If you had a C-section and left the hospital with a list of things you can't do and almost nothing about how to actually heal — this episode is for you.

Kaili sits down with Janelle Fontaine, a registered massage therapist, postpartum doula, and cesarean recovery specialist based in Vancouver. Janelle created the Caesarean Recovery Guide specifically because she kept meeting mamas who had no idea that a C-section is major abdominal surgery — or that real recovery can take one to two years.

The visible incision, she says, is just the tip of the iceberg. There's so m...

If you've been following along this month and thinking, "Okay, I get it now… but what do I actually DO?" — this episode is your answer.

In Ep.74, I'm pulling back the curtain on baby bodywork. What it actually is. What a real session in my clinic looks like, start to finish. And why so much of this work can be done by you, at home, without any special equipment, without clinical training, and without putting your baby through anything uncomfortable.

That last part surprises people the most. This work is gentle. It's slow. Most of the...

If feeding has been persistently, confusingly hard — and you've already done all the things — this episode is for you.

You've seen the consultants. You've tried the positions. You've adjusted the latch. Maybe you've even had a tongue-tie assessment, or a release, and feeding got a little better but not all the way there. And you're still sitting with that quiet, nagging feeling that something is being missed.

You're not imagining it. In this episode, Kaili offers a completely different lens for what might actually be going on — because in her experience, the feeding advice hasn't been w...

Your baby can't say "my neck is tight" or "this position hurts" — but their body has been telling you anyway.

The arching during feeds. The one-sided head turn. The baby who will only settle if you hold them just right. These aren't quirks, and they're not things your baby will simply grow out of. They're communication. And in this episode, Kaili teaches you how to finally understand what your baby has been trying to say.

In her clinic in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Kaili looks a baby's body within the first 30 seconds — before she says...

You had a picture of what motherhood was going to feel like. Maybe it was vivid. Maybe it was just a warm, hopeful blur. And then your baby arrived — a whole person, with a whole nervous system and a whole set of needs that are entirely their own.

In this episode, Kaili sits down with you for an honest, no-pressure conversation about the gap — the space between the motherhood you imagined and the one you're actually living. If you've felt grief alongside the love, or quietly wondered whether you were built for this... this one is for you...

What does it actually feel like to run a sold-out mom and baby class series — not the highlight reel, but the real version?

In this episode, Kaili pulls back the curtain on her years of leading Babies at Play classes and shares the honest, behind-the-scenes truth that nobody told her before she started. From the beautiful exhaustion of holding space for an entire room of mamas and babies at once, to the butterflies she still gets before every single class (yes, even after hundreds of them), this one is for the mamas who want to understand the pe...

Have you ever left a professional appointment with your baby feeling like something was missed? Like you could see something was off — but no one else could?

In this episode, Kaili takes you inside her clinical eye and walks you through exactly what she's looking for in the first few minutes with any baby. The things that aren't on standard milestone charts. The things that don't get flagged at routine checkups. The things most professionals simply haven't been taught to look for.

From arousal state and body tension to head position, skin creases, facial symmetry, an...

Ep.68 | Why Your Baby Won't Settle (And It Has Nothing To Do With What You're Doing)

You've tried the routine. You've tried the swaddle. You've tried the white noise, the swing, the side-lying feed. And still — your baby is fussy, unsettled, or just working so hard to get through the day.

Before you blame yourself (or their "difficult personality") — there's something almost nobody is telling you to look at. And once you see it, everything starts to make sense.

In this episode, Kaili breaks down the nervous system piece that sits unde...

Kaili Ets, mom of two and pediatric occupational therapist, shares a real-life look at what nervous system regulation actually looks like in early motherhood. It’s not about staying calm all the time—it’s about what you do when things feel hard.

She walks through a moment many parents will recognize: coming home after a full day to a house that feels overwhelming, plans that didn’t happen, and a nervous system that’s starting to unravel. Instead of pushing through, she notices it, names it, and chooses to step away for a restorative yoga class—creating spa...

Kaili Ets introduces the Mothering From Within podcast and explores something many parents don’t hear enough—you need safety too. In the early years, parenting doesn’t just shape your baby’s nervous system, it deeply impacts your own sense of calm, confidence, and trust in yourself.

She explains how, as you begin to feel safer and more regulated, your baby often starts to settle too—not because you’re doing everything perfectly, but because you’re showing up in a steadier, more connected way.

Kaili walks through gentle, real-life signs that your nervous system is shif...

If your baby only sleeps on you…
wakes the second you put them down…
arches, pulls off during feeds…
or just feels tense, uncomfortable, or hard to settle…

This episode is for you. 💜

Because what if this isn’t about bad habits…
or something you’re doing wrong?

In this episode, I’m walking you through the missing piece I see over and over again in my work as a pediatric occupational therapist—

Your baby’s nervous system.

More specifically… their ability to access that calm, settled “brake” sta...

How do you know if something is actually helping your baby…
or if they’ve just gone quiet?

