Ask the Doulas Podcast

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The holidays can look a little different when you're navigating life with a newborn. Between feeding, unpredictable sleep schedules, family gatherings, and RSV, flu, and cold season, it's okay to have a different approach to holiday traditions this year.

In this solo episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere shares practical tips for helping your family enjoy the holidays while prioritizing your baby's health, your sleep, and your postpartum recovery.

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The postpartum period brings more than physical recovery after birth. New parents also navigate emotional changes, sleep deprivation, shifting relationships, and the adjustment to life with a newborn. Preparing for postpartum recovery and the transition to parenthood means making space for the changes that happen to you, too.

In this solo episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere draws on her experience as a mom and years of supporting families as a doula to discuss the emotional side of postpartum life. She explores how becoming a parent can change your identity...

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Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally challenging, especially for those who experience hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. But what happens after birth, and how can you prepare for a future pregnancy after an HG experience?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere is joined by Rebekah Yager of A Fertile Life to discuss postpartum recovery after HG and considerations for those thinking about becoming pregnant again. They explore the importance of recovery, navigating the physical and emotional effects of a difficult pregnancy...

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After fourteen years of supporting families as a doula and experiencing motherhood herself, Kristin Revere has learned that some things you just can’t fully understand until you’ve been through them.

In this solo episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin shares what she wishes more expecting parents knew about birth, postpartum, relationships, and those early days with a new baby. She talks about why you can prepare for birth without being able to control the outcome, why having an involved partner makes such a difference, and why accepting help is not...

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High blood pressure during pregnancy can be concerning, particularly when it develops into gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. But what role can nutrition play in supporting maternal health?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere talks with registered dietitian and nutrition expert Lily Nichols about nutrition, hypertension, and preeclampsia during pregnancy. They discuss the connection between nutrition and blood pressure, important nutrients during pregnancy, blood sugar regulation, hydration, and practical ways to build balanced meals.

Lily also shares an evidence-informed perspective on what nutrition can and cannot do...

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What should you know when preparing for a C-section? Whether you are planning a cesarean birth or facing an unexpected C-section during labor, knowing what to expect before, during, and after surgery can help you feel more informed and prepared for birth and postpartum recovery.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere discusses cesarean birth preparation, including what happens in the operating room, how to create a gentle or family-centered cesarean plan, skin-to-skin after a C-section, and ways partners and doulas can support families during birth.

We...

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How can you keep your baby or toddler safe in a shopping cart? In honor of Infant Safety Month, Kristin Revere talks with Simon Hardie, Vice President of SafeStrap, about shopping cart safety and child safety and the simple steps parents and caregivers can take to prevent shopping cart falls and injuries.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we discuss baby shopping cart safety, toddler safety, shopping cart accidents, safety restraints, and common mistakes parents make when putting young children in shopping carts. Simon shares practical...

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How often should you bathe a newborn? What is the safest water temperature for a baby? What products are best for sensitive newborn skin? And which ingredients should parents look for when choosing baby bath and skincare products?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere talks with Stephanie Ross Leshney, founder of Dabble & Dollop, about newborn bath safety, baby bath products, newborn skin care, and creating a safe and enjoyable bath routine.

Stephanie shares practical tips for bathing a newborn, including water temperature, bath frequency...

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How do you stay connected to your partner after having a baby and make your relationship a priority when life gets busy? Pregnancy, new parenthood, and other demanding seasons of life can make it easy for couples to put their relationship on the back burner.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere talks with Janelle Langford LeConte, founder of Matrimo, about why your relationship deserves to be a priority, and how intentional connection can support couples through busy times.

Janelle shares practical ways to strengthen your relationship...

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How do you choose the right car seat and make sure it is installed correctly? Car seat safety and proper car seat installation are essential when preparing for a new baby, but knowing which seat to choose, how to fit the harness, and when to transition to the next stage can be confusing. In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere talks with Kristin Morter, a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) with Gold Coast Doulas, about everything parents need to know about car seat safety and proper car seat installation.

