Mental health deserves a seat at the birth planning table. In this episode Maya McDaniel Bailey, MA, NCC, LPC — a perinatal mental health counselor specializing in trauma-informed care and mental health birth planning — explains why emotional preparation is as critical as physical preferences. Maya outlines common mental health considerations to address before labor, how providers can screen and support needs across pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and practical proactive steps parents can take to reduce risk for postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. Learn how to build a mental-health informed birth plan that includes nervous system regulation strategies, crisis supports, continuity of care, and community resources so families feel safer, supported, and better prepared.

Key Takeaways:

• Why mental health belongs in birth plans alongside physical preferences
• Common prenatal mental health considerations (history of mood/anxiety, trauma, stressors)
• Screening and supportive practices clinicians can use during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum
• Proactive preparation: grounding, regulation tools, support mapping, relapse plans
• Essential resources to include: trusted contacts, crisis hotlines, therapist continuity, peer support, and contingency plans

About the Guest
Maya McDaniel Bailey, MA, NCC, LPC — licensed professional counselor focused on perinatal mental health, trauma-informed care, and mental health birth planning.

Connect with Maya McDaniel

• Official Website: www.fromrain2rainbow.com
• IG: @maya_rain2rainbow
• YouTube: @mayathetherapist
• TikTok: @mayathetherapist
• Sign up for her workshop Creativity to calm the storm: https://www.motherhood-supported.com/psychoeducation-workshop

mental health birth plan, perinatal mental health, postpartum mood disorders prevention, mental health birth planning, trauma-informed birth, nervous system regulation pregnancy, perinatal counseling, postpartum anxiety resources, birth plan mental health checklist, continuity of care postpartum

www.NewMomTalk.com
Buy Me A Coffee
IG: @NewMomTalk.Podcast
YouTube: @NewMomTalk
Mariela@NewMomTalk.com
Interested in being a guest? Shoot us an email!

- best parenting podcast
- best new mom podcast
- best podcasts for new moms
- best pregnancy podcast
- best podcast for expecting moms
- best podcast for moms
- best podcast for postpartum
- best prenatal podcast
- best postnatal podcast
- best podcast for postnatal moms
- best podcast for pregnancy moms
- new mom
- expecting mom
- first time mom

New parent? Breastfeeding can feel simple and overwhelming at once. In this episode Jaimie Zaki — nurse, doula, IBCLC, and mom of five — breaks down the most common early breastfeeding mistakes that undermine latch, milk supply, and confidence. Jaimie explains how improper positioning and latch can sabotage feeding even when supply is sufficient, why early or frequent supplementation can derail breastfeeding progress, and how well-meaning advice from family or social media can cause harm. Learn the early warning signs of trouble, practical fixes you can try at home, and when to reach a lactation professional for hands-on help. Tune in for evidence-based tips, real-world examples, and encouragement to make confident feeding decisions from the intersection of information and intuition.

Key Takeaways (brief):

• Top early mistakes that affect supply and latch
• How positioning & latch matter even with good supply
• Risks of early/frequent supplementation and alternatives
• Navigating misinformation and building supportive networks
• Red flags to watch for and when to seek an IBCLC

About the Guest
Jaimie Zaki — nurse, doula, IBCLC, host of the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast, and mom of five.

Connect with Jaimie Zaki:

• Official Website: www.littlebearlactation.com/breastfeeding-academy

breastfeeding mistakes, breastfeeding latch problems, low milk supply causes, breastfeeding supplementation risks, when to see a lactation consultant, IBCLC tips, breastfeeding support, breastfeeding for new parents, breastfeeding positioning, breastfeeding misinformation

www.NewMomTalk.com
Buy Me A Coffee
IG: @NewMomTalk.Podcast
YouTube: @NewMomTalk
Mariela@NewMomTalk.com
Interested in being a guest? Shoot us an email!

- best parenting podcast
- best new mom podcast
- best podcasts for new moms
- best pregnancy podcast
- best podcast for expecting moms
- best podcast for moms
- best podcast for postpartum
- best prenatal podcast
- best postnatal podcast
- best podcast for postnatal moms
- best podcast for pregnancy moms
- new mom
- expecting mom
- first time mom

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most critical aspects of maternal health: hypertension and preeclampsia. Joining us is Fran Conti-Ramsden, an NHS Obstetrics and Gynaecology registrar and MRC-funded PhD fellow who is sitting at the fascinating intersection of clinical medicine and data science.

