The Motherhood Kit

Yamel Belen
The Motherhood Kit

The Motherhood Kit podcast is the ultimate companion for women on the journey of motherhood. With over 27 years of experience, your personal Motherhood Expert and host Yamel Belen, boasts an impressive background as a Registered Nurse, Doula, IBCLC, business owner, and most notably, a Mother of five! Her guests will offer up their insights and expertise, giving you the knowledge and confidence to navigate the challenges of motherhood. Join Yamel each week as she and her & her guests share tips and tricks to elevate your perspective. From practical advice to moments of inspiration, we're here to support and empower you on your journey. But it's not just about the learning - we're here to create a community. With plenty of laughter, camaraderie, and shared experiences, The Motherhood Kit podcast is a space to celebrate the joys of motherhood in all its forms. Subscribe to our podcast and follow us on instagram so you never miss an episode. 

  1. APR 24

    Breaking Financial Myths for Moms with The Brown Way To Money

    Send us a text In this conversation, Yamel Belen and Alejandra from Brown Way To Money discuss the financial myths that mothers, particularly women of color, face today. They explore the importance of dismantling these myths, navigating financial information in uncertain times, and modeling healthy money mindsets for children. Alejandra provides actionable steps for wealth building, emphasizing the need for mothers to understand their financial goals, address financial trauma, and create a financial plan that aligns with their values and circumstances. Key Takeaways: Many mothers feel pressured to have everything financially together before having children.Financial trauma and mindset reconstruction are common challenges for new mothers.Mothers are often the primary consumers in their households, influencing financial decisions.It's essential to seek reliable financial information tailored to personal goals.Avoid quick-fix financial advice and focus on long-term strategies.Money conversations are crucial for personal growth and understanding.Parents should model healthy financial behaviors for their children.Children learn about money through observation, not just conversation.Rewriting personal money narratives is possible and necessary.Financial freedom looks different for everyone and should be defined individually.Connect with Alejandra- alejandra@brownwaytomoney.com Linkedin Instagram Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.  •This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work. •You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here. •Visit One Love Nanny’s website here Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

    38 min
  2. APR 16

    Unlocking the Benefits of Outdoor Play with Susie Spikol

    Send us a text In this conversation, Yamel Belen and Susie Spikol discuss the critical role of outdoor play in children's development. They explore how a lack of outdoor play affects physical, emotional, and social growth, and provide practical tips for parents to encourage outdoor activities. The discussion highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for play, the benefits of daily outdoor experiences, and how to foster a sense of curiosity and imagination in children. Susie also introduces her book, 'Forest Magic for Kids,' which offers creative ways to engage with nature. Key Takeaways: Takeaways Outdoor play is essential for children's physical and emotional development.Lack of outdoor play can lead to increased anxiety and health issues.Parents should model outdoor play to encourage their children.Simple activities can make outdoor play more accessible.Nature can be found in urban environments, not just rural areas.Creating a toolkit for outdoor play can enhance experiences.Imagination in nature builds confidence and problem-solving skills.Community resources can help facilitate outdoor activities.Daily outdoor time is beneficial for children of all ages.Engaging with nature fosters a lifelong connection to the environment.Connect with Susie: Instagram Purchase Forest Magic For Kids https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-spikol-53500a238/ https://www.facebook.com/susie.spikolfaber/ https://susiespikol.com Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.  •This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work. •You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here. •Visit One Love Nanny’s website here Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

    31 min
  3. APR 15

    Rebroadcast | Unspoken Joy: Navigating The Taboo of Loving Motherhood

    Send us a text REBROADCAST Why are we so quick to talk about the negative sides of motherhood and yet hold back on sharing the many beautiful sides of the experience? Today on the podcast, Yamel is diving into the topic of the taboo of enjoying motherhood. You too may have noticed a trend in people sharing negative reflections of motherhood, and of people having adverse reactions to those online or in real life who are sharing the joys of their journey. In this episode, Yamel explores this increasing trend, societal expectations that might be playing into this, and the importance of cherishing the good times so that we can celebrate the joys of raising our children, as well as holding space for the harder moments too.  This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work. In this episode, Yamel discusses: •Her observations that online creators who are sharing the joys of motherhood often receive a negative reception, which was a sentiment mirrored in the article ‘It’s Become A Taboo To Admit You Enjoy Motherhood”  •The various factors playing into this increasing trend including not wanting to be seen as gloating or showing off and, as professor Esther Dermott points out in the article above, the fact that it’s often the negative and worrisome sides of motherhood that parents all have in common, whereas the positive perspectives are often more individual.  •Societal expectations surrounding motherhood that Yamel has observed and the way that these intersect with the unspoken joy of motherhood, because there is a pressure to portray a perfect image but then when you do, you can be vilified and judged for this.  •The importance of community, vulnerability and having a space to share the hard sides of motherhood, whilst also being able to portray a balanced and authentic view of your own experience, so that we as mothers can enjoy all the richness that this spectrum of experience brings.  •The power of reframing the negative into the positive; for example, for Yamel, she has the job of doing her girls’ hair in the morning and although it is a time-consuming job, she’s reframed the task into being a beautiful moment she can share with her daughters. Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.  • This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work. • You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here. • Visit One Love Nanny’s website here Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

