エピソード

  • Episode 112: Postpartum OCD, Intrusive Thoughts & Learning to Trust Yourself with Jenna Overbaugh

    Episode 112: Postpartum OCD, Intrusive Thoughts & Learning to Trust Yourself with Jenna Overbaugh
    2026/09/03
    What happens when the thoughts that scare you most become the thoughts you can’t stop thinking about? In this episode, Rachael sits down with licensed professional counselor Jenna Overbaugh to talk about postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and the ways sleep deprivation, perfectionism, and the need for control can fuel OCD symptoms. Together, they unpack what separates common intrusive thoughts from OCD, why OCD often latches onto the things we care about most, and how parents can begin breaking the cycle of reassurance seeking, avoidance, and compulsions. Jenna also explains how exposure and response prevention (ERP) can help parents build confidence and learn to trust themselves again. Inside this episode: What postpartum OCD really looks like The difference between intrusive thoughts and OCD How sleep deprivation and anxiety can feed each other Why OCD often latches onto what we care about most How perfectionism and the need for control can fuel OCD The role of reassurance seeking and why it can reinforce OCD How social media can contribute to anxiety and compulsive behaviors What exposure and response prevention (ERP) is and how it works How compulsions and safety behaviors keep the OCD cycle going Understanding ego-dystonic thoughts and fears of harming your baby What research tells us about the risk of harm in parents with OCD When postpartum OCD requires specialized or intensive treatment How parents can reduce avoidance and step outside their comfort zones Why learning to tolerate uncertainty is such an important part of recovery How to find specialized support for postpartum OCD And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Jenna Overbaugh’s resources: https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/resources Jenna’s book, Making Peace with a Noisy Mind, coming February 2027 Jenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna.overbaugh Jenna’s Substack: https://www.thenoisymind.substack.com 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
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    56 分
  • Episode 111: Too Sensitive? Understanding Emotional Sensitivity, ADHD & Regulation with Dr. Sasha Hamdani

    Episode 111: Too Sensitive? Understanding Emotional Sensitivity, ADHD & Regulation with Dr. Sasha Hamdani
    2026/08/27
    What does it really mean to be “too sensitive”? In this episode, Rachael sits down with psychiatrist, author, and ADHD expert Dr. Sasha Hamdani to unpack emotional sensitivity, ADHD, rejection sensitive dysphoria, and the ways our understanding of ourselves can shape how we parent.Inside this episode: What emotional sensitivity really means and how it exists on a spectrum Why labels can become part of our internal narrative Understanding rejection sensitive dysphoria and intense emotional responses How ADHD can impact emotional regulation…not just attention Why ADHD is often diagnosed later in women, especially after becoming parents How ADHD and emotional sensitivity can show up differently in girls and women The role social media plays in ADHD awareness, education, and misinformation How parenthood can reveal previously unrecognized neurodivergent traits Practical tools for managing big emotional responses and building regulation skills How we can help emotionally sensitive children develop resilience Why emotional regulation should be taught early….and even in schools And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Too Sensitive by Dr. Sasha Hamdani Dr. Sasha Hamdani on Instagram Dr. Sasha Hamdani on TikTok 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
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    52 分
  • Episode 110: Parenting the Spicy Kid with Mary Van Geffen

    Episode 110: Parenting the Spicy Kid with Mary Van Geffen
    2026/08/20
    What does it really mean to parent a “spicy” kid? In this episode, Rachael sits down with parenting expert and author Mary Van Geffen to talk about strong-willed, sensitive, and neurodivergent children and what parents can do when everyday parenting feels especially challenging. Together, they discuss emotional regulation, parenting shame, boundaries, meltdowns, bedtime struggles, and the importance of doing our own inner work. Mary shares practical tools and compassionate strategies for staying connected to your child while also learning how to regulate yourself, repair after hard moments, and parent with more confidence. Inside this episode: What makes a child “spicy” and how to understand their unique temperament Why parental self-regulation is one of the most important parenting tools How childhood experiences can shape the way we parent Navigating neurodivergence, diagnosis, and finding the right support Practical strategies for managing meltdowns, tantrums, and big emotions How routine, predictability, and connection can help sensitive kids thrive Setting firm boundaries while staying kind and connect The role of self-compassion, repair, and doing your own inner work And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Parenting a Spicy One by Mary Van Geffen Mary Van Geffen on Instagram Mary Van Geffen on TikTok 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
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    49 分
  • Episode 109: Parenting Wisdom from Around the World with Michaeleen Doucleff

    Episode 109: Parenting Wisdom from Around the World with Michaeleen Doucleff
    2026/08/13
    What if many of the things we believe about parenting aren't actually universal? In this episode, Rachael sits down with journalist and author Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff to explore what different cultures around the world can teach us about raising children, building strong family relationships, and rethinking some of our most deeply held parenting beliefs. Together, they discuss parenting myths, child development, autonomy, screen time, dopamine, sleep, and what it can look like to approach family life with more respect, connection, and trust. Inside this episode: Why so many common parenting practices aren't universal What different cultures can teach us about raising children The importance of respect, autonomy, and contribution in child development How dopamine actually affects motivation and screen time Rethinking the way we approach sleep and separation How to build stronger, more connected parent-child relationships Practical ways to encourage independence and healthy motivation And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff Dopamine Kids by Michaeleen Doucleff Michaeleen Doucleff's 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! 😴☁️🤎✨ 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
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    52 分
  • Episode 108: The Power of Hobbying for Parents and Adults with Marina Cooley

    Episode 108: The Power of Hobbying for Parents and Adults with Marina Cooley
    2026/08/06
    What if making time for a hobby wasn't selfish but one of the best things you could do for yourself and your family? In this episode, Rachael sits down with writer and researcher Marina Cooley to explore why hobbies matter, how Danish culture approaches work-life balance, and what we can learn about slowing down, finding joy, and supporting our mental health. Together, they discuss how hobbies can reduce screen time, ease mom guilt, strengthen community, and help parents reconnect with themselves, even in the busiest seasons of life. Inside this episode: Why hobbies are essential for parents' well-being How Danish culture approaches happiness and balance Reducing screen time through meaningful hobbies Reframing productivity, self-care, and mom guilt The role of community in happier family life Practical ways to make hobbies fit into a busy schedule And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: The Geography of Bliss 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
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    46 分
  • Episode 107: The Parenting Advice We Need to Unlearn with Fiona Weaver

    Episode 107: The Parenting Advice We Need to Unlearn with Fiona Weaver
    2026/07/30
    What if the hardest part of parenting isn't your child's sleep, but the pressure to do everything "right"? In this episode, Rachael sits down with parenting educator and maternal mental health advocate Fiona Weaver for an honest conversation about the parenting advice we may need to unlearn. Together, they discuss the myths surrounding sleep training and independence, why "good enough" parenting is actually the goal, and how societal expectations can fuel mom guilt and self-doubt. Fiona also shares her experience parenting three children, navigating toddler sleep challenges, and embracing a more flexible, compassionate approach that supports both children and their parents. Whether you're questioning the parenting advice you've been given or simply looking for reassurance that you're doing enough, this episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a refreshing perspective on modern motherhood. Inside this episode: Why "good enough" parenting is the gold standard Common myths about sleep training and infant independence The emotional and developmental needs of children How societal expectations contribute to mom guilt and shame Why you can't hang your mood on your baby's sleep The connection between infant sleep and maternal mental health Letting go of rigid sleep tracking and unrealistic expectations Building stronger family relationships through flexibility and connection How community and support can transform the parenting experience And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Mama Matters website Fiona Weaver on Instagram 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
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    50 分
  • Episode 106: Rethinking Baby Sleep: A Holistic Approach with Dr. Pamela Douglas

    Episode 106: Rethinking Baby Sleep: A Holistic Approach with Dr. Pamela Douglas
    2026/07/23
    What if your baby's sleep challenges weren't something to fix but a clue to better understanding their unique needs? In this episode, Rachael sits down with physician, researcher, and founder of the Possums Program, Dr. Pamela Douglas, to explore a holistic, evidence-based approach to infant sleep, feeding, and development. Together, they discuss why sleep, feeding, sensory development, and emotional well-being are deeply connected, how societal pressures can increase stress for parents, and why responsive, flexible caregiving often leads to better outcomes for the whole family. Whether you're navigating an unsettled baby or simply looking for a gentler approach to infant sleep, this episode offers practical, reassuring guidance. Inside this episode: Why sleep, feeding, and sensory development are all connected The philosophy behind the Possums approach to infant care The five domains that can contribute to an unsettled baby Common myths about overstimulation and baby sleep Why outdoor play and sensory experiences support healthy development How parental stress can impact the parenting experience Practical ways to respond to your baby's unique cues Why flexibility…not rigid routines…helps families thrive And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: The Discontented Little Baby Book by Dr. Pamela Douglas Possums Program 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
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    47 分
  • Episode 105: Dad Brain Explained: The Science of Fatherhood with Dr. Darby Saxbe

    Episode 105: Dad Brain Explained: The Science of Fatherhood with Dr. Darby Saxbe
    2026/07/16
    What if becoming a dad changes the brain just as much as becoming a mom? In this episode, Rachael sits down with psychologist, researcher, and author Dr. Darby Saxbe to explore the science behind "dad brain," how fatherhood reshapes the brain, and why great parenting is built through experience, not instinct. Together, they discuss the neurological changes fathers experience during the transition to parenthood, the importance of paternity leave and hands-on caregiving, and how supporting dads benefits the entire family. Whether you're a new parent or expecting a baby, this conversation will change the way you think about fatherhood. Inside this episode: What "dad brain" really is and how fatherhood changes the brain Why great parents are made…not born The truth about maternal and paternal instinct How paternity leave supports dads, babies, and families Why hands-on parenting builds confidence and stronger attachment The role of maternal gatekeeping and working as a team The importance of supporting dads' mental health How couples can better navigate the postpartum transition And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Dad Brain by Dr. Darby Saxbe Natal Gazing on Substack @Darbysaxbe 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
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    49 分