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 Together, we unpack common myths and outdated expectations, like the “snap back” culture, and explore why postpartum should be treated as essential rehab, not just traditional exercise.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:...
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Intimacy After Childbirth: How to Get Your Groove Back with Kiana Reeves
Dear Doula
TW: This episode contains adult content of a sexual nature As a doula, I've had countless conversations with new parents navigating the complexities of intimacy after childbirth. Whether it’s regaining libido, feeling physically or emotionally more comfortable having sex, or adjusting to the significant hormonal shifts postpartum, there's a lot tied into it. This week, I’m joined by one of the best people in the business to help me unpack these issues: somatic sex educator Kiana Reeves. Our conversation highlights the importance of patience, understanding, and open...
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An Attorney’s Guide to Safer Childbirth with Gina Mundy
Dear Doula
TW: If you have lost a child, had birth complications, or know someone who has, please be aware that some of those themes will be discussed in this week's show. Many of us dream of the day that you finally get to meet your baby. Labor and delivery is one of the most powerful, life-changing events not only for you, but for your family too. And so getting ready for that moment to make sure that you deliver a healthy baby, and that nothing happens to your baby during childbirth is so incredibly important. Gina Mundy is a childbirth attorney and mother of three. After spending...
info_outlineAre you a parent who's gearing up to start the potty training journey with your child? Potty training is a significant milestone in a child's development and can be an exciting yet challenging time for both parents and children.
Parents often feel the pressure to meet societal expectations when it comes to potty training. Whether it's comparing your child's progress to that of other children, feeling judged by other parents or family members, or facing cultural expectations, it's important to manage these societal pressures.
As with any new stage in parenting, being prepared and equipped with the right information to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible is key. In this episode, I’ll be guiding you through the tips and tricks that will help you navigate this important transition with confidence.
If you need more support for this or if you have questions about potty training, you can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments, and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
Brandi does do potty training consultations, so feel free to email and check that out if you're interested!
If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review!
Time Stamps
00:57 - Brandi introduces this week’s topic of potty training and one of the main issues that causes us problems.
01:42 - We hear Brandi’s experience of potty training her now 16 year old son.
02:47 - We learn about the role of culture defining when a child is potty trained.
05:54 - Brandi talks about the importance of exposure and why the Western world often gets this wrong.
08:43 - We find out why we need to consider the language we use on this topic with our kids.
10:41 - We discover how diaper free time can play a part in successful potty training.
13:16 - We learn what to avoid when working with children when it comes to potty training.
14:35 - Brandi addresses the idea of ‘bootcamp’ style potty training methods.