Postpartum Prep Podcast
Pregnancy is just the beginning - but who’s helping you prepare for life after birth? The Postpartum Prep Podcast guides expecting and new moms into motherhood with confidence and support. Hosted by postpartum doula Ceridwen, the podcast offers evidence-based insight and compassionate conversations on the journey from birth, through the fourth trimester, and beyond. Topics include postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, newborn sleep, maternal mental health, identity shifts, and building your support system.
Episodes
Advice for First-Time Moms-to-Be | What Parents Wish They'd Known Before Birth
What do parents wish they’d known before having their first baby? In this special 50th episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, past guests share the advice they would give themselves during pregnancy to prepare for postpartum and life with a newborn.From breastfeeding and newborn sleep to postpartum recovery, mental health, and the emotional transition into motherhood, these honest reflections off
How to Know If You're Actually Prepared for Postpartum (And What You Might Be Missing)
You might have bought the car seat, washed the baby clothes, taken a birth class, and read about breastfeeding. But are you actually prepared for postpartum?In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, we're looking at what it really means to prepare for life after birth and the things many expecting parents overlook when getting ready for a new baby.I'll walk you through six important
Things Nobody Tells You About the First Few Weeks With a Newborn (Episode 48)
What are the first few weeks with a newborn actually like?Before having my baby, I thought I knew what to expect after birth. I knew newborns woke at night. I knew breastfeeding didn't always go to plan. I knew having a baby would a lot of work. But there were so many things I simply didn’t realize I would experience until I was living them.In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, I’m shari
Do You Really Need a Nursing Bra? The Truth About Breastfeeding Bras From Real Moms (Episode 47)
Are nursing bras actually necessary for breastfeeding? Or are they just another postpartum product that new moms are told they need?In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, we’re exploring the real-life experience of wearing nursing bras while breastfeeding. Real moms share whether they felt nursing bras were essential, what they loved about them, and why some moms chose to skip them comple
How to Cope with the Fear of Motherhood | Losing Yourself, Trusting Yourself & Becoming a Mom (Episode 46)
If you're pregnant and wondering how to cope with the fear of motherhood, you're not alone.Becoming a mother can bring excitement, joy, and anticipation - but it can also bring fear.In this Q&A episode, Ceridwen is joined by Vanessa from Matrescence in Color to explore some of the most common fears expectant and new mothers experience. Together, they discuss what it means to lose yours
45: Becoming a Mother | The Identity Shift Nobody Prepares You For
Becoming a mother is one of the biggest transitions a woman can experience, yet many women feel completely unprepared for how much it changes them.In this episode, therapist Vanessa Leville explains why motherhood can transform your identity, relationships, nervous system, ambitions, and sense of self - an experience that is more common than most people realize.Together, they explore why becoming
44: Preparing for Postpartum with Twins | What No One Tells You About Support, NICU Stays & Survival
Welcoming twins can be a beautiful experience - but it can also bring unique challenges that many parents don't feel prepared for.In this Q&A episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen sits down with Alaina from Nurturing Twins to discuss what postpartum really looks like with twins and how parents can prepare before their babies arrive.Together, they explore essential twin postpartu
43: Having Twins Doesn't Mean Giving Up Attachment Parenting | The Motherbaby Triad with Alaina of Nurturing Twins
What if having twins didn't mean giving up the parenting experience you dreamed of?In this episode, Ceridwen is joined by Alaina, founder of Nurturing Twins, to explore a radically different approach to twin motherhood - one rooted in attachment, responsiveness, and connection.Together, we discuss:• The "Motherbaby Triad" and why twin families need a different framework than the trad
42: What to Eat After Birth | Postpartum Healing, Energy & Recovery
What should you actually eat during postpartum recovery? Are “superfoods” necessary? Should you avoid cold foods after birth? And is it okay to follow postpartum cravings?In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen is joined by Carla from Carla Sage Birthwork for a deeply grounding conversation about postpartum nutrition, healing, energy, and recovery after birth. Together, they answe
41: Preparing Emotionally for Postpartum Recovery | Rest, Support & Healing After Birth
