Motherhood Made Simple

One of my biggest fears when planning a homebirth is always the thought of hospital transfer. When I had my third baby, that fear came true, and I learned God is still faithful even in the uncomfortable circumstances. I still had a positive homebirth and a good experience being transferred to the hospital for a postpartum haemorrhage.  Whether you’re a first-time mom curious about natural birth, planning your own homebirth, or simply love hearing encouraging birth stories, my son Malachi's story is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical tips. Join me as I walk you through my labor and delivery experience and share what I learned from having baby #3.   LINKS BOOK - Ina May's Guide to Childbirth https://amzn.to/46irl92 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ    💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca

I'm back with another positive homebirth story! This time I learned that mindset is everything. I was able to stay focused on what was happening and cry out to God, and it changed everything. I hope this episode blesses you!   Whether you’re a first-time mom curious about natural birth, planning your own homebirth, or simply love hearing encouraging birth stories, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical tips. Join me as I walk you through my labor and delivery experience, the support that helped me feel calm and confident, and how this birth shaped my motherhood journey.   LINKS BOOK - Ina May's Guide to Childbirth https://amzn.to/46irl92 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ    💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca

Here's my number one birth tip: Don't forget you're having a baby. It sounds obvious, right? But somehow in the midst of a long labor leading to a positive waterbirth experience at home, I forgot what it was all for! I hope this positive birth story blesses you today!   Whether you’re a first-time mom curious about natural birth, planning your own homebirth, or simply love hearing encouraging birth stories, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical tips. Join me as I walk you through my labor and delivery experience, the support that helped me feel calm and confident, and how this birth shaped my motherhood journey.   LINKS BOOK - Ina May's Guide to Childbirth https://amzn.to/46irl92 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ    💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca

Baby #4 is here! Today I'm unpacking everything I did to prepare and how relaxed it all felt in contrast to when I prepared for my first. We'll cover postpartum essentials, homebirth supplies, freezer meals, items for the baby and more.    CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:52 Baby is here! 03:20 making space in our home 07:17 making space in our van 09:37 my nesting to do list 10:16 freezer meals 15:23 diaper change station 16:21 postpartum supplies 18:08 birth supplies 20:15 baby bed & carseat 21:12 deep cleaning never happened  

In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest productivity hack I’ve learned as a mom, how it’s completely shifted the way I manage my days, and the surprising impact it’s had on my creativity. Whether you’re trying to carve out time for a passion project, keep up with household tasks, or simply enjoy motherhood without the constant rush, this simple but powerful strategy will help you work with your season of life instead of against it. If you’ve been craving more time, more focus, and more creative energy, this episode will show you how to find it — without adding more to your plate. LINKS 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ   READ MY BLOG micaela.ca/blog 💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca   CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:53 Personal update 01:44 I'm so thankful for how I've grown through motherhood 03:14 The "do something" mindset 03:28 In the kitchen 05:12 When everyone is having a meltdown 06:45 When you're tired 07:30 Working alongside your kids 09:04 In my creative pursuits  

Thrifting changes after becoming a mama! As a minimalist mom (or minimalist!) I’ve put a few rules in place to make thrift shopping work for my lifestyle. If you’ve been wondering how to thrift as a minimalist mom and how to find kids clothes at the thrift store, I think you’ll like my list of thrift shopping rules and the thrifting tips I share along the way! Now that I’m a toddler mom with three under three, I love thrift shopping online! As I mentioned in this video, I use Thredup to get a thrift store experience from the comfort of my couch. THREDUP LINK Use my link to save 45% off your first order and get free US shipping! https://www.thredup.com/r/J2I6CO   LINKS 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ   READ MY BLOG micaela.ca/blog 💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca   CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:46 Its not a good deal if you don't need it 02:04 Make a list 03:40 Items must have favourite potential 04:18 I need to be able to use it right away 05:10 I need to picture the item in my home 06:24 I only buy clothes in certain colours 07:00 I don't thrift certain items 08:32 I implement a waiting period when possible 09:02 Why I like ThredUp  