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What do parents need to feel informed, supported, and empowered through pregnancy, birth, and the early years of parenthood?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re joined by Heidi Murkoff, bestselling author of the What to Expect books, creator of the What to Expect app, and founder of the What to Expect Project. Heidi has spent decades helping parents navigate pregnancy and parenthood, and her work has grown far beyond the books that became a trusted resource for millions of families.

We talk ab...

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Who has access to IVF and fertility treatment, and what factors shape the ability to use reproductive technology to build a family? As fertility technology continues to evolve, questions about equality are becoming increasingly important for people exploring their paths to parenthood.  On this episode of Ask the Doulas, we speak with Professor Leonard M. Lopoo, author of Wanting Children, about the intersection of fertility, technology, economics, and inequality.

We explore how IVF and other reproductive technologies are increasingly shaping who can become a parent, why access is far from equal, a...

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What should you eat during pregnancy when you are tired, busy, dealing with food aversions, or simply trying to make it through the day? In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere sits down with Nina Spears, founder and CEO of Baby Chick®, to talk about realistic, practical nourishment during pregnancy and the postpartum recovery period.

Nina shares some of the key nutrients that are especially important during pregnancy, why they matter for both mom and baby, and simple foods that can help support those nutritional needs without making meals f...

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How can you build confidence as a new parent and learn to trust your parenting instincts? The newborn stage can bring anxiety, self-doubt, conflicting advice, and pressure to make every decision perfectly. In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere sits down with Dr. Mona Amin, a board-certified pediatrician, IBCLC, and mom, to discuss how parents can move from feeling overwhelmed to empowered during the newborn stage.

Dr. Mona explains why the newborn stage can feel so challenging and shares practical strategies for building confidence, trusting your parenting instincts, and...

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Join host Kristin Revere for a special solo episode celebrating 350 published episodes of Ask the Doulas!

Since launching the podcast in 2017 around a conference table at the Gold Coast Doulas office in Grand Rapids, Ask the Doulas has grown into a trusted resource for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals around the world. In this milestone episode, Kristin reflects on the journey from recording local interviews to hosting nationally recognized experts, the lessons she's learned from hundreds of conversations, and the incredible community that has made...

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How much do you really know about the Vitamin K shot for newborns? What does the evidence say, why is the Vitamin K injection recommended shortly after birth, and what should parents consider when making an informed decision?

In this episode of the Ask the Doulas Podcast, Kristin Revere sits down with board-certified OB-GYN, educator, and bestselling author Dr. Jennifer Lincoln to explore the evidence, common myths, and informed decision-making surrounding Vitamin K. Dr. Lincoln is known for making complex medical topics approachable through evidence-based education, and her newest book, The...

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How can you reduce the mental load of motherhood and feel less overwhelmed by everything you have to remember, plan, and manage?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere sits down with Christy Shannon, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Ollie AI, to explore the invisible mental load of motherhood and how technology can help lighten it. From managing family schedules and meal planning to keeping track of appointments and the never-ending to-do list, mothers often carry an overwhelming cognitive burden that goes unnoticed.

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How can you increase milk supply with pumping, build an effective pumping routine, and continue breastfeeding when life gets busy? Whether you're exclusively pumping, building a freezer stash, returning to work, or trying to increase your milk production, knowing how to pump effectively can make feeding feel more manageable.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere talks with Chelsea Anderson, CLC from BabyBuddha, about pumping, milk supply, and combining breastfeeding with pumping. Chelsea shares practical guidance on establishing and maintaining milk supply, creating a pumping schedule, making pumping more...

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How can busy parents find time to prepare for childbirth? With packed schedules and endless pregnancy information online, many expecting parents struggle to fit childbirth classes and birth preparation into their lives. The challenge is not always finding the right class. It is finding an approach to childbirth education that fits the realities of modern family life.

In this episode of the Ask the Doulas Podcast, Kristin Revere talks with Ashley Brichter, founder and CEO of Birthsmarter, about how childbirth education can better serve today's expecting parents. They explore why time...

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How do you prepare for postpartum before your baby arrives? Planning for recovery, sleep, meals, feeding support, mental health, household help, and visitors can make the transition into the fourth trimester feel more manageable. A postpartum support plan gives expecting parents a chance to think through what they will need, who can help, and how responsibilities will be handled once the baby comes home.

