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Lina Forrestal sits down with first time mom Des'Rae Matthews as she shares what it was like having a transverse baby and an EVC procedure. Spoiler alert: the EVC procedure wasn't successful and Des'Rae had a C-section. She shares what it was like navigating all of the feelings of trying everything to have her baby come out naturally but then end having a C-section. A transverse baby is when the baby is positioned horizontally in the uterus. An ECV procedure is an "External cephalic version", which is a procedure healthcare providers will use to rotate the baby to head-down in the uterus. Connect with Des'Rae here: https://www.instagram.com/craftroom_creations/ Support the show

In this episode, host Lina Forrestal has a chat with marriage coach Chelsea Skaggs about navigating a partnership after having a baby.  This episode covers: Things that most couples are finding conflict around How to get your partner onboard with couples counseling  Practical advice for checking in with each other The difference between a relationship therapist and a professional life coach?  The difference between a couples therapist and a marriage coach How to approach your partner about getting help from a therapist or coach  Chelsea is a certified professional life coach, intimacy expert, and communication trainer for parents. She helps couples go from WTF to "I 'effin' got this" in their relationships by giving them tools to improve their confidence, connection and communication. Related Episodes:S1E4 Navigating Your Relationship in the Newborn Phase with Katharine Vida GonzalezConnect with Chelsea on Instagram: @thewtftrimesterMore about Chelsea and her resources here.Connect with Lina on Instagram: @linaforrestalRead Lina's blog: Lina ForrestalEpisode edited by Chris Duffy: heyitschrisduffy@gmail.comSupport the show

Host Lina Forrestal explores society's obsession with postpartum bodies, particularly, Hilary Duff's nude Women's Health magazine cover (Read Hilary Duff's interview here.). Lina believes that it perpetuates unrealistic body standards for women, especially when celebrities don't disclose that they'd had plastic surgery done or don't acknowledge photoshop. For example, Hilary Duff is shown with no stretch marks, cellulite, or skin texture and yet the theme of the photoshoot is loving her postpartum body. Lina also talks about things she's been loving lately such as the book series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (#ACOTAR) and practicing self-care in the form of getting workout clothes that actually fit (thank you, Athleta) and getting eyelash extensions. Lina gives an update to her medication journey and how she's been able to find relief and finally not struggle with anxiety and intrusive thoughts.  Referenced in this episode: Hilary Duff's Women's Health magazine article + cover  Christine Quinn Fake Pregnancy Rumors A Court of Thorns and Roses Athleta Talkspace Connect with Lina on Instagram: @linaforrestalRead Lina's blog: Lina ForrestalSupport the show

Host Lina Forrestal sits down with SF working mom Alissa Worton-Hunt, to discuss what it's like going from 1 child to 2 children. Alissa was very transparent about how different the second time around was, even the journey to get pregnant. She shares her journey to get pregnant both times, how the first time was hard and the second time was easy, her PCOS diagnosis, and her birth story and how birth looks different both times. Alissa also elaborates on experiencing mom guilt with getting pregnant with her second child when her first was 16 months and how it's a topic not often talked about but how many moms probably feel the same way. She also discusses how she was excited find out she was having a baby girl and how she was excited for certain aspects of the newborn stage again. She shares how different her second pregnancy was, navigating feelings of dread, and all of the feelings in between. Listen to Alissa's first episode on the podcast: How to Survive Going Back to Work (Working Motherhood) with SF Mom Alissa Worton Hunt Connect with Lina on Instagram: @linaforrestalRead Lina's blog: Lina ForrestalEpisode edited by Chris Duffy: heyitschrisduffy@gmail.com Support the show

