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Me time Vs. What Mom's Really need! In today's episode Shasta talks about why "me time" is utter garbage and why it's important that we all know and acknowledge what moms need and what they don't need.  Our Partner for this episode is Baby Me Beautiful. Check them out at babymebeautiful.shop and use code Reeves to save.  Check out our website at www.theeverywaymama.com and follow along on instagram at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama

The Every Way Mama FINALLY dedicated an entire episode to one of our most asked about topics - adoption. From homestudies to embryo adoption to private adoption to international adoption to foster adopt Shasta unpacks the most common ways to adopt, what's required for almost every adoption and covers some basic adoption terminology.  Our Partner for this episode is Baby Me Beautiful. Go to BabyMebeautiful.com and use code Reeves to save on handmade Childrens clothing! 

Genell Gallagher-Hunt waited almost 12 years to become a mama to her first daughter. After a miraculously smooth pregnancy and delivery she and her husband were thrilled to find out they were expecting baby number two shortly after their daughter's first birthday. Then at the 20 week anatomy scan, Genell and her family were shook to the core when they found out their new baby had no amniotic fluid, no kidneys and no bladder. Genell walks us through the second half of that pregnancy which is nothing short of a medical miracle. This is a story filled with hope and faith and miracles. 

Diana Brees, owner of Breesy Boutique is an army wife, army veteran herself, and mother of three. Diana's faith and heart for adoption are two of my favorite things about her in addition to her AMAZING dye art. Diana shares what it's like going through pregnancy as a military wife with a husband on deployment. We talked post partum anxiety, flying solo with lots of littles, what led Diana and her husband to adopt, why they chose private domestic adoption, what adopting looks like BEFORE you match, and a LOT about grace.  Want to follow Diana's journey? Join her Facebook VIP at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1188049241549710 - you can also follow along on instagram at www.instagram.com/breesyboutique Shop all things dyed and breesy at www.breesyboutique.com Our partner for this episode is Happy Traci. Shop Gifts, Clothing, accessories, beauty and more at www.shophappytraci.com   

Trigger Warning for Childhood abuse and assault. In Part 2 of Shelley Curenton's story she shares with us the deeply personal story of discovering that one of her daughters was being sexually abused by a member of their village. She tells us what she did, how things unfolded and gives what in my opinion is potentially life saving advice to abuse victims, loved ones of abuse victims, and parents everywhere on what they can do to protect their child.  This subject is uncomfortable. It's taboo. But it is absolutely pertinent that we know what conversations need to happen to protect our children. We think of the bad guy as the creepy guy in the van- when in all actuality 93 percent of abuse victims know their abusers.  If you or someone you love is a victim of abuse please tell someone. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE Want more of The Every Way Mama? Check out our website at www.theeverywaymama.com and give us a follow on social at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama or www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama    

Shelley Curenton is the mom of three beautiful girls and the grandmother to one. She is a newlywed wife, sister, she is a friend, and she is an advocate. In Part I of Shelley's story we unpack her journey to motherhood. Shelley became a very young mom and she talks about the impact that had on her mothering and her life. She shares the ups and downs of each of her pregnancies, post partum journeys and what it was like raising three young girls. Part 2, episode 39 will share the even that rocked Shelley's family's world and turned her into a staunch advocate.  Want more of The Every Way Mama? Check out our website at www.theeverywaymama.com and give us a follow on social at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama or www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama Our partner for this episode is Glitter & Dirt Co! Use code Reeves at www.glitteranddirtco.com to shop. 

Yoga instructor Ashley Howard is a mama to two and is pregnant with number three. Ashley went from being the high school girl who didn't want to be a mother to one of the most loving, effective advocates I think I've ever spoken to. We talked about her beautiful water birth experience with her first daughter, Sage, the dietary difficulties Sage experience as a newborn, how breast feeding did not come easily and how Ashley learned to follow her mom-gut and advocate for Sage early in her motherhood journey, which in turn prepared her for the battle that was ahead. Ashley is the mother to her beautiful differently-abled son Aiden. Ashley emotionally shared the road to Aiden's polymycrogia (PMG) diagnosis, what this incredibly rare genetic condition actually is and how it affects Aiden. I asked her what she wished parents of children that are not differently abled knew and I also asked her to share a piece of wisdom for the mamas on a special needs journey with their babies.  Ashley's story is a transformative powerful one and it was an honor to be a part of telling her story. If you'd like to follow her on social please head to www.instagram.com/growing_and_grounded.  Want more of The Every Way Mama? Check out our website at www.theeverywaymama.com and give us a follow on social at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama or www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama Our Partner for this episode is Glitter & Dirt Co. Go to www.glitteranddirtco.com/discount/Reeves to shop for the cutest shoes and accessories for your littles. 

In this episode we sit down with Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Parent Consultant, and Speaker Dr. Tasha Brown. Dr. Brown's passion is helping parents approach parenting with education, value, intention and purpose. We discuss how to talk to you child about loss and grief, how 5 minutes a day can lay the groundwork for a life long open relationship with your child, how to navigate big feelings from little and big people alike, and what your teenage needs MOST from you. I ADORE Dr. Brown, and it was an honor to have her on the show to share her knowledge on the full spectrum of parenting.  Follow Dr. Brown on social at www.instagram.com/dr.tashabrown and checkout her website www.drtashabrown.com  Want more of The Every Way Mama? Check out our website at www.theeverywaymama.com and give us a follow on social at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama or www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama Our partner for this episode is WonderFold Wagon. Head to their website and use code Shasta to save 10% on any wagon. 

Lucy Miller is a boy mama and a professional photographer. Lucy shares her journey to motherhood including her miscarriages. She opens up about how she processed and grieved them. She shared how her previous loss effected her pregnancy with her first son, James, and how she worked through the disappointment of having his birth NOT go according to the ideal birth plan. Lucy also shares some amazing advice for all the first time mom's out there.  Want to keep up with Lucy? Follow her on instagram at www.instagram.com/lucymillerphotography Want more of The Every Way Mama? Check out our website at www.theeverywaymama.com and give us a follow on social at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama or www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama Our partner for this episode is Glitter &. Dirt Co - shop at www.glitteranddirtco.com and use code Reeves to save! 

In Part 1, episode 33 of the show, I sat down with Amy Sylvestre to talk her journey to motherhood and all about her heart warrior's story. We also briefly talked about being a mother of loss. Today on the show we talked all about the adoption journey that she and her husband took to welcome their son Avery and daughter Isabella. These adoption stories are AMAZING and unpack a little more about what goes into a cross-country private adoption.  Amy also talked about her upcoming book on grief and how it can be used as a tool for trauma and loss.  Amy is an author, coach, speaker and the founder of the Wholehearted Retreat for mothers of loss. You can read more about Amy at www.amysylvestre.com and follow her on social at www.instagram.com/amyasylvestre Follow The Every Way Mama at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama and www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama and checkout the website www.theeverywaymama.com Please help us out by rating, reviewing, and subscribing to The Every Way Mama show.

This is Part 1 of a two part series with Amy Sylvestre. Amy is a mom through adoption and biology. In this episode we talk about her biological sons, Graham and Hudson. Amy and I talk about her road to motherhood with her firstborn and then Amy bravely shares her heart warrior, Hudson's story. Hudson's story is a breathtakingly story of loss and the ties that bind a mother's love.  Amy is an author, coach, speaker and the founder of the Wholehearted Retreat for mothers of loss. You can read more about Amy at www.amysylvestre.com and follow her on social at www.instagram.com/amyasylvestre  Follow The Every Way Mama at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama and www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama and checkout the website www.theeverywaymama.com  Please help us out by rating, reviewing, and subscribing to The Every Way Mama show. 

Dr. Anjani Amladi is a double board certified adult and child psychiatrist from sunny California. She joined me on the podcast to talk about her passion: changing the narrative around mental health. We had an in-depth conversation about autism and the support a child psychiatrist can provide the autistic child. We discussed everything from diagnosis to what to do while waiting for a diagnosis to how other therapies help along the way. We also talked about the stigma surrounding mental health and how important it is to know you're not alone, especially in these unusual times.  In addition to her work as a psychiatrist, Dr. Anjani is the author of  best selling children's book When the World Got Sick, a Cancer Survivor, and fur mama. Dr. Anjani has been widely published. Read more about her at www.anjaniamladimd.com and follow her on social at www.instagram.com/anjaniamladimd  Want more of The Every Way Mama? Check out our website at www.theeverywaymama.com and give us a follow on social at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama or www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama     

