In this episode of Dear Doula, I welcome Jennifer Anderson, a registered dietitian and founder of Kids Eat in Color, to explore the world of feeding kids. We talk openly about picky eating, palate training, and how cultural traditions shape the way we raise our children at the table. Jennifer and I share our personal experiences as moms, tackling everything from the pressures of mealtimes to the myths around baby-led weaning and feeding strategies.

We break down the difference between typical and extreme picky eating, how to spot the signs early, and what steps to take if you're concerned about your child's eating habits. Jennifer shares practical tools and tips for making family meals less stressful and more joyful, no matter your parenting style or background.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed or unsure about how to feed your kids well, this episode is for you! Let's build confidence together as we raise happy, healthy eaters

If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here:
https://www.thecradlecompany.com

Connect with Me
• Follow me on Instagram: @brandi_jordan_official
• Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast
• Questions or topic ideas: brandi@deardoulapodcast.com

Connect with Jennifer Anderson

Website: https://kidseatincolor.com/

Key themes

• Picky eating vs. extreme picky eating
• Early identification and intervention strategies
• Palate training and food variety
• Baby-led weaning vs. purees
• Cultural influences on feeding practices
• Parental confidence and flexibility
• Resources and support for feeding challenges

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background

01:02 What is picky eating and when to worry

03:18 Signs of atypical feeding behaviors in infants

05:10 Using a screener to identify extreme picky eating

07:34 Approaching feeding from infancy to prevent issues

08:01 The science of flavor exposure in utero and breastfeeding

09:24 Responsive feeding and mealtime strategies

12:36 Trying new feeding approaches and parent flexibility

13:24 What is baby-led weaning and its principles

15:19 Creating a positive feeding environment

17:46 Following child's lead and avoiding pressure

19:41 Addressing extreme picky eating and when to seek help

25:58 Resources and programs for feeding challenges

28:39 About the book 'Feed Them Well' and its benefits

In this episode of Dear Doula, I sit down with Jennifer Gularson, an expert in women's health, to discuss the realities of perimenopause and menopause, two life stages that are often shrouded in silence or misinformation. We dive into everything: from the symptoms most people don't realize are connected to hormone changes (like itchy ears and brain fog) to the concerning lack of conversations between healthcare providers and women about these natural transitions.

Jennifer shares vital insights on hormone replacement therapy, discussing barriers to access, and highlighting the ongoing shortage of estrogen patches that's leaving many women scrambling. We also explore practical tips for self-care in your 30s and 40s to improve long-term health, and touch on why advocating for better medical resources and breaking the stigma around menopause is so necessary.

If you're approaching midlife, supporting someone who is, or just want to be better informed about your health, this episode is full of advice and real-world solutions. Subscribe, rate, and let me know what questions you want answered next!

If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here:
https://www.thecradlecompany.com

Connect with Me
• Follow me on Instagram: @brandi_jordan_official
• Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast
• Questions or topic ideas: brandi@deardoulapodcast.com

Connect with Jennifer Gularson

Website:

https://ocfhealing.com/

https://www.yourbestlifewithjennifer.com/

Key takeaways

• Lack of menopause education and awareness
• Hormone replacement therapy: benefits and access
• Stigma and historical misconceptions about menopause
• Symptom diversity and atypical menopause signs
• Medication shortages and advocacy efforts
• Importance of lifestyle for symptom management
• Testing, baselines, and proactive health monitoring

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to menopause and why it matters

01:43 What every woman should know before menopause

03:06 How declining estrogen affects the body

04:50 The stigma and history of hormone therapy

06:05 The evolution of women's health conversations

07:39 Safety and benefits of hormone replacement therapy

12:29 Access and shortages of hormone medications

16:39 Advocacy and policy changes for women's health

22:43 Monitoring symptoms and lab tests

25:44 The link between menopause and brain health

42:20 The protective role of estrogen in women

43:40 Practical advice for women in midlife

In this episode of Dear Doula, I switch things up and dive into what it means to prepare our older kids for college. As a mom of three with a 19-year-old in college and two younger kids, I know firsthand that the journey through higher education can be overwhelming, especially with mounting costs and endless choices. That's why I invited Lizette Paredes, a college admissions expert, to guide us through finding the best "fit" for our teens, far beyond just chasing name-brand schools.

Together, we explore the myths around merit scholarships, the importance of having early and honest financial conversations, and why understanding your child's unique strengths and interests leads to the best educational outcomes. We dig deep into the advantages of public universities, the benefits of community college, and why every student's journey deserves to be individualized, focusing on their happiness and future success, not just prestige.

If you're a parent with college somewhere on the horizon, this one's for you! Listen in for practical tips, surprising options, and empowering advice to help both you and your teen navigate this exciting chapter.

If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here:
https://www.thecradlecompany.com

Sources mentioned: https://www.reading.com

Connect with Me
• Follow me on Instagram: @brandij_ordan_official
• Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast
• Questions or topic ideas: brandi@deardoulapodcast.com

Connect with Lizette Paredes

Website: https://empoweredaccess.com/

key topics

• The importance of fit in college selection
• Early planning and self-discovery for students
• Understanding financial aid and scholarship opportunities
• The changing landscape of student loans and debt
• The value of community colleges and transfer pathways
• How to build a balanced college list
• The role of intrinsic motivation in college success
• Career exploration and self-assessment for students

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to College Prep and Guest Lizette Paredes

02:21 The importance of supporting development beyond high school

04:38 Factors to consider when choosing colleges: fit, cost, size

05:35 The significance of financial fit and early conversations

07:24 Understanding the changing student loan landscape

10:47 Myth busting about merit scholarships at top universities

12:25 The value of exploring lesser-known colleges and transfer options

15:30 Career and interest assessments for students

18:29 Helping students discover their passions and fit

21:17 The importance of maximizing opportunities in high school

22:50 Strategies for middle-class families to afford college

25:07 The role of community colleges and transfer pathways

30:37 Building a balanced college list and managing expectations

34:18 The value of college experiences and adulting lessons

38:23 Common struggles students face in college applications

39:51 The importance of early self-discovery and exploration

45:13 Examples of diverse career paths and hidden opportunities

50:47 The benefits of early career counseling and exploration

57:16 Advice for parents: supporting growth without high stakes

58:45 Guidance for students: exploring interests and authenticity