No One Told Us Rachael Shepard-Ohta

Episode 36: Supporting Your Child’s Speech & Language Development  with Katie & Carly of Wee Talkers @weetalkers

“Why isn’t my toddler talking yet?” “Should my child be saying more words?” “Is screen time OK for my baby?” If you have ever had these questions, you are NOT alone. Worrying about your child’s speech and language development is very common- and there is SO much scary info out there! Speech and language is such an important and complex piece of your child’s development. And spoiler alert- every baby is on their own timeline! 

It can be hard to know when you should and shouldn’t worry though. That’s why this week Rachael has special guests- Katie & Carly, pediatric speech language pathologists, owners of Wee Talkers, and mothers themselves on the pod! Katie & Carly educate us all about language and communication development in babies and toddlers. They discuss the importance of early intervention and provide tips for parents to encourage language development for their little ones! 

Katie and Carly address concerns about screen time and provide some helpful, guilt free guidelines for how to use screen time as a tool! Find out how responsive and nurturing interactions between caregivers and children helps support optimal language development and the benefits of shared experiences, and so much more! 

Mentioned in this episode:

Weetalkers Instagram
Free Baby Bundle
Toddler Course use code TOLDUS10 for $10 off 
Songs & Stories Membership use code TOLDUS10 for $10 off 
Free Milestone Checklist
How To Access Early Intervention
Cost and Alternative Options for Speech Therapy that Families Might not Know About

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources on infant and child sleep, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok |  Website
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Episode 35: SIDS, Safe Sleep and Bed Sharing: Breaking Down the Stats with Shaelise Tor

In this episode, Rachel speaks with Shaelise Tor, a pediatric researcher and clinician, about the data on SIDS, infant sleep and breastfeeding, and bed sharing. The conversation covers the difference between intentional and unintentional bed sharing and the fear of judgment for parents who bed share. They discuss the misinformation and fear mongering surrounding these topics and the importance of breaking down the research to offer parents more compassion and nuance when it comes to safe sleep education.

Shaelise shares her background and how she became passionate about sleep and infant mental health, and discusses the benefits and challenges of working in a clinical pediatric setting. They discuss ways to prevent SIDS, including safe sleep practices and breastfeeding. Rachael and Shaelise emphasize the need for a more nuanced approach to bed sharing and the importance of social determinants of health. Learn how to intentionally, more safely bed share, what NOT to do, and much more in this important episode.

Disclaimer: This information in this episode is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please seek immediate care from your physician if you have any concerns about your baby or child’s health.

Mentioned in this episode:
Follow Shaelise on Instagram: @settled_and_soothed 
Safe Sleep Seven for Bed Sharing
New Study on Bed Sharing and SUID

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources on infant and child sleep, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram (Show page) | Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account) | Show Website (transcripts available here)
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Episode 34: Starting Solids: Stress Free Baby-Led Weaning & Tackling Picky Eating with Jenny Best, Founder of @solidstarts

Starting solids can be so exciting but also so nerve-wrecking as a new parent! Feeding can be just as divisive as sleep these days, and this week Rachael is joined by Jenny Best, the founder of Solid Starts, to talk about the “best” way to begin your little one on solid foods.  

Jenny shares her journey of being a mom while building a super successful resource for parents to prevent picky eating and find joy in feeding their children. She discusses the importance of responsive feeding and the benefits of both baby-led weaning as well as spoon feeding. Jenny also addresses the challenges faced by medical professionals in keeping up with rapidly changing research and the need for better communication between healthcare providers and parents. She emphasizes the importance of trusting your child and provides tips for easing anxiety when starting solids. 

Additionally, Jenny dispels common misconceptions about choking, the difference between toddler selectivity and severe picky eating, and more. You’ll hear some strategies for encouraging exploration and problem-solving at mealtime, and finally, Jenny shares her most important advice for new parents. 

Jenny is a mom of three on a quest to help parents prevent picky eating and find joy at the table together. Prior to launching Solid Starts, Jenny led communications at various food non profits and served many years in the NYC government. Before that, she was a professional ballerina with the New York City Ballet.


Mentioned in this episode:

Solid Starts instagram: @solidstarts
Solid Starts website: https://solidstarts.com/ 
Follow Jenny on Instagram: @jennysbeet


Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram (Show page)
Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account)
Show Website (transcripts available here)

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review! xo
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Episode 33: Maintaining Intimacy After Kids with Vanessa and Xander Marin @vanessaandxander
In this episode, Rachael Shepard-Ohta speaks with Vanessa and Xander Marin, authors and husband and wife duo, all about intimacy, relationships, and their new book, Sex Talks!  They discuss the inspiration behind the book and the importance of open and honest communication about sex and relationships. They highlight the conversations on emotional connection and pleasure as particularly important. They also address the challenges couples face during the roommate phase and provide tips for navigating different levels of readiness for intimacy. Hear their take on the benefits of couples therapy and alternative resources for couples seeking support. 