In this episode, host Lina Forrestal and blogger Jamie Devergillo chat all things coming back from maternity leave, postpartum anxiety, body image, and what it's like to be a mom sharing it all on social media. Jamie shares practical tips in how she's preparing to go back to work, from practicing leaving the house to leaving a detailed schedule for her caretakers. She discusses how she and her husband made childcare decisions and the feelings of anxiety around having someone else care for her baby. Lina and Jamie both talk about what it's like to have a following on social media: from how supportive and yet toxic the community can be. They talk about facing judgement, setting boundaries, and how everyone parents differently. Resources:  What is exposure therapy?  Exposure therapy for anxiety disorders The Internet Is Obsessed with Parasocial Relationships  Related Episodes: Season 1, Episode 1 How to Survive Going Back to Work (Working Motherhood) with SF Mom Alissa Worton Hunt Season 1, Episode 8: Solo Episode: Post Partum Anxiety (PPA), Weight Gain, Mom Guilt, & PUPPP Follow Jamie on Instagram: @jamie.devergilloCheck out Jamie's Amazon shop: Jamie Devergillo Connect with Lina on Instagram: @linaforrestalRead Lina's blog: Lina Forrestal Episode edited by Chris Duffy: heyitschrisduffy@gmail.com Support the show

Host Lina Forrestal sits down with Licensed Therapist Dr. Laura Schwinn to have an honest conversation about bed-sharing. Lina and Laura both share their experiences with bed sharing: why they chose to bed share and why they continue to bed share. They talk about the pressures of society to conform to one way of child sleep, touch upon relationship taboos, and talk about ways to re-establish intimacy. The AAP strongly discourages bed-sharing with infants younger than 1 and if you’re new to the subject, please educate yourself with all of the facts, guidelines, and statistics.  Read more about safe sleep for infants here.Dr. Laura, a clinical psychologist, has a niche in supporting women, whom feel they have lost their sense of self within the transition of becoming a mother (preconception and well into the motherhood journey).  Clients that resonate with Dr. Laura’s approach are high achieving, open-minded, curious explorers, with a propensity towards holistic health and attachment style parenting. Book a consultation with her here. Resources Mentioned:The Confident Parent: A Pediatrician's Guide to Caring for Your Little One--Without Losing Your Joy, Your Mind, or Yourself Episode edited by Chris Duffy: heyitschrisduffy@gmail.com Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)

Lina is BACK and kicks it off with a solo episode unpacking why she took a longer break than expected. What was supposed to be a 2 week break turned into a several month mental health journey unpacking childhood trauma surrounding the holidays, recognizing the signs of depression, seeing a psychiatrist, and ultimately starting the depression medication, Wellbutrin. Lina talks about how being a first-generation child of immigrants has impacted her when it comes to mental health and the fear, guilt, and shame surrounding medication. In this episode, Lina also discusses what she has in store for the first few episodes back and what she's looking forward to in Season 2. Donate to the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcastConnect with Lina:Instagram: @linaforrestal @newmamaspodcastTikTok: @linaforrestalTwitter: @linaforrestalSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)

Welcome to the last episode of Season 1! The New Mamas Podcast will be going on a break for the next month and we will see you October 2021 for Season 2! In this episode, host Lina Forrestal discusses a few life updates: Navigating the toddler phase Starting therapy Tips for reading more Her interest in relationship psychology and why she loves the Bachelor franchise so much Lina also shares her learnings from the last 8 months of podcasting. Everything from guests she's had to things she'll do differently in Season 2. Lina breaks down topics she wants to dive into in Season 2 and the importance of not shying away from the bad stuff and why she thinks it's important to keep having these hard conversations on the podcast. She shares her commitment to elevating diverse voices and making sure she has equal representation on the podcast! Thank you all for listening and we'll see you back for Season 2! Support the show (https://paypal.me/linaforrestal?locale.x=en_US)

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"I want to bust the myth that you can't be ambitious and a go-getter and be a good mom at the same time." -Bethany Braun-SilvaIn society and even in popular TV shows, working and career driven women are often portrayed as choosing their careers over their family — which is simply not true and a negative stereotype of working moms. For me, being a working mom fills my cup in a different way. I love doing something for me and believe that working makes me a better mother because I feel so fulfilled from working on a team and for a great company. On the podcast, Bethany shares her experience and her journey through working motherhood.Topics Discussed in this Episode:  Bethany's working motherhood journey The stigmas surrounding working moms How Bethany interviewed 8 months pregnant  How being a working mom improved Bethany's mental health and gave her an outlet to be more creative Bethany's Type 1 Diabetes and what her pregnancy journey looked like Lina's experience with gestational diabetes What's next for Bethany Connect with Bethany on Instagram: @bethanybraunsilvaConnect with Lina: Personal Instagram: @linaforrestal Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Podcast Instagram: @newmamaspodcast Clubhouse Username: @newmamaspodcast Artwork Credit: Gabi's MediaSupport the show (https://paypal.me/linaforrestal?locale.x=en_US)

