Season 5 comes to a close with a heart-to-heart from host Jacqueline Baird—reflecting on the powerful stories shared, the community built, and a new chapter that’s just beginning.

In this special solo episode, Jacqueline opens up about her own fertility journey and the inspiration behind Your Fertility Village—a new support community for women navigating infertility, IVF, TTC, loss, surrogacy, or adoption.

She also shares:
💛 A look back at Season 5’s most meaningful moments
🎧 New Spotify playlists curated by topic (so you can find what you need, when you need it)
🌻 What to expect inside Your Fertility Village
📅 Season 6 will premiere August 21—with bonus episodes over the summer

If you’ve ever felt alone on your path to motherhood, this episode is for you.
👉 Join the waitlist for the Village at bit.ly/yourfertilityvillage

PLAYLISTS:

• TTC + Infertility
• Miscarriage, Loss, & Grief
• When You or Your Child Are Given a Diagnosis
• Pregnancy + Postpartum
• Surrogacy
• Parenting + Self Improvement
• Top 10 Episodes of 2024

Connect with the podcast:

• Facebook: Motherhood Intended Community
• Instagram: @motherhood_intended
• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show!

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In this episode, Jacqueline sits down with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist and AAP spokesperson, to explore what truly builds a strong foundation between parents and their newborns. From NICU realities to bonding after surrogacy, this episode is a science-meets-heart deep dive into connection, communication, and ditching the pressure to “do it all.”

What you’ll learn:

• Why bonding isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence
• How early relational health impacts brain development
• The science behind skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo care
• What to know about birth plans, baby gear, and bonding expectations
• How babies communicate through crying and cooing
• The truth about sleep training, co-sleeping, and newborn needs
• Why it’s okay if love doesn’t happen “at first sight”
• How your baby benefits from your support system
• Misconceptions about newborn needs and bonding “rules”
• Why “you are enough” matters more than anything else

Questions answered in this episode:

• What happens in the brain when a baby bonds with a caregiver?
• Is it possible to bond deeply if you didn’t carry your baby?
• Does skin-to-skin actually do anything physiologically?
• What should you do if bonding doesn’t happen right away?
• Are birth plans helpful—or harmful?
• Is it okay if I’m not a “baby-wearing mom”?
• Can babies really communicate through different cries?
• What’s the science behind co-sleeping or sleep training?
• How can parents build trust and resilience in their baby?
• What do newborns really need most from us?

Connect with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie:

• Instagram: @jopargalinkiemd
• Book: The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting with Your Newborn
• AAP Parent Resource: HealthyChildren.org

Connect with the podcast:

• Facebook: Motherhood Intended Community
• Instagram: @motherhood_intended
• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show!

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In today's episode, Jacqueline sits down with Betsy Goldbeck, a mom of four, to share the emotional and complex journey of her son Aiden, born with a serious heart defect. From an unexpected diagnosis mid-pregnancy to a traumatic birth and multiple hospital stays, Betsy opens up about life as a special needs mom, the toll it’s taken on her family, and the resilience that continues to carry them forward. This is a story of strength, advocacy, and faith—and a reminder that you’re never alone in your motherhood journey.

What you’ll learn:

• What it’s like to receive a heart defect diagnosis mid-pregnancy
• The emotional toll of hospital life, medical trauma, and postpartum recovery
• How Betsy navigated motherhood with three other kids during a NICU stay
• Advice for new moms facing medical diagnoses in pregnancy or postpartum
• The importance of self-advocacy, boundaries, and trusting your intuition
• What day-to-day life looks like with a child who has a feeding tube and developmental delays
• How her support system, including Fit4Mom and her church, carried her through
• The role of faith and perspective in walking a challenging path
• How siblings can be powerful advocates and helpers for a special needs baby
• The joys of celebrating small milestones that feel enormous

Get Connected:

• Facebook: Motherhood Intended Community
• Instagram: @motherhood_intended
• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show!

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In this episode of Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline chats with Evonne Roman who is a single mom, entrepreneur, and the founder of Sweet Gear about the transformative journey from corporate life to creative independence. Evonne shares the deeply personal story behind her business launch, the realities of solo parenting, and how reclaiming her identity fueled her professional and personal reinvention. Whether you’re dreaming of a new path or in the thick of a tough season, this conversation will leave you inspired to take that next brave step!

What you’ll learn:

• What inspired Evonne to leave corporate life and start her business
• How she balances solo motherhood with entrepreneurship
• The role of intuition, timing, and resilience in navigating career shifts
• What it takes to build a business from scratch as a single mom
• Why networking and real-life connections matter as much as online growth
• How she structures her day for both flexibility and focus
• The importance of accepting help and prioritizing self-care
• Tools and routines that help her stay grounded and productive
• The mental health impact of entrepreneurship after personal hardship
• Encouragement for moms thinking about making a career change

Connect with Evonne Roman:

• Sweet Shop Gear
• Instagram: @sweetgearshop
• Mailing List: Sign up via her shop for 15% off your first order!

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In today's episode, Jacqueline has a conversation with Sarah Trott—tech executive, mom of three, and creator of the Fourth Trimester Podcast—to explore the crucial yet often overlooked postpartum period. They dive deep into how technology can compliment, not replace, the support new parents need, and Sarah shares the inspiration and utility behind her latest project, Hello Gaia, an AI-powered, trustworthy parenting resource tool. With warmth, candor, and a wealth of lived and learned experience, Sarah empowers moms to plan their fourth trimester with intention, resources, and confidence.

What you'll learn:

• Why creating a fourth trimester plan is just as important as a birth plan
• How technology like Hello Gaia can support postpartum parents with vetted, reliable information
• The importance of doulas, postpartum care, and trustworthy support systems
• Practical postpartum essentials to consider adding to your baby registry
• Where to find reputable parenting information online
• Why self-trust and intuition matter in your parenting journey
• How Sarah’s own experience led to the creation of Hello Gaia and her podcast
• Ways to involve your partner in postpartum planning and care
• The realities of postpartum emotional and physical recovery
• The hidden impact of maternity care deserts in the U.S.

Connect with Sarah Trott:

• Website: Fourth Trimester Podcast
• Hello Gaia: hellogaia.com
• Instagram: @fourthtrimesterpodcast

Books & Resources Mentioned:

• Book: The Power Pause by Neha Ruch
• Niha Ruch’s platform: Mother Untitled (follow on Instagram!)
• App: IRTH (Birth without the Bias)

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In this episode of Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline celebrates a significant milestone: the first birthday of her daughter Lorelei, who was born via surrogacy. Joined by her husband Josh, the two reflect on their journey from deciding to pursue surrogacy to reaching this joyous milestone. They discuss the emotional highs and lows, the logistics and financial challenges, and the overwhelming joy of bringing Lorelei into their family. Jacqueline and Josh share valuable insights and advice for other hopeful parents considering surrogacy, emphasizing the beauty of how families can be built in diverse and incredible ways. This heartwarming episode is not just a tribute to their daughter's first trip around the sun, but also an inspiring reminder that love, resilience, and intention are at the core of every family's journey.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

01:21 Reflecting on Lorelei's First Year

03:41 Mixed Emotions on Completing Our Family

07:57 The Day Lorelei Was Born

11:03 Challenges of Parenting Three Kids

14:29 Our Path to Surrogacy

19:29 Navigating the Surrogacy Process

23:36 Financial Realities of Surrogacy

25:34 The Joy of Holding Our Baby for the First Time

27:19 Reflecting on the Surrogacy Journey

32:01 Bonding with Our Baby Through Surrogacy

40:05 Hopes and Dreams for Lorelei's Future

44:42 Advice for Hopeful Parents Considering Surrogacy

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In this episode, Jacqueline delves into the challenges and strategies of managing screen time for children. She shares her personal experiences navigating screen usage for her three kids, especially during the pandemic. Jacqueline discusses the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and her practical approach, such as using a screen time token system and visual timers. She highlights the importance of high-quality content, engaging alternatives to screens, and leading by example. Jacqueline also touches on the complexities of content control and communication with children about their screen time habits. She concludes by emphasizing flexibility and open dialogue as key components of managing screen time effectively.

Products mentioned in the episode:

• Screen Time Tokens: https://amzn.to/4iewmSB
• Visual Timer for Kids: https://amzn.to/42GFnzi

*Amazon affiliate. Earns commission on purchases.

GET CONNECTED!

Motherhood Intended:

• Motherhood Intended website
• Join our FREE Motherhood Intended Community
• Send a DM for Jacqueline's Screen Time Chart PDF: @motherhood_intended
• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show!

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

01:00 Personal Experience with Screen Time

02:34 AAP Guidelines for Screen Time

04:16 Challenges and Strategies for Managing Screen Time

04:43 Screen Time Token System

11:00 Parental Controls and Content Management

11:59 Screen Time for Younger Children

15:00 Final Thoughts and Advice

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

Starting Solids: Evidence-Based Baby-Led Feeding with Cindy the Baby Dietician

In this episode, Jacqueline chats with Cindy, an experienced dietician and lactation consultant, about safe and effective methods for introducing solid foods to babies. Cindy discusses the general recommendations for starting solids at around six months, the signs of readiness, and debunks common myths about baby-led feeding. She shares practical tips on choosing nutrient-dense foods and stresses the importance of not pressuring children, which can lead to picky eating. Cindy also emphasizes the need for allergy prevention and the benefits of letting babies self-feed. The discussion includes insights from the book Cindy co-authored, 'Baby Leads the Way,' published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which offers evidence-based guidance on starting solids.

GET CONNECTED!

Motherhood Intended:

• Motherhood Intended website
• Join our FREE Motherhood Intended Community
• Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show!

Cinthia Scott, RD, IBCLC:

• Follow @the.baby.dietitian on Instagram
• Starting Solids 101 Course
• Baby Leads the Way: An Evidence-Based Guide to Introducing Solid Foods
• 101 Before One printed book
• Download the 101 Before One app

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

01:26 Starting Solids: Expectations and Practices

03:59 Introducing Food Allergens

05:20 Benefits of Baby-Led Feeding

08:00 Safety Tips for Baby-Led Weaning

12:33 Nutrient-Packed First Foods

15:56 Preventing Picky Eating

21:49 Creating a Positive Mealtime Environment

26:03 Understanding Baby-Led Feeding Myths

29:12 Practical Tips for Family Meals

32:11 Introducing 'Baby Leads The Way'

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12