Ever wondered what a minimalist mom actually carries in her diaper bag? In this episode, I’m giving you a peek inside my bag and sharing the essential baby and toddler items I never leave home without — plus what I don’t bring to keep things light, simple, and stress-free. You’ll hear how I balance being frugal with being prepared, the must-have gear that works for both babies and toddlers, and how a minimalist approach makes outings easier and less overwhelming. Whether you’re a new mom trying to figure out what you really need or a seasoned parent ready to simplify, you’ll find practical tips for packing a diaper bag that’s efficient, clutter-free, and ready for anything.   LINKS 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ   READ MY BLOG micaela.ca/blog 💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca   CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:39 What do I use as a diaper bag? 02:52 What is always in my diaper bag? 04:22 What do I pack the day of? 05:11 What will I add for the newborn? 06:22 Common items I go without

I often call myself a "minimalist mom," "frugal," and a "slow purchaser," but like anyone, there are a few things that make me say "shut up and take my money!" In this episode, I’m sharing the things I happily splurge on as a minimalist mom, and why these investments  save me time, stress, and sometimes even money in the long run. If you’re striving for a simpler lifestyle but still want room for joy and quality, this episode will give you permission and practical tips to splurge intentionally without clutter or guilt. LINKS 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ    Our Bidet https://amzn.to/45ecXhK  Tineco Vacuum/Mop https://amzn.to/46QokgS  Food Chopper https://amzn.to/4m8mSLt  My Kindle https://amzn.to/3UhY73r    CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:44 personal update 02:50 items I splurge on 03:03 bidet 03:49 Tineco vacuum/mop 04:57 Vitamix 05:42 Food chopper 06:36 Kindle 07:33 running my dishwasher 08:55 Grocery delivery 10:03 quality food 11:08 memories & outings 11:28 Family photos 11:43 Postpartum PAT leave

I'm here to deinfluence you as a toddler mom looking to own less. The easiest way to pursue minimalism is to stop the constant flow of items coming in.  Today I'm sharing 10 things I no longer buy for my toddlers and myself along with my simple approach to kids clothes & accessories, household products, beauty products, hobby supplies, technology, furniture and more! I’ll walk you through the everyday items I’ve chosen to skip and why. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by clutter, decision fatigue, or the pressure to “keep up,” this episode will encourage you to rethink what you really need. You’ll hear how owning less has brought more peace, saved money, and helped me focus on what truly matters in motherhood. Let this episode inspire you to embrace simplicity, cut through the noise, and make room for what matters most. LINKS  Plain Black Toddler Socks https://amzn.to/4o9LaX9 Cube Storage https://amzn.to/46jfxDX  Storage Bins https://amzn.to/4lbM8iZ  📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ   💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca   CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:43 How I define minimalism 01:15 My #1 tip 01:36 WHY are you buying it? 03:21 Kids clothes 06:38 Accessories 08:29 Toys 09:47 Kitchen utensils 11:20 New foods 11:54 New household cleaners 12:40 Beauty products 14:07 Streaming services 14:50 Furniture/home decor 15:33 Organizers 16:03 Hobby supplies  

What happens when a modern mom gives up her smartphone? In this honest and eye-opening episode of Motherhood Made Simple, I’m sharing what the past six weeks have been like living without a smartphone. From the daily inconveniences to the surprising freedoms, I’ll walk you through what I’ve gained, what I’ve missed, and how stepping away from constant connection gave me back something I didn’t expect: time. If you’ve ever felt glued to your phone, overwhelmed by notifications, or just tired of being constantly on, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. You’ll hear what changed in my parenting, mindset, and day-to-day routines—and why I don’t think I’ll ever go back the same way. Whether you're curious about digital minimalism, craving more presence in motherhood, or just wondering if it's really possible to live without a smartphone in today’s world, this one’s for you. Tune in and be inspired to rethink your relationship with your phone—and reclaim your time.   LINKS PUBLIC MOBILE get a $10 credit when you make the switch https://publicmobile.ca/en/on/plans?referral=4Q02XO 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ   READ MY BLOG micaela.ca/blog 💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca   CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:42 My epiphany 01:59 What phone do I have now? 03:19 What are the rules for this challenge? 04:12 Why did I get rid of my smart phone? 07:02 Some things I've noticed 09:10 Inconveniences 13:11 Am I going to keep my dumb phone?

