Raise Your Hand Motherhood Podcast

In today’s episode, we're talking about navigating the toddlerhood phase, and how we, as parents, need to shift our focus and adjust our expectations. My guest, Sara Whaley, is the CEO and owner of Joyful Toddler Parenting. Sara is a parent coach for toddler parents, and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst - she's based out of the USA, where she lives with her partner and two toddlers.Sara and I discuss everything from the social media evolution of ‘gentle parenting’, to the most common ways we overestimate and underestimate our toddlers. Sara clearly breaks down how factors such as inadequate self-care, burnout, and mom guilt can get in the way of us parenting the way we’d like to. As she says in our interview, “Toddlers are hard. They just are.” But Sara’s goal is to help all parents find the joy in this stage, despite its challenges.Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community Facebook groupFollow @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

In today's episode, we're talking about a very important topic - postpartum depression. I'm joined by Maranda Bower, Founder and CEO of Postpartum University and mother of 4, to talk about her own personal story battling extreme postpartum depression, postpartum rage, as well as a diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder and postpartum bi-polar. Maranda is here to share how this debilitating experience led her to creating Postpartum University - an online education facility that has been recognized as the “leading postpartum resource” for Professionals and Experts in the field, as well as for thousands of mothers around the globe.You can purchase Maranda's new book, Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness: A Holistic Guide to Returning to the Roots of Health in Motherhood, now available in all major retailers. Links from today's episode:Postpartum University'Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness' by Maranda Bower (book)The BRAZEN Podcast- "Live a more bold, curious, & vibrant life" *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions may be earned through some of the links provided above.THANKS AGAIN TO THIS EPISODE'S SPONSOR/FELLOW PODCASTING MAMA!'This Mama Means Business' Podcast (Kylie Kelly)www.kyliekelly.com (for more tips, course, etc.)Kylie is a past contributor, and an upcoming guest on the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Podcast, and has been so inspiring to connect with! If you are a mompreneur, or a mama looking to learn how to build and scale your business while you raise your babies - check out her website and podcast to start!Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community Facebook groupFollow @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

Hey Mamas!It's been a minute...but the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Podcast is back! In this mini solo-episode, I'm sharing a bit more about MY current motherhood reality - including some of the ways that mom guilt, self-doubt, loss of identity, and uncertainty about what I want/need as a mama creep into my daily life...almost 2 and a half years into this journey we call motherhood!I'll be back shortly with more interviews and upcoming episodes on postpartum depression, raising dual-culture/bilingual children, balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, and more!Thanks for hitting download on some motherhood reality today, and if you're new here...make sure to check out some of the past episodes!-Rae Lynn Minke xoTHANKS AGAIN TO THIS EPISODE'S SPONSOR/FELLOW PODCASTING MAMA!'This Mama Means Business' Podcast (Kylie Kelly)www.kyliekelly.com (for more tips, course, etc.)Kylie is a past contributor, and an upcoming guest on the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Podcast, and has been so inspiring to connect with! If you are a mompreneur, or a mama looking to learn how to build and scale your business while you raise your babies - check out her website and podcast to start! Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community Facebook groupFollow @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod on Instagram  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

In today's episode, we’re talking about SLEEP....so maybe take a minute now to go grab your journal, or open the Notes app on your phone - because you never know when you might need a little more information about infant, toddler, or childhood sleep! I’m joined by Kim Davis, founder of 'Babes & Beyond Pediatric Sleep Consulting'. She’s a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, with a psychology degree in child development, and a whole HOST of certifications and experience working in the field of sleep.We cover a lot in today’s interview, INCLUDING some sleep-related questions that I’ve collected directly from the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community! Tune in for Kim's direct responses and advice for each Mama who contributed.Did YOU submit a sleep question? Want to make sure you know when the next Q & A is happening on the pod? Go follow @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod on Instagram, or come over and join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community on Facebook, and join in the conversation / get notifications about all upcoming podcast episodes!LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:Babes & Beyond Pediatric Sleep ConsultingKIM's BOOK RECOMMENDATION: 'The Wonder Weeks'Family Sleep Institute*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions may be earned through some of the links provided above.THANKS AGAIN TO THIS EPISODE'S SPONSOR/FELLOW PODCASTING MAMA!'This Mama Means Business' Podcast (Kylie Kelly)www.kyliekelly.com (for more tips, course, etc.)Kylie is a past contributor, and an upcoming guest on the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Podcast, and has been so inspiring to connect with! If you are a mompreneur, or a mama looking to learn how to build and scale your business while you raise your babies - check out her website and podcast to start!  Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community Facebook groupFollow @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

