Kids & Family
**Her Village**

**Her Village Podcast**

This is the space where real women have real conversations — the ones we don’t always say out loud, but all feel in some way.

Hosted by Jacqueline Baird, this podcast goes beyond surface-level talk and into the stories, struggles, and moments that shape us — in motherhood, relationships, identity, and everything in between.

Through a mix of personal reflections and honest conversations with other women, each episode is designed to leave you feeling seen, understood, and a little less alone… while also giving you new perspective, insight, and the kind of validation you didn’t know you needed.

Because you’re not the only one thinking it.
And you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Welcome to Her Village.

**Connect with Her Village:**
Instagram: @motherhood_intended
Join the email list: hervillage.kit.com/naperville

Latest Episodes:

Mercier Therapy and Fertility: Angela's Journey Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jacqueline welcomes back Angela LeBlanc, a pelvic floor physical therapist, who returns to share insights on the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health, focusing particularly on Mercier Therapy. Angela discusses her own fertility journey, involving issues like ovulation problems, low progesterone, and dealing with ineffective treatments. She shares how Mercier Therapy became a pivotal part of her journey and elaborates on the importance of individualized care, the impact of trauma on pelvic health, and the role of alternative treatments. Angela emphasizes the significance of trusting one's gut and provides comprehensive advice on how women can educate themselves and find support through the fertility process. The episode serves as a valuable resource for those looking for deeper understanding and alternative approaches to women's health and fertility.

GET CONNECTED!
Motherhood Intended Podcast & Community:

Motherhood Intended website
Join our FREE Motherhood Intended Community
Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
Download Jacqueline's FREE Habit & Goal Tracker
Leave a review for the podcast
Apply to be a guest on the show!

Well + Core Physical Therapy:

Follow @wellcorept on TikTok & Instagram
Well + Core website
Learn more about Dr. Angela & Mercier Therapy

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

03:53 Understanding Mercier Therapy

06:16 Angela's Personal Fertility Journey

25:56 The Emotional Impact of Infertility

30:49 Holistic Approaches to Fertility

31:38 The Emotional and Physical Toll of IVF

31:49 Empowerment Through Education

38:31 The Importance of Mental Health

49:16 Building a Supportive Community

Support the show

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Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: https://hervillage.kit.com/products/founding-membership 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________

The Village Chat: Decluttering & Meal Planning with Megan Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Parenting Hacks to Simplify and De-Stress Your Life

In this episode of Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline welcomes her sister Megan to The Village Chat as they discuss practical strategies to simplify parenting and household management. They touch on meal themes like 'Taco Tuesday' to reduce meal planning stress, incorporating kids in routine activities to teach responsibility, and decluttering techniques to create a more peaceful home. The conversation also highlights the use of snack boxes, implementing the 'Don't put it down, put it away' rule, and the importance of balancing family time with household chores. Tune in for relatable insights and useful tips to ease the chaos of motherhood!

GET CONNECTED!

Motherhood Intended website
Join our FREE Motherhood Intended Community
Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
Download Jacqueline's FREE Habit & Goal Tracker
Leave a review for the podcast
Apply to be a guest on the show!

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

01:17 New Year, New Parenting Strategies

01:52 Meal Planning and Themed Dinners

04:36 Prepping Snacks and Meals Ahead of Time

11:32 Tackling Clutter and Household Organization

16:34 Struggles of Balancing Work and Cleaning

17:12 Minimalism and Decluttering

20:35 Kids and Household Responsibilities

24:20 Teaching Kids About Money

27:10 Creative Solutions for Clutter

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________________

Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: What Every Woman Should Know Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

Pelvic Floor Health: An In-Depth Talk with Dr. Angela LeBlanc, DPT, PT

In this episode, Jacqueline welcomes her cousin Angela, a pelvic floor physical therapist, to discuss the crucial topic of pelvic floor health. Angela explains how the pelvic floor functions, debunks common myths, and highlights the importance of individualized care. They also delve into various conditions that pelvic floor therapy can help with, such as constipation, incontinence, and pain during pregnancy and postpartum. Angela shares insights on the interconnectedness of the body, the impact of stress and trauma on pelvic health, and practical advice for those considering pelvic floor therapy. This episode is packed with valuable information and tips to help listeners better understand and care for their pelvic floor health!
GET CONNECTED!
Motherhood Intended Podcast & Community:

Motherhood Intended website
Join our FREE Motherhood Intended Community
Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
Download Jacqueline's FREE Habit & Goal Tracker
Leave a review for the podcast
Apply to be a guest on the show!

