Moon & Mother Podcast

Kyra Patch

This is a podcast for birthing people, parents, and anyone who wants the real conversations we don’t hear enough about! I’m a doula talking all things pregnancy, birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, trauma, advocacy, mental health, and what it actually looks like to parent in today’s world. We’ll share birth stories, expert voices, hard truths, and empowering education without fear-mongering or sugarcoating This space is honest, inclusive, pro-choice, pro-education, and rooted in bodily autonomy. Come learn, unlearn, feel seen, and remember you’re not alone!

  1. Aug 23

    My Favorite Birth Tools and How to Cope in Labor

    Labor doesn’t come with a single magic trick and what works beautifully for one person may be completely useless to another. In this episode, we’re talking about some of my favorite tools for labor, why I love them, when they can be useful, and how to actually use coping techniques instead of simply knowing that they exist. We’ll talk about physical comfort measures, movement, breathing, positioning, touch, temperature, sound, your environment, and the mental side of getting through contractions. Because coping with labor isn’t necessarily about making every contraction painless. Sometimes it’s about learning how to work with your body instead of fighting against it. Your birth toolbox should contain OPTIONS. If something feels amazing, use it. If something makes you want to launch your partner across the room, abandon it. You are allowed to change your mind. Something that felt wonderful at 4 centimeters might be completely unbearable at 8 centimeters. That’s normal. Coping isn’t the same thing as being comfortable. Labor can be intense, overwhelming, emotional, loud, messy, and powerful—and you can still be coping beautifully. Your partner doesn’t have to “fix” labor. Sometimes the most helpful thing they can do is create a calm environment, remind you to breathe, offer physical support, get you water, help you change positions, or simply stay present. Depending on the person, situation, and birth environment, some of my favorite tools include: Birth ballPeanut ballShower or tubHeating pad or warm compressesCold washclothsCounterpressureHip squeezesMassageMovement and position changesSlow, rhythmic breathingVocalizationTENSRebozo techniquesPartner touchLow lightingMusicEssential comfort items from homeAffirmations or grounding phrasesA supportive birth teamThe goal isn’t to use every tool!

    My Favorite Birth Tools and How to Cope in Labor
  2. May 12

    Colic, Reflux & Surviving the Hard Days

    In this episode, we’re talking about one of the hardest and most isolating parts of early parenthood caring for a baby struggling with colic, reflux, excessive crying, feeding difficulties, and sleepless nights while trying to survive mentally and emotionally yourself. This conversation is for the parents pacing the floors at 2am, the families being told “it’s normal” when their instincts say something feels off, and the caregivers carrying the emotional weight of trying everything while feeling completely exhausted. We discuss: • What colic actually is and why it can feel so overwhelming • Signs and symptoms of infant reflux • The emotional toll excessive crying can have on parents • How reflux and feeding struggles can impact sleep, bonding, and mental health • The difference between “normal newborn behavior” and when to seek support • Advocacy in medical settings when you feel dismissed • Supporting both baby and parent during difficult postpartum seasons • Coping strategies for surviving the hard days • Why parents deserve support, validation, and rest too This episode is not medical advice, but rather an honest conversation meant to educate, validate, and support families navigating a really difficult chapter. If you’re currently in the thick of it… You are not failing. You are not alone. And your concerns deserve to be heard. Resources & Support: • Speak with your pediatric provider about ongoing feeding concerns, poor weight gain, projectile vomiting, breathing concerns, or persistent distress • Postpartum Support International: Postpartum Support International • Reflux education & parent support: Infant Reflux Information & Support Association (IRIS) Follow along for more postpartum, birth, and motherhood conversations: •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonandmotherdoulacare?igsh=bmlrYmhxanh5ZjA5&utm_source=qr •https://beacons.ai/doulakyra

    Colic, Reflux & Surviving the Hard Days
  3. Apr 9

    Postpartum Psychosis

    Postpartum psychosis is one of the most misunderstood and rarely talked about maternal mental health conditions and yet, it’s one of the most serious. In this episode, we’re opening the door to a conversation many shy away from. Postpartum psychosis doesn’t make someone a bad mother, it means they need urgent care, support, and compassion. Behind the stigma are real families, real pain, and stories that deserve to be told with honesty and humanity. We talk about what postpartum psychosis actually is, the warning signs that should never be ignored, and why early intervention can save lives. This episode is especially close to the heart, shedding light on the reality many suffer in silence. Whether you’re a parent, partner, doula, or someone supporting new families, this is a conversation that could make all the difference. In this episode, we cover: What postpartum psychosis is (and how it differs from postpartum depression and anxiety)Early warning signs and symptoms to look out forRisk factors and when it’s most likely to occurThe importance of immediate medical attention and supportHow partners, family, and providers can respond effectivelyBreaking stigma and leading with compassion Important Note: Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms, seek immediate help by calling emergency services or contacting a healthcare provider right away. Awareness saves lives. No one should have to suffer in silence, and no one should have to navigate this alone! More of our resources like our free maternal mental illness presentation can be found here: https://beacons.ai/doulakyra

    Postpartum Psychosis

About

This is a podcast for birthing people, parents, and anyone who wants the real conversations we don’t hear enough about! I’m a doula talking all things pregnancy, birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, trauma, advocacy, mental health, and what it actually looks like to parent in today’s world. We’ll share birth stories, expert voices, hard truths, and empowering education without fear-mongering or sugarcoating This space is honest, inclusive, pro-choice, pro-education, and rooted in bodily autonomy. Come learn, unlearn, feel seen, and remember you’re not alone!