Unswaddled

Latest Episodes:

131: Navigating Motherhood: Balancing Twins, Career and Self-Care with Laura Jacobs Feb 04, 2024

Show notes

Emily and Jamie introduce this week's episode with Emily's recent snowboarding experience after a year-long hiatus after a fall lead to a concussion. The duo discuss the challenges of returning to the slopes and Emily's newfound cautiousness.

Emily is then joined by Laura Jacobs (Instagram @laurathematchmaker), celebrity matchmaker and mom to two sets of twins! Emily and Laura engage in a candid conversation about the distinct challenges of pregnancy, particularly when expecting twins for the second time. Laura shares the joys and unexpected trials of having 15-month-old twins while anticipating the arrival of her second set. The episode offers a glimpse into Laura's life as a celebrity matchmaker, highlighting the delicate balance required when navigating the demands of a high-profile career alongside family life.

The discussion takes a poignant turn as Laura reflects on her experience with hyperemesis during both pregnancies. Emily explores the challenges of finding empathy and understanding from others, shedding light on the rarity of hyperemesis and the lack of priority in research to find a cure. The duo also delves into the topic of returning to work early after having a baby, particularly dealing with the demands of a high-intensity job, pumping, and navigating societal expectations around breastfeeding, revealing the lack of support for postpartum mothers in the workplace.

Laura emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, self-care, and unapologetically prioritizing one's well-being in the face of societal expectations. Laura offers advice to expecting parents, encouraging them to focus on the positives of twins and highlighting the benefits as they grow older. The discussion concludes with insights into Laura's approach to social media, where she maintains a dedicated space for matchmaking and dating advice, keeping her family life private due to concerns about online safety.

In this Ask a NAPS Nurse segment Emily and Jamie answer a listener's question about the ideal timing for taking prenatal classes during pregnancy. They discuss their upcoming Pre-Baby Bootcamp, an interactive prenatal education event, and they highlight the benefits of the Nurture by NAPS annual membership, offering flexibility and access to various prenatal resources. The sweet spot for taking classes, such as Pre-Baby Bootcamp, is between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, though it can be done a bit earlier or later.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Little Spoon

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

130: Newborn Hearing Screening: Navigating Newborn Hearing Tests and Early Intervention with Kelsey Kerkhove Jan 28, 2024

Show notes

Emily and Jamie introduce this week's episode sharing their family dynamics of dividing and conquering the weekends with their six kids. They then introduce their guest, Kelsey Kerkhove, Au.D., CCC-A, pediatric audiologist from California. Emily and Kelsey discuss the role of a pediatric audiologist, emphasizing the importance of early identification and intervention for hearing loss in infants. Kelsey explains the routine nature of the newborn hearing screening, a requirement before babies leave the hospital, and stresses its significance in identifying congenital hearing loss. Kelsey dispels misconceptions about deafness and underscores the positive outcomes facilitated by the newborn hearing screening process.

The duo discuss the two types of tests involved in newborn hearing screening: Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and Automatic Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) and explain what these non-invasive tests aim to identify and address. Kelsey emphasizes the importance of follow-up appointments and the need for parents to inquire about the type of follow-up and action plan if their baby doesn't pass the initial screening. The conversation delves into the potential causes of hearing loss, specifically mentioning cytomegalovirus (CMV) and advocating for its testing in newborns within the first 21 days of life to rule out any related complications. She addresses common experiences during the hearing tests and the need for parents to be aware of potential risk factors.

Kelsey encourages parents to advocate for their babies' hearing health by asking for tests if they have concerns. She also mentions that early detection of hearing issues is crucial, and she provides information on developmental milestones related to hearing.

The conversation touches on the emotional aspects of receiving a diagnosis of hearing loss for a child and the importance of support and information. Kelsey offers resources on her Instagram page @KelseyKerkhove_AUD, where she provides blogs, guides, and one-on-one consulting for parents navigating their child's hearing journey.

