Ask the Doulas Podcast

Gold Coast Doulas

Ask the Doulas is a leading pregnancy podcast, birth podcast, and postpartum podcast for expecting families and birth professionals. Since 2017, this trusted doula podcast has delivered expert, evidence-based education on pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, and early parenting. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, Ask the Doulas features interviews with top doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. This podcast is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies. Whether you are trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy, preparing for labor and delivery, recovering postpartum, or caring for a newborn, this pregnancy and parenting podcast offers practical tips and expert insights. It is also a valuable resource for doulas, birth workers, and baby professionals growing their knowledge and business. Topics include: pregnancy tips, birth preparation, labor support, doula support, natural birth, hospital birth, birth planning, postpartum recovery, fourth trimester care, breastfeeding and lactation, newborn sleep, baby care, maternal mental health, postpartum depression, perinatal anxiety, nutrition for pregnancy and postpartum, self-care for moms, and work-life balance after baby You will also find episodes focused on doula business, marketing for doulas, growing a doula agency, and building a sustainable birth and baby career. Why listeners love Ask the Doulas: • Expert interviews with trusted voices in pregnancy and postpartum care • Actionable tips for pregnancy, birth, and newborn stages • Judgment-free, supportive education for families and professionals • A long-standing, trusted podcast in the birth and baby space since 2017 If you are searching for a pregnancy podcast, postpartum podcast, doula podcast, birth education podcast, or newborn care podcast, Ask the Doulas is your go-to resource for support, education, and confidence. Listen and follow Ask the Doulas on your favorite podcast app. Explore online courses and classes at www.goldcoastdoulas.com Get our book Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby, at www.supportedbook.com .    

  1. 5 hr ago

    What Do You Actually Need on a Baby Registry with Sarah Hollingsworth of Poppylist

    Send us Fan Mail What do you actually need on a baby registry, and which baby products can you skip? Choosing newborn essentials can feel overwhelming when there are so many products marketed to expecting parents. In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere welcomes Sarah Hollingsworth, CEO of Poppylist to discuss findings from the State of the Baby Registry 2026 Report. Together, they explore what today's parents are actually adding to their registries, which products are being overlooked, and how shopping habits and priorities are changing for modern families. From must-have baby gear and everyday essentials to products parents may regret purchasing, this conversation takes a closer look at what families value most when preparing for life with a newborn. Kristin also brings her perspective as a longtime baby registry consultant, sharing why thoughtful registry planning matters and how parents can focus on products that genuinely support their family's needs rather than feeling pressured to buy everything on the market. We dive into: Baby registry must-haves that parents are adding to their lists in 2026Baby products and registry items parents are choosing to skipEveryday newborn essentials and practical baby gearProducts parents may regret purchasingChanging baby registry trends and shopping prioritiesHow to create a thoughtful baby registry without feeling pressured to buy everythingWhy choosing products that support your family's actual needs mattersWhether you're expecting your first baby, adding to your family, or helping someone prepare for a newborn, this episode offers helpful insights to make baby registry planning more intentional and less overwhelming. Tune in to discover what parents are really registering for in 2026! About Sarah Hollingsworth: Sarah Hollingsworth is the founder of Poppylist, the baby registry she built after her own registry experience in 2019 left her unprepared and frustrated. She left her corporate job six months after her first daughter was born, and she has since grown Poppylist into a seven-figure, completely bootstrapped company that turns five in January 2027.  This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

    What Do You Actually Need on a Baby Registry with Sarah Hollingsworth of Poppylist
  2. 3 Nov

    How to Prepare for the Holidays with a Newborn with Kristin Revere

    Send us Fan Mail How do you celebrate the holidays with a newborn while protecting your baby's health and managing the demands of postpartum recovery? Holiday gatherings can make newborn care more challenging, especially when you're navigating feeding schedules, unpredictable naps, family visits, and cold, flu, and RSV season. A little planning and clear boundaries can help you enjoy the holidays while prioritizing what your family needs. 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. We dive into: Managing newborn sleep schedules and naps during holiday gatheringsSetting boundaries with family members and visitors after having a babyProtecting your newborn during RSV, flu, and cold seasonPlanning holiday travel around baby feeding and sleep needsNavigating busy family gatherings with a newbornPrioritizing postpartum recovery and knowing when to ask for helpSimplifying holiday traditions to make the season more manageableYour baby doesn't need a perfect holiday, and you don't have to do it all. You can create meaningful traditions while honoring what your family needs right now. Listen to the latest episode of Ask the Doulas for practical advice from birth and postpartum expert Kristin Revere. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies. #AskTheDoulas #GoldCoastDoulas #NewbornCare #PostpartumSupport #NewParentTips #NewbornSleep #RSVPrevention #HolidayWithBaby

    How to Prepare for the Holidays with a Newborn with Kristin Revere
  3. 28 Oct

    How to Emotionally Adjust to Life with a Newborn with Kristin Revere

    Send us Fan Mail 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, affect your relationship with your partner, and leave you missing parts of your life before baby, even when you love your child deeply. Kristin shares why it’s normal to need time to adjust to motherhood or fatherhood, why postpartum support matters, and why you don’t have to lose yourself to be a good parent. From navigating new responsibilities to finding your footing during the fourth trimester, this conversation offers reassurance for parents figuring out their new normal. We dive into: The emotional adjustment to life after having a babyChanges in identity and finding yourself again after becoming a parentMissing your pre-baby life while loving your childHow sleep deprivation and new responsibilities affect the transition to parenthoodChanges in your relationship with your partner after baby arrivesWhy postpartum support matters during the fourth trimesterTune in for an honest conversation about postpartum adjustment, the emotional transition to parenthood, and giving yourself grace as your family grows. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

    How to Emotionally Adjust to Life with a Newborn with Kristin Revere
  4. 20 Oct

    Postpartum Recovery After Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and Preparing for Another Pregnancy with Rebekah Yager

    Send us Fan Mail 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, and preparing for a future pregnancy with greater support and resources. Whether you have experienced HG yourself, are recovering from a challenging pregnancy, or are considering expanding your family, this conversation offers insight into the importance of preparation, individualized support, and caring for yourself through every stage of the reproductive journey. We dive into: What postpartum recovery can look like after hyperemesis gravidarumPhysical and emotional effects of a difficult pregnancyWhy recovery after HG deserves attention and supportConsiderations when planning a future pregnancy after HGHow to prepare for another pregnancy with individualized support and resourcesCaring for yourself throughout postpartum recovery and the reproductive journeyAbout Our Guest Rebekah Yager of A Fertile Life shares her perspective on postpartum recovery and preparing for pregnancy after hyperemesis gravidarum, helping listeners better understand the support and planning that may be needed along the way. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

    Postpartum Recovery After Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and Preparing for Another Pregnancy with Rebekah Yager
  5. 13 Oct

    What Every First-Time Parent Should Know Before Having a Baby with Kristin Revere

    Send us Fan Mail After fourteen years of supporting families as a doula and experiencing motherhood herself, Kristin Revere has learned that preparing for a baby involves much more than getting ready for birth. Some aspects of childbirth, postpartum recovery, relationships, and life with a newborn are difficult to fully understand until you experience them yourself. In this solo episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin shares what she wishes more expecting parents knew before having a baby. She discusses preparing for birth without being able to control every outcome, why having an involved and supportive partner makes such a difference, and why accepting help during postpartum is not a sign of failure. Kristin also shares her thoughts on setting boundaries with family after having a baby, navigating the overwhelming amount of parenting advice available online, and allowing yourself time to recover and adjust to life as a new parent. These topics are at the heart of her work with families and her book, Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby, co-authored with Alyssa Veneklase. We dive into: What expecting parents should know when preparing for childbirth.Why having a supportive partner matters during birth and the postpartum period.The importance of accepting help and building a support system as a new parent.How to set boundaries with family after welcoming a baby.Navigating conflicting parenting advice and information online.Why postpartum recovery takes time and the importance of giving yourself grace.Adjusting to life with a newborn and navigating the transition to parenthood.You don’t have to love every minute, and you don’t have to do it all on your own. There is no prize for doing postpartum alone, and your well-being matters just as much as your baby’s. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Expecting a baby or preparing to welcome another little one? Tune in to this episode of Ask the Doulas for an honest conversation about what to expect, what you can let go of, and how to give yourself more grace during the transition to parenthood. Kristin’s years of experience supporting families offer a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out, and you deserve support, too. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

    What Every First-Time Parent Should Know Before Having a Baby with Kristin Revere
  6. 6 Oct

    How Nutrition Can Support Healthy Blood Pressure During Pregnancy with Lily Nichols, RDN