In this episode of Mothering From Within, Kaili walks you through one of the most important (and often misunderstood) parts of baby development:

👉 the difference between a baby who is truly settled
and a baby who is simply quiet from overwhelm or exhaustion

Because those two things can look very similar on the outside…
but feel very different in your baby’s body.

Drawing from her wo...

Ep. 63 | Slowing Down So Your Baby’s Nervous System Can Catch Up

In this episode of Mothering From Within, Kaili reflects on something she’s still actively practicing in her hands-on work with babies: patience.

Our adult brains move quickly—we’re often thinking about the next step, the next task, or the next thing to try. But babies experience the world very differently. Their nervous systems process sensation, emotion, and movement much more slowly than ours.

When we move too quickly, babies often show us through cues lik...

In this episode of Mothering From Within, Kaili explores swaddling through the lens of primitive reflexes, nervous system development, and sensory processing.

She explains how swaddling can soften the Moro reflex during sleep, while also interacting with reflexes like palmar grasp and ATNR. Most importantly, she reminds parents that reflex integration happens during awake movement — through feeding, floor play, reaching, grasping, and varied positioning — not during sleep.

Kaili shares how swaddling can be regulating for some babies (providing deep pressure and body boundaries) while becoming restrictive for others as they mature. Resistance often sign...

In this episode of 'Mothering From Within,' host Kaili Ets dives into the essential role of the nervous system in early childhood development. Kaili explains the Moro and fear paralysis reflexes, which are foundational in shaping a child's response to stress and safety. She discusses how these reflexes can lead to behaviors like anxiety, meltdowns, and shutdowns when not fully integrated. Kaili also shares actionable strategies for parents to help their children feel safe and regulate their emotions through rhythmic movements and co-regulation. This episode is packed with valuable insights for parents seeking to understand and support their...

In this episode of 'Mothering From Within,' host Kaili Ets, dives into the crucial topic of primitive reflexes and their far-reaching effects on child development. Exploring how these early automatic movement patterns, when not fully integrated, can influence a child’s ability to move, feel, focus, and cope, Kaili provides insights backed by real scientific research. Learn about the interconnectedness of retained reflexes, sensory processing differences, and nervous system regulation. Kaili also discusses specific signs to watch for in toddlers and older children, and offers actionable strategies for supporting reflex integration and sensory processing. This episode is an es...

In this episode of 'Mothering from Within,' host Kaili Ets dives into the intricate relationship between primitive reflexes, movement, and nervous system regulation in babies. Kaili explains how retained reflexes can affect your baby's sensory processing and overall comfort. She highlights the importance of natural movements, such as rocking and floor play, in helping babies integrate these reflexes for better regulation. The episode also touches on how bodywork can aid in this process by removing physical barriers. Kaili encourages parents to support their babies through gentle, intentional movements and provides insights into how to read and respond to...

In this episode of 'Mothering From Within,' host Kaili Ets, dives into the fascinating world of primitive reflexes. She explains how these automatic movements, like the Moro and fear paralysis reflexes, play a critical role in your baby's development. Kaili discusses how these reflexes are your baby's first language and what it means when they don't integrate properly. She also offers insights into observing these reflexes in your baby and provides tips on how to support their nervous system for better feeding, sleep, and emotional regulation. Plus, don't miss out on Kaili's free reflex mini guide for more...

Join baby bodyworker (and Holistic Baby Guru), Kaili Ets, in this episode of Mothering From Within as she explores the importance of nervous system safety and connection with your baby. Kaili emphasizes slowing down, being present, and creating space for both moms and babies to breathe and connect authentically. With real-life examples and actionable tips, discover how less can often be more in fostering your baby's development and your own well-being. Plus, learn about Kaili's Holistic Baby Flow Method for deeper insights into nurturing a calm and connected motherhood journey.

00:00 Welcome to Mothering From Within

01:12...

In episode 56, Kaili Ets, a mom and baby bodyworker encourages parents to let go of developmental checklists and trust their baby's unique growth process. She discusses how each baby's nervous system develops at its own pace, the importance of connection over competition, and when it might be time to seek additional support. Join Kaili as she guides you through understanding and embracing your baby's natural developmental rhythms in 'Mothering From Within.'

00:00 Introduction to Baby's Development

00:28 Welcome to Mothering From Within

01:44 Understanding Your Baby's Unique Rhythm

04:39 When to Seek Extra Support<...

In episode 56 of 'Mothering From Within,' host Kaili Ets, a mom and pediatric occupational therapist, addresses the overwhelming challenges that come with caring for a high-needs baby. Kaili reassures listeners that feeling overwhelmed and needing a break doesn't make them bad mothers. She offers practical strategies for coping with endless crying and explains the biological responses that contribute to parental stress. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-care, reaching out for support, and understanding that both mothers and babies are learning and adjusting together. Kaili also introduces resources like the free Calm Baby Blueprint and her upcoming Holistic...

