Join us as we explore the intersection of occupational therapy (OT) and feeding support with our guest, Liz Koren, an experienced pediatric occupational therapist. Liz, who holds a master's degree from Boston University and runs Pure Pediatric Therapy, shares her extensive knowledge on addressing pediatric oral, motor, and feeding issues. Through her personal postpartum experiences, Liz offers invaluable insights into how OT can play a crucial role from infancy through early childhood, emphasizing the importance of educating new moms and empowering families to support their child's development.

We discuss the specialization of pediatric feeding therapy, drawing from both professional and personal experiences. We'll talk about the challenges of teaching babies and children how to eat, considering structural and sensory perspectives. Additionally, we emphasize the role of family mealtimes, developmental readiness, and cultural influences on diet.

Listen in for a meaningful conversation.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Specialization in pediatric feeding therapy, including challenges, advanced practice certifications, and the importance of a holistic approach.
• Family mealtime dynamics, the shift from purees to solid foods, and the role of imitation and developmental readiness in feeding.
• Effective strategies to reduce mealtime stress method and consistent food introduction.
• Importance of understanding different types of eaters before creating a feeding plan.
• Cultural influences on diet and the significance of family mealtimes in encouraging children to try new foods.

Resources from this Episode

• Website: https://purepeds.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pure.pediatric.therapy/

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Episode Credits

If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to our producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

If you think homeschooling requires a mountain of educational tools and rigid schedules, think again. In our latest episode, Sarah Collins, a registered and licensed occupational therapist with a unique blend of professional expertise in pediatrics, home health, and homeschooling, joins us.

In this episode, Sarah shares her journey from skepticism to advocacy, detailing how occupational therapy principles can seamlessly integrate into a homeschooling environment to create a developmentally supportive space for children. We challenge the common misconceptions about early childhood education and provide insights into fostering essential skills through play and minimalistic setups rather than relying on a plethora of educational gadgets.

This episode is packed with valuable tips on balancing sensory play, motor skills development, and discipline, aimed at revolutionizing your approach to motherhood and education. Don't miss Sarah's expert guidance and the supportive community she's built through Homeschool OT.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Integrating occupational therapy principles into homeschooling routines
• Misconceptions about the necessity of extensive tools and structured activities in early childhood education
• Emphasizing the importance of simple, everyday interactions and minimalistic setups
• Addressing children's developmental milestones and sensory play
• Building a supportive community and team around homeschooling families
• Practical advice on managing learning challenges and fostering a peaceful learning environment

Resources from this Episode

• Website: www.homeschoolOT.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschool_ot

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to our producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Join us in this episode as we explore the nuances of maternal mental health with Dr. Emily Guarnotta, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health specialist. Dr. Guarnotta helps us understand the distinct differences between postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. Learn how to recognize the signs when something feels off and the importance of seeking help early on.

Listen in as we address the significant issue of underdiagnosis and insufficient screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This conversation emphasizes the importance of basic self-care, including proper nutrition, hydration, and rest, as foundational steps to manage anxiety and support overall well-being during the postpartum period. We also explore coping mechanisms beyond medication and therapy, highlighting the value of consistent follow-up screenings and support systems.

Dr. Guarnotta also shares insights on teaching mindfulness techniques to children to help them manage emotions and tantrums. Additionally, we explore alternative practices like acupuncture for reducing postpartum anxiety and stress the significance of self-awareness.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Distinguishing postpartum anxiety from postpartum depression and understanding their unique symptoms.
• The impact of societal pressures and stigma on maternal mental health.
• Importance of early intervention and recognizing when to seek help.
• Practical self-care tips, including nutrition, hydration, and rest.
• Mindfulness strategies and habit-stacking techniques for busy parents.
• Alternative therapies like acupuncture for reducing postpartum anxiety.

Resources from this Episode

• Phoenix Health: www.joinphoenixhealth.com
• Emily's Instagram: www.instagram.com/dr_emily_guarnotta/

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to our producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Join us for a conversation with Kaitlin McGreyes, the visionary founder of Be Her Village, as she shares her personal journey from motherhood to creating a revolutionary gift registry that prioritizes postpartum support over traditional baby products. Discover the common pitfalls of standard baby registries and how they often leave new parents unprepared for the real challenges of motherhood.

Listen in as we discuss the overwhelming pressures new parents face to buy numerous baby items and how Be Her Village advocates for empowering parents by fostering a robust support network. Kaitlin explains how Be Her Village helps parents register for essential services, making it easier for friends and family to contribute meaningfully. We touch on strategies for encouraging loved ones to support these vital services, aiming to build a supportive village that addresses the true needs of new parents. Listen in to learn how to change the game in baby gift-giving practices.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The problems with traditional baby registries.
• Shift from product-centric to community-based support systems.
• The generational evolution of baby gift-giving practices and how Be Her Village facilitates more intentional and practical support for new mothers.
• Strategies for encouraging friends and family to contribute to essential services instead of material gifts.
• Importance of educating parents about normal baby behavior and providing real support for better outcomes for both parents and babies.

Resources from this Episode

• Be Her Village: https://behervillage.com
• https://www.ahmaandco.com/

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

How can vulnerability and curiosity transform your parenting journey? Join us as we sit down with Carmen Stramara, a seasoned parent and postpartum doula, who shares her transformative experiences of raising children across diverse locations from Germany to Savannah, Georgia. Carmen opens up about the unique challenges of frequent moves due to her husband's career and how building a robust support network became her lifeline. Her journey highlights the profound impact of community on mental and physical well-being during the postpartum period.

In our conversation, we delve into the teachings of relationship experts John and Julie Gottman, exploring the power of curiosity in deepening relationships. Carmen discusses how adopting a curious mindset can make others feel seen and valued, and we touch on the concept of vibrational patterns, emphasizing the importance of connecting with energies that amplify our own. This episode shines a light on the often-overlooked mental health benefits of overcoming isolation, particularly for new parents grappling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Finally, we explore Carmen's compassionate work as co-founder of Happily Raised and her role at the Mommy Center.

Tune in to discover how embracing different parenting styles and leaning on each other can create a thriving village for new families.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The transformative power of vulnerability and curiosity in parenting
• Carmen's experiences raising children with the added challenge of frequent moves
• The importance of building a robust support network as new parents
• Inspiration from the teachings of John and Julie Gottman on deepening relationships through curiosity

Resources from this Episode

• Use the code AHMANEED15 to save 15% on Carmen’s Happily Raised course at https://happilyraised.com

• Learn more about our work to support mothers through the postpartum phase at www.ahmaandco.com

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

What if breastfeeding isn't as natural and easy as we've been led to believe? Ever wondered why some women experience severe emotional and physical symptoms before their periods? Meet Ashley Shapiro, a dedicated nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), who shares her personal struggles with breastfeeding and how those challenges inspired her to support other mothers. Together, we uncover the myths about breastfeeding and shine a light on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

Building a robust support network is crucial for new parents, and we’re here to guide you on how to do it effectively. From practical tips on delegating household tasks to creative solutions like nursery preparation parties, we cover it all. Ashley shares her expert advice on prenatal preparation for breastfeeding to help you avoid common postpartum challenges.

Join us for this comprehensive discussion that aims to make your postpartum period smoother and more supported.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The emotional struggles and misconceptions around breastfeeding, including personal experiences and the importance of support.
• Issues like tongue ties and how they impact breastfeeding, with practical advice on navigating these challenges.
• About the emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD, especially during motherhood, and sharing coping strategies like acupuncture and symptom tracking.
• The necessity of a strong support network, practical tips for setting one up, and leveraging expert help from professionals like IBCLCs.
• Insights from a postpartum nurse on newborn assessments and the reassurance and confidence that come from experienced guidance.

Resources from this Episode

• https://ashleyshapirolactation.com
• https://www.ahmaandco.com/

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Join us as we explore the essential aspects of birth education with Tiffany Turner, a birth doula, massage therapist, and mother of four. Tiffany shares her experience from traumatic hospital births to empowering home births, revealing how these personal milestones shaped her career. Tiffany's rich experiences and extensive knowledge shine through as she discusses the evolution of her understanding of childbirth and her mission to help families feel safe and confident throughout their birthing journey.

In this episode, we also cover the significance of creating flexible birth plans and the critical role of doulas in advocating for birth preferences. Additionally, we touch on the importance of being present throughout all stages of parenthood, from labor to the teenage years, and the value of savoring each moment with your children.

Tune in to hear more about prenatal and postpartum massage, bodywork, and birth education classes, and how to connect with these resources.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Transition from prenatal and postpartum massage therapist to dedicated birth doula.
• Crafting adaptable, concise birth plans and the importance of customizing them.
• The critical role of doulas in providing education, advocacy, and emotional support during labor.
• Insights on capturing early childhood milestones and appreciating every phase of child development.

Resources from this Episode

• Ahma & Co: https://www.ahmaandco.com
• Tiffany Turner's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birthattiffanys

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Hi! My name is Gigi, and I'm the new host of Ahma Need a Minute. We're so excited to welcome you back to the podcast.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Esther, the founder and CEO of Ahma & Co. We explore the multifaceted world of postpartum care, highlighting the impact that doulas, lactation educators, and newborn care specialists can have on the well-being of new families.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The changing landscape of postpartum care and the need for accessible support systems for modern parents.
• The day-to-day life of a doula and how we can make a difference in the early weeks, including support for hygiene, nutrition, newborn care guidance, babywearing, and establishing routines for new families.
• Ahma & Co’s vision of transforming postpartum care into a universal right.
• The behind the scenes details of opening our first postpartum retreat at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach.

Resources from this Episode

• Ahma & Co: https://www.ahmaandco.com

Follow & Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet - and we’d love it even more if you could drop a review! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast so other moms can find us and join our small but growing community.