Baby Steps Podcast

M Design Village
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  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

“Baby Steps” is a podcast dedicated to exploring the personal and emotional journeys of parenting from the moment they discovered they were pregnant, through their pregnancy experience, to the birth of their child. The show also delves into the advice they received, what they read, and the safety precautions they took as they prepared for their baby’s arrival.

  1. 5d ago

    Fix Yourself First, Watch Your Family Follow

    Topics Covered Why trying to "fix" your child's behavior usually backfires, and what to do instead. The real reason parenting tools don't work in the moment — your nervous system is running the show. Priyanka's personal story of ignoring her three-year-old at the kitchen sink and what her parent coach helped her see about that moment. How unresolved childhood experiences show up in everyday parenting — feeling disrespected, unheard, invisible — and why those triggers hijack your response before you even realize it. The PAWS framework — with Awareness and Understanding as the foundation for showing up differently. Why "practice makes permanent" matters more than "practice makes perfect," and how reflection builds new neural pathways over time. What it actually looks like to parent your inner child — having conversations with that younger version of yourself, validating their experience, and checking in daily. Why connection with yourself is the prerequisite for connection with your kid. The difference between surviving parenthood and thriving in it — and why investing in yourself first creates a ripple effect for the whole family. Key Takeaways Your child's behavior is often a mirror of how you're showing up — not a problem to solve. You can't implement parenting tools from a triggered state. Knowledge doesn't matter when you're in fight or flight. Awareness starts with reflection — even after the fact. Looking back at a moment honestly is what builds the new neural pathway for next time. Parenting your inner child isn't a one-time exercise. It's a daily check-in — at the mirror in the morning, before bed at night, not just when you're activated. The quickest "fix" for your family isn't a five-step list from Instagram. It's three months of doing your own work. Prioritizing yourself is the last thing most moms do and the first thing that actually changes the family dynamic. Mentioned in This Episode Priyanka's PAWS acronym and reflection worksheet. The concept of conscious parenting — showing up intentionally by doing your own internal work. Inner child work as a daily practice, not just a therapy tool. Sponsored by Oxford Baby and Soho Baby — Beautifully crafted cribs, dressers, gliders, and nursery furniture designed to grow with your child. GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Built to the highest safety standards. Create the nursery of your dreams at oxfordbabyandkids.com and sohobaby.com. Links: https://linqapp.com/priyanka_venkataraman?r=link The PAUSE Tool: https://wayfindingmoms.com/pausetool

    20 min

  2. May 25

    From the Positive Test to the Teenager Years

    Megan opens up about her pregnancy journey, the advice that actually helped versus the stuff she wishes she'd ignored, the books she read (and the ones she threw across the room), and how she prepared for a baby while working in an industry that doesn't exactly slow down for anyone. She talks about the birth, the early days at home, the nursery decisions that felt impossibly high-stakes at the time, and the safety rabbit holes every first-time parent falls into. Now a mom to a teenager, Megan has the benefit of hindsight — and she's not afraid to share what she'd do differently, what she'd do exactly the same, and what she wishes someone had told her before the baby arrived. This one's for every parent who's ever stood in a nursery at midnight wondering if they're ready. Spoiler: nobody is.

    20 min

  3. May 18

    Surprise, It's Two

    Kristen gets honest about what nobody really prepares you for: the postpartum hormones that hit like a wall, the emotional rollercoaster that comes after delivery when your body is trying to recover and your brain is telling you something's off. She talks about what postpartum really looked like for her — not the version you see on Instagram, but the raw, unfiltered reality of healing while keeping two newborns alive at the same time. She shares the advice she got that actually mattered, the stuff she read that helped versus the stuff that made her spiral, and the safety decisions that kept her up at night. But more than anything, Kristen talks about what it means to walk into motherhood thinking you have a plan — and having that plan doubled overnight. This one's for every parent who's ever felt like they were figuring it out in real time. Because with twins, that's not a phase — that's the whole experience

