Raising Mama Podcast

In this episode of the Raising Mama Podcast, we explore the complex journey of millennial motherhood with licensed professional counselor Allie McQuaid, also known as the Millennial Mom Therapist. Raised on “girl power” and independence, many millennial moms find themselves navigating the duality of motherhood in a world that demands perfection.  Allie shares her insights on embracing emotional an...

In this insightful episode, we explore the often-overlooked topic of low libido after childbirth with our guest, Catie Whiting, a licensed clinical social worker and perinatal mental health therapist. Catie breaks down the physiological, emotional, and relational factors that impact intimacy postpartum. We discuss the myths surrounding postpartum libido, the realistic timelines for hormonal regula...

What if pregnancy didn’t have to feel like survival mode? In this episode, we’re joined by Alexandra Radway —MIT-trained engineer turned functional nutritionist—who is on a mission to help modern women feel strong, supported, and biohacked through pregnancy and postpartum. We explore: Why symptoms like exhaustion and morning sickness aren’t "just part of pregnancy" The most overlooked or...

In this conversation, registered dietician Leslie Flannery discusses gestational diabetes, its prevalence, hormonal influences, and the importance of managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy. She emphasizes that gestational diabetes is not a woman's fault and provides practical tips for maintaining a balanced diet without falling into restrictive eating patterns.  The discussion also cover...

In this conversation, C-section recovery coach Nicole Alfred discusses the often misunderstood aspects of C-section recovery, emphasizing that healing is a process that extends beyond the commonly assumed six-week timeline. She highlights the physical and emotional challenges faced by C-section mothers, including body image issues and pelvic floor dysfunction.  Nicole Alfred advocates for intentio...

In this conversation, Megan Stander and Jessica Irwin discuss the importance of establishing routines for new parents and their babies. Jessica, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, shares insights on the misconceptions surrounding baby routines, the difference between schedules and routines, and introduces her five non-negotiables for creating a successful daily structure. The discussion emphasize...

In this episode, Zara Arshad discusses the four main attachment styles—anxious, avoidant, anxious-avoidant, and secure—and how they manifest in relationships, particularly during the transformative period of new parenthood. The conversation delves into how postpartum challenges can amplify attachment tendencies, leading to increased stress and insecurity in relationships. Zara offers insights on h...

In this episode, Chelsea and Megan discuss the complexities of navigating California maternity leave, particularly through Kaiser Insurance. Chelsea shares her personal experiences and insights on the challenges faced by expectant mothers, especially regarding mental health support and the bureaucratic hurdles within the healthcare system. They emphasize the importance of early advocacy and being...

In this conversation, Sabia Wade shares her unique journey from the BDSM world to becoming a doula, emphasizing the importance of consent, communication, and care in both realms. She discusses how her experiences in kink inform her approach to supporting new parents, particularly in navigating the complexities of postpartum life.  Sabia highlights the need for open dialogue about intimacy, boundar...

In this episode, Chelsea and Megan discuss the significant changes to California's maternity leave policies effective January 2025. They highlight the new payment structures that provide higher benefits for new mothers, the elimination of employer requirements to use vacation time before accessing paid family leave, and the implications for health insurance during maternity leave. The hosts al...

In this episode, Gina Trimmer, founder of the Revitalized Womanhood Movement, shares her journey of intentional living and the importance of pursuing personal purpose. She discusses the challenges women face in defining their identities, especially in motherhood, and the impact of societal conditioning on their desires. Gina emphasizes the necessity of supportive networks and the transformative po...

This episode is a must-listen for: new moms navigating gender roles in parenting, working mothers struggling with domestic labor inequities, and women questioning societal norms around marriage and motherhood. In today’s episode, we sit down with the bold and unapologetic Abby Eckel, a feminist advocate with 600K+ TikTok followers, known for her viral and controversial videos exposing the hidden c...

In this conversation, licensed psychotherapist Christina Furnival discusses the complexities of division of labor among new parents, emphasizing the mental load and emotional labor that often disproportionately falls on mothers. The discussion explores societal norms, gender roles, and the challenges couples face in balancing responsibilities, especially after a baby.  Christina offers insights in...

In this conversation, Julie Ouye shares her deeply personal journey through infertility, detailing her experiences with IUI and IVF treatments. The conversation touches on the isolating experience of infertility and the encouragement for women to understand their own body and cycle from a young age. Julie discusses the financial challenges she faced due to the significant expense of IVF and IUI tr...

In this conversation, Elena Bridgers discusses the evolution of motherhood, contrasting modern practices with those of hunter-gatherer societies. She emphasizes the importance of understanding our evolutionary past to address the challenges faced by contemporary mothers, including feelings of isolation and systemic pressures.  Bridgers advocates for communal parenting and highlights the need for s...

In this episode, Jordan Lull discusses the metabolic changes that occur during pregnancy and motherhood. He explains the concept of metabolism and how it relates to calories in and calories out.  Jordan also highlights the importance of nutrition and supplements, particularly folate, during pregnancy. He shares fascinating facts about the brain shrinking during pregnancy and the impact of a father...

In this episode, Chelsea and Megan discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood and work-life. They emphasize the importance of letting go of expectations and accepting that work-life balance may not be achievable. They also discuss the emotional challenges of juggling work and motherhood, such as guilt, stress, and grief.  Chelsea shares her struggle with maintaining patience and connection wit...

In this episode, Chelsea and Megan interview Kristen Finnell, a neonatal nurse practitioner and mom of three. They discuss the common concerns and anxieties of new parents, focusing on the importance of postpartum education and preparation.  Kristen emphasizes the need for parents to educate themselves on how to create a safe and healthy home environment for their newborns, including using non-tox...

In this conversation, Chelsea and Megan discuss their personal experiences and struggles with motherhood. Chelsea shares her challenges with bedtime and her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter's resistance to going to sleep. The two hosts discuss possible solutions, including extending bedtime, incorporating special mommy-daughter time before bed, and setting boundaries during the bedtime routine...

DISCLAIMER: In this episode, we discuss a range of topics related to formula feeding. We want to make it clear that Raising Mama fully supports every mother's choice in how she feeds her baby. Whether you choose to formula feed, breastfeed, or use a combination of both, we believe that every mom knows what is best for her and her baby. Our aim is to provide information and foster thoughtful co...

In this conversation, toddler expert Layne Deyling Cherland discusses the challenges and common themes of parenting toddlers. She explains the differences between the infant brain and the toddler brain, emphasizing the importance of understanding toddler brain development. Layne also discusses the need for clear boundaries and firm edges in the parent-child relationship during the toddler years. S...

In this episode, the hosts interview Kelly Conroy, a matrescence educator, about the science and sociology behind the difficulties of new motherhood in the US. They discuss the concept of matrescence, the process of becoming a mother, and how it involves significant changes in various aspects of a woman's life. They also explore the evolutionary perspective on childbirth and how the female hum...

Dr. Christine Pieton, a pelvic floor specialist, discusses the importance of pelvic floor health and the need for education and awareness. She explains that the pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the internal organs and play a role in bowel and bladder control, sexual function, and core stability.  Dr. Pieton also addresses how pelvic health is an important aspect of overall well-bein...

Certified infant sleep specialist, Brittany Chambers, discusses the dark side of sleep training and offers an alternative approach. Sleep training is a relatively new phenomenon that mostly occurs in Western society. Infants are naturally geared to sleep in close proximity to their caregivers and the neuroscience of infant sleep shows that babies need co-regulation and responsive care to develop r...

Jenny Tucker shares her personal experience with postpartum depression, including the challenges, realizations, and the journey to seeking help and healing. She discusses the impact of postpartum depression on her early motherhood experience and the resistance she faced in accepting medication in her healing journey. Jenny's story touches on her experience with mastitis and D-MER (Dysphoric Mi...