Fran shares her expertise on why high blood pressure occurs during pregnancy, the "red flag" symptoms that often go unnoticed, and how she is using AI and real-world data to create a more equitable future for women’s healthcare. Whether you are currently expecting, planning a family, or interested in how technology is transforming the NHS, this conversation provides essential medical insights and a look at the cutting edge of FemTech.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The Root Causes: Understanding the biological triggers of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
• Red Flags: The specific warning signs—beyond just a headache—that require immediate medical attention.
• The Impact on Mom and Baby: How high blood pressure affects fetal development and maternal recovery in the postpartum "fourth trimester."
• Risk Reduction: Practical steps involving nutrition, lifestyle, and medical interventions to manage your risk.
• The Long-Term Picture: Why a history of preeclampsia matters for your cardiovascular health years down the road.
• Innovation in Women’s Health: How Fran is leveraging Natural Language Processing (NLP) and genomics to predict and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Resources & Links:

• Download: Download the app here https://my.megi.ai/download/
• Support: Learn more about preeclampsia https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/frances-conti-ramsden

preeclampsia symptoms, high blood pressure in pregnancy, gestational hypertension, maternal health, FemTech innovation, Women’s health AI, postpartum heart health, pregnancy complications, NHS clinical research, data science in healthcare, MRC clinical fellowship, personalized pregnancy care.

www.NewMomTalk.com
Buy Me A Coffee
IG: @NewMomTalk.Podcast
YouTube: @NewMomTalk
Mariela@NewMomTalk.com
Interested in being a guest? Shoot us an email!

- best parenting podcast
- best new mom podcast
- best podcasts for new moms
- best pregnancy podcast
- best podcast for expecting moms
- best podcast for moms
- best podcast for postpartum
- best prenatal podcast
- best postnatal podcast
- best podcast for postnatal moms
- best podcast for pregnancy moms
- new mom
- expecting mom
- first time mom

In this episode, we dive into the often-unspoken experience of a motherhood identity crisis with Rebecca, an international life coach and host of the Ambitious and Balanced Working Moms podcast. Rebecca helps career-focused moms stop feeling overwhelmed and “not enough” so they can be present with their kids while still pursuing meaningful, ambitious careers.

We explore what an identity crisis in motherhood really means, why it’s so common, and how the expectations of motherhood can clash with who we were before becoming moms. Rebecca shares the signs that a mom may be struggling with her sense of self and offers practical, compassionate guidance on how to reconnect with your identity—without guilt or pressure to “bounce back.”

This conversation offers reassurance and actionable steps for moms who feel lost in the day-to-day of parenting and want to feel confident in who they are again. Through her inside-out approach to balance, Rebecca reminds us that redefining yourself in motherhood isn’t about losing who you were—it’s about evolving into who you’re becoming.

About the Guest:
Rebecca is an international life coach and podcast host who supports career-focused moms in creating balance, confidence, and fulfillment at work and at home. Through her coaching programs and podcast, Ambitious and Balanced Working Moms, she has helped thousands of parents feel empowered, present, and aligned with their goals.

Connect with Rebecca Olson:

• Official Website: https://www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/daily-kickstart
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebolson
• Podcast: https://www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/podcast

motherhood identity crisis, identity loss after becoming a mom, finding yourself in motherhood, motherhood and identity, working mom identity, mom burnout and identity, career and motherhood balance, feeling lost in motherhood, redefining yourself as a mom, postpartum identity changes, mental health for moms, overwhelmed working moms, mom life balance, ambitious working moms, reclaiming identity after kids

www.NewMomTalk.com
Buy Me A Coffee
IG: @NewMomTalk.Podcast
YouTube: @NewMomTalk
Mariela@NewMomTalk.com
Interested in being a guest? Shoot us an email!

- best parenting podcast
- best new mom podcast
- best podcasts for new moms
- best pregnancy podcast
- best podcast for expecting moms
- best podcast for moms
- best podcast for postpartum
- best prenatal podcast
- best postnatal podcast
- best podcast for postnatal moms
- best podcast for pregnancy moms
- new mom
- expecting mom
- first time mom

In this episode, we’re joined by Luna Aziz, founder and CEO of Legendairy Milk, to explore how ancestral remedies and modern science can work together to support women through pregnancy, postpartum, and every hormonal chapter beyond. Luna shares how her own experience with low milk supply—and a negative reaction to fenugreek—led her to research culturally rooted, time-tested alternatives that ultimately became the foundation of Legendairy Milk.