In the "Live Ask a Nurse" segment, Emily and Jamie respond to a listener's question about losing their mucus plug, explaining its role in pregnancy, debunking misconceptions, and reassuring that it doesn't necessarily indicate an imminent labor, while providing some light-hearted encouragement and information about the process.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Little Spoon

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

Episode 129: Teamwork and Adaptability: Unveiling the Realities of Parenting with NAPS Clients Jan 21, 2024

Show notes

Emily and Jamie introduce this episode by sharing humorous anecdotes about parenting, including a time when Jamie peed her pants after a parenting struggle. They discuss their experiences with kids' electronic devices and set the stage for their conversation with dedicated NAPS clients, Alyssa and Eric Scruggs. The couple has utilized various NAPS services throughout their parenting journey. The episode covers their parenting struggles and successes, getting support from NAPS programs, and how they navigate toddler issues while expecting their second child.

Eric and Alyssa provide insights into the unpredictable nature of parenting, stressing the importance of adaptability in handling unforeseen situations. Emily touches on societal expectations surrounding parenting roles, acknowledging the contributions of both partners. The couple appreciates NAPS's emphasis on preparing both parents for the challenges ahead, fostering teamwork, and mutual support and treating fathers as active participants in parenting rather than mere observers.

The conversation covers various aspects of parenting, with a focus on recognizing the challenges of feeding and exploring diverse feeding options. Particularly Alyssa's experience exclusively pumping after breastfeeding difficulties. Emily acknowledges the emotional toll feeding challenges can take on parents and underscores the significance of seeking professional help, including lactation consultants. The discussion concludes with the couple expressing gratitude for the community and resources provided by NAPS, which have played a vital role in their parenting journey.

In the "Live Ask a NAPS Nurse" segment, Emily and Jamie respond to a question from a parent with a two-and-a-half-month-old baby who sleeps for long stretches at night and wonders if they should wake the baby to feed. The hosts agree that there's no need to wake the baby and explain why. For those who do not have a newborn sleeping like this overnight, they suggest checking out the Nurture webinar How to Get Your Newborn to Sleep Longer Stretches Overnight

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPS for $30 off your first order

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Little Spoon

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

128: Navigating Care: Mastering Conversations with Healthcare Providers Jan 14, 2024

Show notes

Emily and Jamie start the podcast with a hilarious dive into the woes of Emily's new Invisalign adventure, where the only thing more crooked than her teeth is her attempt at talking with them in. Their banter sets a playful tone as they transition to an insightful discussion on effective communication with healthcare providers.

Emily and Jamie dive into a framework for engaging with healthcare professionals, underscoring the significance of asking questions and understanding available options. Drawing from personal experiences, they illuminate scenarios where a proactive approach to gathering information proves essential. Practical advice includes preparing questions in advance of appointments, involving partners in discussions, and implementing a system to document answers during the appointment. The hosts emphasize the importance of seeking clarification if post-appointment confusion arises, urging listeners to prioritize understanding and advocate for quality care. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to share their experiences after using this communication framework.

In the "Live Ask a NAPS Nurse" segment, Emily and Jamie respond to a parent's query about a 13-month-old who seems to have "forgotten" how to eat solids and is now rejecting them while still relying on formula bottles. Proposing a counterintuitive solution, the hosts recommend a gentle weaning process by gradually decreasing the volume of formula bottles. They reassure parents that the child likely hasn't genuinely forgotten how to eat solids but may be expressing a preference for formula or experiencing a developmental phase. They suggest exploring personalized guidance on their online membership platform, Nurture by NAPS.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPS for $30 off your first order

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Little Spoon

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

127: Global Perspectives on Parenthood: A Journey with The Labor Mama Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

Jamie and Emily return for a new podcasting year, sharing updates on their lives, including Jamie's dental challenges with her daughter. The episode features Lo Mansfield, the "The Labor Mama" on Instagram, who offers insights as a former labor and delivery nurse, while living abroad in the Netherlands. The conversation explores healthcare differences between the United States and the Netherlands, prenatal care experiences, and various aspects of pregnancy and birth. Lo's experiences in the Netherlands sheds light on parenting, healthcare, and maternity care, providing a unique perspective on the cultural and system differences.

