No One Told Us

Do you ever feel confused about what "attachment parenting" or "gentle parenting" are? Do you ever feel like you're getting it all wrong, despite learning *all the things* from parenting experts online? You're not alone!This week Rachael welcomes Dr. Vanessa Lapointe- mom, parenting educator, best-selling author, international speaker- to shed light on the misconceptions around this style of parenting and why it can feel so hard sometimes.Inside this informative episode we hear from Dr. Vanessa all about parenting the child in front of us- keeping the relationship at the forefront. She discusses how we as parents can do the work on ourselves to cultivate what we want out of our children- without trying to change them!Also discussed: Holding boundaries and teaching respect Healing inner wounds as parents and "reparenting" ourselves The importance of Self-regulation and compassion The misconception of "well behaved" children Getting partners on board with this style of parenting Navigating parenting info and trusting your inner wisdom Dr. Vanessa Lapointe is a mom, parenting educator, best-selling author, international speaker, and a regularly invited media guest. She holds a doctoral degree in psychology, and practiced as a psychologist for nearly 20 years, before devoting her full-time energy to connecting with parents and other “big people” around the globe in 2023. Founder of The North Star Developmental Clinic, Dr. Vanessa has long been supporting families and children in her developmental clinic alongside her team and has previous experience in community mental health and the school system. Her passion is in walking alongside parents, teachers, care providers, and other big people to see the world through the child’s eyes. She believes that if we can do this, we are beautifully positioned to grow up our children in the best possible way.Mentioned in this Episode: Dr Vanessa Membership  Discipline Without Damage Course Navigating Anxiety in Childhood and Adolescence: The Online Course Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.Find Rachael: Instagram | Tiktok |  Website ✨For gentle + responsive sleep support and parenting 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, Rachel Shepard-Ohta interviews Joanne, a pediatric speech language pathologist and early childhood development expert. Joanne shares her journey into speech therapy and discusses her child-led play-based approach to therapy. Joanne emphasizes the importance of reading books, talking to children, and using music to facilitate language. She also provides tips for choosing age-appropriate toys and books! Here’s more of what you’ll hear in this episode: Representation in speech language pathology especially for children of color. Debunking common myths about language development. About child-led play-based therapy and who may benefit What the most effective ways to facilitate language development are How to choose age-appropriate toys and books that align with a child's developmental stage and interests.  And much more! Joanne Cazeau is a renowned pediatric speech-language pathologist and an early childhood development expert at Lovevery. She believes that play and routines are the best tools for supporting development for young children of all abilities! Joanne is the owner of Koze Speech Therapy, a child-led play-based speech therapy practice that supports babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in northern New Jersey. When Joanne is not clinically supporting clients, she is empowering parents and caregivers to support their little one’s communication potential on her social platform, Beyond Babbles.Joanne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondbabbles/?hl=en Joanne’s Speech Therapy Practice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kozespeechtherapy/?hl=en Joanne’s tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondbabbles?_t=8oF997EyaqN&_r=1 Koze Speech Therapy Website: https://bio.site/kozespeechtherapy The Daily Routines Course: https://earlyandbright.teachable.com/p/routinescourse Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.Instagram | Tiktok |  Website ✨For infant and child sleep support, 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

Birth trauma is something we may not even realize we experience in the moments during and after birth, and can really cause lasting effects on both the birthing person and their partner. That's why this week, Rachael has a great discussion with Rachel Somerstein, author and associate professor, all about cesarean sections, birth trauma, finding the right care during birth, and postpartum support. Inside this episode: Rachel shares her personal experience of having an unplanned C-section and the lack of support and communication she received during the process.  The misconception around emergency C-sections and “natural” births How medicalization of birth is a contributing factor to the high C-section rate in the US. The importance of high touch care and the need for providers to listen to their patients.  Why a doula during childbirth can be so helpful Redefining your worth as a parent- how you gave birth does NOT determine it! Tips for finding a care team that aligns with your birth preferences and wishes The impact birth trauma has on our parenting journey And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Rachel’s book Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section Rachel’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelesomerstein/?hl=en  Rachael Shepard-Ohta 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! ⬇️✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 65: Inclusive Ways to Feed and Parent Your Baby with Victoria Facelli @victoria.facelli.ibclcThis week Rachael speaks with Victoria Facelli, an IBCLC and author of the book 'Feed the Baby', to discuss the inclusive approach to feeding and parenting. She emphasizes the need to change our mindset and be open to different feeding methods, rather than getting caught up in the breast milk vs. formula debate. Inside this episode: How to use a risk-benefit analysis for each parenting decision, considering factors such as recovery, sleep, and mental health.  The importance of advocating for oneself and seeking support from professionals like lactation consultants! The power of being able to change our minds as parents and adapt to the needs of our children.  The role of partners in supporting the birthing parent and the nursing parent. Why it is so important for partners to be involved and educated about feeding. Practical advice for partners to help with feeding and caregiving responsibilities The need to protect maternal sleep. Some challenges and benefits of introducing bottles early on.  Hear about Victoria’s personal experiences & insights for navigating the postpartum period. And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Victoria’s website: https://www.victoriafacelli.com/  Victoria’s Instagram: @victoria.facelli.ibclc Victoria’s Book: Feed The Baby 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

Welcome back to the pod for this very special bonus episode- Caitlin Wilder of @wilderbeginnings and the On We Go Podcast!For Part 1 of our conversation all about friendships, head over here!In this Part of our live chat we take listener questions including: how to handle if a friend has different political views than you how husband/ partner friendships differ what to do if a friend disciplines your child maintaining friendships with people who are parenting differently the importance of "micro" social interactions for our mental health how to not put too much pressure on a friendship friendship breakups and more! Caitlin is an LA-based doula and birth educator plus mom of 2! She runs the @wilderbeginnings Instagram account to share relatable tips and mom-life solidarity always with realness, positivity and humor.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

