Mama Needs A Moment

HER+ Health Collective
  • 5.0 (24)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Mama Needs A Moment is here to change the way moms take care of themselves. Hosted by Cindi Michaelson and Crissy Fishbane, co-founders of HER+ Health Collective, we know the struggle of juggling it all. Mom life is hectic, but your well-being matters. That’s why our most recent two seasons deliver shorter 15–20 minute bite-size episodes filled with expert advice on women’s health, parenting, self-care and Roundtable conversations with trusted experts from different fields. You’ll hear real talk, practical tips, and insights you can use right away—because healthy moms raise healthy families.

  1. Ep. 162 When They Fight: Turning Sibling Conflict into Lifelong Skills

    21H AGO

    Ep. 162 When They Fight: Turning Sibling Conflict into Lifelong Skills

    Sibling conflict can feel relentless—the arguing, tattling, and constant battles over fairness or space. For many parents, it’s the most exhausting part of raising multiple kids and can leave them wondering if something is going wrong. In this roundtable conversation, experts from the HER+ Provider Directory offer a refreshing reframe: sibling conflict isn’t just something to stop—it’s an opportunity to teach powerful life skills. The discussion explores how parents can shift from refereeing fights to coaching emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving. You’ll hear practical strategies like depersonalizing communication to reduce defensiveness, helping children pause and regulate before responding, and allowing siblings space to work through disagreements. The experts also discuss how developmental stages influence conflict and why adjusting expectations can change the dynamic at home. Just as importantly, the conversation acknowledges how draining sibling conflict can be for parents. The panel shares ways parents can regulate their own responses, reduce burnout, and model the emotional skills they want their children to learn. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to reframe sibling conflict as an opportunity to build emotional and communication skills • Practical ways parents can coach children through disagreements rather than constantly refereeing • Why parent self-regulation is essential for reducing burnout and creating healthier family dynamics HER+ Experts: Dr. Carrie Ann Dittner PhD, Clinical & Developmental Psychology, Founder of Peak City Psychology Elise N. Davis, LCMHC, C-MMT Counseling. Meditation. Yoga, Owner of Present Practice Counseling  Brittni Winslow, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist, Owner of Emerge Pediatric Therapy Gigi Miller, Productivity Coach, Executive Function Support, Owner of The Organized Life Quinandria Lee, Ed.S., LCMHC, NCC, Owner of Curated Space Counseling and Consulting Episode Notes and Resources: Videos by TheraHive that walk through the Transactional Model and Solutions (mentioned by Elise Davis), explaining how 2 people’s communication/miscommunication impact each other and shape behaviors on both sides. Part 1: https://youtu.be/_Y_92cfzGO4 Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em7tO0z8w40 FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership  Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

    20 min
  2. Ep. 161 The Sibling Balancing Act: Fairness, Guilt & Meeting Every Child’s Needs

    MAR 4

    Ep. 161 The Sibling Balancing Act: Fairness, Guilt & Meeting Every Child’s Needs

    When you’re raising more than one child, it’s easy to wonder: Am I being fair? In this HER+ Roundtable, experts from our Provider Directory unpack what it really means to support siblings in a multi-child family—especially when their needs, personalities, and sensory profiles are different. Together, we redefine fairness as responsiveness, not sameness. The conversation explores parental guilt, how to check it against your values, and when to repair versus release it. We also dive into navigating sensory differences at home—using tools like children’s books, family agreements, and intentionally teaching empathy so siblings learn to respect one another’s unique needs. Because supporting our kids starts with supporting ourselves, the panel shares practical regulation strategies for parents, including the “battery analogy” and “body budget” framework to help you understand your own energy deposits and withdrawals throughout the day. If you’ve ever felt stretched trying to meet everyone’s needs (including your own), this episode will remind you: fairness isn’t about equal treatment—it’s about thoughtful, intentional care and the grace to keep experimenting along the way. These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode: Listeners will learn how to redefine fairness in parenting—not as equal treatment, but as meeting each child’s unique needs. This shift helps reduce guilt and allows parents to focus on responsiveness over rigid equality. Listeners will gain practical tools for managing different sensory needs within the same household, including creating family agreements, teaching empathy, and using age-appropriate language to help siblings understand one another. Listeners will understand how their own nervous system impacts family dynamics—and walk away with simple strategies like the “battery analogy” and “body budget” to better manage their energy, increase validation, and repair more effectively. HER+ Experts: Dr. Carrie Ann Dittner PhD, Clinical & Developmental Psychology, Founder of Peak City Psychology Elise N. Davis, LCMHC, C-MMT Counseling. Meditation. Yoga, Owner of Present Practice Counseling  Brittni Winslow, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist, Owner of Emerge Pediatric Therapy Gigi Miller, Productivity Coach, Executive Function Support, Owner of The Organized Life Quinandria Lee, Ed.S., LCMHC, NCC, Owner of Curated Space Counseling and Consulting Episode Notes and Resources: Philomena's New Glasses: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/540653/philomenas-new-glasses-by-brenna-maloney/ FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership  Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

