133 episodes

Welcome to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast, your go-to podcast for navigating the crazy, beautiful chaos of pregnancy and motherhood! 
We know that pregnancy and motherhood are no joke. While they are miraculous and wonderful, they can also be overwhelming and exhausting. Our baby expert and host, Nina Spears - The Baby Chick, knows this all too well as an experienced baby planner, doula, childbirth and newborn care educator, and mother. On this show, she has real conversations that celebrate the joys, challenges, and everyday triumphs of growing and raising tiny humans while exposing the truths that moms really want to know. From pregnancy tips to parenting hacks, our experts and real-life parents share stories, advice, tips, and laughter to guide you through the thrilling and wild adventure of raising your family.
By tuning in to Chick Chat, expect candid discussions on everything from morning sickness and sleepless nights to first steps and parenting styles. You’ll hear expert insights on topics like pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, breastfeeding, formula-feeding, toddler tantrums, baby sleep, potty training, childproofing, self-care for parents, and so much more. Each episode is crafted with love and warmth, creating a village where mothers can find support, knowledge, and a community that understands the complex magic of motherhood. We understand the unique challenges that mothers face, and we’re here to empower moms with knowledge, support, and inspiration along the way!
Whether you're a seasoned parent or awaiting the arrival of your little one, Chick Chat is here with the latest parenting trends, timeless advice, and genuine conversations that make you feel right at home. So, take a moment to relax, tune in, and let's “chick chat” about the joys and challenges of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Subscribe now to ensure you don't miss a single show; visit our website, baby-chick.com, for show notes, and connect with us on Instagram @thebabychickchat to continue the conversation together. Come be part of our growing community of moms supporting moms. Because in the world of motherhood, you deserve the village you’ve always dreamed of!

Chick Chat Nina Spears

    • Kids & Family
    • 4.6 • 28 Ratings

Welcome to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast, your go-to podcast for navigating the crazy, beautiful chaos of pregnancy and motherhood! 
We know that pregnancy and motherhood are no joke. While they are miraculous and wonderful, they can also be overwhelming and exhausting. Our baby expert and host, Nina Spears - The Baby Chick, knows this all too well as an experienced baby planner, doula, childbirth and newborn care educator, and mother. On this show, she has real conversations that celebrate the joys, challenges, and everyday triumphs of growing and raising tiny humans while exposing the truths that moms really want to know. From pregnancy tips to parenting hacks, our experts and real-life parents share stories, advice, tips, and laughter to guide you through the thrilling and wild adventure of raising your family.
By tuning in to Chick Chat, expect candid discussions on everything from morning sickness and sleepless nights to first steps and parenting styles. You’ll hear expert insights on topics like pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, breastfeeding, formula-feeding, toddler tantrums, baby sleep, potty training, childproofing, self-care for parents, and so much more. Each episode is crafted with love and warmth, creating a village where mothers can find support, knowledge, and a community that understands the complex magic of motherhood. We understand the unique challenges that mothers face, and we’re here to empower moms with knowledge, support, and inspiration along the way!
Whether you're a seasoned parent or awaiting the arrival of your little one, Chick Chat is here with the latest parenting trends, timeless advice, and genuine conversations that make you feel right at home. So, take a moment to relax, tune in, and let's “chick chat” about the joys and challenges of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Subscribe now to ensure you don't miss a single show; visit our website, baby-chick.com, for show notes, and connect with us on Instagram @thebabychickchat to continue the conversation together. Come be part of our growing community of moms supporting moms. Because in the world of motherhood, you deserve the village you’ve always dreamed of!

