Her Village

Latest Episodes:

Surviving Pregnancy After Loss: Understanding PTSD Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

In this heartfelt episode, Jacqueline shares her personal journey of navigating a pregnancy after experiencing multiple losses, including miscarriages and the loss of her daughter Maren at 20 weeks. Recorded from a makeshift desk in her family room, she discusses the emotional and physical changes her family has undergone in preparing their home for their new daughter, who is arriving via surrogacy. Jacqueline candidly talks about the complexities of dealing with PTSD and mental health issues after loss, her experiences with the healthcare system, and the importance of support for women going through similar challenges. She aims to offer reassurance and solidarity to listeners who may be facing their own struggles with pregnancy after loss, highlighting the significance of recognizing and addressing mental health and grief.

00:00 Welcome to My Makeshift Studio: A Glimpse into My Life

00:18 The Journey of Room Transformations and Personal Loss

01:29 Embracing Change: Office Spaces and Preparing for Our Daughter

02:02 Channeling Nervous Energy: Home Projects and Nursery Dreams

04:26 Facing PTSD and the Complexities of Pregnancy After Loss

08:36 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Surrogacy and Anticipation

16:22 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Pregnancy and Loss

21:58 Improving Care for Women Experiencing Miscarriage or Loss

28:26 Final Thoughts and Resources for Support

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Struggling to conceive? Download this *free* Month-by-Month Roadmap to Your Fertility Success to help you stay focused on your journey to baby.
This episode is brought to you by History on the Rocks, the podcast that brings you the fascinating tales of lesser known history while you get ready for the weekend with your favorite drink in hand. Join Cody and Audrey as they uncork the stories that time forgot. From famous people like George Washington and his distillery, to pirate queens causing mayhem on the high seas, each episode is a journey through the ages with endless possibilities. Give History on the Rocks a follow on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with news about the latest episodes.

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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.

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Beyond Birth Plans: Embracing the Unexpected as a New Mom Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jacqueline shares her personal journey of anticipating the arrival of her daughter through surrogacy, emphasizing the stress and preparations involved when not physically pregnant. Jacqueline mentions listening to Amy Porterfield's podcast for inspiration and perspective on embracing uncomfortable moments for growth, touching upon her infertility struggles and the benefits of pursuing uncomfortable paths for family growth.
The episode features an interview with Erin, who recounts her transition into motherhood, including challenges like birth trauma, postpartum support, and the importance of trusting one's instincts as a parent. Erin's story of moving from New Jersey to Chicagoland and seeking community in motherhood through local groups like FIT4MOM is shared. The conversation also explores the resources available for new mothers, emphasizing the need to advocate for personal needs and the importance of a supportive community in navigating the complexities of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum life.
• Join the Motherhood Intended Community
• Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
• Leave a review for the podcast
This episode is brought to you by History on the Rocks, the podcast that brings you the fascinating tales of lesser known history while you get ready for the weekend with your favorite drink in hand. Join Cody and Audrey as they uncork the stories that time forgot. From famous people like George Washington and his distillery, to pirate queens causing mayhem on the high seas, each episode is a journey through the ages with endless possibilities. Give History on the Rocks a follow on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with news about the latest episodes.
00:00 Welcome to Motherhood Intended: Preparing for Baby's Arrival
01:37 Finding Inspiration and Embracing Discomfort
04:44 The Journey to Motherhood: Erin's Story
07:34 Navigating Pregnancy: Expectations vs. Reality
21:18 The Birth Experience: From Plans to Reality
28:30 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Childbirth
29:56 Switching Providers Mid-Pregnancy
30:53 The NICU Experience: Navigating Postpartum Emotions
35:47 The First Months: Parenthood Under Pressure
39:05 Embracing Help and Breaking Stigmas in Motherhood
50:35 Navigating Postpartum Anxiety and Finding Support
52:05 Final Thoughts: Embracing the Unpredictability of Parenthood

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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.

Building Families: The Surrogate's Perspective with Ashley Mareko Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jacqueline offers a rich tapestry of content, beginning with an intimate look into the world of surrogacy through the eyes of Ashley Mareko, a seasoned surrogate and expert. Ashley shares her multifaceted journey, covering everything from the emotional aspects and ethical considerations of surrogacy to the science and success rates behind it, drawing from her roles both as a surrogate and as the director at SurrogateFirst. Highlighting the need for careful agency selection and the impact of technological advancements in IVF, her insight provides an invaluable resource for potential surrogates.
• Join the Motherhood Intended Community
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• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show
• Connect with Ashley Mareko and SurrogateFirst
Struggling to conceive? Download this *free* Month-by-Month Roadmap to Your Fertility Success to help you stay calm and focused on your journey to baby.
This episode is brought to you by History on the Rocks, the podcast that brings you the fascinating tales of lesser known history while you get ready for the weekend with your favorite drink in hand. Join Cody and Audrey as they uncork the stories that time forgot. From famous people like George Washington and his distillery, to pirate queens causing mayhem on the high seas, each episode is a journey through the ages with endless possibilities. Give History on the Rocks a follow on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with news about the latest episodes.

00:00 Welcome and Personal Updates: Preparing for a Newborn

01:33 The Heart of Motherhood Intended: Podcast Goals and Surrogacy Awareness

03:03 Introducing Ashley Mareko: A Surrogate's Journey

05:17 Ashley's Personal Surrogacy Experience: From First Steps to Family Growth

21:30 The Surrogacy Process: Insights and Expectations

23:18 The Role of Surrogacy Agencies: Support and Guidance

29:41 Understanding Surrogacy Requirements

32:02 The Emotional and Physical Journey of Surrogacy

33:28 The Rigorous Screening Process for Surrogates

35:44 The Science Behind High Success Rates in Surrogacy

46:23 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Surrogacy

57:01 Advice for Potential Surrogates: Research and Support

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.

The Gift of Surrogacy: Alexandra French's Story Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jacqueline shares her personal journey through surrogacy, from explaining the concept to her children to celebrating milestones and advocating for surrogacy awareness. She details visiting their surrogate in Texas, the excitement of her pregnancy, and her family's anticipation of welcoming a new baby. Moreover, she interviews Alexandra French, a breast cancer survivor, mother through surrogacy, and the founder of the Gift of Surrogacy Foundation, discussing the emotional, financial, and logistical aspects of surrogacy. They explore the importance of advocating for oneself in medical treatments, the challenges and rewards of surrogacy, and how Alexandra's own experience led her to start a foundation that supports others on their surrogacy journey. The conversation underscores the significance of surrogacy awareness, the transformative impact of gestational carriers, and the myriad paths to parenthood.
• Join the Motherhood Intended Community
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• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show
• Connect with Alexandra French!
• Donate to the Gift of Surrogacy Foundation
Struggling to conceive? Download this *free* Month-by-Month Roadmap to Your Fertility Success to help you stay calm and focused on your journey to baby.
This episode was made possible by 2ndStarts.
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00:02 Family Trip to Meet the Surrogate

03:58 3D Ultrasound Experience

09:32 Surrogacy Awareness Month and Guest Introduction

10:17 Interview with Alexandra French

10:38 Alexandra's Surrogacy Journey

24:25 Building Trust in the Surrogacy Process

26:38 Financial Challenges in Surrogacy

26:59 Emotional Hurdles in Surrogacy

29:02 The Importance of Support in Surrogacy

29:16 The Role of Agencies in Surrogacy

30:06 The Financial Impact of Surrogacy

30:54 The Emotional Impact of Surrogacy

38:56 The Gift of Surrogacy Foundation

46:47 Advice for Surrogacy Journey

49:51 Conclusion: The Gift of Family

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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.

How to Let Your Purpose Evolve in Motherhood with Katelyn Denning Mar 01, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jacqueline discusses significant life transitions and reflections on her purpose, mainly triggered by her journey into motherhood. She introduces her guest for the episode, Katelyn Denning, a coach who supports busy working moms find balance between their personal and professional lives. Katelyn shares her experiences navigating multifarious roles and responsibilities, explaining how our purpose can be constantly evolving and shifting. They both emphasize the importance of self-reflection, experimentation, following curiosity, and trusting oneself when making life decisions to feel more in control and fulfilled.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