What really helps postpartum recovery?In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen speaks with postpartum care provider Carla Sage about the emotional and practical preparation that can support a smoother postpartum recovery after birth.This conversation explores:Postpartum rest and healingThe emotional “inner work” of postpartum preparationWhy asking for help can feel difficultThe 7-7
40: Postpartum Nutrition Q&A with Lily Nichols | Breastfeeding Hunger, Electrolytes, Bone Broth Benefits & Liver Supplements,
What should you actually be eating after having a baby - and how often? In this postpartum nutrition Q&A, we’re answering your most common (and sometimes surprising) questions about nourishing your body during recovery and breastfeeding.I’m joined again by prenatal nutrition expert Lily Nichols to break down practical, evidence-based insights on postpartum healing, energy, and milk production
39: Postpartum Nutrition 101 | Postpartum Meal Prep & What to Eat After Birth (with Lily Nichols)
In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen sits down with registered dietitian, researcher, and bestselling author Lily Nichols to uncover one of the most overlooked pieces of postpartum recovery: nutrition after birth.Most moms are told what to eat during pregnancy - but few are prepared for the reality that your nutrient needs are even higher postpartum. Whether you're planning
38: Postpartum Anxiety & Stress Relief | Mindful Techniques to Calm Spiraling Thoughts (Even With a Newborn)
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in spiraling thoughts after having a baby?In this episode of The Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen is joined by mindful breastfeeding practitioner Adele from The Mindful Mama Mentor for a gentle, grounding Q&A on postpartum stress relief and calming techniques you can use in real life - even while you're holding your baby, doing the dishes, or running
37: The Missing Piece in Breastfeeding Prep | Mindset, Support & Healing
Breastfeeding is often talked about as something natural - but that doesn’t mean it always feels easy.In this episode, I’m joined by mindful breastfeeding practitioner Adele Moore to explore how to prepare for breastfeeding in a way that goes beyond latch and positioning. We talk about the emotional, mental, and relational side of breastfeeding - and why the support you have around you can shape y
36: Hey Sleepy Baby on Night Wakings & Night Weaning | When to Wean, What’s Normal, and What Actually Helps
If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to night wean… or hoped it would finally fix your baby’s night wakings… this episode is for you.In this Q&A episode of The Postpartum Prep Podcast, I’m joined by Rachael Shepard-Ohta of Hey Sleepy Baby to answer real questions from parents about night weaning, night waking, and how to know what’s actually normal when it comes to baby sleep.We dive into
35: How Much Sleep Do Babies Really Need? (Rachael from Hey Sleepy Baby Breaks Down Infant Sleep Myths)
How much sleep do babies really need - and what if your baby isn’t following the “rules”?In this episode of The Postpartum Prep Podcast, I’m joined by Rachael Shepard-Ohta of Hey Sleepy Baby, a leading voice in biologically normal, attachment-focused infant sleep. Together, we break down one of the biggest sources of stress for new parents: baby sleep.If you’ve ever Googled “how much should my bab
34: Preparing for the Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood | What Every Expecting Mom Should Know
Becoming a mother is one of the most meaningful transitions in life - but it can also feel like an emotional rollercoaster.In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, we talk about preparing for the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood so you can enter this life change with more understanding, self-compassion, and realistic expectations.I’m joined by matrescence coach and motherhood mentor Je
33: Matrescence & Postpartum Mindset Prep | Preparing Emotionally for Life After Baby
Becoming a mother isn’t just about having a baby. It’s a profound transformation called matrescence.In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, I’m joined by matrescence coach and motherhood mentor Jenavieve, founder of A Mama Friend. We talk about the emotional, psychological, and identity shifts that happen as women move into motherhood, and why understanding matrescence can make postpartum
32: Postpartum Chores for New Dads | How to Support Your Partner After Baby
What should dads actually be doing during postpartum?In this episode of The Postpartum Prep Podcast, I’m joined by Antonio of @WawaLifter — a babywearing educator from Peru who advocates for active, nurturing fatherhood — to talk about how new dads can organize postpartum chores, cleaning, and daily routines in a way that truly supports the mother-baby dyad.We cover:• Why fathers are not observers
31: Babywearing for Dads | How Fathers Can Support Postpartum Recovery & Bond With Baby