    6 Steps on How to Pick the Right Doula for You

    6 Steps on How to Pick the Right Doula for You

    I can't believe we first launched this podcast in 2018, and this is my very first solo episode! We have been playing around with the idea of incorporating solo shows into our podcast for a bit. Now that this is my first one, I am super excited to hear what you guys think about it. Because my career background is heavily tied around birth and my work as a doula, I thought "How to Choose the Right Doula for You" would be a great first solo episode for me to share my thoughts and advice with all the pregnant mamas.
    What the heck is a doula?
    If you are pregnant or have been pregnant in the recent past, you have probably heard the word “doula.” Some of you might be getting some witchy, burning sage, banging-on-the-drum vibes when you read/hear this word. And for those of you who have used a doula during your birth experiences, you may be laughing to yourself as you read this because you know that while we can do those things, if that is what you want as the birthing mother, we don't really do those things. That's at least speaking for myself and many of the doulas I've worked with and know.
    I have been a doula for the past 13 years and have attended over 300 births in many different settings — mainly hospitals, a few birthing centers, and home births. I first started working with moms and attending births in 2011. I can’t believe it's been 13 years, and we’re in 2024.
    For those of you who have never heard of the word "doula," it’s actually an ancient Greek word meaning ‘woman servant, caregiver, or a woman who serves.’ More recently, it refers to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother and her partner during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and their postpartum journey.
    In This Episode
    In this episode, I talk about the different types of doulas there are and my 6 steps to help you pick the best doula for you. I even include a FREE printable of interview questions you should be asking doulas when you are interviewing them. (Click the show notes link to download it!)
    Please share your thoughts with us and leave us a review on my very first solo show. I'd love to hear what you think and what you would add to my list. And join us on our podcast's Instagram page @thebabychickchat to continue chick-chatting with us! https://www.instagram.com/thebabychickchat/
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    • 19 min
    Navigating Mommy Burnout & Reclaiming Motherhood with Dr. Sheryl Ziegler

    Navigating Mommy Burnout & Reclaiming Motherhood with Dr. Sheryl Ziegler

    Are you a mother who feels stretched thin and exhausted? Maybe you can't remember anything, and you're feeling lonelier than ever before? If you're saying yes to yourself after reading these questions, you just might be experiencing "mommy burnout." Our guest today is an expert on this topic, and she is sharing her tips on navigating and reclaiming your life while raising healthy and happy children.
    Today's guest is Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, a psychologist, author, speaker, and mother. She literally wrote the book on Mommy Burnout and has been counseling overwhelmed, exhausted, and lonely mothers for 20 years. Dr. Sheryl has led over 10,000 face-to-face sessions focused on "mommy burnout" and its related issues, including anxiety, depression, and divorce. With less help available and high pressure on moms to do it all, it's no wonder that there is a loneliness epidemic going on right now. We're so grateful to have Dr. Sheryl Ziegler shed some light on a topic we feel most (if not all) mothers can relate to.
    Check our show notes for more details and a FREE well-mom checklist printable to help you take better care of yourself!
    Dr. Sheryl's Resources

    Website: drsherylziegler.com



    Mommy Burnout book - https://amzn.to/48G4IJA

    Her podcast: Dr. Sheryl's Podcouch - https://drsherylziegler.com/podcast/

    Facebook: @mommyburnout


    Instagram: @drsherylziegler


    LinkedIn: @drsherylziegler



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    • 1 hr 10 min
    Discovering Your Parenting Style That Best Suits You and Your Baby with Dr. Sears

    Discovering Your Parenting Style That Best Suits You and Your Baby with Dr. Sears

