Pep talks and Permission Slips

Maine Mother and Company
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Parenting
  • Weekly

A podcast for parents, by 2 moms, doulas, and IBCLCs with 8 boys ages 3-31 between them. Nothing is off limits here.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Permission to Love It, Hate It, or Both: Returning to Work After Baby

    Going back to work after a baby is supposed to be the easy part, right? Two moms who’ve lived it (and now help families through it) get honest about the first day back, the pump parts left on the kitchen counter, and the “going back to work manual” nobody hands you.  You’ll hear why starting on a Wednesday is genius, why the 12-week mark has nothing to do with your baby, how to sort out who does what at home before resentment does it for you, and why you should run a mock back-to-work day first. Whether you can’t wait to get back or you’re dreading it, your feelings are valid.  Key Takeaways 1. Practice the morning before it counts. 2. Redo the household list together, and own tasks from start to finish. 3. Your feelings are valid, and you can set a check-in date. Timestamps 00:33 - Welcome to the transition everyone is "so excited" about 01:11 - Nicole's first leave 03:15 - Coffee with the boss and a gradual return (start on a Wednesday!) 07:00 - Baby number two, a longer leave  09:45 - What going back actually felt like: the logistics did her in 12:00 - Why leave is too short (and the puppy comparison) 12:45 - Paula's reenactment of a mom's first day back, with HR in the room 15:30 - The 12-week mark is arbitrary: nothing biological happens there 16:15 - Why returning to work is so isolating 17:30 - Prenatal brain: "It'll be different for me" 19:00 - Partner dynamics: it's a missed conversation, not malice 21:00 - Systems that help: redo the household list, outsource, plan meals 25:45 - Fair Play, task ownership, and the mustard bottle 28:30 - The mental load and the stay-at-home-mom trap 32:15 - Hold a family meeting so you're not raising it when you're mad 32:45 - On the work side: time blocking and ditching over-functioning 34:30 - Moms are assets (and a surprising productivity upside) 36:00 - Run a mock back-to-work day 37:00 - Closet check, your body now, and "bounce back" can go away 38:45 - Get a bag you love, stock your desk, buy extra pump parts 42:30 - Find your work friends before you go back 45:15 - Put a two-month check-in on your calendar Connect with Paula & Nicole: www.mainemother.com Resources Links: Fair Play by Eve Rodsky Documentary https://www.fairplaylife.com/documentary Fair Play Cards https://fairplaypolicy.org/the-cards/ Mimi & Pal Bags https://www.mimiandpal.com/ Sarah Wells Bags https://sarahwellsbags.com/

  2. Oct 28

    Permission to Stop Feeling Guilty About How You Feed Your Baby

    You spent months planning the birth. Then the baby arrived, and it turns out the real main event is getting that baby fed. In this episode, Paula & Nicole, who’ve lived through tongue-ties, exclusive pumping, and nursing pain, walk you through what actually happens in those first days. You’ll hear why night two feels like a meltdown (and why it’s a good sign), when to wake a sleepy baby, how to survive the ride home from the hospital, and which red flags mean it’s time to call for help. And if you’re still carrying guilt about how you fed your baby, here’s your permission slip: it wasn’t you. It was the system. Learn practical baby feeding strategies to reduce stress during mealtime. Paula and Nicole share proven methods for parents. Raising children is a significant undertaking, and navigating the early stages of nutrition can often feel overwhelming. Whether you are currently expecting or adjusting to life with a newborn, this guide provides actionable advice on how to manage daily routines more effectively. Paula and Nicole draw from their collective experience raising eight children to offer perspectives on making the household environment less chaotic. This discussion is designed for anyone seeking a more enjoyable approach to parenting. By implementing consistent baby feeding routines, you can create a calmer atmosphere for both you and your little one. We cover how to prepare for the challenges of early childcare and offer support for those managing the demands of a growing family. These parenting tips focus on practical solutions that prioritize your peace of mind while ensuring your child gets the care they need. Subscribe for weekly parenting advice and breakdowns. Share in the comments which aspect of infant care you find most challenging. Timestamps: 00:00 - We plan for the birth and forget the baby has to eat 00:45 - Paula's first baby 07:30 - Exclusive pumping through a formula shortage 10:15 - Why parenting feels harder now (and the information overload) 13:45 - Nursing through pain, and the doctor who blamed it on age 15:30 - Prenatal advice: find a class that tells the whole story 18:00 - Pet peeves: hospital-tour classes and "no bottle until four weeks" 19:30 - The first 24 hours: skin-to-skin and the sleepy baby 21:30 - Hand expression, pumping, and protecting your supply 24:45 - Night two: cluster feeding by design 26:15 - Pacifiers: yes, with a caveat 27:45 - Leaving the hospital: stay as long as you can 29:45 - The first night home is "camping without the right equipment" 31:45 - Why you need a rested helper in the house 33:00 - Red flags: pain, damage, and the nipple shield 35:00 - "Never wake a sleeping baby" and why to ignore it 37:00 - The fussy baby, the hungry cry, and a story that ends in relief 38:45 - It's not your fault: what failed was the system 41:15 - Wrap-up and where to send your questions #babyfeedingtips #infantcare #newborncare #motherhoodreality #newparentsguide #parentingsupport Connect with Paula & Nicole: www.mainemother.com

  3. Mar 25

    Meet the Hosts

    Paula has been a mom for 31 years to five wild humans. Nicole has three boys ages 3-9. Both had tricky babies and tricky postpartum experiences and then became doulas to help other parents have more positive supportive experiences. Hear their origin stories here.

  • 3 Episodes

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A podcast for parents, by 2 moms, doulas, and IBCLCs with 8 boys ages 3-31 between them. Nothing is off limits here.

Information

  • Creator
    Maine Mother and Company
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Maine Mother and Company
  • Show Website
    Pep talks and Permission Slips