No One Told Us Rachael Shepard-Ohta

Episode 38: Advocating for Parental Leave in the US with Raena Boston @theworkingmomtras
Parental leave, or lack thereof, can be such a stressful part of the postpartum journey for new parents. That’s why this week Rachael has guest Raena Boston, co-founder of the Chamber of Mothers, on to discuss the importance of parental leave! Raena tells us about the work her organization is doing to advocate for better policies. She also shares her personal experiences with unpaid leave and the impact it had on her mental health. 
Raena highlights the barriers to passing legislation, including the lack of a strong lobby for parental care policies, and provides advice for parents balancing work and parenting.
Raena is a writer, an HR pro, and fierce advocate for parental leave which has led her to become a Co-Founder of the chamber of mothers… a collective movement all about advancing maternal rights. Raena also founded The Working Momtras, which is a community designed to help empower moms to resign from doing it all and release themselves from the pressures of mom guilt, guiding moms toward becoming more of who they already are. Raena is a space-holder, cheerleader, and conscientious connection-creator. Raena is also a mom of three!

Mentioned in this episode:
Raena’s Instagram: @theworkingmomtras 
Chamber of Mother’s Instagram Page: @chamberofmothers

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok |  Website 

Episode Sponsored By:
Mysteries About True Histories Podcast: 
Tune in every Thursday for a brand new episode of Mysteries About True Histories! This series is perfect for kids ages six and up. Even if your child hasn’t learned some of these concepts yet in school, the storytelling seamlessly plants the seeds for all kinds of math, history, geography and science lessons that will keep your little ones curious and excited to learn. Listen to the podcast here.
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Episode 37: Splitting the Parenting Load with Betsi Flint @betsiflint

This week Rachael has on Professional beach volleyball player, Betsi Flint to talk about juggling motherhood and her demanding athletic career. Betsi discusses the challenges of balancing training and parenting, the importance of sleep for both her and her toddler, and the support she receives from her husband and family. 

Find out how splitting the parenting load has been beneficial to her and her family and how she splits parenting duties with her husband. Betsi shares all about the need for self-care and mental health in order to be a better parent. She also highlights the lessons she has learned as a mom athlete and the importance of pelvic floor therapy in her recovery. Betsi's story serves as an inspiration for other women to pursue their dreams after becoming mothers.

Betsi is a professional beach volleyball player, wife and toddler mom. She is a 6-time AVP Champion, 2-time AVCA All-American and is currently in the race toward the 2024 Paris Olympics while also balancing motherhood. Betsi is passionate about empowering women and mothers to follow their goals.

Mentioned in this episode:

Betsi’s IG page: https://www.instagram.com/betsiflint/ 

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok |  Website 

Episode Sponsored By:

Mysteries About True Histories Podcast: 
Tune in every Thursday for a brand new episode of Mysteries About True Histories! This series is perfect for kids ages six and up. Even if your child hasn’t learned some of these concepts yet in school, the storytelling seamlessly plants the seeds for all kinds of math, history, geography and science lessons that will keep your little ones curious and excited to learn. Listen to the podcast here. 
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Episode 36: Supporting Your Child’s Speech & Language Development  with Katie & Carly of Wee Talkers @weetalkers

“Why isn’t my toddler talking yet?” “Should my child be saying more words?” “Is screen time OK for my baby?” If you have ever had these questions, you are NOT alone. Worrying about your child’s speech and language development is very common- and there is SO much scary info out there! Speech and language is such an important and complex piece of your child’s development. And spoiler alert- every baby is on their own timeline! 

It can be hard to know when you should and shouldn’t worry though. That’s why this week Rachael has special guests- Katie & Carly, pediatric speech language pathologists, owners of Wee Talkers, and mothers themselves on the pod! Katie & Carly educate us all about language and communication development in babies and toddlers. They discuss the importance of early intervention and provide tips for parents to encourage language development for their little ones! 

Katie and Carly address concerns about screen time and provide some helpful, guilt free guidelines for how to use screen time as a tool! Find out how responsive and nurturing interactions between caregivers and children helps support optimal language development and the benefits of shared experiences, and so much more! 

Mentioned in this episode:

Weetalkers Instagram
Free Baby Bundle
Toddler Course use code TOLDUS10 for $10 off 
Songs & Stories Membership use code TOLDUS10 for $10 off 
Free Milestone Checklist
How To Access Early Intervention
Cost and Alternative Options for Speech Therapy that Families Might not Know About

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources on infant and child sleep, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok |  Website
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Episode 35: SIDS, Safe Sleep and Bed Sharing: Breaking Down the Stats with Shaelise Tor

In this episode, Rachel speaks with Shaelise Tor, a pediatric researcher and clinician, about the data on SIDS, infant sleep and breastfeeding, and bed sharing. The conversation covers the difference between intentional and unintentional bed sharing and the fear of judgment for parents who bed share. They discuss the misinformation and fear mongering surrounding these topics and the importance of breaking down the research to offer parents more compassion and nuance when it comes to safe sleep education.

Shaelise shares her background and how she became passionate about sleep and infant mental health, and discusses the benefits and challenges of working in a clinical pediatric setting. They discuss ways to prevent SIDS, including safe sleep practices and breastfeeding. Rachael and Shaelise emphasize the need for a more nuanced approach to bed sharing and the importance of social determinants of health. Learn how to intentionally, more safely bed share, what NOT to do, and much more in this important episode.

Disclaimer: This information in this episode is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please seek immediate care from your physician if you have any concerns about your baby or child’s health.

Mentioned in this episode:
Follow Shaelise on Instagram: @settled_and_soothed 
Safe Sleep Seven for Bed Sharing
New Study on Bed Sharing and SUID

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources on infant and child sleep, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram (Show page) | Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) | Show Website (transcripts available here)
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Episode 34: Starting Solids: Stress Free Baby-Led Weaning & Tackling Picky Eating with Jenny Best, Founder of @solidstarts

Starting solids can be so exciting but also so nerve-wrecking as a new parent! Feeding can be just as divisive as sleep these days, and this week Rachael is joined by Jenny Best, the founder of Solid Starts, to talk about the “best” way to begin your little one on solid foods.  

Jenny shares her journey of being a mom while building a super successful resource for parents to prevent picky eating and find joy in feeding their children. She discusses the importance of responsive feeding and the benefits of both baby-led weaning as well as spoon feeding. Jenny also addresses the challenges faced by medical professionals in keeping up with rapidly changing research and the need for better communication between healthcare providers and parents. She emphasizes the importance of trusting your child and provides tips for easing anxiety when starting solids. 

Additionally, Jenny dispels common misconceptions about choking, the difference between toddler selectivity and severe picky eating, and more. You’ll hear some strategies for encouraging exploration and problem-solving at mealtime, and finally, Jenny shares her most important advice for new parents. 

Jenny is a mom of three on a quest to help parents prevent picky eating and find joy at the table together. Prior to launching Solid Starts, Jenny led communications at various food non profits and served many years in the NYC government. Before that, she was a professional ballerina with the New York City Ballet.


Mentioned in this episode:

Solid Starts instagram: @solidstarts
Solid Starts website: https://solidstarts.com/ 
Follow Jenny on Instagram: @jennysbeet


Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram (Show page)
Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account)
Show Website (transcripts available here)

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review! xo
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Episode 33: Maintaining Intimacy After Kids with Vanessa and Xander Marin @vanessaandxander
In this episode, Rachael Shepard-Ohta speaks with Vanessa and Xander Marin, authors and husband and wife duo, all about intimacy, relationships, and their new book, Sex Talks!  They discuss the inspiration behind the book and the importance of open and honest communication about sex and relationships. They highlight the conversations on emotional connection and pleasure as particularly important. They also address the challenges couples face during the roommate phase and provide tips for navigating different levels of readiness for intimacy. Hear their take on the benefits of couples therapy and alternative resources for couples seeking support. 

Meet New York Times Best Selling authors Vanessa and Xander Marin. She’s a sex therapist with 20 years of experience, he’s a regular dude, and together they wrote Sex Talks: The Five Conversations That Will Transform Your Love Life. They’re the shockingly open, slightly nerdy, and seriously funny couple you’ll be calling your new besties in no time. They share the ups and downs in their relationship while giving you step-by-step techniques for improving yours. Follow them on Instagram @vanessaandxander, and tune in to their podcast, Pillow Talks, for totally do-able sex tips, practical relationship advice, hilarious and honest stories of what really goes on behind closed bedroom doors, and so much more. It’s the sex education you WISH you’d had!

Mentioned in this episode:

Xander and Vanessa’s Instagram @vanessaandxander
Vanessa and Xander’s Online Courses: https://vmtherapy.com/courses
Rediscovering Us: Intimacy and Sex for Parents Course
Pillow Talks Podcast 
Sex Talks Book


Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram (Show page)
Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account)
Show Website (transcripts available here)

If you enjoyed this episode please rate and review! xo
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