Lo's journey unfolds, emphasizing the mission of Labor Mama for realistic, high-quality parental education. From transitioning from bedside nursing to virtual nursing, she discusses personal experiences and the loss of her mother, leading to creating Labor Mama during the COVID pandemic. Gaps in prenatal education recognition and empowering parents with comprehensive knowledge are highlighted. The conversation touches on Lo's decision to move to the Netherlands with her family, as well as insights into family dynamics, decision-making, and the unique circumstances leading to relocation are shared.

The podcast delves into Lo's experiences with parenting and healthcare in the Netherlands, covering government-supported childcare, parental leave policies, and the Dutch culture's work-life balance emphasis. The decentralized nature of healthcare, challenges in coordinating services, and unique aspects of Dutch parenting, like early swimming and relaxed safety measures, are discussed.

Lo shares her maternity journey navigating the decentralized healthcare system in the Netherlands, highlighting challenges with coordination, language barriers, and cultural differences. The international parenting experience is explored, drawing parallels with similar stories from parents in Germany. Lo emphasizes developing familiarity with medical terminology for empowerment. The episode concludes with gratitude and hopes for a future reunion as Lo's family transitions back to the United States.

In the "Live Ask a NAPS Nurse" segment, Jamie and Emily critique pregnancy rules, challenging healthcare's default tendency to discourage activities without thorough evaluation. Common misconceptions about coffee, sushi, deli meats, alcohol, and exercise during pregnancy are addressed, emphasizing moderation and individual decision-making based on updated evidence. Recommended resources for expectant parents include Pre-Baby Bootcamp, the Nurture by Naps membership, and Emily Oster's book "Expecting Better."

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPS for $30 off your first order

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Little Spoon

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

126: Mental Shifts, Community Cheers, and Legacy Tears Jan 01, 2024

Show notes

Dive headfirst into the world of dog ownership with Jamie and Emily in this rollicking episode. From Jamie's daring escape from a glass coffee table disaster to musings on life's unpredictability and year-end resolutions, the duo offers a rollercoaster ride of humor and wisdom.

In the initial podcast segment, Jamie and Emily candidly tackle the hurdles of parenting when plans go awry. Eloise's struggle with RSV and pneumonia unfolds, recounting the emotional upheaval of hospital visits, restless nights, and the anxiety of witnessing a child's respiratory distress. Jamie and Emily advocate for decoding a child's cues beyond temperatures, humorously navigating the intricacies of the healthcare system and the superhero skill of advocating for optimal child care.

As the episode unfolds, Jamie and Emily express gratitude for supportive medical professionals, infusing humor amid chaos and stressing the importance of the "long game" in parenting. The segment concludes with Eloise's resilient recovery, a testament to navigating unexpected challenges.

In the second half, Jamie and Emily shift gears to reflect on mental shifts, support systems, and community in trying times. Balancing work and personal life, the hosts stress self-care and share personal anecdotes of panic and prioritizing well-being. The conversation expands to highlight the significance of community support, with gratitude for friends, family, and listeners who choose to be part of the collective journey.

The episode takes an emotional turn as Jamie tears up during an estate planning process's "legacy interview." With anticipation for the upcoming year, heartfelt thanks are extended to the NAPS community, accompanied by wishes for a joyous and, if possible, healthy new year. The episode wraps up with a teaser for next year's parenting escapades.

In this week's "Live Ask a NAPS Nurse" segment, Jamie and Emily bring humor to the common challenge of surviving cold and flu season with a toddler. From running humidifiers round-the-clock to turning the bathroom into a steamy haven, the hosts share practical tips for managing symptoms sans medications. Normalizing the endurance test of a two to three-week cold, they sign off with a promise of more parenting adventures in the next episode.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPS for $30 off your first order

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Little Spoon

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

125: Grandparenting Unveiled: Insights from a Veteran Mom and Her Supportive Mom Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

In this festive episode, Jamie reflects on the chaos of holiday-themed attire, advocating for simplified, accessible themes for events like School Spirit Week.

