No One Told Us

Episode 90: Rebuilding After Divorce: Communication, Co-Parenting & Finding Yourself Again with Betsy Kelly In this episode, Rachael sits down with SLP turned Divorce Doula and Podcast host, Betsy Kelly to talk about navigating the often isolating and emotional journey of divorce. Betsy shares her deeply personal story of choosing herself, learning to co-parent with clarity and compassion, and the power of creating community through storytelling. Together, they explore what it really means to rebuild after a marriage ends—and why no one should have to do it alone. Inside this episode: Betsy’s story of feeling alone when she made the decision to divorce The surprising link between communication, connection, and healing Tips for talking to kids about divorce in age-appropriate ways Why approaching co-parenting like a business helps reduce conflict The emotional toll of bad-mouthing an ex—and why it harms kids The importance of therapy, friendships and finding a trusted confidant Why no two divorce journeys look the same Rebuilding identity and rediscovering self-worth, dating and more post-divorce How Betsy’s podcast Divorce Stories is helping others feel less alone & so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Betsy on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divorcedoulabetsy?_t=ZP-8vW3o1l0qlS&_r=1  Divorce Stories Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/divorce-stories/id1808073006  A special thank you to our listeners on Betsy’s website here- https://www.betsykellycoaching.com/heysleepybaby  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

Episode 89: Debunking Vaccine Myths: Making Choices with Evidence and Compassion with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik In this episode, Rachael sits down with scientist, mom, and writer Dr. Liz Marnik to talk about one of the most emotionally charged topics in modern parenting: vaccines. Together, they explore how fear, misinformation, and anxiety shape parental decision-making—and why accessible, compassionate science communication matters more than ever. Inside this episode: Dr. Marnik’s personal  journey from vaccine hesitancy to scientific advocacy How anxiety and fear influence parents’ vaccine decision-making What’s really in vaccines—and why it’s safe Debunking myths: autism, immune overload, and the "too many too soon" idea Why measles is more dangerous than most people realize Understanding herd immunity and who it protects Why misinformation spreads faster than facts—and how to pause before sharing How to talk to vaccine-hesitant loved ones with curiosity, not judgment & so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Liz on Instagram: @ScienceWhizLiz & @ThoseNerdyGirls Substack: https://fromthescienceclass.substack.com/  Vaccine schedule differences Too many vaccines  More on Liz here: The reason my mom didn't vaccinate Science Saved Me Lessons From a Vaccinated Daughter of a Vaccine Hesitant Mother Autism and vaccines  Substack: Comprehensive Review of MMR Resources & Info Substack: Vaccines are not associated with autism Measles Substack: Measles is NEVER EVER beneficial Instagram FAQs How can I protect myself from measles? 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

In this episode, Rachael sits down with therapist, author, and mom Amanda E. White to unpack the often unspoken truths about motherhood—ambivalence, choice, and the radical permission to not love every moment. Together, they talk about what it means to question the path of parenthood, to feel unsure, and to still be a good enough parent. This is a deep-dive into choosing your own way in a culture obsessed with “doing it right.” Inside this episode: What it means to be a “fence sitter” about motherhood How social media shapes unrealistic expectations about parenting The grief of unlived lives and letting go of former selves Navigating differing desires with your partner about family size The emotional toll of infertility and decision-making How to know if you’re done having kids—or not Why desire, not fear or pressure, should guide family planning decisions Permission to change your mind—and the freedom in uncertainty &  so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Amanda’s website: therapyforwomencenter.com  Substack: Fence Sitter Podcast: Nuance Needed   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

Episode 87: Neurodivergent Children: Sleep, Sensory Needs, and the Right Support with Lauren Sloan What does it mean to support neurodivergent children in a world that doesn’t always understand their unique needs? This week on No One Told Us, Rachael is joined by registered nurse and sleep specialist (not to mention mom of 3!) Lauren Sloan to talk about her experiences parenting three neurodivergent boys—and why typical advice about sleep, routines, and behavior often falls short. We’re digging deep into the realities of raising neurodivergent kids—how sensory processing impacts sleep, why traditional sleep training can be risky, and why parents need flexibility, compassion, and the right resources to truly support their children. Lauren brings her professional expertise and personal stories to topics like bedtime routines, feeding challenges, sleep struggles, and the power of understanding your child’s sensory world. Inside this episode… Lauren’s personal journey raising three neurodivergent boys Why sensory processing is crucial for understanding sleep challenges in all children How “stimming” is a natural, important way kids regulate themselves Why one-size-fits-all sleep training methods can backfire for ND and Autistic children How sensory needs impact bedtime routines and feeding transitions Sensory techniques and tools that can help calm kids down at bedtime The potential risks of things like reward charts and rigid routines for neurodivergent children How parents can self-refer and seek the right support early on The emotional toll of parenting when systems don’t fit your child—and how to find validation and help Plus so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Lauren’s Instagram: @spiritedbabysleep Substack: Spirited Baby Sleep – spiritedbabysleep.substack.com Where to Start: Finding Support: https://spiritedbabysleep.myflodesk.com/aogt5sf52c My Baby Hates the Car Seat: https://spiritedbabysleep.myflodesk.com/r6t6g0ndw6 Early Neurodiversity Course: https://spiritedbabysleep.thrivecart.com/early-neurodiversity/ Lauren’s Recommended Resources: Parents as Teachers Lesson Pix Twinkl  Learning Corner  Books:  The out of sync child has fun  The Pocket Guide to Neurodiversity Sincerely Your Autistic Child NeuroTribes 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

SURPRISE and welcome to a little sneak peak special treat of You're So Right, the NEW podcast hosted by me, Rachael, and BFF of the pod Caitlin Wilder! 🎉 In this special crossover episode, join your two IG besties as they talk all about Rachael's trip to LA and what went right (ear piercings!) and wrong (concussions and too many ice cream samples!). You'll also hear about how Rachael was model scouted in a Staples as a pre-teen and what we think about small talk and Chuck-e-Cheese. This episode should give you a *pretty good* vibe for what to expect over on You're So Right (this may be a positive or negative we don't know yet!), which is launching in just a couple short weeks! We'll chit chat, take questions from you, and mostly give you something easy and breezy to listen to so you can temporarily forget about the *horrors* we are all currently living through. Surviving not thriving is the name of the game over on You're So Right! Thank you so much to all of my beloved NOTU listeners for checking this episode out. I hope you'll continue to listen here for all of the educational parenting convos and then come turn your brain off with me and Caitlin at You're So Right. Because we hold multitudes my friends!!! Follow me at @heysleepybaby and Caitlin at @wilderbeginnings for updates! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 86: Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth WhippmanWhat does it mean to raise boys in a world where masculinity feels impossible to get right? This week on No One Told Us, Rachael is joined by author and cultural critic Ruth Whippman to talk about her powerful new book, BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity.We’re digging deep into the unspoken challenges of parenting boys today—gendered expectations that begin before birth, the emotional isolation of boys in our culture, and the ways that patriarchy harms everyone, not just women. Ruth brings a compassionate, sharp, and often funny lens to topics like toxic masculinity, feminism, screen time, school struggles, and why our young boys are struggling so much right now.Inside this episode….. Ruth’s own experience raising 3 boys as a feminist Unhelpful stereotypes like “boys will be boys” and how they harm our children Ruth’s opinion on Netflix’s show "Adolescence" and its portrayal of modern boyhood Why today’s world is a “perfect storm” for young boys and men to be radicalized How do we hold young men accountable without sending them into shame and shutdown? How patriarchy harms both men and women, and Ruth’s recommendations for both #boymoms and #boydads And what can we do—today—as parents, to change the story for our little boys? Plus so much more! This episode is for anyone raising boys, loving boys, or trying to understand them in a culture that so often gets masculinity wrong. 💙Mentioned in this episode:Ruth’s Book: BoyMom:  Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity Ruth’s Substack: I Blame Society 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

Episode 85: Navigating Grief: Support After Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Loss with Jessica Zucker This week Rachael speaks with psychologist Jessica Zucker about her experiences with miscarriage and her efforts to normalize conversations around women's reproductive health. Jessica shares insights from her books, including 'I Had a Miscarriage' and 'Normalize It', emphasizing the need to break the stigma surrounding these topics. Inside this episode: The ongoing emotional impact of miscarriage and loss  How to support friends dealing with loss The often overlooked topic of termination for medical reasons Body image issues post-loss and the pressures women face regarding their bodies And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Jessica’s website: https://www.drjessicazucker.com/normalize-it  Normalize It: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683738144  I Had A Miscarriage: https://www.drjessicazucker.com/i-had-a-miscarriage  Jessica’s Instagram: @ihadamiscarriage  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

Episode 84: Emotionally Preparing for the Fourth Trimester with Lauren Hays & Megan DaltonThis week Rachael and guests Lauren Hays & Megan Dalton, founders of The Matrescence,  talk all about the concept of “Matrescence” and why new mothers need better support. They highlight how the lack of understanding for the monumental transformation of becoming a mother is harmful and contributes to the maternal mental health crisis in this country. Inside this episode: What is Matrescence? The importance of NOT waiting to prioritize your own well-being as a mom Practical self-care strategies for postpartum  How Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) affects breastfeeding Sleep, or lack thereof, and the toll it takes on new parents And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Megan & Lauren on Instagram: @thematrescence Fourth Trimester Course: https://www.thematrescence.com/product-postpartum-class/  Matrescence App Membership: https://www.thematrescence.com/motherhood-community/  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

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