Ever find yourself wondering, “Am I doing this right?” You’re not alone. If you're in the thick of it I'm here to remind you there is no wrong way to mother. In this encouraging episode, we'll cover choosing what matters to you, learning on the job, and trusting God to strengthen you for each day as a mom.   LINKS 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ   READ MY BLOG micaela.ca/blog 💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca   CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:52 I'm struggling 01:40 There's no wrong way to do this 06:09 Let yourself keep learning & growing 08:27 Don't mother on your own strength 09:35 Get my devotional for toddler moms!

In honor of my 28th birthday, I’m sharing 10 lessons I’ve learned over the past 10 years. I've changed so much, and I am so, so thankful! These lessons are about creativity, calling, family, friendship, and more as I seek to become the woman God created me to be. Whether you’re in a similar season or just love a good life chat, I hope this inspires you to reflect on your own journey and see how far God has brought you!   LINKS 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ   READ MY BLOG micaela.ca/blog 💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca   CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:50 Family really is the most important 03:09 Responsibility is a blessing, not a burden 03:47 Life (& my creative pursuits) doesn't have to be so serious 04:58 Life is better offline 05:51 If God puts a creative dream in your heart, you need to do it 06:24 Passion & money don't need to go together 07:57 You have to tell people what you need  08:42 You can only respond to things people actually say, not what you think they think 09:25 Be an initiator or stay lonely

Baby sleep can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to steal your peace. In this episode, I’m sharing nine mindset shifts that have helped me approach baby sleep with confidence—through the newborn stage, first year, and beyond. I’ll walk you through how my approach to baby sleep changes as they grow, how I stay flexible while prioritizing rest for all of us, and why mindset matters just as much as method. If you're feeling unsure, exhausted, or just wondering what’s “normal,” I hope this episode will bring you peace and clarity as you make these important decisions.    LINKS 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ   READ MY BLOG micaela.ca/blog 💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca   CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:56 These decisions are a big deal! 02:10 9 Thoughts that give me peace around sleep 09:14 Recap of 9 mindsets for baby sleep 10:13 Our approach

In this episode, I’m sharing why I’ve chosen to keep my due date private during pregnancy—and why you might want to consider it too. From protecting your privacy to reducing pressure as the big day approaches, keeping your due date to yourself can bring more peace and patience in those final weeks. I’ll talk about how this decision has helped me enjoy a more calm and intentional pregnancy, and how you can confidently navigate conversations without oversharing. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or your fifth, this episode is full of gentle encouragement and practical tips for creating healthy boundaries during pregnancy.   LINKS 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ   READ THE BLOG micaela.ca/blog 💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca   CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:50 Why I keep my due date private 02:14 Are due dates accurate?  03:59 Protecting your privacy 05:50 Remaining patient in the final weeks 08:00 Should you keep your 40-week date a secret 08:59 How to answer "when are you due?"

Are you almost ready to have a baby but wondering what do I actually need to prepare for postpartum? In today’s episode, we’re chatting all things postpartum and how to prepare in a way that brings more peace, rest, and joy into those early newborn days. Whether you’re a first-time mom or preparing for baby number four like me, this conversation will help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed. I’ll walk you through practical tips and postpartum essentials—from what to stock up on, how to talk to your husband, and how to plan ahead with things like freezer meals and visitor expectations. You’ll also hear my personal take on creating a peaceful environment for healing, bonding, and easing into this new season of motherhood. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to think about postpartum How to prepare Must-have postpartum items for both mom and baby Mindset shifts to help you enjoy those early weeks Whether you're weeks away from delivery or just thinking ahead, this episode is full of encouragement and actionable steps to help you feel ready and at peace. LINKS Peri Bottle https://amzn.to/3HDNWTF  Bidet https://amzn.to/4dZzFge  Pads I like https://amzn.to/401OCZb  Healing spray https://amzn.to/4l4SiBO  Lactation pads https://amzn.to/43Ew3wv    CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:54 Personal update 03:28 Realistic expectations 05:08 How to think about this list 05:59 Emotionally prepare 07:42 How to talk to your husband about postpartum 10:06 Prepare your children 10:40 Empty your schedule 12:12 Prepare your home 13:49 Make sure you are well supported 15:30 Items to gather 17:28 Final encouragement