We discuss what ancestral remedies are, how they’ve been passed down through generations, and how moms today can thoughtfully evaluate which practices may be supportive during pregnancy and postpartum. Luna breaks down where modern science aligns with traditional wisdom—and where research has helped challenge or refine long-held beliefs—especially when it comes to breastfeeding and lactation support.

This conversation also dives into practical examples of ancestral remedies and rituals that have shown benefits for breastfeeding moms, and how blending ancient wisdom with evidence-based medicine can feel empowering rather than overwhelming. Luna offers approachable, realistic ways new and expecting moms can safely integrate ancestral practices into daily life alongside modern prenatal and postpartum care—because wellness should meet you exactly where you are, even in the middle of a 2 a.m. pump session.

About the Guest:
Luna Aziz is the founder and CEO of Legendairy Milk, a wellness brand born from the raw realities of new motherhood. What began as one mom’s search for effective, fenugreek-free lactation support has grown into a trusted brand supporting women through fertility, postpartum, perimenopause, and beyond—blending real talk with real solutions.

Connect with Luna Aziz from Legendairy Milk:

• Official Website: https://www.legendairymilk.com/
• IG: @legendairymilk and @legendairywomen

ancestral remedies, modern science and traditional medicine, postpartum wellness, breastfeeding support, lactation remedies, fenugreek free lactation, evidence based postpartum care, holistic postpartum health, traditional remedies for breastfeeding, postpartum herbal support, ancestral wisdom for moms, pregnancy and postpartum wellness, natural lactation support, hormone health postpartum, integrative maternal care, legendairy milk, lactation science

www.NewMomTalk.com
Buy Me A Coffee
IG: @NewMomTalk.Podcast
YouTube: @NewMomTalk
Mariela@NewMomTalk.com
Interested in being a guest? Shoot us an email!

- best parenting podcast
- best new mom podcast
- best podcasts for new moms
- best pregnancy podcast
- best podcast for expecting moms
- best podcast for moms
- best podcast for postpartum
- best prenatal podcast
- best postnatal podcast
- best podcast for postnatal moms
- best podcast for pregnancy moms
- new mom
- expecting mom
- first time mom

In this episode, we’re joined by Joel Warsh, MD—also known as DrJoelGator—board-certified pediatrician, parenting educator, and author of Between a Shot and a Hard Place: Tackling Difficult Vaccine Questions with Balance, Data, and Clarity. Dr. Warsh specializes in integrative pediatrics and is known for helping parents navigate complex health decisions with nuance, evidence, and empathy.

We break down the most recent updates to the childhood vaccination schedule, why these changes were made, and how they may impact pediatric care routines and well-child visits. Dr. Warsh explains what parents should know (and what they don’t need to panic about), addresses common questions and concerns surrounding vaccine updates, and shares how families can approach these conversations with confidence and clarity.

This conversation is designed to empower parents with information—not fear—so they can make informed decisions alongside their pediatrician. Whether you’re expecting, parenting young children, or simply trying to stay up to date, this episode offers a thoughtful, data-informed perspective on navigating vaccine updates in today’s parenting landscape.

About the Guest:
Joel Warsh, MD (aka DrJoelGator), is a board-certified pediatrician in Los Angeles specializing in parenting, wellness, and integrative medicine. He is the author of multiple books, including Between a Shot and a Hard Place, and shares educational, balanced content with parents through his popular Instagram account and Substack.

Connect with Dr. Joel Warsh:

• Official Website: www.theshotbook.com
  Between a Shot and Hard Place

vaccine updates, childhood vaccination schedule, vaccine schedule updates, pediatric vaccine recommendations, vaccine changes for children, parenting and vaccines, vaccine questions for parents, pediatrician vaccine advice, vaccine safety information, integrative pediatrics, informed vaccine decisions, childhood immunizations, parent vaccine concerns, vaccine education for parents, Dr Joel Warsh, DrJoelGator, between a shot and a hard place, parenting wellness podcast, evidence based vaccine information

www.NewMomTalk.com
Buy Me A Coffee
IG: @NewMomTalk.Podcast
YouTube: @NewMomTalk
Mariela@NewMomTalk.com
Interested in being a guest? Shoot us an email!

