Parenthood Prep

You know that feeling of finally getting your baby to fall asleep at bedtime... only to have them wake up multiple times during the night?   I know it's exhausting. And frustrating. And sometimes feels like it will never end.   But here's the thing - your baby CAN learn to sleep through the night. They just need the right tools and approach to figure it out.   In this week's episode, I'm breaking...

Got an older kid who thinks bedtime is optional? You're not alone. A lot of parents end up stuck in the routine of lying next to their kid until they finally drift off—or worse, dealing with a 3 AM visitor climbing into their bed.   Here's the good news: You CAN teach them to sleep on their own, and it doesn't have to come with a full-blown emotional meltdown (for them or you).   In this episode,...

Are you ready to take the plunge and sleep train your baby?   Sleep training can feel daunting, but with the right support and strategies, you can help your baby become an independent sleeper.     In this episode, I'm walking you through the bedtime process step by step, breaking down the sleep training method that actually works.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https...

So, you're having a baby—or maybe you're just morbidly curious about what actually happens when labor hits. Either way, let's talk about pain management.     In this week's episode, I'm joined by my sister, Kim Gordon, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) who specializes in labor and delivery anesthesia. In other words, she's the person you really want to know when contractions get real...

Feeling like a frazzled mess and want to parent with more peace (without becoming a full-time monk)?   In this week's episode, I'm joined by marriage and family therapist Ashby Lankford. She breaks down several practical strategies you can use in the heat of the moment to find more calm, compassion, and even humor when you're struggling with your kids.     If you're ready to feel a little less fru...

Feeling overwhelmed trying to juggle it all with a baby in tow?   In this episode, I share my top tips for getting things done, even when it feels impossible. From breaking tasks into bite-sized steps to letting others help (without micromanaging!), these strategies will help you feel accomplished.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://happyfamilyafter.com/46

Have you or someone you know had a baby in the NICU? It's an experience no parent wants to go through, but there can be some unexpected positives that come out of it.   In this episode, I talk with my good friend and coach Margaret Mason Tate about her experience when her son Hamish spent time in the NICU as a newborn. We also discuss tips for managing the emotional trauma of the NICU, both in the...

Are you constantly worrying about your baby's safety? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the guidelines and potential risks? In this episode, we'll explore some different hazards and help you understand what's truly dangerous and what's actually safer than you might think.   Join me as I share insights from my experience as a sleep consultant, working with countless families and observing their safety...

Thinking about hiring overnight newborn care but not sure where to start? In this episode, I'm breaking down everything you need to know about hiring overnight support for your newborn - from finding trustworthy caregivers to understanding costs and asking the right questions during interviews.   Join me as I walk you through the essential considerations for hiring overnight newborn care, includin...

Have you ever wondered about the many paths to parenthood that exist today? In a world where medical technology has opened up so many possibilities, it can be hard to keep track of all the options. As someone who has always been fascinated by babies and fertility, I'm thrilled to dive into this topic with an expert.     Our guest today is Justine Witzke, the founder and CEO of Aligneage Fertility,...

Do you feel like you're constantly yelling at your kids and then beating yourself up about it? Parents often hold themselves to impossibly high standards, thinking they need to be perfect and never lose their cool. But here's the truth: it's okay to get frustrated sometimes. Kids can be challenging, and parenting is hard work.   By making a few small changes in your mindset and behavior, you can n...

You may not find the idea of scheduling very sexy, but having your baby on a feeding and sleeping schedule will revolutionize your parenting experience. It allows you to anticipate your baby's needs before they even realize they have them, leading to a happier baby and a more relaxed parent.   In this episode, I dispel some common myths about schedules and share my tips for implementing a flexible...

As a newborn care expert with over 30 years of experience, I've seen firsthand how sleep deprivation can take a toll on new parents. But here's the good news: it doesn't have to be this way. With some practical strategies and a shift in mindset, you can actually get the rest you need to thrive during this special time.   In this episode, I reshare my top tips for maximizing your sleep with a brand...

Think of this as your ultimate survival guide for navigating the crying marathon that can put a damper on your holiday cheer (keep in mind that I can't do anything about your cranky relatives). I share my top tips and tricks for calming even the fussiest of babies, so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the magic of the season with your family.   From the four main reasons bab...

Do you struggle to get anything done with a new baby at home? Are you constantly putting off basic tasks like laundry or cooking just to keep up with the demands of a tiny human that doesn't care about your to-do list? Luckily, I have the perfect episode to reshare, showing you how to manage your time with a new baby so you can actually take care of yourself.   Tune in as I share my top tips for m...

What do kids really want for the holidays? Is it the latest trendy toy or gadget? The truth may surprise you. Parents often stress over finding the perfect gift, but kids' wishes are usually much simpler than we think.   Tune in this week to discover how you can create magical holiday memories for your little ones without breaking the bank or succumbing to the pressure of consumerism. I reveal som...

Are you ready to get more sleep and stop having to feed your baby so often during the night? That's right, it's time for the long-awaited part two of our night weaning series. If you're a sleep-deprived parent looking for solutions to get more sleep for the whole family, you won't want to miss this!   Tune in this week as I break down the myths surrounding night weaning and breastfeeding, and give...

Have you ever wondered about the woman behind the Parenthood Prep podcast? In this special episode, the spotlight is on me as Margaret Mason Tate interviews me to celebrate my 13th year in business.   Tune in to hear how my passion for supporting families inspired me to create a company that provides invaluable postpartum care. I also share my top advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the caregivin...

If there's one thing you need as a new parent, it's more sleep. It might just be time to start reducing or eliminating your baby's overnight feeds. But how do you know if your baby is ready, and how do you get this process of night weaning started?    In this episode, I share the signs that confirm your baby is ready for night weaning, how to gradually reduce feeds without starving your baby, and...

Sleep is one of the most discussed topics among parents (followed closely by poop). As a parent, it's natural to want to do everything in your power to ensure your little one gets the best possible rest. But with so much conflicting information out there, it can be tough to know what the best approach is.   From pacifiers to rocking and everything in between, understanding sleep associations is a...

Do you ever wonder how to raise your kids to be engaged, responsible citizens? I know, it sounds crazy because they're tiny and civic responsibility seems like something to worry about way off in the future. But the truth is, the experiences our children have from an early age shape how they interact with their communities and the world around them.   In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Siegel-...

Whether you're exclusively bottle feeding, supplementing with formula, or expressing breast milk, there are some key things to keep in mind to ensure your baby is getting the nutrition they need and developing healthy eating habits. From choosing the right bottle and nipple size to knowing when to increase the amount you're feeding, I've got you covered.     There's a ton about bottle feeding that...

As a sleep training expert, I see firsthand the incredible progress babies can make when they master the ability to roll over and find a comfortable sleeping position. It's a game-changer for their sleep quality and a significant milestone in their growth.     Join me as I dive into the importance of giving your baby the space and opportunity to practice rolling and other physical skills. I share...

Do you ever feel like your child's personal servant, catering to their every whim and desire? If you want a balanced, equitable relationship with your child instead of waiting on them hand and foot for the rest of their life, this episode is for you.     For today's conversation, I'm joined again by the brilliant Margaret Mason Tate, a coach, consultant, and teacher who has a wealth of experience...

Does bathtime, baking, or playtime with your baby or toddler often feel like a never-ending struggle, leaving both of you feeling frustrated and cranky? It's easy to focus on the outcome and overlook the joy in the process. But what if there was a way to make these moments more enjoyable and fulfilling for both of you?     If you want to get way more enjoyment out of activities with your kids, thi...