This episode honors those providing invaluable support during the parenthood transition, offering a heartwarming perspective for the holiday season. If you haven't listened to our Visitors Versus Helpers podcast, do that before diving in HERE.

Colleen, a seasoned NAPS mom, joins Emily along with her mother, Margaret. Colleen shares her evolving approach to seeking help, emphasizing the shift from passive acceptance to actively seeking assistance. The discussion explores Colleen's participation in NAPS' Grandparent Bootcamp, highlighting insights into improving her son's sleep.

Margaret, a seasoned grandmother of six, contributes by discussing the changing parenting landscape and stressing the importance of an open-minded village approach. The conversation delves into grandparent support dynamics, focusing on communication and understanding.

Valuable tips are shared, emphasizing the importance of clear communication when accepting help and staying informed about modern parenting practices. The discussion concludes with a reminder to find joy in the parenting journey, fostering positive intergenerational relationships.

Emily encourages listeners to explore NAPS programs, including New Mom and Veteran Mom Support Groups. The episode also features a live Ask A NAPS nurse segment addressing postpartum pain with sex. Jamie extends holiday wishes and teases the upcoming episode to wrap up 2023. Don't miss the next grandparent bootcamp, and stay tuned for more insightful episodes next year!

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPS for $30 off your first order

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Little Spoon

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

124: Beyond Blueberries: A Deep Dive into Fair Play, Difficult Conversations, and Choosing Growth Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Jamie and Emily spill the beans on how they tackled their experience or lack of experience with crib climbers. They share their strategies for preventing crib climbing and keeping their children safe.

Enter the main event – the fabulous Eve Rodsky, author of the New York Times Best-Selling Fair Play and author of the new book Find Your Unicorn Space. The trio delves into the nitty-gritty of partnerships and finding that mythical unicorn space post-parenthood. Spoiler alert: it involves less glitter and more strategy.

Eve shares her personal experience of becoming the default caregiver and her "blueberry breakdown" that led to the creation of the book. They dive deep into the importance of communication, ownership in the home and the gamification of difficult conversations.

Eve explains the concept of an ownership system - not for corporations, but for domestic responsibilities. And shares insights into a card game that aids in transitioning to ownership, using the example of handling garbage to illustrate the depth of responsibility involved. Who knew garbage could be so intense?

The discussion concludes with the acknowledgment that this conversation is challenging but worth it, encouraging listeners to recognize the value of their time and how embracing an ownership mindset in the home is the golden ticket to domestic bliss. Who knew your home could be a well-oiled machine?

In this live Ask A NAPS nurse, Jamie and Emily address the challenge of taking away pacifiers from a one-year-old who uses them to fall asleep. Emily recounts a humorous yet cautionary tale from a past episode where her husband threw their child's pacifier into the ocean in frustration. Check it out HERE! Jamie and Emily provide advice on handling the situation, suggesting a cold turkey approach to pacifier removal.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPS for $30 off your first order

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Little Spoon

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

123: Navigating Toddler Nutrition: Tackling Picky Eating and Snack Strategies with Pediatric Dietician Malina Malkani Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

This week's episode starts with some personal updates, sharing Emily's recent experience of being a labor and delivery nurse again as she assisted in delivering her sister's baby. The excitement and high from the delivery are discussed, Jamie reflects on Emily's claim that she can still handle working a night shift and humorously debunks it, citing Emily's inability to function without adequate sleep, especially with three children and a dog.

In this episode, Jamie and Emily welcome back special guest Malina Malkani, MS, RDN, CDN, a pediatric registered dietitian.They dive into the wild world of toddler picky eating, where Malina reassures us that it's totally normal, shedding light on the growth patterns that contribute to changing appetites and shares on steering clear of food battles without resorting to bribes. Malina spills the beans on why exposing toddlers to new foods in a neutral way is the secret sauce. The discussion also touches on common pitfalls with snacks and how to maintain a balanced approach to toddler nutrition.

