SummaryIn part 1 of this episode, Dr. Stephanie Dueger speaks with lactation expert Ana Grantham who shares her insights on common breastfeeding issues like clogged ducts and mastitis, triple feeding, bottle introduction, pacing feeds, and NICU transitions. Ana offers compassionate, evidence-based advice for families navigating pressure, pain, and uncertainty.Keywordsbreastfeeding, lactation, clogged ducts, mastitis, triple feeding, NICU, bottle feeding, paced feeding, milk supply, postpartum recovery, bonding, attachment, skin-to-skinKey TakeawaysClogged ducts are usually from inflammation, not a literal blockage. Ice, rest, and lymphatic drainage are often more helpful than deep massage.Mastitis is often inflammatory and may not require antibiotics if it improves quickly.Triple feeding can be useful short-term, but it is usually unsustainable long term.Feeding is about more than nutrition; it also supports bonding, regulation, and development.Bottles should be introduced early if they’ll be needed later, ideally around 3 to 4 weeks.Paced bottle feeding can help babies transition between bottle and breast more easily.Guest ContactAna Grantham, RN, IBCLCWebsite: https://findingpeacelactation.comHost ContactDr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]Website: https://preparedforparenthood.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQGet Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming FamiliesIf you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
Jun 23
18 min
SummaryIn part two of this episode, guest Cherionna Menzam Sills explores how our earliest experiences—beginning before birth—can shape our relationships, attachment patterns, sense of safety, and lifelong potential. Cherionna shares her groundbreaking embryological perspective on human development, explaining how key prenatal milestones such as implantation, connection, and early development may influence our emotional and relational experiences throughout life. Cherionna illustrates how prenatal challenges can become unconscious patterns that follow us into adulthood—and, more importantly, how healing and repair are always possible. She also introduces listeners to biodynamic craniosacral therapy, explaining how this gentle approach can support nervous system regulation, bonding, attachment, and healing for both parents and babies. KeywordsPrenatal psychology, prenatal trauma, birth trauma healing, prenatal and perinatal psychology, pregnancy emotional health, attachment and bonding, embryological development, biodynamic craniosacral therapy, infant mental health, conscious parenting Takeaways~Human development begins long before birth. Many of the developmental milestones we celebrate after birth have prenatal counterparts that occur in the womb.~Experiences such as implantation difficulties, prenatal stress, or disruptions in connection may later show up as challenges with attachment, relationships, belonging, or feeling safe.~While prenatal and birth experiences can leave lasting imprints, healing and growth remain possible throughout life. Our original potential is never lost.~Parental blame is neither helpful nor accurate. Parents are doing the best they can within the support and knowledge available to them.~One of the most powerful gifts parents can offer is a sense of loving welcome, emotional presence, and connection—both before and after birth.~By becoming aware of our own history and seeking support when needed, we can reduce the likelihood of unconsciously passing unresolved experiences to the next generation.~Support matters during pregnancy and parenthood, helping parents feel more regulated, supported, and emotionally available for their babies.~Babies often respond to the emotional and physiological state of their caregivers, making parental well-being an important part of infant well-being.~Biodynamic craniosacral therapy can help support healing and regulation. Guest ContactWebsite: birthingyourlife.orgWebsite 2: resourcingyourlife.orgHost ContactDr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]Website: https://preparedforparenthood.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQGet Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming FamiliesIf you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
Jun 9
22 min
SummaryIn this episode of Prepared for Parenthood, Dr. Stephanie Dueger speaks with internationally respected prenatal and perinatal psychology educator and author Cherionna Menzam Sills about the concept of the “prenatal shadow” — the ways experiences in utero, during birth, and in the earliest postpartum moments can leave lasting implicit imprints on our nervous systems, emotions, relationships, and sense of self. Drawing from decades of work in somatic prenatal and birth therapy, Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy, and prenatal psychology, Cherionna explains how babies are deeply aware long before birth, even if they cannot consciously remember experiences later in life. Cherionna shares how feelings of welcome, ambivalence, separation, and repair can shape early development and attachment. The conversation offers hope and healing, emphasizing that it is never too late to address early imprints and that repair, reflection, and compassionate presence can profoundly support both children and adults. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of how understanding our earliest experiences may help us parent more consciously and heal more deeply.Keywordsprenatal psychology, perinatal mental health, prenatal trauma, birth trauma, implicit memory, nervous system healing, attachment, postpartum support, somatic therapy, biodynamic craniosacral therapy, prenatal shadow, conscious parenting, infant mental health, trauma healing, parenting podcast, motherhood, pregnancy support, early childhood development, embodied healing, Prepared for Parenthood podcastTakeaways~Babies are capable of implicit memory before birth and during infancy, even without conscious autobiographical memory.~Experiences during pregnancy and birth can leave lasting imprints in the nervous system, body, emotions, and relational patterns.~The “prenatal shadow” refers to early experiences that were never acknowledged, reflected, or integrated.~Repair is possible at any stage of life through acknowledgment, emotional attunement, explanation, and supportive therapeutic work.~Feelings of not being welcomed, or separation between parent and baby after birth may create distress that can sometimes be eased through compassionate communication and repair.~Slowing down, creating safety, and providing relational support are essential in healing prenatal and birth trauma.~Parents do not need to be perfect; awareness and repair are deeply meaningful and healing.Guest ContactWebsite: birthingyourlife.orgWebsite 2: resourcingyourlife.orgHost ContactDr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]Website: https://preparedforparenthood.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQGet Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming FamiliesIf you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
May 25
28 min
SummaryIn part two of this interview, Dr. Jay Warren shares how chiropractic care can help during pregnancy to ease discomfort and help make the birth process smoother for parent and baby. He also discusses how postpartum chiropractic care can help mom recover faster and baby find more ease with breastfeeding and challenges with fussiness.KeywordsPrenatal chiropractic care, postpartum chiropractic care, chiropractic care for birth, postpartum recovery, chiropractic baby care, chiropractic care for breastfeeding, chiropractic care for colic, family bondingTakeaways~Chiropractic care during pregnancy and the postpartum period can ease pain and discomfort and make birth easier for mom and baby.~Chiropractic care can facilitate faster recovery from birth.~Chiropractic care can help babies who are having breastfeeding challenges, or who are fussy or colicky. Guest ContactWebsite: https://drjwarren.comPodcast & New Dads Groups Offerings: https://thedadhoodjourney.comHost ContactDr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]Website: https://preparedforparenthood.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQGet Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming FamiliesIf you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
May 19
17 min
SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Dr. Jay Warren shares insights on fatherhood and supporting new parents through practical advice and personal stories. Discover how intuition, skills, and slowing down can transform the parenting experience.Keywordsfatherhood, new parents, parenting tips, intuition, skills, postpartum recovery, baby care, mental health, family bondingTakeaways~Most new dads are faced with unique challenges when becoming parents.~Practicing listening to your gut feelings as a parent is as essential as learning and rehearsing important baby care skills before birth and throughout the parenting journey.~Engaging in open conversations with your partner about expectations and support can lead to an easier transition for parents.~Local or online dads groups can help new fathers build a supportive community. Guest contact:Website: https://drjaywarren.comPodcast & New Dads Groups Offerings: https://thedadhoodjourney.comHost ContactDr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]Website: https://preparedforparenthood.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQGet Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming FamiliesIf you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
May 12
23 min
SummaryIn part two of this interview, Dr. Stephanie Dueger and Dr. Susan Highsmith both share personal stories about their own pregnancies and circumstances surrounding them. Dr. Highsmith discusses why and how important reading to babies and providing attention to them is in the NICU. She also shares how research demonstrates the lifelong, and sometimes extraordinary, impacts that early intervention can have for babies and families. Keywords early consciousness, pregnancy, prenatal influence, subconscious, spirituality, reading to babies, communicationKey Topics~Emotional and spiritual conversations with a baby, even before conception, are not uncommon and may have surprising results.~Early impressions and experiences may shape lifelong health patterns and self-esteem.~Sharing authentic, positive birth stories and overcoming societal narratives centered on trauma can be deeply empowering for both babies and parents.~Supporting women, parents, babies, and whole families through challenging pregnancy and birth experiences can help heal emotional wounds.Guest ContactDr. Susan Highsmith Website: susanhighsmithphd.comHost ContactDr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]Website: https://preparedforparenthood.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQGet Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming FamiliesIf you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
Apr 27
20 min
SummaryDiscover how early communication, specifically reading to babies while still in the womb, can shape their development, consciousness, andfuture. Dr. Susan Highsmith shares insights from her extensive research and writings on prenatal psychology, birth consciousness, and the importance of nurturing connection from conception onward. This episode explores the profound impact of thoughts, feelings, and spiritual connection in creating more easeful, conscious prenatal and birth experiences and raising children who feel connected and loved.Keywords early consciousness, pregnancy, prenatal influence, fairy tales, conscious conception, conscious birth, subconscious, spiritual truths,storytelling, communicationTakeaways~Reading fairy tales and other stories to babies in utero allows for cognitive and spiritual development.~A pregnant mother and baby form an interconnected, symbiotic relationship during pregnancy. Nurturing this bond is important.~Consciousness, beliefs, and perceptions help shape birth outcomes and the early years of a child's life.~Research demonstrates that newborn babies can recognize their parents’ voices, stories, and songs that were shared with them in utero. ~The environment and the birth worker’s consciousness during birth can also impact how a birth unfolds, including NICU practices.~Emotional and spiritual conversations with a baby, even before conception, may have surprising results.Guest ContactDr. Susan Highsmith Website: susanhighsmithphd.comHost ContactDr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]Website: https://preparedforparenthood.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQGet Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming FamiliesIf you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
Apr 14
20 min
