エピソード

  • Healing, Self-Care & Endometriosis: Real Motherhood Stories
    2025/10/09

    Being a mom can come with unexpected challenges, especially when navigating health issues that impact fertility and well-being. In Episode 12 of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, Lizzie joins me to share her personal journey through infertility, endometriosis, and the transformative experience of motherhood. We dive into the importance of understanding women’s health, the impact of diet and lifestyle on fertility, and why listening to your body is essential for healing and growth. Lizzie also discusses rediscovering identity as a mother and the power of self-care in reclaiming confidence and balance.

    ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

    • How endometriosis can affect fertility and why it’s often misunderstood

    • The role of diet and lifestyle changes in supporting reproductive health

    • Why tuning into your body is crucial for healing and holistic health

    • Practical insights for rediscovering your identity through motherhood

    • The importance of self-care without guilt, even amidst busy motherhood

    • How to embrace growth, change, and evolving priorities as a parent

    Whether you’re facing infertility, navigating health challenges, or simply seeking guidance on balancing motherhood and self-care, this episode provides real stories, actionable insights, and encouragement to embrace your journey fully.

    –––
    👩‍💻 About the Guest:
    Lizzie is a passionate advocate for women’s health and holistic wellness, sharing her story to help other mothers navigate fertility, self-care, and identity transformation.

    https://www.facebook.com/lizzie.ostlerhttps://www.facebook.com/willowaitwellnesshttps://www.instagram.com/willowaitwellness👩‍💻 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.

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    40 分
  • The Realities of Motherhood: Candid Stories, Lessons, and Raising Two Kids
    2025/10/01

    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.

    –––
    👩‍💻 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.


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    41 分
  • Parenting Realities: Pacifier Safety, Baby Sleep & Love Languages in Motherhood
    2025/09/23

    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.

    –––

    👩‍💻 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.

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    39 分
  • Navigating Postpartum: A Dad’s Perspective | If I Knew Then Podcast
    2025/09/15
    Being a dad comes with its own set of challenges, especially during the postpartum stage, a time when many fathers feel overlooked and disconnected. In Episode 9 of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, host Maria Moreno sits down with Alex to explore the emotional side of fatherhood, from navigating grief and jealousy to finding ways to bond with a newborn.Alex shares his journey of becoming a dad, the hidden struggles men often face, and why communication, empathy, and mental wellness are critical for both parents during postpartum. Together, Maria and Alex bring awareness to the importance of supporting dads in their parenting journey.Why dads often feel left behind in the postpartum experienceHow postpartum depression can affect fathers as well as mothersThe role of communication and empathy in strengthening relationshipsWhy it’s okay for dads not to feel an instant bond with their childThe importance of seeking support and sharing experiencesHow acknowledging emotions helps dads navigate parenthoodLessons Alex learned about fatherhood, grief, and connectionWhether you’re a dad navigating new fatherhood, a mom wanting to understand your partner better, or simply curious about the emotional realities of parenting, this episode offers honesty, encouragement, and connection from a dad’s perspective.–––👨‍👩‍👧 Where to connect with Alex:https://talk.ac/alexdumas?code=PODCASTWebsite: https://www.speakeralexdumas.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexdumasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@speakeralexdumasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakeralexdumasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeralexdumas👩‍💻 About the Host:Hosted by Maria Moreno, certified pediatric sleep consultant, life coach, educator, and founder of Mindful Mother. Maria empowers moms to reclaim rest, confidence, and calm without guilt through sleep plans, coaching, and community.🌐 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/TumagoPacifier: SoothebeginningsSavings & Investing: SofiBudgeting: Monarch🎧 Listen on All Podcast Platforms:Spotify: If I Knew Then on SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon MusiciHeartRadioGoodpods–––🙏 Thank you for listening! If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a parent who needs to hear this message.Disclaimer:This podcast shares personal experiences and insights for educational and supportive purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional therapy, counseling, or medical advice.
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    23 分
  • How a Single Mom Overcame Debt and Built Financial Freedom
    2025/09/05

    Being a single mom is challenging, but facing financial struggles on top of it can feel overwhelming. In Episode 8 of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, Maria Moreno talks with Monica, a personal finance coach and author, about navigating single motherhood, divorce, and money challenges while building financial independence.

    Monica shares her story of moving to North Carolina with no family support, the lessons she learned from her immigrant parents about money, and how creative budgeting, cooking, and teaching kids about finances can transform a family’s future.

    What you’ll learn:

    • How to overcome financial challenges as a single parent

    • Money lessons from immigrant parents that stick for life

    • Budgeting and cooking hacks to stretch your dollars

    • Teaching kids about food, finances, and independence

    • How a personal finance coach helps families thrive

    • Tracking cash flow to avoid financial pitfalls

    • Steps to achieve financial independence, no matter your starting point

    Whether you’re a single mom, navigating financial challenges, or looking to teach your children about money, this episode will give you actionable strategies, encouragement, and hope for building financial independence.

    –––
    Where to connect with Monica:
    Linkedin
    ⁠Website: Free 30-minute consultationhttps://www.grabyourslice.com/booking-calendar/initial-consultation

    👩‍💻 About the Host:
    Hosted by Maria Moreno, certified pediatric sleep consultant, life coach, educator, and founder of Mindful Mother. Maria empowers moms to reclaim rest, confidence, and calm without guilt through sleep plans, coaching, and community.

    🌐 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: ⁠Tumago Blankets (Etsy)
    Pacifier: Soothebeginnings
    Savings & Investing: Sofi
    Budgeting: Monarch


    🎧 Listen on All Podcast Platforms:
    Spotify: If I Knew Then on Spotify
    Apple Podcasts
    Amazon Music
    iHeartRadio
    Goodpods

    –––
    Thank you for watching! If this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a mom who needs to hear this message.


    Disclaimer:
    This podcast shares personal experiences and insights for educational and supportive purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional therapy, counseling, or legal advice.

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    36 分
  • Surviving Narcissism as a Single Mom & Finding the Courage to Leave
    2025/08/29

    Being a single mom is hard enough, but what happens when you’re also surrounded by toxic, narcissistic family relationships? In Episode 7 of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, Catalina shares her brave journey of raising her son while navigating the emotional weight of narcissism, family toxicity, and the struggle to protect her peace.

    She opens up about the pain of not being emotionally present during her son’s childhood, the regrets she carries, and the powerful reminder that it’s never too late to rebuild a relationship with your child.

    ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

    • How narcissistic family members can damage motherhood and connection

    • Why emotional presence matters as much as physical presence

    • The courage it takes to walk away, even from family

    • The myth that single moms aren’t “enough” or “lovable”

    • Why your happiness and safety are the foundation of your child’s well-being

    • Hope for rebuilding relationships, no matter the stage of life

    💬 Quotes that will stay with you:
    “I was there for my son, but at the same time, I couldn’t be there for him emotionally. Those years of his childhood will never come back.”
    “You are allowed to leave, even if it’s your partner, your parents, or your family. You owe it to yourself and your child to feel safe and be happy.”

    Whether you’re a single mom, navigating toxic family patterns, or simply need the reminder that you are allowed to choose peace, this episode will give you strength and hope.

    –––


    Where to contact Calatina:

    • Facebook
    • www.catalinapopoveniuc.com

    👩‍💻 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

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

    🛒 Products & Partnerships:

    • Blankets: Tumago Blankets

    • Pacifier: Soothebeginnings

    • Savings & Investing: Sofi

    • Budgeting: Monarch

    🎧 Listen on All Podcast Platforms:

    • Spotify: If I Knew Then on Spotify

    • Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple

    • Amazon Music: Listen on Amazon

    • iHeartRadio: Listen on iHeart

    • Goodpods: Find us on Goodpods

    –––

    Thank you for watching! If this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a mom who needs to hear this message.

    Disclaimer:
    This podcast shares personal experiences and insights for educational and supportive purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional therapy, counseling, or legal advice. If you or your child is in immediate danger, please contact local authorities or emergency services right away. If you are navigating abuse, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist, domestic violence hotline, or support organization in your area. You are not alone, and support is available.

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    20 分
  • Unpacking Mom Shame, Guilt & the Myth of ‘Doing It All’
    2025/08/22
    Welcome back to If I Knew Then: Mom Edition — episode 6. Today, we share a deeply honest conversation about mom burnout, guilt, and the myth of doing it all.Karolina opens up about the heavy weight of societal and self-imposed expectations placed on mothers. From the pressure to “have it all”, to work or stay home, to be the perfect parent and provider, burnout becomes an almost inevitable consequence. She candidly discusses the exhaustion, shame, and isolation many moms face, and how these feelings fuel negative self-talk and unhealthy comparisons within mom communities.We explore the toxic cycle of mom guilt and mom shame, and the damaging effects of competitive parenting culture that distracts us from what truly matters: connection, self-care, and authenticity. Contrary to popular belief, self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a vital daily practice of reclaiming your energy, setting boundaries, and nurturing yourself so you can show up fully for your children and your life.Our guest shares her personal journey of recovery from burnout, including practical lifestyle changes like honoring food sensitivities, creating clear boundaries with her teenage daughter, and embracing imperfection. She stresses the importance of listening to your intuition, trusting your gut, and stepping away from the unrealistic portrayals of motherhood on social media.In this episode, you’ll hear how:​Burnout manifests subtly and deeply, affecting mental, physical, and emotional health​Mom guilt and shame keep us trapped in a cycle of self-criticism and comparison​True self-care means putting your wellness first, because you can’t pour from an empty cup​Setting boundaries is an act of love, not cruelty, and kids need that stability​Teens need space to grow, and healthy detachment benefits the whole family​Social media often distorts reality, and detoxing can be life-changing​Motherhood is messy, chaotic, and imperfect, and that’s perfectly okayWhether you’re a new mom overwhelmed by expectations or navigating the challenging teen years, this episode offers compassion, validation, and a roadmap to healing and balance.Our guest is a wellbeing coach specializing in working moms. She helps simplify daily routines, reduce stress, and create personalized self-care strategies, because one size does not fit all. Connect with her to learn how to reclaim your energy and find joy in your motherhood journey.Connect with Karolina: Linkedin Facebookwww.karolinaross.com⁠ Mini self-care handbook with some down-to-earth tools mums can use to reduce stress and improve wellbeing instantly - https://subscribepage.io/q9lwuvIf this podcast brings value to your life, please consider giving value back through sharing, kind words, or financial support. Every contribution helps keep the show alive and the mission growing.Ways to Support:⁠Venmo⁠⁠ChashApp⁠Hosted by Maria Moreno, I’m a 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 support⁠⁠Let's Stay Connected: ​Instagram: ⁠⁠@mindfulmother_sleep⁠⁠​Instagram: ⁠@tumago⁠​Instagram: ⁠@ifiknewthenpodcast⁠​Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠Mindful Mother⁠⁠⁠​TikTok: ⁠@mindfulmother_sleep⁠​YouTube:⁠ ⁠If I Knew Then Podcast⁠⁠​Blankets: ⁠Tumago Blankets⁠​⁠⁠Pacifier: Soothebeginnings⁠⁠​⁠⁠Savings & Investing: Sofi⁠⁠​Budgeting: ⁠⁠Monarch⁠⁠Listen to the Podcast on All Platforms:Spotify:⁠ ⁠If I Knew Then on Spotify⁠⁠Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠Listen on Apple⁠⁠Amazon Music:⁠ ⁠Listen on Amazon⁠⁠iHeartRadio:⁠ ⁠Listen on iHeart⁠⁠Goodpods:⁠ ⁠Find us on Goodpods⁠⁠Thank you for listening. If this episode helped you, share it with a mom who needs to hear it.
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    30 分
  • Fighting for Your Child’s Needs: One Mother’s Relentless Journey
    2025/08/15
    In this episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, host Maria Moreno sits down with Michelle, a devoted mom of two, medical professional, and fierce advocate for children with complex needs.Michelle shares her journey through a high-risk, “geriatric” pregnancy, the trauma of delivering her son at 32 weeks with no amniotic fluid, and the terrifying reality of premature birth. She opens up about the years of advocating for her son’s health, navigating feeding issues, speech delays, ADHD symptoms, and an eventual rare genetic diagnosis affecting only around 200 people in the world.Through her story, Michelle highlights the critical importance of listening to your mama gut, even when medical professionals dismiss your concerns, when others label you “overreactive,” and when you feel like the “crazy mom” in the room.You’ll hear powerful conversations on:How to trust your instincts when something feels wrong with your childThe emotional toll of being constantly questioned and doubtedWhy early intervention matters so much for long-term outcomesPractical tips for navigating IEPs, 504 plans, and the school systemHow to advocate for your child’s needs without apologyThis episode is not only a testament to a mother’s unwavering love but also a resource for parents of children with complex needs, disabilities, or undiagnosed challenges.Michelle now helps parents as a non-attorney special education advocate through her platform Wisdom for Complex Kids, empowering families to secure the support their children deserve in school and beyond.💬 “If I knew then what I know now… I would tell every mother: follow your gut. It’s there for a reason.”📌 Connect with Michelle:Website: wisdom4complexkids.com (Free Advocacy eBook available)Instagram: @michellechoairyFacebook: @michellechoairyWebsite: https://wisdom4complexkids.comResources/ Freebie: Parents who are just starting their ride into this world: https://wisdom4complexkids.com/ultimate-advocacy-training Parents who want to check if they have a complex kid can take the quiz right here: https://www.wisdom4complexkids.com/complex-kid-quizIf this podcast brings value to your life, please consider giving value back through sharing, kind words, or financial support. Every contribution helps keep the show alive and the mission growing.Ways to Support:VenmoChashAppHosted by Maria Moreno, I’m a 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 support⁠Let's Stay Connected: Instagram: ⁠@mindfulmother_sleep⁠Instagram: @tumagoInstagram: @ifiknewthenpodcastFacebook: ⁠⁠Mindful Mother⁠⁠TikTok: @mindfulmother_sleepYouTube: ⁠If I Knew Then Podcast⁠Blankets: Tumago Blankets⁠Pacifier: Soothebeginnings⁠⁠Savings & Investing: Sofi⁠Budgeting: ⁠Monarch⁠Listen to the Podcast on All Platforms: Spotify: ⁠If I Knew Then on Spotify⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠Listen on Apple⁠ Amazon Music: ⁠Listen on Amazon⁠ iHeartRadio: ⁠Listen on iHeart⁠ Goodpods: ⁠Find us on Goodpods⁠Thank you for listening. If this episode helped you, share it with a mom who needs to hear it.
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    33 分