In today’s episode, we’re talking about BLENDED FAMILIES, and the challenges and complexities that come with being a co-parent or step-parent within them.I’m joined by Amy Stone - she’s a Life Coach, Blended Family Expert, and NINJA level communicator - who helps parents and step-parents in blended families to find and create more JOY and HAPPINESS in their lives.'RAISE YOUR HAND MAMA' SEGMENT:As usual, I’m also sharing a few thoughts from 2 blended family mamas in the Raise Your Hand Community, so stick around for some motherhood reality! They share their experiences and lived wisdom around:-the IMPORTANCE of communication-dynamic shifts throughout different stages-having mutual respect for new partners/co-parents-staying united in front of the kids-navigating that 'lack of control' as the adult/parent JOINING the first family dynamic-the importance of therapyLINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:Amy Stone's Life Coach websiteTHIS EPISODE'S SPONSOR/FELLOW PODCASTING MAMA'This Mama Means Business' Podcast (Kylie Kelly)Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community Facebook groupFollow @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

Hey Mama, and welcome to 2023! Here's a question to start off the new year.....How knowledgable and confident are you about the HEALTH of your pelvic floor?  In today’s episode, I’m joined by a very special guest to talk about some VERY under-discussed topics - Kim Vopni is most commonly known and referred to as the ‘vagina coach’, and she’s here to speak with me about pelvic floor health - a topic that is important for EVERYBODY who is listening, whether young, old, pregnant, menopausal, or in some other stage of life or motherhood. We cover a lot of ground together in this interview, including some of the most common confidence-stealers women experience in regards to their pelvic health AND what actions we can take to RECLAIM that confidence!  Kim wants everybody to know: "You deserve body confidence and it all starts with the pelvic floor! Despite what media will tell you, light bladder leakage is NOT ‘just part of being a woman’. Incontinence, chronic back pain, and organ prolapse are common challenges for women but they are not something you need to live with or accept as normal." Make sure you check out or sign up for Kim's next 28 day 'Buff Muff' challenge, which can help"take you from daily pads to leak free living."RAISE YOUR HAND MAMA SEGMENT:Today's contributor is Kylie Kelly - she's a business coach for CEO Mom’s, specialising in virtual summit strategy. She is also a podcast host of 'This Mama Means Business' and is a boy mama of two, Spencer & Samuel. She helps female business owners build their perfect audience FAST through a simple holistic summit strategy - without wasting their time or money. See links below!LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:Where to find today's guest, Kim Vopni:@vaginacoach on Instagram@vaginacoach on TikTok28-day 'Buff Muff' Challenge (starts on the 1st of every month)The Audience Accelerator Private Podcast Series (Kylie Kelly)'This Mama Means Business' Podcast (Kylie Kelly)And just a great link for ALL pelvic floor owners (according to my own Pelvic Floor Therapist, this is important /helpful for women, men, and children alike!)Squatty Potty*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions may be earned through some of the links provided above.Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community Facebook groupFollow @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