In today's episode, I'm joined by my son Harrison's foster mother, Amanda Bashaw, to tell how Harrison joined the Reeves Family. We talked about how I found out about Harry, who is just 13 months younger than his biological brother, Gunner (episode 21). Amanda shared how Harrison coming into their home was at a time when she needed him most. We talked about what it was like meeting each other, knowing that our family was interrupting their hopes and plans to be Harry's adoptive family. We even shared the details of the final hearing before Harrison's transfer of care took place.  Our partner for this episode is Baby Me Beautiful. Go to www.babymebeautiful.shop and use the code Willow to save 10% on your custom hand made in the USA order.  Follow The Every Way Mama on social at www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama or at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama  For blog posts, affiliate partnerships and more visit www.theeverywaymama.com  

Amanda Bashaw and her husband have fostered close to 40 children. Amanda and I talked all the things you have ever REALLY wanted to know about fostering. From parenting exposed newborns, to navigating parent videos, to the brutal and beautiful parts of reunification, to trauma parenting, to why children in foster care NEED someone to get "too attached". If you have EVER thought about fostering this is the episode for you.  This episode is part two of a three part series with Amanda Bashaw. Part 1 was Episode 29 of The Every Way Mama entitled If You Need a Mama: Amanda Bashaw's Story. Part three, airing on Valentines Day, will be Amanda helping ME tell Harry's adoption story as she was his foster mother and paid a crucial role in helping us take placement.  This episode is brought to you by Wonderfold Wagon. Shop Wonderfold at https://bit.ly/3iswfVM and use code Shasta for 10% off your wagon.  Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to the show. Find someone you know the show would touch and send them a link! Help us grow! You can follow along with The Every Way Mama at www.theeverywaymama.com and on social at www.instagram.com/theverywaymama and at www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama

Amanda Bashaw has been a mother to close to 40 children. Yes, you read that correctly. Amanda and her husband have fostered over 36 children. One holds an especially tender place in my heart as Amanda was my son, Harrison's foster mom before we took placement and then adopted him. Amanda shares her 6 year infertility journey that led she and her husband to their beautiful child Abbi. We talked pregnancy following infertility and she shared what it's like raising a child who is non-binary. Amanda also opened up about her miscarriage and the sever bout of depression  that followed the loss of their second child and pregnancy and how that led their family to foster.  This episode is part 1 of a 3 part series in which I sit down with Amanda Bashaw and we talk her story, foster care, and she even was gracious enough to help me tell Harry's story in part three of this little mini series.  Want to keep up with The Every Way Mama? Visit www.theeverywaymama.com for blog posts, partnerships, affiliates and more. You can follow us on social at www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama or www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama Our partner for this episode is PS and Co. Head to https://ps-co-llc.myshopify.com and use code ReevesBoys to save on the CUTEST graphic tees around. 

You asked - The Every Way Mama is answering some of the most popular questions by polls and that Shasta and Stephen have heard about having a big family. We hope you laugh as hard as we did recording this one - these answers are open, honest, and frank.  As always, we are not too proud to beg - please, take a second and rate and review the show and subscribe.  Want to keep up with The Every Way Mama? Visit www.theeverywaymama.com for blog posts, partnerships, affiliates and more. You can follow us on social at www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama or www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama Our partner for this episode is Wonderfold Wagon. Go to https://bit.ly/3iswfVM and use code Shasta for 10% off your purchase of the world's greatest stroller wagon. 

