No One Told Us

Do you ever feel confused about what "attachment parenting" or "gentle parenting" are? Do you ever feel like you're getting it all wrong, despite learning *all the things* from parenting experts online? You're not alone! This week Rachael welcomes Dr. Vanessa Lapointe- mom, parenting educator, best-selling author, international speaker- to shed light on the misconceptions around this style of parenting and why it can feel so hard sometimes. Inside this informative episode we hear from Dr. Vanessa all about parenting the child in front of us- keeping the relationship at the forefront. She discusses how we as parents can do the work on ourselves to cultivate what we want out of our children- without trying to change them! Also discussed: Holding boundaries and teaching respect Healing inner wounds as parents and "reparenting" ourselves The importance of Self-regulation and compassion The misconception of "well behaved" children Getting partners on board with this style of parenting Navigating parenting info and trusting your inner wisdom Dr. Vanessa Lapointe is a mom, parenting educator, best-selling author, international speaker, and a regularly invited media guest. She holds a doctoral degree in psychology, and practiced as a psychologist for nearly 20 years, before devoting her full-time energy to connecting with parents and other “big people” around the globe in 2023. Founder of The North Star Developmental Clinic, Dr. Vanessa has long been supporting families and children in her developmental clinic alongside her team and has previous experience in community mental health and the school system. Her passion is in walking alongside parents, teachers, care providers, and other big people to see the world through the child’s eyes. She believes that if we can do this, we are beautifully positioned to grow up our children in the best possible way. Mentioned in this Episode: Dr Vanessa Membership  Discipline Without Damage Course Navigating Anxiety in Childhood and Adolescence: The Online Course Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Find Rachael: Instagram | Tiktok |  Website  ✨For gentle + responsive sleep support and parenting resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Rachel Shepard-Ohta interviews Joanne, a pediatric speech language pathologist and early childhood development expert. Joanne shares her journey into speech therapy and discusses her child-led play-based approach to therapy. Joanne emphasizes the importance of reading books, talking to children, and using music to facilitate language. She also provides tips for choosing age-appropriate toys and books! Here’s more of what you’ll hear in this episode: Representation in speech language pathology especially for children of color. Debunking common myths about language development. About child-led play-based therapy and who may benefit What the most effective ways to facilitate language development are How to choose age-appropriate toys and books that align with a child's developmental stage and interests.  And much more! Joanne Cazeau is a renowned pediatric speech-language pathologist and an early childhood development expert at Lovevery. She believes that play and routines are the best tools for supporting development for young children of all abilities! Joanne is the owner of Koze Speech Therapy, a child-led play-based speech therapy practice that supports babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in northern New Jersey. When Joanne is not clinically supporting clients, she is empowering parents and caregivers to support their little one’s communication potential on her social platform, Beyond Babbles. Joanne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondbabbles/?hl=en  Joanne’s Speech Therapy Practice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kozespeechtherapy/?hl=en  Joanne’s tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondbabbles?_t=8oF997EyaqN&_r=1  Koze Speech Therapy Website: https://bio.site/kozespeechtherapy  The Daily Routines Course: https://earlyandbright.teachable.com/p/routinescourse  Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website  ✨For infant and child sleep support, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Birth trauma is something we may not even realize we experience in the moments during and after birth, and can really cause lasting effects on both the birthing person and their partner. That's why this week, Rachael has a great discussion with Rachel Somerstein, author and associate professor, all about cesarean sections, birth trauma, finding the right care during birth, and postpartum support.  Inside this episode: Rachel shares her personal experience of having an unplanned C-section and the lack of support and communication she received during the process.  The misconception around emergency C-sections and “natural” births How medicalization of birth is a contributing factor to the high C-section rate in the US. The importance of high touch care and the need for providers to listen to their patients.  Why a doula during childbirth can be so helpful Redefining your worth as a parent- how you gave birth does NOT determine it! Tips for finding a care team that aligns with your birth preferences and wishes The impact birth trauma has on our parenting journey And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Rachel’s book Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section Rachel’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelesomerstein/?hl=en  Rachael Shepard-Ohta is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast. Instagram | Tiktok |  Website  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! 😴☁️🤎✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 65: Inclusive Ways to Feed and Parent Your Baby with Victoria Facelli @victoria.facelli.ibclc This week Rachael speaks with Victoria Facelli, an IBCLC and author of the book 'Feed the Baby', to discuss the inclusive approach to feeding and parenting. She emphasizes the need to change our mindset and be open to different feeding methods, rather than getting caught up in the breast milk vs. formula debate.  Inside this episode: How to use a risk-benefit analysis for each parenting decision, considering factors such as recovery, sleep, and mental health.  The importance of advocating for oneself and seeking support from professionals like lactation consultants! The power of being able to change our minds as parents and adapt to the needs of our children.  The role of partners in supporting the birthing parent and the nursing parent. Why it is so important for partners to be involved and educated about feeding. Practical advice for partners to help with feeding and caregiving responsibilities The need to protect maternal sleep. Some challenges and benefits of introducing bottles early on.  Hear about Victoria’s personal experiences & insights for navigating the postpartum period. And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Victoria’s website: https://www.victoriafacelli.com/  Victoria’s Instagram: @victoria.facelli.ibclc Victoria’s Book: Feed The Baby 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices