Modern Nurture

Jess

Engineer turned Mama, Jess, meets mothers at the intersection of instincts and evidence to cut through the noise of parenting and wellness advice. On Modern Nurture, we’ll look to experts in thought provoking interviews, we’ll look to our biology to unpack the instincts and processes we’ve forgotten in the modern era, and we’ll have heart to heart conversations with real moms from every background as we seek to build a community where every mother and mom-to-be can find relatability and support. I am really excited about a segment of this show, called moms on the ground, where we’ll play real stories and clips from audience members. If you find yourself scanning reddit at 3am, or scrolling through of page 75 of google search results, this show is for you. Whether you're seeking answers on conception, childbirth, toddler nutrition, sleep routines, creating a toxin free home for your babies, or even how to nurture yourself - I’ve got you. I promise you insights, aha moments, and a community that understands. Tune in, and let's rediscover the joy in and power of motherhood together. You can find us on instagram @ModernNuturePod, and listen where ever you get your podcasts.

  1. 4D AGO

    Wake Windows: Why This Stresses New Moms (and What Actually Helps)

    Send me a Text Message, for free! I'd love to hear from you. Wake windows are often presented as rules — and for many new moms, they create more stress than sleep. In this video, I explain what wake windows actually measure, where they come from, and why they work for some babies but completely fall apart for others. If you’ve ever found yourself watching the clock instead of your baby, fighting naps that “should” be working, or wondering why your baby doesn’t fit the chart — this video is for you. We’ll talk about: •What wake window charts are based on (and what they’re not) •Why averages get mistaken for rules •How infant sleep readiness is influenced by more than just time awake •The role of regulation, stress, and developing circadian rhythms •Why variability in baby sleep is normal — not a failure Wake windows can be a helpful reference for some families. But when they increase anxiety, create constant nap battles, or make you feel like something is wrong with your baby, it’s worth stepping back and re-examining the framework. Your baby isn’t broken. And average was never the goal. 00:00 Introduction to Wake Windows 00:06 Personal Experiences with Wake Windows 00:58 Understanding Wake Windows 02:10 The Science Behind Wake Windows 02:55 The Limitations of Wake Windows 04:53 Practical Advice on Using Wake Windows 05:22 Conclusion: Trusting Your Instincts ⸻ Sources & Further Reading Systematic review of infant sleep–wake behavior (observational data, wide variability): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29356197/ Normative infant sleep development across the first year (large cohort data): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945720300381 Developmental neuroscience of infant sleep and wake regulation: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4062979/ Development of circadian cortisol rhythms in infancy: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9109407/ Caregiving context and infant cortisol regulation: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4170024/ Sleep quality and stress physiology in early development: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4385227/ Are wake windows evidence-based? (parent-facing synthesis): https://parentdata.org/are-newborn-wake-windows-real/ Neurodevelopmental perspective on infant sleep and regulation: https://possumssleepprogram.com/baby-sleep-0-12-months/

    6 min
  2. 07/21/2025

    SAHM 6: “I’d Missed the First 3 Years”—Jill’s Honest Shift from Career to Motherhood

    Send me a Text Message, for free! I'd love to hear from you. Transitioning from High-Demand Careers to Stay-at-Home Motherhood In this episode of the Stay at Home Mom series on Modern Nurture, host Jess interviews Jill Tant, a former corporate banker turned stay-at-home mom and licensed health coach. They discuss Jill's journey from a demanding career in corporate banking to becoming a stay-at-home mom, the challenges she faced in making the transition, and the emotional and practical adjustments involved. Jill also shares how her passion for health and wellness led her to create Waterfall Wellness Coaching, where she supports other moms in achieving their health goals. Additionally, Jess mentions her new children’s book, inspired by Montessori Practical Life activities. 00:00 Welcome to Modern Nurture 01:21 Introducing Jill Tant 01:51 Jill's Journey to Stay-at-Home Motherhood 03:49 Adjusting to Life as a Stay-at-Home Mom 05:09 Navigating Motherhood During COVID 12:50 Transitioning to Health Coaching 15:19 Jess's Personal Journey 20:57 Jill's Health Coaching Insights 23:26 Connecting with Jill Tant Find Jill here! Website: waterfallcoach.com FREE Copy of Jess’s book, My Little Hands, in exchange for a review: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/review-copy/view/216135/my-little-handsDon’t miss an episode, subscribe on Instagram, Youtube, or your favorite podcast platform!  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChTYPNK8anjiqFKTCa5LyRA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernnurturepod/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/modern-nurture/id1736984175 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/jess--modern-nurture-podc

    24 min
  3. 07/14/2025

    Fired & Found Myself: From Birth Worker to Stay-at-Home Mom

    Send me a Text Message, for free! I'd love to hear from you. Transitioning from High-Demand Careers to Stay-at-Home Motherhood: A Conversation with Kiona In this episode of Modern Nurture, host Jess interviews Kiona, a former birth doula, and office manager, who shares her journey of transitioning from a high-demand career to becoming a stay-at-home mom. They discuss the challenges and rewards of this transition, Kiona’s struggle to find balance, and the fulfillment she found through starting her own podcast. The conversation also touches on societal expectations, the importance of community, and advice for mothers considering a similar path. Additionally, Jess introduces her children's book inspired by Montessori practical life activities. 00:00 Welcome to Modern Nurture 01:21 Introducing Our Guest: Kiona’s Journey to Birth Work 03:22 The Unexpected Transition to Stay-at-Home Mom 05:20 Navigating the Challenges of Stay-at-Home Life 05:26 Jess's Children's Book Announcement 06:40 Finding Balance and Purpose at Home 09:34 The Birth of a Podcast: Creating Community 16:04 Advice for Aspiring Stay-at-Home Moms 17:33 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Us Find Kiona here! Podcast: birthasweknowitpodcast.comSocial: @birthasweknowit.podcast FREE Copy of Jess’s book, My Little Hands, in exchange for a review: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/review-copy/view/216135/my-little-handsDon’t miss an episode, subscribe on Instagram, Youtube, or your favorite podcast platform!  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChTYPNK8anjiqFKTCa5LyRA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernnurturepod/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/modern-nurture/id1736984175 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/jess--modern-nurture-podc

    19 min
  4. 07/07/2025

    SAHM 3: 5 Kids, One Bathroom, Now Grandkids—and No Regrets

    Send me a Text Message, for free! I'd love to hear from you. Navigating the Stay-at-Home Mom Transition: Brenda's Journey from Social Work to Holistic Nutrition Join host Jess on Modern Nurture as she interviews Brenda, a former social worker turned stay-at-home mom, in this installment of the Stay at Home Mom series. Brenda shares her journey from a rewarding career to staying at home with her children, detailing the challenges and rewards she encountered. They discuss the transition period, the importance of structured routines, and the balance between professional aspirations and family life. Brenda also delves into her current career as a holistic nutritionist specializing in epigenetics, offering insights into how parenting can positively influence a child's gene expression. This episode provides a nuanced look at the sacrifices and satisfactions of choosing to stay at home and the lasting impact on family dynamics. 00:00 Welcome to Modern Nurture 01:21 Introducing Brenda: A Journey from Social Work to Stay-at-Home Mom 02:30 The Transition: From Career to Home Life 05:01 Embracing the Stay-at-Home Mom Lifestyle 08:19 Balancing Work and Family: A Holistic Approach 09:34 Reflecting on the Stay-at-Home Experience 11:13 Life After Kids: Career and Family Balance 21:30 Current Endeavors: Holistic Nutrition and Genetic Wellness 24:15 Closing Thoughts and Resources Find Brenda here! InBalanceLM.com FREE Copy of Jess’s book, My Little Hands, in exchange for a review: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/review-copy/view/216135/my-little-handsDon’t miss an episode, subscribe on Instagram, Youtube, or your favorite podcast platform!  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChTYPNK8anjiqFKTCa5LyRA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernnurturepod/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/modern-nurture/id1736984175 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/jess--modern-nurture-podc

    25 min
  5. 06/30/2025

    SAHM 4: Anxiety, Minimalism, and Melina Finding Her Calling at Home

    Send me a Text Message, for free! I'd love to hear from you. Transitioning to Stay-at-Home Mom Life: A Journey of Resilience and Adaptation In this episode of Modern Nurture, host Jess explores the experiences of transitioning to a stay-at-home mom with Melina, a certified life coach and professional organizer based in Austin, Texas. Melina discusses her journey from a high-demand career to motherhood, the challenges she faced including severe postpartum depression, and the importance of advocating for oneself. The episode delves into the importance of finding community, adapting one’s methods and expectations, and discovering minimalism to create a balanced and fulfilling home life. Melina shares valuable advice for moms making similar transitions and emphasizes the importance of giving oneself permission to change and grow through the process. 00:00 Welcome to Modern Nurture 01:20 Introducing Malina: A Journey to Stay-at-Home Mom 02:33 The Transition from Career to Home 04:03 Navigating Postpartum Challenges 06:41 Adjusting to Stay-at-Home Life 09:46 Finding Balance and Minimalism 16:35 Building a Supportive Community 24:27 Launching a New Career 27:19 Final Thoughts and Advice for Moms 30:32 Melina's Current Work and Closing Remarks Find Melina here! Website: melinakanecoaching.comInstagram: @cultivateyourlegacyLinkedIn: Melina Kane (if you'd like to include a hyperlink) FREE Copy of Jess’s book, My Little Hands, in exchange for a review: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/review-copy/view/216135/my-little-handsDon’t miss an episode, subscribe on Instagram, Youtube, or your favorite podcast platform!  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChTYPNK8anjiqFKTCa5LyRA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernnurturepod/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/modern-nurture/id1736984175 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/jess--modern-nurture-podc

    32 min
  6. 06/23/2025

    Letting Go of ‘Doing It All’ – Velma’s Real Talk on Rest and Motherhood

    Send me a Text Message, for free! I'd love to hear from you. Navigating the Transition to Stay-at-Home Motherhood with Velma Gench In this episode of the Modern Nurture's Stay at Home Mom series, host Jess interviews Velma Gench, a former environmental nonprofit professional turned stay-at-home mom and now a parent coach known online as Mama Mabel. Velma shares her journey from a demanding career to stay-at-home motherhood, detailing the challenges and identity crises alongside the rewarding moments that made the transition worthwhile. They discuss practical advice around the Fair Play system for household responsibilities, finding a balance, and maintaining connection through activities like video gaming with her son. Velma also touches on the importance of preserving one's identity while embracing motherhood. The conversation aims to offer insight, support, and encouragement to other moms navigating similar journeys. 00:00 Welcome to Modern Nurture 01:21 Introducing Velma Gench: From Professional to Stay-at-Home Mom 02:47 The Struggles of Transitioning to Stay-at-Home Motherhood 06:04 Finding Balance and Identity as a Stay-at-Home Mom 08:26 Jess's Early Days as a Stay-at-Home Mom 13:12 The Importance of Fair Play in Parenting 21:01 Velma's Journey to Becoming a Parent Coach 26:46 Cherishing the Joys of Stay-at-Home Motherhood 29:15 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Velma Find Alyssa’s Book here! https://a.co/d/88nKf9E FREE Copy of Jess’s book, My Little Hands, in exchange for a review: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/review-copy/view/216135/my-little-handsDon’t miss an episode, subscribe on Instagram, Youtube, or your favorite podcast platform!  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChTYPNK8anjiqFKTCa5LyRA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernnurturepod/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/modern-nurture/id1736984175 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/jess--modern-nurture-podc

    31 min
  7. 06/16/2025

    SAHM Series 1: Alyssa's Wake up Call

    Send me a Text Message, for free! I'd love to hear from you. SAHM Series 1: Alyssa's Wake up Call   In this episode of Modern Nurture, host Jess interviews Alyssa, a career-driven mom who transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom after unexpected pregnancies. Alyssa shares her journey of balancing her master's degree and career with motherhood, the health challenges and wake-up calls she faced, and the ultimate decision to focus on her family. Alyssa also discusses her book 'Mommy Needs a Minute,' which addresses various types of burnout experienced by moms and the importance of finding balance and self-worth outside of societal expectations. The episode is a candid and insightful look into the challenges and rewards of shifting from a high-demand career to full-time motherhood. 00:00 Welcome to Modern Nurture 01:21 Introducing Alyssa: A Journey from Career to Motherhood 01:39 Unexpected Pregnancies and Career Challenges 04:04 Alyssa's Career Background and Transition 07:55 Balancing Motherhood and Career Ambitions 10:37 Navigating the Emotional Transition to Stay-at-Home Mom 16:49 Finding Personal Time and Self-Worth 18:49 Jess's Transition to Stay-at-Home Mom 23:25 Alyssa's Advice and Book on Burnout 27:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Find Alyssa’s Book here! https://a.co/d/88nKf9E FREE Copy of Jess’s book, My Little Hands, in exchange for a review: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/review-copy/view/216135/my-little-handsDon’t miss an episode, subscribe on Instagram, Youtube, or your favorite podcast platform!  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChTYPNK8anjiqFKTCa5LyRA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernnurturepod/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/modern-nurture/id1736984175 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/jess--modern-nurture-podc

    28 min

About

Engineer turned Mama, Jess, meets mothers at the intersection of instincts and evidence to cut through the noise of parenting and wellness advice. On Modern Nurture, we’ll look to experts in thought provoking interviews, we’ll look to our biology to unpack the instincts and processes we’ve forgotten in the modern era, and we’ll have heart to heart conversations with real moms from every background as we seek to build a community where every mother and mom-to-be can find relatability and support. I am really excited about a segment of this show, called moms on the ground, where we’ll play real stories and clips from audience members. If you find yourself scanning reddit at 3am, or scrolling through of page 75 of google search results, this show is for you. Whether you're seeking answers on conception, childbirth, toddler nutrition, sleep routines, creating a toxin free home for your babies, or even how to nurture yourself - I’ve got you. I promise you insights, aha moments, and a community that understands. Tune in, and let's rediscover the joy in and power of motherhood together. You can find us on instagram @ModernNuturePod, and listen where ever you get your podcasts.