Babywearing has been a practice that mothers have used for many, many generations. It's something that I love and recommend to every new parent because it makes things easier on you and better for your baby. Babies want to be close to their parents, and with babywearing, parents can do that while still getting everything they need done. As a new parent or caregiver, babywearing can be intimidating to start, and there are often a lot of questions. That's why I'm talking to two mamas, Skye and Mallory, who are both extremely well-versed and so passionate about babywearing that they even started their very own ring sling company. They're answering frequently asked questions about babywearing and are sharing their advice. Skye and Mallory are the Co-Founders of hope&plum, a ring sling company that offers modern, stylish, and size-inclusive designs. Most importantly, they're a welcoming environment where caregivers of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds can come together while exploring the incredible benefits of babywearing.  Mallory is a mother of two, Selah Plum and Shepherd Keane. She lives in Minnesota with her parents, husband, and children. At hope&plum's, Mallory manages the entire production from start to finish. Not only does she handle production, but she is a babywearing educator! She helps their customers get the perfect fit with their ring slings! Skye is a mother of three, Eleanor Hope, Madelynn Mae, and Kieran Rhys. She works as an attorney in the Washington, DC area and manages the logistical side of hope&plum. Their company has allowed her to pursue her entrepreneurial spirit while also feeding her passion for babywearing. Babywearing is close to her heart. Her first daughter, Eleanor Hope, was in the NICU for several weeks and Skye was unable to hold her until days after she was born. Babywearing allowed Skye and Eleanor to develop the bond that they initially missed out on. It has been an integral part of Skye's journey through motherhood ever since.  We're so happy to have them here answering the most frequently asked questions about babywearing and more. We hope you enjoy this episode too!

Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast

Frequently Asked Questions About Babywearing Answered

Topics that don't get as much attention as they should are when our kids have issues with potty training, experiencing bedwetting, and childhood constipation. I can understand because they're not the most glamorous topics, but some children experience these issues. And when it happens to your child, it can be worrying and frustrating. That's why we wanted to bring an expert on to our podcast to have this discussion. In this episode, our guest is Dr. Steve Hodges, an associate professor of pediatric urology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He is the country's leading authority on bedwetting, potty training, and childhood constipation. Dr. Hodges has authored numerous journal articles, and several books for children and parents, including Bedwetting and Accidents Aren't Your Fault and The M.O.P. Book: A Guide to the Only Proven Way to STOP Bedwetting and Accidents. He is a father of three and on a mission to inform families that bedwetting is totally misunderstood and highly treatable. And it might just be because your kid is experiencing childhood constipation! We're grateful to have Dr. Hodges on our podcast to answer our questions about potty training, bedwetting, and childhood constipation. He's giving us the real scoop on poop and sharing his expert advice and recommendations to parents out there. Let's welcome, Dr. Hodges!

Potty Training, Bedwetting, and Childhood Constipation: What This Doctor Wants Parents to Know

Today we are chatting with Cliodhna Griffin, the founder of Born Free Birthing and Houston Placenta Services. Cliodhna is a certified and experienced HypnoBirthing Educator, Master Trainer, and Faculty Member of the HypnoBirthing Institute, and she is proudly Houston, TX’s first APPA triple-certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist providing professional placenta encapsulation services from Houston’s only freestanding commercial-grade placenta preparation kitchen. Cliodhna hails from Ireland but currently lives in Kingwood, TX with her husband of 13 years and their three beautiful daughters. She is a dedicated educator and placenta encapsulation specialist and loves to help families have joyful and empowering births and healthy postpartum experiences. When it comes to placentas, I knew I had to chat with Cliodhna. A placenta can be a really intimidating organ to a person who has never seen one and who doesn’t know much about them. But, in my opinion, they really don’t get enough credit for what they do. I also feel that women aren’t told what they can do with it—other than discarding it—and their options after their baby is born. So, today we are talking about what a placenta does, and what options women have after it has detached from their uterus. Cliodhna is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to placentas so we knew she would be the perfect person to answer our questions and shed some light on this important and undervalued organ.

What To Do With Your Placenta After Birth

Today’s episode is all about how to keep our sleeping babies safe and to focus on the breathability of crib mattresses. Our babies’ safety is our greatest priority, and breathability in crib mattresses may not seem like too big of a deal, but it’s more important than parents think. And Barry Cik, the Founder and Technical Director of Naturepedic, knows this all too well. We're thrilled to have Barry back on our podcast to talk about some of the biggest risks and dangers involved with infant sleep, why breathability is an important feature in crib mattresses, as well as what to look for when purchasing a crib mattress. A little bit about Barry—he has had a lifelong interest in preserving the environment, not only for us but for all future generations. As a board-certified environmental engineer, Barry advocates for legislative reform and has four decades of experience investigating and assessing hazardous materials/contamination, resolving environmental problems, and protecting human health, safety, and the environment. We couldn't think of a better guest to talk about this important topic since Barry has such a wealth of knowledge and experience. Our babies spend such a significant amount of time in their cribs, so it's important to discuss this topic. We’re honored to have Barry back on the show and get into all of the details regarding keeping your sleeping baby safe. This episode is brought to you by our friends at Naturepedic and they are offering all of our listeners a discount! 20% off on their website www.naturepedic.com through September 2021 with discount code: BabyChick20

How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe

With National Rainbow Baby Day approaching — August 22nd — we want to shed some light on rainbow babies and talk to a mother who has been there. Listening to her experience and her love for both of her children has moved us and touched our hearts. We are honored to talk to her and to hear her rainbow baby story. On September 22, 2016, Taylor Molitierno became a mother to her sweet daughter, Francesca Joy. She and her husband had to say hello and goodbye to their baby girl within the same day and their loss became the catalyst for Taylor’s work in helping parents navigate stillbirth and infant loss. Taylor’s passion is in sharing her story through her health and fitness business. This led to connection after connection and story after story of other mothers saying “I understand. I’ve experienced this, too.” Now, raising her 17-month-old daughter, Gioia, she has a passion for sharing her truth as a Mom “raising a rainbow.” So many women have experienced losing a pregnancy/a child and we feel like it’s important for those moms to not feel alone. We want to honor all of the mothers who have experienced loss. This is why we are so grateful to have Taylor here with us to talk about loss, rainbow babies, as well as her own rainbow baby story and what others need to know. We admire her strength and courage in sharing her life with all of us. Let’s welcome, Taylor. During the episode, Taylor mentioned an incredible resource that cares for grieving moms after infant loss called The Finley Project. It helped her immensely after losing her daughter so we had to include this here for other mothers to find if they are looking for the same support.

A Rainbow Baby Story: One Mom's Storm and Rainbow

We know that in many countries, as many as 1 in 5 new mothers experience some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMADs). These illnesses frequently go unnoticed and untreated, which can lead to tragic and long-term consequences for both mother and child. With so many mothers experiencing PMADs, we wanted to talk to an amazing mom who knows the importance of maternal mental health all too well, Erin Bagwell.  Erin is a documentary filmmaker, blogger, and new mom. In 2018, Erin became a mother and started filming her new documentary, Year One. The film is an intimate look at the first year of motherhood through Erin's eyes. It addresses the identity shifts, the challenges of experiencing postpartum depression, and the everyday extraordinary moments of being a new mom. Year One is out now and available on YouTube. Erin’s story has been featured in Forbes, TED, Vogue, and The Washington Post and she was named one of Oprah’s SuperSoul100—a list featuring extraordinary individuals that live life intentionally, create great social impact, and bring inspiration to others. Erin was also featured in Apple’s Behind the Mac campaign, highlighting some of the most creative people in Brooklyn. We love how Erin’s latest film, Year One, really shows the significance of maternal mental health and motherhood. Having experienced postpartum depression herself, we’re grateful to have talked to her about her experience, have her answer our questions, and share her thoughts on this important topic. Also, here is a list of Erin's recommended resources for mothers!

Maternal Mental Health: Erin Bagwell's Story About Her First Year of Motherhood

As a mom to a three-year-old, I am extremely familiar with toddler tantrums. I’ll be honest, sometimes I don’t handle those toddler tantrums with grace. Sometimes I give in, sometimes I walk away and ignore, and sometimes I yell and completely lose my cool. I feel awful admitting this, but I know that I’m not alone. I’m sure other parents who are listening to this episode can probably relate. All of us parents have been in the situation where our toddlers have one meltdown after another and we’ve just had it. There is only so much our sanity can handle that we can sometimes lose our cool. That's why I'm thrilled to have today's guest with us, Devon Kuntzman. Devon Kuntzman is an ICF certified coach on a mission to transform the myth that toddlerhood is terrible! Devon empowers toddler parents to overcome the challenges of toddlerhood, nurture development and create confidence in their skills by being the Loving Leader & Guide™ through using positive, respectful, and developmentally appropriate parenting tools. As a result, parents are able to transform their parenting, their toddler’s behavior, and their overall experience of toddlerhood. This creates a foundation for a relationship that lasts a lifetime with their child. Devon is the founder of Transforming Toddlerhood, the host of the Raising Toddlers Conference, and has worked with hundreds of parents across the world to transform their parenting and their toddler’s behavior. She holds a degree in psychology and child development. When she isn’t working with parents and toddlers, Devon can be found on her yoga mat, riding her bicycle, or drinking kombucha. (Not all at the same time.) Devon is sharing with us why toddlers have tantrums, how parents can minimize those tantrums, and what parents can do during them. We're so grateful for her tips on how to handle our toddler tantrums with grace.