Well + Core Physical Therapy:

Follow @wellcorept on TikTok & Instagram
Well + Core website
Learn more about Dr. Angela & Mercier Therapy

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

02:59 Introducing Today's Guest: Angela LeBlanc

03:48 Understanding Pelvic Floor Therapy

05:55 Angela's Journey and Expertise

09:37 Common Issues and Myths About Pelvic Floor

15:57 Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy

27:07 Postpartum Pelvic Floor Importance

29:09 Common Postpartum Issues and Misconceptions

32:13 Mind-Body Connection and Emotional Health

35:41 Breathwork and Core Engagement Techniques

38:14 Personalized Pelvic Floor Therapy

41:00 Holistic Approach to Pelvic Health

45:38 Evaluation and First Appointment Insights

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________________

Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

Post Surrogacy Reflections and FAQs Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jacqueline reflects on the last nine months following the birth of their daughter, Lorelei, through a gestational carrier. She answers common questions about the process, explains different types of surrogacy (gestational vs. traditional, compensated vs. altruistic), and details the importance of professional guidance. The discussion also covers the legal aspects, the selection requirements for surrogates, and the dynamics between surrogates and intended parents.
Jacqueline emphasizes the emotional and logistical challenges of surrogacy, shares personal experiences, and offers advice for those considering surrogacy, recommending ConceivAbilities as an agency. She also delves into the relationship with their surrogate postpartum, sharing how they maintained contact and how the relationship has evolved over time. The mutual benefits and emotional connections that are formed are discussed, highlighting the significance of gratitude and ongoing connection through social media.

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ALL THE THINGS:

FREE Download: Habit & Goal Tracker
Motherhood Intended website
Join the (FREE) Motherhood Intended Community
Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
Leave a review for the podcast!
Apply to be a guest on the show

00:00 Introduction + Lorelei is 9 Months Old!
01:05 Understanding Surrogacy Basics
01:58 Types of Surrogacy Explained
02:48 Jacqueline's Personal Surrogacy Journey
06:15 Legal Aspects of Surrogacy
07:59 Choosing the Right Surrogate
14:43 Surrogate Compensation and Relationship
17:54 Post-Birth Relationship and Reflections
23:26 Final Thoughts and Resources
Sources:
https://surrogate.com/
https://www.conceiveabilities.com/

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________________

Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

The Village Chat: Creating Habits for an Intentional Year Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

NEW YEAR, NEW EPISODES!
A new segment of Motherhood Intended has been added! It's called 'The Village Chat' and it's a shorter weekly episode where Jacqueline welcomes someone from her village (family, friends, local moms, etc.) onto the show to have a little chit-chat! Different topics are touched on each week, but the hope is to balance out the sometimes heaviness of the of the show with some lighter topics and banter.
On the first segment of the Village Chat, Jacqueline is joined by her husband, Josh, to discuss their goals and habits for the new year. They talk about their new Big A## Calendar, organizing their schedules, and setting realistic daily habits. They share their plans to read more, prioritize health, and implement better daily routines. The episode focuses on setting processes rather than just goals and emphasizes the importance of being intentional about time management and family priorities.
Download Jacqueline's FREE Habit & Goal Tracker here!

