role the pelvic floor plays in this process is essential for the well-being of expectant and new parents. In this candid conversation, Dr. Meg shares insights into the changes the pelvic floor undergoes during pregnancy and through postpartum, offering practical advice and guidance on navigating this often overlooked aspect of healing in addition to debunking the common misconceptions. Whether you're an expectant parent, a new mom, or someone planning for the future, this episode is packed with practical tips and resources to support you on your pelvic floor journey. Join Elly and Dr. Meg for an informative and empowering conversation that aims to empower parents to prioritize their pelvic floor health and overall well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to leave us a review and hit the follow button so we can reach more moms in the middle! Instagram Links: Heidi - @whatadoulado Elly - @your.hometown.doula Evlo Fitness Empower Your Pelvis
In this episode of Moms in the Middle, we're sharing candid stories about navigating the holiday season, overcoming illness, and finding joy amidst the chaos. Join us as we reflect on the highs and lows of the festive period, offering relatable insights into the challenges of being moms. We're unveiling our personal goals for 2024, hoping to inspiring listeners with our resolutions and aspirations for the year ahead. As always, It's a conversation filled with laughter, authenticity, and the shared experience of motherhood. If you enjoyed this episode, please don't forget to leave us a review and follow the show so we can reach more Moms in the Middle! If you'd like to connect with us you can find us on Instagram @whatadoulado and @your.hometown.doula or shoot us an email at themomsinthemiddle@gmail.com!
Are you interested in becoming a doula or jumping into birth work full time? In this solo episode, Heidi dives into frequently asked questions about how she started and sustained a professional doula business! She talks about her journey into doula work (more about that on Episode One of the podcast!), figuring out a business model, how she got her first few clients, building a trusted reputation in her community; and then the ins and outs of marketing, SEO, and financials. Heidi reminds listeners that you can be a doula in any capacity, as the original doula was the community members who helped pregnant families during their transition into parenthood; but if you want to build a professional business that actually brings home a full-time income, you need to treat it as such... A BUSINESS! Resources mentioned: Julia at Doula Design Co. (use this link and the code DDC10AFF for 10% off your purchase) Lili for Business Banking Squarespace for Easy Website Building (can purchase pre-made doula website templates that are compatible with Squarespace through Doula Design Co.) Quickbooks Online Check out Heidi's Course, "Build Your Hospital Birth Skills" for more education on expanding your business into more medicalized birth settings. If you have any questions for Heidi about today's episode, don't hesitate to reach out at themomsinthemiddle.com or via Instagram DMs. We hope you enjoyed this episode! If you want connection with other Moms in the Middle, make sure to follow us on Instagram --> Heidi and Elly
In this special episode of Moms in the Middle, hosts Heidi and Elly sit down with Meg Duke, a perinatal mental health therapist, to explore the crucial topic of setting boundaries and practicing self-care during the holiday season. Join the conversation as they discuss strategies to navigate family dynamics, prioritize mental well-being, and find balance in the midst of holiday chaos. Don't miss this insightful discussion on maintaining your sanity and savoring the joy of the season as a mom. If you enjoyed this episode with Meg and want to hear more from her, follow her on Instagram @amplifywellnesswithmeg or take a listen to her podcast, The Perinatal Podcast! As always, please leave a rate and review, and feel free to follow Heidi and Elly on Instagram for more content! We love hearing from you. Got a comment or episode idea? Parenting question or problem you want us to talk about? E-mail it to themomsinthemiddle@gmail.com
Heidi and Elly give their unsolicited opinions to reddit threads asking the burning questions parents are thinking of this holiday season... "What do I get my wife for Christmas? How do we enforce boundaries with family while still prioritizing relationships? Am I risking my newborns health by bringing them to that family Christmas party?" Enjoy listening to their thoughts and experiences, and make sure to come back next week to dive deeper into these questions with an actual expert. As always, please leave a rate and review, and feel free to follow Heidi and Elly on Instagram for more content! We love hearing from you. Got a comment or episode idea? Parenting question or problem you want us to talk about? E-mail it to themomsinthemiddle@gmail.com
Heidi and Elly kick off this holiday season recapping their Thanksgiving festivities which included sick kiddos for both of them and a little Black Friday shopping before diving in to the holiday traditions they've started with their own families thus far in their parenting journeys! Join them all month for special episodes that relate specifically to parenting during the holiday season! As always, please leave a rate and review, and feel free to follow Heidi and Elly on Instagram for more content! We love hearing from you. Got a comment or episode idea? Parenting question or problem you want us to talk about? E-mail it to themomsinthemiddle@gmail.com
