Dear Doula

What if parenting could evoke a sense of calm, joy, and connection? Brandi Jordan, baby and parenting expert, not only believes that it can, but that it should with the right mix of empathy and grace! What if you had a village that was available for weekly support, advice, inspiration, and practical tips to make this parenting journey not only easier, but enjoyable? Grab a cup of tea and join Brandi as she dives into deep conversations that will help you to rediscover your intuition, joy, and sense of calm, along with interesting guests to give you the parenting village that you always knew you needed.

Intimacy After Childbirth: How to Get Your Groove Back with Kiana Reeves 03/01/2024

Intimacy After Childbirth: How to Get Your Groove Back with Kiana Reeves 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 communication in postpartum intimacy and Kiana encourages us to prioritize self-care, redefine intimacy, and seek professional support when needed. As the chief education officer for sexual wellness brand Foria®, we also get to hear her top product recommendations for enhancing intimacy after childbirth! References Visit the Foria® (Use discount code “DearDoula” for 20% off all Foria® products!) Follow Foria® on Connect with Kiana: You can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! Audio Stamps 01:27 - Brandi’s guest, Somatic Sex Educator Kiana Reeves, tells us about her background and the people she serves. 03:23 - Kiana discusses the emotional, physical, and hormonal aspects of postpartum intimacy. 09:22 - As the chief education officer at Foria®, Kiana shares how this company and its products cater to the female body. 11:03 - Brandi and Kiana discuss how lack of sexual education can cause problems further down the line with consent and sexual pleasure. 14:42 - Kiana talks about the role of sexual pleasure in childbirth and the shame surrounding this. 15:41 - We find out what moms should focus on to maintain sexual health and wellness and what to do if you’re still struggling in the pleasure department. 21:54 - Kiana explains how to judge if someone is a reputable sex therapist or not. 24:50 - Brandi asks about the stigma surrounding somatic vaginal work. 30:32 - Kiana recommends some fun products that she thinks listeners would enjoy using and trying /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/30152913

An Attorney’s Guide to Safer Childbirth with Gina Mundy 01/26/2024

An Attorney’s Guide to Safer Childbirth with Gina Mundy 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 over twenty years analyzing the decisions made during childbirth, it is now her mission to share this information so that families around the world can experience safer childbirth. I am delighted to speak with Gina in this episode about some of the insights from her one-of-a-kind book that blends together the realms of medicine and law: . Listen in to discover some of the most common problems that occur during childbirth and how YOU can help prevent them. References by Gina Mundy Connect with Gina: Visit Gina’s Instagram: Facebook: Linked In: Twitter: You can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! Audio Stamps 01:28 - Gina shares her journey to becoming an attorney that specializes in childbirth cases. 02:55 - We discover the most common factor in the childbirth cases Gina deals with. 07:33 - Brandi asks what Gina recommends with the use of Pitocin to enable a safer birth. 09:44 - Gina explains how busy labor and delivery units are preventing safe births and the importance of having a baby advocate. 11:47 - Brandi and Gina discuss the role of doulas in supporting parents by working alongside the delivery team. 18:00 - We learn how every hospital system is so different and the importance of checking out the hospitals in which you went to birth if possible. 21:57 - We discover how the complications and the mistakes that Gina sees in childbirth cases typically occur after the patient's water has broken 26:13 - Brandi asks if Gina has seen evidence of the black maternal health crisis in the work that she does. 27:42 - Gina talks about the approach she took when writing her book. It is not about scaring people about what can go wrong, but how to make sure it goes right. 31:36 - Gina encourages us to be ready and have a plan for your birth so you can enjoy the moment you’ve been looking forward to. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/29636133

Facing the VBAC Dilemma? Your Guide to Informed Choices with Midwife Melissa Dean 01/12/2024