Hey Mamas! In today’s episode, we’re talking about the under-discussed FINANCIAL STRUGGLES of motherhood. Motherhood is beautiful, and challenging, and EXPENSIVE. It comes at a high cost...depending on your situation, it can be physically, mentally, emotionally, and without a doubt, financially demanding. And in addition to the obvious expenses…..society tends to overlook so many other factors that can negatively affect our finances after becoming a mom - and in turn, can negatively affect our relationships, our self-confidence, our sense of identity and self-worth, our feeling of independence, and SO much more.Whether you’re a stay-at-home-mom, a working mom, a mom trying to balance solo or co-parenting, a person or family struggling with infertility treatments, or just some OTHER version of superwoman….I PROMISE there is something in this episode for you. Today, I’ll be sharing my conversation with Eileen Joy - she’s a money coach behind the successful online business ‘Moms Who Money’. Eileen truly walks the walk and talks the talk….we’re going to chat about how her experience hitting a personal and financial rock bottom as a single mom, led to her 'getting her shit together’, and learning EVERYTHING she possibly could about money.Eileen now coaches overwhelmed moms on how to talk about and manage their money….no shame, no guilt, no embarrassment. She’s here today to break down the most common financial struggles of motherhood, and to share some simple steps we can take, and systems we can all implement to lighten our financial troubles!If you enjoy today’s episode, please make sure to follow the podcast on Instagram for more tips, links, and freebies on relatable motherhood topics. You can find it on Instagram @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod! WONDERING HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST THIS WEEK? ACTION: Find and tap the SHARE BUTTON on this episode (wherever you are listening to this right now), and share it with ONE PERSON or ONE GROUP (Facebook, WhatsApp, whatever)! LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:Eileen Joy's website - momswhomoney.comMoms Who Money Podcast (Eileen's podcast AKA bite-size financial tips for moms!)Eileen's financial book recommendations for beginners:'The Psychology of Money' (By: Morgen Housel)'The Millionaire Next Door' (By: Thomas J. Stanley)*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions may be earned through some of the links provided above.Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community Facebook groupFollow @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

Hey Mamas,In today's episode, we're talking about something that seems to be on everybody’s lips (…and in everybody’s homes!)…..that’s right, we’re discussing this new season of flu season, and the ANXIETY, the EXHAUSTION, and the MOM GUILT that can surface because of it.In today’s episode, you’ll hear stories from a few moms in the sick kid trenches, navigating everything from the merry-go-round of viruses passing from one family member to the next…..to ticked off employers after missing the UMPTEENTH day of work for emergency childcare……to scouring entire cities full of pharmacies for out-of-stock infant medication.You’ll also hear from Mel Mutterspaugh, a clinical herbalist whose been studying nature, environmental sciences, and plant medicine for well over 20 years….Mel’s going to share the MUST-HAVE’S for every Mama’s kitchen cabinets, to help keep our immune systems strong and prevent sickness, AS WELL AS to treat our family’s symptoms when we pick up a nasty cold, flu, or virus. Finally - returning guest and psychotherapist, Heather Ratych, returns in a new segment of 'Thoughts from a Therapist', to talk about what we can do to combat the anxiety that comes with this season of sickness…….with a FOCUS on how to ditch the mom guilt you might feel about DOING WHAT IS NECESSARY to get yourself and your family through each wave of illness that crosses that front doorstep into your life.This episode is jam-packed with helpful tips and relatable motherhood stories/experiences.....I hope you hear a tiny piece of your motherhood reality in it, and have some tangible takeaways to help you and your family get through the upcoming months.WONDERING HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST THIS WEEK? ACTION: Download the free 'Happy Mama' work booklet (PDF) to help you rediscover and prioritize joy in your life, and sign-up to the mailing list to receive weekly motherhood musings and updates about the podcast.LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:Bloom Psychotherapy website (Ontario-based virtual clinic in Canada)Bloom Psychotherapy Instagram AccountThe Herbalists Path websiteThe Herbalists Path podcast@theherbalistspath (Instagram account)Apothecary Momma (use this link for a BOGO free month of Mel's online herbal mentorship, just for moms!)Washington Post article: 'RSV, covid, and flu are keeping kids out of school - and parents out of work'Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community Facebook groupFollow @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

Hey Mamas, In today's episode, we're talking about the silent struggle of secondary infertility, and the millions of couples that are affected and impacted by this issue.My first guest, Jennifer Redmond, is an Integrative Nutrition & Hormonal Health Coach who helps women struggling with fertility to transform how they view wellness to enhance their fertility and feel deeply supported in the process. My second guest, Michelle Durnford, is a close friend who experienced secondary infertility. She joins today's episode to share her 6-year journey in-depth with me for the first time. I hope our conversation encourages you to reach out to somebody  you know who has also struggled with this issue.The last segment of the show today is a compilation of responses received from women in the Raise Your Hand motherhood community, who share 'what NOT to say to somebody experiencing secondary infertility'. I encourage you to listen and learn...we may think we are being helpful or consoling, but that's not always how our comments are received.  WONDERING HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST THIS WEEK? ACTION: Share this episode link now with 2 close friends on social media, email, or your messaging app of choice (WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram), and then go follow the podcast Instagram account @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod  ...and if you have a moment, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you are listening right now!LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:https://jennredmond.com/Jenn's Instagram accountWant to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community Facebook groupFollow @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod on Instagram  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

Hey Mamas! In today’s episode we’re talking about sharing, owning, and processing our birth stories. If you are well beyond the newborn or toddler stage….you might be thinking, “Birth stories? That was ages ago. Nothing more to process here”……and if this is you, I urge you to continue listening anyway! The first half of today’s show  features real birth stories shared by the mothers who lived them….they’ll talk about the feelings and expectations they had going in to the birthing process…..and then unpack how that ultimately played out over the course of their experiences. I’ll also be chatting with Katie Rössler and Amie McCracken - they’re two mothers who went from members of the same motherhood Facebook group……..to park-date friends with their kids………to co-authors of their brand new book: 'Giving Birth to Motherhood: Embrace being a mom through the powerful healing process of writing your birth story'.Amie is an editor and book designer, and Katie is a licensed counsellor and transformative grief guide (who you might remember from the first episode of season 2)! They’ve  pooled their professional expertise, as well as their personal motherhood experiences to create this wonderful book and methodology for writing about and processing our birth experiences. *****DISCLAIMER: I know that listening to other people share their birth stories might be triggering for some mothers and listeners, so I encourage you to listen to all or some of the episode - if one story or section seems to trigger you, feel free to skip to the next part. Amie and Katie's book may also be a very helpful tool for you to consider, so check out the links below for more: LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:'Giving Birth to Motherhood' (second book)Amie McCracken - Professional WebsiteKatie Rössler - Professional Website*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions may be earned through some of the links provided above.Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community Facebook groupFollow @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod on Instagram  ***Please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you are listening right now! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

Hey Mamas, and welcome to Season 2 of the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Podcast!In today's episode, we're talking about navigating changes in our relationships with our partners after having children.In this episode, I'll share my conversation with Katie Rössler - a Licensed Counselor and Transformative Grief Guide, who has spent the past 15 years helping individuals, couples, and mothers live healthier and happier lives. As usual, you’ll also hear from a number of moms in the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community, who share the struggles they've experienced in their relationships since becoming parents. It's impossible to listen and NOT hear a part of your story or experience in this segment, so get ready to raise your hand and feel validated!* * * * *Have you been listening/following along since the beginning? PLEASE HELP ME GROW THE SHOW and reach more moms! Every single rating/review that you leave helps get the podcast onto Top 250 lists all around the world...which helps get it in front of new Mamas in new countries! Help me get on some new Top 250 lists by rating/reviewing the show in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or your podcast listening app of choice TODAY! Alternatively, you can also leave a review directly on the podcast website HERE.LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:Katie Rössler - Professional WebsteKatie Rössler - Instagram'The New Face of Grief' (first book)'Giving Birth to Motherhood' (second book)How to Kid-Proof Your Marriage - online courseHealthy Arguing - online courseThe 80/80 marriage (book recommendation)*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions may be earned through some of the links provided above.* * * * *Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Facebook groupFollow the Instagram account --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