    28 min
  4. MAR 26

    Thriving, Not Just Surviving in Motherhood: Expert Mental Health Strategies with Patricia Alvarado

    Send us a text In this episode, Yamel Belen and Patricia Alvarado discuss the importance of thriving in motherhood rather than merely surviving. They explore the impact of trauma and childhood experiences on parenting, the significance of healing the inner child, and practical strategies for mothers to shift from survival mode to a thriving mindset. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion, setting boundaries, and allowing oneself to play and relax as essential components of self-care and resilience in motherhood. In this conversation, Patricia Alvarado and Yamel Belen discuss the importance of boundaries in relationships, how to redefine success for Latina moms, and the significance of self-care and mindfulness practices. They emphasize that boundaries can enhance connections rather than create distance, and that success should align with personal values rather than societal expectations. The discussion also highlights the need for self-care and finding moments of peace amidst daily responsibilities. Connect with Patricia:  Thriving Not Just Surviving  alvaradotherapy.org patriciaealvarado.com patricia@alvaradotherapy.org Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.  •This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work. •You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here. •Visit One Love Nanny’s website here Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

    34 min
  5. MAR 5

    The Ultimate Guide To Bedtime Routines | Mastering Toddler Sleep

    Send us a text In this episode of The Motherhood Kit podcast, Yamel Belen and sleep consultant Kendra Worth dive into the challenges of toddler sleep and how parents can create healthier sleep habits. They discuss the importance of establishing strong bedtime routines, how to safely use sound machines, and setting boundaries while maintaining flexibility. Kendra shares expert insights on managing night wakings, breaking sleep associations like feeding, and fostering a calm sleep environment. This episode equips parents with actionable strategies to improve toddler sleep while building confidence in their approach. Tune in for expert-backed sleep solutions every parent needs! Connect with Kendra: Email: kendrarworth@gmail.com  Classes Tik Tok Instagram Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.  •This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work. •You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here. •Visit One Love Nanny’s website here Key Takeaways: Psychology-Based Approach – Kendra Worth's background in psychology and education shapes her sleep consulting methods.Setting Boundaries – Parents often struggle with enforcing bedtime limits, but consistency is key.Lifelong Sleep Habits – Good sleep hygiene in childhood leads to healthier sleep patterns in adulthood.Parental Confidence Matters – Readiness and confidence are essential for successful sleep training.Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment – Using dim lighting, avoiding screens, and maintaining a calm space can improve sleep quality.Balancing Routine & Flexibility – While routines are important, adapting to a child’s needs keeps family life balanced.Understanding Night Wakings – Identifying the root causes of wake-ups helps address sleep disturbances effectively.Encouraging Self-Soothing – Introducing tools and techniques empowers toddlers to sleep independently.Gentle Sleep Training – Sleep training doesn’t have to involve the “cry-it-out” method; there are gentle approaches.Effective Bedtime Routines – Short, consistent bedtime rituals, including books and calming techniques, work best.Smart Use of Sound Machines – White noise can be helpful but should be used appropriately.Separating Feeding from Sleep – Avoiding feeding-to-sleep associations fosters independent sleeping habits. Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

    38 min
5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

The Motherhood Kit podcast is the ultimate companion for women on the journey of motherhood. With over 27 years of experience, your personal Motherhood Expert and host Yamel Belen, boasts an impressive background as a Registered Nurse, Doula, IBCLC, business owner, and most notably, a Mother of five! Her guests will offer up their insights and expertise, giving you the knowledge and confidence to navigate the challenges of motherhood. Join Yamel each week as she and her & her guests share tips and tricks to elevate your perspective. From practical advice to moments of inspiration, we're here to support and empower you on your journey. But it's not just about the learning - we're here to create a community. With plenty of laughter, camaraderie, and shared experiences, The Motherhood Kit podcast is a space to celebrate the joys of motherhood in all its forms. Subscribe to our podcast and follow us on instagram so you never miss an episode. 

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