    Send us Fan Mail How does nutrition support healthy blood pressure during pregnancy, and what should you know about gestational hypertension and preeclampsia? High blood pressure can be concerning for expecting parents, and understanding how nutrition relates to maternal health can help you make more informed decisions. 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 how nutrition can support maternal health and why understanding the difference between nutritional support and treating a medical condition is so important. We dive into: Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia and what expecting parents should understand about these conditions.Important nutrients to consider during pregnancy.The role of blood sugar regulation in maternal health.Why hydration matters during pregnancy.Practical ways to build balanced, nutritious meals.What nutrition can and cannot do when blood pressure becomes a concern.Whether you are preparing for pregnancy, currently pregnant, or have questions about gestational hypertension, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia, this conversation offers practical information to help you better understand pregnancy nutrition and make informed decisions about your health. High blood pressure and symptoms of preeclampsia during pregnancy should always be discussed with your healthcare provider. Nutrition is one part of comprehensive prenatal care and does not replace medical evaluation, monitoring, or treatment. Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based prenatal nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and sensible. She is the founder of the Institute for Prenatal Nutrition® and the author of three books: Real Food for Fertility (co-authored with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack)Real Food for PregnancyReal Food for Gestational DiabetesSubscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services and online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

    How Nutrition Can Support Healthy Blood Pressure During Pregnancy with Lily Nichols, RDN
  7. 29 Sept

    How to Prepare for a C-Section and Recover After Cesarean Birth with Kristin Revere

    Send us Fan Mail 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 also talk about C-section recovery, including the physical and emotional aspects of postpartum healing, what support can be helpful during the early weeks, and why recovery after a cesarean can look different from recovery after a vaginal birth. Kristin also explains VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean, and some of the questions families may want to discuss with their healthcare provider when considering a VBAC or repeat cesarean. Gold Coast Doulas has completed Operating Room Trainings at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Trinity Health Muskegon, and Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. This training helps the team understand hospital operating room procedures and how doulas can support families during both planned and unplanned cesarean births. In this episode of Ask the Doulas, you’ll learn: Preparing for a planned or unplanned C-sectionGentle and family-centered cesarean optionsSkin-to-skin after a C-sectionPartner and doula support during cesarean birthWhat to expect during C-section recoveryVBAC and repeat cesarean considerationsWhether you are preparing for a C-section, considering a VBAC, creating a gentle cesarean birth plan, or looking for information about cesarean recovery, this episode offers practical information to help you understand your options and plan for the experience. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

    How to Prepare for a C-Section and Recover After Cesarean Birth with Kristin Revere
  8. 22 Sept

    How to Keep Your Baby Safe in a Shopping Cart with Simon Hardie of SafeStrap

    Send us Fan Mail 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 guidance on using safety restraints correctly, supervising children while shopping, and creating safer shopping routines for families. We also talk about how retailers can help create safer shopping environments for families and what parents should know before their next trip to the grocery store, Target, or other retailers. If you have a baby or toddler, this conversation is packed with practical infant and child safety tips you can put into practice right away. In this episode, we cover: Shopping cart safety for babies and toddlersHow shopping cart falls and injuries happenProper use of shopping cart safety restraintsCommon shopping cart safety mistakesInfant and toddler supervision while shoppingHow retailers can improve child safetyPractical baby safety tips for everyday lifeWhy shopping cart safety deserves more attention during Infant Safety MonthThis episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

    How to Keep Your Baby Safe in a Shopping Cart with Simon Hardie of SafeStrap

About

Ask the Doulas is a leading pregnancy podcast, birth podcast, and postpartum podcast for expecting families and birth professionals. Since 2017, this trusted doula podcast has delivered expert, evidence-based education on pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, and early parenting. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, Ask the Doulas features interviews with top doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. This podcast is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies. Whether you are trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy, preparing for labor and delivery, recovering postpartum, or caring for a newborn, this pregnancy and parenting podcast offers practical tips and expert insights. It is also a valuable resource for doulas, birth workers, and baby professionals growing their knowledge and business. Topics include: pregnancy tips, birth preparation, labor support, doula support, natural birth, hospital birth, birth planning, postpartum recovery, fourth trimester care, breastfeeding and lactation, newborn sleep, baby care, maternal mental health, postpartum depression, perinatal anxiety, nutrition for pregnancy and postpartum, self-care for moms, and work-life balance after baby You will also find episodes focused on doula business, marketing for doulas, growing a doula agency, and building a sustainable birth and baby career. Why listeners love Ask the Doulas: • Expert interviews with trusted voices in pregnancy and postpartum care • Actionable tips for pregnancy, birth, and newborn stages • Judgment-free, supportive education for families and professionals • A long-standing, trusted podcast in the birth and baby space since 2017 If you are searching for a pregnancy podcast, postpartum podcast, doula podcast, birth education podcast, or newborn care podcast, Ask the Doulas is your go-to resource for support, education, and confidence. Listen and follow Ask the Doulas on your favorite podcast app. Explore online courses and classes at www.goldcoastdoulas.com Get our book Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby, at www.supportedbook.com .