Can dads babywear? And how can fathers truly support postpartum recovery?In this episode of The Postpartum Prep Podcast, I’m joined by Antonio of @wawalifter — babywearing educator and father from Peru — for a powerful conversation about babywearing for dads, postpartum support, and how fathers can build deep connection with their newborns from day one.We talk about:How babywearing supports postpa
30: Building Your Postpartum Support Network | How to Find Your People After Baby
Navigating the early weeks of parenthood can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, I’m joined by Amy Brown, Professor of Maternal and Child Health at Swansea University, to answer all your questions about postpartum support and building a postpartum village.Amy has spent over 20 years researching how first-time moms and new parents ca
29: Do Strict Baby Routines Actually Work? What the Research Says About Infant Sleep & Feeding
Are strict baby sleep routines actually helpful? Or are they just increasing stress, feeding challenges, and self-doubt for new parents?In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, I’m joined by Professor Amy Brown, a leading maternal and child public health researcher at Swansea University and one of the most influential voices in infant feeding, breastfeeding support, and perinatal mental hea
28: How to Prepare Mentally for Postpartum Challenges (Sleep, Identity & Mental Health)
Preparing for postpartum isn’t just about baby gear and birth plans - it’s also about preparing mentally for one of the biggest identity shifts of your life.In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen is joined by maternal mental health therapist and neuroscience-based infant sleep specialist Gabrielle Ferrara for a deeply grounding conversation on how to prepare emotionally and menta
27: Why Babies Want to Sleep Close | Baby Sleep & Bedsharing Explained
Why do so many babies struggle to sleep alone — even when parents plan not to bed share? And why does closeness feel so instinctive for both mothers and babies?In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen is joined by Gabrielle Ferrara, nurture neuroscience practitioner and perinatal mental health therapist, to explore the biology, neuroscience, and emotional foundations of infant slee
26: Why Most Families Co-Sleep (Even If They Didn’t Plan To)
If you're currently pregnant, you might assume you'll never co-sleep or bedshare. Maybe you've heard that the only option is for babies to sleep in a crib. But in reality, most families do end up co-sleeping at some point, often unintentionally.In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, we’re talking about why families co-sleep, why so many parents change their minds after birth,
25: How to Start Babywearing Safely After Birth
Is babywearing always safe? When should you not babywear? What if you have a plus-size body or a baby with medical considerations?In this Q&A episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, I’m joined by babywearing consultant Jaclyn Fiedler to answer some of the most common - and important - questions parents have about babywearing.We talk about when babywearing may not be appropriate, how to think a
24: Babywearing 101 for Pregnant Moms | Why It Matters & How to Prepare Before Birth
If you’re pregnant and preparing for life after birth, babywearing is one of the most supportive tools you can learn before your baby arrives.In this episode of The Postpartum Prep Podcast, I’m joined by Jacqueline Fiedler, certified babywearing consultant and founder of Your Babywearing Bestie, for a deeply grounding conversation about babywearing for pregnant moms - what it is, why it matters, a
23: How to Prepare Your Home for Postpartum | Creating a Baby-Friendly, Low-Stress Environment
In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen is joined by doula and biological infant sleep educator Claire Fagan to explore how pregnant moms can set up their homes in ways that truly support the motherbaby dyad.Preparing for postpartum starts long before your baby arrives. Creating a baby-friendly environment can make those early weeks feel more intuitive, connected, and calm. This e
22: Preparing for a Connected, Nourishing Start to Life With Your Newborn | The Regenerative Paradigm for Postpartum
In this episode, Ceridwen sits down with postpartum and birth doula, biological infant sleep educator, and mother Claire Fagan, founder of Regenerative Motherhood. Together they explore what new parents truly need in the early weeks and why so many common struggles come from cultural expectations - not parental failure.Claire shares how becoming a mother transformed her approach to postpartum care
21: Why Postpartum Prep Matters More Than Birth Prep | What Every Pregnant Mom Should Know
So many pregnant moms spend months preparing for birth… only to realize afterward that the real learning curve begins after the baby arrives. In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen—postpartum doula, lactation counselor, gentle sleep practitioner, and your guide to intentional mothering—shares a powerful reminder of why postpartum prep matters just as much as birth prep (if not mo
20: Newborn Sleep Prep for Expecting Moms | Should I Do an Eat Play Sleep Routine, Can I Contact Nap Before Returning to Work, and Navigating Toddler Sleep Transitions With a New Sibling
In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen sits down again with Katie from Sleepy Starts to answer real listener questions about preparing for newborn sleep.If you haven’t listened to the full episode released right before this one—Baby Sleep Safety Guidelines—add it to your queue next. That episode lays the foundation for everything you’ll hear today, especially around what's no
19: Baby Sleep Safety Guidelines | What Every Expecting Mom Should Know Before Welcoming a Newborn
Newborn sleep can feel confusing, overwhelming, and honestly… nothing like what most parents expect. In this episode of The Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen is joined by Katie Fridge from Sleepy Starts to break down the realities of newborn sleep and the latest evidence-based baby sleep safety guidelines - so you can make intentional, informed choices that support your baby’s wellbeing and your o
18: What to Do When Your Family Disagrees With How You Want to Raise Your Baby
So many pregnant women wonder: What if my family disagrees with how I want to raise my baby? Maybe you worry they’ll think you’re too crunchy, too gentle, too strict, too intuitive, too informed… or that your choices about sleep, feeding, breastfeeding, babywearing, or connection will be misunderstood or judged.In this episode, we explore what’s really underneath the fear of family disagreement —
17: What to Know About Galactagogues Before Birth | The Truth About Boosting Milk Supply
If you’re pregnant and already seeing ads for lactation cookies, teas, or “superfoods to boost your milk supply,” this episode is for you.In this week’s episode of The Postpartum Prep Podcast, host Ceridwen Farley, motherbaby wellbeing consultant and lactation counselor, takes a closer look at something called galactagogues—foods, herbs, supplements, or medications that are thought to increase bre
16: What to Expect from Baby Sleep (and What’s Actually Normal)
Wondering what’s normal when it comes to baby sleep? This myth-busting episode helps pregnant and new moms understand what to really expect - from frequent night wakings to contact naps and “sleeping through the night” myths. Learn what’s biologically normal, what’s not, and how to feel more confident about your baby’s sleep.Share this episode with a mama who needs some reassurance that her baby&#
15: How to Have a Smooth Postpartum | 3 Ways to Prepare for Life After Birth
If you’re pregnant and wondering how to prepare for postpartum, this episode is for you!Learn what a smoother postpartum transition really means — and why preparing for life after birth is one of the most important things you can do before your baby arrives.You’ll learn what makes the difference between a chaotic and a calm fourth trimester, what realistic postpartum expectations look like, and th
14: Essential Postpartum Prep Checklist for New Moms
Get your free guide to Postpartum Prep Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them) hereIn this week’s Q&A episode of The Postpartum Prep Podcast, host Ceridwen walks you through everything you need to know about creating your postpartum prep checklist — including what to include, what items are actually necessary, and how to prepare for recovery as a first-time mom.Ceridwen breaks down each key area
13: The 4 Types of Postpartum Prep
Get your free guide to Postpartum Prep Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them) herePreparing for life after birth is about so much more than buying baby gear. In this episode, Ceridwen shares four essential types of postpartum prep - from practical preparation and building your village to setting realistic expectations and doing the mindset work that helps you thrive in early motherhood. You’ll lea
TRAILER | Postpartum Prep Podcast
Free Postpartum Prep ChecklistIf you’re pregnant and wondering what the fourth trimester will really be like,, you're in the right place. The Postpartum Prep Podcast is your guide to preparing for a smoother start to life after birth.Here on the Postpartum Prep Podcast, we chat about:RecoveryBreastfeedingBaby sleepThe emotional changes of becoming a momHosted by postpartum doula, lactation cou
12: How to Plan for Postpartum Visitors and Help After Birth
Get your free guide to Postpartum Prep Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them) hereIn today's episode, we're talking about planning for postpartum visitors and getting help after baby arrives. Learn how to politely say no to visitors, set boundaries with family (including your mom or mother-in-law), and clarify what “help” really looks like. I share practical tips to protect your sleep, emot
11: Top 3 Postpartum Prep Mistakes to Avoid
