Trigger Warning: This conversation was facilitated with the pregnancy and infant loss mother in mind.

Katie (@griefgardenne), Abby (@omahachildbirtheducation), and I briefly share our loss stories spanning first, second, and third trimester losses. But there are no vivid descriptions or scary details shared. The unifying factor is loss itself, and this is a safe place to listen, cry, and feel seen and understood.

However, I think anyone who loves a person who has lost a baby should also listen to this, as should birth workers and pediatric care providers. How we navigate loss with families needs to improve, and what Katie and Abby share from a personal and professional standpoint is so so helpful.

Find Abby’s bereavement doula services HERE

Find Katie’s child life services HERE

Additional Resources

Miscarriage kits for mothers before or after loss

Miscarriage kits for providers to have on hand

Companioning at a Time of Perinatal Loss (a book for caregivers)

Dear Mushka’s miscarriage remembrance collection

Jewelry with breastmilk, ashes, cord stumps, or pregnancy test caps (they gave me the code THERESE for a discount for you)

Stillbirthday provider registry and resources for parents

Breastmilk expectations and guidance after loss

*If you need further lactation advice after loss, please don't hesitate to test me at (402) 740-2646 to schedule a free phone consult*

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This episode was sponsored by SubLuna’s Peace Nectar. Linden, oat straw, chamomile, cardamom, and ginger in an apple cider vinegar base helps with digestion and provides some calming calcium and magnesium. You can find it at shopsubluna.com and the code HAPPYMAMA gets you 10% off your order.

“Can I lose weight without losing my milk supply?”

Megan Brister (@postpartum.weightloss.rd) and I talk about this delicate and nuanced subject in today's episode.

Does everyone need to intentionally lose weight postpartum? No.

Do we need to learn to have grace and patience with our softer bodies as we soften into our new roles? Yes.

Do we sometimes mistakenly conflate being at our old weight with feeling like "ourselves" again? Yes.

But also, sometimes, after the initial postpartum recovery phase, weight loss is desired. And you deserve a real answer to the real questions about how to do it wisely, safely, and realistically.

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Find Megan's programs and cookbooks here:

https://www.postpartumweightlossrd.com

Find my postpartum cookbook here:

https://happymamahealthybaby.freshlearn.com

and use code TWENTYFIVE to get 25% off

Or if you're not ready to cook yet, check out Mama Meals and use code HAPPYMAMA20 for a discount.

Other podcast episodes that we mention in this interview:

Ep. 06: Minerals and Mother's Milk with Amanda Montalvo, RD

⁠Ep. 10: Baby Tummy Time and Retained Reflexes with Steph Novacek, PT⁠

Ep. 12: Normal Infant Sleep with Taylor Kulik

Ep. 26: Postpartum Exercise with Adina Rubin

Infant Reflux on the Are You Menstrual? podcast

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This episode is sponsored by SubLuna! Their Surf and Sand Wave Spritz has made my hair so shiny and bouncy. Visit shopsubluna.com and use code HAPPYMAMA to get 10% off your order!

Jill Stetson (@compassionatetouchcranial) is a massage therapist with additional training in craniosacral and fascial work. In this episode, she and I explain bodywork, talk about why it can help with breastfeeding, how to find a good bodyworker, and red and green flags for care you're already under.

*This episode is sponsored by SubLuna! Their Surf and Sand Wave Spritz has made my hair so shiny and bouncy this spring. Visit shopsubluna.com and use code HAPPYMAMA to get 10% off your order!*

Places to start looking for a bodyworker near you:

Upledger Providers

Tummy Time Method Providers

Nervous-System Focused Chiropractors

At-home resources for movement and connection:

Infant Feeding Specialist Oral Play Guide

Little Movers PT Bellies, Babies, and Bubbles Course

The Ultimate Breastfeeding Course (we discuss tongue ties, bodywork, good latch, and more)

Milk and Motherhood Ep. 10: Tummy Time, Co-Regulation, and Retained Reflexes

Please leave a rating or review if you loved this episode, and follow me on Instagram @happy.mama.healthy.baby

Julie Bogart (@juliebravewriter) is a veteran homeschool mom and author. She's the creator of the Brave Writer programs, host of the Brave Writer podcast, and the author of several parenting and homeschooling books.

