Raising Mama Podcast - podcast cover

Raising Mama Podcast

Megan Stander and Chelsea Ledsenwww.raisingmama.com
The Raising Mama Podcast helps new and expecting moms cut through the noise to make confident, informed choices in pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood. Hosted by best friends Megan and Chelsea—two moms navigating motherhood in real time—we dive into honest convos with experts and everyday parents about sleep, postpartum mental health, relationships, and everything no one warned you about. You’re not alone, Mama. Let’s raise each other up.
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Episodes

Postpartum Doula Tips for the First 48 Hours: Postpartum Self-Care Ideas for Nourishment, Healing & Cocooning

Summary In this episode, Megan Limon, a postpartum doula, shares her expertise on the first 48 hours after birth and the importance of maternal care. She emphasizes the value of nourishing foods, particularly warm soups, in supporting the body's healing process. Megan also discusses the benefits of belly binding and provides practical tips and DIYs for postpartum care. She encourages mothers to prepare for postpartum with the same focus and excitement as they do for birth, and reminds them that ...

Mar 05, 202442 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Maternity Leave in California Explained: How to Get 6 Months Paid, Job Protected Maternity Leave & Keep Your Health Insurance

IMPORTANT: Download the companion 38-page California Maternity Leave guide that has all of the steps, checklists, timelines, links, phone numbers, and everything you need to put your plan into action. You can download the guide here: https://raisingmama.com/pages/california-maternity-leave-explained In this episode of Raising Mama Podcast, we show you exactly how to get 6 months of paid, job-protected maternity leave in California while keeping your health insurance intact. Inside this easy-to-u...

Feb 27, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Our BEST Tips for Going Back to Work: Breastmilk Pumping Advice, Managing Guilt, & Self-Advocacy in the Workplace

Summary In this episode, Chelsea and Megan discuss their experiences of going back to work after having their babies. They share their challenges and tips for pumping at work, choosing the right breast pump and balancing work and family priorities. Key Things Discussed: Why "the system" sets moms up for struggle and how to combat it Willow vs. Elvie - pros and cons depending on your job Balancing work as a new mom if you're an independent contractor or self-employed Managing big emotions when yo...

Feb 17, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 15

The Emotional Journey of Mothers, The Power of Homeopathy, & Strategies for Connecting with Yourself | Maya Keane

In this episode, Megan and Chelsea speak with Maya Keane , a classically trained homeopathic practitioner and emotional healing guide . They discuss the role of homeopathy in emotional healing and its intersection with the emotional journeys of women , particularly mothers. Maya explains how homeopathy can help individuals process and release emotional overwhelm , and how it differs from traditional therapy. They also explore the transformative power of sensitivity and the challenges and opportu...

Jan 21, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Emotional Overwhelm, Self-Work, & Navigating a Separation

In this pre-episode to our interview with Maya Keane, an Emotional Healing Guide & Homeopathic Practitioner, Megan shares her transformative journey of motherhood and how she worked with Maya to support her through emotional overwhelm. She discusses the challenges of recognizing emotional overwhelm and distinguishing it from normal new motherhood experiences . Megan delves into her childhood experiences and how they contributed to her emotional state. She explains the breaking point that led...

Jan 13, 202454 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Losing the "Baby Weight" with Sustainable Fitness & Nutrition | Katie Wilder Thomas

In this episode, we chat with Katie Wilder Thomas a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach (PN1). She's the creator of the Food Freedom Project and a dynamic trainer on the Future Fitness App . Katie, a mom of two, has extensive experience empowering mothers in their postpartum fitness and nutrition journey. Her practical and empathetic coaching, available through her online modules at www.katiewilderthomas.com and active Instagram community (...

Jan 06, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Postpartum Weight Struggles, Body Image & Self-Love

Summary In this conversation, Chelsea and Megan discuss the realities of pregnancy weight gain and the challenges of losing the baby weight. They explore the mental and emotional impact of body changes and the importance of taking a mindful approach to weight loss. They also discuss the influence of society on body image and the transition to motherhood. The conversation highlights the evolution of body image and the journey towards acceptance and self-love . They conclude with observations from...

Dec 30, 202347 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Sleep Coaching: Handling Regressions, Prioritizing Parental Well-Being | Heidi Lovens

In this episode of the Raising Mama podcast, hosts Chelsea and Megan are joined by Heidi Lovens, a seasoned sleep coach. The conversation covers a range of topics related to sleep challenges for children of various ages, from newborns to six-year-olds. Heidi shares her journey from being a nanny to becoming a sleep coach and offers practical advice for parents facing sleep-related issues with their children. You can follow Heidi on Instagram @everydaylovens and visit her website at www.everydayl...

Dec 23, 202356 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Birthing Abroad, Partial Molar Pregnancy, and Letting Go

This episode features Julie Hughes, a military spouse and mother of three, who shares her rich experiences of embracing motherhood while navigating its unpredictability and challenges. Julie's journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, offers valuable perspectives for new and expecting mothers. Key Takeaways: Cross-Cultural Childbirth Experiences: Julie's unique childbirth experiences in Japan, California, and a U.S. military hospital highlight the diversity in practices and the importance ...

Dec 15, 20231 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Traumatic NICU Experience, Late Onset Postpartum Anxiety, & Traumatic Grief | Kathryn Albergate Davis

Join us in a profound discussion with Kathryn Albergate Davis, a distinguished public health educator, postpartum doula, and a staunch advocate for reproductive justice. Kathryn brings to the table over 13 years of facilitating community health programs and supporting new families. As a mother who has navigated the NICU journey and experienced traumatic grief, she offers a unique perspective that bridges professional insight with personal understanding. Topics Covered: The NICU Experience: Hear ...

Dec 09, 20231 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Postpartum Sleep, Co-Sleeping with Toddlers, Stay-at-Home Dads

In this revealing episode of Raising Mama, hosts Megan Stander and Chelsea Ledson tackle the often overwhelming world of sleep, or lack thereof, in motherhood. They share their personal sleep experiences, shedding light on common struggles and offering insights that resonate with new and seasoned moms alike.Topics Covered:* Sleep Deprivation Effects: A frank discussion on the physical and mental impacts of sleep deprivation in the postpartum period.* Post-Baby Sleep Patterns: Insights into the e...

Dec 01, 202355 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Mom Fails, Bodily Fluids, & Authenticity in Motherhood

Dive into another unfiltered conversation with Megan Stander and Chelsea Ledsen. Known for their frank and slightly crass approach, Megan and Chelsea offer a refreshingly honest perspectiv...

Nov 26, 202358 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Solo-Parenting, Misconceptions of Miscarriage, & Motherhood as a Performance Artist

In this episode of Raising Mama Podcast, we're joined by Amanda Vitiello, an artist balancing motherhood and a career in performance from San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Topics discussed: The identity transformation that accompanies becoming a mother The inequities she faced as an acting coach compared to her husband Her personal struggle with miscarriage, challenging the silence surrounding the topic Her experience underlines the importance of open dialogue and community support in healing. Managin...

Nov 03, 202352 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Sex After Birth, Best Practices for Communicating with Visitors, Sleep Deprivation

In this informative episode of The Butterfly Club, hosts Chelsea and Megan are thrilled to welcome back Rachel Buehler, who joins them not as an expert but as a soon-to-be mother full of questions. The conversation begins with the sensitive subject of resuming sexual activity and intimacy with your partner after giving birth. Chelsea and Megan offer an unfiltered look at the emotional and physical realities that new mothers often encounter.The issue of sleep deprivation follows, revealing the ra...

Oct 12, 202355 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Being Pregnant as an ER Nurse, Post-Birth Revelations, Partner Help, & Healing from Birth

In this enlightening episode, hosts Megan and Chelsea welcome special guest Rachel Buehler, an ER Nurse who is looking forward to embarking on her own journey into motherhood soon. Megan and Chelsea share their uniquely different experiences of pregnancy, shedding light on the spectrum of emotions, physical changes, and uncertainties that expecting mothers may face. Megan and Chelsea open up about the revelations they had after birth—insights that reshaped their perspectives and helped them cope...

Sep 18, 202352 minSeason 1Ep. 3

The Car Birth Story, Doulas, and D-MER

In this episode, Megan recounts her car birth story also known as precipitous labor. Megan and Chelsea also discuss the benefits of having a doula and what you can do if you can't afford one. D-MER also known as Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex is discussed as that was a significant challenge during Megan's postpartum. Megan ends the episode with her personal advice on how to make the best of your postpartum. Download your FREE Postpartum Preparation Handbook. Instantly get 20 pages of in-depth gu...

Aug 17, 20231 hrSeason 1Ep. 2

Origins, the Ultimate Parenting Hack, and Advice for First Time Moms

In the first episode of Raising Mama Podcast, briefly known as The Butterfly Club, host Megan Stander welcomes guest Chelsea Ledsen, a registered nurse specializing in women's health. Over a glass of wine, they delve into the origin story behind the podcast's name and reveal what they feel is the biggest parenting hack. Chelsea shares insights on the transformative journey of becoming a mother while addressing gender imbalances and unfairness in parenting. The episode concludes with valuable adv...

Jul 13, 202354 minSeason 1Ep. 1
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