Prepared for Parenthood Dr. Stephanie Dueger

Summary

Melanie Bonk, a certified love, sex, and relationship coach, discusses the importance of intimacy and sex in a couple's relationship and how it evolves over time, especially as a couple has children. She shares her personal experience of using sex as a barometer for emotional well-being and the importance of meeting each other's needs. Melanie also talks about how sex and intimacy often change during pregnancy and after childbirth, including different personal experiences with each of her pregnancies and births. She emphasizes the need for communication within the couple relationship, creating a safe space, and honoring individual needs and desires. Melanie also highlights the impact of a thriving sexual relationship on parenting and raising sexually healthy and empowered children.

Keywords

intimacy, sex, relationship, emotional well-being, pregnancy, childbirth, pleasure, communication, needs, desires, trauma, birth trauma, pleasure practices, consent, sex-positive parenting

Takeaways


Sex can be a barometer for emotional well-being and the health of a partnership.
Sex and intimacy evolve and change over time in a relationship, with large changes occurring as a couple becomes a family.
Pregnancy and childbirth can have different effects on sex and intimacy and require unique approaches to navigating.
Creating a safe space, open communication, and honoring individual needs are important in
maintaining a thriving sexual relationship.
A thriving sexual relationship can positively impact parenting and raising sexually healthy and empowered children.

Guest Contact

Website: melaniebonk.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/bonkbetter/

Free Gifts:

Free Pod: melaniebonk.com/podIdeas of things to do in your alone time if intimacy with your partner feels like too much: Dance, Take a bath or long shower, Journal, Reach out to someone in your circle, Breath-work, Meditate, Walk in nature, Yoga, Favorite craft/art

Host Contact

Stephanie Dueger, PhD, LPC
Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://preparedforparenthood.com⁠⁠⁠
IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/⁠⁠⁠

FB: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/⁠⁠⁠
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it on iTunes. Thank you for your support!

Summary

Heather Elkins, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and owner of Root Love Lactation Services, shares her journey into the field of lactation
consulting and the importance of prenatal education and lactation support throughout the breast- and chest-feeding journey. Heather previously practiced as a healthcare lawyer and recently completed a 5-year grant initiative to help establish and support lactation-friendly policies and accommodations for lactating individuals in Colorado. She busts common myths about breastfeeding and highlights the challenges faced by nursing parents, including returning to work and societal attitudes towards breastfeeding/ chest-feeding in public. Heather also
discusses her work with adoptive parents and the significance of skin-to-skin contact for infants. She emphasizes the legal protections for lactating individuals and the need for greater support and normalization of breastfeeding in society.

Keywords

lactation consulting, breastfeeding, chest-feeding, prenatal education, myths, challenges, adoptive parents, skin-to-skin contact, returning to work, breastfeeding in public, legal protections

Takeaways


Prenatal lactation consulting and education are crucial for expectant parents to understand the basics of breastfeeding and chest-feeding, recognize signs of success or challenges, and debunk common myths.
Breastfeeding/ chest-feeding is about more than just nutrition; it is a bonding experience that provides comfort and attachment for both the parent and child.
Nursing parents face challenges when returning to work, including maintaining milk supply, finding time and space to pump, and societal attitudes towards
breastfeeding/ chest-feeding in public.
Laws in the United States protect the rights of lactating individuals, but there is still a need for greater awareness and enforcement.
Skin-to-skin contact is essential for infants, regardless of how they are fed, as it promotes regulation, comfort, and positive attachment.
Seeking support from lactation consultants, online communities, and local resources can make a significant difference in the breastfeeding/ chest-feeding journey and overall well-being of families.

Guest Contact

Heather Elkins, IBCLC
Website: https://www.rootlovelactation.comInstagram: @rootlovelactationFacebook: RootLove Lactation Services

Information Gift: I'd like to share the potential for lactation consultations (prenatal through weaning) to be covered by insurance through The Lactation Network (TLN). Here's a link where potential clients can verify coverage. They simply fill out a very brief form and TLN works with their insurance provider to verify if they have coverage. If so, TLN guarantees all of the lactation support consultations they need at no out-of-pocket cost to them.https://go.lactationnetwork.com/RootLoveLactationServices



Host Contact
Stephanie Dueger, PhD, LPC
Website: ⁠⁠https://preparedforparenthood.com⁠⁠
IG: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/⁠⁠
FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/⁠⁠
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it on iTunes. Thank you for your support!