Marina was 16 when she lost her mom to breast cancer.  In this episode, Marina shares her journey of loss, grieving, and going through life's milestones without her mother present. Marina discusses how as a society we tend to shy away from taboo topics but in reality many people who experience loss want the opportunity to talk about their loved ones. Marina and Lina discuss the evolution of perceptions of our mothers, how our mothers carry one persona through our adolescence but how as we mature, we start to acknowledge our mothers as women.  Topics discussed in this episode:  What the grieving process looked like for Marina How Marina felt as a teen versus how she feels today  How healing takes different shapes and forms Milestones that Marina was particularly nervous about Imagining what it would look like if her mom hadn't passed How Marina felt when she first learned she was pregnant The most challenging part about postpartum and not having a mom Marina offers advice to new moms out there who may be in a similar situation Marina is an Enterprise Customer Success Manager at a tech company in Boston, Massachusetts.  Support the show (https://paypal.me/linaforrestal?locale.x=en_US)

In this episode, host Lina Forrestal chats with mom of three, Stephanie Feng, about postpartum anxiety (PPA) and growing up with fear-based parenting style, “tiger parenting”.  Both Stephanie Feng and Lina Forrestal suffered with postpartum anxiety and recount their experiences, specifically around not being able to leave their babies, scary thoughts, and feeling crippled by their anxiety. They break down their experiences and start to unpack why they felt the way they did, which led them to explore their relationship with their parents and how they grew up with fear-based parents.  Growing up with immigrant parents in America, both Stephanie and Lina grew up with fear-based parenting. They were often told that if they didn’t do something right, something bad would happen to them: for example, being told that if they didn’t finish their food the ‘bad man’ would take them away from their family.  Symptoms of postpartum anxiety: Excessive worry Feelings of dread Racing thoughts Lack of concentration Changes in eating and sleeping patterns Dizziness Hot flashes Rapid heartbeat Nausea While any new mom can develop postpartum anxiety, some factors can increase your risk: A personal or family history of anxiety Previous experience with depression Certain symptoms of PMS (such as feeling weepy or agitated) Eating disorders Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Tiger parenting is the term coined by Yale professor Amy Chua a few years ago, in her book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, to describe her fear-based and hard-driving parenting style.  Connect with Stephanie on Instagram at @simplystephsfavs Connect with Lina: Personal Instagram: @linaforrestal Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Podcast Instagram: @newmamaspodcast Clubhouse Username: @newmamaspodcast Artwork Credit: Gabi's MediaSupport the show (https://paypal.me/linaforrestal?locale.x=en_US)

In this episode, host Lina Forrestal chats with Certified Sleep Consultant Megan Copeland all about newborn and infant sleep! Megan is a practicing nurse, a pediatric sleep consultant, and breastfeeding counselor helping families in the newborn and infant stages. Topics Discussed:: Tips for new moms to get their newborns  to sleep more soundly How new moms can get more sleep Is it possible to put newborns on a sleep schedule? Favorite sleep tools and products Is the Snoo ($1400) worth it? Strategies new moms can use to reduce their anxieties around SIDS Breaking down co-sleeping and bed-sharing All about Megan's business, Slumber Feed Follow @slumberfeed on Instagram to connect with Megan!Connect with Lina: Personal Instagram: @linaforrestal Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Podcast Instagram: @newmamaspodcast Clubhouse Username: @newmamaspodcast Artwork Credit: Gabi's MediaSupport the show (https://paypal.me/linaforrestal?locale.x=en_US)

