No One Told Us

Episode 36: Supporting Your Child’s Speech & Language Development  with Katie & Carly of Wee Talkers @weetalkers “Why isn’t my toddler talking yet?” “Should my child be saying more words?” “Is screen time OK for my baby?” If you have ever had these questions, you are NOT alone. Worrying about your child’s speech and language development is very common- and there is SO much scary info out there! Speech and language is such an important and complex piece of your child’s development. And spoiler alert- every baby is on their own timeline!  It can be hard to know when you should and shouldn’t worry though. That’s why this week Rachael has special guests- Katie & Carly, pediatric speech language pathologists, owners of Wee Talkers, and mothers themselves on the pod! Katie & Carly educate us all about language and communication development in babies and toddlers. They discuss the importance of early intervention and provide tips for parents to encourage language development for their little ones!  Katie and Carly address concerns about screen time and provide some helpful, guilt free guidelines for how to use screen time as a tool! Find out how responsive and nurturing interactions between caregivers and children helps support optimal language development and the benefits of shared experiences, and so much more!  Mentioned in this episode: Weetalkers Instagram Free Baby Bundle Toddler Course use code TOLDUS10 for $10 off  Songs & Stories Membership use code TOLDUS10 for $10 off  Free Milestone Checklist How To Access Early Intervention Cost and Alternative Options for Speech Therapy that Families Might not Know About If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources on infant and child sleep, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 35: SIDS, Safe Sleep and Bed Sharing: Breaking Down the Stats with Shaelise Tor In this episode, Rachel speaks with Shaelise Tor, a pediatric researcher and clinician, about the data on SIDS, infant sleep and breastfeeding, and bed sharing. The conversation covers the difference between intentional and unintentional bed sharing and the fear of judgment for parents who bed share. They discuss the misinformation and fear mongering surrounding these topics and the importance of breaking down the research to offer parents more compassion and nuance when it comes to safe sleep education. Shaelise shares her background and how she became passionate about sleep and infant mental health, and discusses the benefits and challenges of working in a clinical pediatric setting. They discuss ways to prevent SIDS, including safe sleep practices and breastfeeding. Rachael and Shaelise emphasize the need for a more nuanced approach to bed sharing and the importance of social determinants of health. Learn how to intentionally, more safely bed share, what NOT to do, and much more in this important episode. Disclaimer: This information in this episode is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please seek immediate care from your physician if you have any concerns about your baby or child’s health. Mentioned in this episode: Follow Shaelise on Instagram: @settled_and_soothed  Safe Sleep Seven for Bed Sharing New Study on Bed Sharing and SUID If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources on infant and child sleep, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) | Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) | Show Website (transcripts available here) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 34: Starting Solids: Stress Free Baby-Led Weaning & Tackling Picky Eating with Jenny Best, Founder of @solidstarts Starting solids can be so exciting but also so nerve-wrecking as a new parent! Feeding can be just as divisive as sleep these days, and this week Rachael is joined by Jenny Best, the founder of Solid Starts, to talk about the “best” way to begin your little one on solid foods.   Jenny shares her journey of being a mom while building a super successful resource for parents to prevent picky eating and find joy in feeding their children. She discusses the importance of responsive feeding and the benefits of both baby-led weaning as well as spoon feeding. Jenny also addresses the challenges faced by medical professionals in keeping up with rapidly changing research and the need for better communication between healthcare providers and parents. She emphasizes the importance of trusting your child and provides tips for easing anxiety when starting solids.  Additionally, Jenny dispels common misconceptions about choking, the difference between toddler selectivity and severe picky eating, and more. You’ll hear some strategies for encouraging exploration and problem-solving at mealtime, and finally, Jenny shares her most important advice for new parents.  Jenny is a mom of three on a quest to help parents prevent picky eating and find joy at the table together. Prior to launching Solid Starts, Jenny led communications at various food non profits and served many years in the NYC government. Before that, she was a professional ballerina with the New York City Ballet. Mentioned in this episode: Solid Starts instagram: @solidstarts Solid Starts website: https://solidstarts.com/  Follow Jenny on Instagram: @jennysbeet Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website (transcripts available here) If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review! xo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 33: Maintaining Intimacy After Kids with Vanessa and Xander Marin @vanessaandxander In this episode, Rachael Shepard-Ohta speaks with Vanessa and Xander Marin, authors and husband and wife duo, all about intimacy, relationships, and their new book, Sex Talks!  They discuss the inspiration behind the book and the importance of open and honest communication about sex and relationships. They highlight the conversations on emotional connection and pleasure as particularly important. They also address the challenges couples face during the roommate phase and provide tips for navigating different levels of readiness for intimacy. Hear their take on the benefits of couples therapy and alternative resources for couples seeking support.  Meet New York Times Best Selling authors Vanessa and Xander Marin. She’s a sex therapist with 20 years of experience, he’s a regular dude, and together they wrote Sex Talks: The Five Conversations That Will Transform Your Love Life. They’re the shockingly open, slightly nerdy, and seriously funny couple you’ll be calling your new besties in no time. They share the ups and downs in their relationship while giving you step-by-step techniques for improving yours. Follow them on Instagram @vanessaandxander, and tune in to their podcast, Pillow Talks, for totally do-able sex tips, practical relationship advice, hilarious and honest stories of what really goes on behind closed bedroom doors, and so much more. It’s the sex education you WISH you’d had! Mentioned in this episode: Xander and Vanessa’s Instagram @vanessaandxander Vanessa and Xander’s Online Courses: https://vmtherapy.com/courses Rediscovering Us: Intimacy and Sex for Parents Course Pillow Talks Podcast  Sex Talks Book Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website (transcripts available here) If you enjoyed this episode please rate and review! xo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 32: NICU Awareness: The Unique Challenges and Support Needed for NICU Babies and Parents This week, we have our first TWO guest episode! Rachael has TWO amazing guests on to discuss all about the NICU. They offer unique perspectives from both professional and personal experiences.  First, Rachael starts with Dr. Frankie Harrison. Dr.Frankie, a clinical psychologist and mom who had a premature baby, discusses the challenges and emotions associated with the NICU journey. She emphasizes the importance of raising awareness for the NICU and providing support for parents who have been through neonatal care. Dr. Frankie also highlights the high rates of mood disorders and PTSD among parents who have experienced the NICU and the lack of support available. She provides tips for self-care and coping with the challenges of taking a baby home from the NICU. Additionally, she discusses the common issues with sleep and feeding that NICU babies may face and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the parent-baby connection. Our second guest, Abby Boursiquot, an SLP/CLC/feeding specialist, shares her personal experience and professional expertise on breastfeeding and feeding challenges in the NICU. She discusses how parents can encourage breastfeeding while in the NICU, including the importance of skin-to-skin contact and practicing latching. Abby also addresses the challenges parents may face when taking their baby home from the NICU, such as triple feeding and adjusting to a new feeding routine. She emphasizes the need for parents to prioritize their mental health during this time and seek therapy if needed. Abby offers insights on how friends and family can support NICU parents and highlights the importance of self-care. Lastly, she discusses the unique experience of time in the NICU and the uncertainty parents may face. Dr Frankie Harrison is a clinical Psychologist based in the UK, and also a Mum who had a premature baby at 31 weeks. Her baby needed neonatal support when they were born and she struggled with the impact this had on her once home. She looked around, asked her doctor and found that there was limited support available for NICU parents. So she set up @miraclemoonuk on instagram and facebook, a supportive community for parents who have been through neonatal care and birth trauma.  Abby is an SLP/CLC/feeding specialist and has worked in special care nurseries and NICU settings in Chicago and DC areas. She is now an infant feeding specialist, specifically for medically complex infants, managing the issues that can occur with prematurity and breast/bottle feeding efficiency issues including tongue ties. Personally, her 2.5 year old son was born at 35 weeks and was in the NICU for 3 weeks. She felt it was such a transformative experience especially as a first time mom, but also seeing the NICU from a personal lens after working there before. This experience further informed her perspective on the NICU and how we can improve the experience for postpartum parents. Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Frankie’s website  Dr. Frankie’s Instagram @miraclemoonuk Abby’s Instagram @ourvillageslp Abby’s website Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website (check out our sponsors, episode details and transcripts available here) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 31: Fostering a Secure Attachment with Michelle Charriere @babiesandbrains This week Rachael and guest Michelle Charriere, a birth to five mental health specialist, have a lighthearted but important discussion around attachment theory and its importance in parent-child relationships. Michelle explains the different attachment styles and emphasizes the need for repair in maintaining a healthy attachment relationship. She also addresses two of the most controversial topics on social media: daycare and sleep training. Michelle provides insights into choosing childcare options that support attachment and highlights the importance of observing and connecting with caregivers, and so much more. Rachael and Michelle also have a little fun discussing their favorite topic- all things Bravo. Hear Michelle's opinion on the best housewives franchise to start with if you’re looking for a new show to binge, F**k, Marry, Kill with Bravo TV personalities, and more! Michelle Charriere is a birth to five mental health specialist with a background in community behavioral health. She previously worked in-home with families involved in the foster care system, providing psychoeducation on attachment, trauma, and development to help caregivers better understand and support their children. She created Babies and Brains to reach more caregivers around the globe and she provides information and support through digital courses, guides, and social media content.  Mentioned in this episode: Michelle’s Babies and Brains IG page Parenting Through Attachment Course Childcare & Preschool Guide New Sibling Guide Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website (transcripts available here) If you enjoyed this episode please rate, review and follow! 😘✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 30: Body Safety and Abuse Prevention: Keeping Kids Safe with Feather Berkower @parentingsafechildren This week Rachael has a very important conversation with Feather Berkower, a leader and well known author in child sexual abuse prevention. Feather educates us on ways we can protect our children when we are not with them both by having tough conversations with adults and teaching them "body safety" and consent from the start. Feather emphasizes the importance of pushing through our own discomfort to have these tough conversations for the sake of our kids. The uncomfortable truth is that most of us either are survivors or know a survivor of abuse. In this necessary episode, Rachael and Feather discuss the current stats for sexual abuse (which are shocking) and how to teach children protection skills without scaring them. Feather shares what makes a child most vulnerable to abuse, and the signs to look out for that abuse may have occurred. Feather also offers tips on ways we can speak to friends and family about the values we are teaching our children in relation to body safety and how to begin having conversations around this topic at a very young age.  Feather is a licensed clinical social worker who holds a Master’s of Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. She has been a leader in child sexual abuse prevention since 1985 and has educated nearly one-hundred fifty thousand schoolchildren, parents and youth professionals. Her well-regarded workshop, Parenting Safe Children, empowers adults to keep children safe from sexual assault. Feather co-authored Off Limits, a parenting book that will change the way you think about keeping children safe.. Feather makes this difficult topic less scary, and consistently impresses audiences with her knowledge, commitment, and warmth.  Mentioned in this episode: Join the Live Zoom Workshop for Parenting Safe Children in March & April: Sign Up here Feather’s Book: “Off Limits: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse” Feather’s Instagram here Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website (transcripts available here) ** Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy this Podcast! Thank you so much! 🥰 ** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 29: “Perinatal Mood Disorders Don’t Discriminate” with Jasmine @pearlsofjasmine This week, Rachael and guest Jasmine discuss a very important and often stigmatized topic, postpartum mental health and perinatal mood disorders. Dr. Jasmine is a clinical pharmacist who is incredibly vulnerable and open in talking about her own experiences with postpartum anxiety, depression, and insomnia after the birth of her daughter and how that experience led to her decision to be “one and done”. Jasmine shares her expert knowledge as a pharmacist and discusses the stigma of medications, the pros and cons of the "new" postpartum depression medication, and discusses her own decision to start medication after the birth of her daughter. Find out some common misconceptions or stereotypes about perinatal mental health or treatments, how being an Asian-American woman influenced her during her postpartum experience, and how culture and representation is so incredibly important for women on this journey to not feel so alone.  Jasmine is a clinical pharmacist and mom of one. She became very passionate about maternal mental health after she suffered severe postpartum depression, insomnia and anxiety shortly after having her child. As a healthcare provider, she never thought she would be affected by PPD because she assumed she’d recognize the signs and know how to ward it off. Writing about her journey on her blog and then sharing some of these moments on Instagram have been a way for her to heal and try to normalize mental health for other moms. Just a few months ago, she completed her perinatal mental health certification (PMH-C) to continue to educate herself further on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Jasmine’s IG page: https://www.instagram.com/pearlsofjasmine/   Healing the Tigress podcast IG Page: https://www.instagram.com/healingthetigress/  Referenced in this Episode: Jasmine’s Newsletter about new treatment option  Podcast Episode on Fatherhood in Postpartum More on being “One and Done”  Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website (transcripts available here) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 28: Grandparents: Boundaries, Parenting Differences and Advice with John & Diane, Rachael’s Parents! This week Rachael has two very special people in her life as guests- her mom and dad, John and Diane! Hear their real thoughts on Rachael’s viral "Boomer Advice" Tiktok, stroll down memory lane as they recount sleep and parenting in the late 80s and early 90s, and find out how they used to get their parenting advice. John and Diane share their personal experiences around things like sleep training and cosleeping and the stigma it had 30 years ago. They talk about how the culture around parenting and sleep has changed over the years, give their honest thoughts on "gentle parenting", and answer questions from YOU, the listeners about how to set boundaries with parents and in-laws! John and Diane also share their biggest regret as parents- which Rachael heard for the first time during the interview- and let you know their biggest piece of advice as you navigate the early years of parenting. John and Diane are Rachael’s Parents and parents to 2 other daughters. They are the loving grandparents of Rachael's 3 kids and live in Connecticut. Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 27: Understanding Your Fertility with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack @fertilityfriday Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your body, your period, and your fertility. This week, Rachael and Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, fertility educator and author of a new book,  Real Food For Fertility, chat all about fertility awareness, birth control, using your cycle as your fifth “vital sign”, and how to know if your period is “normal.”  In this empowering episode, you’ll find out what a normal, healthy menstrual cycle looks like, if hormonal contraceptives impact fertility, and what is the pill actually doing in the body. They also discuss fertility awareness, how it can help improve a woman's chances of conceiving for the first time or after already giving birth, plus lots more valuable information! Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified Fertility Awareness Educator and Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner who teaches women to chart their menstrual cycles for natural birth control, conception, and monitoring overall health. She is the author of three bestselling books The Fifth Vital Sign, the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook, and her most recent book Real Food For Fertility, which she co-authored with Lily Nichols RDN. Lisa works tirelessly to debunk the myth that regular ovulation is only important when you want children by recognizing the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Drawing heavily from the current scientific literature, Lisa presents an evidence-based approach to help women connect to their fifth vital sign by uncovering the connection between the menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall health. With well over 4 million downloads, her podcast, Fertility Friday, is the #1 source for information about fertility awareness and menstrual cycle health. Mentioned in this episode: Lisa’s website, Fertility Friday: fertilityfriday.com NEW BOOK! Real Food For Fertility: realfoodforfertility.com Lisa's book, The Fifth Vital Sign: thefifthvitalsignbook.com Lisa’s Instagram: @FertilityFriday Fertility Friday Podcast Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website (transcripts are available here!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 26: "I Thought I'd Be Sleeping By Now" with Lauren Paley @lauren_paley This week Rachael speaks with toddler mom, musician and content creator Lauren Paley. Rachael and Lauren dive into all things motherhood in this candid conversation, specifically sleep challenges. Lauren shares special glimpses into her experience as a first time mom including sleep (or lack thereof) and cosleeping, her best tips for exclusively pumping, and how she and her husband divide and share the load of parenthood. Lauren discusses having a "high needs" baby, her journey with postpartum anxiety and how it still shows up for her over a year postpartum. Hear how Lauren is navigating sharing her personal life on social media as a content creator with over 12 million followers across platforms. Lauren Paley, otherwise known as “The Stairwell Siren”, is a music and lifestyle content creator best known for her beautiful and haunting covers recorded in her garage stairwell. This Titanic Hymn to the Sea cover was the video that went viral and “started it all” for her! Lauren lives in Nashville, TN, with her daughter Piper, 18 months, and husband Dan. When she isn’t posting music, she’s sharing glimpses of her personal life as a new mom to adorable 18-month-old Piper. Lauren's newest goal is to work on a Lullaby album for little ones- so stay tuned! Lauren’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_paley/  Lauren’s TikTok page: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenpaley?lang=en Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website (includes transcripts!