ALL THE THINGS:

Motherhood Intended website
Join the (FREE) Motherhood Intended Community
Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
Leave a review for the podcast!
Apply to be a guest on the show

00:00 Welcome to the Village Chat

00:54 Introducing the Big Ass Calendar

04:38 Setting New Year Habits

05:37 Daily Structure and Health Goals

13:21 Reading and Night Routines

16:49 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________________

Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

Elevating Your Parenting: The Power of Understanding Temperament Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Happy Season 5! Happy 2 Year Podcast Anniversary! Happy Birthday to your host, Jacqueline Baird! The podcast is back after a brief end-of-year hiatus and there is a lot to celebrate...
To kick off a new season of the Motherhood Intended Podcast, Jacqueline welcomes onto the show Wendy Gossett, a parenting and relationship coach, author, and host of the Not So Normal Parenting Podcast. Wendy discusses the significance of understanding children's unique temperaments to tailor parenting effectively. She shares insights on using brain mapping and temperament testing to identify individual strengths and challenges in children. Wendy emphasizes the impact of realistic expectations and personalized parenting on fostering better parent-child relationships. She also explains how understanding and leveraging these temperaments can help in family dynamics, sibling interactions, and even in resolving conflicts more empathetically.
ALL THE THINGS:

Motherhood Intended website
Join our FREE Motherhood Intended Community
Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
Download Jacqueline's FREE Habit & Goal Tracker
Leave a review for the podcast
Apply to be a guest on the show!

Shift from reaction to understanding, smoothing the rough edges for a more connected and harmonious home...
--> Connect with Wendy and find all of her resources HERE!

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________________

Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

Infertility and the Holidays: Tips for Emotional Well-being Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

In this bonus episode, Jacqueline provides support and advice for individuals facing infertility during the holiday season. Acknowledging that holidays can be a challenging time for one in six couples dealing with infertility, she offers tips on managing emotional triggers, selectively attending events, preparing responses to intrusive questions, and taking breaks from trying to conceive. This episode emphasizes the importance of seeking support, whether through therapy, support groups, or personal connections, and encourages listeners to protect their mental health and wellbeing.
ALL THE THINGS:

Motherhood Intended website
Join our FREE Motherhood Intended Community
Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
Download a FREE Month-by-Month Guide to Feeling Grounded & Focused on Your Journey to Baby
Download a FREE Habit & Goal Tracker
Leave a review for the podcast
Apply to be a guest on the show!

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________________

Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

Rare Diagnosis, Real Courage: Casey's Story of Love, Loss, and Denys-Drash Syndrome Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

In this final episode of Season 4, Jacqueline welcomes Casey Hawkins, who bravely shares her personal journey of coping with a rare disease diagnosed during pregnancy, the birth of her rainbow baby, experiencing a second-trimester miscarriage, and the emotional recovery that followed. Casey discusses the challenges of a difficult pregnancy, the subsequent grief from her loss, and the healing power of community support and therapy. She also touches on the significance of honoring her children and finding strength in vulnerability.
ALL THE THINGS:

Motherhood Intended website
Join our FREE Motherhood Intended Community
Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
Download a FREE Month-by-Month Guide to Feeling Grounded & Focused on Your Journey to Baby
Download a FREE Habit & Goal Tracker
Leave a review for the podcast
Apply to be a guest on the show!

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________________

Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

*Re-Release* When Your Body Has Had Enough Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

Jacqueline re-shares her fertility journey including the exploration of other safe family building options like surrogacy. In this episode, she shares her family's journey into surrogacy after experiencing multiple hardships including unexplained infertility, multiple miscarriages, and the loss of a child due to a placental abruption. Following the advice of her doctor, Jacqueline explores the challenges of finding a gestational surrogate through an agency, including complex medical and personal considerations such as BMI, recent childbirth history, and geographic location. Despite initial setbacks, Jacqueline and her husband decide to keep their options open by working with an agency while also searching for an independent surrogate.
ALL THE THINGS:

Motherhood Intended website
Join our FREE Motherhood Intended Community
Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
Download a FREE Month-by-Month Guide to Feeling Grounded & Focused on Your Journey to Baby
Download a FREE Habit & Goal Tracker
Leave a review for the podcast
Apply to be a guest on the show!

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________________

Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

*Re-Release* IVF, Boys, NICU, Surgeries, Stillbirth: Jacqueline's Story (Part 2) Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

Jacqueline re-shares more of her fertility story including the miraculous births of her sons! In this episode she discusses IVF, the NICU, surgeries, hospital stays, a stillbirth and dealing with the emotional and physical challenges of miscarriages and premature delivery. Jacqueline emphasizes the importance of resilience, therapy, and the power of pausing to heal, offering an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs of motherhood and infertility.
ALL THE THINGS: