Episode 83: What does research say about sleep training? Bed Sharing? Debunking the Myths with Tracy Cassels @tracycasselsphdThis week Rachael and guest Tracy Cassels PhD, Director of Evolutionary Parenting, discuss all the hot sleep topics- sleep training, bedsharing, and more, and specifically dive into what research shows (as well as what’s lacking).Inside this episode: Challenging the notion that sleep training improves infant sleep Why responsive caregiving is crucial for a child's well-being and mental health The reasons why highly sensitive children may not respond well to sleep training  Ways bed sharing can be a safe and beneficial practice  The cultural stigma around bed sharing How pressure to conform to certain parenting practices can be detrimental to families And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Sleep modules offered through Breastfeeding Conferences here:  Science and Sleep Training Course: The Hidden Truth Science and Sleep Training Course: Sleep Training and the Stress Response Tracy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracycasselsphd/?hl=en  If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.Instagram | Tiktok |  Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you been thinking about weaning your baby or toddler and you have NO clue how to start? Daytime or nighttime first? What if they cry for it? How long will it take? All of these questions and MORE answered in today's episode with Rachael and "Weaning Pal" Candace St. John, MPH, CLC. This week, Rachael and Candace emphasize the need to normalize extended breastfeeding and dive into the emotional aspects of the weaning process (both for parent and baby!), as well as discuss the complexities of weaning from breastfeeding- addressing common concerns such as guilt, attachment, sleep associations, and the right age to wean. Here's what you'll hear inside this informative episode: Candace's Journey into Weaning Expertise Rach and Candace's Personal Weaning Experiences and Strategies Navigating Boundaries or "Loving Limits" While Weaning Understanding Nursing Aversions and Their Impact Navigating Weaning Guilt Is there a "Right" Age for Weaning? Managing Weaning-Related Depression Addressing Picky Eating During Weaning Alternatives to Cow's Milk Distinguishing Between Comfort and Hunger Needs + so much more! About Candace: I’m a public health professional (MPH), pediatric sleep specialist, & Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC, #34044) — but most importantly, I am a mom of one weanling! I hold a Master of Public Health from Boston University School of Public Health & worked as an Epidemiologist for 5.5 years in a rural hospital setting. After becoming a mom (& having the most tumultuous start to breastfeeding my baby), I realized that there are many gaps in parenting education & practice. Now, I provide evidence-informed guidance & support to parents in order to feel confident at the end of their breastfeeding journey!You can connect with Candace and get support on your journey on Instagram @yourweaningpalRachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.Instagram | Tiktok |  Website ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you felt completely depleted, exhausted, burnt-out and even a little ragey since becoming a mom? You're not alone but there IS something you can do about it! Join Rachael and guest Kim Perez, a functional nutritionist, to learn all about how to start fueling yourself in ways that can lower stress, improve mood, and boost sleep. A little of what we discuss inside this episode: Signs and symptoms that you are truly burnt out and depleted Why it's beneficial to use a "root cause" approach when targeting your symptoms What's the truth about "high cortisol?" Prioritizing nutrition and realistic self care for moms Why incorporating mineral balance and nutrient dense foods into your diet is so crucial for moms How to curb sugar and caffeine cravings Accessing functional and nutritional care postpartum + so much more! Kim Perez is a mom of 2, functional nutritionist, and owner of Root & Branch Nutrition where she guides and supports moms in restoring their energy and building resilience so they can thrive in motherhood (and beyond).Her own journey- especially the depletion she experienced after having her first son- lit a fire in her to more deeply support women in this season of life. Through her work including 1:1 containers, online courses, and a virtual community for moms, she helps women address the root causes of their symptoms, teaches them how to replenish and fully nourish their bodies, and empowers them to fall in love with caring for themselves.Kim takes a uniquely holistic yet still realistic and practical approach to health and wellbeing that honors the specific needs of parenthood and demands moms are under. And she’s on a mission to make nourished motherhood the norm rather than the exhausted, burnt-out, isolated version we’re conditioned to think we must accept. Connect with Kim: Kim’s Instagram: @rootandbranchnutrition Reignite Your Spark Course The 5 Day Revival for Moms Free Guide The Nourished Moms Village Online Community Kim’s website: https://www.rootandbranchnutrition.com/ Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.Instagram | Tiktok |  Website ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does your little one struggle with tummy issues like constipation, reflux, slow weight gain, picky eating etc? You're not alone! This week Rachael welcomes Dr. Rachel Ruiz, pediatrician and member of the Solid Starts team, to talk all about TUMMY TROUBLES!In this informative episode you'll learn: Understanding Normal vs. Worrisome Symptoms Growth Charts: What They Really Mean Normal Poop: Frequency, Consistency you DON'T Want to See Starting Solids: Signs of Readiness and Allergies Navigating Toddler Picky Eating + When to Worry Understanding Neurodivergent Feeding Challenges Potty Training: Myths and Methods plus so much more!! Dr. Ruiz is a mom of four, a board-certified general pediatrician, and a pediatric gastroenterologist. She completed her undergraduate at Dartmouth College, doctorate of medicine and pediatrics residency at Vanderbilt University, and pediatric gastroenterology fellowship at Stanford University. Dr. Ruiz is an attending pediatric gastroenterologist at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and an affiliated clinical instructor of pediatric gastroenterology at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. She treats a wide range of children suffering from constipation, abdominal pain, swallowing difficulties, inadequate weight gain, inflammatory bowel disease, fatty liver and other liver diseases, and Celiac disease. In her part-time position at Solid Starts, Dr. Ruiz reviews content for evidence-based accuracy, analyzes choking data and trends, and is a trainer for Solid Starts PRO®.