Jess For Moms Podcast : Recent Episodes
Jess Bjorling
As a post-birth coach, I'm here to help bridge the gap from delivery of your baby to the 6 week appointment (and beyond into motherhood).
There are a lot of resources for taking care of your baby. While that is super important, this podcast is different. This is a resource JUST for moms.
I'm here to help you take care of you so that you can thrive in the postpartum/new mom stage instead of just survive. And when you are taking great care of yourself, you will take great care of your baby too. I promise.
Free resources: https://www.jessformoms.com/resources/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessformoms/
You'll want to listen to this episode. It is truly beautiful to hear Rachel's experience with postpartum depression. The way that she and her husband grew together and found ways to get her the help she needed, the way she found cake decorating as a way to work through that difficult time (that then became a successful business), and the way that she describes her gratitude for her postpartum depression because it has helped her figure out better who she was as an individual and as a mom.
Other topics we cover in this episode:
- How her postpartum depression and anxiety went undiagnosed for a long time with her first baby.
- Her on-going experience with this and her ability to recognize symptoms and advocate for herself in her third pregnancy compared to her first.
- Symptoms she experienced (real, concrete, relatable examples that you will want to hear).
- Having humility to listen when someone points out that you don't seem like yourself.
- Advice from her pediatrician about the pros and cons of medication while pregnant.
- Getting professional help, as well as accepting help from partners and friends.
- Importance of education on postpartum depression and anxiety for both you AND your partner.
- "You are the mother your children need".
- What control you do have in this situation (that often feels outside of your control).
- How you can help someone who might be experiencing postpartum depression (being the friend to ask the bold questions)
- And so much more!
Ultimately, I'm grateful for Rachel's years of experience and her wisdom. I'm sure that this will help any mom experiencing postpartum depression right now, or anyone supporting someone going through it.
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Rachel's professional cake account - "Cake's By Rach"
Book that Rachel mentions - "You Are the Mother Your Children Need"_______________________________
Struggling in the postpartum stage? Schedule a 30 minute session and you will leave with an actionable plan of how to turn your postpartum experience around! (Common concerns include breastfeeding difficulties, overwhelming emotions, sleep deprivation, strain on relationships, etc.)
Together we've got this! I promise.
How do you stay sane when you are up all night with a baby?! I'm here to help you with this. In this podcast episode, I'm sharing FOUR ways that have helped both me and my clients with this exact topic.
Most of us worry about getting enough sleep in the postpartum stage. And everyone tells you to be worried about it! 🤪 But I PROMISE you, there are things you can do that will help you SO much. So make sure to listen to this episode as well as check out my free resource of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage."
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Struggling in the postpartum stage? Schedule a 30 minute session and you will leave with an actionable plan of how to turn your postpartum experience around! (Common concerns include breastfeeding difficulties, overwhelming emotions, sleep deprivation, strain on relationships, etc.)
Together we've got this! I promise.
If you have had a difficult time with birth control, this episode is for you!!! You will want to listen to this episode to hear all about the Fertility Awareness Method which is DIFFERENT than what you’ve likely heard about - the “Natural Family Planning Method.” It’s much more exact and backed by science. (Let’s be clear - the Natural Family Planning Method is not bad! It’s just good to be aware of and educated on the differences.)
I’m so grateful to have Alexa Jeppson join me to discuss this topic. She is an RN, has done a ton of research on this method, and has her own personal experience as well.
Here are some of the topics that are covered in this episode:
- Alexa’s personal experience with hormonal birth control
- What led her to the Fertility Awareness Method (The Daysy specifically)a
- Benefits of using this method
- Concerns she had going into using this method and how she researched/addressed those
- How effective this method is vs other birth control methods
- How this method works day-to-day, how much time is involved, how long it takes to sync to learn how your personal body functions, how it links the information to an app to refer back to, etc.
- Advice for someone navigating this with their partner (the possibility of switching from hormonal birth control to this method)
- How Alexa's medical provider felt about her pursuing this method and why she thinks this isn’t talked about more often as an option.
This episode is NOT about being anti-birth control! If traditional birth control methods have been a positive experience for you, then keep using them! That’s wonderful. But if they are NOT… if they are causing anxiety, depression, unwanted weight gain, or other negative side affects, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER. There is another way that is equally as effective (and as a bonus, it helps you get to know your own body even better).
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The fertility tracker that Alexa personally uses: The Daysy
Another one she mentions: Natural Cycles
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Download your free guide of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage." We all know that sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of the newborn/postpartum stage. But don't worry! I've got you!
Here's a quick tip that has helped me as a mom of three kids navigate the holidays - especially Christmas. I tend to have big expectations and hopes for the holidays, and this is the NUMBER ONE thing that has helped me have a great Christmas every year :) Listen and let me know what you think! Just message me over on my Instagram page @jessformoms. Happy holidays!!
Download your free guide of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage." We all know that sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of the newborn/postpartum stage. But don't worry! I've got you!
This is SUCH an important topic. Did you know that 1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression?! It is not just the mom that is at risk for postpartum mood disorders. Knowing this is the case can help you and your spouse or partner be better prepared for how to recognize depression or anxiety, and know how to get help.
That is why I invited Alyssa Nilsen on the podcast. She and her husband have personal experience with this and are such an amazing team. Listen as she shared their experience with their first two kids and their personal struggles as Thomas (her husband) experienced depression both times (as well as anxiety and OCD).
I loved hearing about the way they prepared for their third baby, and the ways that it paid off. (ESPECIALLY since Alyssa literally almost died due to a crazy rare infection - but you will need to listen to hear that crazy story and how it has affected them these past several months since their baby girl was born).
We cover things like:
- What she and Thomas learned from their first two postpartum experiences.
- How they prepared better and more intentionally for their third baby.
- Some symptoms that your partner is struggling with mental health during that stage.
- Ways to best support them.
- And Alyssa's amazing advice to someone whose partner is struggling with their mental health right now (whether or not you are in the postpartum stage)
If this is you, you are not alone! Mental health challenges are SO common among women AND men. In and outside of the postpartum stage. Their is help available to you. Talk to your doctor or a counselor. Or at least, talk with your partner or someone you love and trust.
You can also check out Alyssa and Thomas' Instagram page where they share their journey navigating mental health - providing support and tips. You can also listen to their own podcast called "Love, The Nilsens".
Download your free guide of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage." We all know that sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of the newborn/postpartum stage. But don't worry! I've got you!
So grateful for Lindy Lemperle sharing her experience with going back to work after having her baby!
Here are a few of the things we cover throughout the episode:
- Lindy's experience working professionally through a couple miscarriages, then her pregnancy with her baby, Miles. And then going back to work
- How she prepared for maternity leave.
- Advocating for herself in her current position, now that she is a working mom.
- Benefits that she has seen for her son from her working.
- Ways that she has found that help her stay balanced in her career, as a mom, and in taking care of her own needs.
- Advice for women struggling with feeling guilty when they want or need to go back to work.
And much more! It's an episode you won't want to miss!
Download your free guide of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage." We all know that sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of the newborn/postpartum stage. But don't worry! I've got you!
This week's episode is one of my favorite topics! It's one that I have seen make a huge difference not only for myself, but my clients as well. Doing things that help you "feel like you" in the postpartum and newborn stage will be a GAME CHANGER.
In the episode we answer some common questions I get around this topic:
- Why is it so important to feel like you in this stage?
- How do I identify what activities help me "feel like me"
- How do I work those into the postpartum stage?
- What if I don't enjoy all the things that I used to do?
You'll hear me talk about my one-on-one, 30 minute sessions that are specifically for women who are struggling to feel like themselves in the postpartum stage (or any other challenge like breastfeeding, anxious thoughts, sleep deprivation, etc). These 30 minute sessions are meant to help turn your postpartum experience around so that it can be a time that you actually enjoy (rather than endure).
I know you are tough. I know you could do it on your own. But I promise you, this is a much better (and easier) way 💛 Click here to schedule. I've got you!
Download your free guide of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage." We all know that sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of the newborn/postpartum stage. But don't worry! I've got you!
Sharing a check in on where I am 9 months postpartum! Specifically how I am doing in regards to healing, how I'm doing emotionally, how sleep is going with a 9 month old baby, and an update on breastfeeding. We will also be talking about how this applies to YOU in your own postpartum journey - whether you are currently in the first year postpartum or are just thinking ahead.
I have two goals in sharing this:
1. For you to have a general idea of what you can expect around 9 months postpartum.
2. Give you ideas, resources, and options of ways you can improve your own healing process, emotional wellbeing, sleep, and breastfeeding (if you are going that route). These are things I have found to work well for me and my clients, as well as things that I am currently working on.
ALSO, as we are heading into season two of the podcast, if you (or someone you know) would like to be a guest sharing a topic related to postpartum that you are passionate or experienced with, please reach out to me!
Referenced sleep products from episode:
- Taking Cara Babies Newborn Sleep Course
- "Get Your Sleep On" by the Peaceful Sleeper, Christine Lawler
Download your free guide of "7 Ways to Get the Sleep You Need in the Newborn Stage." We all know that sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of the newborn/postpartum stage. But don't worry! I've got you!