Thinking about giving birth at home? Let's talk about how to prepare for a home birth. I’ll walk you through how to prepare your mind for a peaceful birth, how to support your body through pregnancy and labor, and how we’re setting up our home birth space for comfort and calm. Whether you're planning your first home birth or just exploring natural birth options, this episode will give you a simple approach full of practical tips for birth at home.   LINKS Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (my fave birth book) https://amzn.to/4mB4A6h  Birth Without Burden Course (free) https://stan.store/madelinemarlatt  Tub Heater https://amzn.to/3FigmC1    CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:47 Should I have a birth plan? 01:25 Prepare your mind for birth 10:38 Prepare the space for birth 15:21 Prepare your body

Considering a homebirth? Today, I’m sharing why I choose to give birth at home instead of in a hospital. I’ll walk you through 6 practical reasons that led to this decision. We'll go over what it means to give birth at home with a homebirth midwife, the cost of homebirth, the mess, how to get your husband on board and why I feel confident this is a safe way to meet my baby.  Whether you're curious about home birth, considering natural birth options, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at what this process is like, this episode will give you an honest, encouraging perspective from a Christian mom’s point of view.   LINKS Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (my fave birth book) https://amzn.to/4mB4A6h  Birth Without Burden Course (free) https://stan.store/madelinemarlatt  Bridget Teyler (Videos on birth, pain management, pregnancy & more) https://www.youtube.com/@BridgetTeyler  Tub Heater https://amzn.to/3FigmC1    CHATPERS 00:00 Intro 01:00 What lead to this decision? 03:16 Is it dangerous? 07:09 Why I love giving birth at home 15:24 How much does a homebirth cost? 16:39 Is homebirth messy? 17:49 How can I convince my husband?

Having a second baby? Maybe your third? This episode is all about adding a child - navigating big emotions (both yours and your toddlers'), practical tips for toddlers getting a sibbling and my experience with adding a second child vs adding a third child.  EMAIL ME hello@micaela.ca CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:50 You've got this! 03:27 Navigating your own emotions 05:37 Helping your toddler transition 09:42 Prepare for postpartum 12:12 Baby #2 & Baby #3 differences and similarities 18:55 Final encouragement

Have you been putting off starting your Blog or another creative outlet? For years, I told myself I didn't have time to blog or that I didn't know how to start a blog. But really, I was afraid. I let insecurities hold me back from pursuing my God-given dreams. If you desire to write or create content to encourage the world, there's a good chance this is a call God has placed on your life and you need to be obedient!   I'm sharing 5 reasons to start your blog today along with some encouragement for the process. Let's connect! Email me at hello@micaela.ca BOOK RECOMMENDATION Create Anyway https://amzn.to/44Jsypz    CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:04 Why are we talking about this? 04:22 Five reasons to start your blog 04:33 You can start imperfectly 06:31 There is room for you 07:16 Clarity comes with action 08:50 Your confidence will grow 09:32 It will be fun! 10:18 Final encouragement

Are you struggling to make time to read the bible or make time for God as a busy mom of toddlers? I'm sharing some spiritual disciplines working for me right now as a toddler mom along with some tips if you're looking to make a change.   LINKS 📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖 https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ   💻EMAIL ME💻 hello@micaela.ca   CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:51 Podcast update 02:37 Reading the bible as a busy mom 03:42 What's working for me 16:51 Areas I want to grow in 19:43 Where should you start?