Parenthood Prep

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...

Do you ever feel like you're constantly cleaning up after your kids with no end in sight? Are you tired of being the magical cleaning fairy while your children blissfully play, oblivious to the mess they've made? If you love your kids but hate the mess they make, this episode is exactly what you need.     Tune in this week as I share my best tips for getting kids of all ages involved in the cleanu...

Getting a baby to sleep is one thing, but sleep for us adults is just as important and we overlook it way too much. When you're tired, you aren't looking after yourself, you're probably eating junk, not exercising properly, and making bad decisions. Sound familiar?     If you've tried everything and still can't seem to get a good night's rest, don't despair. With a few simple changes to your habit...

Are you finding it difficult to manage your time with a new baby at home? Feeling overwhelmed by an endless to-do list and struggling to carve out moments for yourself? Time management as a new parent can seem like an impossible task, but in this episode, I'll share practical strategies to help you bring more balance and structure to your day.     Tune in this week to learn tried-and-true time man...

Are you struggling to get your baby to sleep through the night? Feeling anxious and unsure about the sleep training process? Teaching your baby any new skill is challenging, but in this episode, I dive into the four C's of sleep training that will give you the confidence and tools you need to help your little one (and you!) get the rest you deserve.     Join me this week to learn proven strategies...

This episode drops on Labor Day, but this episode is about dropping something entirely different on another kind of labor day. Preparing for birth and delivery can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, special guest Brittany Pruneau, founder of Enlightened Expectations, shares her expertise on how to get ready for Labor Day (the one where you give birth, not the holiday) a...

If you're listening to this episode when it airs, I will be at Burning Man. What does that have to do with your new baby? Well, you'll be truly shocked to learn that there are many similarities between what it's like to have a baby and going to a giant communal event in the middle of the desert.   Listen in this week to discover what you can learn about the surprises of parenting from the porta-po...

Do you have a toddler who wakes up at an ungodly hour every morning, no matter what you do? It's a common problem that leaves parents feeling exhausted and frustrated, but reality check: we are not starting the day at 4:30 in the morning. We can go back to sleep and they can go back to sleep, and in this episode I show you how.     Tune in to discover the secrets to banishing early wake-ups for go...