SummaryPerinatal mood disorders (PMADs) are common, varied, and treatable with the right support. Here we discuss the different PMADs, their symptoms, potential contributing factors, and treatment options. Our hope is to give you an overview of what to look for, in an effort to help more expectant and new parents get the support they need so that that the whole family can thrive.Keywordsperinatal mood disorders, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, PMADs, mental health, PTSD, new parents, postpartum support, mental health treatment, postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder, OCDKey Topics~Perinatal mood disorders overview~Symptoms of prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety~Symptoms of perinatal PTSD, bipolar disorders, and psychosis~Causes and risk factors of PMADs~Treatment options and support systems~Importance of early screening, reducing stigma, and early treatmentTakeaways~Perinatal mood disorders affect one in 3 to 5 parents, making them very common.~Biological, psychological, and social factors all contribute to PMADs.~Early screening and support significantly improve outcomes.~Support from professionals, family, and community is crucial for recovery.Host ContactDr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]Website: https://preparedforparenthood.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQGet Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming FamiliesIf you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
Apr 6
14 min
Keywordsmotherhood, postpartum, working moms, maternal health, parenting challenges, women's health, maternity leave, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, relationships, motherhood experience, postpartum, mental health, paternity leave, postpartum depression, parenting, motherhood, support, communitySummaryIn part two of this conversation, Katie O'Toole shares her own experience of a postpartum mood disorder, as well as her transition back to working fulltime when she was four months postpartum. She discusses how writing her book, 'Mayday on the Mothership,' helped her heal from postpartum depression and anxiety, and how bridging important conversations with her partner allowed them to communicate more openly and make needed changes now that they had a baby. Katie shares her experiences with postpartum challenges, emphasizing the importance of both maternity and paternity leave, and the significance of building a supportive community. She also highlights the common struggles faced by new parents and the importance of maximizing quality time with their children, while preparing for the realities of parenthood.Takeaways~Postpartum depression and other mood disorders are common and often go unrecognized and untreated. Sometimes we need others to see that we as new parents are not thriving and need support.~Communication between partners is always crucial, but even more so during the postpartum period.~A supportive network is essential for new mothers and parents, including one’s partner, friends and/or family, and potentially new (or ongoing) community who is also going through this huge transition.~Both maternity and paternity/ partner leave are essential for recovery and the best start for a new family.~Maximizing quality time with our children where we are present and not distracted is vital for healthy connection and development.Guest ContactWebsite and Social Media Links: https://katieotoole.com/Book on Amazon: Mayday on the MothershipHost ContactDr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]Website: https://preparedforparenthood.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQGet Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming FamiliesIf you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
Mar 25
21 min
Keywordspostpartum rage, postpartum mental health, postpartum mood disorders, hormonal changes after birth, hormone sensitivity in women, maternal mental health, emotional changes after having a babySummary In this episode, we talk about postpartum rage as a real, distressing, and often underrecognized part of postpartum mental health. We explore what current research says about the dramatic hormonal shifts after birth, why anger can show up, and why some people may be especially sensitive to reproductive hormone changes. We discuss how hormones are not the whole story and that lack of support and sleep along with the demands of new parenthood can all exacerbate postpartum rage. We also explore mood changes across the reproductive lifespan, making potential connections between postpartum rage and premenstrual syndrome as well as to perimenopausal or menopausal rage. Takeaways~Postpartum rage is influenced by things like hormonal shifts, lack of sleep and support, and mood.~Anger and severe irritability are important postpartum mood symptoms that deserve direct screening and support. ~It is not simply that “hormone changes cause symptoms,” but that some women seem to be more sensitive to hormonal shifts.~A history of hormonal mood sensitivity — such as PMS/PMDD — may increase vulnerability during postpartum and perimenopause. ~Support, understanding, and medical care are important for managing postpartum rage and hormonal mood shifts. They are critical when coupled with perinatal mood disorders. Research Citations (not complete)Buttner, M. M., et al. (2013). Examination of premenstrual symptoms as a risk factor for depression in postpartum women. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 16(3), 219–225. Freeman, E. W., Sammel, M. D., Lin, H., & Nelson, D. B. (2006). Associations of hormones and menopausal status with depressed mood in women with no history of depression. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63(4), 375–382. Soares, C. N., & Zitek, B. (2008). Reproductive hormone sensitivity and risk for depression across the female life cycle: A continuum of vulnerability? Journal of Psychiatry &Neuroscience, 33(4), 331–343. Books Textbook of Women’s Reproductive Mental Health. American Psychiatric Association Publishing, 2021.Dubin, M. Mom Rage: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood, Seal Press, 2023. Jones, L. Matrescence: On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood, Deckle Edge, 2024.Mosconi, L. The Menopause Brain. Avery / Penguin Random House, 2024. Sichel, D., & Driscoll, J. W. Women’s Moods: What Every Woman Must Know About Hormones, the Brain, and Emotional Health. William Morrow, 1999. ContactDr. Stephanie Dueger: [email protected]Website: https://preparedforparenthood.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/preparedforparenthood/FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Prepared-for-Parenthood/100075999845994/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RHCyYa-ChfUN4xd6llDfQGet Dr. Dueger's Book on Amazon: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families Get Dr. Dueger's Book on Bookshop.org: Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming FamiliesIf you enjoyed this podcast, please help it succeed by Rating, Reviewing, Subscribing, and Downloading it. Thank you for your support!
Mar 7
15 min
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