Hey Mamas, and welcome to Episode 12 of the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Podcast!Thank you for listening, and THANK YOU so much for being here - whether you're a regular listener, or a first-timer....a new mom, or an extremely experienced parent! It's been humbling and motivating to read every single ONE of your comments, emails, and reviews about the show so far. It’s what keeps me psyched about producing the next episode and the next episode and the next…and podcast production is not a teeny undertaking, I’ve very quickly learned!In this episode, we're taking a look back at the first 11 episodes of the show, and recap-ing the most memorable and relatable motherhood moments! I'm also 'pulling back the curtain' a little bit and sharing all about the journey that is has been making the podcast!Make sure you don't miss the last segment of the episode, where I share a few personal motherhood updates with you all. This podcast works because of the willingness of the guests (and its host!) to get vulnerable and honest, so I hope you enjoy this look back, and stick around until the end!If you like what you hear, please give the podcast a 5-star rating and review on your podcast listening app of choice. If you have a comment, question, or suggestion for the show, you can reach me on Instagram @theraiseyourhandmotherhoodpod, or at www.raiseyourhandmotherhoodpodcast.com/contact. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

In today's episode, we're talking about being a mother of MULTIPLES.In this episode, I’ll share my conversation with Amber De’Neise - she’s a toddler mom to twin girls, and is based out of Northern Ontario, Canada. It was SO interesting for me to hear about her journey into first-time motherhood…only with TWICE the fun!! This was a really eye-opening interview, and we cover so many different topics - including everything from Amber’s must-haves for mothers of multiples, to the difficult infertility journey she and her partner navigated. I hope you learn as much from this conversation as I did!Later in the episode, you’ll hear from more mothers of multiples of a variety of ages, as they share pieces of their personal motherhood journeys….these clips discuss everything from the joys and surprises they’ve encountered raising multiples, to the struggles they’ve overcome (or are currently facing), to their tips and the lessons they've learned along the way!To adapt the commonly used expression, it takes a VILLAGE to raise a child….and a MUCH BIGGER VILLAGE to raise 2, 3, or MORE at the same time! * * * * *Are you enjoying the podcast? I’d love to hear from you - please leave a rating/review for the show in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or your podcast listening app of choice TODAY! Alternatively, you can also leave a review directly on the podcast website HERE.Thank you so much to Cassandra, who left the lovely review shared in today's episode.LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:https://twinznursingpillow.com/https://buytablefortwo.com/ (recommended by multiple moms!)Baby Brezza Formula Pro (recommended by multiple moms!)https://ca.mountainbuggy.com/products/duet*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions may be earned through some of the links provided above.Facebook Groups Amber found helpful (to not feel so alone):Twin Mama Strong Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/780510602129934/GTA (Greater Toronto Area) Parents of Twins and Multiples: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gtatwinsandmultiples/Twins, Triplets and Quads - Safe Sleep Training & Learning for Multiples: https://www.facebook.com/groups/157633598090301/OTHER SUGGESTIONS FROM MOTHERS OF MULTIPLES:Postpartum Doulas - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by a few mothers of multiplesWhat is a postpartum doula, you ask? Read on here!Great for ALL mothers or parents who need help with sleep..."Helping babies sleep and families thrive"https://takingcarababies.com/@takingcarababiesLittle Ones - The Baby Sleep ExpertsCASE STUDY: Double Trouble? That's TWICE as Exhausting (read more)* * * * *Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Facebook group --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