In this solo episode of the Ask the Doulas Podcast, Kristin Revere shares practical guidance on creating a postpartum plan before birth. She explains how to build...

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How can you get support for your mental health during pregnancy and after having a baby? Perinatal mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, can affect parents during pregnancy and postpartum, yet stigma and lack of awareness can make it difficult to know when to seek help or where to turn. 

In this episode of the Ask the Doulas Podcast, Kristin Revere sits down with Katie Crenshaw, Brand and Integrated Marketing Manager at Postpartum Support International and Social Media Manager for The Blue Dot Project.

Katie shares how The B...

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What makes birth safer, and what role does healthcare infrastructure play in maternal and newborn health? Safe birth depends on more than medical care alone. Reliable transportation, hospitals and clinics, electricity, medication storage, emergency services, and trained healthcare providers all play an important role in improving maternal health and birth outcomes.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere speaks with Dr. Vandana Arcot, MD, a philanthropist and global health leader with more than 17 years of experience in maternal and reproductive healthcare across 13 countries. Dr. Arcot shares what she has...

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What should you pack in your hospital bag for labor, delivery, postpartum recovery, and your baby? If you are searching for a hospital bag checklist, it can be difficult to know which essentials you really need and what you can leave at home.

In this solo episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere shares her guidance on what to pack in a hospital bag for birth and postpartum recovery. She covers hospital bag essentials for birthing parents, partners, and newborns, including labor comfort items, postpartum supplies, baby necessities, and common items...

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Measles outbreaks and vaccine protection are becoming a growing concern for parents as cases rise again across the U.S. What do families actually need to know, and what steps are recommended if exposure happens?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin sits down with Dr. Michael T. Myers Jr., a pediatrician with more than 35 years of experience in pediatrics, public health, and healthcare consulting, and former Chief of Primary Care, Pediatrics, and Practice Transformation at Summit Health New Jersey, to break down what parents need to know about current...

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Baby soothing techniques, newborn sleep help, and how to calm a crying baby are some of the most searched concerns for new parents in the early postpartum weeks. But what actually works when your baby is inconsolable and sleep feels impossible?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere is joined by Dr. Harvey Karp, renowned pediatrician, bestselling author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, and founder and CEO of Happiest Baby, to share practical, science-backed strategies for soothing fussy babies, improving infant sleep, and building confidence during those...

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Sleep deprivation, postpartum mental health, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are often dismissed as a normal part of new parenthood, but chronic exhaustion can affect the brain and body in ways that go well beyond tiredness.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we're joined by Mariana Yancik of Gold Coast Doulas to explore the connection between sleep deprivation and PMADs, and how this affects parents during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

We dive into:

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Postpartum recovery and fourth trimester support are often the most overwhelming parts of having a baby, especially when families are sent home from the hospital without a clear roadmap for what comes next. But what actually happens during this transition, and why do so many parents feel unprepared?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere is joined by Ciara Lyons, MSN, RN, PHN, to explore the physical, emotional, and mental transition into postpartum life and the gaps many families experience in standard postpartum care.

We dive into:<...

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The cost of having a baby, from pregnancy and birth to postpartum care, adds up faster than most families expect. And even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can catch you off guard.

In this solo episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere of Gold Coast Doulas breaks down what families should realistically budget for during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, including both expected costs and the ones nobody warns you about.

We dive into:

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Newborn sleep is unpredictable, frequent wake-ups are normal, and exhaustion in those early weeks is common. The key is understanding what newborn sleep actually looks like, and how to work with it rather than against it.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas podcast, we’re joined by certified sleep consultant Mariana Yancik of Gold Coast Doulas to explore what newborn sleep really looks like and how parents can set realistic expectations during the early months.

We dive into:

• What is normal for newborn sleep and frequent wake...

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Daycare sleep problems are one of the most common challenges parents face, especially when baby and toddler naps suddenly become inconsistent outside the home. But what’s actually driving these changes, and how can parents approach it?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re joined by certified pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, founder of Sleep and Wellness Coach, who has supported over 1,000 families in improving baby and toddler sleep and navigating daycare sleep transitions.

We dive into:
 • Why babies and toddlers sleep differently at daycare vs at home...

