In this powerful episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, Maria and Alecia dive into the raw realities of motherhood—unexpected pregnancies, infertility struggles, PCOS, hysterectomy recovery, emotional healing, and the self-advocacy women desperately need in the medical system. Alecia opens up about her journey from multiple false pregnancies to rebuilding confidence and becoming a life coach who now helps women reclaim their voice, self-worth, and inner strength. This episode is honest, emotional, and empowering—reminding every mother that her story matters.

👩‍💻 About the Guest:

Alecia Henderson is a women’s life coach helping mothers rebuild confidence, heal emotionally, and step into their power. After navigating infertility, PCOS, unexpected pregnancies, and a hysterectomy, she now empowers women through mindset work, emotional support, and self-advocacy.
📧 Free eBook: Email thealeciaeffect@gmail.com
IG: @aleciahenderson6
FB: Alecia Henderson
TikTok: @aleciahenderson @thealeciaeffect

👩‍💻 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_sleep
Instagram: @tumago
Instagram: @ifiknewthenpodcast
Facebook: Mindful Mother
TikTok: @mindfulmother_sleep
YouTube: If I Knew Then Podcast

🛒 Products & Partnerships:

Sensory Blankets: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tumago
Pacifier: Soothebeginningshttps://soothebeginnings.com/products/soothe-beginnings-pacifier-starter-kit?sca_ref=8172596.eF2ZuRFJfE&sca_source=M.M.SOOTHESavings & Investing: Sofihttps://www.sofi.com/invite/money?gcp=58790401-992a-4904-b797-84a2c3fc1835&isAliasGcp=falseBudgeting: Monarchhttps://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/3rgiubpwo8?r_source=share🎧 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.

In this episode of the If I Knew Then, Mom Edition podcast, host Maria Moreno and guest Lara Bokovay delve into the complexities of motherhood, exploring themes such as childhood memories, the impact of parenting on children, and the importance of conscious parenting. They discuss the challenges of maternal instincts, the journey of self-awareness in parenting, and the significance of accountability in shaping a child's environment.

The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to understand their own behaviors and reactions, and how these influence their children's development. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they provide valuable tips for navigating the ups and downs of parenting, ultimately encouraging a mindful and present approach to raising children.🎙 ABOUT THE GUEST - Lara Bokovay
Lara Bokovay is a woman, a mother, and an intuitive coach and nervous system guide whose journey through burnout, betrayal, and solo motherhood powers her work. She supports moms in healing ancestral and childhood wounds, setting loving yet firm boundaries, and rebuilding their lives with presence, softness, and deep inner trust.

IG- @larabokovay

🎙 ABOUT THE HOST — Maria Moreno
Certified pediatric sleep consultant, motherhood coach, educator & founder of Mindful Mother — helping moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm without guilt.

Work With Me + Resources:
https://calendly.com/mindfulmother/freeconsultation
https://www.mindfulmother.biz/
Sleep plans • eBooks • Coaching

IG: @mindfulmother_sleep · @tumago · @ifiknewthenpodcast
Facebook: Mindful Mother · TikTok: @mindfulmother_sleep
YouTube: If I Knew Then Podcast

Products & Partnerships:
Blankets — Tumago ▶ https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tumago
Pacifier — Soothe Beginnings ▶ https://soothebeginnings.com/products/soothe-beginnings-pacifier-starter-kit?sca_ref=8172596.eF2ZuRFJfE&sca_source=M.M.SOOTHE
Savings — Sofi ▶ https://www.sofi.com/invite/money?gcp=58790401-992a-4904-b797-84a2c3fc1835&isAliasGcp=false
Budgeting — Monarch ▶ https://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/3rgiubpwo8?r_source=share

🎧 Available on: Spotify · Apple Podcasts · Amazon Music · iHeartRadio · Goodpods

If this episode gave you a new perspective, don’t forget to like, subscribe & share it with a mom who needs to hear this.

⚠ Disclaimer: This conversation is for support and education only, not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional for personal guidance.

In this Dad’s Edition Special of the If I Knew Then, Mom Edition podcast, host Maria Moreno sits down with Nathaniel Gallant, founder of BirthBridge, to explore the beautiful and complex journey of fatherhood. Nathaniel shares his personal experiences as a dad, his inspiration for creating BirthBridge, and his mission to build a community-driven platform where new parents can easily access the support they need.

The conversation dives into the importance of being a present father, navigating the birth and postpartum experience, and how community resources can transform early parenthood. Together, Maria and Nathaniel discuss the value of honest reviews, accessible education, and compassionate care for families, reminding us that parenthood is not meant to be done alone.

🎧 GUEST — Nathaniel Gallant
Nathaniel Gallant is a devoted father and the founder of BirthBridge, a platform created to connect new parents with essential resources, support, and guidance throughout their parenting journey. With a passion for family values and community connection, Nathaniel works to bridge the gap between families and trusted birth professionals, including midwives, doulas, and postpartum specialists, helping parents feel supported every step of the way.IG: @mybirthbridge📧 hello@mybirthbridge.com

https://mybirthbridge.com/

🎙 ABOUT THE HOST — Maria Moreno
Certified pediatric sleep consultant, motherhood coach, educator & founder of Mindful Mother — helping moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm without guilt.

Work With Me + Resources:
https://calendly.com/mindfulmother/freeconsultation
https://www.mindfulmother.biz/
Sleep plans • eBooks • Coaching

IG: @mindfulmother_sleep · @tumago · @ifiknewthenpodcast
Facebook: Mindful Mother · TikTok: @mindfulmother_sleep
YouTube: If I Knew Then Podcast

Products & Partnerships:
Blankets — Tumago ▶ https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tumago
Pacifier — Soothe Beginnings ▶ https://soothebeginnings.com/products/soothe-beginnings-pacifier-starter-kit?sca_ref=8172596.eF2ZuRFJfE&sca_source=M.M.SOOTHE
Savings — Sofi ▶ https://www.sofi.com/invite/money?gcp=58790401-992a-4904-b797-84a2c3fc1835&isAliasGcp=false
Budgeting — Monarch ▶ https://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/3rgiubpwo8?r_source=share

🎧 Available on: Spotify · Apple Podcasts · Amazon Music · iHeartRadio · Goodpods

If this episode gave you a new perspective, don’t forget to like, subscribe & share it with a parent who needs to hear this.

⚠ Disclaimer: This conversation is for support and education only, not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional for personal guidance.

In this episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, host Maria Moreno sits down with Becky Clark, a Nervous System & Somatic Regulation Coach, to explore the link between emotional overwhelm, stress, and the body’s natural need for safety and regulation.

Together, they unpack the hidden effects of motherhood on the nervous system — from constant overstimulation and burnout to the guilt that comes with slowing down. Becky shares practical tools to help moms move from survival mode to embodied calm through somatic awareness, grounding techniques, and nervous-system-based self-care.

This heart-to-heart conversation is a reminder that you don’t need to “fix” yourself to feel better — you just need to come home to your body.

✨ If you’ve ever felt anxious, disconnected, or like your emotions are “too much,” this episode will change the way you relate to your body and your motherhood journey.

ABOUT THE GUEST — Becky Clark

Nervous System & Somatics Regulation Coach
Becky helps women reconnect with their bodies through nervous system regulation, somatic awareness, and emotional safety work. Her programs empower clients to move from stress and survival into calm, confidence, and embodied living.

📩 Connect with Becky:
Instagram: @beckyclarksomatics
Website: beckyclarkcoaching.com
Email: admin@beckyclarkcoaching.com

🎙 ABOUT THE HOST — Maria Moreno

Certified pediatric sleep consultant, motherhood coach, educator & founder of Mindful Mother — helping moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm without guilt.

Work With Me + Resources:
https://calendly.com/mindfulmother/chatwithmaria
https://www.mindfulmother.biz/
Sleep Plans • eBooks • Coaching

IG: @mindfulmother_sleep · @tumago · @ifiknewthenpodcast
Facebook: Mindful Mother • TikTok: @mindfulmother_sleep
YouTube: If I Knew Then Podcast

Products & Partnerships:
Blankets — Tumago ▶ https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tumago
Pacifier — Soothe Beginnings ▶ https://soothebeginnings.com/products/soothe-beginnings-pacifier-starter-kit?sca_ref=8172596.eF2ZuRFJfE&sca_source=M.M.SOOTHE
Savings — Sofi ▶ https://www.sofi.com/invite/money?gcp=58790401-992a-4904-b797-84a2c3fc1835&isAliasGcp=false
Budgeting — Monarch ▶ https://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/3rgiubpwo8?r_source=share

🎧 Available on: Spotify · Apple Podcasts · Amazon Music · iHeartRadio · Goodpods

If this episode gave you a new perspective, don’t forget to like, subscribe & share it with a mom who needs to hear this.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This conversation is for support and education only, not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional for personal guidance.