    Welcoming a new baby into the world and becoming a parent are some of the greatest gifts in life. As soon as you see those two pink lines on your pregnancy test and the moment you hold your baby in your arms, life is never the same again. And just as your baby is learning about you and this new world, you are also learning about this new baby and your new role as a mother. There are highs and lows and twists and turns, but it is the most worthwhile ride of your life. Dr. Sears knows this very well as a pediatrician and father of eight (that's right, eight!) children. We chat with him on this episode about developing your parenting style and his experiences as a doctor and father.
    Who is Dr. William Sears?
    Dr. William Sears, MD, is a world-renowned pediatrician and the author of the million-copy bestseller The Baby Book. He received his medical training at Harvard Medical School's Children's Hospital in Boston and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He has now been advising parents on how to raise healthier families for more than 50 years.
    Dr. Sears co-founded AskDrSears.com and the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, which has certified over 12,000 Health Coaches worldwide. As a father of eight children, he coached Little League sports for 20 years and, together with his wife Martha, has written more than 45 books on nutrition, parenting, and healthy aging. In May 2012, Dr. Sears and his contribution to family health were featured on the cover of TIME Magazine, and they named him "the man who remade motherhood." He serves as a health consultant for magazines, TV, radio, and other media and is noted for his science-made simple-and-fun approach to family health. We are thrilled and honored to have him with us on our show today!
    What Did We Discuss?
    In this episode, we chat with Dr. Sears about developing the parenting style that works best for you and your children. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

    You have so much first-hand experience as a medical professional and being a father of eight. How have these experiences shaped the way you offer advice to new parents?

    I love that you say, "There is no one way to parent a baby." Can you elaborate on that statement?

    How do you think new parents can begin to develop a parenting style that best suits their family?

    We all have different needs, as do our children. How important is it to be flexible in parenting and adapting to the changing needs of ourselves and our children?

    What role does self-awareness play in finding the best parenting style?

    How do you think external influences impact our parenting styles?

    How can parents best find a balance between incorporating expert advice and trusting their instincts when it comes to parenting?

    Do you have any examples of different parenting styles that have worked for different families and why they were effective?

    In your experience, how have parenting styles evolved?

    If you could offer one piece of advice to a new parent looking to find their stride, what would it be?

    Dr. Sears answers these questions with heartfelt stories of his patients and his own family experiences that make you feel his genuine passion and care for families and their babies. It's an episode that will leave you with a full heart and a better understanding of how to listen to your instincts as a mother. Be sure to tune in and leave us a review!
    Dr. Sears' Resources

    Website: AskDrSears.com


    Facebook: @askdrsears


    X: @askdrsears


    Instagram: @askdrsears


    YouTube: @askdrsears


    Go to our SHOW NOTES for more details!
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    • 50 min
    Balancing Act: Expert Tips for Combining Breastfeeding & Bottle Feeding with Emulait

    Balancing Act: Expert Tips for Combining Breastfeeding & Bottle Feeding with Emulait

    Feeding your new baby can come with its challenges. You may think that breastfeeding your newborn will come naturally, and for some, it does. However, for many others, it isn't so simple. Breastfeeding is a skill that both mother and baby must practice and learn together. Then, once they have figured out their feeding rhythm, it's time to introduce a bottle, and mothers are left unsure how to do it properly so as not to halt their breastfeeding journey. They wonder how they can successfully combine breastfeeding and bottle-feeding to experience both benefits because moms deserve to feed their babies the way that works best for them. Today's guest is sharing all the tips on how to introduce a bottle to baby, how to combine breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, and all the details parents need to know about Emulait and their baby bottle.
    Who is Madison Blampied?
    Today's guest is Madison Blampied. Madi is Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Relations at Emulait. With a keen eye for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships, Madi has learned to balance the demands of a high-powered career with the joys of motherhood. She found Emulait when her 2-year-old was only six weeks old and knew she needed to be a part of this revolutionary product. Now, as she eagerly anticipates the arrival of her second child, her outlook on bottles has shifted since her first pregnancy before Emulait existed. She is passionate about empowering women and giving them the tools to choose the outcome of their feeding journey!
    What Did We Discuss?
    In this episode, we chat with Madi about combining breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. We want to help parents feel confident in their feeding journey and support them by answering common questions while providing some helpful tips and tricks we have learned from our hands-on experiences as moms and professionals in the baby space. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

    Can you talk about some of the different ways mothers feed their babies and how bottles play a role in these journeys?