Facing the VBAC Dilemma? Your Guide to Informed Choices with Midwife Melissa Dean If you’ve had a cesarean birth and get pregnant again, one of the questions I often get asked is, ‘Should I plan for another cesarean, or should I try to give birth vaginally?’ Choosing between a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and repeat cesarean is not an easy decision, with benefits and risks to both options. Joining me today to dig into this topic further is Melissa Dean, midwife and founder of the Casa Natal Birth and Wellness Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. Melissa has a breadth of knowledge when it comes to VBACs, so if you’re currently facing this dilemma (whether you're currently expecting or just curious about the options), Melissa’s insights will give you the clarity you need to make an informed decision. References IG: Website: FB: YouTube: You can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! Audio Stamps 01:37 - Melissa explains more about the role of a midwife and busts some of the common misconceptions. 03:20 - We find out how Melissa has merged midwifery with functional medicine practice. 04:46 - Brandi asks Melissa if there are instances when someone should not have a VBAC. 08:42 - Melissa explains how to tell what kind of incision you had for your cesarean. 09:56 - We learn the benefits of delivering vaginally after a C-Section. 12:19 - We hear Melissa’s recommendations for what to do in between pregnancies to make you more prepared to try for a vaginal birth in the future. 14:04 - Melissa shares what you should be doing during your pregnancy to make yourself more viable for VBAC. 17:33 - Find out the top foods that Melissa recommends to her clients, whether they're having a VBAC or not, that will make for a healthier pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. 21:13 - Melissa tells us about the services that she provides as a midwife to childbearing (and not childbearing!) families. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/29446888

More than “Baby Blues”: Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) with Elyse Springer 12/01/2023

More than “Baby Blues”: Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) with Elyse Springer The arrival of a new life is a momentous occasion that often brings joy, excitement, and a myriad of emotions. However, the perinatal and postpartum periods can also bring a host of mental health complexities that demand attention and understanding. To help us understand the nuances of perinatal mental health, debunk some of the most common misconceptions around maternal mental health, and shed light on the intricacies that can impact the well-being of new parents, I invited licensed mental health therapist Elyse Springer to share her wealth of knowledge on this topic. As the holidays fast approach, and people often start feeling the pressure to show up in ways that do not necessarily reflect how they're feeling inside, we hope this episode will normalize some of the challenges faced by many parents in this new chapter of life. References (PSI) Connect with Elyse: Visit Elyse’s Follow Elyse on You can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Audio Stamps 01:18 - Brandi introduces today’s guest, licensed mental health therapist Elyse Springer. 02:34 - Elyse does some myth busting around perinatal and postpartum mood disorders 05:03 - Elyse defines postpartum psychosis 07:02 - We find out more about postpartum OCD 10:00 - Brandi asks Elyse how we can tell the difference between someone who is dealing with a mental health disorder like OCD or anxiety, and someone who has embodied the idea that extra worry signifies how much you love your child. 11:25 - Elyse explains what your ACE score is and why it’s important to know. 20:00 - We find out what the next steps are if you or someone you know is showing symptoms of a mental health disorder 25:57 - Elyse shares some of the resources that new parents should be aware of that provide support for issues related to mental health. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/28879563

The Sleep-Well Toddler Toolkit: Bedtime Refusal, Separation Anxiety, and More! ("Sleep Fairy" Series) 11/26/2023

The Lie of a Good Night's Sleep (The "Sleep Fairy" Series) 11/17/2023

Twin Zzz’s: Mastering Sleep for Twins (“Sleep Fairy” Series) 11/11/2023

Twin Zzz’s: Mastering Sleep for Twins (“Sleep Fairy” Series) Welcome to the inaugural episode of my "Sleep Fairy” series, where I’m devoting multiple episodes to one of the biggest things parents need help with: sleep. To start us out in the series, we’re delving into the world of sleep when it comes to twins. Believe it or not, I’ve actually got a lot of experience working with multiples (even quadruplets!), so today I’m providing you with insights and actionable advice to help you navigate the unique sleep challenges that come with twins and beyond. In this episode, we discuss the importance of understanding each twin's individual sleep needs and preferences. We delve into the crucial role of white noise machines, like and , in creating a sleep-conducive environment for your twins. We also cover practical strategies for establishing routines and schedules, my opinion on the SNOO bassinet that everybody raves about, and I share some common challenges and solutions to twin sleep issues. You got this! Links: My recommended white noise machines: and . For more insights and parenting tips, follow the Dear Doula Podcast on . I offer personalized consultations and can be reached for further questions on sleep, particularly concerning twins, at [email protected] or on my . Time Stamps: 1:03 - Introduction to my “Sleep Fairy” series and today's focus on twin sleep. 1:24 - My experience with multiples and early career insights. 2:07 - Key sleep factors for twins and parents. 3:59 - The role of white noise machines in twin sleep routines. 6:25 - Safe sleeping arrangements for newborn twins. 7:56 - How, if, and when to use the SNOO for twins. 9:04 - Importance of keeping a log to understand each twin's patterns. 11:10 - Emphasizing the need for a routine to manage twin sleep effectively. 13:00 - Deciding the sleeping location for twins: room sharing and separate spaces. 16:09 - Creating a consistent 7 to 7 routine for twins. 17:59 - The need for community support and resources for parents of multiples. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/28591188

