Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies and the Battle for Sleep

• 42 - Beyond the Latch: How Tongue Ties Shape Airway, Sleep, and Development (Guest: Brittany Hageman)

  Send us a textIn this episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb sits down with returning guest Brittany Hageman, a myofunctional speech therapist specializing in oral facial development, infant feeding, and airway health.Most parents hear about tongue ties when breastfeeding isn’t going well — but the impact goes far beyond latch. Brittany and Deb unpack how tongue ties can shape a child’s jaw and palate development, airway space, facial symmetry, speech clarity, and even long-term sleep and breathing patterns. From the baby stage through adulthood, these small restrictions can make a surprisingly big difference.You’ll hear:The red flags every parent should know about tongue ties and airway concernsHow ties can influence jaw growth, palate shape, and facial developmentWhy airway health is directly linked to sleep, focus, and even behavior in childrenPractical steps you can take right now to support your child’s airway and oral developmentThe role of myofunctional therapy, craniosacral therapy, and collaboration with specialists in creating lasting changeAnd because she knows how overwhelming this can feel, Brittany has created a PDF checklist of symptoms you can download to help spot potential concerns early and bring to your provider.💡 Resources & Links:Download Brittany’s free Airway & Tongue Tie Symptom ChecklistConnect with Brittany for in-person or virtual myofunctional therapy if you’re in Washington or CaliforniaLearn more about Deb’s support for families: DoulaDeb.comOral Development Tools Mentioned in this Episode:EZPZ Developmental Cup Set — helps little ones practice open cup and straw drinking skills that support oral development.NinniCo Pacifiers — designed to mimic the breast and support a healthier latch. Use this link for Doula Deb’s affiliate discount.TalkTools Oral Motor Tools — fun, effective tools created by speech therapists to strengthen oral muscles and promote chewing, swallowing, and tongue mobility.MyoMunchee — a simple, chew-based tool that supports jaw strength, tongue posture, and nasal breathing. Available in versions for babies, kids, and adults.Support the showThank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.Contact Information:Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoulaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.debTwitter: https://twitter.com/doula_debDisclaimer:The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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• 41 - When Worry Won’t Stop: Postpartum Anxiety & OCD Explained (Guests: Dr. Angie Maxwell, PT, DPT, WCS & Laura Meader, LICSW)

  Send us a textIn this episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb brings back two powerhouse guests, Dr. Angie Maxwell, pelvic floor physical therapist, and Laura Meader, licensed social worker and therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, dig into a topic most parents don’t talk about out loud: postpartum anxiety and OCD.Too often, new parents are told to “watch out for baby blues or depression,” but anxiety and OCD symptoms get swept under the rug. Deb and her guests break that silence with compassion and clarity, covering everything from what sets postpartum anxiety apart from everyday new-parent worry to how intrusive thoughts in OCD can feel terrifying and isolating. Angie explains how anxiety shows up in the body (yes, even in your pelvic floor), while Laura sheds light on the mental spirals and intrusive thoughts that so many parents hide in shame. Together, they remind listeners that these experiences are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.The conversation highlights practical strategies for recognizing red flags, understanding the difference between “normal” worry and a clinical concern, and most importantly, how to get support before you feel like you’re drowning. Deb also shares resources like the Postpartum Progress New Mom Checklist and points listeners toward her free Baby Lounge community gatherings for connection and peer support.This episode is a must-listen for any expecting or new parent who has ever wondered, “Is this just me, or is something bigger going on?” It’s also invaluable for partners who want to better understand how to support a loved one through the postpartum transition.Tune in to learn:The difference between baby blues, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum OCDHow anxiety can show up physically and emotionallyWhat intrusive thoughts actually mean (and why they don’t make you a bad parent)How to create communication systems with your partner that protect your mental healthWhy compassion and community are essential for postpartum recoveryIf you’re preparing for postpartum, or living it right now, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling seen, supported, and empowered with tools and resources.Support the showThank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.Contact Information:Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoulaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.debTwitter: https://twitter.com/doula_debDisclaimer:The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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• 40 - Back to Work: Easing the Transition After Maternity Leave