    What should parents consider when looking for a bottle for a breastfed baby?

    What makes Emulait's bottle unique? Can you elaborate on the development and science behind this unique product?

    What tips do you have for introducing a bottle to a baby?

    What are the biggest challenges you see parents facing when transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle feeding? How can they be overcome?

    You said your outlook on bottles has shifted since your first pregnancy. Can you tell us more about your experience?

    What are your top bottle-feeding tips and tricks?

    Support is so important regardless of how you choose to feed your baby. Please tell our listeners more about how Emulait supports all parents on their feeding journeys.

    What is one piece of advice you would like to give parents about to embark on their feeding journey?

    Between the laughter and helpful tips, this was one of my favorite episodes! We covered a lot with Madi about the Emulait brand and how to help families with their baby-feeding journeys. We sincerely hope you enjoyed the episode as much as we did. Be sure to check out Emulait's bottles and products, and stay tuned for all of the amazing new things they are launching (as Madi mentioned) this year! Cheers to a stress-free baby-feeding journey!
    *Check out Emulait's products here!*
    Mentioned in the Episode

    Emulait's other accessories

    Emulait's app: Apple Store and Google Play


    They have a lactation consultant available for their customers (free of charge) to help them through their breastfeeding and bottle-feeding journeys.

    Madi's Resources

    Website: Emulait


    Facebook: @emulait


    X: @emulait


    Instagram: @emulait


    TikTok: @emulait



    Watch the episode on our YouTube channel!

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    • 57 min
    Baby Safety: Best Practices & Tips for Parents

    Baby Safety: Best Practices & Tips for Parents

    Safety is at the top of every parent's mind. We always want to do everything we can to keep our little ones safe, but sometimes, we don't know where to start. There is so much to consider. Car seat safety, babyproofing, safe sleep, and more! Luckily, we have Sarah Haverstick, a baby and child safety guru, answering all of our questions. She's sharing what every parent needs to know about baby safety.
    Who is Sarah Haverstick?
    Sarah Haverstick is a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor, the Safety Advocate for Evenflo, and an instructor in the safe transportation of children with special healthcare needs. She is a former chair of the National Child Passenger Safety Board and current vice chair of the Manufacturers Alliance for Child Passenger Safety. In 2021, she was inducted into the Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame, so she is a big deal in the baby safety world! Sarah has been educating kids and adults on child passenger safety topics for 15 years.
    She is a mom to two awesome kiddos (a 3-year-old and a 10-year-old) – and a few fur babies (four cats and two dogs). Rounding out her family is a husband who might not love all the car seats that live in the garage!
    What Did We Discuss?
    In this episode, we chat with Sarah about all things baby safety! We discuss ​​best practices and life-saving tips for parents while in the car and at home with their little ones. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

    What important safety concerns are often unknown or overlooked?


    Babyproofing your home can feel overwhelming as a new parent. How do you recommend parents make their home a safe space for baby?

    Sleep safety is also critical. What are your top safety tips for safe sleep?

    What are the most important things parents need to know about safe transportation for babies in the car?

    What steps can parents take to make sure their children are safe in the car each time they buckle them in?

    What do you recommend parents look for when shopping for safe baby products like cribs, car seats, strollers, toys, and other baby products?

    How can parents stay updated on the latest safety recommendations and guidelines?

    Do you have any personal stories related to baby safety that could help shed light on its importance?

    What is your number one baby safety tip?

    We covered so many great safety topics in this episode! Sarah is a pro, and we are so honored to have had her as a guest on our show. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Cheers to keeping our babies safe!
    Mentioned in the Episode

    NoHeatstroke.org

    Virtual babyproofing

    Sarah's Resources

    Website: Evenflo


    Sarah's LinkedIn


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    • 1 hr 6 min
    Pre-Eclampsia & Other Pregnancy Complications: What Women Need to Know

    Pre-Eclampsia & Other Pregnancy Complications: What Women Need to Know

    While pregnancy is a miracle, there are times when it can be uncomfortable and not so glamorous. People hear about morning sickness and swollen feet, but not necessarily about pregnancy complications. Pregnant women need to know what is normal and abnormal in pregnancy so they can know what to look for regarding any concerns. One of the first tips today's guest shared on this episode is choosing a primary care provider you like and trust. Having a good relationship with your doctor or midwife and having continuity of care throughout your pregnancy can help you have a healthier pregnancy.
    We learned a lot of insightful tips from our special guest, Dr. Alison Cowan. If you are interested in learning more about pre-eclampsia, tips for self-advocacy, common pregnancy complications and what to look for, this episode is for you!
    Who is Dr. Alison Cowan?
    Dr. Alison Cowan is an OBGYN, a mom of three (ages 10, 7, and 3), and the Head of Medical Affairs for Mirvie. Mirvie is a maternal health company pioneering a new way for women, expecting parents, and their doctors to predict potential pregnancy complications early on.
    Alison attended Emory University Medical School, where she also received a master's in clinical research before moving on to do her OBGYN residency at Northwestern University. With over a decade of bedside experience, Alison has delivered hundreds of babies. She is now on a mission to help change the status quo for pregnancy health. She is passionate about sharing tips for self-advocacy, having the healthiest pregnancy possible, and advocating for change and equity in pregnancy health at every opportunity. Alison resides in Colorado with her husband, Patrick, and three children.
    What Did We Discuss?
    In this episode, we chat with Alison about the facts behind common pregnancy complications, like pre-eclampsia, how women can advocate for themselves during pregnancy, and equity in pregnancy health. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

    What steps can women take to ensure they have the healthiest pregnancy possible?

    Why is self-advocacy an important part of a woman's pregnancy?

    What tips do you have for self-advocacy during pregnancy?

    What are some common pregnancy complications? And what symptoms should women look for?

    Can you tell us more about the science and facts behind some of these common pregnancy complications?

    How common is pre-eclampsia?

    What causes pre-eclampsia? Can it be prevented?

    Are some women at a higher risk for developing pre-eclampsia than others?

    What are the symptoms of pre-eclampsia?

    Does pre-eclampsia go away after delivery?

    I know you advocate for equity in pregnancy health. Can you elaborate on this and what it means?

    Dr. Cowan's passion and knowledge about women's health is evident in this episode. We learned some helpful information that can help every person have a healthier pregnancy. We hope you learned something new, too! Cheers to healthy pregnancies!
    Mentioned in the Episode

    ACOG.org

    Comprehensive care plan to prevent pre-eclampsia

    Care providers should be mindful of these CUS words from their patients:

    I'm Concerned.

    I'm Uncomfortable.


    Safety: I feel unsafe.

    Dr. Alison Cowan's Resources

    Website: Mirvie.com


    Instagram: @mirviedx


    Facebook: @MirvieDx


    X: @MirvieDx


    Dr. Alison Cowan's LinkedIn


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    • 46 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
28 Ratings

28 Ratings

sunny_164 ,

Highly recommend!!!

I’m currently 32 weeks pregnant and all these questions and concerns and everything are just coming to mind! This podcast has really helped me to breath, relax and realize that “it’s okay!”. I’m
Currently listening to podcast #9 and I love that they inform you, its okay to have these experiences because no one else wants to talk about it. I’ll even ask questions to moms and they never talk about it! Thank you so much for this podcast!

CliodhnaG ,

Completely addictive listening!

I must have binged on this podcast for a week straight. Couldn’t get enough. Such great content, lovely chats and overall helpful info for any mother, new or veteran. Love love love!

Momma Christina ,

Moms, You Will Love This

This is a great podcast and the length is perfect for my morning commute. It provides a digestible amount of information that helps moms deal with daily struggles. Love the voices and personalities of the girls too. Would highly recommend!

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