Going Against the Grain: Foster Adventurous Eating Habits in Kids with Helene Skantzikas 11/03/2023

Going Against the Grain: Foster Adventurous Eating Habits in Kids with Helene Skantzikas For many of us, feeding babies and toddlers can be overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with food rejection and other issues at the table. Helene Skantzikas is the creator of the French Foodie Baby, a blog which chronicles her journey in the nurturing and expanding of her son Pablo’s tastebuds and love of life through good food. Helene joins me today to share her secrets to fostering healthy eating habits, including the role her family and French cultural background has played in her approach to feeding her son (possibly the best fed child I have ever known!). Listen in to discover the power of modeling a healthy, joyful approach to food, being engaged in the enjoyment of food preparation, and seeing the family meal as an opportunity for connection and togetherness. Even if your child is only used to eating a few foods, Helene gives us hope that it’s never too late to nurture a healthy, happy, and positive relationship to the nourishment of their bodies. Connect with Helen: Read her blog: Follow her on Audio Stamps: 2:00 - Helene tells us why she started her blog ‘French Foodie Baby’ 3:49 - We find out why it’s important to have an open mind about what our babies might like 6:17 - We hear Helene’s tips for how to integrate children into the preparation of family meals. 8:37 - Brandi asks Helene if it was a struggle to go against the “conventional” way of feeding her baby. 14:36 - We find out what Helene has observed around food in early childhood education. 16:30 - Helene shares what lessons her family is learning about food during their travels. 21:30 - Brandi and Helene discuss what it is about the French way of life that leads to their commitment to creating fresh, joyful meals. 26:56 - Helene gives her advice to parents who want to incorporate trying new foods, but feel they've already set an expectation where their kids are used to eating just a few things. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/28499465

How to Plan for Parental Leave with Arianna Taboada 10/13/2023

How to Plan for Parental Leave with Arianna Taboada As a new parent, you deserve to have the opportunity to welcome your new family member and transition into this new chapter, without stressing about work. But the lack of comprehensive federal policies for paid parental leave in the U.S. places a significant burden on new parents who are faced with the impossible choice between caring for their children and maintaining their careers. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing parental leave consultant Arianna Taboada, who is working to disrupt the narrative that growing a family is incompatible with growing a company or having a career. She is the author of The Expecting Entrepreneur: A Guide to Parental Leave Planning for Self Employed Business Owners (2021), and joins me to answer key questions about how to map out parental leave, and build the self-awareness you need as you move through the momentous shift into parenthood. References: Connect with Arianna: Visit her website: Follow her on Follow her on You can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Audio Stamps: 1:55 - Arianna tells us about her business and how she helps people navigate parental leave 3:11 - We find out the common knowledge gaps when it comes to parental leave 4:55 - For anyone who is thinking of having kids, Arianna shares what they should be doing now to understand and prepare for parental leave 6:16 - Arianna recommends what to do if you have an employer with a parental leave policy 8:53 - Brandi asks what people could be doing with their employer and HR when pregnant or before becoming pregnant 10:22 - Arianna shares what she wishes more parents knew about parental leave 11:13 - We hear Arianna’s advice for anyone who is afraid to speak about their pregnancy in the workplace for fear of retaliation or discrimination 13:11 - Arianna tells us about how her book helps people navigate the process of parental leave 14:10 - We find out if disability leave is the same as parental leave 16:16 - Brandi asks what you can do about parental leave if you’re already far into your pregnancy /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/28303196

The Baby Brands We’re Loving Right Now with Monica Banks 10/06/2023

The Art of Pressing Pause with Octavia Raheem 09/29/2023

The Art of Pressing Pause with Octavia Raheem In today’s fast-paced world, “pause, rest, be” are three simple words that many of us (especially parents!) often overlook. Society doesn’t give us any accolades for taking time out to rest, but as people’s schedules get busier, our presence and connectedness as humans gets weaker. Joining me today to normalize and demystify the practice of rest, is Octavia Raheem, an award-winning author, rest coach, and restorative yoga teacher. Octavia invites us into practices that enhance presence, groundedness, and a better sense of wellbeing– all of the things that we need and desire, yet are not reflected in our day-to-day living and calendar. We also explore how we can instill this practice into our children, without feeling like we’re limiting their opportunities. References: Connect with Octavia: Visit her Follow her on Connect with Octavia on Learn more about , a transformational rest focused experience for visionary women leaders making a high impact in their fields Octavia’s books: You can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps 1:42 - Octavia tells us about her bestselling book “Pause, Rest, Be” and what brought her to the space of telling people that they need to pause. 4:58 - Brandi asks Octavia how we can decondition ourselves from the narrative that we can only be successful if we are being productive. 10:50 - Rest isn't just simply sleeping, but it does start with good sleep hygiene. Recording restful, affirming, and restorative messages for you and your children can help to wind down. 13:59 - People are very overscheduled but embracing blank space can yield a lot of creativity. 16:36 - For people who didn’t have access to lots of activities growing up, it can lead to overcompensating and putting our kids in things to make up for what we didn't get. 22:12 - Octavia and Brandi share their personal stories of times they have been overly productive to feel worthy and how they were able to catch this and build in rest and space. 27:46 - Brandi asks Octavia how she handles people who feel like they understand they need to rest but think that they don’t have time. 34:07 - Octavia invites us into a one minute pause to help us embody the practice of pausing so that we can start to find that drop of peace for ourselves in our everyday lives. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/28174307

Ask A Doula: Brandi's Top 15 Questions and Recommendations 09/22/2023

The Gentle Divorce Guide: Prioritizing Kids and Peaceful Resolutions with Kim Korven 06/23/2023

The Gentle Divorce Guide: Prioritizing Kids and Peaceful Resolutions with Kim Korven Podcast Description Working with families for the past 20 years I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to relationship issues. There has been no shortage of relationship stories from life in the trenches, including a dad leaving in the middle of the night to go to Vegas just 3 days into postpartum! Despite its prevalence in society, divorce remains such a taboo topic. People can feel a sense of shame and failure when separating from a partner, and emotions are often running high. So how do we continue to prioritize the children when going through a divorce? And can we reframe divorce to be a positive experience for our kids? In today's epsode, I’m delighted to be joined by Kim Korven, aka The Conflict Queen, who helps us to explore a gentler way through family conflict and reminds us that while you won't be the first or the last to do it, you can do it where everyone wins. Connect with Kim Visit Kim’s website: References by Amanda Ripley by Katherine Woodward Thomas by Chris Voss If you have further questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps 01:52 - Brandi introduces today’s guest, Kim Korven, who tells us more about herself and her work in helping clients find a gentle way through divorce. 03:38 - Kim gives advice to people who may feel shame for walking away from something that they know is not working for them. 07:17 - Kim discusses how to prioritize the kids when emotions are running high during a divorce. 08:58 - Brandi asks what to do if one person is not willing to be amicable. 11:36 - We find out what often leads people astray from the idea of putting the kids first. 15:59 - We learn what Kim recommends for being able to amicably share resources and the raising of children. 19:45 - Brandi asks Kim how couples can turn it round if emotional hurt is fueling disagreements during a divorce. 23:44 - Kim names some good resources for someone who's looking to be conscious about how they're going about divorce. 25:56 - We hear some words of wisdom for anyone who's going through divorce or thinking about it. 26:40 - Brandi shares how her own parents’ divorce created a lot of positive things for her in her life. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/27222924

What No One Tells You About Milk Supply 06/09/2023

What No One Tells You About Milk Supply Podcast Description As a board certified lactation consultant, I have seen just how disheartening it can be for new mothers facing breastfeeding challenges. I also know how much more difficult this is made by the amount of myths and misinformation floating around on this topic. One of the most common hurdles I have seen in recent times is low milk supply, which can lead to concerns about providing enough nutrition for your little ones. In this episode, we will explore some common reasons women struggle with milk supply, and offer practical tips and strategies to help overcome these issues and boost milk supply. References War on Want was the first organization to draw attention to the damage caused by baby milk companies like Nestlé with its groundbreaking 1974 publication View Mrs Patel’s lactation treats and teas at If you are struggling with breastfeeding, The Cradle Company offers an array of services for breastfeeding mothers, with lactation consultants that can help you virtually or in person. Go to or follow us on or on . If you have further questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps 01:27 - Brandi shares the shocking experience that led her to become a board certified lactation consultant. 04:47 - We get an overview into why a lot of people are struggling with milk supply. 05:37 - We learn how having an induction can affect milk supply. 08:00 - We find out how people who have had assisted pregnancies can be at a higher risk for developing milk supply issues. 09:25 - Brandi gives some advice for people who are having issues with milk supply, including pumping and galactagogues. 18:19 - We discover how issues with the actual anatomy of the breast can also cause problems with milk supply. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/27075615

Thriving as an Entrepreneur and a Parent with Lindsay Dreyer 06/03/2023

Thriving as an Entrepreneur and a Parent with Lindsay Dreyer Podcast Description Unrealistic expectations can often overshadow the immense achievements of working parents. Working moms in particular can get so wrapped up in all the fires they have to put out, that they end up at the very bottom of their to-do list. In my work, I’ve seen first hand how that can lead to feelings of resentment, overwhelm, and failure. Today’s special guest Lindsay Dreyer was an overwhelmed business owner not so long ago, suffering from poor physical and mental health, and drowning in intense guilt that she wasn’t spending more time with her baby. She joins me today to discuss how she managed to turn this around to make space to enjoy her success, her family, and rediscover what she loves. Lindsay’s practical insights on navigating this fulfilling yet challenging path will empower you if you’re struggling to strike the right balance. Connect with Lindsay: If you need more support for this or if you have questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps 01:21 - Lindsay tells us more about who she is and what she does. 02:44 - Lindsay explains what her clients struggle with most and how she helps them. 05:15 - Brandi and Lindsay discuss why “work/life balance” is a myth. 08:33 - We find out the importance of putting yourself first and modeling that to your kids. 12:43 - Brand and Lindsay discuss how society is pitting working moms against stay-at-home moms. 16:28 - We hear two important things mompreneurs should keep in mind when building or scaling a business. 23:48 - We find out the perks of being an entrepreneur and a parent. 24:46 - Lindsay gives advice to those craving more flexibility about how to take the leap into entrepreneurship. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/27031989

Circumcision, Water Births, and Evidence-Based Care with Dr. Rebecca Dekker 05/26/2023

Circumcision, Water Births, and Evidence-Based Care with Dr. Rebecca Dekker As new parents or parents-to-be, we can spend hours going down rabbit holes trying to find the best information to support our birthing and parenting decisions. In a lot of instances, the articles people see online talking about controversial issues are heavily slanted towards the author’s own views and not necessarily backed by evidence. While most of what I talk about is related to what I’ve seen in the trenches working with families over the past 20 years, I am a strong believer in passing evidence-based information to parents to inform decisions. My special guest today, Dr. Rebecca Dekker, became fed up with how the system treats birthing families. She is now working hard to take the stress out of research and make science sexy for parents and birth workers alike! She is the founder of Evidence Based Birth®, and has made it her mission to ensure all birthing families have access to safe, respectful, evidence-based, and empowering care. Join our conversation now to hear her evidence-based insights into two controversial birthing topics. Resources Read the Evidence Based Birth® article on circumcision Read more on the evidence around waterbirth Watch the College Humor on the history of circumcision Listen to the Follow on Insta Go to the If you need more support for this or if you have questions about this topic, you can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps 01:22 - Dr. Rebecca Dekker tells us more about Evidence Based Birth® and the work that they do. 02:47 - Brandi tells us about her own experience of circumcision with her now 16 year old son. 03:58 - Dr. Dekker discusses her background and how she approached the evidence-based work she has produced around circumcision. 06:02 - Dr. Dekker shares how she was personally confronted with the topic of circumcision and how this put the procedure into perspective for her. 07:59 - Dr. Dekker discusses the ethical considerations around circumcision. 11:46 - We find out what the evidence shows with regard to circumcision. 16:30 - Brandi and Dr.Dekker speak about the regret parents can feel around their decision to circumcise their children. 23:06 - We learn about the historical context of circumcision. 26:25 - Dr. Dekker talks through evidence-based information surrounding waterbirths. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/26946819

Potty Training Success: Embracing Individual Readiness 04/21/2023

Potty Training Success: Embracing Individual Readiness Are 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 on IG, IG, and send questions, comments, and platitudes to . 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. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/26601432

Bedtime Boomerangs and Early Risers: Fixing Toddler Sleep 04/14/2023

Bedtime Boomerangs and Early Risers: Fixing Toddler Sleep The 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 are essentially the foundations for building toddler sleep. See my recent episode on gentle parenting: Discover more about You can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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 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. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/26532375

Exploring Gender Identity with Children with Nat Vikitsreth 04/07/2023

Exploring Gender Identity with Children with Nat Vikitsreth Trans people’s lives are an almost constant part of our media narrative, yet the decontextualization of trans issues can often distort our view of the trans experience. While we’re seeing an increasing desire for people to be inclusive, not enough action is being taken to support marginalized families. I invited Nat Vikitsreth, a trans rights activist and founder of Come back to Care, a company which helps parents to incorporate social justice in their daily parenting, while reparenting their inner child. Nat gives us a saddening insight into the erasure that trans families feel when trans-affirming care is lacking. In a society which consistently feels the need to put people in boxes, we are creating anxieties for trans people around being misgendered or questioned about the validity of their humanity. It is only through normalizing conversations around gender spectrum that we will enable our children to feel secure in living out who they want to be. In this episode, we explore how we can begin to incorporate social justice into our parenting, so that our children know that the full expression of who they are is available to them and is supported. Connect with Nat: Visit her website: Check out You can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps 01:13 - Brandi introduces her special guest Nat Vikitsreth, who tells us more about the work she does and her company Come Back to Care 04:22 - We hear Nat’s opinion on people who believe trans-inclusive language is “erasing women”. 05:57 - Brandi gives an analogy to help us understand why some people struggle to properly address their usage of pronouns. 07:14 - We find out what trans families are experiencing when they receive services from people who aren't being culturally sensitive or doing the work to understand how to support their clients. 09:00 - Brandi and Nat discuss the tendency for people to center their own comfort ahead of the dignity and humanity of the person in front of you. 11:10 - Nat tells us how she talks to her clients about having the conversation around gender with children. 12:53 - Nat talks about how accepted the trans community is in Thai culture. 14:15 - Brandi asks about the concern that parents have about somehow influencing the child’s choice by having the conversation about gender at such a young age. 16:47 - Nat shares why you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable in having this conversation. 21:44 - Brandi and Nat discuss the importance of community in doing the work around gender. 26:48 - We learn how to respond if we feel like we don’t have the answers. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/26465703

Raising Intrinsically Motivated Children with Megan Cordaro 03/31/2023

Raising Intrinsically Motivated Children with Megan Cordaro As parents, we are called to value the challenging moments just as much as we value the inspiring moments. Both are extraordinary opportunities for growth. How you parent today has an incredible long-term impact on the teenagers and adults you create for the future. Whilst we tend to be intentional about many aspects of our life like what we eat, where we live, and where we work, we’re not always as intentional with one of the most important roles we will ever have: parenting. I am delighted to be joined by parenting coach Megan Cordaro, who explains why moving away from reward charts and more towards unconditional parenting, allowed her relationship with her 5 children to blossom. She also shares 3 important tips for what you can do with your children now that will help them grow into intrinsically motivated teenagers and adults. Connect with Megan Cordaro: Follow her on Instagram: Go to her website: You can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate, and review! Time Stamps 01:27 - Megan tells us about her background and her approach to parenting 04:52 - Brandi asks Megan what the issues are with positive reinforcement 06:47 - Megan explains why it’s not too late if you have already been using positive reinforcement methods with your children 09:21 - Brandi asks how to deal with a lack of support or pushback about your parenting style 11:23 - Megan gives us the 3 essentials that should be happening with children under 5 to help them grow into an intrinsically motivated teenager 17:04 - Megan tells us what she loves about her relationship with her teenagers 19:05 - Brandi and Megan discuss how teenagers can maintain independence whilst having limits in place 25:02 - Megan shares what you can expect from her 1-1 coaching and her parenting circles around intentional parenting /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/26389662

Are Dominant Cultures Skewing our Parenting? 03/24/2023

Are Dominant Cultures Skewing our Parenting? Podcast Description So much of what we believe to be true about how we parent our children is skewed by Western, dominant culture. A perfect example of this is potty training, where we’re told the day a child turns two years old is when you throw the diapers out. I even did this with my own son! But is this really developmentally appropriate for all children? After working with families for the past 20 years, I strongly believe most of us are better served when we incorporate some of the rituals and traditions that our ancestors and our families of origin carried out. So much has been forgotten or even demonized as something we shouldn’t be doing anymore. In this episode, I want to talk about the intersection of culture and parenting and how in many ways, we’re making life harder for ourselves by not latching onto our cultural traditions. I want to remind you how reconnecting with family rituals can actually be extremely healthy for you as parents and for your child’s development. You can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps: 01:11 - We hear how a recent post about potty training inspired Brandi’s reflection on how culture influences our parenting choices. 03:53 - Brandi explains what the pandemic showed us about the intersection with culture and parenting. 06:23 - Brandi explores how dominant culture decides what’s demonized and what’s in fashion through the example of baby wearing. 08:01 - We learn about Brandi’s experience of parenting views in Black American culture versus what dominant culture tells us. 09:53 - We find out how reconnecting with cultural traditions teaches us about creating new ages of developmental appropriateness, rather than assuming what dominant culture says is right. 13:30 - Brandi tells us how cultural rituals can give you comfort when you’re exhausted from trying to follow constant rules about how to parent. 14:47 - Brandi questions how many of the responsibilities we have are taken on because we think we should be doing it. 17:02 - Brandi encourages us to think back to the family rituals from our childhood that we could incorporate into our own families. /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/26322171

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How to Raise Upstanders and not Bystanders 03/10/2023

How to Raise Upstanders and not Bystanders Having been a doula for over 20 years now, I’ve seen the impact of the ‘mommy wars’ worsen significantly. How you deliver your baby, how you feed them, how they sleep…mom-shaming is everywhere. While social media has many positives, it hasn’t always helped people share their values in a supportive way. This made me think about how our children are being affected by this too. Our kids are exposed to endless outside influences that will shape their opinions if you don’t have a parenting manifesto of values to support them. In this episode, I want us to think about creating another paradigm where we’re teaching our children that they have the right to stand up for what they believe in, but not at the expense of someone else. Listen now to discover how you can raise an upstander and not a bystander. Time Stamps: 01:23 - We hear about Brandi’s professional background in Doula training 02:00 - Brandi discusses the positive and negative impact of social media for parenting 03:57 - Brandi reflects on what we teach our children about how they support other people. 04:50 - We find out what Brandi has learned from the behavior of seemingly “well-meaning” people in her parenting FB groups 6:09 - Brandi talks about the effect of outside influences on her kids 7:14 - We learn how the George Floyd incident spurred her on to write a curriculum on raising anti-racist children 09:45 - We find out why being loving is not enough 11:12 - We learn some practical ways to raise upstanders and not bystanders 14:28 - Brandi sets us a challenge to try with our own kids You can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/26180415

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Cancel Culture, the Internet, and Raising Good Humans With Jo Ling Kent 11/04/2022

Cancel Culture, the Internet, and Raising Good Humans With Jo Ling Kent Brandi sits with award winning Journalist Jo Ling Kent to discuss how good parents raise good humans in an internet driven world. From cancel culture, to racism, and learning to keep connections with people who have differences, this feel good conversation is a reminder of what our job as parents really is. If you are looking for a little compassion, truth telling, and learning to lead with love, you don’t want to miss this episode. is an award-winning tv journalist and anchor. She was most recently the business and tech correspondent at NBC News, appearing on the TODAY show, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt and MSNBC. At NBC since 2016, Kent covered a wide range of stories from the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic to the baby formula shortage crisis to protests in Seattle following the death of George Floyd. She led NBC News' investigations into Amazon and Facebook and interviewed the CEOs of Twitter, Reddit, Etsy and eBay. Kent has sat down with whistleblowers from Facebook and Google, and questioned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in the halls of Congress. Her reporting has won an Edward R. Murrow Award and earned an Emmy nomination. Previously, Kent was a reporter and podcast host at Fox Business Network and an investigative reporter at NBC Connecticut (WVIT), where she was a member of the team awarded a Peabody for coverage of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting. Kent has two master’s degrees in international affairs from the London School of Economics and Peking University, along with a BA from Rice University. She's from Minnesota, fluent in Mandarin and serves on the board of Libraries Without Borders US. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her family and is an active member of the Asian American Journalists Association. You can follow Jo Ling Kent on her or account. You can follow Brandi and her work on IG, IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to . 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! If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist. If you appreciate Dear Doula please take a minute to rate and review! If you have questions for Brandi feel free to shoot an email to . Produced by /episode/index/show/deardoula/id/24885303

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