Back to Basics

This week, Anna sits down with psychoanalyst and parenting expert Erica Komisar to discuss what it really takes to raise emotionally healthy, securely attached children; and why modern parenting advice is setting parents up to fail.They dive into the foundations of healthy attachment, why a mother's presence matters so much in the early years, and how modern culture has reshaped expectations around motherhood in ways that may not always serve children or families.They also tackle one of the biggest questions facing women today: Can you have a meaningful career and be an intentional, present mother? Erica shares her perspective on the tradeoffs women should consider, how to navigate the competing demands of career and family, and what mothers should know when making decisions about work and raising children. We hope you love this episode!Our Guest:Being There by Erica KomisarErica Komisar WebsiteErica Komisar InstagramErica Komisar on Sleep TrainingOur Sponsor:Thank you to Natural Cycles for sponsoring this episode of Back to Basics. You can use code FEELWELLBYANNA for 15% off your annual subscription + a free NC Band at naturalcycles.com.Natural Cycles is for 18+ and does not protect against STIs. Always read and follow the instructions for use.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Anna sits down with Andrea Haskins, lactation counselor, breastfeeding advocate, and mother of two, to challenge some of the most common breastfeeding advice women receive in the hospital after giving birth. From misconceptions about milk supply and colostrum to feeding schedules, supplementation, latch issues, and how often newborns actually need to nurse, they break down the recommendations that may unintentionally undermine a mother's breastfeeding journey before it even begins. Andrea shares what every new mother should know about breastfeeding, which hospital protocols deserve pushback, and how women can feel more confident advocating for themselves and their babies during those first few days postpartum that set up the foundation for breastfeeding long-term. Our Guest:Andrea's Instagram Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Anna sits down for a solo episode to share honest update on her third trimester of pregnancy. She opens up about how she’s feeling as she gets closer to meeting her baby, what’s surprised her most about this stage of pregnancy, and how she’s preparing for a home birth.Whether you’re pregnant, preparing for birth, or simply curious about what it looks like to approach motherhood with intention, we hope you love this episode! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Anna is joined by Ellie Beal BSN, RN for an honest conversation about infant circumcision and what parents should know before making this decision for their baby boy. Together, Anna and Ellie discuss the function of the foreskin, the dark origins of circumcision in the US, the lack of evidence behind commonly cited medical benefits, potential complications, and the importance of informed consent for newborns. They also explore how cultural norms influence parental decisions and the real numbers behind how common circumcision is today in the US. We hope you enjoy this eye-opening episode! Our Guest:Ellie Beal Instagram Links and resources: Evidence Based Birth An Elephant in the Hospital Room Your Whole Baby Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Anna sits down with Brittany Chambers of Goodnight Moonchild to discuss everything we’ve been led to believe about infant sleep -- and what the science, biology, and history actually tell us. They discuss what normal baby sleep patterns really look like, why frequent night waking is biologically normal, the myths surrounding cosleeping, and how the modern sleep training industry has capitalized on mothers’ exhaustion and fear. They also explore why babies aren’t designed to sleep like adults, where our expectations around infant sleep come from, and what it looks like to approach sleep in a way that honors babies’ biological needs rather than forcing them into a schedule (and going crazy yourself). We hope you love this episode!Our Guest: Goodnight Moon Child InstagramGoodnight Moon Child Website Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy