Unswaddled NAPS

Emily and Jamie start off this episode by discussing their excitement for a corporate workshop and Emily's relatable struggle with using her Dyson blow dryer. This week, they welcome Ellen McCue to their podcast, to talk about potty training, a common concern amongst Nurture clients and instagram followers. Ellen is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who is a familiar face on the Nurture platform, providing practical and evidence-based advice to parents. Jamie, Emily, and Ellen break down potty training, starting by emphasizing that there is no “right” age to potty train a child. They then delve into various aspects of potty training, focusing on both daytime and nighttime training. They share personal anecdotes and insights into the challenges parents face during the process. Ellen emphasizes the normalcy of boys and girls wetting the bed at older ages and advises against rushing nighttime potty training, suggesting that it often happens naturally over time. They also touch on the importance of addressing constipation issues and how it can affect potty training progress, as well as sleep issues and behavioral patterns related to accidents in older children. They provide reassurance to parents, potty training is often a process, encouraging them to be patient and understanding throughout the potty training journey. 
In this week’s Q&A segment, Emily and Jamie answer a question about whether giving a child too much dairy is possible, providing both the medical perspective and practical advice for parents dealing with picky eaters. They emphasize the importance of balance and moderation in a child's diet and encourage listeners to join their Nurture membership for more daily insights and support.
This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:
Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order
kozēkozē: Use code NAPS to get 20% off your purchase
Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

Kicking off this episode, Emily and Jamie banter about their weekend antics and signature dance moves before segueing into this week’s podcast episode, featuring Lydia Thibodeau, founder of Sommet Nannies (@sommet_nannies). Sommet Nannies is a nanny placement agency that specializes in connecting families with college-educated, professional caregivers. The episode is particularly timely as it coincides with International Nanny Training Day, an event taking place in Boston this year where both NAPS and Sommet Nannies will be in attendance to share their knowledge and services. 
Jamie and Lydia’s discussion explores the nuances of selecting a childcare provider. Lydia emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts when choosing a provider and advises a decisive "hell yes" or "no" approach to candidates. She encourages consideration of the candidate’s ability to meet a family’s logistical needs and to inquire about their background and experience, particularly recommending unconventional candidates with diverse childcare experiences, not just those with traditional nanny roles. They discuss the importance of in-home meetings, as they provide an opportunity for observation and interaction, with references being crucial in cases where direct interaction with the child isn't possible (ie, when you’re expecting). The discussion covers essential reference check questions, communication strategies, and the differentiation between nanny and housekeeper roles. Lydia further emphasizes the importance of proactive communication and outlines the unique recruitment process and services offered by Sommet Nannies, including nationwide placements of not only nannies, but also house managers and chefs. Lydia concludes by sharing how interested parties can connect with Sommet Nannies through their website to start their own nanny search.
In this week’s Q&A segment, Jamie and Emily address concerns about a 10 month old not having teeth yet. They draw from their nursing expertise and personal experience to discuss the expected timeline for developing teeth and tips for parents who may be worried about their own child’s tooth development. 
This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:
Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order
kozēkozē: Use code NAPS to get 20% off your purchase
Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+

In this candid and relatable podcast episode, Jamie and Emily discuss navigating transitions as a parent, using Emily’s recent experience of ditching her daughter’s sippy cup as an example. Emily confessed to her recent decision to take away Eloise's beloved “little cup,” which had become a behavioral crutch for her two-and-a-half-year-old. Emily shares her strategy for removing the cup and navigating Eloise's reaction, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and remaining consistent. Emily shares a powerful analogy for parenting transitions, likening the parent to the pilot of a plane and the children to passengers. Jamie and Emily discuss the significance of parental readiness and alignment between caregivers, as well as the need to stay steadfast in implementing new boundaries. Throughout their conversation, they offer insights into the challenges parents face when trying to maintain routines and patterns with their children, especially after disruptions like travel or illness. They emphasize the importance of not dwelling on setbacks and instead focusing on the ability to quickly return to a positive place. Emily and Jamie share their own experiences with parental guilt and imperfection, highlighting the need for self-compassion and willingness to adapt. They conclude by encouraging listeners to seek support and guidance when navigating parenting challenges, reinforcing the message that it's okay to seek help when navigating big transitions, and highlighting the Mom Survival Groups that are offered by NAPS. 
In the Q&A segment, Jamie and Emily discuss mealtime expectations for a two-and-a-half-year-old toddler. They also highlight the importance of consistency and share personal strategies for managing mealtime challenges.
Learn more about NAPS Mom Survival Groups: 
Veteran Mom Survival Group
New Mom Survival Group
Working Mom Survival Group
 
This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:
Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order
kozēkozē: Use code NAPS to get 20% off your purchase
Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+
Little Spoon
 

To start off this episode Emily and Jamie discuss Jamie's recent illness. Initially thought to be food poisoning but later diagnosed as the norovirus. They share anecdotes of sickness spreading through their family and friends before switching topics to introduce Marta Tellado, CEO of Consumer Reports (@consumerreports), as their guest for the episode. Highlighting the importance of Consumer Reports' research in product safety and recalls, they discuss the nonprofit’s approach and the value of accessing unbiased information for consumer decisions, especially as parents. 
They continue the discussion with Marta, highlighting Consumer Reports’ dedication to product safety and its independent, nonprofit status. They reflect on the organization’s longstanding history of advocacy and research, particularly focusing on parents' needs for safe products. Marta elaborates on the meticulous testing processes, using the example of Consumer Reports’ testing of baby car seats, and their role in holding companies accountable for safety standards. Marta highlights the organization's commitment to equitable access to safety information and resources for all parents. She emphasizes the benefits of being a member of Consumer Reports, including access to comprehensive ratings and community engagement opportunities. Marta discusses the organization's international collaboration and learning from other models to enhance consumer advocacy efforts. The conversation extends to educating parents on proper product use and initiatives like the Baby Hub, designed to simplify product research and foster a trusted community for parents. Marta underscores Consumer Reports' member-driven support and its mission to empower consumers with reliable information while promoting informed decision-making in the overwhelming marketplace.
In this week’s Q&A segment, Emily and Jamie discuss the use of milk collectors like the Boon Trove and the misconception about differentiating between foremilk and hindmilk based on the time of day. They explain the purpose of milk collectors and assure listeners that all breast milk is beneficial regardless of when it's collected or fed to the baby. Emily and Jamie debunk myths surrounding the necessity of labeling milk by time of day. They encourage listeners to simplify their approach to breastfeeding and feeding their babies.
To learn more about Consumer Reports, visit cr.org 
This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:
Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order
kozēkozē: Use code NAPS to get 20% off your purchase
Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+
Little Spoon

To start off this episode, Emily and Jamie discuss their recent experiences with their kids at the dentist. Jamie shares her frustrations and reflections on the dental appointments, particularly concerning her middle daughter's oral surgery and the dentist's approach to her children's dental care. They discuss the challenges faced by neurodiverse children in dental environments, and their own personal experiences at the dentist as adults. 
In this inspiring episode, Jamie welcomes Steve Johnston (@dad.vs.blindness), a radiologist and father, to share his experiences as a dad, particularly how he navigates raising his son who was diagnosed with a rare disease called Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. Steve recounts the journey from his son's birth, marked by polydactyly (extra fingers and toes), to receiving his official diagnosis 7 years later with a potentially devastating prognosis: progressive vision loss leading to blindness. Despite the initial shock and disbelief, Steve reflects on his approach to coping, and emphasizes the importance of processing emotions and seeking professional help in navigating the complexities of grief and acceptance. He highlights the transition from grieving to taking action, and how this led to his family creating a nonprofit organization.Through their candid discussion, Jamie and Steve underscore the significance of community, professional guidance, and individualized approaches in navigating the complexities of rare diseases and parenting.
They spend time discussing the impressive nonprofit's inception and goals, Steve elaborates on the lack of immediate treatment options upon his son's diagnosis and the subsequent motivation to take action. Despite initially lacking a specific target for fundraising, the family embarked on creating a nonprofit, "A Race Against Blindness," with the aim of raising awareness, supporting research, and ultimately funding potential treatments or cures for  Bardet-Biedl syndrome and related conditions. Steve shares the challenges of navigating the complex landscape of medical research funding for rare diseases and the fortuitous alignment with a research group in the UK working on potential therapies. Through their nonprofit endeavors and physical challenges like triathlons, the family not only raises funds but also instills values of resilience and perseverance in their children, preparing them to face life's inevitable challenges with mental fortitude and adaptability.
In this week’s Live Ask a Nurse segment Jamie and Emily discuss how to manage oversupply, a common concern among breastfeeding mothers. They offer practical tips such as using hand expression or a Haakaa to reduce milk flow before feeding, and reclining during breastfeeding. They emphasize the importance of seeking guidance from a lactation consultant for personalized advice tailored to individual needs and circumstances. They also mention the resources available through the Nurture annual membership. 
To learn more about A Race Against Blindness: https://araceagainstblindness.org/ 
This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:
Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order
Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+
Little Spoon
SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan 

Emily and Jamie kick off by chatting about Emily's spontaneous trip to Disney World with her family. From tricking the kids into thinking they're heading to the dentist to keeping the bar low, Emily spills the beans on all the tips she learned to make their first Disney vacay a smash hit. She even manages to convince Jamie (maybe) to brave a flight with her kiddos! The conversation then veers into their bumpy flight experience they had together, dishing on how Emily deals with flying jitters. Spoiler alert: Having good friends along for the ride totally helps!
In this episode, Emily and Jamie are joined by Jessica Galica, author of the book “Leap” and founder of Reclaim Your Career and executive and career coaching for high-performing women and working moms. Jess shares her journey from a traditional corporate career to writing her book after experiencing a career crisis. Despite being successful, Jess felt unfulfilled and wanted to pursue something different. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice and aligning career choices with personal fulfillment.
The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of career transitions, with Jess highlighting common themes of dissatisfaction and the struggle to balance personal desires with societal expectations. Drawing from her research and interviews with over 150 women, Jess emphasizes the need for women to acknowledge their desires for change and consider the potential rewards of taking risks. The trio reflects on the pivotal moments that prompt career changes, such as becoming a parent, and the ongoing journey of aligning personal values with career choices.
They discuss how societal expectations impact women's and men's decisions regarding career and family, highlighting the pressure to "do it all" for women and conform to traditional roles for men. Jess emphasizes the importance of challenging these narratives and articulating personal motivations, suggesting that incremental changes can be more sustainable than drastic leaps. They also share resources for further exploration, including Jess's website, book titled "Leap," LinkedIn profile, and podcast "Reclaim Your Career."
In this week’s Ask a NAPS Nurse segment Jamie and Emily answer a question from a parent about the eat-play-sleep routine for a newborn. They explain that as babies grow, they naturally become more alert and interactive, making the eat-play-sleep routine more relevant. However, in the initial weeks, the primary focus is on feeding and sleep, with limited opportunities for structured activities. It's crucial to recognize that each baby is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, especially during the early months!
This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:
Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order
Kibou: Use code NAPS for 15% off your purchase of $89+
Little Spoon
SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan