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No One Told Us — Kids & Family
No One Told Us

No One Told Us the truth about parenthood. WHY?!
Welcome to No One Told Us, the podcast where we uncover the raw, unfiltered truths about parenthood. I’m your host, Rachael Shepard-Ohta, mom of three and founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby. Each week, join me as we dive deep into the joys, challenges, and surprises of raising children with a mix of expert insights, personal anecdotes, and candid conversations.
From navigating postpartum anxiety to mastering the art of making mom friends, and from introducing solids to tackling tantrums, we cover it all. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, this podcast is your go-to resource for honest advice, relatable stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Join me as I sit down with experts in their fields, as well as friends, family, celebrities, and influencers, to share their experiences and wisdom on everything from sleepless nights to rocky relationships. No topic is off-limits, and no story goes untold on No One Told Us.
So grab a cup of coffee, pop in your headphones and join the conversation. This is the podcast everyone needed before they had kids- because now that those little ones are here, there’s a lot to unpack. So let’s pull back the curtain on becoming a first-time mom (or dad!) to share the good, the bad and the ugly. A little education, a little fun, and a whole lot of heart goes into each and every episode of No One Told Us to have you feeling less alone and way more empowered.

Copyright: © 2023

Latest Episodes:

Episode 60: Work-Family Balance: What Can We Learn from Policies Around the World? with Caitlyn Collins Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

Episode 60: Work-Family Balance: What Can We Learn from Policies Around the World? with Caitlyn Collins

In this conversation, Rachael interviews Caitlyn Collins, an associate professor of sociology and author, about work-family life and how policies affect families in different countries. They discuss the differences between the United States, Sweden, Germany, Italy, and other countries in terms of parental leave, childcare, and work-life balance.

Inside this episode:

The importance of collective responsibility and cultural attitudes towards caregiving.
How better policies can not only benefit families but also have economic and social benefits for society as a whole.
The importance of Caitlyn’s book, Making Motherhood Work, which talks all about different countries and their different work-family policies and the work-family conflict that mothers (and fathers!) experience.
Why is Sweden often held up as a paragon of work-family policy?
How division of labor and gender inequality in households differs in other countries.
Changing the language around paid leave from “luck” to “rights” and why this can be a powerful shift
Flexible work options for moms
The potential for policy changes at the federal level in the United States.
And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Caitlyn’s Book: Making Motherhood Work

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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Episode 59: Surviving Postpartum Psychosis with Ayana Lage Oct 03, 2024

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Episode 59: Surviving Postpartum Psychosis with Ayana Lage @ayanagabriellelage

In this episode, Rachael has a candid chat with Ayana Lage, writer, influencer and mental health advocate, who shares her experience with postpartum psychosis. Ayana details the devastating toll postpartum psychosis took on her and her family, as well as how it impacted future family planning. She discusses the symptoms she experienced, the hospitalization process, and the support she received in the aftermath. Ayana also talks about the decision process to have another child, and how she and her husband are preparing for postpartum this time around.

Inside this episode:

All about the serious and under-discussed condition: postpartum psychosis.
Signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis
The impact that support from friends and family, including checking in and providing practical help, can provide during the postpartum period and beyond
How to set boundaries and prioritize self-care during pregnancy and postpartum
The value in sharing experiences and raising awareness about postpartum mental health
Why we need to dismantle the stigma attached to this condition and to medication and treatment for postpartum mothers
How to prepare for postpartum with a history of perinatal mood disorders
And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Ayana’s website: https://ayanalage.com/
Ayana’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayanagabriellelage
Ayana’s postpartum psychosis article: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a43340622/postpartum-psychosis-personal-essay/

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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Episode 58: Gentle Parenting like a Teacher with Arielle Fodor Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

Episode 58: Gentle Parenting like a Teacher with Arielle Fodor aka @mrs.frazzled

In this episode, Rachael Shepard-Ohta interviews Ariel Fodor, also known as Mrs. Frazzled, about her experience as a teacher and a parent. They discuss why many teachers are leaving the profession, the misconceptions about gentle parenting, and the importance of representation and social justice issues. Ariel also shares her journey with mental health challenges and how she navigates them as a mom. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of parents and the need for support and understanding.

Inside this episode:

Why so many teachers are leaving the profession
How teaching creates burnout and feelings of unfulfillment
What does “gentle parenting” mean, anyway?
How to set boundaries with children while maintaining open communication and using natural consequences
The importance of Representation and exposure to diverse experiences for children
How to raise socially conscious children.
The importance of prioritizing mental health and seeking support when needed as a parent
How to find supportive parenting communities
And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Arielle’s Instagram: @mrs.frazzled
Arielle’s Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrs.frazzled?lang=en
Teacher Quit Talk Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-quit-talk/id1644396447

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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Episode 57: Mental Health in the Journey to Motherhood with Dr. Sarah Oreck Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

Episode 57: Mental Health in the Journey to Motherhood with Dr. Sarah Oreck @sarahoreckmd

In this episode, Rachael has a great discussion with Dr. Sarah Oreck, a reproductive psychiatrist and founder of Mavita Health. They talk about the importance of mental health care support during the sometimes long, difficult journey to parenthood. Dr. Sarah highlights the different experiences and challenges that individuals face during pregnancy and postpartum, including pregnancy loss and infertility.

Inside this episode:

The stigma surrounding mental health in the perinatal period, including for those going through fertility treatments, going through secondary infertility and more
How each pregnancy and postpartum can pose different challenges
How lifestyle factors, such as movement, mindfulness, and nutrition, support mental health
The importance of destigmatizing medication use during pregnancy and postpartum when needed
How sleep deprivation affects mental health and how you can protect maternal sleep
Balancing the needs of your baby and yourself
How to tailor your social media feed to promote positive mental health.
Some of the best ways to support new parents in their postpartum period
The need for accessible and comprehensive care that includes therapy, medication management, & whole-body support.
And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Sarah Oreck’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahoreckmd
Mavida Health website: https://www.mavidahealth.com/
Mavida Health Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mavidahealth/

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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Episode 56: Unwinding, Easing Anxiety and Falling Asleep using Mindfulness Stories with Goldminds founder, Cynthia Arscott Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

Episode 56: Unwinding, Easing Anxiety and Falling Asleep using Mindfulness Stories with Goldminds founder, Cynthia Arscott

In this episode, Rachael interviews Cynthia Arscott, a certified meditation teacher and the creator of the new GoldMinds app! Rachael and Cynthia talk all about childhood anxiety around sleep, using mindfulness, and how they used both of their knowledge on the topics to inspire this amazing app.

Inside this episode:

Cynthia shares her personal journey with anxiety in childhood and how mindfulness and meditation helped her find relief.
The importance of bedtime routines and the benefits of using mindfulness stories to help children unwind and fall asleep.
How mindfulness & meditation can be effective tools for managing anxiety & improving mental health overall.
The benefits of teaching mindfulness to children at a young age.
All about their new app- GoldMinds!!
And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Download the Goldminds App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goldminds-sleep-mindfulness/id6478971217
Cynthia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaarscott/?hl=en
Goldminds website: https://www.goldmindsapp.com/
Goldminds Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/goldmindsapp/?hl=en
Mindfulness Study Mentioned in Episode: https://news.mit.edu/2023/practicing-mindfulness-may-improve-childrens-mental-health-1011

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 55: The Emotional Journey of Childhood Cancer with Danielle & Portia Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

Episode 55: The Emotional Journey of Childhood Cancer with Danielle & Portia

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. This week, Rachael speaks with two mothers who have faced the unimaginable.

In this emotional episode, Rachael interviews Portia, mom of Leo, who was diagnosed with Cancer as a young child. Portia discusses the initial diagnosis (and the importance of listening to your “mom gut!”), the emotional journey through treatments, and the challenges faced by both Leo and his sister. Rachael also interviews Danielle, another incredible mother who shares her experience with her daughter Angelina's battle with cancer. Daniells shares some incredible stories about making the most of Angelina’s life, and a special surprise that came after her death. Please hear their stories, learn about their experiences, and find out what you can do to help children and families affected by childhood cancer.

Inside this episode:

The Childhood Cancer Society (CCS) dedication to empowering families who have been affected by pediatric cancer with both emotional and financial support.
The impact that organizations like CCS have on providing memorable experiences for families and kids going through pediatric cancer
Trusting your gut as a parent
Siblings of children with cancer may also need support and attention to cope with the challenges
The Wish Grant program offered by the Childhood Cancer Society allows children with cancer to fulfill their dreams and create lasting memories.
What Portia and Danielle want other moms to know

Mentioned in this episode:

Childhood Cancer Society website: https://www.childhoodcancersociety.org/
Link to donate https://givebutter.com/DD9cyK/rachaelshepardohta

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

Instagram | Tiktok | Website

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 54: Challenging Our Individualistic Culture with Erin Spahr Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

Episode 54: Challenging Our Individualistic Culture with Erin Spahr @feminist.mom.therapist

In this episode, Rachael interviews Erin Spahr, a licensed therapist, mother, and maternal mental health advocate. They discuss the intersection of feminism and motherhood, the lack of support and systemic oppression faced by women and parents, and the harmful effects of comparison and external validation on social media.

Here’s what they discuss in this episode:

The importance of self-compassion and self-trust in navigating motherhood
The need for inclusive and identity-affirming care for perinatal individuals
Lack of federal paid parental leave in the US and how it is a MAJOR issue for mothers
How harmful the societal ideology of individualism and the expectation that mothers should do it all without support is
All about the tradwife movement and how it glamorizes an unrealistic and oppressive view of motherhood.
Why does feminism have a negative connotation?
And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Erin’s instagram: @feminist.mom.therapist
Listen to The Feminist Mom Podcast here
Inclusive Provider Directory website: https://www.inclusiveproviders.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

Instagram | Tiktok | Website

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 53: Simplifying Your Routine & Managing the Chaos of Back-to-School with Beth Rosenbleeth Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

Episode 53: Simplifying Your Routine & Managing the Chaos of Back-to-School with Beth Rosenbleeth @dayswithgrey

It’s back-to-school for many of our children and that can come with a lot of big feelings, routine changes, and chaos! In this episode, Rachael chats with Beth, educator and creator of Days with Grey, all about simplifying routines, promoting play-based learning for young children, and how to cope with the change that is “back-to-school” (or just starting school!).

Here’s what they discuss in this episode:

Beth shares her journey from being a teacher to becoming a stay-at-home mom which led to her creating her online platform to teach parents about play, routines and more
The concept of “breakfast invitations” and how they can inspire play and learning in the morning!
Tips for creating morning and afternoon routines and preparing for back-to-school
How to manage the after-school meltdowns
The importance of meeting and understanding each child’s individual needs
How to set boundaries and provide predictability in routines.
And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Beth’s website: https://dayswithgrey.com/
Beth’s Instagram: @dayswithgrey
Soft Skills activity cards: https://shop.dayswithgrey.com/shop/soft-skill-activity-cards/
40 unbeatable toddler activities: https://dayswithgrey.com/top-activities-two-year-olds/
Supply List for Kids: https://dayswithgrey.com/a-simple-list-of-learning-tools-for-kids/

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

Instagram | Tiktok | Website

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 52: Burn Out, the Invisible Load and Maternal Mental Health with Erica Djossa Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

Episode 52: Burn Out, the Invisible Load and Maternal Mental Health with Erica Djossa @momwell

This week Rachael speaks with Erica Djossa- a registered psychotherapist, founder of Momwell and author of new book Releasing the Motherload- all about the challenges of postpartum and beyond, including burn out and the “invisible load” of motherhood.

Here’s what they discuss inside this episode:

Erica shares her personal journey with postpartum depression
How Erica’s postpartum journey led her to create Momwell and write her new book
The concept of the invisible load and the different beliefs that shape the motherload
The “invisible load” moms carry, and strategies for sharing the mental load
Navigating social media and comparison traps
Insights and resources for supporting moms' mental health
Finding your community as a parent to feel supported
And so much more!

Erica Djossa is a registered psychotherapist specializing in maternal mental health with over a decade of experience, and the founder of Momwell. As a mother of three rambunctious young boys, Erica understands first-hand the challenges of motherhood. After her own battle with postpartum depression, Erica realized how difficult it is to seek support, care, and mental health services. She founded Happy as a Mother, which has now evolved into Momwell, to provide mom-centered virtual therapy services and mental health literacy for moms at every stage of their motherhood journey. Erica is also a regular media contributor. Her work has been featured in the Toronto Star, Breakfast Television, Scary Mommy, Medium, Pop Sugar, and Romper. Her graphics have been shared by celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Ashley Graham, Nia Long, Hilaria Baldwin, Christy Turlington and Adrienne Bosh. Erica is passionate about maternal mental healthcare and putting moms back on the priority list.

Mentioned in this episode:

Erica’s Instagram @momwell
Momwell website for Values Sort Exercise and Worksheets to go along with the book!
Erica’s Book: Releasing the Mother Load
Erica's podcast episode: Protecting Maternal Sleep
Momwell Podcast: https://www.momwell.com/listen

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

Instagram | Tiktok | Website

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 51: Men’s Health: Male Fertility, Vasectomies and Family Planning with Dr. Justin Dubin & Dr. Kevin Chu Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

Episode 51: Men’s Health: Male Fertility, Vasectomies and Family Planning with Dr. Justin Dubin & Dr. Kevin Chu @themanuppodcast

We often speak so much about women and fertility but it is important that we also begin destigmatizing conversations around men's health! Rachael kicks off this episode with a conversation with her husband Marley about his decision to get a vasectomy several months ago and what that process was like.

Next, Rachael has on doctors Justin Dubin and Kevin Chu to discuss all about male infertility, health, and the details of what to expect with a vasectomy procedure!

Here’s what they discuss inside this episode:

Highlighting the role of men in fertility
How common male infertility REALLY is
The various factors that can cause male infertility
Genetic conditions, anatomy issues, medications, and lifestyle choices impact on men's health
Tips for improving fertility outcomes
All about the vasectomy procedure: the benefits and who is a good candidate for it
Addressing common concerns with pain and recovery for vasectomies
Are vasectomies reversible?
And so much more!

Dr. Justin Dubin and Dr. Kevin Chu are the current co-hosts of the men’s health podcast Man Up: A Doctor’s Guide to Men’s Health. They are fellowship trained urologists with focuses in Male Infertility and Sexual Medicine who bring their passion about men’s health and education with the goal of improving both the lives of men and their partners. Dr. Chu and Dubin have published multiple papers on male infertility and sexual health, and have been quoted in the NY Times, Insider, GQ and Men’s Health. Dr. Dubin is currently the Men’s Health specialist in South Florida and Dr. Chu is a Men's Health specialist in Los Angeles, California.

Mentioned in this episode:

Man Up Podcast
Dr. Justin’s Instagram: @justindubinmd
Dr. Kevin’s Instagram: @kevinchumd

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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