Definitely bring all the items you want for your baby - but don't forget to bring items just for YOU! Planning ahead for these types of things will only help improve your experience with labor and delivery. Remember, you're worth taking great care of too ❤️
Listen to this episode to hear the TEN items I recommend bringing. As well as an important announcement about the podcast!
Download your free guide of "Questions to Ask Your Doctor in the Postpartum Stage." This is a resource you can take to your next doctor's appointment to help you feel better prepared!
The postpartum stage doesn't have to be scary.
When I had my first baby I would describe myself as more "naive" when it came to what to expect in the postpartum stage. After my experience, I shifted to more of a scared state - scared to ever go through that stage again. That was obviously not a state I wanted to stay in.
I decided that I needed to shift from "scared" to "prepared".
Today I am sharing the three things that helped me do this, and the three things that I help other expectant or new moms do.
- Creating a Postpartum Plan
- Ask for help
- Maintaining perspective
You do not have complete control over how labor and delivery goes, if you tear or have a c-section, how breastfeeding goes, how your baby sleeps, etc. But you do have control over these three things - you can be prepared by creating and implementing a postpartum plan, you can identify areas where you need help and ask for that help, and you can maintain the perspective that this stage will pass and will not last forever.
An important part of taking care of yourself is meeting your physical needs. A few months after having a baby is a great to check in and make sure that things are okay - or to take care of things that are wrong and are needing help in order to get better!
After having my third baby in January, I have gone to 5 different doctor appointments (beyond my 6 week follow up with my OBGYN) to help make sure that I'm taking care of my physical/emotional needs.
- Chiropractor
- Primary Care Physician
- Dermatologist
- Dentist
- Pelvic Floor Therapist
- (Therapist - bonus one that I discuss that I've gone to in the past after having a baby)
Listen to hear more about why I went to these five appointments specifically after having my baby, what my experience was, and how they helped me fix different issues and challenges I was facing postpartum (and some during pregnancy as well).
Make sure to schedule your own appointments! Just pick up the phone and call. This can be the hardest part! Reward yourself with a treat or a break or something fun. But find a way to motivate yourself to do it! You are worth taking care of 💛
Download your free guide of "Questions to Ask Your Doctor in the Postpartum Stage." This is a resource you can take to your next doctor's appointment to help you feel better prepared!
This is a special episode in honor of Mother’s Day this weekend. As a mom, have you ever felt like you are not the kind of mom you want to be? Have you ever felt like you are not enough? Maybe you feel like you aren't doing a good job, or that your weaknesses outweigh your strengths. Do you ever find that you are comparing yourself to other moms?
If you relate to any of these feelings, this episode is for you. Listen as I share how the concept of "all kinds of moms" has set me free from these types of feelings. I promise it's not an episode you want to miss.
Download your free guide of "Questions to Ask Your Doctor in the Postpartum Stage." This is a resource you can take to your next doctor's appointment to help you feel better prepared!
For most of my life… I thought of “self care” as a spa day. When I became a mom, I thought of “self care” as getting a shower in.
A couple years ago I learned that “self care” is much more than a buzzword, and much more than a spa day or a shower. Self care can and should be a comprehensive approach to taking care of yourself.
In this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing my experience of when I was at my personal lowest point - we had gone through some really hard things in my little family, I was struggling physically and emotionally, and I had completely lost myself in motherhood.
I made some big changes in my life and learned the importance of actually taking care of myself and meeting my own needs. I share some of the specific things that I did/do to take care of myself… but most importantly I share my APPROACH to self care that I truly believe can help everyone.
If you are feeling burned out, overwhelmed, exhausted… this episode is for you 💛
Download your free guide of "Questions to Ask Your Doctor in the Postpartum Stage." This is a resource you can take to your next doctor's appointment to help you feel better prepared!
Come and hear what to expect around 3 months postpartum! (My husband joined us again for this episode)
Some other points we cover:
- What to do if things are not improving in specific areas
- The importance of remembering that you are still in the postpartum stage and therefore, still in survival mode
- Still prioritizing meeting your needs/using your postpartum plan
And you won't want to miss "Nicki's Tips" 😂 You'll have to listen to learn what that even means 🤦🏻♀️
Download your free guide of "Questions to Ask Your Doctor in the Postpartum Stage." This is a resource you can take to your next doctor's appointment to help you feel better prepared!
