Mom Mode

S2 Ep. 10: The Unexpected Pregnancy During That Changed My Life and Career w/ Xenia Hatzilias LMHC

Hi Everyone! & thank you so much for tuning into this week's episode of Mom Mode! On this week's episode we have Xenia Hatzilias on the podcast. Xenia is a mental health therapist who works with moms in different stages of their journey from fertility, pregnancy, grief, postpartum anxiety & depression, and just the transition into motherhood overall.  During our conversation - Xenia shares her transformative journey of motherhood, particularly during the COVID pandemic. Her journey first started as an unexpected pregnancy (with her then boyfriend, now husband), challenges faced during labor and delivery, and the emotional and mental health struggles that followed. We talk about the importance of support systems, the pressures of societal expectations on new mothers, and the beauty found in the journey of motherhood despite its difficulties. Key takeaways:  * Xenia’s shift towards maternal mental health was influenced by her own experiences during pregnancy - she shares her story of becoming a mom in depth.  * How experiencing pregnancy during COVID brought unexpected challenges and fears for new mothers. * Support from partners and family is crucial during the postpartum period. * Postpartum anxiety and depression can affect mothers regardless of their previous mental health status.  * Societal pressures can lead to unrealistic expectations for new mothers, especially regarding breastfeeding. * It's important to recognize and address postpartum mental health issues early. * Seeking help, whether through therapy or support groups, is vital. * Sharing experiences and stories can help normalize the challenges of motherhood. Perfect for: New and Expecting Moms: Those navigating the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood, especially during unique circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic.Moms Experiencing Postpartum Challenges: Women dealing with postpartum anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues will find relatable stories and insights. Supportive Partners and Family Members: Those who want to understand the emotional and psychological journey of motherhood to better support their loved ones. This episode provides a heartfelt exploration of motherhood, mental health, and personal transformation, offering support and understanding to those on similar journeys. Resources: Newsletter link: xenfamilytherapy.kit.com [http://xenfamilytherapy.kit.com/] Website link: https://www.xenfamilytherapy.com/landing-page [https://www.xenfamilytherapy.com/landing-page] Email for Therapy in FL, PA, TN, & WV: xenia@xenfamilytherapy.com [xenia@xenfamilytherapy.com] Phone: (727) 371-0971 IG: @xenfamilytherapy Workbook link: https://xenfamilytherapy.kit.com/products/planning-for-postpartum-workbook [https://xenfamilytherapy.kit.com/products/planning-for-postpartum-workbook] As always, thank you so much for listening to Mom Mode - I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood and if you enjoyed listening please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube and leave us a review!  xo, Nichole

S2 Ep. 9: From Full-Time Job to Singing Stay at Home Mom w/ Gabby Lyn

Hi Everyone! & thank you so much for tuning into this week's episode of Mom Mode! On this week's episode we have Gabby Lyn on the podcast! Gabby was previously a full time speech-language pathologist turned SAHM to her daughter Ella and during her transition she has shared her journey of motherhood, the challenges of transitioning from a working mom to a SAHM and the importance of community and self-care along the way!  Gabby and I discuss her experience with postpartum anxiety, the isolating feeling that being home can bring to you during those early days of motherhood and what helped her find this new version of herself, the joys of connecting with her daughter through singing and the need for support among mothers and the significance of finding balance in their lives (really highlighting how much finding a community matters) and honestly I couldn't agree more!  Key takeaways:  * The vulnerable transition from working mom to stay-at-home mom. * Gabby shares her experience of rediscovering herself after becoming a mother. * The importance of being an intentional mom, encouraging mothers to find joy in the small moments. * The power of singing for bonding and language development. * How social media has helped her connect with other moms and find community- community is something that Gabby strongly advises new moms to find as it can help so much to discuss, relate and not feel alone. xo, Nichole Follow Gabby on Instagram!: @itsgabbylyn As always, thank you so much for listening to Mom Mode - I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood and if you enjoyed listening please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube and leave us a review!

S2 Ep. 8: Navigating a Cleft Diagnosis w/ Laura Arroyo (Our Forever Smiles)

Hi Everyone! & thank you so much for tuning into this week's episode of Mom Mode! On this week's episode we have Laura Arroyo on the podcast! Mother of a daughter born with a cleft palate and host to her own podcast "Our Forever Smiles" supporting mothers of children born with a cleft lip or palate.   During this episode of Mom Mode,  Laura shares her personal journey as a mother of a child born with a cleft palate. She discusses the challenges faced, the emotional rollercoaster of receiving the diagnosis, her experience in the NICU and emphasizes the importance of community support for parents navigating similar situations and provides valuable resources for those newly diagnosed. The conversation highlights the emotional and practical aspects of parenting a child with a cleft lip or palate, offering insights and encouragement for other parents. Moms, you are not alone if you are currently navigating a diagnosis.  Key takeaways:  * Laura hosts the Our Forever Smiles podcast to support mothers of children with cleft lip or palate * Cleft lip and palate can occur independently or together, with different prevalence rates between genders. * It's normal for parents to feel a range of emotions, including guilt and worry, when facing a cleft diagnosis. * Breastfeeding can be challenging for babies with cleft palates due to suction issues. Bottle recommendations listed below!  * Community support is crucial for parents of children with cleft conditions. * Resources such as Facebook groups and podcasts like (Our Forever Smiles) can provide valuable information and support.  Perfect for: * Moms who are currently experiencing the birth of a baby with cleft lip or cleft palate.  * First-time moms feeling overwhelmed by their child's cleft diagnosis.  * Moms looking for a cleft community for support. Laura's Bottle recommendations: * Dr. Brown's Specialty Feeding Systems (SFS) - designed for infants with cleft lip and palate or complex feeding challenges. Utilizes a blue "infant-paced feeding valve" to create compression-based flow, allowing infants to feed without needing to generate suction.  * Pigeon Cleft Palate Bottle - specialized feeding system for infants with cleft lip/palate or weak sucking strength.  * The Medela SpecialNeeds Feeder (formerly the Haberman Feeder) - specialized bottle designed for infants with cleft lip/palate, allowing infants to feed with minimal suction.  Resources: * Instagram: @ourforeversmiles  * Podcast: Our Forever Smiles (Spotify, Apple Podcasts) * Facebook Group: Cleft Lip and Palate Support Group  As always, thank you so much for listening to Mom Mode - I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood and if you enjoyed listening please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube and leave us a review!  xo, Nichole

S2 Ep. 7: Breech Baby, Boss Mom: Pregnancy, Birth, & Work w/ Becca Bunch (Booker)

Hi Everyone! & thank you for tuning into this week's episode of Mom Mode! On this week's episode we have Becca Bunch Booker! Becca is a first time mom to her 7 month old son and business owner to Homemade Social - a digital marketing agency based in Phoenix, Arizona.  During our conversation, Beeca shares her journey through pregnancy, the challenges of having a breech baby, her experience trying the ECV procedure, her experience having a scheduled C-section and the importance of self-care and grace during motherhood.  We also dive into what work-life balance has been like being a business owner taking maternity leave and the support systems she has in place allowing for a successful return back. Becca offers valuable advice for other moms navigating similar experiences, emphasizing the importance of preparation and mental health. Get ready for a candid conversation that reminds you: no matter what your pregnancy journey looks like, you’re doing amazing. Hit play to hear the full story—and maybe even learn a thing or two you didn’t know you needed. In this episode, you'll uncover: * A first time moms experience having a breech baby and experiencing a positive scheduled c-section. * Becca's experience trying the ECV procedure in order to try and flip breech baby. * The importance of having a support system, like a nanny, can significantly ease the transition back to work after maternity leave. * The importance of communicating your needs with your partner during the postpartum period. * Preparation for maternity leave when you are a business owner.  * Finding a good balance between work and motherhood when returning back to work.  Perfect for: * Expectant mothers facing breech or complications * First-time moms feeling overwhelmed by birth choices * Entrepreneurs and working moms balancing baby and business * Anyone seeking honest, relatable pregnancy stories with practical tips As always, thank you so much for listening to Mom Mode - I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood and if you enjoyed please leave us a review or subscribe so you can continue following along! xo, Nichole

S2 Ep. 6: Rethinking Education: A Former Principal's Guide to Homeschooling w/ Mandy Davis

Hi Everyone! & thank you for tuning into this week's episode of Mom Mode! On this week's episode we have Mandy Davis, mom of two on the podcast!!  Mandy Davis, M.Ed., is a former school principal and author of The Homeschool Bible, a definitive guide to homeschooling. She is the founder of Homebuilt Education and leads a community of over 400,000 families online, delivering trusted resources and guidance for parents.  Most parents underestimate how liberating—and essential—lifelong homeschooling can be, especially when the school system isn’t working. During our conversation, Mandy reveals the untold truths behind traditional schooling’s pitfalls—from bullying and anxiety to outdated curricula and rigid schedules—and shares how to reclaim your child's education on your own terms. In this episode, Mandy shares her transformational journey from the trenches of the public school system to homeschooling her own children, exposing the systemic issues she encountered that many parents don’t see from the outside. She discusses how bullying, mental health struggles, and misaligned schedules impact kids’ well-being, and explains how homeschooling offers a personalized, less stressful alternative. During this episode we discuss: * Why the school day’s timing and structure undermine teenage health and mental wellness. * The myths about socialization in homeschooling versus reality—and how kids truly build community. * Practical strategies for starting homeschooling even if you work full-time or feel overwhelmed. * The power of hybrid models and local co-ops to enrich kids’ social and extracurricular experiences. * How emergency remote learning during COVID blurred the line between schooling and actual education—and why it’s not homeschooling. * How - The Homeschool Bible is a comprehensive resource for new homeschooling families. This episode is perfect for overwhelmed parents questioning whether the traditional school system is the best fit for their kids, or anyone curious about stepping outside the system but unsure how to start. Mandy’s insights are grounded in her personal story, educational expertise, and her new resources—like the upcoming Homeschool Bible and Parent Planner—designed to guide parents every step of the way. If you’re ready to rethink education, find confidence in your parenting choices, and explore practical options to personalized learning, this episode is your must-listen. The path to empowering your child’s future begins here. Mandy Davis Info: Instagram: @homebuilteducation Resources: Thehomeschoolbible.com, HomebuiltEducation.com As always, thank you so much for listening to Mom Mode - I hope these conversations bring you something that you needed to hear while on your journey through motherhood and if you enjoyed please leave us a review or follow up on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you can continue following along  xo, Nichole