JUST BE

Fertility. It can be so heartbreakingly elusive for some, yet so effortless for others. We are here to support you wherever you are in your fertility journey. In this episode, we'll explore the emotional, bodily and spiritual aspects of fertility and how they're all connected. We'll also discuss enjoyable - not stressful - ways to help women and their partners become parents. Some of t...

Oh hey sexy mama! 😉 Yes - that's right... we are looking at YOU. Even if you haven't given birth yet there is no doubt that postpartum body image is A THING. There is so many mixed (and usually non-supportive) messages we receive about our bodies post birth. Once you have given birth it is so important to really love our bodies - wherever they are at. Your body has done incredible things...

Sleep as a parent is a VERY hot topic. For both child and parents alike. Often the the common advice of "sleep when the baby (or kid) sleeps" can feel triggering. In the chaotic world of parenthood, that advice often seems impractical. In this episode, we discuss not only why resting is important but how to approach and look at resting as a parent in practical ways. We also cover how to...

Fun stuff today! Body image! We know, we know - not really always so fun. But we promise this episode delivers some heartfelt reflections around the subject. We live in a world where body image is a real thing. Some of us may struggle with it more than others - but the fact is most women will experience some body image related thoughts at some point in their pregnancy and beyond. Knowing this and...

We always say with each birth comes a transformation in self. A part of this transformation can mean a shift in the friends and community we are connected to. For many, finding mama friends can be a deep desire and also a struggle at times. In this episode we explore different ways to approach building a solid base of friends and community at the different stages of your journey as a parent. We sh...

We all know how hard it is to get advice from someone (or lots of people) when really we just need to be supported in other ways. Being in this situation through a conception, pregnancy or parenting journey can fell 10 times harder and also be 10 times more triggering. Unsolicited advice is unavoidable, but can be greatly reduced and easier to navigate if we can set boundaries, trust our intuition...

We're coming to you today with a little solstice love and magic. Short and sweet we are here to extend our gratitude for YOU (yes, you reading this and listening to our show). Thank you for your support and being a part of this community. We are excited to continue to expand in the coming years. The biggest gift we could get is for you to continue to share this show with others you know that c...

Today we dive into the oh-so delightful world of names. The inspiration for this convo came out of our own stories around naming our kiddos and ended up expanding into so many other interesting aspects around names and naming in general. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: how we chose our children’s names having a different last name as your child the lesser known fact that you...

Friendly reminder: It's ok to slow down. In this episode we explore the importance of slowing down and the huge impact it has on any phase of life but especially on the motherhood journey. Slowing down is a simple act, yet so hard to do. It's also a super magical practice that can can create huge (often unexpected) differences in our life. Some things we cover in this episode: what slowing...

Today we expand on our Doulas vs. Midwives episode and do a deep dive into the world of midwives. We talk about the differences between hospital, birth center and home birth midwives as well as why we really encourage all birthing parents to connect with a midwife regardless of birthing location. Some topics we cover in this episode: difference between home birth midwife, hospital midwifes, birth...

Who doesn’t love a good massage? (Don’t be shy - we know we have the non-massage preference listeners out there 😉 ). Whether you love or hate massage there is sooo many reasons why incorporating massage before, during and after pregnancy and birth is beneficial. That could be self massage, massage from your partner or a friend, or a professional massage. AND bonus points for massaging the tender...

Ever wondered what the difference between a midwife and a doula is? Today we dive into this topic and explain why having a birth doula (even when you have a midwife) can be super helpful. Jen also gives the perspective from a midwifes view on why having a doula is helpful. Some of the topics we touch in on: what the simple difference is between a midwife and doula some of the different kinds of do...

As promised we are back with our Part 2 of reflections that unfolded after going to Burning Man in 2023 without our children. Joining us for this convo we've got a special (and very first) guest on the podcast, Teny. She is a mama and business owner (and friend) that joined us on the adventure. The conversation goes in so many good directions. Some of the things we explore: the importance of e...

Let's talk about boobies! And all the amazing and hard things they go through in those first weeks with a new baby. Breastfeeding struggles are a REAL thing - just like birth it's not always as magical as we hope it to be. But we promise it does get easier and you are NOT alone. In this episode we talk about: why the perception around 'easy breastfeeding' in the first weeks exists...

Today we dive into PAIN (both in birth and in life). Jen wanted to explore this topic because she is tired of people shying away from using the word in relation to the experience of giving birth. Amanda had a slightly different take on it, where she actually finds it helpful to use different languaging. The topic sparked a beautiful conversation that unfolded around the word 'pain' and our...

Leaving our babies and children often is an emotional roller coaster. The solo and away time is a key part of emotional balance and refilling our own energy cups but the separation tug on your heartstrings is a very real feeling. Whether it's your first time leaving your baby/kiddo or if you are a seasoned pro on taking 'you time' it's important to know that all emotions are valid...

Jen and I are both huge fans of co-sleeping. BUT as birth workers we also know that ultimately what is 'best' is going to be what works best for you as a parent. We discuss how co-sleeping is actually a very common practice in most cultures around the world, about the recent changes the AAP made with regards to baby sleeping in the same room, how most people end up doing some form of co-sl...

For our first in-person podcast recording Jen had an intuitive desire to talk about desired and boundaries. First we recorded this episode here on Scheduling vs. Rhythms and ultimately the convo led right back into this topic. These two elements of discovery and communication play such an important role in all your relationships before, during and after baby (including your relationship with yours...

In this episode we talk about the basics around placentas. If you didn’t already know, many cultures and people out there consume the placenta in different forms after birth. We chat about the benefits, ways (from capsules, tinctures, smoothies…) and why this is done. AND if you are not so into the idea of consuming placenta we talk about placenta ceremonies and why we find them so special to inte...

For our first in-person podcast recording we discuss the benefits and reasons behind schedules and non-schedules. From baby into many years post birth with even a glimpse at how you can start to play with these elements pre-birth. Jen gives some great reframes on how to lean into rhythms and structures to find more ease starting from even pre-conception. Additional notes and resources: Playful Par...

Let's talk Elimination Communication! This topic holds a special place in our hearts because it is how we (Jen and Amanda) originally found each other. We're both super passionate about the topic, so much so we started a Diaper Free Collective with another incredible EC coach Breann to support those looking to explore and try EC. In this convo we talk about what EC is, why we find it so am...

Ever wondered what exactly The Fourth Trimester is and why it's become so popular? Jen and Amanda chat about where the term comes from and some of the history and cultural connections to the term as well as their personal birth worker tips for this special post-birth window. Additional notes and resources: Want to get specific about Week 1 post birth? We have a podcast episode just for that he...

In this episode we cover all things birth stories: why you should tell your birth story (even just to yourself), the power and magic birth stories have, the connective threads they contain and so much more. We would also be honored to hear your birth story if you feel called to share it! You can record a voice memo to us telling as much or as little as you want here: https://www.speakpipe.com/Just...

In this episode we talk about the planning and the unplanned. The convo was inspired from another podcast we heard (linked below) and Jen's desire to make this topic more popular and drive home the importance of birth preferences vs. birth realities. Indie Birth post with quote Indie Birth podcast episode Grab the Intentions Meditation and Workbook at www.justthis.site Birth Stories podcast ep...

In this episode we dive into time warps, the ups, the downs and all the fun things for week #1 post birth! Resource Library Coming Soon! Soon to be added content mentioned in this episode: hormonal changes over first month graphic clock diagram/exercise for time awareness pre-birth and post-birth also be on the lookout for the episode on Birth Stories that we mentioned to be released in the upcomi...