00:56 Introducing the Guest: Katelyn Denning

01:49 The Struggles of Being a Working Mom

02:18 Katelyn Journey into Coaching

03:39 The Constant Reevaluation of Purpose in Motherhood

07:16 The Impact of Motherhood on Personal Identity

09:45 Finding Purpose Outside of Motherhood

14:59 The Role of Podcasting in Personal Growth

20:07 Exploring What's Next: Embracing Uncertainty

20:51 The Power of Experimentation: A Personal Journey

21:29 The Role of Self-Reflection in Personal Growth

22:40 The Art of Listening to Yourself: A New Perspective

23:16 Small Actions, Big Impact: A Personal Story

26:21 Overcoming Overwhelm: Practical Advice

27:55 The Power of the Pause: A New Approach

31:42 The Evolution of Purpose: A Fresh Perspective

37:25 The Role of Coaching in Personal Development

39:42 Final Thoughts and Reflections
• Join the Motherhood Intended Community
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• Connect with Katelyn Denning of Mother Nurture!
Struggling to conceive? Download this *free* Month-by-Month Roadmap to Your Fertility Success to help you stay calm and focused on your journey to baby.

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.

Managing the Mental Load of Motherhood with Catherine O'Brien Feb 23, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jacqueline speaks on the gratitude perspective in motherhood and her intentions to create a gratitude journal geared towards women dealing with infertility. She further welcomes Catherine O'Brien, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a focus on the transition to parenthood. Catherine shares insights on sharing the mental load of parenting, relationship dynamics after having a child, and the importance of offloading the feelings of overwhelm for the sake of personal and marital health. She highlights a spreadsheet available on her website as a tool for managing the mental load. They both emphasize the importance of parents doing what works best for them and their family, and not pressuring themselves to adhere to societal expectations.
• Join the Motherhood Intended Community
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• Apply to be a guest on the show
• Connect with Catherine O'Brien and grab her free organizer!
Struggling to conceive? Download this *free* Month-by-Month Roadmap to Your Fertility Success to help you stay calm and focused on your journey to baby.
This episode was made possible by the Opensoul app.
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00:00 Introduction and Open Soul App Overview

00:56 Welcome to the Motherhood Intended Podcast

01:33 The Power of Gratitude in Motherhood

04:53 Creating a Gratitude Journal for Infertility Journey

06:37 Introducing Guest: Catherine O'Brien

07:55 Catherine's Personal Journey to Motherhood

19:03 The Mental Load of Motherhood

24:17 Balancing Family Responsibilities

24:38 The Challenges of Raising Young Children

24:59 The Importance of Teamwork in Parenting

25:27 The Mental Load of Parenthood

25:39 Planning and Scheduling as a Parent

26:17 The Evolution of Parenting as Children Grow

27:31 The Bittersweet Nature of Parenthood

28:18 The Importance of Individuality in Parenting

28:59 The Role of Support in Parenting

29:22 The Impact of Health Issues on Parenting

30:42 The Importance of Letting Go in Parenting

37:10 The Different Roles in a Family

39:04 The Journey of Writing a Parenting Book

41:18 The Importance of Community in Parenting

45:51 Conclusion: The Ever-Changing Nature of Parenthood

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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.

Embracing Motherhood: Personal Pregnancy and Birth Stories Feb 15, 2024

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Jacqueline invites her sisters-in-law, Rachael and Summer, to share their individual experiences of pregnancy and childbirth. Rachael discusses her pregnancy journey and her son's eventual c-section birth (on his due date!). Summer details her attempts to have a natural labor which ultimately resulted in a scheduled induction. Throughout their conversation, both moms also open up about the unexpected aspects of their journeys. Overall, their stories highlight the varied nature of pregnancy, the shared joy of motherhood, and the resilience of women.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Guests

00:19 Rachael's Pregnancy and Birth Story

05:47 Rachael's C-Section Experience and Recovery

11:12 Summer's Pregnancy Journey Begins

13:28 The Struggles of Pregnancy

14:10 Summer's Wait for Labor

19:02 The Long Pushing Stage

21:07 The Magic of Forgetting

22:07 The Joy of New Additions to the Family
• Join the Motherhood Intended Community
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• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show
• Join the Montherhood Intended e-mail list! Once a week you'll receive a newsletter with things like fertility tips, recipes, mom hacks, product discounts, and more.
Struggling to conceive? Download this *free* Month-by-Month Roadmap to Your Fertility Success to help you stay calm and focused on your journey to baby.

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.

Navigating Fatherhood While Overcoming a Gambling Addiction Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

In this transparent and relatable *bonus* podcast episode, Jacqueline shares her conversation with her brother Jake who opens up about his journey of becoming a father while simultaneously battling a gambling addiction. He discusses his struggles and transformation, sharing his process of acknowledging he had an addiction, tackling it head-on, and continuing to uphold his commitment to staying clean.
The episode highlights the importance of parental perspectives, honesty, resilience, personal growth, and maintaining a supportive network when facing addiction. Jake also emphasizes the potential dangers of prevalent societal influences, specifically for young people in the sphere of gambling, urging parents to equip their children with awareness and wisdom.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming the Guest

00:44 The Journey to Fatherhood: The Beginning

02:19 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Pregnancy

05:28 The Reality of Parenthood: First Year Reflections

07:34 The Struggle with Gambling Addiction: A Candid Discussion

10:26 The Impact of Addiction on Personal Life and Relationships

13:21 The Turning Point: Acknowledging the Addiction

21:40 The Road to Recovery: Attending the First Meeting

26:50 The Impact of Parenthood on Recovery

27:59 The Role of Support in Overcoming Addiction

30:39 The Unexpected Challenges of Parenthood and Recovery

32:29 The Importance of Transparency in Recovery

34:19 Navigating Unforeseen Challenges in Recovery

39:23 The Role of Education in Preventing Addiction

45:54 The Ongoing Journey of Recovery and Parenthood
• A one-stop hub connecting people with a gambling problem to local resources
• Join the Motherhood Intended Community
• Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show
Struggling to conceive? Download this *free* Month-by-Month Roadmap to Your Fertility Success to help you stay calm and focused on your journey to baby. You'll also be signed up to receive the Motherhood Intended newsletter [coming soon!].

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.

Building a Vision Beyond Motherhood with Danielle LaShawn Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

In a lively conversation with Jacqueline, Danielle LaShawn, a mom of four, author, content creator, and full-time employee shares her experiences of motherhood and self-transformation. Danielle emphasises the importance of maintaining personal identity and fulfilling individualistic goals alongside motherhood - a principal topic in her book 'Make a Deposit'.
She explains the concept of identifying 'deposits' or small consistent actions that make significant impacts over time and keeps the individual enriched and motivated. Given the demands of motherhood, she advises on curating daily activities to ensure one's happiness and achievement, which indirectly benefits the family too. Transforming her journey and understanding to her widely acknowledged book presented an opportunity to connect with mothers who lost their identities to become mothers and help them reclaim their individualism.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:15 Getting to Know the Guest: Danielle's Background

01:11 Unveiling Danielle's Book and Its Core Concept

03:04 Understanding the Impact of Daily Choices

03:20 The Power of Vision and Consistency

05:21 The Importance of Self-Identity in Motherhood

05:47 The Role of Structure and Balance in Achieving Goals

10:11 Overcoming Mom Guilt and Embracing Individuality

13:58 The Impact of Daily Choices on Relationships

16:22 The Evolution of Motherhood and Personal Growth

19:24 The Power of Positive Consumption and Self-Discovery

27:05 Final Thoughts and Advice: Just Get Started

28:04 Connecting with Danielle and Conclusion

• Danielle's YouTube Channel, website, and book
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• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show
Struggling to conceive? Download this *free* Month-by-Month Roadmap to Your Fertility Success to help you stay calm and focused on your journey to baby. You'll also be signed up to receive the Motherhood Intended newsletter [coming soon!].

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.

Boy Moms Talk Gender "Disappointment" Jan 26, 2024

Show notes

Gender disappointment. Maybe you’ve heard this term, maybe you haven’t, but it definitely isn’t openly talked about enough. Gender disappointment is a very real parenthood experience which involves holding a preference for having a daughter or a son, then experiencing emotional distress when baby’s sex does not match that vision. But disappointment is only the tip of the iceberg. Often the feelings to follow are ones of grief, guilt, or even shame.
In this episode Jacqueline connects with Cori Leary, a fellow boy mom, to discuss the topic of gender disappointment. Cori shares her experiences with pregnancy including the honest emotions she felt when finding out she was expecting a second boy. Take a listen as we help squash the shame that many women feel surrounding this topic and learn why these feelings can present themselves in the first place.

Struggling to conceive? Download this *free* Month-by-Month Roadmap to Your Fertility Success to help you stay calm and focused on your journey to baby.
• Join the Motherhood Intended Community
• Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the podcast

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.

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