Raising Mama Podcast

In this episode of Raising Mama, Chelsea and Megan discuss the impact of postpartum anger on relationships and share techniques from John Gottman's research to alleviate relationship issues. They explore the four common factors that deteriorate relationships (criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling) and provide the antidotes to each.  They emphasize the importance of gentle startu...

In this conversation, Jenny Tucker, the leader and founder of Centerline Community , a virtual postpartum support community, discusses the common struggles that new moms face when entering motherhood and the lack of support and information available to them. She emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge among mothers. Jenny also highlights the lack of support for modern women...

In this conversation, Megan and Chelsea discuss sex after giving birth. They share their personal experiences and provide insights into the physical and emotional aspects of postpartum sex. They emphasize the importance of partner support, communication, and understanding in maintaining intimacy. The conversation also touches on societal expectations and the need for women to assert their needs du...

In this episode, Megan and Chelsea discuss how to maximize maternity leave in California and provide tips for getting the most time off. They cover topics such as disability extensions, changing doctors for approval, staying ahead of the game, choosing the right healthcare provider, and understanding workplace hazards. They emphasize the importance of advocating for yourself and being knowledgeabl...

In today’s must-listen episode, we are thrilled to have Francie Webb , the founder of Go Milk Yourself and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Francie enlightens us on the nuanced challenges of breastfeeding, especially as new mothers navigate the transition back to work. Why You Should Listen: Empowerment Through Knowledge: Learn practical breastfeeding strategies and insights...

Why You Should Listen: This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the journey of parenthood, especially expectant mothers and their partners seeking a deeper, more empowered approach to childbirth. Ivy Joeva , a seasoned doula and fertility coach, shares invaluable insights into preparing for birth beyond conventional methods. From understanding the spectrum of undisturbed births to the s...

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the dads and non-birthing partners! This time, it's all about paternity leave and why it's not just a benefit for moms. From bonding with the newborn to supporting their partner and establishing a strong family foundation, this episode dives into the myriad benefits of paternity leave. Join us as we debunk myths, share personal stories, and offer pr...

Summary In this episode, Megan Limon, a postpartum doula, shares her expertise on the first 48 hours after birth and the importance of maternal care. She emphasizes the value of nourishing foods, particularly warm soups, in supporting the body's healing process. Megan also discusses the benefits of belly binding and provides practical tips and DIYs for postpartum care. She encourages mothers t...

IMPORTANT: Download the companion 38-page California Maternity Leave guide that has all of the steps, checklists, timelines, links, phone numbers, and everything you need to put your plan into action. You can download the guide here: https://raisingmama.com/pages/california-maternity-leave-explained In this episode of Raising Mama Podcast, we show you exactly how to get 6 months of paid, job-prote...

Summary In this episode, Chelsea and Megan discuss their experiences of going back to work after having their babies. They share their challenges and tips for pumping at work, choosing the right breast pump and balancing work and family priorities. Key Things Discussed: Why "the system" sets moms up for struggle and how to combat it Willow vs. Elvie - pros and cons depending on your job...

In this episode, Megan and Chelsea speak with Maya Keane , a classically trained homeopathic practitioner and emotional healing guide . They discuss the role of homeopathy in emotional healing and its intersection with the emotional journeys of women , particularly mothers. Maya explains how homeopathy can help individuals process and release emotional overwhelm , and how it differs from tradition...

In this pre-episode to our interview with Maya Keane, an Emotional Healing Guide & Homeopathic Practitioner, Megan shares her transformative journey of motherhood and how she worked with Maya to support her through emotional overwhelm. She discusses the challenges of recognizing emotional overwhelm and distinguishing it from normal new motherhood experiences .  Megan delves into her childhood...

In this episode, we chat with Katie Wilder Thomas a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach (PN1). She's the creator of the Food Freedom Project and a dynamic trainer on the Future Fitness App . Katie, a mom of two, has extensive experience empowering mothers in their postpartum fitness and nutrition journey. Her practical and empathetic coac...

Summary In this conversation, Chelsea and Megan discuss the realities of pregnancy weight gain and the challenges of losing the baby weight. They explore the mental and emotional impact of body changes and the importance of taking a mindful approach to weight loss. They also discuss the influence of society on body image and the transition to motherhood. The conversation highlights the evolution o...

In this episode of the Raising Mama podcast, hosts Chelsea and Megan are joined by Heidi Lovens, a seasoned sleep coach. The conversation covers a range of topics related to sleep challenges for children of various ages, from newborns to six-year-olds. Heidi shares her journey from being a nanny to becoming a sleep coach and offers practical advice for parents facing sleep-related issues with thei...

This episode features Julie Hughes, a military spouse and mother of three, who shares her rich experiences of embracing motherhood while navigating its unpredictability and challenges. Julie's journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, offers valuable perspectives for new and expecting mothers. Key Takeaways: Cross-Cultural Childbirth Experiences: Julie's unique childbirth experiences...

Join us in a profound discussion with Kathryn Albergate Davis, a distinguished public health educator, postpartum doula, and a staunch advocate for reproductive justice. Kathryn brings to the table over 13 years of facilitating community health programs and supporting new families. As a mother who has navigated the NICU journey and experienced traumatic grief, she offers a unique perspective that...

In this revealing episode of Raising Mama, hosts Megan Stander and Chelsea Ledson tackle the often overwhelming world of sleep, or lack thereof, in motherhood. They share their personal sleep experiences, shedding light on common struggles and offering insights that resonate with new and seasoned moms alike. Topics Covered:* Sleep Deprivation Effects: A frank discussion on the physical and mental...

Dive into another unfiltered conversation with Megan Stander and Chelsea Ledsen. Known for their frank and slightly crass approach, Megan and Chelsea offer a refreshingly honest perspectiv...

In this episode of Raising Mama Podcast, we're joined by Amanda Vitiello, an artist balancing motherhood and a career in performance from San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Topics discussed: The identity transformation that accompanies becoming a mother The inequities she faced as an acting coach compared to her husband Her personal struggle with miscarriage, challenging the silence surrounding the t...

In this informative episode of The Butterfly Club, hosts Chelsea and Megan are thrilled to welcome back Rachel Buehler, who joins them not as an expert but as a soon-to-be mother full of questions. The conversation begins with the sensitive subject of resuming sexual activity and intimacy with your partner after giving birth. Chelsea and Megan offer an unfiltered look at the emotional and physical...

In this enlightening episode, hosts Megan and Chelsea welcome special guest Rachel Buehler, an ER Nurse who is looking forward to embarking on her own journey into motherhood soon. Megan and Chelsea share their uniquely different experiences of pregnancy, shedding light on the spectrum of emotions, physical changes, and uncertainties that expecting mothers may face. Megan and Chelsea open up about...

In this episode, Megan recounts her car birth story also known as precipitous labor. Megan and Chelsea also discuss the benefits of having a doula and what you can do if you can't afford one. D-MER also known as Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex is discussed as that was a significant challenge during Megan's postpartum. Megan ends the episode with her personal advice on how to make the best o...

In the first episode of Raising Mama Podcast, briefly known as The Butterfly Club, host Megan Stander welcomes guest Chelsea Ledsen, a registered nurse specializing in women's health. Over a glass of wine, they delve into the origin story behind the podcast's name and reveal what they feel is the biggest parenting hack. Chelsea shares insights on the transformative journey of becoming a mo...