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 25: Friendships: Finding Mom Friends, Friendship Breakups, and Modeling Healthy Friendships for Kids with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer We’ve all heard how important it is to have your “mom circle” but has anyone else ever thought that this is actually really hard to find? If you’ve felt this, you’re not alone. Adult friendships can be really hard especially as new moms. This week Rachael speaks with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer to talk all about adult friendships. Find out why it is so hard to make new friends as an adult, how to navigate friendships when parenting styles conflict, and how attachment style can impact friendships. They chat all about the importance of friendships for moms and having a “circle” of other moms and some of the potential effects on people who don’t have connections. Find out some tips on ways to make and meet new connections, plus so much more! Dr. Miriam Kirmayer is a clinical psychologist, leading friendship expert, and influential speaker on human connection and social support. With over a decade of research on the science of friendship, Dr. Miriam is revolutionizing the way we show up for, mentor, and connect with each other. She is one of the first and only clinical psychologists to specialize in adult friendship and shares guidance on navigating friendship and relationship challenges with tens of thousands of people through her popular online community. She is also a mom of two. Instagram (@miriamkirmayer): https://www.instagram.com/miriamkirmayer/ Facebook (@miriamkirmayer): https://www.facebook.com/MiriamKirmayer LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-kirmayer Learn more about her NEW course, Confidently Connected: Building Meaningful Friendships here! Register now until Sunday, February 11th at 9:00 pm EST! Registering for the course gives you access to…. The Friendship Forum! The live workshop that kicks off the course the evening of February 13th at 8:00 pm EST. Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 24: Healing Birth Trauma with Illiyin Morrison of @mixing.up.motherhood This week Rachael and special guest Illiyin Morrison discuss birth trauma and some ways in which pregnancy and birth trauma can manifest. Find out how birth trauma can impact early experiences of parenting and what kinds of support partners, family members and friends can provide to best support someone who has experienced birth trauma. Illiyin even gives us an inside look at her personal journey and experiences with each of her pregnancies, births and postpartum recovery period. Rachael and Illiyin also discuss if a birth plan is really necessary, if a doula is truly worth it, why people who experience birth trauma may have PTSD, and so much more! Illiyin is a midwife, birth debrief facilitator, author and mom of 2. After working as a midwife in a busy hospital in south London, she left to embark on this journey to support those in perinatal trauma. Informed by her own birth experience, Illiyin is dedicated to supporting women and their families to overcome difficult perinatal experiences. On Instagram at Mixing Up Motherhood, Illiyin discusses all things motherhood, pregnancy and childbirth and maternal mental health, and empowers women through education. To learn more: Illiyin’s Instagram Illiyin’s Book: The Birth Debrief Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 23: Car Seat Safety with Jamie Grayson of @thejamiegrayson Have you ever been so overwhelmed by the amount of gear and products out there for your baby? Join Rachael and guest, Jamie Grayson, as they discuss all things baby gear safety. Find out key considerations parents should keep in mind when selecting a car seat, when to switch from an infant seat to a convertible car seat, tips for ensuring a secure installation, as well as some misconceptions about the "best" car seats, extended rear-facing and more. Get advice for when you need to travel with car seats and some general guidelines or recommendations for reusing and cleaning a car seat for a second or third child, plus so much more! In the last half of the episode, we take your questions and Rachael shares one of the scariest moments she's had as a parent. Jamie Grayson started as a product demonstrator and personal shopper at buybuyBaby in Manhattan, as well as at NYC's top birth education center, and quickly became one of the most well-respected experts in the baby gear and child safety space. Jamie is dual certified in Child Passenger Safety in both the US and Canada. Now based in Denver, Colorado, Jamie is passionate about helping parents make decisions on the best baby gear for your family through honest and entertaining product testing, reviews, and parenting events both virtual and in-person. We start the episode with a little Taylor/ Travis talk.. skip ahead to 5:30 if you're not a Swiftie (but how dare you!?). Jamie’s Instagram and Tiktok Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website  (find transcripts here!)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 22: Nurturing the Infant Brain with Neuroscientist Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum Join Rachael and Neuroscientist, Doula, Infant Sleep Educator, Author and Parent Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum, whose mission is to teach the science and support the art of nurturing infants.  