Host Lina Forrestal and Jessica London, Doctor of Physical Therapist, sit down for an honest discussion around postpartum care (or lack there of) and the need for advocacy surrounding physical therapy for your pelvic floor after birth.  Jessica shares her birth story and how after birth, she felt lost in the system. Luckily, her midwives were able to follow up with her but otherwise her doctors never called her for her 8-week check up after her C-section. Jessica was surprised at the lack of education around pelvic floor physical therapy. She's passionate about postpartum care and helps moms prepare and recover from birth. Topics discussed in this episode: Honest discussion around postpartum care and hospital discharge plans Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression How patient education reduces anxiety and pain levels The women's health dilemma in the United States Why the US's postpartum maternity care is lacking Why it's important to take care of your pelvic floor What is a kegel and what’s the appropriate way to do them? How many times per day or week should we focus on doing kegels? What's in Jessica's free guide for rebuilding your pelvic floor (download it here) Schedule your free 20 minute consult with Jessica here.Follow Jessica on Instagram here: @yourpostpartumpt Resources mentioned in this episode: Sara Reardon, PT, DPT, WCS, BCB-PMD, of NOLA Pelvic Health and affectionately known as The Vagina Whisperer, says: “I hear women say, ‘I don’t know what’s normal.’ They are not given a baseline. You’re frantically looking for information. Once you’re home, you’re over that initial high, and you realize you’re totally on your own, and there’s no help. It’s up to you now. They don’t give you resources, they just say, ‘It takes time,’ or ‘It’ll go away,’ or you call your doctor or nurse, and they say, ‘Let us know if it doesn’t get better,’ and there’s no follow-up. It’s all on you. It’s all on the mother.”  (via Healthline) In the Netherlands and Belgium, new mothers will have a kraamverzorgster, a maternity nurse who comes to the home to provide a minimum of 24 hours of care within the first 8 days after discharge. In Spain, you’ll receive a cartilla de embarazo (mother’s passport) and check in with a community midwife monthly. (via Healthline) Connect with Lina: Personal Instagram: @linaforrestal Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Podcast Instagram: @newmamaspodcast Clubhouse Username: @newmamaspodcast Artwork Credit: Gabi's MediaSupport the show (https://paypal.me/linaforrestal?locale.x=en_US)

I've known Meredith for many years and it's been fun to connect on the topic of being first-time moms around the same time. Meredith Molloy had a bumpy pregnancy with placenta abnormalities and irregular blood pressure issues, which led her to be diagnosed with post partum preeclampsia. Meredith shares her birth story which includes an unplanned C-section and an epidural that didn't work. Hers is a story of resilience and bravery as she navigates the feelings after a birth that didn't go as planned. Connect with Meredith at @meremolloySupport the show (https://paypal.me/linaforrestal?locale.x=en_US)

Host Lina Forrestal is joined by guest Jessica Abo, who is an award-winning journalist and author of Unfiltered: How To Be As Happy As You Look On Social Media. Her book empowers readers with tools they can use to take back their happiness in real life. During the pandemic, social media was one of the only ways moms could connect and build their village. Together, Lina and Jessica unpack the feelings of comparison and mental health in relation to social media. Topics discussed: Advice for mothers who get stuck in comparing themselves to others on social media Ways to reset your energy when it comes to social media (spoiler alert: there's no one size fits all solution)  Lina's struggle with social media addiction and feeling like she always has to be "on" How phone alerts and notifications are a reaction to "fear-of-missing-out" Setting boundaries with social media Abundance mindset How to identify the root of your unhappiness in relation to social media Toxic relationships and inevitable "friendshifts" Jessica Abo is a sought-after media trainer and storytelling coach who uses her 20 years of journalism experience to help entrepreneurs, C-Suite executives, celebrities, and philanthropists share their stories with the world. Jessica hosts her own weekly business segment on Entrepreneur.com. Her debut book, Unfiltered: How To Be As Happy As You Look On Social Media, sold out on its first day and empowers readers with tools they can use to take back their happiness IRL (in real life). Jessica speaks around the country about how we can have a healthy relationship with social media. Jessica has presented all over the country including at TEDx, Facebook, Microsoft, Delta Airlines, WW, and the United Nations. She has appeared on The TODAY Show, ABC News, Access Hollywood, KTLA, CBS, and NY1 and in Forbes, Fast Company, and Women's Health.Connect with Jessica on Instagram: @jessicaabotvConnect with Lina: Personal Instagram: @linaforrestal Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Podcast Instagram: @newmamaspodcast Clubhouse Username: @newmamaspodcast Artwork Credit: Gabi's MediaSupport the show (https://paypal.me/linaforrestal?locale.x=en_US)

