The Whole Bundle: Nurturing parents through nourishing conversations

024: How Parents Can Navigate Conflict While Keeping Their Connection Strong with Rhona Berens

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2351334/open_sms] Has navigating the world of parenting introduced a whole new set of challenges for you and your partner? If so, you're not alone. Today, we dive into an insightful conversation with Rhona Berens, a professional certified coach and co-author of the book *"Fight Right for Your Baby"*. This comprehensive guide is designed to help expecting and new parents shift from conflict to connection, an essential aspect of co-parenting that is often underestimated. Becoming a parent inevitably places stress on relationships. Rhona and her wife experienced firsthand the shock of how parenting impacted their relationship. Rhona's journey emphasized the importance of creating a "designed partnership alliance" to navigate the often tumultuous transition from being a couple to being parents. One of the key topics discussed was the concept of fighting right versus fighting wrong. Rhona explained that fighting wrong involves unskillful, unproductive ways of disagreeing that pull couples apart. Drawing from John Gottman's research, she explains the four toxic communication styles: contempt, defensiveness, criticism, and stonewalling.  1. Contempt: Disrespectful communication including condescension, sarcasm, and eye-rolling. 2. Defensiveness: Reacting with a chip on your shoulder, refusing to see your part in the conflict. 3. Criticism: Blaming and nagging that turns issues into personal attacks. 4. Stonewalling: Becoming uncommunicative, walking away, or avoiding the conflict entirely. Rhona emphasized the importance of becoming aware of these behaviors and working towards changing unproductive patterns. She encourages couples to recognize the impact of their communication on their children and to make a conscious effort to model healthier interaction. Fighting is normal. It's not about never fighting but about how you fight and, more importantly, how you repair and reconnect after a conflict. Small moments of reconnection—like affirming words, a hug, or simply holding hands—can make a significant difference in maintaining a positive relationship dynamic in front of your children.  For parents approaching this monumental life change, Rhona’s insights and the tools in her book can serve as a valuable resource to navigate the complexities of new parenthood while maintaining a healthy, connected relationship with your partner. We talk about: * 00:00 Intro * 01:25 Rhona's Personal Journey to Becoming a Coach * 04:30 The Impact of Parenting on Relationships * 10:31 The Book: Fight Right for Your Baby * 17:26 Understanding and Addressing Conflict in Relationships * 35:35 Tips for New and Expecting Parents Connect with Rhona * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FightRightBooks/ [https://www.instagram.com/FightRightBooks/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonaberens/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonaberens/]  * www.rhonaberens.com [http://www.rhonaberens.com]  * www.fightrightbooks.com [http://www.fightrightbooks.com]  * https://rhonaberens.com/resources/ [https://rhonaberens.com/resources/]  * https://rhonaberens.com/changing-habits/ [https://rhonaberens.com/changing-habits/]  Connect with me * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/ [https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/] * https://thewholebundle.com/ [https://thewholebundle.com/]

023: Nourishing Plant-Based Recipes for Postpartum Recovery with Chef Eduardo Justo

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2351334/open_sms] Are you looking for delicious, plant-based recipes that can help you recover postpartum? In this episode, I’m joined by Chef Eduardo Justo. Eduardo brings a wealth of experience, having worked in some of the best restaurants in the world and now specializing in vegan and plant-based cuisine. Eduardo shares his journey, cooking philosophy, and two amazing recipes designed specifically for postpartum moms. Eduardo shares the benefits of plant-based eating for recovery, as well as two nutritious recipes he created that are not only delicious but also supportive of postpartum recovery and nursing mothers. Using ingredients known as galactagogues—foods that help increase breast milk supply—he highlights the importance of these foods, emphasizing how they can aid in both recovery and milk production. Our first recipe is a Lentil Fenugreek Stew, perfect for the fall season or any time you need a hearty, nourishing meal. The second recipe is a vibrant and nutritious Creamy Chickpea Beet Soup, packed with protein and vitamins. Both recipes are designed to be simple and quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy postpartum moms. Remember, you can easily add your preferred protein like chicken, fish, or tofu to these dishes to suit your dietary needs. These recipes can also be made in large batches and frozen for later consumption. Eduardo’s passion for plant-based cooking and his understanding of postpartum nutrition make these recipes a wonderful addition to any new mom’s meal rotation.  We talk about: * 00:00 Intro * 02:55 Eduardo's Journey to Becoming a Chef * 05:00 Eduardo's Vegan Transformation * 06:44 The Importance of Galactagogues * 08:59 Recipe 1: Lentil Fenugreek Stew * 15:52 Recipe 2: Creamy Chickpea Beet Soup Connect with Eduardo * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Vegancookingmastery/ [https://www.instagram.com/Vegancookingmastery/] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Vegancookingmastery [https://www.tiktok.com/@Vegancookingmastery]   * www.chefeduardojusto.com [http://www.chefeduardojusto.com]  Connect with me * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/ [https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/] * https://thewholebundle.com/ [https://thewholebundle.com/]

022: Navigating Motherhood Later in Life with Victoria Lauture Duncker

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2351334/open_sms] Are you wondering what it’s like to embark on the journey of motherhood later in life? Maybe you’re a new mother in her 40s, or thinking of having kids later on in life. In this episode, I have a profound conversation with Victoria Lauture Duncker from "New Mommy at 40." Victoria, a multifaceted artist, storyteller, and advocate, shared her inspiring journey of becoming a mother in her 40s and the incredible work she is doing to support women navigating similar paths.  Victoria’s journey to motherhood is both unique and inspiring. She started her career in musical theater and film, influenced by the powerful voices of women in her family. Despite her vibrant career, she always wondered when her journey to motherhood would begin. Victoria humorously shares her experience, noting the industry’s tendency to value youth, which led many of her colleagues to delay motherhood. At 40, she met her husband, and within a year, they were married and expecting their first child. Her journey wasn’t without its challenges, including struggles with fibroids, PCOS, and fertility. Victoria was determined to break societal stigmas and advocate for herself and others. Through her experiences, she created the "New Mommy at 40" podcast to empower other women, share stories, and build a supportive community. Victoria offers advice to women considering motherhood later in life: 1. Breathe and Manage Stress: Stress never helps, so it's crucial to find ways to relax and manage anxiety about the future. 2. Stay Informed: Understand your anatomy and reproductive health. 3. Explore Options: Consider cryopreservation and other fertility options to keep future possibilities open. 4. Seek Support: Build a support system of like-minded individuals who understand your journey. 5. Advocate for Yourself: Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek the care you deserve. We talk about: * 00:00 Intro * 04:01 Victoria's Journey to Motherhood * 08:57 Creating the New Mommy at 40 Podcast * 10:09 Challenges and Realities of Late Motherhood * 12:12 Navigating Medical and Social Challenges * 20:24 Insights and Advice for Aspiring Older Mothers * 40:45 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell Connect with Victoria * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newmommyat40/ [https://www.instagram.com/newmommyat40/]  * Facebook: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtxX63UGUYNExwfk9GY9Kug [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtxX63UGUYNExwfk9GY9Kug]  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtxX63UGUYNExwfk9GY9Kug [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtxX63UGUYNExwfk9GY9Kug] * Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/new-mommy-at-40 [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/new-mommy-at-40]  * www.newmommyat40.com [http://www.newmommyat40.com]  Connect with me * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/ [https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/] * https://thewholebundle.com/ [https://thewholebundle.com/]

021: How to Navigate Endometriosis and Infertility with Steph

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2351334/open_sms] Have you ever faced a medical diagnosis that changed the course of your life? Today, we delve into the heartfelt journey of Steph, a woman who has battled endometriosis and infertility, and her ultimate triumph in becoming a mother. This is a compelling story of resilience, emotional strength, and the tireless pursuit of a family. Steph's journey began at the age of 30 when she first received her diagnosis of endometriosis. Despite having a family history of painful periods, it wasn't until she experienced excruciating abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a cyst that she began to truly understand her condition.  Their surrogacy journey brought them to Los Angeles, where they underwent further IVF treatments to harvest and inseminate Steph's eggs, creating embryos ready for transfer. After an initial setback with their first surrogate, they met a wonderful woman in North Carolina who successfully carried their daughter. Throughout this period, the emotional toll was immense. Steph grappled with grief, anger, and anxiety. Her anxiety hit peak levels during the surrogacy process, to the point where she relied on Pablo (her husband) to manage the logistics and updates. Despite the emotional upheaval, the couple's perseverance paid off when they finally welcomed Alma into their lives. From her journey, Steph offers invaluable advice for those grappling with endometriosis and infertility. She emphasizes the importance of not losing hope and managing the disease through diet, acupuncture, and physiotherapy to reduce inflammation. Connecting with others facing similar challenges and staying informed about the condition can make a significant difference. Today, five years after their successful surrogacy journey, Steph continues to manage her endometriosis through a disciplined lifestyle, including dietary changes and regular acupuncture. Despite the challenges, she feels good and is grateful for the journey that brought her to motherhood. Steph's story is a testament to enduring hope, the power of medical intervention, and the unyielding desire to create a family, no matter the obstacles. Her experience offers a beacon of hope to many struggling with similar issues, showing that with persistence and the right support, one can navigate through the darkest tunnels to find light. We talk about: * 00:00 Intro * 02:12 Steph's Diagnosis and Early Symptoms * 02:43 The Impact of Oral Contraceptives * 03:24 Surgical Interventions and Challenges * 07:44 IVF Journey and Miscarriages * 11:42 Decision for Surrogacy * 14:48 Surrogacy Process and Success * 23:09 Managing Endometriosis and Final Thoughts Connect with me * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/ [https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/] * https://thewholebundle.com/ [https://thewholebundle.com/]

020: Going Deep to Understand the Postpartum Mindset with Kathleena Nair

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2351334/open_sms] If you’re here, you have likely felt overwhelmed by the challenges of new motherhood, and deservedly so. While it’s a beautiful time, it can be an equally challenging one for many new parents.  In this episode, we welcome Kathleena Nair from White Feather Coaching. Kathleena is a transformational coach specializing in helping women change their mindset, overcome limiting beliefs, and crush self-sabotage. Her coaching style is gentle, empathetic, and supportive, focusing on helping women see their unlimited potential, break barriers, and achieve goals they once thought impossible. During our chat, Kathleena shared insights into how she uses NLP and hypnotherapy in her coaching practice, particularly for postpartum moms. She explained how these techniques can help women break free from negative thought patterns and self-doubt. Kathleena also emphasized the importance of having a support system and preparing mentally for the postpartum period. An essential topic we discussed was the often-overlooked "fourth trimester." Kathleena advocates for new mothers to prepare mentally for this period and to give themselves grace and patience during this transitional phase. The unpredictability and demands of motherhood require adaptability and self-compassion. Finally, Kathleena explained how NLP works by examining our thoughts and emotions to influence our behavior positively. This involves creating positive associations and challenging negative thinking patterns. Consistent practice can lead to profound changes, helping women regain control over their thoughts and emotions. One of Kathleena’s key pieces of advice is practicing gratitude. Even on the toughest days, listing a few things you're grateful for can shift your energy and perspective. Gratitude helps counteract fear and anxiety, fostering a positive mindset. If you are feeling overwhelmed or need support, Kathleena from White Feather Coaching offers valuable resources and coaching. Remember, it's okay to reach out and ask for help. You are not alone in this journey. We talk about: * 00:00 Intro * 03:22 Kathleena's Personal Journey * 05:56 Challenges of Motherhood * 08:48 The Fourth Trimester * 12:46 Understanding Limiting Beliefs * 14:17 Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) * 15:34 Changing Negative Thoughts * 19:30 The Power of Coaching * 22:28 Understanding and Managing Fear * 23:57 Identity Crisis in Motherhood * 24:42 Mindset Shifts During Postpartum * 25:43 Support for New Fathers * 27:19 Creating a Postpartum Plan * 29:18 Hypnotherapy and NLP for Emotional Healing * 37:10 The Power of Gratitude Resources In This Episode: 1. Free Self-Care Workbook to help you shift the focus back to your own needs, dreams, and desires: https://whitefeathercoaching.systeme.io/workbook [https://whitefeathercoaching.systeme.io/workbook]  2. Book a FREE strategy call with Kathleena to help you find clarity and confidence to achieve your big goals here --> https://calendly.com/whitefeathercoaching/free-coaching-session [https://calendly.com/whitefeathercoaching/free-coaching-session]  Connect with Kathleena * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitefeathercoaching/ [https://www.instagram.com/whitefeathercoaching/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathnair/ [https://www.facebook.com/kathnair/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleena-kaur-nair-7896a264/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleena-kaur-nair-7896a264/] Connect with me * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/ [https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/] * https://thewholebundle.com/