In Dr. Greer's new book The Nurture Revolution, she discusses the act of "nurture" for our children as a revolutionary act, and discusses how nurture is a preventative medicine against mental health issues. She challenges the idea that the way to cultivate independence is through letting babies cry it out or sleep alone; instead, the way to raise a confident, securely attached child is to lean in to nurture, to hold your infant as much as you want, support their emotions, engage in back-and-forth conversations, be present and compassionate when your baby is stressed, and share sleep. Research has proven that nurturing experiences transform lives. Nurturing is a gift of resilience and health parents can give the next generation simply by following their instincts to care for their young.  Rachael and Dr. Greer discuss how to nurture the infant brain and foster healthy attachment, sleep and sleep training, repairing with our children and so much more in this powerful episode. Nurture Neuroscience Parenting IG page: https://www.instagram.com/nurture_neuroscience_parenting/ Grab the Book: “The Nurture Revolution: Grow your baby’s brain and transform their mental health through the art of nurtured parenting” Check out “Nurture Stories” series on her IG page, members of her community submit their nurture stories and talk about the value of nurture in parenting. Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Join me & our guests each week for new episodes and follow along: Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website For more on biologically normal infant sleep and a holistic approach to getting more sleep, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow on instagram. Please follow & subscribe to No One Told Us and if you enjoyed this episode- leave us a review!  This podcast does not contain medical advice and is for entertainment purposes only.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 21: How Culture Affects Our Parenting with Melina Gac Levin of @parentpueblo Join Rachael and guest Melina Gac Levin, as they have important conversations around culture and how it shapes the way we view our kids and parent. They discuss what conversations parents should have with each other before they have kids about how each culture may impact their parenting and hear some advice Melina would offer to parents who come from different cultural backgrounds who are navigating potential conflicts or differences in parenting approaches. They chat about some strategies for parents who want to blend different cultural parenting approaches and traditions and how cultural values and beliefs influence the way parents make decisions about their children’s sleep, language, behavior, plus so much more! Melina is an early childhood development specialist, graduate professor, writer, and mother. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband, Mike, and their two daughters. Melina’s professional background is as an educator and she spent over 10 years in the classroom. She holds dual masters in Infant and Family Development, Early Intervention & Early Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street, where she now teaches graduate students in education and social work all about infant development. She is also the founder of PUEBLO which equips multicultural parents with the skills and knowledge to parent confidently together. Freebie on discovering Your Parenting Values: designed to help couples understand themselves and each other, so they can have more nuanced and productive conversations moving forward Pueblo Website: https://www.parentpueblo.com Melina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentpueblo/  Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 20: Potty Learning and Supporting Your Child’s Pelvic Floor Health with Quiara Smith, Pediatric Occupational Therapist of @alohaintegrativetherapy Join Rachael and guest Quiara Smith as they dive into this much-requested topic and discuss common issues parents face when potty learning- like constipation, poop withholding, bed wetting and more! They also cover Pediatric Pelvic Health Occupational Therapy and how it differs from other forms of OT for children. Learn what parents can expect from the therapy process and some common pediatric pelvic floor issues that parents might not be aware of and how can OT help address them! Find out if there really is a "perfect age" for potty learning and how to approach potty learning with neurodivergent children. Learn all the signs for readiness for potty learning, the best foods and hydrational supports for your child’s digestion- plus so much more! Quiara Smith has been practicing as an Occupational Therapist for over 13 years in both California and Hawaii, working in various settings and with infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents with various medical conditions and diagnoses. Realizing the social, emotional, and psychological challenges that pelvic floor dysfunction and toileting difference places on children and families, Quiara decided to narrow her private practice to exclusively treating children and adolescents with pelvic floor dysfunction and toileting challenges. In 2017, Quiara opened the very first boutique private Pediatric Pelvic Health Occupational Therapy practice of its kind in the United States. She is an expert and pioneer in the field of Pediatric Pelvic Health Occupational Therapy. Quiara has created potty training courses for parents and caregivers, and has also created courses for healthcare providers focused on her holistic and integrative approach to pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction and toileting differences. Quiara is a national and international presenter and speaker on this specialty area of pediatric pelvic health OT practice.  Quiara’s online self-paced potty learning course offered through Tinyhood linked here. Quiara’s 1:1 pediatric pelvic health parent coaching virtually and in person at her Santa Rosa, CA clinic website here.  Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website For more on biologically normal infant sleep and a holistic approach to getting more sleep, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow on instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 19: Teaching Kids to Love Reading with Beth Gaskill of @bigcityreaders  Join Rachael and Miss Beth as they talk all about our children learning to read! Hear some strategies and techniques for fostering literacy skills in kids and the importance of infusing fun into learning to read. You’ll learn about The science of reading (did you know it was a science!?), the evolving understanding of how children best learn to read, and how you can help be an advocate for your child. Rachael even shares about her experience as a public school teacher teaching reading for over 10 years as well as her oldest child's recent entry into the public school system. They also chat about Kindergarten "Redshirting," how to instill early literacy skills and a love for reading in our children, how to talk to our kids after school, plus so much more! Beth Gaskill, known by her community as Miss Beth, is trained in the science of reading, the Orton Gillingham approach and is a multi sensory literacy instructor and a former early childhood and elementary school teacher. She founded Big City Readers to create a space for families to come together, understand how to teach their kids in the unique ways they are wired to learn, not just how to teach reading, build community AND have fun.  Big City Readers On Demand Video Courses for babies, toddlers + kids Beth’s Podcast: Play on Words  Podcast we mentioned: Sold a Story Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account)  Show Website (Transcripts available!) For more on biologically normal infant sleep and a holistic approach to getting more sleep, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow on instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 18: Emergencies, Injuries, and First Aid with Dr. Nkeiru Orajiaka, Pediatric Emergency Room Doctor Nobody ever wants to take their child to the emergency room, but the reality is, it can happen to the best of us! So this week, join Rachael and special guest, Dr. Nkeiru Orajiaka, a Pediatric ER Doctor, as they discuss all things emergencies and safety for our children. Dr. Orajiaka shares some tips for parents to prevent common accidents and keep children safe at home. You won’t want to miss her discussion about head bumps, drowning hazards, and safety proofing. Dr. Nkeiruka also shares a GREAT piece of advice for parents who trying to decide if a symptom or injury warrants a trip to the emergency room or not. Dr. Nkeiru Orajiaka is a board-certified Pediatrician, Pediatric ER doctor, public health physician, wife and mom of 3. Dr. Orajiaka completed her Masters in Public Health at the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York and her residency at Columbia University affiliation at Harlem Hospital. She currently practices as an Pediatrics ER fellow in one of the largest emergency rooms in the US. She is a passionate health educator and a strong advocate for children's health and safety. Dr. Nkeiru’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Hbqdxg9xMYHDgKahCoDZA  Ebook on First Aid: https://drnkeiru.com/first-aid-kit/  Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website (transcripts available!) For more on biologically normal infant sleep and a holistic approach to getting more sleep, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow on instagram. Disclaimer: This episode is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please seek immediate care from your physician if you have any concerns about your baby or child’s health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 17: Stay at Home Dad Life with Rachael and her husband, Marley This episode is a sneak peak into the recent decision for Marley to leave his job so that Rachael could run HSB and NOTU full time. Join your host Rachael and her husband Marley as they debrief about the decision for Marley to leave his Social Work job to become a SAHD. Rachael and Marley discuss what ultimately made them choose this arrangement, what Marley did for work before and what he may do in the future, and more. Marley also gives tips for other dads out there on how to gain confidence with taking your little ones out on your own, dealing with parental preference, and more. Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Marley is LCSW and San Francisco's newest SAHD! Instagram (Show page) Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) Show Website For more on biologically normal infant sleep and a holistic approach to getting more sleep, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow on instagram.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices