Coffee & Grace: Recent Episodes
Sonya Brown
The Coffee & Grace podcast is a community where we have real and honest conversations about motherhood, provide hope to those who are anxiously waiting to become a Mama and a place where you can truly feel safe to speak your truth. Join host, Sonya Brown and weekly guests as they share stories, give advice and talk about the true beauty of motherhood, which is really found in the messy not so perfect stuff.
Taryn’s journey to motherhood was not an easy one. Before they had their first child, they had never stepped foot in an neo-natal intensive care unit. She learned very quickly that the NICU was a complete rollercoaster, and although she was incredibly grateful for her beautiful little boy, she was overwhelmed with fear, anxiety and uncertainty every single day for 7 weeks.
They knew they wanted to continue to grow their family, despite all the setbacks and complications they had with their first. After undergoing many procedures and a surgery, she was so hopeful that their next baby would be full term and healthy. Unfortunately, that was not the case. She was 29 weeks pregnant with her baby girl when she found out that she was in preterm labour. The next two weeks were spent trying to meet the needs of her first child while navigating bed rest, hospitalization, and eventually another preterm delivery.
Their little girl Reese spent the next 6 weeks in the NICU, overcoming many hurdles and obstacles that premature babies face.
Join me as Taryn shares intimate details of her NICU journey, the emotional and mental strain it had on her, and how she continues to advocate for her babies by providing a safe community for Mama’s who have had to rise through hard motherhood. I hope you enjoy.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Taryn you can find her on Instagram: @themessymamapod
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
With the spread of Covid-19, millions of moms and dads have started spending a lot of time with their children, in new roles. I’ve noticed a large number of memes and posts on social media that state, “But I’m not a stay-at-home mom”; “I’m not a homeschooling dad”; “I’m not a Pinterest mom.” Along with the markets, the coronavirus has wreaked havoc on our mental health and parenting strategies. Essentially what we’re all being called to do now is learn how to parent in a crisis.
Today I am so honoured to be sitting down with Carla Stern, who is a Registered Provisional Psychologist. Carla has worked with children and families for over 10 years, providing individual and family counselling for a vast range of mild to severe problems. Carla values lifelong learning and growth, and practices this in her own life as well. She has been trained in and has facilitated a number of parenting courses, and has provided education and consultation to parents, Teachers, and other professionals working with children.
Our conversation was full of so much wisdom and advice. We chat about:
Addressing your children’s fears around the pandemicHow to create a sense of calm in your homeManaging your expectations as a Mom and how to lessen mom guiltKind and thoughtful ways to talk to family members who may not follow Coronavirus guidelinesGuilt around increased screen-time and the pressures of homeschoolingHow to manage your anxiety as a parent, as well as your childs
I hope you enjoy.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Carla you can find her on Instagram: @carla.stern Facebook: @carlasternpsych or visit https://carlasternpsych.com/
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
The world may be in the middle of an unprecedented crisis, but people are still having babies. With 250 babies born every minute, it’s safe to assume that more than 12 million new lives have started since the world locked down about eight weeks ago. And while many anxious parents probably wish they could delay the birth of their child until Covid-19 recedes, that’s not an option. So hospitals, medical bodies, and labor and delivery staff have adapted their practices to allow women to give birth as safely as possible in the middle of this pandemic.
While the rules may vary in different countries, they all share the same goal, “Keep things as normal as possible.” But stories from around the world show that’s not always possible.
Today I am joined by Meghan who just recently gave birth to her third child (a little girl) in March. Meghan shares what it was like giving birth during a pandemic, how her postpartum journey looked much different than with her other two children and the highs and lows of bringing a new baby into the world during this unique time. I hope you enjoy.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Meghan you can find her on Instagram: @mrs.j_mom_wife_explorer
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Today I am joined by Tamara who after waiting 11 years to become a Mama, was blessed through adoption on March 16th of this year. Not only did they have less than 24hrs to prepare to bring their new daughter home, they were also bringing their new baby home at the same time Coronavirus restrictions were put in place in the province of Alberta.
Tamara shares with me what her journey to motherhood looked like and how she had to endure years of loss and sadness before she was blessed with her little girl. She also shares what it was like bringing a new baby home less than 24hrs of getting a call from her social worker there was a potential instant hospital placement available and we also get to hear what it was like not having her family and friends be able to celebrate in person with her and husband - something they have waited years for the opportunity to do.