Get your free guide to Postpartum Prep Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them) herePreparing for life after birth is just as important as preparing for birth itself — but most new parents don’t realize it until they’re already in the thick of recovery and newborn care. In this episode, I’m sharing the top 3 postpartum prep mistakes I see first-time families make, and what you can do instead to set yo
10: How to Prepare for Breastfeeding Before Baby Arrives
Sign up for my email newsletter here 💌Wondering how to prepare for breastfeeding before your baby arrives?In this episode of The Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen answers three of the most common questions pregnant moms have:Can you increase breast milk supply before birth?When does milk “come in” after delivery?Do you need to prepare your nipples for nursing? You’ll also hear practical tips on
9: The Spiritual Meaning of Postpartum
Get your free Intentional Choice Guide here 💌In this reflective episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen explores the spiritual meaning of postpartum beyond checklists and milestones. She shares her own journey of navigating disconnection, grief, and survival-mode in early motherhood, and how - over time - she came to see postpartum as a “portal” of transformation. Through personal stor
8: How to Prepare for Postpartum as a First-Time Mom
Sign up for my email newsletter here 💌First-time mom? In this bonus episode, I share how to prepare for postpartum recovery, the real essentials worth having, and simple ways to build your support village before baby arrives. Practical, encouraging tips to make your transition smoother.If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review - it helps other moms find these tips when they need t
7: 5 Steps to Making Intentional Choices in Pregnancy and Postpartum
Download your free Intentional Choice Guide here 💌You may have heard about informed choice, but what if there’s a deeper way to make decisions that leaves you feeling confident, connected, and aligned with your baby?In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, I share the difference between informed choice and intentional choice, and why learning to trust your mother’s intuition during pregnan
6: What ChatGPT Can't Tell You About Postpartum Prep
💌 Download your free Intentional Choice Guide here 💌Most postpartum prep stops at checklists and to-do’s - but there’s one thing those lists (and even AI like ChatGPT) can’t give you: embodiment. In this episode, I share why tuning into your intuition is the missing piece of postpartum prep, and how strengthening that connection helps you make confident, intentional choices for yourself and your b
5: Trusting Your Intuition as a New Mom
In this episode, Ceridwen explores the power of a mother’s intuition and why it’s so essential in the postpartum journey. With so much outside advice - both helpful and overwhelming - how do you tune into your own instincts and make decisions that feel right for you and your baby? Ceridwen unpacks the balance between intuition and informed choice, offering guidance on how to trust yourself while a
4: Motherhood In Context | Understanding the Bigger Picture of Parenting and Mental Health
In this episode, Ceridwen dives into the importance of viewing motherhood through a wider lens to navigate the challenges of parenting, mental health, and societal expectations. She explores how external factors, such as cultural pressures and a lack of social support, impact maternal mental health and parenting advice. By developing critical thinking skills and understanding your core parenting v
3: How to Build a Truly Holistic Postpartum Plan
In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen discusses how to create a truly holistic postpartum plan that nurtures you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. She explores the importance of planning for your recovery, mental health, and family dynamics, along with practical tips to integrate your baby’s care, your needs, and your support system. Plus, Ceridwen shares four
2: Letting Go of Postpartum Advice to Find What Works for You
Struggling with unsolicited postpartum advice? In this episode, we dive into why generic advice can cause stress and self-doubt for new moms. I’ll share why one-size-fits-all advice doesn’t work and how you can embrace your unique postpartum experience. Learn how a person-centered approach to postpartum support can help you trust your intuition and make informed choices that work for you.🤱 For pos
1: Want a Better Postpartum? Start Here!
Want to feel more confident and supported in postpartum? Start here!In this very first episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, I’m sharing why I created this space, why information is one of the most powerful tools you can have for postpartum, and how knowledge can help you make choices that align with YOU.We’ll talk about:✨ Why being informed makes postpartum feel less overwhelming✨ How knowledge
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