In today's episode, we're talking about the importance of motherhood community - or in other words - how to find your PEOPLE. In the first segment, you’ll hear from a variety of moms around the world who share what motherhood community looks like to THEM. They’ll talk about who their ‘go-to’ support people are (or were!), and where they found them.Later in the episode, I’ll highlight some women and groups who are dedicating themselves to building community for mothers - through social media, podcasts like this one, and other online communities.Are you enjoying the podcast? Leave a review for the podcast here Want to  join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Facebook groupFollow the Instagram account FEATURED MAMAS:Tanya (Australia)'Tanya Maree Life Coach' websitewww.facebook.com/tanyamareelifecoachinstagram.com/tanyamareecoachingAthens (America)'The Military Child Chronicles' websiteFacebook PageInstagram AccountLinkedIn: Athens E. PellegrinoSarah (England)The Women's Art Activation System - websiteArtist Residency in Motherhood - website (connects mother artists around the world)Chenelle (America)'Self Cared For Counseling Services' Facebook pageSelf Cared For Counseling - websiteDanieylah (America)'You Are Source' - website (Awakening & Ascension Guide)Niamh (Australia)Peanut App - a safe space for women to meet and find supportHelen (from Portugal)Ali (from Canada)Brianne (from Sweden)ACCOUNTS/PODCASTS/ONLINE COMMUNITIES MENTIONED:@thebirdspapaya@catandnat@decoding_couples / decodingcouples.com@beyondthebump.podcast@psychedmommy / psychedmommy.com@mother.ly / mothe --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

Hey Mama - in today's episode, we're talking about finding time and rediscovering yourself after motherhood. In the first segment, I interview Aga Lawrynowicz about reclaiming our time (and….ourselves, really!). Aga’s a Seattle-based Life-Coach for busy moms and the founder of 'Choose Clarity'; she strives to help women ‘redesign their lives and win back their time’...now, does that sound spectacular to anybody else, or is it just me?! If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you had more time since becoming a mom, or found yourself missing the person you were BEFORE motherhood - this might be just the episode for you. It’s a great chat - so don’t miss it!Later in the episode, you’ll hear from Bekah & Brook - they’re friends, licensed therapists, co-founders & creators of ‘In This Moment Box’ - an experiential subscription box service designed for both children AND parents, that aims to make mindfulness an accessible and easy practice for the entire family. If you like fun 'parent' gifts, pre-packaged educational crafts for your kiddos, and a chance to learn how to slow down and enjoy the moment….have a listen! I’ll have a promo code for 10% off at the end of the show for any moms interested in trying it out.Are you enjoying the podcast? I’d love to hear from you!Leave a review for the podcast here - and if you’d like to be featured on the podcast (!) click on the little speaker in the bottom right corner of the website and leave me a voice message - I’ll be including messages I receive in upcoming episodes! Can't wait to hear from you, Mama! LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:'Choose Clarity' - Aga's business website@chooseclarity.io - Aga's instagram account - follow for helpful tips and Instagram Lives!'In This Moment Box' - Bekah & Brook's business website@inthismomentbox - Instagram accountDon't forget Aga's free download (with email):TIME FOR MOM: 3 powerful tricks to reclaim your timeWant to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Facebook groupFollow the Instagram account --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

In today's episode, we're talking about finding body neutrality after having children. We discuss the struggle to reconnect with our bodies postpartum, and how QUICKLY we are targeted by ads, social media, and society in general to try and ‘rewind the clock’ and fit into the version of ourselves we were before pregnancy.In the first segment, you’ll hear from a handful of mamas as they share about their body image journeys - both before and after having children. As ALWAYS, thank you so much to these women for getting honest, getting vulnerable, and sharing a piece of their motherhood stories, so we don’t have to feel alone in ours!My guest on the podcast today is Jess Brock-Pitts. She’s a licensed clinical social worker, turned certified personal trainer, and runs her own online fitness boutique called Enlighten Well LLC. She’s passionate about Health at Every Size, Intuitive Eating, and weight-neutral fitness/movement. This was such a great conversation, covering a wide-range of topics - from disordered eating, to C-sections scars, to the difference between body positivity, body acceptance, and body neutrality….I also ask Jess to share her tips for moms on mindset and mental health, particularly in this time when they are trying to find some sort of body neutrality. Click here to read her blog!Are you enjoying the podcast? I’d love to hear from you!Leave a review for the podcast here - and if you’d like to be featured on the podcast (!) click on the little speaker in the bottom right corner of the website and leave me a voice message - I’ll be including messages I receive in upcoming episodes! Can't wait to hear from you, Mama! LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:Enlighten Well LLC (Jess’s business site)@enlightenwell (Jess's Instagram)Health at Every SizeIntuitive EatingJess's 'Top Tips for Body Acceptance' - free downloadable PDF Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Facebook group Follow the Instagram account --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