Episode 64: How to Self Regulate as a Parent with Dr. Amber Thornton @dramberthorntonEver totally lose your cool on your kids and feel SO guilty afterwards? You’re NOT alone! That’s why this week, Rachael speaks with Dr. Amber Thornton, a licensed clinical psychologist and strong advocate for parental mental health, all about self-regulation, overwhelm, and reparenting!Inside this episode: Find out a practical framework for breaking the cycle of dysregulation. Learn how you can practice emotional regulation during the postpartum period- so hard! Why mental health struggles can make regulation especially difficult.  Tools for managing overwhelm after working full time or being home with your kids full time. How do you actually begin the process of “reparenting” yourself? Ways to deal with mistakes and handle them as a parent especially after totally losing your cool.  All the positive effects reparenting has on our children. All about her new book, A Parent's Guide to Self-Regulation. And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Amber Thornton’s website: dramberthornton.com Dr. Amber Thornton’s instagram: @dramberthornton A Parent's Guide to Self-Regulation: A Practical Framework for Breaking the Cycle of Dysregulation and Mastering Emotions for Parents and Children 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 63: Creating Safe Spaces for Trans Kids with Ben Greene @psuedo.broBen Green, a transgender advocate and author, joins the podcast this week to discuss the important topic of transgender inclusion and support for trans kids! Ben encourages a joy-centered approach to supporting trans kids in your own life and the broader community, and celebrates the resilience and strength of the trans community.Inside this episode: Hear Ben’s personal experience of coming out at a young age and the challenges he faced. The importance of creating safe spaces for trans kids to come out and be themselves. How politics can impact the trans community and the need for understanding support, and protective legislation Why representation and normalizing LGBTQ+ identities in media and literature is so valuable. Ben provides tips for parents on how to talk to their kids about gender identity and how to advocate for their trans children in schools.  And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Ben’s Book: My Child is Trans- Now What? A Joy Centered Approach to Support  Ben’s website: https://www.bgtranstalks.com/  Ben’s instagram: @psuedo.bro 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 62: Advocacy after Loss with Ashley Spivey @ashleyspiveyJoin Rachael this week as she chats with Ashley Spivey, a former contestant on The Bachelor, turned advocate and online content creator! Ashley has used her platform to advocate for various causes, including stillbirth prevention and paid family leave for stillbirth families. Since October is Infant Loss and Awareness month, Ashley shares her own personal journey of infertility and loss openly on social media and talks about how she aims to raise awareness and promote empathy. Inside this episode: Ashley discusses her transition from reality TV (The Bachelor!!!) to social media. How Ashley uses her platform to talk about fun and serious: politics, books, recipes, parenting, loss, and so much more! The importance of transparency and trust in content and the misconceptions about influencers and their work. How she manages sharing her daughter’s life on social media: the challenges, hate, comments, need for boundaries, and respect from followers. Ashley’s experience with infertility and loss, stillbirth, and anxiety during pregnancy, and how she’s keeping her son CJ’s memory alive How to support someone who has experienced loss.  Learn about the advocacy work being done for stillbirth prevention. And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Ashley’s Instagram: @ashleyspivey Information on The Shine for Autumn Act: https://www.shineforautumnact.org/  The Rainbow Clinic in NYC and LA: https://www.pushpregnancy.org/rainbow-clinic App- Count the Kicks Ashley’s Book Rec: Mayluna: A Novel  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 61: In-Laws and Tricky Relationship Changes After Baby with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish @drtracydHave you ever found yourself navigating a tricky situation with your in-laws? In this conversation, Rachael interviews Dr. Tracy, a psychologist and couples therapist, all about the topic of in-laws and how they can affect relationships with significant others. Dr. Tracy provides lots of tips for communication and speaking up in uncomfortable situations and how to handle challenging family dynamics with respect. Inside this episode: How in-law and family dynamics impact relationships How to set and enforce healthy boundaries with in-laws and parents The difference between requests vs. boundaries Navigating relationship challenges as new parents How to handle relationships with toxic family members and the option of going no contact Help finding ways to nurture the connection with your partner The power in trusting yourself and tuning out outside advice And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Tracy’s website: https://www.drtracyd.com/  Dr. Tracy’s podcast: I’m Not Your Shrink Dr. Tracy’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd/?hl=en  Dr. Tracy’s Book: I Didn’t Sign Up for This  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 60: Work-Family Balance: What Can We Learn from Policies Around the World? with Caitlyn Collins In this conversation, Rachael interviews Caitlyn Collins, an associate professor of sociology and author, about work-family life and how policies affect families in different countries. They discuss the differences between the United States, Sweden, Germany, Italy, and other countries in terms of parental leave, childcare, and work-life balance.Inside this episode: The importance of collective responsibility and cultural attitudes towards caregiving. How better policies can not only benefit families but also have economic and social benefits for society as a whole.  The importance of Caitlyn’s book, Making Motherhood Work, which talks all about different countries and their different work-family policies and the work-family conflict that mothers (and fathers!) experience.  Why is Sweden often held up as a paragon of work-family policy? How division of labor and gender inequality in households differs in other countries. Changing the language around paid leave from “luck” to “rights” and why this can be a powerful shift Flexible work options for moms The potential for policy changes at the federal level in the United States. And so much more! Mentioned in this episode:Caitlyn’s Book: Making Motherhood Work 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