Chick Chat

Naming your baby is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in the early years as a parent (and one of the most emotional). Some people have names picked out since childhood. Others scroll baby name lists for hours, feeling totally overwhelmed because they haven't found "the right one." And once you add in opinions from your partner, your in-laws, and your fourth cousin twice removed… it’s a lot....

Starting solids is a major milestone, but it can also be one of the most confusing times for new parents. When should you start? What foods are best? And how do you keep things safe and enjoyable? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Krupa Playforth, board-certified pediatrician and founder of Warm Heart Pediatrics, known online as @thepediatricianmom. With her signature blend of clinical expertise...

Think big feelings are just for toddlers? Think again. In this episode, emotional development expert Alyssa Blask Campbell joins me to explore how to raise emotionally intelligent and connected kids, especially during the often-overlooked elementary years. Together, they dive into: Why big kids still have big feelings (and what to do about it) Nervous system regulation and how it impacts behavior...

Grief in motherhood isn’t always about the loss of a loved one. Sometimes it’s the quiet ache of losing parts of yourself... the identity you once had, the dreams you imagined, or the version of motherhood you thought you’d live. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Mel Parent, nurse practitioner, fitness instructor, and founder of The Hive Method, to talk about the hidden grief many mothers...

This episode is sponsored by Naturepedic. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the baby product industry, and trust me, it gets messy. From hidden toxins in crib mattresses to the rise of greenwashing and misleading “eco-friendly” labels, parents are navigating a world that’s more confusing than ever. To help us make sense of it all, Naturepedic’s Chief Growth Officer, Arin Schultz, is joining...

What if your uterus could speak—what would it say? In this episode of Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast, Nina sits down with Dr. Krystal Lynn Couture—licensed acupuncturist, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and founder of The Pelvic Acu—to explore the powerful energetic and emotional connection between the heart and the womb. Dr. Krystal shares how acupuncture and holistic pelvic care can help restore...

What if the support you need during pregnancy and postpartum is already available... You just haven’t been shown how to access it?! In this episode of Chick Chat, Nina sits down with Pachet Bryant, Founder of MINE Maternity and Pregnancy/Postpartum Care Coordinator, to explore how families can actually afford the care they need and deserve. From insurance benefits and HSA/FSA funds to employer per...

Motherhood changes us — and not just in the ways we expect. For many women, having a child prompts a deep reevaluation of priorities, identity, and ambition. It’s not that ambition disappears; it evolves into something new. And in a world that often pushes women to choose between work and family, this shift can often leave new mothers feeling confused, lonely, or even disempowered. But what if pau...

Going back to work after having a baby isn’t just about finding childcare or picking out comfortable outfits in your new postpartum body. It’s an emotional, physical, and often overwhelming transition that touches everything from your identity and energy levels to your legal rights and workplace support. In episode 179 of Chick Chat, we talked with Daphne Delvaux, also known as The Mamattorney, ab...

When we think about preparing for a new baby, most of the attention goes to labor and delivery, but what about what happens after the birth? Too often, parents are sent home with a newborn and very little support for their physical recovery, mental health, and emotional well-being. And when things feel overwhelming, scary, or not how they expected, they wonder if something is wrong with them. But...

Parenting a strong-willed child can feel a little like riding a roller coaster . . . with no seatbelt. One minute, your child is full of passion and happiness, the next, they’re melting down in the middle of Target. These extreme emotions leave you wondering: Is this just a phase? Is it ADHD? Are they emotional? Or are they just being . . . mean? If you’ve ever asked yourself any of those question...

Let’s be real . . . Motherhood is overwhelming for anyone. But I've recently learned that if you’re a mom with ADHD, sometimes even the most basic tasks — like folding laundry, starting dinner, or replying to one more school email — can feel paralyzing. And I just have to say, if this is you . . . you’re not lazy. You’re not failing. And you’re definitely not alone. In this episode of Chick Chat,...

As we all know, motherhood changes everything. And this can even include how we see ourselves when we look in the mirror. Between sleep deprivation, postpartum recovery, body changes, and keeping tiny humans alive, getting dressed for the day can feel like just one more thing on our endless to-do list that many of us usually don't have the energy to put much thought into. Because we're exhausted,...

Family isn’t one-size-fits-all. And neither is the journey to building one. In today’s episode of Chick Chat, we’re diving into a conversation that challenges traditional ideas of family and motherhood. Whether you’re a new parent, dreaming of parenthood, or simply curious about your own path, this episode will inspire you to embrace possibility and self-discovery. So many of us grow up with certa...

Movement is one of the most powerful ways babies learn about their bodies, their environment, and even their emotions. But in today’s world of baby gear, screen time, and jam-packed schedules, purposeful movement often takes a backseat. That’s why today’s episode is all about why movement matters and how to support your baby’s physical development with simple, intentional activities and play. To h...

The first days, weeks, and months after a baby is born are filled with so many emotions—joy, exhaustion, love, and sometimes, even uncertainty. I've been right there, too, and felt all of them. But in those early moments, something incredibly powerful is happening beneath the surface: your baby is learning how to trust the world through you. It's pretty incredible when you think about it. So we ha...

Sleep is essential for us all and a cornerstone of childhood development. But what happens when your child isn’t sleeping as soundly as they should? And I'm not talking about nightmares or wetting the bed. I'm talking about snoring, mouth breathing, or restless nights. You might just think these are just quirks of growing up, but they could actually be signs of a bigger issue: sleep-disordered bre...

Navigating maternity leave can be super confusing, and it often leaves expecting mothers feeling overwhelmed. You’re already juggling the demands of pregnancy, work, and planning for your baby. Now you have to plan for postpartum, too, and what life will really be like once your little one is here? You sure do! The problem is that many women assume their employer will guide the way. The truth? Mat...

If you've recently had a baby (or even if it’s been a while), chances are you’ve heard some version of the phrase “bounce back.” Maybe you’ve seen it on social media. Maybe it came from a well-meaning friend, family member, or even your own inner voice. And maybe, like so many moms, that phrase made you pause and wonder: What exactly am I bouncing back to? In this episode of Chick Chat, I’m joined...

In today’s fast-paced, overstimulated world, kids are absorbing so much. They are seeing us overpack our schedules, rushing from one thing to the next, and are constantly "on." Many of us parents are wondering: how do we help our kids regulate their emotions, connect with their bodies, and stay grounded? I know that I certainly am. That’s why I’m so excited to share this conversation with Lauren C...

We are back with Dr. Jen Wagner and RN Bethany Scott continuing our conversation about C-sections! In Part 1 of our conversation, we talked all about what to expect before, during, and immediately after a C-section. But as we all know, the birth is just the beginning. In this episode of Chick Chat, Dr. Jen and RN Bethany from The C-Section Experience Podcast talk about what comes next: the healing...

Whether it’s scheduled or unexpected, I firmly believe that a cesarean birth is still a birth, and every mom deserves to feel informed, supported, and empowered through it. But the truth is, many women go into their C-sections feeling unprepared and unsure of what to expect during a C-section. That’s why I knew we needed to record this episode, and I found the perfect guests to help us do just tha...

Toddlerhood is often described as a rollercoaster, which, as a mother to two myself, I can see why. Riding those emotional highs and lows can be a lot, but luckily, if you're also riding the waves, you’re not alone. From epic meltdowns over the “wrong” snack to power struggles over everything from bedtime to toothbrushing, it’s a season filled with big feelings (from both the kids and the parents!...

As a doula and advocate for mothers, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is that every woman feels safe, seen, and supported throughout her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. But the reality is, not all women are receiving the care they deserve — especially Black mothers. In fact, Black women in the United States are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than...

The term “mommy makeover” has gained popularity over the past decade or so, but what does it actually involve? And who is it the right choice for? In this episode of Chick Chat, I’m joined by renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Francel to pull back the curtain on mommy makeovers and help us really understand what women need to consider. With over 30 years of surgical expertise and...