Tamara’s story is filled with fear, sadness and uncertainty but it’s also filled with so much strength, hope, celebration and love. I hope you enjoy.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Tamara you can find her on Instagram: @ninjadesigns
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Today I am joined by Michele Senesac from Illinois who will be kicking off this short podcast series focused all around the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Michele was a guest on the Coffee & Grace podcast back in March where she shared her very personal story of infertility in an episode called My Waiting Room. Michele has been married to her husband of 5 years and together they have gone through countless treatments for infertility and endometriosis. Later in March, they were scheduled to start their journey through IVF and literally hours before she was about to start her cycle of meds, she got a call that her cycle would have to be cancelled because of the current pandemic. Michele is not a stranger to roadblocks on her path to parenthood and today we will get to hear how Michele is coping through yet another setback.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Michelle you can find her on Instagram: @ivf_to_babysenesac
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
"It's true. Christmas can feel like a lot of work, particularly for mothers. But when you look back on all the Christmases in your life, you'll find you created family traditions and lasting memories. Those memories, good and bad, are really what help to keep a family together over the long haul" - Caroline Kennedy
Family traditions build a sense of cohesiveness and belonging as well as creating memories that will last a lifetime. It was such an honour to welcome my good friend Jenna Kozan back to the Coffee & Grace podcast. We chat about family traditions we remember as a child, what new traditions we have started with our children, and the importance of creating last memories for our family.
Join us in this episode as we discuss all things related to family traditions, the impact they have on us as parents, and how to create meaningful ones for your children.
Show Notes:
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Today's conversation is a continuation from last week's podcast episode. Michele has undergone multiple treatments for infertility and endometriosis. In this episode she talks openly about what has been most emotionally and mentally challenging about building her family, how her journey through infertility has affected her relationship with her husband (grab tissues for this part), and she also provides some beautiful heartfelt advice and words of encouragement to those who are going through their own difficult journey to motherhood.
This episode is so beautiful, and full of so much real emotion. Michele and her husband are still on their journey to becoming parents and they hope their story will inspire someone else.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Michele you can find her on Instagram: @ivf_to_babysenesac
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Michele has been married to her husband of 5 years and together they have gone through a lot of treatment for infertility and her endometriosis. Michele speaks about what she has endured to finally get a diagnosis and complete excision of her endometriosis, as well as the multiple fertility treatments they have undergone. Michele and her husband are still on their journey to becoming parents and hope their story will inspire someone else.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Michele you can find her on Instagram: @ivf_to_babysenesac
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Holly & Alex Graham are two moms who have been blessed by adoption. Passionate about children with special needs, adopting a child with Down syndrome was something that was always in the back of their minds. They formally adopted Jaxson (aka Jax) on June 6, 2014, then adopted his brother, Niko, on Jan. 30, 2018. Their adoption stories are beautiful, but they didn’t come blessed with their two sons without a whole lot of uphill battles that took strength and sacrifice to overcome. Join me as I get the opportunity to sit down with both of these strong women and listen to their story. I promise you it will leave you inspired, and you’ll also have a good laugh.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Holly you can find her on Instagram: @downwithjaxandniko and to connect with Alex you can find her on Instagram: @the_other_mom
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Jenna is a mother, wife, photography, and clinical caseworker. Her daughter, Savannah, just turned 6 and they have been trying to grow their family for 5 years. They have had many obstacles and adverse experiences including 3 losses prior to having their little miracle as well as continue to learn to heal and cope with her husband's serious chronic illness. They finally feel peaceful and calm as they go through IVF to grow their family and achieve their dreams.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Jenna you can find her on Instagram: @jennakozanphotography
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Monique and her husband began their path to parenthood in the Spring of 2012 when she was 32 years young. After completing the HSG test to determine if her reproductive organs were in good health, the radiologist determined she had right tubal blockage. She was shocked and devastated. After one unsuccessful IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) they waited four long years before seeking the expertise of a reproductive endocrinologist for a second time. It was then she was diagnosed with a hormonal disease called hypothyroidism and uterine polyps. Although the right tubal blockage had "cleared" itself, Monique had two unforeseeable issues to deal with before they could begin any form of IVF treatment. In August of 2016, she became pregnant with their baby boy after one failed cycle. Finally after almost six years of marriage, they had their
miracle IVF baby. He is the inspiration behind her passion for infertility advocacy as well as preemie awareness.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Monique you can find her on Instagram: @infertilityandme_
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Sarah and her husband of eight years wanted to start a family just over four years ago. They quickly learned that growing a family isn’t always a smooth journey. Sarah’s first pregnancy was ectopic and resulted in emergency surgery at ten weeks. Her second pregnancy brought her (now three year old) son into the world, but after a healthy pregnancy and baby, Sarah walked the road of postpartum anxiety with her husband and ultimately special needs with her son. Just over a year ago, Sarah lost her third pregnancy to a miscarriage at ten weeks. Despite the heartaches, Sarah knows the unique perspective it’s given her to truly appreciate what she has in the moment. From the aches and pains of pregnancy to hearing her son say simple things like, “Mama,” she knows just how truly special each of these moments are.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Sarah Aschkenas you can find her on Instagram: @beingsarahgrace
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Sarah and her husband, Adam, always knew they wanted to be parents. They also knew that adoption would be included in their story. But after being diagnosed with "unexplained infertility", they changed the order of how they thought they would become parents and began pursuing their dream of adoption to grow their family. Sarah and Adam welcomed their beautiful baby boy in September of last year, via adoption, on their ninth wedding anniversary.
Join us for Episode 02 of Journey to Motherhood, as Sarah speaks about some of the highs and lows of adoption, and touches on their infertility journey.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Sarah Mensch you can find her on Instagram: @chasingparenthood Facebook: @chasingparenthoodco as well as their website www.chasingparenthood.com
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Season 2 has officially launched!I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our second season than by sitting down with women in this community and listening to their personal stories to motherhood. On today’s episode I am joined by Amanda Bowles (@thebowles_family)
Amanda has been married to her husband of 14 years and together they have 6 amazing kiddos, 5 came through adoption and 1 through IVF. Amanda speaks about fostering for 12 years, how each of her kids came to their family and all the ups and downs of foster care, adoption and infertility.
Show Notes:
To connect further with Amanda Bowles you can find her on Instagram: @thebowles_family and be sure to check out their Vlog Life is Better Together
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Hey everyone! Welcome to Season 2 of the Coffee & Grace podcast. There have been some exciting changes happening behind the scenes, so take a listen so you know what to expect from Coffee & Grace in Season 2. Trust me, it's going to be GOOD!
Show Notes:
Love the Coffee & Grace podcast? Join us below to stay connected with this community.
Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracecommunity
Website: http://www.coffeeandgrace.caEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
On this week's episode I got the opportunity to sit down with Tenille Harris whose son recently got diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Throughout our conversation Tenille will share the signs and symptoms that prompted her to further investigate his potential diagnosis, what the process looked like for her, and how she is coping with his diagnosis while raising two other young children.
Show Notes: Want to connect with Tenille Harris? You can find her at tenille.harris@icloud.com or on Instagram @tenilledawn
For more information on ADHD check out: https://caddac.ca/adhd/
Some great and inspiring Ted Talks about the positives of ADHD check out:
https://youtu.be/fWCocjh5aK0
https://youtu.be/uU6o2_UFSEY
Please check out the various places you can connect with the Coffee & Grace community:Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Facebook: @coffeeandgracepodcastEmail: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Today I get the opportunity to sit down with an old friend who I had the pleasure of attending University with. We reflect on life before motherhood, the lessons we have learned along the way, the pieces of us that have changed yet remain the same, and advice we would give to our Pre-Mom self. Whether you are a new Mom or a seasoned Mom, I hope this episode makes you laugh and helps you reflect.
Show Notes: To connect with my guest, Michelle Coels, Clinical Exericise Physiologist, Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach, please follow her on Instagram @onetoughmamafitness
Please check out the various places you can connect with the Coffee & Grace community:Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Email: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
November is National Adoption Awareness Month, and I thought this was the right time to dust off the mic, and share with you the adoption questions I hear most frequently. My hope is that by sharing some of the answers to frequently asked questions it will help you gain a little bit of insight into adoption.
Show Notes: To read my blog post about adopting Jayce click here:
Please check out the various places you can connect with the Coffee & Grace community:Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Email: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
This episode is an open and honest conversation about how we can support the new moms in our lives. Sonya and Jenn talk about everything from some of the best advice they received as new moms, what advice they could have done without, how the "just you wait" comments aren't really helpful, husband-shaming, and how to discuss a women's body pre/post pregnancy (hint: don't!). There is a little bit of everything in this episode, and we hope you gain a new perspective on the most "helpful" way to support a new mom.
Show Notes: Please check out the various places you can connect with the Coffee & Grace community:Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Email: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
The journey to building a family is not always easy. Sonya and Amy talk openly and honestly about their personal journey through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). They share details of the IVF process, the emotional toll it has taken on their lives, and how it has affected their relationships with their husbands.
Show Notes: Please check out the various places you can connect with the Coffee & Grace community:Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Email: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Two working Mama’s sit down and talk about how they navigate motherhood in a world where it is so easy to be pulled in many different directions. They talk about everything from creating a work-life balance (which seems impossible), the social media high-light reel, the importance of taking guilt free time for yourself, and creating your family culture. Most importantly, how we can continue to support each other as Moms while staying true to our own parenting philosophies.
Show Notes: Please check out the various places you can connect with the Coffee & Grace community:Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Email: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com
Welcome to the Coffee & Grace podcast. I am so excited for you to be a part of this community. In this episode I give a brief history of my journey through infertility and adoption and share with you all how Coffee & Grace came into existence. I also share with you what you can expect to hear in future episodes. Enjoy.
Show Notes: Please check out the various places you can connect with the Coffee & Grace community:Instagram: @coffeeandgrace Email: coffeeandgracepodcast@gmail.com