Ahma Need a Minute Esther Park and Gigi Vincent

Join us for a conversation with Kaitlin McGreyes, the visionary founder of Be Her Village, as she shares her personal journey from motherhood to creating a revolutionary gift registry that prioritizes postpartum support over traditional baby products. Discover the common pitfalls of standard baby registries and how they often leave new parents unprepared for the real challenges of motherhood.
Listen in as we discuss the overwhelming pressures new parents face to buy numerous baby items and how Be Her Village advocates for empowering parents by fostering a robust support network. Kaitlin explains how Be Her Village helps parents register for essential services, making it easier for friends and family to contribute meaningfully. We touch on strategies for encouraging loved ones to support these vital services, aiming to build a supportive village that addresses the true needs of new parents. Listen in to learn how to change the game in baby gift-giving practices.
In this episode, you will hear:
The problems with traditional baby registries. Shift from product-centric to community-based support systems. The generational evolution of baby gift-giving practices and how Be Her Village facilitates more intentional and practical support for new mothers. Strategies for encouraging friends and family to contribute to essential services instead of material gifts. Importance of educating parents about normal baby behavior and providing real support for better outcomes for both parents and babies. Resources from this Episode
Be Her Village: https://behervillage.com https://www.ahmaandco.com/  Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

How can vulnerability and curiosity transform your parenting journey? Join us as we sit down with Carmen Stramara, a seasoned parent and postpartum doula, who shares her transformative experiences of raising children across diverse locations from Germany to Savannah, Georgia. Carmen opens up about the unique challenges of frequent moves due to her husband's career and how building a robust support network became her lifeline. Her journey highlights the profound impact of community on mental and physical well-being during the postpartum period.
In our conversation, we delve into the teachings of relationship experts John and Julie Gottman, exploring the power of curiosity in deepening relationships. Carmen discusses how adopting a curious mindset can make others feel seen and valued, and we touch on the concept of vibrational patterns, emphasizing the importance of connecting with energies that amplify our own. This episode shines a light on the often-overlooked mental health benefits of overcoming isolation, particularly for new parents grappling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Finally, we explore Carmen's compassionate work as co-founder of Happily Raised and her role at the Mommy Center. 
Tune in to discover how embracing different parenting styles and leaning on each other can create a thriving village for new families.
In this episode, you will hear:
The transformative power of vulnerability and curiosity in parenting Carmen's experiences raising children with the added challenge of frequent moves The importance of building a robust support network as new parents  Inspiration from the teachings of John and Julie Gottman on deepening relationships through curiosity Resources from this Episode
Use the code AHMANEED15 to save 15% on Carmen’s Happily Raised course at https://happilyraised.com
Learn more about our work to support mothers through the postpartum phase at www.ahmaandco.com
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

What if breastfeeding isn't as natural and easy as we've been led to believe? Ever wondered why some women experience severe emotional and physical symptoms before their periods? Meet Ashley Shapiro, a dedicated nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), who shares her personal struggles with breastfeeding and how those challenges inspired her to support other mothers. Together, we uncover the myths about breastfeeding and shine a light on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). 
Building a robust support network is crucial for new parents, and we’re here to guide you on how to do it effectively. From practical tips on delegating household tasks to creative solutions like nursery preparation parties, we cover it all. Ashley shares her expert advice on prenatal preparation for breastfeeding to help you avoid common postpartum challenges. 
Join us for this comprehensive discussion that aims to make your postpartum period smoother and more supported.
In this episode, you will hear:
The emotional struggles and misconceptions around breastfeeding, including personal experiences and the importance of support. Issues like tongue ties and how they impact breastfeeding, with practical advice on navigating these challenges. About the emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD, especially during motherhood, and sharing coping strategies like acupuncture and symptom tracking. The necessity of a strong support network, practical tips for setting one up, and leveraging expert help from professionals like IBCLCs. Insights from a postpartum nurse on newborn assessments and the reassurance and confidence that come from experienced guidance. Resources from this Episode
https://ashleyshapirolactation.com https://www.ahmaandco.com/  Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Join us as we explore the essential aspects of birth education with Tiffany Turner, a birth doula, massage therapist, and mother of four. Tiffany shares her experience from traumatic hospital births to empowering home births, revealing how these personal milestones shaped her career. Tiffany's rich experiences and extensive knowledge shine through as she discusses the evolution of her understanding of childbirth and her mission to help families feel safe and confident throughout their birthing journey.
In this episode, we also cover the significance of creating flexible birth plans and the critical role of doulas in advocating for birth preferences. Additionally, we touch on the importance of being present throughout all stages of parenthood, from labor to the teenage years, and the value of savoring each moment with your children. 
Tune in to hear more about prenatal and postpartum massage, bodywork, and birth education classes, and how to connect with these resources.
In this episode, you will hear:
Transition from prenatal and postpartum massage therapist to dedicated birth doula. Crafting adaptable, concise birth plans and the importance of customizing them. The critical role of doulas in providing education, advocacy, and emotional support during labor. Insights on capturing early childhood milestones and appreciating every phase of child development. Resources from this Episode
Ahma & Co: https://www.ahmaandco.com Tiffany Turner's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birthattiffanys Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Hi! My name is Gigi, and I'm the new host of Ahma Need a Minute. We're so excited to welcome you back to the podcast.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Esther, the founder and CEO of Ahma & Co. We explore the multifaceted world of postpartum care, highlighting the impact that doulas, lactation educators, and newborn care specialists can have on the well-being of new families.
In this episode, you will hear:
The changing landscape of postpartum care and the need for accessible support systems for modern parents. The day-to-day life of a doula and how we can make a difference in the early weeks, including support for hygiene, nutrition, newborn care guidance, babywearing, and establishing routines for new families. Ahma & Co’s vision of transforming postpartum care into a universal right. The behind the scenes details of opening our first postpartum retreat at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. Resources from this Episode
Ahma & Co: https://www.ahmaandco.com  Follow & Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet - and we’d love it even more if you could drop a review! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast so other moms can find us and join our small but growing community.

After a traumatic birth experience, Michaela experienced symptoms of depression three weeks into the newborn phase. Feelings of hopelessness would surface with each new day, which compounded with the peak of lockdown. Michaela advocated for her mental health and ultimately received the treatment she needed to break through. Look to our website for more articles on motherhood: https://www.ahmaandco.com/ Want to stay connected? Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ahmaandco/ Join our chatter room on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ahmaandco/