The Motherhood Kit

Send a text In today’s episode of The Motherhood Kit, we explore the issue of how to raise successful kids, from kindergarten all the way through to college. As parents we all ultimately want our children to be happy, healthy and to be able to navigate life with relative ease, and raising them to be successful adults will help them with that. In this episode, Yamel dives into some actionable steps...

Send a text In today’s episode of The Motherhood Kit, we continue our ‘How To Raise’ mini-series, exploring the issue of how to raise responsible kids. As our kids get older, it’s important for us to instil the importance of responsibility in them because it will in turn help them to be able to help themselves. In this episode, Yamel is joined Dr. Maiysha to discuss practical advice and tangible t...

Send a text In today’s episode, Yamel is joined by Lizzie Assa and together they dive into an important topic; how to raise kids who confidently self-advocate. Join Yamel and Lizzie as they discuss ways you can encourage your children to find their voice and use it, why this is so important, and practical strategies you can use to empower yourself and your child.     Lizzie Assa is the founder of...

Send a text In a world where hate crimed can sometimes feel never-ending, I feel like there’s almost a daily article regarding the topic of race which is why today at The Motherhood Kit, we are discussing the important topic of how to raise non-racist kids. On today’s episode, join Yamel to explore ways you can actively promote inclusivity, empathy and understanding in your children’s lives, to nu...

Send a text In this episode, continuing our mini-series to celebrate World Breastfeeding Month, Yamel speaks to mom of twins, Emily, about her breastfeeding journey. Emily is a birth doula of 13 years and is also a Lamaze childbirth educator and lactation counsellor. She holds a Masters degree in public health and in anthropology, and has worked in child healthcare quality improvement for over a d...

Send a text Today on The Motherhood Kit, we explore an essential topic for many moms - exclusive pumping. This is a feeding method where moms express milk using a breast pump  and feed their baby exclusively with a bottle. More and more moms are turning to exclusive pumping so it's vital to address both the challenges and the opportunities this method can bring. In this episode, Yamel is join...

Send a text Throughout August, here at The Motherhood Kit, we are celebrating World Breastfeeding Month. In this episode we are diving deep on Black Breastfeeding to celebrate Black Breastfeeding Week, which was created due to the gaping racial disparity that exists in breastfeeding rates. In this episode, Yamel is joined by fellow IBCLC and nutritionist, Deidra Washington, to explore the various...

Send a text Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, but it can also present various challenges that can be overwhelming for new mums and can take its emotional toll. In this episode, nurse, doula, lactation consultant and mother of five Yamel Belen explores some of these potential challenges and shares her expert opinion on why these might occur, offering new mums suppor...

Send a text To all of the exhausted, sleep-deprived parents, this episode's for you. The picture-perfect schedule for feeding an infant or sleeping does not exist. All of the frustration new parents may feel trying to care for newborns is normal. Yamel is joined by Cara Walker to discuss the sleep patterns, factors that influence sleep quality and developmental stages of newborns. Development...

Send a text Meet Dr. Lockhart Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is the President and Owner of A New Day Pediatric Psychology, PLLC . Dr. Lockhart began her practice in 2016 after practicing in military clinics and hospitals for ten years. Dr. Lockhart is passionate about helping parents better understand and connect with their children to transform the parent-child relationship. Connect with her on Instagra...

Send a text Stephanie Odu is an educator and mother with a passion for reading. She has experience working in private and public institutions, as an instructional coach for other educators, and currently teaches third and fourth graders. Yamel met Ms. Odu (as her students call her) during her son William's time in preschool. Summer is winding down and it's time to gear up for getting bac...

Send a text We live in an ever-expanding technological space. And as much as we may try to fight it (and protect children from it), smart devices are here to stay. So how do parents arm their kids with the right tools to safely and respectfully maneuver the growing online world?  On this episode, we’re joined by Danielle Bayard Jackson, a multi-faceted businesswoman who is also a friendship coach...

Send a text Motherhood is a full-time job. Add relationships into the mix, and it can feel like there’s not enough time in the day or energy left to give to the partner that you began this journey with. Whether you’ve been married for 7, 11, or 25 years, it can be a wake-up call (especially as the kids get older and leave) to realize that maybe you don’t know your partner anymore because you haven...

Send a text Undoubtedly, the topic of postpartum mental health remains inadequately addressed, yet it is a reality that countless new mothers face the daunting challenge of postpartum blues, depression, or mood disorders. The distinction between postpartum mood disorder and fleeting blues or depression cannot be overstated, underscoring the necessity for expectant mothers to establish a robust saf...

Send a text In motherhood, concerns may arise about urinary control. While many assume it's normal to experience leakage, Yamel and Dr. Katie Propst clarify that it's not. Urinary incontinence should not be accepted as an inevitable consequence of having children. Katie Propst , MD is a Urogynecologist and Assistant Professor of OB/GYN at USF Health who cares for women with pelvic floor...

Send a text On this episode of The Motherhood Kit, Yamel and Katy Rey discuss the power of love and showing children love. Assuring kids they are cared for benefits their emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. Katy Rey is a mother, multi-business owner, event coordinator, podcast host and author. She is the co-founder of Humans First Coaching and Consulting and founder of the nonprofit, Fosteri...

Send a text There’s often a reluctance for parents to get a speech therapist involved in their child’s development process, out of fear that it says something about the child or parent themself. Yamel challenges us to break through that idea and normalize seeking professional assistance (especially if there’s any concern) so that each child is able to be fully supported in reaching their developme...

Send a text Starting a business while managing a household requires a supportive community. Seeking guidance from experienced individuals can make a significant difference. In this episode, Yamel and Christine share their journeys as successful mompreneurs. Christina Jones is a natural light branding photographer who turned her side hustle into a full-time, six-figure business, all while being a m...

Send a text Creating a birth plan can be overwhelming, especially when trying to stay informed, make smart decisions, and handle distant doctor visits. Deciding where to give birth adds to the whirlwind. How can we make this information more accessible to expecting parents, so they feel confident in their decisions for their families? Our guest Natalie got interested in birth education during her...

Send a text Parenting in general is a big task but what if you have four or more? Join Yamel on today's captivating episode as she engages in a candid conversation with Tabitha, unraveling the secrets to nurturing both parenting and marriage amidst the joys and challenges of a bustling household. Tabitha Blue, a mother of six, transitioned from blogging to being an author, life coach, and spe...

Send a text Whether you’re searching for lunchbox inspo, or looking for easy ways to incorporate more real foods into your household in exchange for our standard, processed American staples, Kristin Marr, has spent the last decade experimenting with recipes and tricks to get healthy meals to your dinner table. Join your host Yamel as she chats with Kristin about how they manage to prepare healthy...

Send a text Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and many families are turning to natural remedies to improve their overall health and well-being. Incorporating herbs into daily routines can help with a wide range of health issues however, some may have concerns about using herbs. The fear of unknown side effects or a lack of knowledge about how to properly use them can be hi...

Send a text Mother's Day is a special occasion where we celebrate and honor the women who have shaped our lives. It's a time to show appreciation for all that they do and to make them feel loved and appreciated. However, with the commercialization of the holiday, it can be easy to get caught up in the fluff and forget what moms really want. In this special Mother's Day episode of Th...

Send a text Finding the right pediatrician for your growing family can be a challenging process. As a parent, you want to ensure that your child receives the best possible care, and finding a provider who aligns with your values and approach to healthcare is crucial. In this podcast episode, Dr. Rosana Lastra shares insightful tips for parents who are searching for a pediatrician or navigating hea...

Send a text For so many, Adoption is a beautiful journey of motherhood. While there are myths that surround adoption and it comes with its own challenges, adoption can be unlike any other parenthood journey. In this episode, Yamel is joined by her high school friend and an adoptive parent, Emily Munoz, who unpacks her story about adoption and the importance of boundaries and honesty in the process...