How to Handle Toddler Tantrums with Grace

Have you ever wanted to be a mom of multiples or wondered what it would really be like? Well, today, July 12th, was National Triplet Day and we thought it would be really fun to chat with a mom of triplets, Brittany Werth, to get the real scoop. Brittany is the Chief Operating Officer of Simplified, a boutique lifestyle brand specializing in products to empower busy women with the tools they need to simplify their lives. She lives in Orlando, FL, with her husband, Doug, 4-year-old son, Douglas, and infant triplets, Nash, Bennet, and Eleanor. When she’s not pushing their wagon o’kids around their neighborhood, she enjoys cooking, trying new wines, having a rare date night out, and dreaming of their next parents-only getaway. We are so honored to have Brittany on today's episode to chat with us about all things triplets and what it's really like being a mom of triplets. She’s sharing about her pregnancy, her transition from one child to four, and what she wants all mothers to know. Here are the products that Brittany recommended to moms of triplets! Burt's Bee's Belly Butter When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy by Dr. Barbara Luke Velcro Swaddles Medela Symphony LaVie Warming Lactation Massager Boppy Lounger 4moms Mamaroo Routine Book — Brittany used Baby Wise 

What It's REALLY Like Being a Mom of Triplets

Today's episode is all about how you can help new moms during postpartum. But when you're the mom and expecting a baby, there is so much to think about and plan for before the baby's arrival. Is my baby healthy? Will I be a good mom? Am I even ready to be a mom? One thing I am so glad that I knew about was ViaCord Cord Blood Banking. Cord blood banking is a simple and smart way to help plan for your family’s future health. But the only way you can do it is right when your baby is born. You can save your child’s cord blood even if you’re doing delayed cord clamping. Cord blood can be used for a range of conditions. And if you need it for a condition that can use cord blood, a doctor will help you decide if it’s the right medical option. Hundreds of ViaCord families have used their baby’s cord blood to help with various conditions and it has made a world of difference in their lives. It’s important to think about those things like ViaCord during pregnancy, and it’s also important to start thinking about your postpartum time. Mary Alice and I have both had our babies and are in the postpartum period. As postpartum doulas and mothers, we know what is helpful and what isn’t when it comes to helping new moms during postpartum. We appreciate our friends at ViaCord for sponsoring this episode so that we can share all of our recommendations to support new mothers. If you’re expecting, this is an episode to send to your partners! We’re discussing all the different ways he or she can help you during this fragile time.

Ways Partners Can Help New Moms During Postpartum

Once you become pregnant and see those two pink lines on your positive pregnancy test, a lot of women immediately contact their doctor to confirm their pregnancy. And once it's confirmed, you'll be seeing a lot of your doctor as he/she cares for you and your baby's health! During your doctor appointments, I recommend bringing a list of questions with you. This ensures that you don't forget anything while you're there. It's important that women feel like they are participating in shared decision-making with their doctor. It all starts with good communication. On today's episode, I'm chatting with Dr. Tamika Auguste, a board-certified ob-gyn at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Auguste also serves as chair of the Ob/Gyn Clinical Practice Council at MedStar Health and as associate medical director of the MedStar Health Simulation Training & Education Lab.  Dr. Auguste recently made us aware of the latest edition of ACOG’s book “Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month.” We were told that it focuses on shared decision-making with your doctor during pregnancy, so women can feel empowered in their choices rather than having medical decisions dictated to them. And after reviewing the book, I was impressed! The language is more conversational and it includes updates on how to manage work, travel, prenatal visits, and breastfeeding during COVID. I am thrilled that this is an option for expectant moms. That’s why I am happy that I got to chat with one of ACOG's doctors, Dr. Auguste. Listen to what she had to say. Dr. Auguste recommends: ACOG's book “Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month” ACOG website 