Summary

Rebecca Molitor, LCPC, a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified Prenatal Bonding (BA) facilitator and trainer, discusses the importance of Prenatal Bonding (BA) and its correlation with reduced rates of birth interventions and preterm birth, postpartum depression, and infant colic. Prenatal Bonding (BA) has also been shown to correlate with increased breastfeeding rates. Prenatal Bonding (BA), developed by Jenoe Raffai, PhD, and György Hidas, MD, and expanded upon by Dr. Gerhard Schroth, MD, helps create a space for parents to connect with their unborn child, process emotions, prepare for separation after birth, and develop a deep relationship with their babies early on. Retrospective research has shown significant reductions in postpartum depression, baby blues, and infant colic, as well as increased breastfeeding rates among participants. The method is designed for trained and certified professionals to use with pregnant families and can be facilitated by therapists, doulas, midwives, and other birth professionals.

Keywords

prenatal bonding, Prenatal Bonding (BA), postpartum
depression, infant colic, breastfeeding, attachment, trauma, therapy, facilitator, therapist, doula, midwife, birth educator

Takeaways


Prenatal Bonding (BA) is a method that helps parents
connect with their unborn child and prepare for birth and beyond.
Retrospective research has shown that Prenatal Bonding (BA) is correlated with reducing rates of postpartum depression, baby blues, and infant colic, and increasing breastfeeding rates.
The method is typically facilitated by therapists, doulas, midwives, and other birth professionals who are trained and certified in the process with pregnant families.
Prenatal Bonding (BA) provides a space for parents to process emotions, bond with their baby and increase attachment, and create a positive experience of birth and beyond.

Guest Contact

Rebecca Molitor, LCPC:

rebecca@compassionategrowth.com

www.compassionategrowth.net

Instagram: @compassiongrows2

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-s-molitor-lcpc-21538143

Link for Prenatal Bonding (BA) Facilitator Training:

https://compassionategrowth.com/events.html

Link for Prenatal Bonding (BA) Facilitator in US and parts of Europe:

https://compassionategrowth.com/prenatalbonding.html

Article: Journal for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health, 37(1), Spring, 2023: Prenatal Bonding (BA) as a Breakthrough in Improving Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Outcomes, by Anne Goertz-Schroth, Dr. Gerhard Schroth, Dr. Raylene Phillips

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content/uploads/journal/published_paper/volume-37/issue-1/Z3sC25KO.pdf

Host Contact

Stephanie Dueger, PhD, LPC
Website: ⁠⁠https://preparedforparenthood.com⁠⁠
IG: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/⁠⁠
FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/⁠⁠
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it on iTunes. Thank you for your support!

Summary

Dr. Christiana Rebelle, a perinatal health consultant, researcher, and current Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health, shares her journey from military service and fitness to focusing on the health of moms and babies. She discusses the importance of the gut microbiome and the impact of birth and postpartum interventions on its diversity. Dr. Rebelle emphasizes the need for accurate and supportive guidance for expectant parents regarding nutrition and fitness, the latter of which she expresses is well behind the times. She also highlights the disparities in healthcare for pregnant women, particularly in the South, and the need for greater inclusion and awareness in the field. The conversation covers various topics related to pregnancy, healthcare, and challenges faced by military families. Dr. Rebelle also shares her personal experiences as a military spouse and the difficulties of raising a family while her wife is deployed. The conversation touches on the lack of support for military families and the challenges they face in accessing healthcare. Dr. Rebelle also talks about the insensitivity and assumptions made by some healthcare professionals regarding same-sex couples and alternative methods of conception.

Keywords

parenthood, pregnancy, military service, pregnancy fitness, health, pre- and perinatal psychology and health, health disparities, gut microbiome, birth interventions, diversity, same-sex couples, alternative methods of conception

Takeaways


There is a lifelong importance of the gut microbiome on health, a foundation that is created at birth, and an impact of birth and postpartum interventions on its diversity.
Accurate and supportive guidance for expectant parents regarding nutrition and fitness is a critical piece of the puzzle for the health of many generations.
There are glaring disparities in healthcare for pregnant women from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, particularly in the South, and a need for greater inclusion and awareness in the field.
Military families face unique challenges, including deployment and reintegration, and accessing appropriate healthcare.
Healthcare professionals should be sensitive and knowledgeable about the experiences of
same-sex couples and alternative methods of conception.

Guest Contact

Email: journal.editor@birthpsychology.com

Website: https://christianarebelle.com/

Host Contact

Website: ⁠⁠https://preparedforparenthood.com⁠⁠
IG: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/⁠⁠
FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/⁠⁠
If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it on iTunes.
**THE PREPARED FOR PARENTHOOD PODCAST GIVEAWAY!**
You have a chance to win:
1. One of four autographed copies of my book, Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families,
2. Or one of two grand prizes of an autographed Preparing for Parenthood book and bookmark, an organic cotton onesie (with logo) for baby, a rubber giraffe teether, and a large Burt's Bees lotion,
3. Or one of four $25 Amazon gift cards.
TO ENTER, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
1. Rate, Review, Download, and Subscribe to the Prepared for Parenthood podcast on iTunes. (See ⁠⁠appleid.apple.com⁠⁠ for information if you don't use Apple). Take a screenshot.
3. Get onto my email list if you aren't already by going to my website at ⁠⁠preparedforparenthood.com⁠⁠ and claiming a free PDF (found at the top of the Home page as yellow buttons). [You can unsubscribe at any time].
4. Send me an email with the screenshot photo and confirmation that you've signed up to be on my email list to: ⁠⁠info@preparedforparenthood.com⁠⁠ to be entered to win!
RESTRICTIONS: *Grand prizes and books will be mailed in the US and Canada only. Amazon gift certificates will be sent via email.

Keywords

breastfeeding, lactation consultant, social support, community, breastfeeding pain, pumping, breastfeeding multiples, tips for new parents

Summary
Diane Michel, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), shares her experience and expertise in helping mothers breastfeed or chest-feed their babies. She discusses her own breastfeeding journey and how it led her to become a lactation consultant as well as a La Leche League support group leader. Diane emphasizes the importance of social support and community for new parents, as well as the need to be flexible and adaptable in nursing one’s baby. She addresses common concerns such as breastfeeding pain, pumping, and breastfeeding multiples. Diane also provides tips for parents starting their breastfeeding or chest-feeding journey, including finding a supportive community and being gentle on themselves.

Takeaways


Social support and community are crucial for new parents embarking on their breastfeeding/chest-feeding journey.
Flexibility and adaptability are key in breastfeeding and chest-feeding, as each baby, parent, and nursing experience is unique.
Breastfeeding should not be painful, and seeking help from a lactation consultant is important if pain persists or other problems develop.
Pumping can be a helpful tool, whether medically indicated, or desired for other reasons.
Breastfeeding multiples (twins, triplets) requires individualized approaches and extra support.
The invitation for parents to be gentle on themselves and avoid comparing their nursing or parenting journey to others is helpful.


Guest Contact
Diane Michel (IBCLC): www.nourishlactation.com

Host Contact

Website: ⁠⁠https://preparedforparenthood.com⁠⁠
IG: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/⁠⁠
FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/⁠⁠


If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it on iTunes.


**THE PREPARED FOR PARENTHOOD PODCAST GIVEAWAY!**
You have a chance to win one of 10 amazing prizes!
1. One of four autographed copies of my book, Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families,
2. Or one of two grand prizes of an autographed Preparing for Parenthood book and bookmark, an organic cotton onesie (with logo) for baby, a rubber giraffe teether, and a large Burt's Bees Milk and Honey lotion for the expectant or new parents,
3. Or one of four $25 Amazon gift cards (for those whose kids are grown or who don't have children).


TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
1. Rate, Review, Download, and Subscribe to the Prepared for Parenthood podcast on iTunes. (See ⁠⁠appleid.apple.com⁠⁠ for information if you don't use Apple)
2. Take a screenshot of your rate/review/subscribe/download on iTunes. *Review must be at least three sentences long. Kindness and honesty are appreciated.*
3. Get onto my email list if you aren't already by going to my website at ⁠⁠preparedforparenthood.com⁠⁠ and claiming a free PDF (found at the top of the Home page as yellow buttons). [I never provide my list to others, and you can unsubscribe at any time].
4. Send me an email with the screenshot photo and confirmation that you've signed up to be on my email list to: ⁠⁠info@preparedforparenthood.com⁠⁠ to be entered to win! (If you do not want a book or grand prize and are only interested in the Amazon gift card, please note this in your email).


RESTRICTIONS:
*Grand prizes and books will be mailed in the US and Canada only. Amazon gift certificates will be sent via email.
*One entry will be randomly drawn per week from March 17th, 2024 - May 14th, 2024.
*Only one prize possible per entry.
* iTunes review must be at least three sentences long.
*Offer good only through May 14, 2024. Don't miss out at your chance to win!*

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Stephanie Dueger interviews Dave Bonaiuto, a psychotherapist and co-creator of a fatherhood coaching and support group called Council of
Fathers. They discuss the challenges and transitions that fathers face, the lack of resources for new fathers, and common themes that arise in early fatherhood, such as overwhelm and relationship changes. Dave shares some of the 10 principles of fathering, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, emotional awareness, and connection, and ways we can help support new fathers through this rite of passage. They also discuss the significance of parenting with purpose and incorporating fun and play into family life.

 

Takeaways


Fatherhood is a major life transition that requires support and resources.
Fewer supportive resources seem to be available for fathers/ partners than for birthing parents.
Creating these supportive resources for fathers/ partners can help ease the challenges of new parenthood for both the individual and the whole family unit.
Common themes in early fatherhood include sleep deprivation, identity shifts, and relationship challenges.
Self-reflection, emotional awareness, and connection are key principles of fathering.
Parenting with purpose and incorporating fun and play are important for a fulfilling family life.



Guest Contact:

Dave Bonaiuto: www.livingandworkingonpurpose.com

Council of Fathers: www.counciloffathers.com

 

Host Contact:

Website: ⁠⁠https://preparedforparenthood.com⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/⁠⁠

FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQ⁠⁠

If you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it on iTunes.

**THE PREPARED FOR PARENTHOOD PODCAST GIVEAWAY!**

You have a chance to win one of 10 amazing prizes! 

1. One of four autographed copies of my book, Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families,

2. Or one of two grand prizes of an autographed Preparing for Parenthood book and bookmark, an organic cotton onesie (with logo) for baby, a rubber giraffe teether, and a large Burt's Bees Milk and Honey lotion for the expectant or new parents,

3. Or one of four $25 Amazon gift cards (for those whose kids are grown or who don't have children). 

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

1. Rate, Review, Download, and Subscribe to the Prepared for Parenthood podcast on iTunes. (See ⁠⁠appleid.apple.com⁠⁠ for information if you don't use Apple)

2. Take a screenshot of your rate/review/subscribe/download on iTunes *Review must be at least three sentences long. Kindness and honesty are appreciated.*

3. Get onto my email list if you aren't already by going to my website at ⁠⁠preparedforparenthood.com⁠⁠ and claiming a free PDF (found at the top of the Home page as yellow buttons). [I never provide my list to others, and you can unsubscribe at any time].

4. Send me an email with the screenshot photo and confirmation that you've signed up to be on my email list to: ⁠⁠info@preparedforparenthood.com⁠⁠ to be entered to win! (If you do not want a book or grand prize and are only interested in the Amazon gift card, please note this in your email). 

RESTRICTIONS:

*Grand prizes and books will be mailed in the US and Canada only. Amazon gift certificates will be sent via email.

*One entry will be randomly drawn per week from March 17th, 2024 - May 14th, 2024.

*Only one prize possible per entry.

* iTunes review must be at least three sentences long. 

*Offer good only through May 14, 2024. Don't miss out at your chance to win!*