In this episode, host Lina Forrestal sits down with Vietnamese-American mom and woman in tech Chau Dang about empowering dads from day one that baby is home! Topics discussed: Chau's background and story Chau's motherhood journey How involved Chau's husband was and is  Tips & tricks to getting your partner involved How to get your partner involved during pregnancy Getting your partner involved during the newborn stage Tips in getting the non-birth partner to feel connected during the newborn stage How to ease your partner's fears Resources mentioned: Daddit Subreddit Thread Chau's sister has a PhD in Childhood Education and wrote a Vietnamese Nursery Rhyme Book with English explanations. You can purchase it on Amazon here.Connect with Chau on Twitter and on Instagram!Support the show (https://paypal.me/linaforrestal?locale.x=en_US)

In this episode, host Lina Forrestal sits down with Tomeka James Issac, Founder of Jace's Journey. Tomeka shares her story: in May of 2018, her husband Brandon Isaac sat in a hospital room with their son, Jace Alexander, due in a month with no fetal heartbeat and Tomeka, unconscious, diagnosed with the life-threatening H.E.L.L.P (Hemolysis Elevated Liver Enzymes Low Platelet) Syndrome and fighting for her life. Forty-five hospital days and 7 surgeries later, thanks to prayers and an amazing surgical team, Tomeka and Brandon Isaac left the hospital together. The couple learned Tomeka’s sickness and Jace’s death could have been prevented. “50,000 women each year almost die as a result of childbirth. That’s one mother every 10 minutes in the US. The causes of most near death emergencies are preventable. However, the risk of having complications is much greater for black women. If you are black and highly-educated, you still have a higher probability of pregnancy-related death than the least educated white woman.” In honor of their son, the Isaacs created Jace’s Journey to raise awareness and contribute to improving maternal/fetal healthcare disparities through education, advocacy and community engagement.Jace’s Journey Inc, a non-profit organization, was founded in 2019 to address racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. The US is the only industrialized nation with rising maternal mortality rates and the increase disproportionately affects women of color. African-American mothers are dying at 3-4 times the rate of non- Hispanic whites. Infants born to African-American mothers are dying at twice the rate as infants born to non- Hispanic white mothers. Connect on Instagram: Jace's Journey Tomeka James Isaac Donate: Jace's Journey The New Mamas Podcast donated $100 to Jace's Journey in Jace's memory. Support the show (https://paypal.me/linaforrestal?locale.x=en_US)

In this episode, host Lina Forrestal talks to Dr. Tolulope Olabintan all about her experiences as a mom of two and practicing physician. Dr. Tolu is Board-Certified Family Physician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. With over 13 years of medical experience, she leads the team at Livingspring Family Medical Center, a primary care center located in Mansfield, Texas. Tolulope is also a mom, wife, and Christian. Topics discussed in this episode: Dr. Tolu's birth story: her experience with PPROM (premature rupture of membranes), being admitted to the hospital at 24 weeks and finally giving birth at 34 weeks Dr. Tolu's experience with post partum anxiety and Lina's post partum anxiety How faith and Christianity helped support Dr. Tolu during her post partum depression How new moms can take care of their mental health during the newborn phase How a new mom recognize the difference between post-partum depression and the baby blues  What a couple can do to help maintain a healthy relationship during the newborn phase Navigating friendships and finding your mom community in the newborn stage What inspired Dr. Tolu to take the leap and open her own practice Learn more about Livingspring Medical. Livingspring was coined from the bible describing God as “The Living Spring” and the ultimate source of true healing. In the place of service, Dr. Olabintan believes she is a conduit of such healing in an atmosphere of compassion, committed care, and with her sound medical knowledge. Connect with Dr. Tolu on Instagram: @dr_olabintanConnect with Lina: Personal Instagram: @linaforrestal Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Podcast Instagram: @newmamaspodcast Clubhouse Username: @newmamaspodcast Artwork Credit: Gabi's MediaSupport the show (https://paypal.me/linaforrestal?locale.x=en_US)