How to Participate in Shared Decision Making with Your Doctor During Pregnancy

Now that we are in the full swing of summertime, water safety is at the forefront of every parent's mind because families are spending more time by the pool, at the beach, or at the lake. I feel like in the past few years drowning prevention and water safety has received more media attention, but I think there is still a lot that people don’t know. Today I'm chatting with Natalie Livingston, a 25-year veteran of the aquatics industry and Co-Founder and Owner of the consulting and education firm ALIVE Solutions. Natalie spent 3 years as Vice President of OoASC focusing on accident and drowning investigations, litigation support, and consulting and training programs for aquatics operations. She was previously the General Manager of the Wave Waterpark in Vista, CA for 10 years. She has worked at both public and private facilities. Natalie is a current lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, and lifeguard instructor trainer. She is also an Aquatic Facility Operator, Certified Pool Operator, Certified Park & Recreation Professional, Certified Pool & Spa Inspector. Not only that, Natalie is currently on the World Waterpark Board of Directors. It’s obvious that Natalie is passionate about aquatic safety and training and development. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and two kids. Natalie is answering our water safety questions and shedding light on things every parent and caregiver needs to know when it comes to water safety. We’re so grateful to have her here to give us some tips and share her knowledge so we can be more prepared.

Water Safety with Kids: What Parents Need to Know

As a mother of two, I know the fragility and rawness of postpartum. I also know how important it is for new mothers to take care of themselves physically and emotionally during this stage. It's also important to plan for support during postpartum. Because, in my opinion, it’s a stage that not enough families prepare for. On today's episode, I'm chatting with Caitlin Simpson, a perinatal social worker and postpartum cook in Houston, TX. Through her business, Dish Doula, she supports the physical and emotional health of new mothers with the power of good food. She creates specialty postpartum food and products and delivers them every week in the Houston area. With services like Caitlin’s, I think communities could have a better and healthier start to parenthood. This is why I’m thrilled to discuss the postpartum period with her. We're talking about what women need to know and prepare for, as well as what foods they should have in their fridge and freezer for optimal healing and wellness. One of my favorite things Caitlin said was, "We teach people how to treat us. And when you ask for help, you are showing people that you are strong and that you have confidence in yourself. When we ask for help, we give other women or other people that we are asking the freedom to ask us in return. We then get the privilege of taking care of one another." Here are the resources that Caitlin and I mentioned during this episode: Book: Baby 411 Book: The First 40 Days Podcast: Tales from the 4th Trimester Doula Resources: DONA or CAPPA or DoulaMatch.net Postpartum Care Plan Template 

Food and Emotional Support During Postpartum

As our listeners know, Mary Alice and I both have recently given birth to baby girls! Mary Alice gave birth in December 2020 and I gave birth in February 2021. We are both in the thick of postpartum and we want to share with all of YOU what you may expect during the postpartum period. There are a lot of changes not only physically but emotionally. We feel that many expecting women prepare for childbirth, but are less prepared for postpartum life. By sharing our experiences and common symptoms as we de-mystify this fragile time, we hope more women can feel more confident as they enter into new motherhood. Here's everything you need to know on what to expect during the postpartum period.

What to Expect During the Postpartum Period

Many expecting mothers that I’ve taught or worked with as a doula or childbirth educator have expressed some sort of fear or anxiety when approaching their due date anticipating childbirth. While this is common, it still breaks my heart because birth can be a beautiful experience no matter how you give birth. And the best way to reduce your fear and anxiety is by educating yourself. It’s good to talk about what you can potentially expect so the unknown becomes more familiar and less scary. This is why we are thrilled to have Liesel Teen, a mom, wife, labor and delivery nurse from Raleigh, North Carolina, and the owner of Mommy Labor Nurse, with us today to talk about what you may expect when you go to the hospital in labor.

What to Expect When You Check into the Hospital in Labor

As a doula, I know that many people have never heard of the term “VBAC,” which is the acronym for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. The old saying “once a C-section always a C-section” is a myth! I’ve supported dozens of VBAC mamas over the years and I have felt that a lot of families don’t get enough information or support about VBACs from their communities or care providers. However, I also know that VBACs aren’t for everyone. That’s why I’m chatting with Meagan and Julie today; doulas, VBAC-moms, and co-owners of the VBAC Link, where they believe in making birth after cesarean better by providing education, support, and a community of like-minded people. We're talking all about VBACs: how to know if you’re a good candidate, what the benefits and risks are, what you can do to increase your chances of having a VBAC, and more!

VBAC: Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast where we dole out no-nonsense pregnancy and parenting advice. We’re coming from a place where experience meets expertise. Collectively, our team has worked with thousands of families and we have condensed all that we’ve learned to bring you simple, practical, and immediate advice for preventing parenting conundrums.

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Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast

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