    18 min
  3. Ep. 160 Same Home, Unique Humans: Navigating Temperament & Development in Siblings

    FEB 25

    Ep. 160 Same Home, Unique Humans: Navigating Temperament & Development in Siblings

    Parenting siblings is rarely about doing the same thing twice. In this first episode of our Supporting Siblings Roundtable, our HER+ Provider Directory experts explore what it truly means to raise kids with different temperaments, developmental timelines, and emotional needs. We begin by unpacking one powerful reframe: children aren’t “difficult” — they’re different. From sensory sensitivities and executive functioning challenges to ADHD and biological differences, this conversation highlights how behavior is often communication. When parents learn to observe, describe, and validate what’s underneath the behavior, they can respond with more flexibility and less guilt. We also dive into the delicate balance of fairness. How do you support one child who needs more without creating resentment in another? Our experts discuss the importance of narrating differences, educating the whole family about diagnoses or unique needs, and validating feelings without creating a hierarchy of importance. The goal isn’t equal treatment — it’s intentional support. Finally, we explore how childhood roles and identities can shape sibling relationships well into adulthood, and why helping parents release guilt is essential to fostering clarity and connection within the family. If you’re raising children who are wired differently, this conversation will help you better understand their needs — and trust your ability to support each of them with confidence. These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode: How to shift from “difficult” to “different.”Listeners will learn how temperament, sensory needs, executive functioning, and developmental differences shape behavior — and how reframing behavior as communication can reduce guilt, frustration, and reactivity. How to balance fairness without creating resentment.This episode offers practical language for narrating differences, validating each child’s experience, and meeting one child’s greater needs without unintentionally creating comparison or hierarchy within the family. How early sibling dynamics can shape lifelong relationships.You’ll gain insight into how roles and identities formed in childhood can impact adult sibling relationships — and what parents can do now to foster understanding, flexibility, and connection for the long term. HER+ Experts: Dr. Carrie Ann Dittner PhD, Clinical & Developmental Psychology, Founder of Peak City Psychology Elise N. Davis, LCMHC, C-MMT Counseling. Meditation. Yoga, Owner of Present Practice Counseling  Brittni Winslow, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist, Owner of Emerge Pediatric Therapy Gigi Miller, Productivity Coach, Executive Function Support, Owner of The Organized Life Quinandria Lee, Ed.S., LCMHC, NCC, Owner of Curated Space Counseling and Consulting Episode Notes and Resources: FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership  Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

    19 min
  4. Ep. 159 Why Restriction Backfires: A Smarter Approach to Weight & Metabolism

    FEB 18

    Ep. 159 Why Restriction Backfires: A Smarter Approach to Weight & Metabolism

    Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion about restrictive eating patterns and their potential harm. This is the final episode in our Metabolism Roundtable series, bringing together HER+ providers to challenge the messaging women — especially moms — have been taught about weight, energy, and health. (Episodes 158, 157 & 156 are also part of the Metabolism Roundtable series) In this closing conversation, the panel unpacks why cycles of restriction often leave women feeling more fatigued, stressed, and metabolically stuck, particularly during perimenopause. The experts explore how under-fueling, chronic stress, and the pressure to be smaller can disrupt hormones, increase metabolic resistance, and fuel weight cycling. The discussion also examines the evolving role of GLP-1 medications, including their potential benefits for insulin resistance and inflammation, alongside the critical need for medical oversight, strength training, and adequate nutrition to protect muscle and bone health. The takeaway for this final chapter: intensity and restriction aren’t the answer. Consistency, strength, proper fueling, and a collaborative care team offer a more sustainable path forward — one that shifts the focus from shrinking the body to supporting long-term metabolic health and overall well-being. These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode: Why restriction often backfires for women’s metabolismYou will learn how under-fueling, chronic stress, and repeated cycles of “trying harder” can slow metabolism, increase fatigue, and create metabolic resistance — especially for moms and women in perimenopause. What actually supports long-term metabolic healthThis episode clarifies why consistency matters more than intensity, and how adequate fueling, strength training, muscle preservation, and stress support are foundational for sustainable energy, blood sugar balance, and overall well-being. How tools like GLP-1 medications fit into a bigger pictureYou will gain a balanced understanding of the potential benefits and limitations of GLP-1 medications, and why medical oversight, nutrition, and strength work are essential to protect muscle, bone health, and long-term outcomes. HER+ Experts: ● Katherin Andrew, Registered Dietitian - https://www.katherineandrew.com/ ● Dr. Abby DeVries, Family Medicine Doctor - https://www.sabiahealthnc.com/ ● Sarah Parise, ACE Certified Fitness Professional - https://greatdaysbysarah.com/ ● Kate Layman, Certified Nurse Midwife - https://motherlovewellness.com/ Episode Notes and Resources: Dr. Salas-Whalen and her book Weightless FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership  Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

    21 min
  5. Ep. 158 Mental Health Is Metabolic Health: A Deeper Look at Hormones & Mood

    FEB 11

    Ep. 158 Mental Health Is Metabolic Health: A Deeper Look at Hormones & Mood

    This roundtable continues our conversation on metabolic changes—but this time, we focus on how those shifts show up mentally and emotionally for moms. As hormones fluctuate and sleep declines, many women experience rising anxiety, low mood, irritability, or brain fog and begin to wonder why they no longer “feel normal.” Our experts explain how these symptoms are not separate from metabolism—they are deeply connected. Changes in estrogen impact brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, influencing mood, stress resilience, sleep, and overall emotional regulation. Together, we explore why mental health should be considered a core part of metabolic health—not an afterthought—and why so many women are treated for symptoms without addressing underlying hormonal shifts. You’ll also hear guidance on advocating for yourself, tracking symptoms, and finding providers who understand the full picture. If you’ve been feeling unlike yourself lately, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and a reminder: your body isn’t failing you. It’s communicating. These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode: Why you don’t “feel like yourself” You’ll understand how shifting hormones and poor sleep affect brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA—contributing to anxiety, low mood, irritability, and brain fog. Why mental health is a core part of metabolic health You’ll learn how mood, stress tolerance, sleep, and metabolism are deeply interconnected—and why treating them as separate issues often misses the root cause. How to advocate for better, more integrated care You’ll gain practical insight into tracking symptoms, knowing when hormones may be part of the picture, and finding providers who look at the full biopsychosocial story—not just isolated symptoms. HER+ Experts: ● Katherin Andrew, Registered Dietitian - https://www.katherineandrew.com/ ● Dr. Abby DeVries, Family Medicine Doctor - https://www.sabiahealthnc.com/ ● Sarah Parise, ACE Certified Fitness Professional - https://greatdaysbysarah.com/ ● Kate Layman, Certified Nurse Midwife - https://motherlovewellness.com/ Episode Notes and Resources: Dr. Lisa Masconi - https://www.lisamosconi.com/ FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership  Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

    16 min
  6. Ep. 157 The Systems Behind Metabolism: Why Calories Aren’t the Whole Story

    FEB 4

    Ep. 157 The Systems Behind Metabolism: Why Calories Aren’t the Whole Story

    If you’ve been told metabolism is just about calories in and calories out, this conversation offers a much-needed reframe. In this roundtable episode, Cindi is joined by several HER+ Experts from the free online Inclusive Provider Directory to explore the systems behind metabolism—and why it’s about far more than food or willpower. Together, they break down how hormones, sleep, stress, muscle, nourishment, and the nervous system all work together to influence metabolic health, especially through motherhood and midlife. The experts discuss common red flags moms often overlook, including disrupted sleep, fatigue, appetite changes, mood shifts, and stubborn weight changes, and how these signals can point to deeper hormonal or metabolic needs. You’ll hear why strength training is essential for women, how building muscle supports metabolism and longevity, and why sleep quality plays a critical role in how the body functions. The conversation also highlights under-recognized issues like insulin resistance and sleep apnea in women, along with realistic strategies to improve sleep, manage stress, and support the body as a whole—without chasing perfection. This episode is a compassionate reminder that metabolism is dynamic and interconnected. When you understand the systems behind it, you can stop blaming yourself and start supporting your body in ways that truly matter. These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode: Metabolism is shaped by multiple systems—not just calories.You will learn how hormones, sleep, stress, muscle, and the nervous system all work together to influence metabolism, and why focusing only on food or willpower often leads to frustration rather than results. Common “normal” symptoms are actually important metabolic signals.This episode will help you recognize red flags like disrupted sleep, fatigue, mood changes, appetite shifts, and stubborn weight changes as meaningful clues—not personal failures—that may point to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, or unmet nutritional and recovery needs. Strength training and sleep are foundational, not optional.You will understand why building muscle is critical for metabolic health at any age, how it supports blood sugar, hormones, and longevity, and why improving sleep quality (not perfection) can dramatically impact energy, metabolism, and overall well-being. HER+ Experts: ● Katherin Andrew, Registered Dietitian - https://www.katherineandrew.com/ ● Dr. Abby DeVries, Family Medicine Doctor - https://www.sabiahealthnc.com/ ● Sarah Parise, ACE Certified Fitness Professional - https://greatdaysbysarah.com/ ● Kate Layman, Certified Nurse Midwife - https://motherlovewellness.com/ Episode Notes and Resources: FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership  Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

    21 min
  7. Ep. 156 Your Metabolism Isn’t Broken: How Women’s Bodies Adapt Through Every Life Stage

    JAN 27

    Ep. 156 Your Metabolism Isn’t Broken: How Women’s Bodies Adapt Through Every Life Stage

    What if the changes you’ve noticed in your body aren’t signs that something is wrong—but signs that your body is doing exactly what it was designed to do? In this roundtable episode, several HER+ Experts from our free Inclusive Provider Directory explore how women’s metabolism naturally shifts across the lifespan—from adolescence and the reproductive years to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. Instead of framing metabolism as something that “slows down” or breaks, this conversation reframes it as a dynamic, adaptive process shaped by evolution, safety, and survival. The experts unpack why changes like insulin resistance during pregnancy and perimenopause are normal biological adaptations, why metabolism is about far more than burning calories, and how sleep, nutrition, movement, and mental health all play critical roles. Together, they offer a powerful mindset shift: metabolism isn’t a switch to fix, but a relationship to understand and renegotiate as your body moves through different seasons. If you’ve ever felt confused or frustrated by changes in your body, this episode brings clarity, compassion, and a more sustainable way to think about health. These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode: Why metabolic changes across a woman’s life are normal and adaptiveYou’ll learn how shifts during pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause are driven by biology and evolution—not personal failure or a “broken” metabolism. What metabolism actually is (and why it’s more than calories in vs. calories out)The episode breaks down metabolism as the sum of all the body’s processes—fueling the brain, hormones, detoxification, repair, and more—shaped by nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress. How to work with your metabolism through life transitionsYou’ll hear practical, sustainable ways to support metabolic health by reframing mindset, prioritizing sleep, and making realistic adjustments to diet and activity during different seasons of life. HER+ Experts: ● Katherin Andrew, Registered Dietitian - https://www.katherineandrew.com/ ● Dr. Abby DeVries, Family Medicine Doctor - https://www.sabiahealthnc.com/ ● Sarah Parise, ACE Certified Fitness Professional - https://greatdaysbysarah.com/ ● Kate Layman, Certified Nurse Midwife - https://motherlovewellness.com/ Episode Notes and Resources: FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership  Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

    17 min
  8. Ep. 155 Blended, Not Broken: Creating Emotionally Safe Family Systems When Co-Parenting

    JAN 21

    Ep. 155 Blended, Not Broken: Creating Emotionally Safe Family Systems When Co-Parenting

    Blended families bring complex emotions, evolving roles, and the challenge of building something new while honoring what came before. In this roundtable episode, HER+ Experts from our Provider Directory explore how families can create emotionally safe, child-centered systems after separation, divorce, or remarriage. The conversation highlights the importance of consistency across households, cooperation between co-parents, and maintaining predictable routines to reduce conflict and anxiety for children. The panel also discusses navigating different parenting styles, introducing new partners with care, and setting clear boundaries in high-conflict co-parenting situations. You’ll also hear thoughtful guidance on balancing honesty with age-appropriate communication—helping children feel informed and secure without overwhelming them. Rooted in compassion, patience, and clear communication, this episode offers practical insight for parents and professionals supporting blended families through change. Explore more about each expert featured in this episode — and connect with many other trusted professionals — through our free HER+ Provider Directory linked in the show notes. These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode: How to create an emotionally safe, child-centered family system while blending households, honoring past family structures, and allowing relationships to develop naturally. Why consistency and cooperation across households matter—including parenting styles, schedules, and boundaries—and how this stability reduces conflict and stress for children. How to communicate honestly with children in age-appropriate ways, offering clarity and reassurance without oversharing or creating unnecessary anxiety. HER+ Experts: ● Irene Gouge, Loving Lessons Sleep Solutions ● Marianne Breneman, Life and Health Coach, Mindful Health and Harmony LLC ● Anastasia Arauz, Licensed Therapist, and Educator, Parenting Coach ● Latoya Toller, Wellness Based, Certified Interior Decorator & Licensed Therapist https://www.mindfulcounselingnc.com/  https://www.mindfulhomeinteriorsnc.com/ Episode Notes and Resources: FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership  Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

    18 min
See All (162)

Trailer

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Mama Needs A Moment is here to change the way moms take care of themselves. Hosted by Cindi Michaelson and Crissy Fishbane, co-founders of HER+ Health Collective, we know the struggle of juggling it all. Mom life is hectic, but your well-being matters. That’s why our most recent two seasons deliver shorter 15–20 minute bite-size episodes filled with expert advice on women’s health, parenting, self-care and Roundtable conversations with trusted experts from different fields. You’ll hear real talk, practical tips, and insights you can use right away—because healthy moms raise healthy families.

Information

  • Creator
    HER+ Health Collective
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    162
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 079756
  • Show Website
    Mama Needs A Moment