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In this episode, Lola Light speaks to the components of perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) including common presentations, examples of scary and intrusive thoughts,  and evidence-based treatments. **Trigger warning*** some examples described in this podcast episode may be disturbing to some listeners. Please proceed with caution. 

In this episode, Lola Light describes how choosing to consciously focus on yourself once you become a parent creates space for vulnerability and also some unexpected wins. 

In this episode, Lola Light reviews the baby blues versus postpartum depression, and discusses how asking for help is vital to any parent who may be experiencing a perinatal mood disorder. 

In this episode, Lola Light describes why it's best to choose your battles as a parent while raising a toddler. 

In this episode, Lola Light shares her honest and hilarious experiences and tips of getting back into the dating world as a single parent. Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmoms

Because infertility is fairly common, most mothers and couples accept this and visit fertility clinics to know their options. But what most couples aren’t aware of is that there are natural methods that can help boost their chances of conception. Our guest in this episode is Sarah Clark. She’s a health coach with training from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and a Certified Life Coach with accreditation from the Internation Coaches Federation. She is also the author of Fabulously Fertile: Supercharge Your Fertility Naturally. We talk about her personal experience with infertility, natural methods for conception, how gut health affects fertility and hormones, and many more. Sarah is the founder of  Fab Fertile which is a fertility coaching program that utilizes functional lab testing, mindset shifts, and diet/lifestyle changes to support couples and dramatically improve their chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby. She also offers a free three-day fertility diet challenge for couples. Click here for more info. In this episode, we talk about: Her own experience with pregnancy issues How she was able to overcome infertility Age of oldest couple and individual she’s helped conceive The questionable long-term implications of fertility medications Importance of diet and lifestyle changes The common causes of infertility The crucial role of probiotics to gut health and hormone balance Other immune-based supplements to enhance fertility Immune system-boosting supplements Specific diet for couples to increases chances of conception Relationship of alcohol and cannabis with pregnancy Why both couples need to undergo counselling and lifestyle changes Natural methods and supplements for low sperm count Natural fertility solutions to reverse infertility Impact of exercise and mindset in conception The value of reducing stress levels  When couples should seek medical assistance for pregnancy Effect of birth control and IUD to fertility How to prepare the body for a baby Get in Touch with Sarah: Website Fab Fertile Podcast Get Pregnant Naturally Facebook @sesacoaching Instagram @fabfertile Twitter @fabfertile Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmoms

The pain of unexpectedly losing an unborn child is unimaginable.  For women and parents who’ve experienced a miscarriage, navigating their feelings and lives through this can a be journey that they have no road map on.  In this episode, our guest Alison Pena joins us and shares her valuable insight on the subject. She is also known as “bad widow”. She’s a speaker, consultant, and an author who resides in New York City. When her husband suffered from cancer, she became his caregiver. In 2016, after 11 months of battling his illness, he passed away. Since then, she’s learned how to live fearlessly in the face of death. Alison does consulting work with her clients. She helps women regain their innate resilience by supporting them to re-engage, reinvent themselves, and to rebuild their communities. Appointments can be made through her website - badwidow.com. In this episode, we talk about: The first step in dealing with grief Going back to work after the loss of a loved one How parents can heal after a miscarriage Handling overwhelming feelings of pain Healthy self-care and self-expression  How to let your emotions out of your body The importance of seeing a counsellor Self-blame and shame experienced by mothers The value of writing down through and feelings The danger of brushing feelings under the carpet Self-isolation and hiding during this period How to start openly talking about your pain How to reclaim your purpose and rebuild your life again Her advice to parents experiencing loss Get in Touch with Alison: Website badwidow.com Facebook @alison.pena Twitter @badwidowonline Instagram @badwidowonline Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform.  Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmoms

The presence and support of spouses or partners are essential for mothers undergoing labor and after giving birth. In this episode, our guest Stuart Macintyre joins us once again to share what it’s like being a new father. He also imparts his first-hand experience supporting his wife during labor and after birth. We discuss the adjustments that they had to make due to the pandemic, what every support partner needs to have with them in the hospital, and what to expect if you’re a first-time parent. After an intense three and a half hour of labor and almost opting for a C-section, Stu’s wife Courtney finally gave birth to Crew, their baby boy who is now eight weeks old. In this episode, we talk about: Stu’s preparation for his wife’s labor with the coronavirus His biggest worry when the pandemic hit A checklist of things to bring to the hospital for support partners Why it’s crucial for spouses/partner to have the number of birthing units His tips for expectant fathers and support persons during labor Why bringing food and water in the hospital is essential for support partners Interventions to help with comfort during labor The uncertainty of first-time parents  After-birth activities for new parents The most challenging aspect of being a new parent The importance of taking turns with baby duties and chores Bringing in family and friends to help with the infant Postnatal checkups during COVID 19 How postnatal depression happens to both moms and dads Get in Touch with Stu: Instagram @stuartmacintyre Resources mentioned: The Push Revolution - Hospital packing list The Push Revolution - Postpartum blues  Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmoms

Infertility is something that isn’t really talked about. As a result, parents going through it aren’t educated enough to understand that this is something that a lot of people go through and that there are a lot of options available for them out there. In this episode, our guest, Stuart Macintyre shares his perspective as a spouse and a father with regards to infertility. Stu and I talk about the ups and downs of the fertility journey that he and his wife went through. We also tackle the different kinds of treatments they tried, why getting into government funding waitlist can significantly reduce the cost of treatments, and why you need to open up to others about what you’re going through since you never know who’s gone through it. He and his wife Courtney are now proud parents of a baby boy who was born a few months ago. In this episode, we talk about: Stu and Courtney’s first steps in discovering fertility issues How high school Sex Ed makes fertility seem easy The waiting period for sperm testing The importance of having a support system Lifestyle advice given by health professionals Different kinds of fertility treatments available Years frozen embryos can be kept in storage How long till you can try again after a miscarriage Seeing the positive light of a miscarriage Total costs of fertility treatments Courtney and Stu took Why age does not matter with infertility The upsides of sharing fertility issues with family and friends How long it took for Courtney to successfully conceive Why support groups for essential for those who don’t have a strong network  The expectation for a man to “keep it together”  Other ways to support your partner during this time Stu’s advice for other parents going through infertility Get in Touch with Stu: Instagram @stuartmacintyre Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmoms

One of the most difficult parts of returning to work is worrying about the kids. Not only do moms have to deal with the guilt of temporarily leaving their children, but they also have to make sure that they are well taken cared for when they do so. Our guest for today, Claire Gavin - transitional life coach and founder of Antares Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching, challenges this mindset! She shares live-saving advice and tips for mothers going back to work. We also discuss how going back to work gives the little ones the opportunity to be with others like them which is necessary for their development, how it shows that them it's totally normal for mothers, or females in general, to strive career-wise, and why returning to work empowers not only you but the future generation. Claire is available for international coaching. She uses Zoom to give advice for women who struggle with their motherhood transition. She's also created a three-step problem designed to guide mothers to live more fulfilling lives! In this episode, we talk about: How moms often feel guilty returning to work The struggle of balancing career and taking care of kids The challenges of transitioning back to work Why acceptance is the key to finding a blend with work and family Tips on ensuring your child is staying in a good daycare facility How being organized is necessary for this life transition Juggling work, household chores, and taking care of children Meal preparation advice for back-to-work moms How to return back to work confidently Tips on how to bring out your inner goddess How to be assertive and become your best self  Taking a pause and owning your power The importance of looking good even through challenges Get in Touch with Claire: www.antareslifestylecoaching.com Facebook @Claire-Gavin-Transitional-Life-Coach Instagram @clairegavin_ YouTube @marg&claireTV Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmomsNote: This audio was initially published in episode 14.

Moms. Need. Vacations. But even when traveling, we’re still the ones packing, cooking, planning, and cleaning up. As a mother, how do you set realistic expectations that will help you enjoy your trip? In this episode, our guest, Sandy Nussbaum, will provide helpful tips for traveling moms. She is the travel agent owner of EzDis by Instant Impressions Travel Agency. She’s passionate about traveling to Walt Disney World. She’s been there over a hundred times, partaking on 21 Disney Cruises, six Adventures by Disney, 15 trips to Disneyland, and Aulani - a Disney and Resort Spa in Hawaii. She’s also traveled frequently with her daughter starting when she was still an infant. We also tackle her recommended time of the year when traveling, important vacation mindset tips, and what to prepare for when taking the holidays with children. Sandy is featured on the podcast Let’s Talk Dis, aired every Wednesday. Her travel agency aims to give personalized attention and help create magical memories for families. In this episode, we talk about: Sandy’s early experiences traveling with her infant How to choose the best destination for vacations What to expect when traveling with extended family Mom hacks for popping your child’s ears on the plane Tips for family members prone to motion sickness  Packing for international vs. domestic travel The pros and cons of flights apps Why travel planners are life-savers  Strict planning vs. flexibility: How to schedule trip events The upsides and risks of direct flights Get in Touch with Sandy: Facebook @sandy.nussbaumgiercyk LinkedIn @sandy-nussbaum-giercyk Let’s Talk Dis podcast EZ Dis by Instant Impressions Travel Services Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmoms

Most moms are too preoccupied with daily responsibilities that they forget to take care of themselves. This can negatively impact confidence and self-image in the long run. With that being said, what are the ways that mothers can regain their self-esteem? In this episode, our guest Claire Gavin, a transitional life coach, shares why moms need to implement self-care strategies in their daily lives. She further explains that her 24 years of experience as a Registered Massage Therapist led her to pursue coaching, seeing that most people she served we’re in desperate need of self-care. We also discuss how new moms are overwhelmed with their duties, how self-neglect often leads to injuries or burnouts, our very own self-loving regiments, why failing to address your own needs make you feel helpless and many more! Claire coaches internationally using Zoom. She has produced a three-step program designed to help women transitioning to motherhood thrive and become a better version of themselves.  In this episode, we talk about: Ways to recover self-esteem after giving birth Why most moms don’t take care of themselves Types of self-care strategies How our self-image depends on self-care Meditation and it’s wonderful advantages How happiness and confidence intertwine Why you need to constantly pamper yourself Benefits of self-care methods Importance of a healthy routine How self-indulgence empowers you The value of well-structured mornings Why self-care isn’t selfish Get in Touch with Claire: www.antareslifestylecoaching.com Facebook @Claire-Gavin-Transitional-Life-Coach Instagram @clairegavin_ YouTube @marg&claireTV Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmoms Note: This audio was initially published in episode 15.

Most of the diet and fitness plans that promise quick results fail long-term. Why does this happen? And as parents, how do we find the time to take care of our health? In this episode, our guest, Flea Houh, shares holistic tips for busy parents. He is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, founder of Wellness by Flea, and a proud father of three. He gives expert advice on adjusting with responsibilities during the pandemic and how to build sustainable and long-term habits. We talk about how tiny changes add up to a healthy life, why you don’t have to comply 100% to diet and fitness plans, how to have the proper mindset, and how finding supportive communities help keep you on the path to fitness. Flea offers one-on-one health coaching. He has created a four-week energy-boosting program to help parents with hectic schedules become fit and healthy. He also makes customized meal and exercise plans to serve different types of individuals and their varying fitness levels. In this episode, we talk about: How everything starts with mindset Creating a healthy self-image and identity Aligning with healthy habits How to find the time for health and fitness Priceless tips in boosting energy levels Beginner exercises for parents The relationship of lack of sleep and binge eating Expert advice regarding weight loss The benefits of customized diet & fitness plans The value of meal planning Why you should love your body as it is right now The importance of accountability & buddy system The perks of waking up early Adjustments of parents during the COVID 19 pandemic Resources mentioned: Four-Week Energy Boost Program Four-day Customized Meal Plan Sample Get in Touch with Flea: www.wellnessbyflea.com Facebook Group @parentsexcuseproofgroup Instagram @wellnessbyflea Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmomsNote: This audio was initially published in episode 17.

Transitioning into motherhood can be incredibly overwhelming. How can you adjust socially, physically, and emotionally with this important phase? How do you juggle this process together with taking care of a new child? Today’s guest, Claire Gavin, helps us handle this transition with grace. She is the founder of Antares Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching and a life coach who focuses on individuals who are currently undergoing significant life transitions. In this episode, she gives great tips, tools, and recommendations that can definitely be of benefit to you. We discuss our personal experiences dealing with this phase, effective coping mechanisms, important self-care methods. We talk about the benefits of a network, positive feedback, and how you can regain your confidence and self-esteem as a mother. Claire conducts international coaching through zoom to offer guidance and advice for women who are struggling in their transition towards motherhood. She has created a three-step program that is helping many women rise up and go forward.  In this episode, we talk about: How motherhood can be filled with uncertainty and doubt The value of having a support system during motherhood Why you have to give yourself grace and kindness How focusing on the little wins help you get through your struggles Different ways you can raise your mom esteem Why you need to take a social media cleanse Why you should consider having a life coach while pregnant The power of daily affirmations  The importance of gratitude and positivity Why you need to be patient and accept this phase Get in Touch with Claire: www.antareslifestylecoaching.com Facebook @Claire-Gavin-Transitional-Life-Coach Instagram @clairegavin_ YouTube @marg&claireTV Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmoms

Most moms are aware of postpartum conditions that can show up along the way. But, how would you know if a symptom is considered normal and is temporary? Meanwhile, how can you discern if you need to reach out for help? Our guest for today’s episode, Denise Chiriboga, Certified Personal Trainer, YouTuber, and founder of Strong Mom shares her personal experience and expertise on this subject.  We tackle common postpartum complications, conditions that need attention, and above all, made-for-mom workouts that you can do in the comfort of your home Strong Mom is committed to helping moms all over the globe to build strong bodies, during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. They provide online services, group sessions, in-person personal training, nutritional consultations, and digital products. They also offer free resources that you can use in all phases of your fitness journey, downloadable here. Bear in mind that it's never too late to get back in shape, mamas!    In this episode, we talk about: Denise’s postpartum conditions Her inspiration for Strong Mom Common postpartum conditions How to get back to working out after giving birth What a mommy tummy actually is Simple self-check procedure in checking for diastasis recti Why the usual exercises and diet can’t fix your mommy tummy Back pain and other symptoms associated with diastasis recti Why diastasis recti symptoms get worse with time and age The normal timeframe for a bloated belly Time-saving and specifically-tailored workout for mothers Creative exercises you can do with your children Resources Mentioned: Diastasis Recti Self-Check Video Free Flat Belly After Baby Ebook Strong Mom Facebook Group Get in Touch with Denise Chiriboga: www.strongmom.ca/ YouTube @strongmom Facebook @strongmom.ca Instagram @strongmom.ca Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmoms

Mindset and motivation are the two missing ingredients in helping moms all over the globe become fit and stay fit.  But, how exactly do you incorporate these in your life? And, with the ongoing pandemic posing additional challenges, how can you maintain a regular fitness routine? Alana Leger, our guest for today’s episode, illuminates this for us. She has ten years of experience in corporate fitness and she’s also the founder of Barbella Studio. She’s discovered that there are a lot of factors that weigh in when it comes to moms trying to get back in shape. And with that, she’s created an all-in-one solution for moms who want to stay fit.  We tackle specific things you need to start and stay in your fitness journey, why putting yourself first actually helps people around you, how showing your self-care routine to your children empowers them, how to adopt a positive mindset. She gives priceless tips in keeping your motivation intact, and how you can continuously work on yourself without putting too much pressure. Barbella Studio provides a full package for moms everywhere. From their virtual wellness platform, supportive online community, life coaching lessons, offline access to live fitness sessions to easy-to-make cooking tutorials, they offer a holistic approach that mothers everywhere can enjoy. In this episode, we talk about: Life-changing advice in shifting your mindset How joining a group or a community improves your accountability  Why building online connections, especially during COVID19, helps you stay on track Must-have supplements for moms How to discern if a supplement is working for you Journaling: How it improves mindset and how to do it properly How your self-talk affects your motivation How exercise lifts mood and increases patience Why gaining confidence through fitness is a game-changer How looking good results to feeling good How to be okay with prioritizing yourself The importance of a good sleep and periodic rest Ways to cope and reset your negative mindset How to use the pandemic to reflect on what you really want in life Get in Touch with Alana: www.barbella.ca Instagram @barbella_studio Facebook @BarbellaStudio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLSsAhMFncosksZNNvrs8ZQ Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmoms

Postpartum anxiety is gaining more awareness as we are now more open to discussing mental health issues. But what exactly is postpartum anxiety? How can you prepare in case it happens to you? In this episode, Dr. Courtney Amerin DO and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Katie Danielson, founders of The Push Revolution joins us to shed light about postpartum anxiety and how getting much-needed support can help you get through the tough times. We talk about the risk factors of getting postpartum anxiety, how postpartum anxiety may look like, the role of proper nutrition and rest, and most importantly we talk about how you can get yourself, your partner, and your support circle ready. The Push Revolution provides expert advice and evidence-based information to empower parents in achieving understanding, support, and health in the postpartum period. they offer free resources that are really helpful as you prepare for your postpartum journey. You can download the resources here. Remember to give yourself grace and that it’s okay to not be okay. In this episode, we talk about: Anxiety in new moms and a repeat moms When postpartum anxiety normally presents itself The biggest risk factors for anxiety The best way to prepare and how to prevent postpartum anxiety The importance of conversations and creating your circles BEFORE giving birth Postpartum anxiety in fathers Where do scary thoughts come from and when you should reach out How are mood disorders cured Diet for improving mood disorders Setting small goals and giving yourself grace Resources Mentioned: FREE Preparing For Postpartum Blues And Depression Kit Get in Touch with Courtney and Katie: www.postpartumPUSH.com Instagram @the_push_revolution Facebook @thepushrevolution Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast! From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @spotlightonmothers Facebook @spotlightonmothers Twitter @spotlightonmoms

In this episode, Lola interviews Matilda, a mother of five children. Lola asks the questions that are on everyone's mind but people are afraid to ask! Listen and enjoy while Matilda shares her insightful perspective on everything from raising babies, self-image, fostering time with your children, prioritizing your responsibilities, believing in yourself as a parent versus the experts, vasectomies, social media, and more! 

In this episode, Lola's special guest is Claire Gavin, a transitional life coach who provides specific guidance and uplifting clarity during one of the most challenging, significant periods of a woman's life - the transition from womanhood into motherhood. 

In this episode, Lola shares her new learning of both evidence-based research and her own trial and error experiences of implementing specific alternative methods and changes in her lifestyle that made a significant impact on her postpartum recovery.