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Birth center access, midwifery care in the US, and finding birth center options are becoming increasingly important for families trying to navigate maternity care. But why is access still so limited, and what is being done to change it?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re joined by Lauren McCullough, labor and delivery nurse turned birth center strategist and founder behind national initiatives advancing midwifery-led care and improving maternal health systems across the United States.

We dive into:
 • The vision behind the National Birth Center Directory and h...

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Bringing a dog and newborn home together, preparing your dog for a baby, and managing pet behaviour after birth are some of the biggest concerns for expecting parents. But how do you actually make that transition safe, calm, and predictable when emotions, routines, and attention all change at once?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re joined by Dominika Knossalla-Pado, certified dog trainer and founder of Dog Meets Baby, to talk about how families can safely prepare their dog for life with a newborn and set up positive early in...

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Sleep struggles are one of the most common challenges new parents face, especially when navigating conflicting advice about gentle methods versus the cry it out approach. So how do you find what's right for your baby and your family?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, sleep consultant Mariana Yancik of Gold Coast Doulas breaks down the differences between popular sleep training methods and what they look like in real-life parenting. She shares expert insight on infant sleep development, how these approaches impact your baby, and how to choose a strategy...

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Is “pregnancy brain” real—or is there more going on beneath the surface?

In this episode, we’re joined by Becky Gleed of the Perinatal & Reproductive Wellness Group to unpack the very real experience of brain fog during pregnancy and postpartum. From forgetfulness and mental fatigue to the emotional load of motherhood, Becky shares what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek additional support.

We dive into how hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and mental health all play a role in cognitive changes—and how perinatal wellness support can make a mea...

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In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re talking all about social media and doulas with Doula Darcy. Social media has become one of the most powerful ways for families to discover support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, but it can also feel overwhelming to navigate.

Darcy shares practical tips for parents on how to find the right doula through platforms like Instagram and other social channels, including what to look for in a doula’s online presence and how to spot someone who aligns with your values and birth pref...

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Sensitive skin and newborns often go hand in hand, leaving parents overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of what products are truly safe and effective. In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Faulkner Williams, co-founder of Tubby Todd Bath Co., to talk about navigating dryness, eczema, and reactive skin in babies.

We dive into why newborn skin is so delicate, common triggers for irritation, how to simplify your baby’s skincare routine, and what parents should look for when choosing products. Andrea also opens up about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship while raising fo...

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Mom groups have been making headlines lately, and not always in a positive way. While stories about mom group drama and social tension can get attention, they don’t reflect what supportive communities are truly about. The right mom group can be a lifeline during pregnancy and postpartum, offering connection, encouragement, and practical support when families need it most.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere of Gold Coast Doulas sits down with Sarah Greidanus, Owner of FIT4MOM Grand Rapids, to discuss the real value of mom groups an...

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Choosing a baby formula can feel overwhelming, especially in a world full of strong opinions and fear-based messaging. In this episode, I’m joined by Mallory Whitmore, known as The Formula Mom, to have an honest, judgment-free conversation about formula feeding.

We break down the different types of baby formula, how to read ingredient lists without getting caught up in fear around soy, corn syrup, or seed oils, and how to release the guilt or shame that can sometimes surround feeding choices.

Whether you’re exclusively formula feeding, combo feed...

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In this episode of Ask the Doulas, host Kristin Revere is joined by Alyssa Veneklase, pediatric sleep consultant and co-host of the podcast, to talk all about Newborn Survival and why a baby prep class can be one of the most valuable tools for expecting parents.

We break down what families actually need to know before bringing a newborn home, from sleep and feeding basics to soothing techniques, realistic expectations, and common challenges in the early weeks. Alyssa shares why education before baby arrives can reduce anxiety...

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When families prepare for birth, so much focus is placed on supporting the birthing parent and partner. But what about older siblings?

In this solo episode with Kristin Revere, co-host of Ask the Doulas and founder of Gold Coast Doulas, we explore the role of a sibling doula and why this often overlooked form of support can make a meaningful difference for the entire family. A sibling doula provides emotional and practical care for older children during labor, birth, and the early postpartum period, helping them feel safe, included, and supported...