This episode is for any parent who's invested in their child's education. We talk about why some people choose to homeschool, the different stages of homeschooling, and the different stages of learning.

Then we discuss how kids learn to write, what to do if they (or you) are struggling, and how technology can help or hurt young writers.

⁠Julie's website⁠

⁠Brave Writer writing programs⁠

**This episode is sponsored by SubLuna! Their Cool Girl Matcha makes the perfect iced matcha latte for spring. Visit shopsubluna.com and use code HAPPYMAMA to get 10% off your order!**

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Julie's books:

-The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life

-Raising Critical Thinkers

-Help! My Kid Hates Writing!

pre-order bonuses for Help! My Kid Hates Writing! (if you order before April 15)

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Reading/phonics programs we discussed:

Reading Simplified

Rooted in Language

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Please leave a podcast rating or review if you loved this episode!

Sign up for my monthly email and get a free freezer meal PDF here.

Don't forget to follow along on Instagram @happy.mama.healthy.baby.

In this fun episode, aesthetician and Weston A. Price chapter leader Marissa (@grittybeauty) and I talk about why womens' skin is different, how hormones affect our skin, and what we can do for specific skin concerns in pregnancy and postpartum when we are wanting to be extra conscious of product safety. Is there a middle ground between edible skincare that's safe but doesn't work well for all skin types and greenwashed skincare brands?

Links we discuss:

4-Step Skin Reset Routine (what I use on my skin now)

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding-Safe Acne Serum

⁠Hydrating Sheet Masks⁠

Stunning Skin Course

⁠Gritty Beauty Approved Membership⁠ (acne-safe product recommendations)

Gritty Beauty Community (free)

Right now, Marissa has a pay-what-you-can sale running! Use the code you need:

SAVE10 - Get 10% off your entire order with a minimum purchase of $100

SAVE15 - Enjoy 15% off your entire order with a minimum purchase of $100

SAVE20 - Take 20% off your entire order with a minimum purchase of $100

SAVE25 - Receive 25% off your entire order with a minimum purchase of $100

In this episode, nurse practitioner Karin Ashley (@karinashleynp) and I discuss why iron needs nuance and why you don't have to guess if you're low in iron or low in iron-supporting co-factors. In a social media world that proclaims iron is all good or all bad, we tread the fine line in the middle to equip you to make the best health decisions for yourselves in a life stage that requires a lot of nutritional resources.

Karin also has an amazing ebook that she wrote for anyone listening who wants more details and a supplement and food guide... you can find that HERE.

You can learn more about working with Karin at karinashleynp.com

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This episode is sponsored by my affiliation with Perfect Supplements. Use code HAPPYMAMA10 to get 10-30% off your order!

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For further listening:

How I got to the "root cause" of my iron deficiency: ⁠Ep. 29: New Stages of Matrescence and Informed Healthcare Decisions⁠

The Iron Recycling System explained by Amanda Montalvo, RD

Anemia, Iron Deficiency, and IV iron

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Please leave a podcast review or rating if you enjoyed this episode! You can also follow me on Instagram @happy.mama.healthy.baby and find my breastfeeding course and cookbooks HERE

If you have children, you need to listen to this episode. The idea that our kids could be exposed to pornography without their consent (or ours) is a very real concern in today's age, but Greta graciously shares the antidote to these fears, and it's so simple: conversation and connection.

Her new book, It's Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn, is hopeful, encouraging, and so practical. In this interview, Greta and I talk about some of these hard subjects, as well as the hope we have as parents for providing a louder and more loving voice in our childrens' lives.

you can find Greta on Instagram @maandpamodern

or her website www.gretaeskridge.com

you can order Greta's new book HERE

you can sign up for pre-order bonuses HERE

Links to other things we mention

Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.

Fight for Love by Rosie Makinney

Intimate Deception by Dr. Sheri Keffer

Greta's podcast episode on talking about puberty with our daughters

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If you liked this interview, please leave a comment, rating or review so others can find it!