    22 min

  4. May 11

    When Mom's Nervous System Sets the Tone

    In this episode of Baby Steps, MaKenzie takes us back to the very beginning — finding out she was pregnant, what her pregnancy looked like, and the moment everything shifted after her baby arrived. She talks about the early days that no one really describes accurately — the overstimulation, the emotional flooding, the feeling that your body and brain have been completely rewired overnight. But the real core of this conversation is what MaKenzie discovered about nervous system regulation and why it matters from day one. Not as a trend. Not as another thing to add to the list. But as the understanding that your baby is reading your energy before they understand a single word you say. That the emotional temperature of your home starts with what's happening inside you. And that learning to regulate yourself isn't selfish — it's the foundation of everything else. MaKenzie shares the advice that actually landed, the stuff she had to unlearn, and why slowing down made her a more present, patient parent — not a less productive one. This one's for every mom who's ever snapped at her kid and immediately thought, "Where did that come from?" You're not broken. Your nervous system is just trying to keep up.

    25 min

  5. May 4

    The Latch That Changed Everything

    In this episode of Baby Steps, Rachel takes us through her full journey — from finding out she was pregnant to the moment she brought her daughter home and realized breastfeeding wasn't the natural, intuitive thing everyone told her it would be. She talks about the lactation consultant who showed up at her door the next day, removed all the unnecessary gear, and helped her latch her baby in bed with her dog curled up at her feet. That single moment saved her entire breastfeeding journey. Then came baby number two — a different city, a traumatic birth, a NICU stay, and a C-section recovery with a surgeon's order not to drive for three weeks. This time, she couldn't find anyone to help. Rachel opens up about what lactation really taught her — not just about feeding, but about understanding her own body, building a deeper connection with her baby, and learning to trust herself as a mother. She shares the advice that mattered, the pressure she felt to get it "right," and why that experience ultimately led her to leave a 15-year corporate career to become a board-certified lactation consultant herself — so no other mom would have to figure it out alone. Whether you're planning to breastfeed, pumping, supplementing, or still figuring it out — this episode is a reminder that asking for help isn't failure. It's the whole point.

    28 min
  6. Baby Sleep Truths Every Parent Needs to Know | Chrissy, Pediatric Sleep Consultant Explains

    Apr 27

    Baby Sleep Truths Every Parent Needs to Know | Chrissy, Pediatric Sleep Consultant Explains

    In this insightful episode, we sit down with Chrissy—a pediatric sleep consultant, licensed marriage and family therapist, and mom of four—for a practical, honest, and deeply reassuring conversation about baby sleep and the realities of early parenthood. From the shock of newborn sleep deprivation to the emotional toll it takes on parents, Chrissy breaks down what’s normal, what’s not, and how families can find a path to better sleep without guilt or unrealistic expectations. She explains why babies aren’t biologically wired to sleep well at first, how sleep deprivation impacts mental health and relationships, and why so many parents feel like they’re failing when they’re actually doing just fine. Chrissy also shares her approach to sleep training—including her widely used “10-minute method”—and emphasizes the importance of tailoring strategies to each unique baby. Beyond sleep, the conversation dives into relationships, identity, and the importance of not losing yourself in parenthood. Chrissy offers grounded advice on how small, consistent investments in your relationship can make a lasting difference, even in the busiest seasons of life. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: - Why newborn sleep struggles are completely normal—and harder than expected - The emotional impact of sleep deprivation on parents, especially moms - How to tell the difference between normal sleep patterns and real sleep issues - Realistic sleep milestones from newborn stage to 6+ months - Why “one-size-fits-all” sleep advice often fails - A breakdown of different sleep training approaches—and which babies they work for - How the “10-minute method” works and when to adjust it - What your baby’s cues reveal about what they actually need - The connection between sleep, mental health, and relationship strain - Why parents shouldn’t lose themselves—or their relationship—after having a baby - Simple, realistic ways to invest in your relationship (even with no time or budget) - The importance of asking for help and building a support system Whether you're running on empty with a newborn or trying to fix ongoing sleep struggles, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and actionable guidance—reminding every parent that better sleep is possible, and it can transform your entire family’s well-being.

    25 min
  7. Children’s Sleep Explained: Bedtime Routines, Overtiredness & Healthy Sleep Habits | Robyn Sajeski

    Apr 20

    Children’s Sleep Explained: Bedtime Routines, Overtiredness & Healthy Sleep Habits | Robyn Sajeski

    In this insightful episode, we sit down with Robyn Sajeski, special needs sleep consultant, registered nurse, and co-founder of Sleep Ability Consulting, for a grounded and eye-opening conversation about children’s sleep as both a biological need and a developmental skill. Robyn breaks down how sleep needs change from toddlerhood through adolescence, why consistency matters more than perfection, and how families can create realistic routines that actually work in everyday life. She also shares her compassionate approach to supporting children with neurodevelopmental differences, emphasizing that sleep challenges are not a reflection of “bad parenting,” but often a signal that individualized support is needed. From understanding overtiredness and why “tired but wired” behavior shows up in kids, to building a calming 45–60 minute bedtime routine that supports regulation and connection, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-informed guidance. Robyn also explains how factors like light exposure, timing, communication needs, sensory sensitivities, and even medical concerns such as breathing issues can all influence sleep quality—and why a holistic, child-first assessment is essential before any sleep plan begins. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: How much sleep children actually need at different stages—from toddlers to teens Why sleep is not just biological, but a learned developmental skill The importance of consistent bedtime and wake-up routines for better sleep outcomes What “overtiredness” really looks like (and why it can appear as hyperactivity) How to tell if bedtime is too late—and how to adjust it gradually Why timing and routine consistency matter more than quick fixes What goes into a personalized sleep plan and family assessment process Why medical factors like snoring or mouth breathing should be checked first How sensory needs, communication styles, and daily structure impact sleep How to build a calming bedtime routine (without rushing or overstimulation) Why screen time and light exposure play a major role in sleep quality Practical advice for overwhelmed parents: focus on one change at a time, not everything at once The importance of morning light and daytime habits in supporting nighttime sleep Whether you’re a parent struggling with bedtime battles or simply trying to understand how to better support your child’s sleep, Robyn’s message is clear: progress comes from consistency, patience, and a willingness to work with your child’s individual needs—one step at a time.

    25 min
  8. How Much Sleep Do Kids Really Need at Every Age? | Pediatric Sleep Coach Allison Explains

    Apr 13

    How Much Sleep Do Kids Really Need at Every Age? | Pediatric Sleep Coach Allison Explains

    In this episode, we sit down with Allison Egidi, Certified Pediatric Sleep Coach and Founder of Sleep and Wellness Coach, to unpack the science and reality of children’s sleep from newborns to teenagers. She breaks down how much sleep kids truly need, why it changes with age, and how it impacts behavior, learning, and emotional development. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: How much sleep children need at every stage, from newborns to high schoolers Why sleep needs can stay high (10.5–12 hours) well into childhood The concept of sleep “talent” and why some kids struggle more than others Why sleep training is more about teaching rhythm and skills than forcing routines The truth about “wake windows” and what to do instead How feeding patterns and food intolerances can affect sleep quality Why sleep is critical for brain development, memory, and emotional regulation The impact of overtiredness on behavior, tantrums, and impulse control Practical tips for bedtime routines, including “rescue bedtimes” How sleep patterns shift during adolescence and what teens really need Why consistency matters more than perfection in daily sleep routines Her reminder that parents’ well-being is just as important as their child’s Sleep isn’t just about rest—it’s a foundational pillar of a child’s development and a family’s overall well-being. By understanding your child’s unique sleep needs and building simple, consistent routines, parents can create calmer days, healthier kids, and more peaceful nights for the whole family.

    24 min
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About

“Baby Steps” is a podcast dedicated to exploring the personal and emotional journeys of parenting from the moment they discovered they were pregnant, through their pregnancy experience, to the birth of their child. The show also delves into the advice they received, what they read, and the safety precautions they took as they prepared for their baby’s arrival.

Information

  • Creator
    M Design Village
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Baby Steps Podcast

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