In today's episode, we're talking about the many different ways we cope when the mental, emotional, and physical loads of motherhood feel a bit heavy. Sometimes, the coping mechanisms we use are good for us….and other times, they allow us to just make it through another day of motherhood! I definitely have both good (and not so good) ways of handling stress, and I just want to clarify that this episode is NOT about passing judgment on myself or ANY other mom out there.In the first segment, you’ll hear from a handful of mamas as they share the various things they do when they need to take a breath, steal a quiet moment (or an hour!), or take a step away and regroup/refocus. As ALWAYS, thank you so much to these women for getting honest, getting vulnerable, and sharing a piece of their motherhood stories, so we don’t have to feel alone in ours!My guest on the podcast today is Erin Pepler. She’s a Canadian freelance writer, and the recent author of her first book, ‘Send Me into the Woods Alone - Essays on Motherhood’. Erin’s writing has been featured in a number of prominent magazines and online blogs and websites, and she just has such an incredible way with words. She’s funny, she’s truthful, and she doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments of motherhood. This book is motherhood gold, mamas. Have a listen to our interview, and then get your hands on a copy (links below)!Have you checked out the podcast website yet? If not, click this link to find resources from past episodes, read guest bios, or check out some of the blog posts and ‘must-haves’ for motherhood that have been shared so far...feel free to leave a review for the podcast while you are there!LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:'Send Me Into The Woods Alone' by Erin Pepler (100% recommend - buy it for you and all of your mom friends!)*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions may be earned through some of the links provided above.HOW TO CONTACT ERIN:www.erinpepler.com@erinpepler (Twitter)@erinpepler (Instagram)@erinpeplerwriter (Facebook)Erin’s 'MOTHERHOOD MUST-HAVES' for MotherhoodMaman Kangourou wrap Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Facebook group Follow the Instagram account --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

In today's episode, we're talking about The Life of a Working Mom. Being a working mom is a delicate balancing act of family schedules, work obligations and responsibilities, school drop-offs and pick-ups, project deadlines, unexpected child illnesses, and lots of Plan B’s, Plan C’s, & Plan D’s in place.In the first segment, you’ll hear stories from moms from a variety of professions and life circumstances…they’ll each walk us through what being a working mom looks and feels like for them, and how it impacts their day-to-day lives. My guests on the podcast today are Melanie & Juss Levenberg - they’re parents to a 5-year-old little girl in British Columbia, Canada, and are both successful MULTIPLE business owners. We’ll talk about what adjustments Mel and Juss had to make (both in their family AND their businesses) after having a child….what motivates them both as mompreneurs, and the lessons they've learned along the way…and what balance looks like NOW in their family of 3! I’ll also ask them to share the biggest surprises and challenges of motherhood, as well as their ‘Must-DO's’ for WORKING MOMS - so make sure you stay tuned!Have you checked out the podcast website yet? If not, jump on over to www.raiseyourhandmotherhoodpodcast.com - you can find resources from past episodes, read guest bios, or check out some of the blog posts and ‘must-haves’ for motherhood that have been shared so far...feel free to leave a review for the podcast while you are there! LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE: www.pl3yinc.comwww.theimpactentrepreneurs.comwww.evrealestate.com/bio/JustineLevenbergwww.sportball.ca/vancouverCONNECT WITH MEL & JUSS ON INSTAGRAM:Melanie: instagram.com/melanielevenbergJustine: instagram.com/justinelevenberg Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Facebook group Follow the Instagram account --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