Have you ever had this thought? Or one similar to it? When you are struggling emotionally, or feeling rundown, or maybe you're sick... being a "mom" and taking care of your kids on top of that can feel like a lot. Maybe it feels like more than you can handle. I have been there! I still find myself there, but way less than I used to.
In this episode, I am sharing the 3 things that help me out of this spiral - the three things that I do to show up for myself and take care of ME.
Download your free guide of "Questions to Ask Your Doctor in the Postpartum Stage." This is a resource you can take to your next doctor's appointment to help you feel better prepared!
This was the most requested topic for the podcast! Which makes sense - it's a big change for our kids and we want to make it as easy as possible for them.
We have gone through this transition twice now and have found four areas that have really helped our kids. Listen to hear the different tips that have worked well for our family! These won't make the transition perfect, but I feel confident that it will help make it a little smoother.
Download your free guide of "Questions to Ask Your Doctor in the Postpartum Stage." This is a resource you can take to your next doctor's appointment to help you feel better prepared!
Have you ever wondered what the recovery is like after having a baby? Well regardless of if you have a vaginal delivery or a c-section, Anna Jones is here to share tips and help you know exactly what to expect.
Anna is a RN who has worked in labor and delivery, mother/baby (postpartum unit) as well as in a birth center. She knows her stuff!
In addition to sharing about recovery, she also shares what to expect hormonally and emotionally, what nurses REALLY think when you poop during labor, and so much more. You won't want to miss this episode!
Listen to hear the top six things that have helped this be our BEST postpartum experience of the three!
If you'd like to learn more about creating a Postpartum Plan or to see if postpartum coaching is a good fit for you, schedule a FREE consultation!I can't wait to meet with you!
Week 5 postpartum!
If you'd like to learn more about creating a Postpartum Plan or to see if postpartum coaching is a good fit for you, schedule a FREE consultation!I can't wait to meet with you!
We can't believe it's been four weeks since our little Tate was born! We are finally feeling like the end of the "survival stage" will actually come at some point :)
Here are some of the topics we cover:
- Tips for if your spouse or partner doesn't have a lot of time off work
- "Evidence of improvement" (listen to hear what Nicholas means by that)
- Continuing to fill up our cups
- Allowing others to help
- Getting ready (even just a little each day)
- Encouraging your spouse/partner
- "Part of it's learning, part of it's waiting" (again, listen to hear this advice that applies to a lot of different stages)
If you'd like to learn more about creating a Postpartum Plan or to see if postpartum coaching is a good fit for you, schedule a FREE consultation!I can't wait to meet with you!
Week three!
Here are some of the things we cover:
- Prioritizing each of our needs/filling our cups
- Weekly check ins as a couple
- Trouble with newborn sleep and tips for getting through it
- Breastfeeding update
- Nipple vasospasm and how to treat it
If you'd like to learn more about creating a Postpartum Plan or to see if postpartum coaching is a good fit for you, schedule a FREE consultation!I can't wait to meet with you!
I have my husband joining me again this week as we share about week 2 of our postpartum experience! Listen as we both share what things have helped us the most - individually and together.
This week we are covering things like vaginal tears, dealing with swings in emotion due to hormones, night sweats (due to more hormones), survival mode mentality, what to do when you're feeling discouraged in this stage, and more!
If you'd like to learn more about creating a Postpartum Plan or to see if postpartum coaching is a good fit for you, schedule a FREE consultation!I can't wait to meet with you!
We are one week into the postpartum period with our third baby! This week has been my opportunity to practice what I preach - and to also implement what I've learned from my previous two postpartum experiences, as well as what I've learned coaching other women in this stage.
I have my husband joining me for this episode! Listen to hear us share a little about our experience this first week and then as we each share what has helped us the most - individually and together.
We cover things like breastfeeding challenges, some tips for your time in the hospital, getting quality sleep, and more!
If you'd like to learn more about creating a Postpartum Plan or to see if postpartum coaching is a good fit for you, schedule a FREE consultation!I can't wait to meet with you!
So grateful to have Sarah on the podcast to share all things breastfeeding! There is so much good information that she covers, wonderful resources, as well a couple items she highly recommends that you should add to your registry.
Here are just a few of the things she covers:
- Sarah's personal experience breastfeeding (the struggles she went through with her first child) and how it led to her becoming a lactation consultant
- What lactation consultants do and how she personally serves her clients
- Her advice for first time moms who are just starting or are about to start their breastfeeding journey
- Tips for the first feeding following delivery
- Common challenges moms experiences with breastfeeding and how to combat them (lip/tongue ties, milk supply, latch challenges, etc)
- For moms who decide not to breastfeed or decide to stop: tips on how to dry up your milk, as well as some meaningful words of encouragement!
- The need for support
- And so much more!
Important links from the episode:
- "My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow"
- "Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale"
- Breastfeeding Tips in the First Hours (video)
- Lactation Consultants (with tongue tie training)
- Lactation Network (find a lactation consultant covered by your insurance!)
If you'd like to learn more about creating a Postpartum Plan or to see if postpartum coaching is a good fit for you, schedule a FREE consultation!I can't wait to meet with you!
Sometimes things just work out. But sometimes we miss those things because aren't looking for them.
Each of our "hard" things are hard. And if you haven't listened to the episode "Hard is hard," I highly recommend you start there. But there is a balance of recognizing and validating the hard, and then also looking for the good.
One of the best ways that I have found to do this is to look for the things that just "worked out." The things that if you take a step back, you can see how even in the middle of hard things, there were some things that fell into place and worked out in order to help you through those hard things.
Listen to this week's episode to hear:
- How this principle applies to pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum stage (you'll hear my personal examples from my first experience in these areas)
- The three reasons WHY looking for the things that work out matters (and how it impacts us)
- How to balance validating the hard and looking for good (and why BOTH are crucial)
I'd love to hear a way YOU have recognized something that has just "worked out" - even during a hard experience. It can be in any area of your life. Feel free to send me a message on Instagram or comment on the recent post.
If you'd like to learn more about creating a Postpartum Plan or to see if postpartum coaching is a good fit for you, schedule a FREE consultation!I can't wait to meet with you!
We're back to talk about sleep... again. It's just that important! Last episode we talked about tips for sleeping in the newborn stage, but I also wanted to make sure that we talked about WHY prioritizing sleep is so important. (And hint, it's not just so that you don't feel tired - though that's great too).
If you'd like to learn more about creating a Postpartum Plan or to see if postpartum coaching is a good fit for you, schedule a FREE consultation!I can't wait to meet with you!
While I felt like many aspects of the postpartum stage were not talked about a lot, SLEEP was something I felt like everyone warned me about. They definitely let me know that I would not be sleeping very much. Can anyone else relate?
Everyone's main advice was to "sleep when the baby sleeps." Now, I'm not saying this is bad advice. But the problem is it's just not reliable - you don't know how long the baby will sleep. And if you're anything like me, and the baby is sleeping near you, you hear any noise they make and YOU wake up.
Sleeping in the newborn stage can feel scary and intimidating.
But I have good news for you! There ARE things you can do to help yourself and your baby even in those first few weeks that will help you get better rest than you otherwise would.I am sharing those exact things in this episode. So make sure to tune in!
Caring for your newborn baby with your spouse/partner can be such an incredible bonding experience. It can be a wonderful change, but it's still a change. You will have new routines, new physical and emotional challenges, and new roles. It's natural to have a lot of your attention and focus on your baby. However, it is important that your relationship as a couple does not take a back seat.
It will look different for a time! But different doesn't have to be bad. It just means you may need to be a little more intentional. It will be so worth it, I promise.
So that’s what this podcast episode is for - to help you know how to connect with your spouse even in this stage. Listen to hear my three tips for connecting and strengthening your relationship in this unique stage.
Also, I wanted to find a way to make all of this easier for you and so I created a FREE resource of 40 ways to connect with your spouse/partner in the newborn stage. Make sure to check it out and let me know what you think!
If you'd like to learn more about creating a Postpartum Plan or to see if postpartum coaching is a good fit for you, schedule a FREE consultation!I can't wait to meet with you!
After you deliver your baby (whether vaginally or via c-section), there are specific recovery products that you will need. Do you know what those are or where to get them? Natalie Dowling from Popped is sharing the answers to those questions on this week's podcast episode!
Here are some things she covers:
- The story of Popped and why she started this company (hint: it has to do with her first postpartum experience)
- What recovery products a first time mom can expect to need after having a baby
- Why the right products make such a difference in postpartum
- Certain products and supplies that are specifically good for those who have c-sections
- And what makes the Popped products different from what they give you in the hospital
I'm so grateful that Natalie would take the time to share her knowledge and expertise with us in order to help other moms be more prepared heading into the recovery from birth!
Make sure to check out their products on their website https://thepoppedshop.com/. Natalie is so kind and has offered all of us a discount code! Just use the code "JESSFORMOMS" for 30% off.****
You can also check out their instagram page @thepoppedshop.
Infertility is a type of loss. Loss of the type of experience you thought you would have when it came to starting your family. For some it may even be the loss of experiencing pregnancy at all, or delivering a child, or possibly a loss of even having children.
