The Strength it Takes to Love with Fabi Shields

Where do we go from here?

We got together this morning, emotions still raw, to process the results of the election and what this means for our futures and the future of neli. We’re not going to stop advocating for caregivers of all kinds. Take today, rest, regroup, feel all the feels, and join us as we charge forward tomorrow.   <3 Brittany and Katie

Why Motherhood is your Superpower with Jillian Smith

First, Jillian is amazing. She is a kind, supportive leader and just an incredible human. We were so excited to have her on the show. In this conversation, Jillian shares her experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum with her two children. We walk through the challenges she faced during her pregnancies, including severe morning sickness and high blood pressure, and balancing her health with the pressures of being a leader in a large company. She shares her birth stories and the challenges of recovering from a c-section, along with the emotional toll a birth experience that doesn't align with your expectations takes.  We also tackle her transitioning back to work and the pressure to prove herself as a mother. We exploire what it means for us to prioritize our own wellbeing in the face of a demanding career, and how we can better support women in the workplace.  Take a listen.

Finding Your Groove with Rachelle Stinson

We loved this conversation with Rachelle Stinson. She was kind enough to chat with us while she was THREE months postpartum after having TWINS. She's right there in the thick of things. We talk about the surprise of having twins, the struggle of transitioning from one child to multiples, how mom guilt can overwhelm us, and how important it is to have a village surrounding you and helping you along the way.  Rachelle also talks about her birth experiences, including a C-section and the recovery process. She shares the emotional journey of becoming a mother to two babies and the guilt she felt about dividing her attention.   We explore: * Transitioning from one kid to multiples * How every pregnancy is so different * C-sections and recovery can be physically and emotionally demanding. * How important support from family and friends is during the postpartum period. * Recovering from severe abdominal surgery after giving birth to twins can be physically and emotionally challenging. It is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. * Life with twins * Finding a groove and going back to work * It's OK to mourn the life you had while being happy for these new adventures

Revolutionizing Postpartum Care with Dr. Stephanie Sublett

Dr. Stephanie is a board-certified OBGYN, lactation consultant, all-around superwoman, and owner of Lilivy Postpartum [https://www.lilivypostpartum.com/]. She's on a mission to revolutionize postpartum care. In this episode, we take a hard look at the current state of postpartum care and her vision for a more comprehensive and supportive approach.    Dr. Stephanie also opens up about her personal struggles with postpartum mood disorders and the importance of partners being aware of the signs. She explains the hormonal shifts that occur during the postpartum period and offers advice on preparing for postpartum and seeking help. In this conversation, Dr. Stephanie discusses the importance of seeking support and normalizing postpartum experiences. She emphasizes the need for planning for postpartum from a mental health standpoint and highlights the importance of planning for breastfeeding. She also shares insights from her online breastfeeding course and the need for professional support in breastfeeding. She addresses the challenges and misconceptions of breastfeeding and encourages mothers to simplify the process. The conversation concludes with a summary of the topics covered and the intention to continue the discussion on lactation in future episodes.   We couldn’t get enough, so she also did an event for our community on the ins and outs of hand expression, and we’re gearing up for another episode with her soon.   She has an online breastfeeding course, The Sh!t I Wish Someone Told Me About Breastfeeding Course, [https://www.lilivypostpartum.com/course] and offers comprehensive postpartum services [https://www.lilivypostpartum.com/services] for moms. Takeaways * Postpartum care in the US needs to be revolutionized to provide more comprehensive and supportive care. * Partners should be aware of the signs of postpartum mood disorders and be prepared to seek help if necessary. * Hormonal shifts during the postpartum period can contribute to mood disorders, and it is important to recognize the symptoms and seek appropriate support. * Preparing for postpartum and having a plan in place for support can help alleviate stress and ensure a smoother transition into motherhood. * Why seeking support and normalizing postpartum experiences can help new mothers feel less alone. * Planning for postpartum from a mental health standpoint is crucial for overall well-being. * Planning for breastfeeding and seeking professional support can improve the breastfeeding experience. * Breastfeeding can be challenging, but simplifying the process and focusing on the baby's needs can alleviate stress and anxiety.   Resources mentioned: * Postpartum Support International [https://www.postpartum.net/?utm_source=google_cpc&utm_medium=ad_grant&utm_campaign=cbc_ggrant_CBCGrant|BrandedMXC&gclid=CjwKCAiAiP2tBhBXEiwACslfngiIOA4jnjA9-xgNCf9QFeUqVTOFj-DJXAA9b7sDKm8c1JNvTF4R9RoCfpIQAvD_BwE] * Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts [https://www.amazon.com/Good-Moms-Have-Scary-Thoughts/dp/1641701307]

The Strength it Takes to Love with Fabi Shields

Fabi and her family are amazing. As the mother of 4 girls, she has plenty of wisdom to share about pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. In this episode, she opened up about her daughter’s special needs and what it’s like to parent through the fear and uncertainty that can come with not knowing what your child’s future will look like. It’s a beautiful story.  Despite the hardships, Fabi emphasizes the importance of support and finding joy in the midst of difficult times. Overall, her story highlights the resilience and strength of a mother's love.