In this episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, host Maria Moreno sits down with Dr. Sandra Fernandes, a mother, wife, physician, and certified life coach, to unpack the realities of modern motherhood: the pressure to “do it right,” emotional overload, breastfeeding expectations, and the deep need for self-care and mental rest.

Together, they share personal stories, professional insights, and practical takeaways on:

Relearning emotional regulation in motherhood

Why stress and overwhelm have become “normalized”

How expectations shape our guilt and identity as moms

Being present without burning yourself out

Protecting maternal mental health while raising humans

This conversation is a reminder that every child — and every mother — is different… and you are not failing just because it feels hard.

⏱ CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Motherhood Stories

04:12 The Journey to Motherhood

12:07 Relearning Coping Mechanisms

20:53 Embracing the Unexpected in Parenting

23:38 Navigating Breastfeeding Expectations

27:22 The Pressure of Motherhood

31:30 Mental Health and Maternal Well-being

35:23 Finding Balance in Parenting

38:00 The Importance of Presence

47:57 Redefining Normal in Motherhood

👩‍💻 ABOUT THE GUEST — Dr. Sandra Fernandes

Dr. Sandra is a mother, wife, certified life coach, and family medicine physician. After witnessing how often women’s overwhelm and stress are dismissed as "normal," she launched a coaching practice helping women break free from chronic overwhelm and reclaim what she calls “time wealth,” the ability to spend their time and energy on what matters most.

Email: sfernandes.coaching@gmail.com

IG/Threads/TikTok: @SandraFernandesMD

Website: http://www.sandrafernandes.com/

"Nervous System Reset" Freebie: https://www.sandrafernandes.com/35nervoussystemresets

🎙 ABOUT THE HOST — Maria Moreno

Certified pediatric sleep consultant, motherhood coach, educator & founder of Mindful Mother — helping moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm without guilt.

Work With Me + Resources:

https://calendly.com/mindfulmother/freeconsultation

https://www.mindfulmother.biz/Sleep plans • eBooks • Coaching

IG: @mindfulmother_sleep · @tumago · @ifiknewthenpodcast

Facebook: Mindful Mother • TikTok: @mindfulmother_sleep

YouTube: If I Knew Then Podcast

Products & Partnerships:

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

Pacifier — Soothe Beginnings: https://soothebeginnings.com/products/soothe-beginnings-pacifier-starter-kit?sca_ref=8172596.eF2ZuRFJfE&sca_source=M.M.SOOTHE

Savings — Sofi: https://www.sofi.com/invite/money?gcp=58790401-992a-4904-b797-84a2c3fc1835&isAliasGcp=false

Budgeting- Monarch: https://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/3rgiubpwo8?r_source=share

🎧 Available on: Spotify · Apple Podcasts · Amazon Music · iHeartRadio · Goodpods

If this episode gave you a new perspective, don’t forget to like, subscribe & share it with a mom who needs to hear this.

⚠ Disclaimer: This conversation is for support and education only, not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional for personal guidance.

👩‍💻 About the Guest:
Julia Jerg is a mother, digital nomad, and advocate for mindful living. She has embraced a lifestyle of relocation and minimalism, moving from Germany to Thailand and then Bali, while learning the art of listening to her intuition, involving her children in decisions, and finding freedom in simplicity. Her journey is a testament to personal growth, embracing change, and discovering lessons in everyday motherhood.

https://www.juliajerg.com/magnetise-masses

For your audience: Code MMfriend, it will be free!

https://www.instagram.com/sovereignmamas/

https://www.threads.com/@sovereignmamas

https://www.youtube.com/@SovereignMamas

https://www.facebook.com/groups/sovereignmamas

👩‍💻 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_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

Pacifier: ⁠⁠Soothebeginnings
Savings & Investing: ⁠⁠Sofi
Budgeting: ⁠⁠Monarch

🎧 Listen on All Podcast Platforms:
Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Amazon Music

iHeartRadio

Goodpods

💡 Episode Highlights:

• Julia’s journey from Germany to becoming a digital nomad in Bali

• The importance of listening to your intuition in life-changing decisions

• Mindful parenting and involving children in transitions

• Letting go of material possessions and embracing minimalism

• Lessons from children that teach presence and gratitude

• Taking small steps toward big personal and professional growth

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 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.

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.