Meet New York Times Best Selling authors Vanessa and Xander Marin. She’s a sex therapist with 20 years of experience, he’s a regular dude, and together they wrote Sex Talks: The Five Conversations That Will Transform Your Love Life. They’re the shockingly open, slightly nerdy, and seriously funny couple you’ll be calling your new besties in no time. They share the ups and downs in their relationship while giving you step-by-step techniques for improving yours. Follow them on Instagram @vanessaandxander, and tune in to their podcast, Pillow Talks, for totally do-able sex tips, practical relationship advice, hilarious and honest stories of what really goes on behind closed bedroom doors, and so much more. It’s the sex education you WISH you’d had!

Mentioned in this episode:

Xander and Vanessa’s Instagram @vanessaandxander
Vanessa and Xander’s Online Courses: https://vmtherapy.com/courses
Rediscovering Us: Intimacy and Sex for Parents Course
Pillow Talks Podcast 
Sex Talks Book


Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram (Show page)
Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account)
Show Website (transcripts available here)

If you enjoyed this episode please rate and review! xo
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Episode 32: NICU Awareness: The Unique Challenges and Support Needed for NICU Babies and Parents
This week, we have our first TWO guest episode! Rachael has TWO amazing guests on to discuss all about the NICU. They offer unique perspectives from both professional and personal experiences. 

First, Rachael starts with Dr. Frankie Harrison. Dr.Frankie, a clinical psychologist and mom who had a premature baby, discusses the challenges and emotions associated with the NICU journey. She emphasizes the importance of raising awareness for the NICU and providing support for parents who have been through neonatal care. Dr. Frankie also highlights the high rates of mood disorders and PTSD among parents who have experienced the NICU and the lack of support available. She provides tips for self-care and coping with the challenges of taking a baby home from the NICU. Additionally, she discusses the common issues with sleep and feeding that NICU babies may face and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the parent-baby connection.

Our second guest, Abby Boursiquot, an SLP/CLC/feeding specialist, shares her personal experience and professional expertise on breastfeeding and feeding challenges in the NICU. She discusses how parents can encourage breastfeeding while in the NICU, including the importance of skin-to-skin contact and practicing latching. Abby also addresses the challenges parents may face when taking their baby home from the NICU, such as triple feeding and adjusting to a new feeding routine. She emphasizes the need for parents to prioritize their mental health during this time and seek therapy if needed. Abby offers insights on how friends and family can support NICU parents and highlights the importance of self-care. Lastly, she discusses the unique experience of time in the NICU and the uncertainty parents may face.

Dr Frankie Harrison is a clinical Psychologist based in the UK, and also a Mum who had a premature baby at 31 weeks. Her baby needed neonatal support when they were born and she struggled with the impact this had on her once home. She looked around, asked her doctor and found that there was limited support available for NICU parents. So she set up @miraclemoonuk on instagram and facebook, a supportive community for parents who have been through neonatal care and birth trauma. 

Abby is an SLP/CLC/feeding specialist and has worked in special care nurseries and NICU settings in Chicago and DC areas. She is now an infant feeding specialist, specifically for medically complex infants, managing the issues that can occur with prematurity and breast/bottle feeding efficiency issues including tongue ties. Personally, her 2.5 year old son was born at 35 weeks and was in the NICU for 3 weeks. She felt it was such a transformative experience especially as a first time mom, but also seeing the NICU from a personal lens after working there before. This experience further informed her perspective on the NICU and how we can improve the experience for postpartum parents.

Mentioned in this episode:
Dr. Frankie’s website 
Dr. Frankie’s Instagram @miraclemoonuk

Abby’s Instagram @ourvillageslp
Abby’s website


Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram (Show page)
Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account)
Show Website (check out our sponsors, episode details and transcripts available here)
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Episode 31: Fostering a Secure Attachment with Michelle Charriere @babiesandbrains

This week Rachael and guest Michelle Charriere, a birth to five mental health specialist, have a lighthearted but important discussion around attachment theory and its importance in parent-child relationships. Michelle explains the different attachment styles and emphasizes the need for repair in maintaining a healthy attachment relationship. She also addresses two of the most controversial topics on social media: daycare and sleep training. Michelle provides insights into choosing childcare options that support attachment and highlights the importance of observing and connecting with caregivers, and so much more.

Rachael and Michelle also have a little fun discussing their favorite topic- all things Bravo. Hear Michelle's opinion on the best housewives franchise to start with if you’re looking for a new show to binge, F**k, Marry, Kill with Bravo TV personalities, and more!

Michelle Charriere is a birth to five mental health specialist with a background in community behavioral health. She previously worked in-home with families involved in the foster care system, providing psychoeducation on attachment, trauma, and development to help caregivers better understand and support their children. She created Babies and Brains to reach more caregivers around the globe and she provides information and support through digital courses, guides, and social media content. 

Mentioned in this episode:
Michelle’s Babies and Brains IG page
Parenting Through Attachment Course
Childcare & Preschool Guide
New Sibling Guide

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram (Show page)
Tiktok (Rachael's tiktok account)
Show Website (transcripts available here)

If you enjoyed this episode please rate, review and follow! 😘✨
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