Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies and the Battle for Sleep

Doula Deb
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Doula Talk is a podcast for parents navigating the real, often messy middle of postpartum and early parenthood. Hosted by Doula Deb, a birth, postpartum, and sleep doula with over 15 years of experience, this show offers compassionate guidance, honest conversation, and practical support for the first year and beyond. We talk about postpartum recovery, newborn care, sleep, nervous system regulation, and the emotional load that so many parents carry quietly. This isn’t about quick fixes or perfect routines. It’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface and building steady, supportive foundations that help both parents and babies feel more regulated over time. Through solo episodes and thoughtful conversations with trusted experts, Doula Talk helps you make sense of sleep struggles, feeding questions, recovery, and the constant mental load of early parenthood, without shame, pressure, or panic. If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or deep in the exhaustion of caring for a baby, this is a place to slow down, feel less alone, and remember that you’re not doing this wrong.

  1. 53 - When Feeding Feels Hard: Why It’s Not Just About the Bottle

    2D AGO

    53 - When Feeding Feels Hard: Why It’s Not Just About the Bottle

    Send us Fan Mail If feeding your baby feels stressful, emotional, or overwhelming, this episode is for you. Many parents are told that feeding struggles mean something is wrong with the bottle, the formula, the schedule, or their technique. But in practice, feeding challenges rarely exist in isolation. In this episode, Deb gently reframes feeding stress as a whole-system issue, not a personal failure. Drawing on over 15 years of experience supporting families in the first year, she explains why reflux, bottle refusal, and fussy evenings so often show up together and what they are really communicating. This conversation is about nervous system load, depletion, and why feeding stress is often one of the earliest signals that a family needs more support, not more advice. In this episode, we cover: Why feeding struggles are rarely “just about the bottle”The common cluster of reflux, bottle battles, and evening fussinessAnxiety vs intuition when feeding feels chargedHow parental depletion and burnout show up through feedingWhy mental health is healthcare in the postpartum periodWhat actually helps when feeding feels hardHow to reframe feeding as information, not a problem to fixIf feeding feels heavy right now, you are not doing it wrong. You are responding to a system under load. Support is allowed. And it matters. 🎧 Next episode: What Actually Helps When Feeding Is Hard (And What Quietly Makes It Worse) Resources + Support One-time feeding, sleep, and regulation consultsOngoing in-home or virtual postpartum supportMedicaid-covered postpartum care for eligible familiesSupport the show Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey. Contact Information: Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

    9 min
  2. 52 - Navigating the Fourth Trimester: Adjusting to Life with a Newborn

    MAR 31

    52 - Navigating the Fourth Trimester: Adjusting to Life with a Newborn

    Send us Fan Mail What if nothing is wrong… but everything still feels hard? In this episode of Doula Talk, Deb gently explores the often-overlooked reality of the fourth trimester. Those first three months after birth can be beautiful, but also exhausting, disorienting, and full of questions no one quite prepares you for. This episode helps shift families out of panic and into understanding, covering: Why frequent night waking, cluster feeding, and contact naps are normalHow gentle rhythms (not rigid schedules) support sleep and recoveryThe connection between newborn behavior, parental healing, and nervous system regulationWhen to trust the process… and when to seek extra supportDeb also shares why postpartum support is essential, not optional, and how having the right guidance can make this transition feel steadier and more manageable. Looking for more support? Deb offers prenatal consults, virtual support, and her First Year Support Program, along with helpful resources at douladeb.com. If you’re expecting or in the thick of those early months, this episode will help you feel less alone and more grounded in what actually matters. Because when understanding replaces fear, everything starts to feel just a little bit steadier. Support the show Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey. Contact Information: Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

    17 min
  3. 51 - When Patterns Shift: Growth Spurts, Illness, and Big Changes in the Newborn Phase

    MAR 17

    51 - When Patterns Shift: Growth Spurts, Illness, and Big Changes in the Newborn Phase

    Send us Fan Mail Many families reach a moment in early postpartum when things finally start to feel familiar, and then suddenly shift again. Sleep looks different. Feeding feels harder. The rhythm they were beginning to understand feels less clear. In this episode, Deb, a birth, postpartum, and sleep doula, explains why these shifts are not setbacks, but a normal part of newborn development. She explores how growth spurts, illness, and stimulation naturally reorganize sleep and feeding patterns, and why change itself is part of the rhythm  . Deb also discusses why trying to “fix” these phases often adds more pressure, and how postpartum support helps families stay oriented instead of overwhelmed. This episode is especially helpful for parents who are starting to wonder if they need more support, not because something is wrong, but because carrying the mental load alone feels heavy. Listeners will walk away with a steadier understanding of newborn pattern shifts and reassurance that support is allowed while things are moving. Postpartum and first-year support options, including newborn sleep and feeding guidance, are available for families who want help navigating this season. Support the show Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey. Contact Information: Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

    8 min
  4. 50 - Finding the Rhythm: Sleep, Feeding, and Wake Windows in the First Weeks

    MAR 3

    50 - Finding the Rhythm: Sleep, Feeding, and Wake Windows in the First Weeks

    Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Deb discusses the complexities of the newborn phase, emphasizing the unpredictability of sleep and feeding patterns. She encourages parents to focus on understanding their baby's rhythms rather than adhering to strict schedules. By recognizing sleepy cues and the dynamic nature of newborn development, parents can reduce stress and foster a more responsive caregiving approach. Deb highlights the importance of flexibility and support during this challenging time, reassuring parents that they are not alone in navigating these early weeks. Support the show Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey. Contact Information: Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

    8 min
  5. 49 - Before the Release: What Parents Need to Know Before Saying Yes (Carissa Guiley)

    FEB 17

    49 - Before the Release: What Parents Need to Know Before Saying Yes (Carissa Guiley)

    Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered whether a tongue tie release is really the fix everyone says it is — or why some babies seem to struggle even after the procedure? In this week’s episode of Doula Talk, Deb is joined by Carissa Guiley, a speech-language pathologist and IBCLC, to unpack the truth about therapeutic readiness and why slowing down before a frenectomy can make all the difference. Together, they explore how nervous system regulation, body tension, and oral reflex development shape feeding — and why rushing straight to surgery sometimes backfires. You’ll learn what true readiness looks like, how to build the right care team, and why supporting the whole baby leads to calmer parents, better feeding, and happier little humans. If you’ve ever felt pressured to “fix” feeding fast — or wondered why the latch still isn’t right — this episode will bring clarity, compassion, and a whole lot of nervous-system soothing. Key Takeaways: A tongue tie release is not a magic wand — preparation matters just as much as the procedureBabies with dysregulation or body tension often need therapy and bodywork firstFeeding gets harder temporarily after release — readiness prevents setbacksA knowledgeable, collaborative team makes all the differenceThis is not an emergency — slow, steady, supported care winsGuest: Carissa Guiley, MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC Founder of Nourish Therapy and The Nourish & Grow Collective Supporting families and professionals in holistic, evidence-based infant feeding care Find Carissa at nourishfeedingtherapy.com and on Instagram @nourish_feedingtherapy Resources Mentioned: Chrysalis Oral Facial Professional Directory: Search for TOTS Training® Professionals in your area.International Consortium of Ankylofrenula Professionals: Find a Tongue-Tie Professional.Doula Deb’s First Year Support Program: Ongoing, compassionate guidance for families navigating feeding, sleep, and early parenthoodRooted Rest Sleep Course: Gentle, attachment-centered foundations for better sleepIf you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start… you don’t have to do this alone. Support the show Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey. Contact Information: Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

    38 min
  6. 48 - Is This Just Normal… or Is It Time to Get Sleep Support?

    FEB 3

    48 - Is This Just Normal… or Is It Time to Get Sleep Support?

    Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb speaks directly to exhausted, overwhelmed parents caught in the cycle of sleep deprivation. With warmth, honesty, and just the right dose of real talk, Deb breaks down what’s really happening when your baby sleeps—and why quality rest is non-negotiable for their growth, development, and emotional regulation. This episode isn’t about quick fixes or rigid schedules. It’s about understanding the science of sleep, honoring your baby’s needs, and recognizing when it’s time to stop pushing through and start asking for support. Deb shares powerful truths about how poor sleep affects not just babies, but the entire family, and walks you through gentle next steps if you’re ready to make a change. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why sleep is critical for your baby’s brain, body, and emotional developmentHow disrupted sleep patterns affect mood, immunity, and long-term habitsWhy your mental health matters just as much as your baby’s sleepSigns it might be time to stop suffering through and get supportGentle, attachment-based options that don’t involve cry-it-out🛠️ Resources Mentioned: Episode 13: Sleep Coaching for Newborns – How to build a sleep-friendly environmentEpisode 33: The Hierarchy of Soothing – A gentle approach to improving sleepEpisode 34: Trust Your Gut, Not Just the Books – How to tune out the noise and listen to your instincts🌙 Ready for More Support? Book a FREE 1:1 Sleep Intake Call with Deb to see if working together to build a custom plan for your baby’s unique needs is a good fitJoin the waitlist for the Rooted Rest Sleep Course, launching soon, is a gentle, connection-centered guide to better sleep for the whole family🎧 Listen now and remember: every baby deserves deep, restorative sleep... and so do you. Support the show Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey. Contact Information: Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

