Being a mom comes with endless challenges and surprises, but what if the lessons we learn along the way could completely change the way we parent? In Episode 11 of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, Stephanie Henderson joins me to share the unfiltered realities of motherhood—from pregnancy struggles and labor stories to the joys and challenges of raising two daughters.

Stephanie and I dive deep into candid stories about parenting, technology’s impact on children, and the small but meaningful moments that shape both kids and parents. We reflect on lessons we wish we had known earlier and explore how empathy, understanding, and communication can strengthen the bond with your children.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The joys and challenges unique to raising two children

• Pregnancy experiences and labor stories from real moms

• How technology can influence kids’ behavior and development

• Why acknowledging and apologizing to children matters

• How different parenting styles impact children’s learning and growth

• The importance of father-daughter bonds

• Real, unfiltered stories that highlight the love, humor, and unpredictability of motherhood

Whether you’re a new parent navigating the early years or a seasoned mom reflecting on your journey, this episode offers relatable insights, laughter, and the reassurance that you’re not alone in the beautiful chaos of raising kids.

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👩‍💻 About the Guest:
Stephanie Henderson shares her candid experiences as a mother of two and offers honest reflections on the joys and challenges of parenthood.

👩‍💻 About the Host:
Hosted by Maria Moreno, certified pediatric sleep consultant, coach, educator, and founder of Mindful Mother. I help moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm, without guilt. From sleep plans and eBooks to coaching and community, my mission is to support the entire journey of motherhood, from newborns to preschoolers and beyond.

🌐 Work with me + Resources:
➤ Sleep training & parenting support

📲 Stay Connected:
Instagram: ⁠@mindfulmother_sleep
Instagram: ⁠@tumago
Instagram: ⁠@ifiknewthenpodcast
Facebook: Mindful Mother
TikTok: @mindfulmother_sleep
YouTube: If I Knew Then Podcast

🛒 Products & Partnerships:
Blankets: ⁠https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tumago
Savings & Investing: ⁠Sofi
Budgeting: ⁠Monarch

🎧 Listen on All Podcast Platforms:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Goodpods

Thank you for tuning in! If this episode gave you a fresh perspective, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with a parent who needs to hear this.

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast shares personal experiences and insights for educational and supportive purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, therapy, or counseling. Always consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your child’s needs.

Being a mom comes with endless decisions, but what if some of the choices we make without knowing could actually put our babies at risk? In Episode 10 of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, Lindsay from Soothe Beginnings joins me to talk about the unfiltered realities of parenting, baby preferences, and the critical but often-overlooked topic of pacifier safety.

She breaks down what parents really need to know about pacifiers: from materials and shapes to the surprising risks of popular brands, and how small changes can prevent hazards while also supporting healthy sleep and even SIDS prevention. Together, we share the lessons we wish we had known earlier and why awareness matters so much in motherhood.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why pacifier safety is about more than just brand or style

• The “Four S’s of Pacifiers” and what every parent should check for

• How pacifiers can actually help prevent SIDS when used correctly

• The truth about baby preferences and why not all babies want constant holding or rocking

• How understanding your child’s “love language” can strengthen your connection

• Why challenging myths and misinformation is key in modern parenting

Whether you’re a first-time parent overwhelmed by baby products or a seasoned mom looking for a refresher, this episode will leave you with practical tools, real motherhood stories, and the confidence to make safer, informed choices.

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👩‍💻 About the Guest:
Lindsay is the founder of Soothe Beginnings, a company dedicated to creating safe, thoughtfully designed pacifiers and products that prioritize baby wellness and parental peace of mind.

⁠⁠Soothebeginnings⁠⁠IG: Soothebeginnings

👩‍💻 About the Host:
Hosted by Maria Moreno, certified pediatric sleep consultant, coach, educator, and founder of Mindful Mother. I help moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm, without guilt. From sleep plans and eBooks to coaching and community, my mission is to support the entire journey of motherhood, from newborns to the preschool years and beyond.

🌐 Work with me + Resources:➤ ⁠Sleep training & parenting support⁠

📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: ⁠@mindfulmother_sleepInstagram: ⁠@tumagoInstagram: ⁠@ifiknewthenpodcastFacebook: Mindful MotherTikTok: @mindfulmother_sleepYouTube: If I Knew Then Podcast

🛒 Products & Partnerships:

Blankets: ⁠⁠https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tumago⁠

Pacifier: ⁠Soothebeginnings⁠

Savings & Investing: ⁠Sofi⁠

Budgeting: ⁠Monarch⁠

🎧 Listen on All Podcast Platforms:

Spotify

Apple

Podcasts

Amazon Music

iHeartRadio

Goodpods

Thank you for tuning in! If this episode gave you a fresh perspective, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with a parent who needs to hear this.

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast shares personal experiences and insights for educational and supportive purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, therapy, or counseling. Always consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your child’s needs.