Later on, the trio tackles the snack saga, uncovering the art of managing picky eaters and sticking to a mealtime routine. Malina emphasizes the importance of frequent, small meals to accommodate the limited capacity of children's tummies. She's all about a solid schedule, suggesting a meal or snack every two to three hours to dodge the pitfalls of excessive snacking. Malina explains that snacks, like goldfish, often provide comfort and familiarity for children, but cautions against letting them fill up at meal times. The conversation delves into the significance of modeling good eating habits as parents and maintaining a food schedule to create a sense of predictability for children. They even tackle handling hunger right before a meal, turning it into a golden opportunity to slip in those less-loved veggies.

The discussion concludes with insights into safe foods, the importance of consistency, and the potential need for supplements, with Malina advising a food-first approach and collaboration with a pediatric dietitian for personalized guidance. It's a goldmine of practical tips for all the parents out there wading through the challenges of feeding their little ones.

You can connect with Malina on Instagram at @healthy.mom.healthy.kids, and her Solve Picky Eating course is available https://www.malinamalkani.com/solve-picky-eating; use the code "Nurture" at checkout for discounts. Additionally, her Baby-Led Weaning book is available for purchase HERE. She is also the author of Simple and Safe Baby-Led Weaning: How to Integrate Foods, Manage Portion Sizes and Identify Allergies. Private Pediatric Nutrition Practice: https://www.malinamalkani.com/work-with-malina-malkani

In this live Ask A NAPS nurse, address a question related to nap transitions for toddlers. Focusing on signs that it's time to drop a nap, Emily shares insights based on her experiences with her third child and emphasizes the importance of paying attention to individual children's needs. The conversation covers practical tactics like capping the morning nap or gradually transitioning to a single midday nap. To further assist parents with nap-related concerns, Jamie mentions resources available in Nurture by NAPS, their online membership. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to reach out for additional support on nap-related challenges (Sleep Consult).

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPS for $30 off your first order

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Little Spoon

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

122: Baby's First Bites: Chatting Allergens and Parenting Laughs with Malina Malkani Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

Jamie and Emily start out the episode by sharing comical stories about Jamie's unexpected return to being a dog lover and her husband's proactive handling of Christmas cards. They emphasize the importance of letting go of tasks one doesn't care about.

In this lively episode, Jamie and Emily are joined by special guest Malina Malkani. Connected through Instagram several years ago, the trio seamlessly transitions from discussing parenting, to diet and nutrition. Malina, a single mom and pediatric dietitian, shares details about her upcoming book on food allergy prevention during infant feeding. The hosts express admiration for Malina's easy-going nature and delve into the main topic: starting solids and baby-led weaning.

Jamie and Emily love Malina's balanced approach, bridging the gap between traditional purees and baby-led weaning. The conversation highlights Malina's expertise on starting solids, emphasizing the crucial six-month window when babies show readiness signs. The hosts inquire about historical recommendations like rice cereal, leading to a discussion on iron-rich foods, with Malina providing an ideal first foods list, including avocado and sweet potato.

Humor infuses the dialogue as they address parental anxiety about introducing certain foods, especially meats, due to choking. Malina reassures, suggesting alternatives and emphasizing a gradual approach. Gagging, a common concern, is demystified by Malina, who explains its role in oral motor skill development and advises calmness during the process.

The conversation shifts to address another fear: allergies. They cover evolving guidelines and the importance of early, frequent exposure. Malina dispels myths and addresses fears of severe reactions, offering practical advice on introducing allergens gradually. Malina answers audience questions around dropping bottles, frequency of introducing solids, and the baby-led weaning vs. purees debate.

You can connect with Malina on Instagram at @healthy.mom.healthy.kids, and her Baby-Led Feeding course is available HERE; use the code "Nurture" at checkout for discounts. Additionally, her Baby-Led Weaning book is available for purchase HERE.

In this live Ask A NAPS nurse, Jamie and Emily address a common parenting question about transitioning from three to two naps for babies, emphasizing the typical timeframe of six to nine months and signs such as nap resistance or disrupted sleep patterns. They provide insights on adjusting awake windows and suggest moving towards a more structured schedule.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPS for $30 off your first order

Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Little Spoon

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

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