In this episode of 'Mothering From Within,' host Kaili Ets, a pediatric occupational therapist, delves into the reasons behind babies' physical reactions, such as crying or arching their backs when laid down. Kaili explains how these behaviours are forms of communication, often stemming from birth-related tensions and reflux issues. She provides practical tips for parents to help their babies feel more comfortable and introduces resources like the 'Calm Baby Blueprint' for further support. Tune in to learn how to interpret and respond to your baby's body cues, fostering a deeper connection and easing their discomfort.

00:00 Understanding...

In this episode, Kaili introduces the 'Rooted in Regulation Map,' a heart-centered framework to help parents understand their baby's sleep, feeding, development, and moods. Kaili uses the analogy of a tree to explain how a baby’s visible behaviors (branches) are influenced by their internal states (roots and trunk). She dives into the importance of addressing your baby’s nervous system, alignment, and movement patterns to improve their overall well-being. Key points include the importance of safety and connection, body comfort, and establishing rhythms. Kaili emphasizes being present and calm as essential for fostering your baby’s regulation and of...

In this episode of Mothering From Within, host Kaili Ets, a mom of two and pediatric occupational therapist, infant craniosacral therapist, and soon-to-be-osteopath, discusses the importance of baby bodywork in relieving tension and promoting comfort. She explains how gentle therapies like craniosacral therapy and pediatric osteopathy can help babies release tension from birth-related stressors, leading to improved sleep, feeding, and overall well-being. Kaili also highlights the impact of the holidays on new moms and suggests bodywork as a thoughtful and practical gift. Tune in for insights on how bodywork supports your baby's nervous system and fosters a sense of...

In this episode of 'Mothering From Within,' host Kaili Ets addresses the challenges of sensory overload in babies, especially during the busy holiday season. Kaili, a pediatric occupational therapist and holistic baby guide, explains the signs of sensory overload, such as irritability and difficulty settling, and provides practical tips for helping your baby find calm. She discusses the importance of understanding sensory thresholds, creating a calming environment, and using gentle methods to support your baby's nervous system. The episode also offers resources like a sensory processing checklist to further assist parents. Tune in to learn how to navigate...

In this episode of 'Mothering From Within,' pediatric occupational therapist Kaili Ets explores the deeper causes behind common baby issues like gas and reflux. She explains how these symptoms are often rooted in tension and nervous system imbalances. Through insightful examples and holistic techniques, Kaili provides gentle, effective strategies to help your baby find comfort and balance. Learn about the importance of co-regulation, the role of the vagus nerve, and practical steps you can take at home to support your baby's digestive and emotional well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Mothering From Within

01:11 Understanding Baby's Discomfort

In this episode of Mothering From Within, host Kaili Ets, a pediatric occupational therapist, dives into the often stressful topic of baby milestones. Kaili explains that development isn't a race but a rhythm unique to each baby. She discusses how outdated milestone charts can create unnecessary anxiety and shares what truly matters in a baby's development: transitions, curiosity, and flow. Kaili offers practical insights on recognizing mini milestones and understanding the importance of primitive reflexes. Tune in to learn how to support your baby's natural development journey and gain reassurance that your baby's progress is right on track.

In this episode of 'Mothering From Within,' Kaili Ets, pediatric occupational therapist and mom of two, discusses the commonly misunderstood topic of tongue ties in babies. Kaili shares her personal experiences, busts popular myths, and explains the importance of proper assessment and intervention. The episode also explores how tongue ties affect more than just feeding, impacting overall nervous system regulation and development. Learn how to trust your instincts and get the right support for your baby. Tune in, get curious, and empower yourself to navigate motherhood confidently.

00:00 Introduction to Mothering From Within

01:11 Understanding Tongue...

In episode 47 of 'Mothering from Within', host Kaili Ets, a mom of two and pediatric occupational therapist, explores the importance of embracing the pause in motherhood. Kaili shares her personal journey of navigating grief, listening to her body, and understanding the wisdom in waiting. She introduces the concept of Human Design and emotional authority, emphasizing the need for mothers to trust their instincts and the natural rhythms of their babies. 

Kaili discusses the significance of allowing babies and toddlers to grow and develop at their own pace, and offers practical insights on sleep and development. This episode i...

The Myth of More: Finding Clarity in Motherhood

In this episode of 'Mothering From Within,' host Kaili Ets, a mom of two and pediatric occupational therapist, explores the concept of 'The Myth of More.' She discusses why constantly seeking new parenting tips and tricks may be exhausting and counterproductive. Instead, she advocates for a holistic approach to motherhood that focuses on calming the nervous system and tuning into both your and your baby's needs. Listen in to discover how less noise can lead to more clarity and connection in your parenting journey.

00:00 Introduction...

What if everything you’ve been trying to figure out in motherhood—your baby’s sleep, their feeding struggles, their reflux, their fussiness—was actually all connected?

In this deeply personal episode, host Kaili Ets, pediatric OT and mama of two, shares why she’s merging all of her courses, workshops, and resources into one holistic path: The Holistic Baby Flow Method™.

From the burnout of “doing it all,” to the invisible load of motherhood, and the grief of losing her father earlier this year, Kaili reflects on what it really means to slow...