Getting Started with Baby

Buying baby gear secondhand can be a smart way to save money, reduce waste, and get high-quality products for less, but it can also bring up a lot of questions. What’s safe to buy used? What should you avoid? And how do you know if something is actually in good condition? In this episode, we’re joined by Ben Norment, founder of Stork Exchange and a dad of three. Stork Exchange sells inspected open...

When you get pregnant, food can suddenly feel a lot more complicated. There are new rules to learn, foods you’re told to avoid, nutrients you’re supposed to prioritize, and plenty of advice that can feel hard to sort through when you’re already tired, nauseous, or taking care of other kids. In this episode, we’re joined by Madison Stewart, a mom of two toddlers with another baby on the way, who al...

Imagine if you rolled together the expertise of your pediatrician and the real talk of your mom best friend, and then had them write a book. That is the experience you are getting in this episode. We're joined by Dr. Diane Arnaout, a board-certified pediatrician, mom, and author of Hiccups: A Pediatrician Mom's Guide to Surviving Your First Year of Parenthood . After 15 years in pediatric practice...

One of the most common things parents say after getting through the newborn stage is that their village made all the difference. But what does that village actually look like, and how do you find it? In this episode, we're joined by Dawn Ellis, founder of Gather Well , an organization that brings together expectant parents, new moms, and new dads through support groups and community gatherings in...

Breastfeeding doesn't always come naturally—and that's okay. If you're pregnant and anxious about nursing, currently struggling with breastfeeding pain or latch issues, or carrying guilt about your feeding journey, this episode is for you. We're joined by Jaimie Zaki, certified lactation consultant, nurse, and host of Breastfeeding with Confidence . Jaimie shares honest insights from breastfeeding...

If you’re already a parent—or expecting a baby—you know how precious every minute of sleep is. In this episode, we’re talking with Brandon Reed, father of three and founder of Dwellspring.io , about what actually helps babies sleep—and how parents can survive the early years together. What began as a desperate attempt to soothe his own baby led Brandon to experiment with different sleep sounds, fr...

This week we're getting a pediatrician's view on parents' most common baby questions. When should you actually worry about a fever? Is your baby eating enough? And, of course, what's normal when it comes to baby poop? Dr. Michelle Wagner of Tuckahoe Pediatrics, a pediatrician and mom of three, helps us dig into everything from understanding why doctors take fevers so seriously in those first few m...

You've probably heard of postpartum depression—or maybe the baby blues—but maternal mental health is so much more complex than that. From postpartum anxiety to intrusive thoughts to navigating the massive identity shift that comes with becoming a parent, we’re diving into it all with Jen Mendoza, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in pregnancy, postpartum, and perinatal mental health....

Ever had that feeling of a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear? It's all too common when you're facing pregnancy and postpartum. In this episode, we talk with stylist and new mom, Julia Nauer of Sort and Style Co about how to dress the bump and beyond—and what it means to keep your clothing simple, functional, stylish, but also true to you. We'll cover how to solve some of pregnancy’s uniqu...

You've gotten the happy news—you're expecting! Now what? Beyond planning the nursery and registering for gear, what should you really be preparing for? In this episode, host Jane Dashevsky sits down with Deborah Koumoutsidis, a doula and certified massage therapist who's been part of over 1,000 births. Deborah shares the insider knowledge she wishes every expecting parent had—from creating a crisi...

Pregnant or recently had a baby and feeling like your wardrobe doesn't match your life anymore? You're not alone. This week we're chatting with stylist and mom of three Megan Timmons about how to feel confident and put-together during pregnancy and beyond. Whether you're struggling with body changes, need help transitioning from going-out clothes to mom life, or just want to look less like you liv...

Whether you've been referred for a fetal heart screening or not, hearing the title pediatric cardiologist might make you a bit nervous. Not to worry, though. In this episode, pediatric cardiologist and father of two, Dr. Sonny Duong, takes us through what parents really need to know about heart screenings, from why you might get a fetal echocardiogram (hint: it's usually just precautionary) to wha...

This episode is a must-listen for any expectant parent – you might think you know about safe sleep and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but even as mom of two young kids, this episode surprised me. SIDS remains one of the most anxiety-provoking topics for new parents, and with good reason. Despite decades of research and public health campaigns, about 10 babies still die each day in the United...

Ever wonder if there is a special secret to getting babies, toddlers and beyond to sleep well? Wherever you are in your baby journey, sleep can be one of the most challenging things to figure out for your family. That's why in this episode, we're so excited to welcome Desiree Baird, a pediatric sleep coach and mom of three. She give us the inside track on what good sleep looks like, how to get the...

What would you do if your car broke down with your baby in the backseat? If that thought makes you panic, you're not alone. This week we talk to Jackie Dempsey, a mechanic, mom, and founder of the nonprofit Mechanic Mamma, where she teaches car maintenance and roadside emergency skills to women, children, and families. Jackie shares her mission to empower parents with the knowledge and tools they...

Have you ever wondered what your OB is really thinking? What's her perspective on what matters during pregnancy and postpartum? This week we're talking with Dr. Caledonia Buckheit, an OBGYN with the Kamm McKenzie Medical Group in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a mom of two. We’ll cover everything from early pregnancy anxieties to fetal movement to postpartum bleeding. You’ll get the insider perspect...

Sometimes when you enter parenthood, you can feel like you're on a continuous learning curve just trying to figure out what you need and when. This week we're talking about that ramp into parenthood with Anna Fuller, founder of 3am Society (3amsociety.com), a service designed to help parents find the best deals on all the things they need, when they need it. We'll cover what inspired the 3am Socie...

What’s it like when your birth plan doesn’t match the reality? That’s just one of the big topics on this episode as Jane Dashevsky sits down with Ashlee Martinez, a mom to a three-year-old with one on the way, owner of the mysun&soul boutique (www.mysunandsoul.com) and organizer of Mom Meets across San Diego (@mysunandsoul). From unexpected birth experiences to postpartum anxiety, building mom com...

Jane Dashevsky and Quentin Tai, parents of young kids and co-founders of The Starter Set, sit down to chat about those first magical and brutal weeks of parenthood. You know the ones where you question everything, survive on three hours of sleep and pure adrenaline, and become that person who shows baby photos to the grocery store cashier. Jane, juggling two kids under two, and Quentin, navigating...

Getting Started with Baby – the podcast that brings you practical tips, loved products, and lived experience from parents who've been there. Whether you're expecting or deep into parenting, you're probably drowning in advice and wondering what you actually need. Sometimes, there's nothing better than hearing from other parents who've lived through it. In each episode, host, Jane Dashevsky, herself...