- best parenting podcast
- best new mom podcast
- best podcasts for new moms
- best pregnancy podcast
- best podcast for expecting moms
- best podcast for moms
- best podcast for postpartum
- best prenatal podcast
- best postnatal podcast
- best podcast for postnatal moms
- best podcast for pregnancy moms
- new mom
- expecting mom
- first time mom

In this episode, we explore postpartum care through the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and the deeply nourishing concept known as the “sacred window.” Joining me is Christine Eck, founder and director of the Center for Sacred Window Studies, an educational resource dedicated to Conscious Postpartum Care rooted in Ayurvedic tradition.

Christine breaks down what Ayurveda is and how it views the postpartum period as a critical time for healing, restoration, and long-term well-being. We dive into the meaning of the first 42 days postpartum, why this window is considered sacred, and how intentional practices during this time can support a mother’s physical recovery, emotional balance, and spiritual integration after birth.

We also discuss the essential role of food, rest, daily rhythms, and ritual in postpartum healing, along with practical, accessible ways modern moms can bring Ayurvedic principles into their own recovery—even without formal support or traditional care. This conversation is a grounding reminder that postpartum isn’t something to “bounce back” from, but a time to be held, nourished, and honored.

Whether you’re newly postpartum, expecting, or supporting new mothers, this episode offers a compassionate and holistic perspective on caring for the birthing body and spirit.

Connect with Christine Eck:

• Official Website: https://sacredwindowstudies.com/

postpartum care ayurveda, ayurvedic postpartum traditions, sacred window postpartum, postpartum healing ayurveda, 42 days postpartum ayurveda, conscious postpartum care, ayurvedic postpartum practices, holistic postpartum recovery, postpartum rituals after birth, traditional postpartum care practices, postpartum healing rituals, ayurvedic care after childbirth, postpartum care traditions around the world, how to heal postpartum naturally, ayurveda for new moms, postpartum rest and nourishment, sacred postpartum traditions, emotional healing after birth, postpartum support for moms, fourth trimester care, holistic motherhood, natural postpartum recovery, maternal wellness postpartum

www.NewMomTalk.com
Buy Me A Coffee
IG: @NewMomTalk.Podcast
YouTube: @NewMomTalk
Mariela@NewMomTalk.com
Interested in being a guest? Shoot us an email!

- best parenting podcast
- best new mom podcast
- best podcasts for new moms
- best pregnancy podcast
- best podcast for expecting moms
- best podcast for moms
- best podcast for postpartum
- best prenatal podcast
- best postnatal podcast
- best podcast for postnatal moms
- best podcast for pregnancy moms
- new mom
- expecting mom
- first time mom

Why do so many moms feel forgetful, overwhelmed, or emotionally on edge after having a baby? In this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Rocha, CEO & Founder of Ladywell and a trained herbalist specializing in women’s health, to unpack the real hormonal, mental, and physical reasons behind “mom brain” and “mom rage.” We talk about how postpartum hormone shifts, sleep deprivation, and the invisible mental load impact mood and memory, plus practical strategies moms can use to regulate emotions, reduce overwhelm, and feel more supported. This conversation is a must-listen for any mom navigating the early years of motherhood—or anyone supporting one.

Connect with Ashley Rocha from Ladywell:

• Official Website: https://getladywell.com/
• IG: @getladywell
• FB: Get Ladywell
• TikTok: @getladywell

Mom brain, mom rage postpartum, postpartum hormones and mood, why moms feel overwhelmed, postpartum mental health, hormonal imbalance after pregnancy, mom rage triggers, managing mom rage, postpartum forgetfulness, mental load of motherhood, hormone health for moms, women’s hormones after baby, postpartum emotional regulation, natural support for postpartum hormones, herbalist advice for moms, women’s wellness supplements, fertility and hormone balance, perimenopause and motherhood, Ladywell supplements, Ashley Rocha Ladywell

www.NewMomTalk.com
Buy Me A Coffee
IG: @NewMomTalk.Podcast
YouTube: @NewMomTalk
Mariela@NewMomTalk.com
Interested in being a guest? Shoot us an email!

- best parenting podcast
- best new mom podcast
- best podcasts for new moms
- best pregnancy podcast
- best podcast for expecting moms
- best podcast for moms
- best podcast for postpartum
- best prenatal podcast
- best postnatal podcast
- best podcast for postnatal moms
- best podcast for pregnancy moms
- new mom
- expecting mom
- first time mom