In today's first ever 'Raise Your Glass' Bonus Episode of the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Podcast, I'm joined by my very good friend (and European 'neighbour') Bri Nigro - she's a Canadian mama living in Sweden with her partner and 13-year-old daughter.We've shared a LOT of the same experiences over the years - listen in as we discuss living abroad, raising bilingual children, parenting in a different culture, relationship dynamic changes post-baby, staying true to yourself as a mom, becoming a mother in your 20s vs. in your 30s, and a little bit about our pregnancy and postpartum experiences...and join us as we raise our (beer) glasses to some of the friends and family that have helped us throughout our motherhood journeys so far!TIMESTAMPS:1:49 - Introducing the 'Raise Your Glass' episode format 3:55 - 'Cheers!' to the first few friends and family members 6:35 - Proper guest co-host introductions, and a friendship timeline 9:50 - 2nd language learning (both for your child, and for yourself) 15:15 - Bri's pregnancy memories (...and not all fond ones!) 18:40 - Back in Canada, with a newborn 20:42 - One wonderful child 21:17 - Becoming a mom in your 20's vs in your 30's 24:45 - Re-learning your relationship, post-baby 26:04 - Staying true to yourself as a mom 30:04 - Extroverted vs. introverted parents 32:38 - The difficulties in not having family nearby 36:42 - Rae raises her glass to Bri 37:50 - GAME: Motherhood Word Association (toddler mom vs teen mom) 44:38 - 'Cheers!' to our final friends and family members this time aroundHey, Mama...when you're finished here, don't forget to HIT SUBSCRIBE in your podcast listening app, so you get a reminder for the next episode! Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updates!Join the Facebook Group Follow on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message

Hey Mamas,Nobody likes to feel out of control of their own life. We generally avoid things that make us feel incompetent or scared, or that push us too far outside of our COMFORT ZONES…….and I’d say having a baby or raising a child does a pretty good job at all of those things!In the first segment, you’ll hear from Heather Ratych - a registered social worker and psychotherapist who specializes in perinatal and maternal mental health. She is the owner and clinical director of Bloom Psychotherapy in Toronto, Canada - a virtual clinic that offers individual and couples counselling, with a strong focus on the fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and parenting phases of life. Don’t miss her description of anxiety and a checklist of symptoms to watch out for, as well as some strategies to implement if you find yourself exhibiting any of these symptoms! My guest on the podcast today is Kate Rhodes - she’s mom to a sassy and hilarious toddler, and is a budding entrepreneur in her new business, SimpliKate. I’ve followed her journey through motherhood on Instagram, where she has always been one to KEEP THINGS REAL. Kate and I were meant to discuss the specific topic of motherhood anxiety, which is something that she experienced STRONGLY in the first 18 months of her daughter’s life…..but our conversation morphed into the broader struggle of managing our own expectations as mothers (as well as the expectations society places on us), and dealing with feelings of helplessness when things are outside of our control.Have you checked out the podcast website yet? If not, jump on over to www.raiseyourhandmotherhoodpodcast.com - you can find resources from past episodes, read guest bios, or check out some of the blog posts and ‘must-haves’ for motherhood that have been shared so far...feel free to leave a review for the podcast while you are there! LINKS FROM TODAY'S EPISODE:SimpliKate Bloom Psychotherapy The Wild Collective Kate's 'MOTHERHOOD MUST-HAVES'White noise sound machine Ergobaby carriersMEC child backpacks (here are some examples) Learning towers for toddlers *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions may be earned through some of the links provided above. Want to know how you can join the Raise Your Hand Motherhood Community?Sign up for weekly updatesJoin the Facebook group Follow the Instagram account --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raiseyourhandmotherhood/message