If you are in the midst of infertility, know that you are not alone. There are some who can relate to what you are feeling, and the rest are praying for you and cheering you on! I hope you're taking care of yourself and validating yourself on how hard this is. Hard is hard, and infertility is no exception.
As mentioned in the last few episodes, October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. I feel strongly that infertility is a part of this. As a result, for this week's episode we are honored to have Jennifer Smith join us (who also happens to be my amazing mom) as she shares her own experience with infertility and the "losses" that she experienced.
She also shares about how her infertility journey led to adoption - which came with its own kind of losses but also the biggest blessings.
Listen until the end to hear how to help or support someone who is going through infertility, as well as her advice to women in the midst of this struggle. ❤️
Make sure to download my FREE list of Questions to Ask Your Doctor About the Postpartum Stage. Looking for additional help? Head over to jessformoms.com for more resources.
Miscarriage was something I never thought I would experience. It's also not something that I knew a lot about. It is a topic that, for generations, has not been discussed very much. I think we are doing better as society than ever before, but it's always been kind of taboo. No one should feel obligated to talk about it - it can be super personal and vulnerable. But for those who maybe feel isolated in their pain, or feel like they shouldn't talk about it, I hope we can do even better about creating space and a comfortable environment so that anyone can feel like sharing is a real possibility.
Today's episode has a few purposes:
- Educate a little more on miscarriages - potential causes, things that don't cause miscarriages, how many people experience them, etc.
- Share my personal experience with miscarriage - both physically and emotionally, and some things that really helped me through this experience
I hope that for those who haven't experienced miscarriage, that it can help remove some of the unknowns or offer some insight into what a miscarriage is like (as this was not something I knew a lot about beforehand).
For those who have experienced miscarriage, I hope this episode can help you feel possibly a little less alone in your experience or encourage you to share your own personal experience.
And for everyone, please remember that your hard is hard ❤️
Make sure to download my FREE list of Questions to Ask Your Doctor About the Postpartum Stage. Looking for additional help? Head over to jessformoms.com for more resources.
This month is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness. On this episode we have Shelly Myers to share her personal experience with pregnancy (and postpartum) after loss.
Listen to hear more about:
- Their infertility journey and winning IVF on a radio!
- Beautiful baby Milo's story
- What it was like being pregnant with her second son, Beckham, after losing Milo
- What it was like taking Beckham home when that was not her experience with Milo
- What helped her process and cope with a lot of the mixed and complicated emotions
- What this experience was like for Shelly's husband, Jason, and some things helped him
- Tips for how to help a friend who has experienced loss
You'll want to listen until the end to hear Shelly's beautiful advice for moms who have lost a baby and are now pregnant again or just had another baby.
This month is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness month and the podcast episodes will be revolving around these heavy but important topics. However, BEFORE we go into those topics, I wanted to make sure we talk about one of my favorite principles which is "hard is hard."
We ALL have hard things. Every single one of us. And we have a tendency as humans to gauge how difficult our hard things are. Often we try to gauge this by comparing ourselves to what others have gone through - whether we think it's harder or easier.
We end up either minimizing what we are going through because someone else has it harder, or we might try to gain confidence in our challenging things by looking at "how much harder" we have it than other people.
Listen to today's podcast to learn:
- Why neither of approaches are helpful or necessary
- How to lean into the statement that "hard is hard", independent of anyone else
- How you can be the one to support YOU during your hard things
- Tips for how to do this
- And a whole lot more!
I hope you'll join me next week as well where we will be welcoming our first guest to talk about "Pregnancy After Loss."
Ready to create your Postpartum Plan? Head over to jessformoms.com and click on "Your Postpartum Plan" in the top right corner. Or here is the direct scheduling link.
We ALL have social needs. It's true. It looks different for everyone, and we may meet them in different ways, but we all have social needs.
Listen to learn more about:
- The science behind why we all need relationships and connection with others.
- Why we need connection even MORE in the postpartum stage.
- HOW to meet your social needs in the postpartum stage
- Tips for getting out of the house in those early weeks
- Finding ways to connect with the people in your life
- Taking your personality into account when meeting your social needs
- How to make sure this all of these things actually happen!
Don't forget that when you build a Postpartum Plan, we walk through what meeting your social needs could look like for you in this stage - taking into account your specific circumstances. You can learn more by going to www.jessformoms.com/services/.
When it comes to exercising postpartum, the general guideline you hear is to wait for six weeks and then you are good to go! But what does "good to go" mean? What does exercising after you've had a baby actually look like? What can you expect from your body? How do you take care of your body during this process?
If you've asked yourself these questions, this is a great episode for you. Shaina Partlow is a Health Coach, Group Fitness Instructor, and a Certified Prenatal & Postnatal Fitness Specialist. We are so lucky to have her join us to share some of her knowledge and expertise on this subject.
Here are some of the areas Shaina addresses on the topic of Postpartum Exercise:
- Realistic expectations of how long it takes to recover to the same fitness level and how much weight you can actually expect to lose in the first few weeks and months.
- Postpartum = Rest, Recovery, & Core Re-training (lot of great info on each of these)
- The benefits of seeing a Pelvic Floor Therapist - what they can help you with, and having the courage to schedule an appointment. (Shaina shares her personal experience with it and it is so much better than you think!)
- Exercise - starting with low impact activities, listening to your body, and other great tips on things like what exercise to avoid, intensity of exercise, frequency, as well as nutrition.
- How to avoid feeling selfish when prioritizing exercise.
Stick around to the end to hear Shaina's tips for when you're feeling discouraged/frustrated with exercise and weight loss in the postpartum stage.
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Connect with Shaina:
- Instagram: @shaithisway
- www.wellnessbyshainajoyce.com
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Links to resources Shaina mentioned in the episode:
- Find a Pelvic Floor Therapist: https://pelvicrehab.com/
- Blog Post that includes graphic for measuring: https://www.wellnessbyshainajoyce.com/post/starting-an-exercise-routine-here-are-my-5-tips
- Sahrmann Exercises:
- Description - https://aaptiv.com/magazine/exercises-postpartum-abdominal-recovery
- Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfhdcu_bOmI
- Luna Mother Collective: https://www.lunamother.co/
Ready to create your Postpartum Plan? Head over to jessformoms.com and click on "Your Postpartum Plan" in the top right corner. Or here is the direct scheduling link https://calendly.com/jessformoms/postpartum-plan.
Did you know that 50% of pregnant/postpartum women will experience hemorrhoids? It's not the most glamorous topic, but it's a very relevant and important one that doesn't get a lot of attention.
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in your rectum and anus. They can be super painful and make it very difficult to have a bowel movement. BUT! You don't need to stress about them.
On this episode, we have Jenny Pape who has done all of the research and experimentation for you that will allow you to have a plan of how to take care of hemorrhoids quickly and effectively.
Here are the areas we discuss:
- What causes hemorrhoids and what they feel like
- Why they are so relevant in pregnancy/postpartum
- Jenny's personal experience with them
- What you can do to help hemorrhoids during pregnancy AND postpartum (Jenny's tried and true tips and tricks)
Also, a lot of these tips apply to those who experience vaginal tears and ALL women with their first postpartum bowel movement postpartum.
Stick around to the end to hear Jenny's two pieces of advice for moms in the postpartum stage (outside of hemorrhoids). You'll want to hear these!
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Links to hemorrhoid related products discussed in the episode:
- Motherlove Rhoid Balm - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001OOEKC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- Sitz Bath for Hemorrhoids & Postpartum Care - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P9XTZV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- Pure Epsom Salt - https://www.target.com/p/dr-teal-39-s-wellness-therapy-pure-epsom-bath-salt-3lb/-/A-76525873
- Always Postpartum Underwear - https://www.amazon.com/Always-Discreet-Incontinence-Postpartum-Disposable/dp/B00KXUW72G/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1JISMLWD1ZOTL&keywords=depends+postpartum&qid=1663294645&rdc=1&s=hpc&sprefix=depends+postpartum%2Chpc%2C106&sr=1-2
- Haaka Silicone Breast Pump - https://www.amazon.com/Haakaa-Silicone-Suction-Leak-Proof-Phthalate/dp/B07J4GCPC8/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Haakaa+Generation+2+Silicone+Breast+Pump+with+Suction+Base+5+oz+1pk&qid=1663295109&sr=8-5
Ready to create your Postpartum Plan? Head over to jessformoms.com and click on "Your Postpartum Plan" in the top right corner. Or here is the direct scheduling link https://calendly.com/jessformoms/postpartum-plan.
A lot of our disappointment and discouragement comes from unmet expectations. Especially when it comes to what we expect of ourselves. If you can walk into this period with adjusted and realistic expectations, you are way more likely to avoid discouragement and feel a lot more contentment and happiness.
Many things in the postpartum stage will be outside of our control - physical challenges, our baby, and some of our other circumstances. But what IS in our control are the expectations we have of ourselves.
In this episode, we discuss setting realistic and healthy expectations that you have for YOU.
- The first expectation is that your “checklist” of things to get done each day should revolve around taking care of your needs and your baby’s. That’s it!
- The second expectation is that the other areas in your life outside of the essential priorities should only require B- effort. Or should be delegated to someone else for a time.
- And the third expectation is to expect that this stage will feel different from your typical schedule. And rather than trying to stress about creating a rigid routine or schedule, just focus on taking baby steps right now towards a routine.
Listen to the full episode to hear a lot more on each of these points!
Ready to create your Postpartum Plan? Head over to jessformoms.com and click on "Your Postpartum Plan" in the top right corner. Or here is the direct scheduling link https://calendly.com/jessformoms/postpartum-plan.
We're talking about the Baby Blues! Did you know that 80% of women experience the baby blues in the first couple weeks? But somehow a lot of women are still unaware of what they are and what to do when they feel them. This episode is to fix that!
Here are the areas we cover:
- What the baby blues are NOT
- What the baby blues ARE
- Meeting three physical needs that will lessen the likelihood (or magnitude) of the baby blues
- Ideas of what you can do WHEN you experience the baby blues
- How a postpartum plan helps you prepare for the baby blues
After listening, you will feel better educated and better prepared to tackle the baby blues.
Ready to create your Postpartum Plan? Head over to jessformoms.com and click on "Your Postpartum Plan" in the top right corner. Or here is the direct scheduling link https://calendly.com/jessformoms/postpartum-plan.
First, important reminder that this is the last week you can sign up to create a FREE postpartum plan! You can schedule it to be in the month of September, but the free link will only work through the end of August. Head to www.jessformoms.com to sign up!
This week we are talking about ASKING FOR HELP.
We all need help. You could technically do it alone... but it will be so much better for everyone if you are able to ask for help.
We talk through the three aspects of this:
- How to identify what areas you need help with
- Thinking through who could help you with these things (you have more options than you may think, by the way)
- How to communicate what you need (this can be the hardest part for a lot of people)
Oh and just as a side note, a postpartum plan walks you through how to do all of this as well.
Again, I'm sure you could do this alone. But there is such a better way. Ask for the help!
For the month of August, you can sign up to create your FREE postpartum plan! Head over to jessformoms.com and click on "Your Free Postpartum Plan" in the top right corner. Or here is the direct scheduling link https://calendly.com/jessformoms/postpartum-plan.
What if I'm not loving the newborn stage? Or what if I don't end up loving the newborn stage?
The good news is nothing is wrong with you! And I have three tips to help you.
1. This is survival mode. This stage does not last forever. You just need to focus on taking care of you and your baby.
2. Separate your baby from the "hard". Everyone's "hard" will be different. It's important that we separate in our minds that our baby is not what is hard, but that it's the specific circumstance (breastfeeding, colic, healing process, anxiety, etc) that is challenging.
3. Everything and everyone is 50/50. 50% awesome and 50% a bit of a mess. This can help you set realistic expectations for this stage, your baby, your partner, and especially yourself.
Listen to the full episode for more on these tips!
For the month of August, you can sign up to create your FREE postpartum plan! Head over to jessformoms.com and click on "Your Free Postpartum Plan" in the top right corner. Or here is the direct scheduling link https://calendly.com/jessformoms/postpartum-plan.
Here's a quick outline of today's episode!
We will be addressing all of the following questions:
- What is the first step in preparing for your postpartum experience? (I'll give you the answer ahead of time... it's a postpartum plan;) )
- What is a postpartum plan?
- Why is it important?
- How do I create a postpartum plan?
There is also a little bit about what I hope you gain from creating this plan!
For the month of August, you can sign up to create your FREE postpartum plan! Head over to jessformoms.com and click on "Your Free Postpartum Plan" in the top right corner. Or here is the direct scheduling link https://calendly.com/jessformoms/postpartum-plan.
My passion is helping moms in the Postpartum stage. Random, right? But it's true!
The purpose of this episode is to share my first postpartum experience so that you can learn where this passion comes from.
I cover three aspects of my postpartum experience - sleep, tearing/healing, and breastfeeding. And how my challenges in these areas led me to having the desire to help other moms prepare for and navigate the postpartum stage.
We also discuss the need for a postpartum plan, not just a birth plan. And how a postpartum plan can really make all of the difference.
Stick around until the end to learn about my free offer that only lasts through the next month!
And make sure to tune in to the next episode to learn even more about creating your postpartum plan.
Sign up HERE to create your free postpartum plan or head over to jessformoms.com.