Heidi and Elly share their experiences of traveling with babies and toddlers both domestically and internationally. What works, what didn't and how to set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable trip! As always, please leave a rate and review, and feel free to follow Heidi and Elly on Instagram for more content! We love hearing from you. Got a comment or episode idea? Parenting question or problem you want us to talk about? E-mail it to themomsinthemiddle@gmail.com
Join Elly this week for an enlightening and informative episode of "Moms in the Middle" as she sits down with Dr. Jamie Martinko, a Webster Certified Chiropractor and a dear friend, to delve deep into the world of prenatal care and postpartum wellness. Dr. Martinko is a passionate advocate for women's health, with a specialization in helping moms-to-be and new moms thrive during this incredible journey. In this episode, we explore the various aspects of pregnancy, starting with the importance of prenatal care and the role of chiropractic care in supporting a healthy and comfortable pregnancy. Dr. Martinko shares her expert insights on how chiropractic adjustments can alleviate discomfort and improve overall well-being during pregnancy. She also discusses the Webster Technique and its benefits for expectant mothers. Whether you're currently expecting, planning to start a family, or already navigating the challenges of postpartum life, this episode of "Moms in the Middle" is filled with expert advice and real-life wisdom to help you feel your best during every stage of motherhood. Tune in to empower yourself with the knowledge and support you need to thrive as a mom. You can follow Dr. Jamie on Instagram @dr.jamiemartinko or @yourhometownchiro! As always, please leave a rate and review, and feel free to follow Heidi and Elly on Instagram for more content! We love hearing from you. Got a comment or episode idea? Parenting question or problem you want us to talk about? E-mail it to themomsinthemiddle@gmail.com
Catch up with the Moms in the Middle this week! The first half of the episode we talk all about Halloween candy, our thoughts on the switch witch, and the 80/20 rule for creating positive eating habits. The second half we jump to all things Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce! Including positive masculine energy, why we think they'll last, and the thick-necked man theory (as first seen on TikTok). This episode is a fun one and we hope you enjoy! As always, please leave a rate and review, and feel free to follow Heidi and Elly on Instagram for more content! We love hearing from you. Got a comment or episode idea? Parenting question or problem you want us to talk about? E-mail it to themomsinthemiddle@gmail.com
Join us in celebrating Heidi's first baby's fifth birthday with a telling of her birth story! We talk about Heidi's experience with prodromal labor, her reasoning for pursuing an unmedicated birth, how unprepared she was for a fast delivery, and Alda's unexpectedly dramatic entrance into this world! As we say in this episode, even though we are birth doulas, we in no way think that our birth choices are the "right" birth choices for anyone other than ourselves! Birth is complicated and personal, and the most important thing is to build a support team you trust and follow your gut! If you liked this episode, please leave a rate and review, and feel free to follow Heidi and Elly on Instagram for more content! We love hearing from you. Got a comment or episode idea? Parenting question or problem you want us to talk about? E-mail it to themomsinthemiddle@gmail.com
We're diving deep into the world of twin pregnancies with the incredible Taylor Nosakhere, a prenatal coach, doula, and a mom of three who's currently expecting her second set of twins. Join us as Taylor shares her inspiring journey through motherhood, complete with the unique challenges and joys that come with twin pregnancies. She'll walk us through her own experiences and the decision-making process that parents face when expecting twins. From the initial shock of discovering she was expecting twins to the emotional and practical considerations that follow, Taylor's story is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers. In this episode, you'll learn about: - The emotional rollercoaster of discovering you're pregnant with twins for the second time - How to make informed decisions about the pregnancy and birthing process when expecting twins - Practical tips for managing the logistics of a growing family and twin pregnancy and building your support system If you've enjoyed this episode as much as we have, please show your support by liking and subscribing to our show. Your support helps us reach even more "moms in the middle." Connect with us on Instagram for daily inspiration and updates: @whatadoulado @your.hometown.doula We absolutely love hearing from our listeners! Feel free to reach out to us via email at themomsinthemiddle@gmail.com with your comments, suggestions, or ideas. 💌🤱🏻
This week we thought we'd have some fun shouting out some of our favorite, and least favorite, products we have seen gain popularity in the baby world; and gather our cohosts initial reaction to each! Hear us agree and disagree on some surprising products and get some insight into whether they may work for your family before you fill out that baby registry! If you've enjoyed this episode as much as we have, please show your support by liking and subscribing to our show. Your support helps us reach even more "moms in the middle." Connect with us on Instagram for daily inspiration and updates: @whatadoulado @your.hometown.doula We absolutely love hearing from our listeners! Feel free to reach out to us via email at themomsinthemiddle@gmail.com with your comments, suggestions, or ideas. 💌🤱🏻