📱For more from Dr. Ruiz and the Solid Starts Team, and for the best place to find me and any content related to feeding visit solidstarts.com📖🥦 Find the new Solid Starts BOOK- Available wherever you get your books:AmazonBookshop.orgRachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.Instagram | Tiktok |  Website ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today I’m speaking with Ben Lutz, the dad of The FUNemployed Family! In 2018, after more than a decade of rat racing and corporate ladder climbing, he and his wife realized they were firmly on the hamster wheel of life and feared that they would regret not spending more time with their young daughter! They quit their jobs, sold their house and most of their possessions and set off on a gap year around the world with their toddler. They were looking for a life (and career) reset, and boy did they find it! For the past 6 years Ben and his family have been on a digital nomad journey traveling full time to 35 countries while working remotely and “worldschooling” the kids along the way! This is what you’ll learn inside this fun and informative episode: Financial Planning for Long-Term Travel Choosing the Right Destinations for your Family Dispelling the Myth: Traveling with Young Children isn't Worth It Flying with Kids: Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Journey Embracing Slow Travel: The Benefits of Extended Stays in one Location Mitigating Over-Tourism Teaching Kids How to Embrace New Cultures and Experiences Childcare and Education for Traveling Families Finding the Perfect Travel Destination Embracing New Experiences with Kids in Tow The Rewards and Challenges of this Lifestyle How to Work as a "Digital Nomad" "Worldschooling" and How Kids can Get an Education While Traveling and So much more! Mentioned in this episode:Ben’s Global Destination Matrix: https://stan.store/TheWanderCoach/p/the-destination-matrix Follow Ben + Fam on… Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunemployedfamily Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefunemployedfamily  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFUNemployedfamily/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thefunemployedfamily  website: https://www.thefunemployedfamily.com/ Boundless Life websiteRachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.Instagram | Tiktok |  Website ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Rachael speaks with Elissa Strauss, author of the book 'When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others.' They discuss the societal expectations placed on mothers, the cultural issues surrounding care, and the value of caregiving. Elissa also shares her personal experiences with motherhood and how it has changed her perspective on work and identity. More inside this episode: How motherhood is often framed as either a "fairytale" or a "nightmare" Individualism in the U.S. and why it hurts families The benefits of communal parenting and palliative care The identity shifts we go through after having a baby and impacts on work life How caregiving should be valued economically and philosophically Elissa has been writing about the politics and culture of parenting and caregiving for more than fifteen years. Her work appears in publications like the Atlantic, the New York Times, Glamour, ELLE, and elsewhere, and she was a former contributing writer at CNN.com and Slate, where her cultural criticism about motherhood appeared on DoubleX. Her book, "When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others," is out now from Gallery Books. She is also the mom of two kids, Augie and Levi, ages 11 and 7!Elissa’s Book: When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for OthersElissa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elissaavery/ Elissa’s Substack: https://substack.com/@elissastraussRachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.Instagram | Tiktok |  Website ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we welcome Danielle Bayard Jackson, a certified friendship coach, to chat all about MOM FRIENDS- how to find them, how to keep them, and how to not let small stuff get in the way. We also chat about healthy conflict resolution and modeling strong friendships for our kids! Inside this episode: common challenges Moms specifically face when it comes to making new connections practical ways to find new friends and nurture fulfilling relationships with other women why some friendships fade or fall away after having kids how to create boundaries and express needs within female friendships what to do if a friend makes different parenting choices than you, and how to separate parenting differences from core values or character judgements how to model healthy friendships for our kids and much more! Danielle teaches women how to make and maintain better friendships through research-based methodology. Since studying the ins and outs of female friendships, her teachings include how to solve common female friendship conflicts, creating connections with depth and closeness, and the impact of friendship on our physical, mental, and emotional health. Danielle is also the author of Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships. This book aims to explain the mechanics of female friendship from an aerial view, as well as provide tangible strategies to equip women for the day-to-day business of being friends. As the spokesperson for Bumble For Friends and with work that has been featured in NBC News, The New York Times, and Psychology Today, Danielle's insights and frameworks have been trusted by manyDanielle’s instagram: @daniellebayardjacksonDanielle’s book: Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships.Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.Instagram | Tiktok |  Website ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Rachael welcomes Dr. Ben Miraglia to discuss the importance of early dental care for children, focusing on the connection between dental health, breathing, and overall development. He emphasizes the need for early intervention in pediatric dentistry, particularly between the ages of 3 and 11, to prevent long-term issues. Dr. Ben also introduces Toothpillow, a remote treatment option designed to improve children's oral health through guidance appliances, myofunctional therapy, and nasal hygiene.Inside this episode: Signs and symptoms for dental or airway issues in your child How mouth breathing can lead to various health issues Nutrition plays a significant role in dental and respiratory health Pacifiers, bottles, and purees impact on jaw development Understanding the connection between sleep and dental health Holistic approaches can enhance children's dental care How braces only address symptoms, not underlying issues. Thoughts on mouth taping How nasal hygiene is often overlooked but essential for health Treatment options by age Toothpillow Special Offer! Write: NO ONE TOLD US PODCAST in the "Who's the person we can thank for referring you?" field for a free Toothpillow consultation ($50 value) and $250 off treatment!Dr. Ben Miraglia graduated from SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 1993. He has over 30 years of general practice experience in Mt. Kisco, NY, including over 20 years orthodontic experience where his focus has been on early childhood jaw growth and development. Dr. Miraglia lectures nationally on early childhood malocclusion, its connection to sleep disordered breathing and early treatment options. Dr. Miraglia is the VP of GP Clinical Education at CandidPro. He is the Chief Clinical Officer at Airway Health Solutions. He is on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry. He is a founding member and Chief Clinical Officer at Toothpillow.Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.Instagram | Tiktok |  Website ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We live in the age of "sharenting" where kids are content and there are seemingly no rules. This week, Rachael speaks with Fareedah Shaheed (aka CyberFareedah), an internet safety expert, about the importance of protecting our kids online.They discuss the risks of sharing too much information about children on social media and the potential consequences of oversharing. They also explore the age-appropriate use of technology and provide tips for keeping kids safe online. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication, trust, and setting boundaries to ensure the safety of children in the digital world. Here's what you'll learn: The Risks of Oversharing on Social Media (even with private accounts!) Age-Appropriate Technology Use and Setting Boundaries The Types of Photos You Should NEVER Share When it Might be Appropriate for Kids to Have Their Own Devices Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Online Fareedah is a Forbes 30 Under 30 Internet Safety Expert whose passion is helping parents keep their children safe online. With a professional background in cybersecurity and threat intelligence, Fareedah uses her online platforms to teach parents the SAFE Method—a unique approach to teaching internet safety that emphasizes the need for creating safe spaces between parent and child as the cornerstone of protecting kids online.Fareedah (known online as CyberFareedah) has been featured in Cisco, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, NASDAQ, FOX 46, NBC4, Yahoo! and more.Fareedah’s Instagram: @cyberfareedah and Website: https://www.cyberfareedah.comFree Protect Kids Online Resource Library: https://sekuva.mykajabi.com/get-your-internet-safety-resource-libraryRachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.Instagram | Tiktok |  Website ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Postpartum nutrition is SO important and yet as busy and tired moms, it's hard to prioritize. That's why this week Rachael brings on Allegra Gast, a functional registered dietitian and international board-certified lactation consultant, to talk all about realistic, easy tips for postpartum nutrition and breastfeeding. Inside this episode you'll learn: importance of nutrition for postpartum recovery and milk supply how new moms often experience fatigue, brain fog and rage/ low mood because of depleted nutrients and minerals tips for maintaining energy levels as a new mom (even when you're sleep deprived!) how to create easy balanced meals with adequate protein, quality carbohydrates, healthy fats, and minerals meal prep tips for busy parents how food can help balance blood sugar and energy levels how our nervous system is affected by improper nutrition benefits of hair mineral testing and much more! Allegra Gast is a functional registered dietitian and international board certified lactation consultant who is passionate about helping families navigate both their postpartum health and their breastfeeding journeys. Allegra offers virtual consults for families all around the world. She started her business, Aloha Nutrition, when she lived in Hawaii but currently resides in Texas with her military husband, and 4 kids including baby twins! Allegra’s instagram: @aloha.nutrition Aloha Nutrition Website: https://www.aloha-nutrition.com/  Hair tissue mineral testing: https://l.bttr.to/DYgUm Free mineral guide: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/y9a3e8 Postpartum nutrition course: https://education.aloha-nutrition.com/product/nourish-postpartum-nutrition-essentials/ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.Instagram | Tiktok |  Website If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices