Going Back to Work After Baby: The Emotional and Logistical Reality No One Prepares You For
Dear Doula
In this episode I open up about the real challenges and emotions that come with navigating postpartum life, especially when returning to work. Drawing from my own experiences as a mom and doula, I share the ups and downs of juggling career ambitions, shifting family dynamics, and the intense feelings that arise when stepping back into the workplace after having a baby. I offer practical tips on easing the transition back to work, such as building a milk stash for nursing mothers, gradually returning to your job, and the importance of maintaining open conversations with your partner about...
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Postpartum Recovery After 35: Hormones, Healing, and Support
Dear Doula
In this episode, I’m joined by integrative nutrition expert Jodi to talk about what women over 35 should think about when it comes to conception, pregnancy, and postpartum health. We go through the basics of nutrition, how to avoid common endocrine disruptors, and what actually matters so you don’t get overwhelmed by too much information. We also talk about testing your nutrient levels, simple supplement choices, and how to make sense of all the wellness advice you see online. We touch on important topics like choline, vegan diets during pregnancy, and why testing both before and after...
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The 3 Biggest Sleep Mistakes New Parents Make
Dear Doula
In this episode, I dive into the three biggest mistakes new parents make around sleep, how to avoid them. With over two decades of experience as a doula, I've seen it all when it comes to sleep struggles during the early days of parenting. I break down the misconceptions about newborn sleep, why nutrition is essential for building strong sleep foundations, and how expectations impact your rest as a family I also share practical tips on fostering your baby’s ability to self-soothe, setting gentle routines, and why tracking feedings and sleep habits can be a game-changer. You’ll hear...
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The Truth About Hiring Childcare in the U.S.: Rates, Roles, and What No One Tells You
Dear Doula
In this episode of Dear Doula, I break down the realities of finding quality postpartum and childcare in the US, including what you can expect to pay and what industry standards look like. I guide you through the differences between postpartum doulas, newborn care specialists, and nannies. I share my insights from years in the industry, offering tips on how to find caregivers that truly fit your family's needs. I also talk about the evolving landscape of domestic work, including compensation ranges, work agreements, retainers, and new trends like rotational positions. You will learn why...
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Prepping for Pregnancy: Unlocking Hormonal Health with Dr. Shivani Amin
Dear Doula
In this episode of Dear Doula, Ι sit down with Dr. Shivani Amin, a functional medicine and women’s health specialist, to explore the root causes of hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and the vital role of minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium in women’s health. We discuss how simple shifts in habits, like proper breathwork, staying hydrated with quality water, and getting sunlight, can significantly improve wellbeing for women through every stage, from pre-pregnancy to postpartum. Dr. Amin shares her holistic approach, focusing on getting to the heart of health issues instead of...
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What Postpartum Recovery Really Looks Like (That No One Warns You About)
Dear Doula
In this episode, I sit down with birth doula and postpartum trainer Kaitlyn Wozniak to talk about postpartum recovery in a whole new way. Together, we unpack common myths and outdated expectations, like the “snap back” culture, and explore why postpartum should be treated as essential rehab, not just traditional exercise. We talk about shifting the focus from looks to real healing and functional strength. We cover everything from breathing techniques and pelvic floor health to the value of individualized care over one-size-fits-all advice. The conversation also dives into the emotional...
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Regression or Growth Spurt? How to Tell What’s Actually Going On With Your Baby’s Sleep
Dear Doula
In this episode of Dear Doula, I’m talking about something many parents experience but often struggle to understand. The sudden changes in their baby’s sleep. Is it a sleep regression, a growth spurt, or something else entirely? As a doula and sleep consultant who has supported families for many years, I see this confusion all the time. Babies suddenly waking more often at night, feeding differently, or becoming fussier than usual. These changes are often connected to developmental leaps, shifts in feeding needs, or the way a baby’s sleep cycles are maturing. In this episode, I break...
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What You ACTUALLY Need in the First 30 Days With Baby
Dear Doula
In this episode of Dear Doula, I’m sharing what I actually recommend parents have ready for the first days home with a newborn. As a postpartum doula and lactation consultant who has supported families for nearly two decades, I know how overwhelming those early days can feel. There are endless product lists, conflicting advice, and so much pressure to get everything right. The truth is that you do not need as much as you think. What you need most is support, rest, and a few thoughtfully chosen essentials. We talk about feeding, diapering, sleep, postpartum recovery, and the small...
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The Biggest Sleep Myths Parents Are Still Being Sold (and What Actually Helps)
Dear Doula
As a doula and newborn care specialist for over 20 years, I can tell you this with certainty : Parents are drowning in misinformation about sleep. From “sleep regressions” to teething, dream feeds, early rising, and even sleep supplements - there are so many myths circulating that it’s no wonder parents feel confused and exhausted. In this episode, I’m breaking down the most common newborn sleep myths and giving you something far more powerful than trendy advice: Clarity. Because newborn sleep varies widely, and while every baby is different, sleep is not random.It can absolutely...
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Raising Children in 2026: The Emotional Load of Parenting, Intentional Living, and Putting Yourself Back on the List
Dear Doula
Welcome to Season 4 of Dear Doula. After an intentional break, I’m back to talk about the emotional load of parenting and how the way we frame it shapes our experience. Modern parenting is often painted as exhausting and miserable, and I think it’s worth questioning what that mindset does to us and our families. In this episode, I share why 2025 felt overwhelming for me and what I’m choosing to do differently in 2026—being more intentional, putting myself back on my own list, and focusing on connection over survival. Resources: • Follow me on Instagram: • Follow the podcast:...
info_outlineThe lights go out after another busy day of parenting but for many, the dread of bedtime with a toddler begins…
Whilst battling with any of these sleep problems can feel extremely isolating, I can tell you after working with infant and toddler sleep for 20 years, most of the issues parents experience are incredibly similar.
Toddler sleep challenges often come in the form of struggling to go down at night, waking during the night and wanting to come into your room, or waking at an ungodly hour in the morning. You may even have a combination of these if you’re really lucky.
If you’re facing any of these issues, you’re certainly in good company, but that does not mean it has to become your new normal. In this episode, I’m breaking down the root causes of some of the most common toddler sleep problems and giving you the strategies you need to resolve them.
Resources:
A lot of the concepts I talked about in my recent episode ‘Establishing Good sleep Habits: Newborn to 3 Months’ are essentially the foundations for building toddler sleep.
See my recent episode on gentle parenting: Raising Intrinsically Motivated Children with Megan Cordaro
Discover more about nasal hygiene in babies and young children
You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question on sleep you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your own child’s sleep, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a pediatric sleep consultant.
If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Time Stamps
01:34 - We find out the 3 main issues Brandi has noticed in her 20 years of working with infant and toddler sleep.
02:31 - We learn the role of limit setting when it comes to toddler sleep.
03:37 - Brandi discusses strategies to help your toddler go down more easily at night.
08:18 - We hear Brandi’s recommendations for optimal times to put toddlers to bed.
11:20 - We learn when the ideal times are for toddler nap transitions.
14:17 - Brandi talks about overcoming the issue of night wakings and coming into your room.
18:13 - We find out what to do if early rising is an issue with your toddler.