ISR Senior Master Instructor Candidate Kathy Cole joins us today with an expert take on why survival swim lessons are a MUST for your child. Shasta, your host, has personally had three children who have been through the ISR program, done refreshers and her fourth is starting lessons in February and she is extraordinarily passionate about equipping children with this life saving skill that she knew she had to have Kathy on the podcast to talk about the ISR difference. Kathy is one of eighteen ISR instructors in the world that recertifies instructors, instructs them, mentors them, and trains them and she gives lessons to anywhere from 200-300 kids each year. Kathy talked about why kids sometimes cry when they start ISR, as well as how Shasta, who had raging post partum anxiety, handled the crying when her first babies did ISR. Kathy also talked about things to stay away from in the water to avoid instilling a false sense of security and why ISR is important whether you live near the water or you don't.  Kathy also shared her personal motherhood experience as a mom who is transitioning into the season of her kids being young adults. With two young adults of her own in the house, Shasta gleaned lots of helpful tips from Kathy.  In the Southwest Florida area and interested in ISR lessons? Head to www.isrfortmyers.com you can also follow Kathy and her husband Steve certified ISR instructor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/irsfortmyers or on instagram at www.instagram.com/isrfortmyers  Not from Southwest Florida and need to find an ISR instructor? Head to www.infantswim.com to find an instructor near you.  As always, we are not too proud to beg - please, take a second and rate and review the show and subscribe.  Want to keep up with The Every Way Mama? Visit www.theeverywaymama.com for blog posts, partnerships, affiliates and more. You can follow us on social at www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama or www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama Our partner for this episode is Baby Me Beautiful. Go to www.babymebeautiful.shop and use code Willow for beautiful, hand made children clothing. 

This week's Every Way Mama is Californian Lindsay Johnston. Motherhood came to Lindsay after a battle with infertility and a miscarriage. She has two children, a daughter named Olivia and a son named Coleman. Lindsay shares how she got through her infertility battle, recovered from her miscarriage, and handled her daughter Olivia's unexpected NICU stay. Lindsay's amazing outlook on the ups and downs on motherhood and life will leave you inspired.  Please take a second to rate, subscribe, and share the podcast.  Keep up with The Every Way Mama on social: Instagram: www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama Twitter: @theeverywaymama Facebook: www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama Check out www.theeverywaymama.com for blog posts, discounts from our partners, and more.  This episode's partner is Littlest Prince Couture. Head to www.littlestprincecouture.com and use code ReevesBoys to save 20% on your entire purchase. 

Our expert series is where we bring in an expert and not just cover their subject matter, but also answer your burning questions about their specialty. Liz Pittman was adopted by her parents from Thailand as a young child. Liz, a Virginia Tech graduate, cohosts the Wait, I'm Adopted? Podcast where she and her cohost unpack adoption from the adoptee's perspective.  For me, if ANYONE is going to listen to just one episode of the podcast, this is it. I call myself an adoption advocate and as one, this is an episode that I know I personally will go back to for years to come as I raise adoptees and I hope one day my children get to listen to it. If you have adopted, are adopting, know someone that is adopted, or may at some point in your life encounter someone who is adopted (we spend a chunk of time on what NOT to ever say) this is an episode for you.  Liz and I talked about the primal wound of adoption, we talked what childhood and adolescence is like for an adoptee. We talked the struggles of adoption from an adoptees perspective. We talked about the beauty of adoption and how that beauty is simply family. And we talked about the love. Because that is what adoption really and truly is.  If you'd like to check out the Wait, I'm adopted podcast head to Apple Podcasts. You can also follow them on Instagram at www.instagram.com/waitimadoptedpodcast Want more from The Every Way Mama? I'd love to have you follow us on instagram at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama You can find blog posts, partners and more at www.theeverywaymama.com Our partner for this episode is PS & Co. Use code ReevesBoys to save on their adorable graphic tees for the little one in your life. 

Nurse, wife, and mama Alex McCaughin comes to us from Chicago.  Alex has amazing advice to first time moms who are pregnant and close to delivery. We talked preeclampsia, induction, and postpartum when NOTHING goes the way you imagined. Alex shared her daughter's NICU journey and her own mother's breast cancer diagnosis days after her daughter, Mae's, birth. We talked about our shared love of baby wearing and how we both feel it helped us cope with post partum depression and anxiety. There were a few off topic slides into fantasy football and baseball, but this conversation was warm, funny, and I think you all will love Alex and her story as much as I did.  Our partner for this episode is Hope & Plum. Check out Hope & Plum's new drop on Friday, January 15th at 1 PM EST at www.hopeandplum.co  You can follow Alex at www.instagram.com/itsnursealex Follow your host, Shasta Reeves, on instagram at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama or check out our website www.theeverywaymama.com for blog posts, partnerships, and more.