  Send us a textIn this powerful episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb peels back the curtain on one of the most under-prepared-for moments of early parenthood: going back to work after maternity leave. Spoiler alert—it’s not just about logistics, it’s an identity shift.Deb opens with her own (very real) story: trying to jump back into overnight doula work while leaking milk, crying on her commute, and coaching her husband through baby care via text—only to crash hard and realize, “I wasn’t ready.” It’s the kind of raw honesty and insight that sets this episode apart. When she did go back later, on her own terms, everything changed—and she shares how you can create that same shift.This episode is packed with straight-talking, compassionate tips for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the return-to-work whirlwind. Top five tips for going back to work: ✨ Run a dress rehearsal before Day One (because chaos loves to show up uninvited)🍼 Prep your feeding game—whether you’re pumping, formula-feeding, or combo feeding🧺 Share the dang load at home and stop being the default parent and the snack planner and the emotional support human🎵 Build drop-off and pick-up rituals that help you and baby feel grounded💤 Protect your sleep like it’s sacred, even when you’re not getting much of itAnd perhaps most importantly, Deb debunks the “back to normal” myth with warmth and clarity: You’re not going back. You’re evolving.💡 Resources You’ll Want to Grab:✅ Free Postpartum Logistics Checklist: Get your ducks in a row without losing your mind.✅ Baby Soothing Guide: Quick, practical tools to help during transitions.All freebies and program info can be found at douladeb.com/free-resources-sign-up🎧 Who Should Listen:New parents returning to work soonPartners wondering how to be more supportiveAnyone feeling stretched thin and unpreparedClients needing a loving push to actually prepare instead of panic🫂 Need More Support to Plan Going Back to Work? ✅ First Year Support Program: Personalized, judgment-free support for feeding, sleep, partner dynamics, and easing back to work.✅ Sleep Coaching Consults: Ideal for prepping your baby’s sleep before your return.Hit play, share with a friend, and remember—you’re not doing it wrong, you’re doing something new.Support the showThank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.Contact Information:Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoulaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.debTwitter: https://twitter.com/doula_debDisclaimer:The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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• 39 - Lactation Support Without the Shame: A Conversation with Emily Ager LM, IBCLC

  Send us a textIn this episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb sits down with licensed midwife and IBCLC, Emily Ager, for the kind of raw, no-guilt, reality-check conversation every parent needs about feeding their baby. Emily shares her journey from EMT to midwife to lactation consultant, and how her mission became crystal clear: supporting families with feeding plans that are realistic, sustainable, and completely free of shame.They tackle the myths and “shoulds” that leave parents burned out and doubting themselves, explore the freedom and sanity that combo feeding can offer, and call out harmful advice, like long-term triple feeding, that needs to be retired. Emily reminds us that feeding isn’t just about nutrition; it’s about protecting your mental health, enjoying your baby, and finding a rhythm that actually works in your life.From prepping your support team before baby arrives, to involving your partner in practical ways, to knowing when it’s time to change the plan, this episode is packed with compassionate, evidence-based, and yes, slightly sassy guidance that will leave you feeling empowered instead of overwhelmed.Listeners will walk away knowing they don’t have to choose between a fed baby and a thriving parent; you can have both.✨ Free Resources: Sign up for Deb’s Free Resource Library for downloadable guides, including feeding prep checklists and newborn care tools.💬 Work with Deb: Whether you’re pregnant and want a prenatal consult, navigating postpartum feeding struggles, or need holistic, gentle sleep support, Deb offers one-on-one services to meet you where you are, locally and virtually.Hit play and hear the truth about feeding without the pressure, perfectionism, or guilt. Your sanity, and your baby, will thank you.Support the showThank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.Contact Information:Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoulaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.debTwitter: https://twitter.com/doula_debDisclaimer:The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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• 38 - Postpartum Must-Haves: What to Buy for You (Not Just the Baby) After Birth

  Send us a textIn this no-nonsense episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb pulls back the curtain on what birthing parents really need for postpartum recovery—and spoiler alert: it’s not another swaddle.Too often, new parents are sent home with scratchy mesh underwear and a peri bottle that sprays like a rogue firehose, leaving them to figure out the rest. Deb’s here to change that. She walks listeners through a doula-approved list of postpartum essentials that are simple, soothing, and seriously helpful.From clever DIY padsicles and soothing herbal sitz baths, to the lowdown on nipple creams, water bottles, and heating pads. Deb’s goal is to make healing easier and less overwhelming. She also shares gentle reminders about mental health, comfort, and the power of being prepared with easy snacks, cozy blankets, and a notebook to help capture those foggy postpartum moments.This episode isn’t just a shopping list—it’s an invitation to center your needs as a new parent, and to feel empowered and supported through one of the most transformative seasons of your life.✨ Listeners will walk away with:A full rundown of what to buy for perineal care, breast/chestfeeding comfort, and mental wellnessEasy-to-implement tips for using what you already have (hello, frozen newborn diapers!)Gentle reminders to prioritize rest, support, and self-compassionEncouragement to not wait until it hurts to get help🎁 Freebie Mentioned:Download the Postpartum Recovery Essentials Checklist for free at douladeb.com/free-resources-sign-up—you’ll get instant access to Doula Deb’s full library of practical, printable guides for birth, postpartum, and beyond.🌀 Want more personalized support?Deb offers one-on-one consults to help you prepare for postpartum and the wild ride of new parenthood—whether you’re still pregnant or already in the thick of it. Reach out through her Preparing for Parenthood consults or First Year Support Program for customized guidance.And for families juggling older kids with a newborn on the way, don’t miss Deb’s Rooted Rest Sleep Course. This is going to be a game-changer for helping siblings sleep well before the baby arrives.This is the episode every new parent didn’t know they needed.Because yes, baby gear is cute—but you deserve to heal in comfort. Tune in, take notes, and share with a friend who’s preparing for postpartum recovery.Support the showThank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.Contact Information:Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoulaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.debTwitter: https://twitter.com/doula_debDisclaimer:The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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