In this episode I open up about the real challenges and emotions that come with navigating postpartum life, especially when returning to work. Drawing from my own experiences as a mom and doula, I share the ups and downs of juggling career ambitions, shifting family dynamics, and the intense feelings that arise when stepping back into the workplace after having a baby.

I offer practical tips on easing the transition back to work, such as building a milk stash for nursing mothers, gradually returning to your job, and the importance of maintaining open conversations with your partner about changing priorities and expectations. I also highlight the significance of self-care, leaning on your support village, and prioritizing meaningful time with yourself, your children, and your partner to sustain family wellness.

If you're heading back to work, thinking about it, or supporting someone who is, I hope this episode reassures you that there's a wide range of "normal" feelings and experiences. Your journey is valid, and you're never alone!

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

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

Key takeaways

1. Postpartum expectations and realities
2. Returning to work after childbirth
3. Emotional struggles and identity shifts
4. Balancing career and motherhood
5. Importance of building a support village
6. Navigating parental leave and partner roles
7. Self-care and maintaining relationships

Chapters

(03:13) First Day Back at Work

(5:07) Decision to Leave Job

(6:04) Advice for New Parents

(10:17) Work-Life Balance

(18:09) Building a Village

In this episode, I'm joined by integrative nutrition expert Jodi to talk about what women over 35 should think about when it comes to conception, pregnancy, and postpartum health. We go through the basics of nutrition, how to avoid common endocrine disruptors, and what actually matters so you don't get overwhelmed by too much information.

We also talk about testing your nutrient levels, simple supplement choices, and how to make sense of all the wellness advice you see online. We touch on important topics like choline, vegan diets during pregnancy, and why testing both before and after pregnancy can help you feel stronger and more supported.

This episode is full of practical advice and real-life insights to help you feel more confident in your choices, whether you're planning a family or already in the postpartum phase.

Resources Mentioned

http://drbrewerpregnancydiet.com/

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

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

Jody Graves

Website:

https://michiganfamilydoulas.com/

https://michiganfamilynannies.com/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-graves/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jodi_graves_official/

Key takeaways

• Nutrition for women over 35
• Endocrine disruptors and chemical exposure
• The importance of nutrient testing
• Vegan/vegetarian diets during pregnancy
• Postpartum depletion and recovery
• Hormonal changes after childbirth
• Practical tips for better nutrition

Timestamps

00:01:17 - 00:02:58 What is Integrative Nutrition?

00:02:59 - 00:05:27 The Changing Nutritional Needs of Women Over 35

00:05:27 - 00:06:33 Endocrine Disruptors and Personal Care Products

00:06:34 - 00:09:23 Nutrition and Supplementation for Conception & Pregnancy

00:09:23 - 00:11:20 The Role of Lab Testing and Self-Advocacy

00:11:20 - 00:15:56 Veganism, Pregnancy, and Nutritional Challenges

00:15:56 - 00:19:21 Postnatal Depletion and Importance of Baseline Testing

00:19:22 - 00:22:21 Postpartum Recovery: Thyroid, Hormones & Testing

00:22:21 - 00:24:13 Supplement Basics for Women 35+

00:24:14 - 00:27:23 Working with an Integrative Nutritionist: Process & Testing

In this episode, I dive into the three biggest mistakes new parents make around sleep, how to avoid them. With over two decades of experience as a doula, I've seen it all when it comes to sleep struggles during the early days of parenting. I break down the misconceptions about newborn sleep, why nutrition is essential for building strong sleep foundations, and how expectations impact your rest as a family

I also share practical tips on fostering your baby's ability to self-soothe, setting gentle routines, and why tracking feedings and sleep habits can be a game-changer. You'll hear why flexibility with routines beats being overly rigid, how to spot patterns (including the dreaded witching hour), and the power of dream feeds for more restful nights. With gentle advice and encouragement, I want you to feel empowered on your parenting journey.

If you're struggling with sleep or looking to give your baby (and yourself!) the best start, this episode is packed full of insights and real-world strategies. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions. Reach out by email or on Instagram, and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review so more families can find these tips and find ease in early parenting!

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

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

Resources & Products Mentioned

Code for Ergopouch: BRANDI

Baby Connect https://en.babyconnect.com/sqh

Hatch https://www.hatch.co/?srsltid=AfmBOoolj-OXZ9x5uyYJO_pUOYqW7Mdc1osMHUhJ4sEg36uzCOWS1eAb

Key takeaways:

1. Nutrition's impact on newborn sleep quality
2. Overcoming sleep myths and negative mindsets
3. Sleep crutches versus independent sleep skills
4. Importance of creating sleep routines
5. Tracking logs to identify baby patterns
6. Dream feeds for longer sleep stretches
7. Balancing flexibility with structured schedules

Timestamps:

00:01:09 – 00:03:05 The Reality and Mindset of Newborn Sleep

00:03:05 – 00:07:06 The Importance of Good Nutrition and Weight Gain

00:09:10 – 00:10:36 Feeding Schedules and How They Impact Sleep

00:10:36 – 00:15:05 Encouraging Independent Sleep Skills

00:18:47 – 00:20:03 Strategies to Address Common Sleep Disruptions

00:20:03 – 00:24:47 The Three Solutions for Better Newborn Sleep