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Are you considering co-sleeping but concerned about the potential risks and stigma associated with it?

In this episode, we get into the often controversial topic of co-sleeping with expert Ashley Cooley of Birth Baby Sleep. Together, we aim to provide comprehensive and evidence-based information to help parents make informed decisions, all while challenging the taboo surrounding this parenting choice.

Conversations about co-sleeping are often swept under the rug due to its taboo nature, but many parents end up co-sleeping out of sheer exhaustion. Our goal is to disseminate valuable information, ensuring safer spaces for both parents and babies if they choose this route.

We discuss recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS), both of which advocate for infants to sleep on their backs on a firm mattress in their own environment. Ashley and I emphasize that while these organizations strongly discourage bed-sharing, reality often diverges from these guidelines. Many parents, especially breastfeeding mothers, fall asleep with their babies, sometimes in unsafe conditions. We also talk about some practical tips to make it safer.

Ashley Cooley’s insights offer a balanced, non-judgmental perspective on the nuances of co-sleeping. The goal of this episode is not to promote or dissuade parents from co-sleeping but to provide them with the tools and knowledge to make informed choices and create the safest sleep environment possible.

We hope this conversation removes some of the stigma and shame parents might feel about co-sleeping. Remember, parenting is a journey filled with diverse experiences, and informed decisions can make this journey a bit smoother.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 06:20 Ashley Cooley's Journey into Sleep Consulting
• 10:37 Co-Sleeping Recommendations and Realities
• 16:08 Creating a Safe Co-Sleeping Environment
• 19:37 Practical Tips for Safe Co-Sleeping
• 24:33 Preventing Gaps Between Mattress and Wall
• 25:09 Risks of Co-Sleeping with Preterm Babies
• 28:55 Addressing Shame and Embarrassment
• 29:23 Clarifying Co-Sleeping Misconceptions
• 33:48 Smoking and Co-Sleeping Risks
• 36:47 Importance of Back Sleeping
• 40:09 Final Thoughts and Advice for New Parents

Connect with Ashley

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birth_baby_sleep
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birthbabysleep
• www.birthbabysleep.ca
• Bringing Up Baby Podcast: https://bringingupbaby.buzzsprout.com/
• Perinatal Support Network: https://birth-baby-sleep.mn.co/share/Jo2rICwGd4Gm1i4X?utm_source=manual

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/
• https://thewholebundle.com/

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Are you a new dad feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for support?

Today, we’re diving into the inspiring story of Tyler Kort and his creation, Fathercy, a business and social media platform designed to support dads. Tyler's initiative aims to encourage, equip, and educate fathers as they navigate the complex journey of parenting.

Tyler’s journey into fatherhood began with his daughter and is now expanding with a soon-to-arrive son. His experiences led him to create Fathercy, a resource that offers valuable tools and a supportive community for dads everywhere.

Tyler shared the poignant moment when his wife’s birth plan changed unexpectedly due to his daughter being in a breech position, necessitating a C-section. This sudden twist pushed Tyler into a more active role in the birthing process, from undergoing the excitement of labor to managing the realities of a C-section recovery. He emphasized the importance of having a doula for support, not just for his wife but also for himself as he navigated these unfamiliar waters.

Postpartum challenges are often discussed concerning mothers, but Tyler opened up about his own struggles as a new dad. He discussed the emotional toll of feeling overwhelmed and questioning his capabilities. Initially, Tyler, like many fathers, chose to suffer in silence rather than burden his already recovering wife.

Are you a dad in need of support and community? Visit Fathercy for tools, inspiration, and to connect with a community of fathers undergoing the same journey.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 05:24 The Birth Experience: Challenges and Emotions
• 08:02 Postpartum Realities and Support
• 13:40 The Emotional Struggles of New Dads
• 17:29 Redefining Good Parenting
• 21:58 The Father C Challenge: 28 Days to Recenter
• 23:27 The Benefits of Cold Showers and Mental Fortitude
• 28:27 Words of Wisdom for Expecting and New Dads
• 32:55 Encouraging, Equipping, and Educating Fathers

Connect with Tyler

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fathercy_
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fathercy_
• www.fathercy.com
• https://amzn.to/3y0eHN6

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/
• https://thewholebundle.com/

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Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to undergo IVF, not just physically but mentally and emotionally?*

Welcome to part two of Vanessa Nasrallah's IVF journey. While Vanessa had previously shared the physical challenges of IVF in last week’s episode, this episode delves deeper into the emotional and psychological toll of the process.

In our heartfelt conversation, Vanessa discusses the unseen and often unspoken emotional load of IVF, the differences between her two experiences, and how she and her husband, Peter, navigated through these trials.

Reflecting on her experiences, Vanessa emphasizes that her journey through IVF and early motherhood was not just about the physical aspects but also about dealing with unresolved trauma and grief. The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues along the way.

Vanessa's story is a testament to the power of vulnerability, resilience, and seeking help. It's a reminder that while the road of IVF and parenthood can be filled with challenges, sharing our journeys can make those paths a bit easier to navigate.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:19 The Emotional Aftermath of IVF and Bringing Baby Home
• 03:26 Vanessa's Personal Mental Health Journey
• 06:21 Struggles with Postpartum Anxiety and Seeking Help
• 12:24 The Importance of Therapy and Support
• 18:40 Reflecting on Trauma and the Journey Ahead
• 21:42 Seeking Therapy for Infertility
• 23:53 Deciding to Have Another Baby
• 25:37 Navigating the Second IVF Journey
• 27:04 The Emotional Rollercoaster of IVF
• 33:58 Words of Wisdom for IVF Couples

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/
• https://thewholebundle.com/