    7 min
  7. 47 - Real Emergency or Newborn Glitch? How to Know When to Head to the ER (and When to Breathe Instead) with Dr. Kailey Buller

    JAN 20

    47 - Real Emergency or Newborn Glitch? How to Know When to Head to the ER (and When to Breathe Instead) with Dr. Kailey Buller

    Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered if your baby’s weird noises, twitchy movements, or late-night fussing are totally normal—or something to panic about? In this week’s episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb is joined by Dr. Kailey Buller, a double board-certified physician in family and emergency medicine (and mom of two), to demystify what’s normal, what’s not, and when it’s time to head to the ER. Together, they unpack the confusing world of newborn behaviors like those gremlin grunts, gagging fits, and twitchy limbs, and walk you through the real red flags that every new parent should know. You’ll learn how to spot signs of true emergencies, build confidence in your instincts, and approach those “is my baby okay?” moments with calm instead of chaos. If you’ve ever found yourself googling “newborn breathing normal or not” at 2 a.m., this episode is your permission slip to step away from the panic spiral and tune into what’s really going on. Key Takeaways: Most middle-of-the-night worries are not emergencies—babies are just weird little humans learning how their bodies work.True emergencies include fever in a baby under 30 days, trouble breathing, dehydration (no wet diaper for 12+ hours), or unresponsiveness.If your gut says something’s wrong, that visit is justified—even if it’s not urgent.You’re not supposed to be the expert in everything. You’re supposed to be the expert in your baby.Trust your instincts. You know your baby best.Resources Mentioned: Surviving Tiny Humans by Dr. Kailey Buller https://www.vitalswithdrbuller.com/ Doula Deb’s Rooted Rest Sleep Course — A gentle, evidence-based guide to building healthy sleep foundations without sacrificing connection.The First Year Support Program — Ongoing guidance for families navigating the ups and downs of the first year.Or click here to learn more about how I can support you at www.douladeb.com! Support the show Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey. Contact Information: Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

    37 min
  8. 46 - From Maiden to Mother: The Identity Shift No One Prepares You For (Guest: Anna Lundqvist)

    JAN 5

    46 - From Maiden to Mother: The Identity Shift No One Prepares You For (Guest: Anna Lundqvist)

    Send us Fan Mail In this deeply soulful and eye-opening episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb sits down with former midwife and The Natural Birth Podcast host Anna Lundqvist to explore one of the most profound transformations a woman can experience: the sacred and often-overlooked transition from maiden to mother. Together, Deb and Anna dive into the emotional, physical, and spiritual shifts that happen as women move through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum — a process that’s far more than just gaining a new title. It’s a complete rebirth of identity, purpose, and self. Anna sheds light on why our culture doesn’t prepare women for this shift, how we’ve lost the communal “village” that once supported mothers, and what it means to reclaim birth and motherhood as sacred rites of passage instead of medical events or identity crises. Listeners will find themselves nodding along as Anna explains how the brain literally rewires during pregnancy, how grief and joy can coexist in the postpartum years, and why redefining “sacrifice” as a sacred gift changes everything about how we mother. Deb brings her signature warmth and humor to the conversation, reminding parents that they can honor their transition, rebuild their village one connection at a time, and find peace in the messiness of becoming. This episode is both grounding and empowering — perfect for anyone who’s ever thought, “No one told me it would feel like this.” ✨ Key Takeaways: The maiden-to-mother transition is a sacred rite of passage — not just a new job title.Your brain, heart, and identity all evolve during this journey — and that’s normal.It’s okay to grieve your old self while celebrating your new one.The “village” might not appear overnight, but you can begin building it in your own community.Support the show Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey. Contact Information: Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

    36 min
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Doula Talk is a podcast for parents navigating the real, often messy middle of postpartum and early parenthood. Hosted by Doula Deb, a birth, postpartum, and sleep doula with over 15 years of experience, this show offers compassionate guidance, honest conversation, and practical support for the first year and beyond. We talk about postpartum recovery, newborn care, sleep, nervous system regulation, and the emotional load that so many parents carry quietly. This isn’t about quick fixes or perfect routines. It’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface and building steady, supportive foundations that help both parents and babies feel more regulated over time. Through solo episodes and thoughtful conversations with trusted experts, Doula Talk helps you make sense of sleep struggles, feeding questions, recovery, and the constant mental load of early parenthood, without shame, pressure, or panic. If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or deep in the exhaustion of caring for a baby, this is a place to slow down, feel less alone, and remember that you’re not doing this wrong.

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