Me time Vs. What Mom's Really need!

In today's episode Shasta talks about why "me time" is utter garbage and why it's important that we all know and acknowledge what moms need and what they don't need. 

Our Partner for this episode is Baby Me Beautiful. Check them out at babymebeautiful.shop and use code Reeves to save. 

Check out our website at www.theeverywaymama.com and follow along on instagram at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama

The Every Way Mama FINALLY dedicated an entire episode to one of our most asked about topics - adoption. From homestudies to embryo adoption to private adoption to international adoption to foster adopt Shasta unpacks the most common ways to adopt, what's required for almost every adoption and covers some basic adoption terminology. 

Our Partner for this episode is Baby Me Beautiful. Go to BabyMebeautiful.com and use code Reeves to save on handmade Childrens clothing! 

Genell Gallagher-Hunt waited almost 12 years to become a mama to her first daughter. After a miraculously smooth pregnancy and delivery she and her husband were thrilled to find out they were expecting baby number two shortly after their daughter's first birthday. Then at the 20 week anatomy scan, Genell and her family were shook to the core when they found out their new baby had no amniotic fluid, no kidneys and no bladder. Genell walks us through the second half of that pregnancy which is nothing short of a medical miracle. This is a story filled with hope and faith and miracles. 

Diana Brees, owner of Breesy Boutique is an army wife, army veteran herself, and mother of three. Diana's faith and heart for adoption are two of my favorite things about her in addition to her AMAZING dye art. Diana shares what it's like going through pregnancy as a military wife with a husband on deployment. We talked post partum anxiety, flying solo with lots of littles, what led Diana and her husband to adopt, why they chose private domestic adoption, what adopting looks like BEFORE you match, and a LOT about grace. 

Want to follow Diana's journey? Join her Facebook VIP at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1188049241549710 - you can also follow along on instagram at www.instagram.com/breesyboutique

Shop all things dyed and breesy at www.breesyboutique.com

Our partner for this episode is Happy Traci. Shop Gifts, Clothing, accessories, beauty and more at www.shophappytraci.com 

Trigger Warning for Childhood abuse and assault.

In Part 2 of Shelley Curenton's story she shares with us the deeply personal story of discovering that one of her daughters was being sexually abused by a member of their village. She tells us what she did, how things unfolded and gives what in my opinion is potentially life saving advice to abuse victims, loved ones of abuse victims, and parents everywhere on what they can do to protect their child. 

This subject is uncomfortable. It's taboo. But it is absolutely pertinent that we know what conversations need to happen to protect our children. We think of the bad guy as the creepy guy in the van- when in all actuality 93 percent of abuse victims know their abusers. 

If you or someone you love is a victim of abuse please tell someone. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE

Want more of The Every Way Mama? Check out our website at www.theeverywaymama.com and give us a follow on social at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama or www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama

Shelley Curenton is the mom of three beautiful girls and the grandmother to one. She is a newlywed wife, sister, she is a friend, and she is an advocate. In Part I of Shelley's story we unpack her journey to motherhood. Shelley became a very young mom and she talks about the impact that had on her mothering and her life. She shares the ups and downs of each of her pregnancies, post partum journeys and what it was like raising three young girls. Part 2, episode 39 will share the even that rocked Shelley's family's world and turned her into a staunch advocate. 

Want more of The Every Way Mama? Check out our website at www.theeverywaymama.com and give us a follow on social at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama or www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama

Our partner for this episode is Glitter & Dirt Co! Use code Reeves at www.glitteranddirtco.com to shop. 

Yoga instructor Ashley Howard is a mama to two and is pregnant with number three.

Ashley went from being the high school girl who didn't want to be a mother to one of the most loving, effective advocates I think I've ever spoken to. We talked about her beautiful water birth experience with her first daughter, Sage, the dietary difficulties Sage experience as a newborn, how breast feeding did not come easily and how Ashley learned to follow her mom-gut and advocate for Sage early in her motherhood journey, which in turn prepared her for the battle that was ahead.

Ashley is the mother to her beautiful differently-abled son Aiden. Ashley emotionally shared the road to Aiden's polymycrogia (PMG) diagnosis, what this incredibly rare genetic condition actually is and how it affects Aiden. I asked her what she wished parents of children that are not differently abled knew and I also asked her to share a piece of wisdom for the mamas on a special needs journey with their babies. 

Ashley's story is a transformative powerful one and it was an honor to be a part of telling her story. If you'd like to follow her on social please head to www.instagram.com/growing_and_grounded. 

Want more of The Every Way Mama? Check out our website at www.theeverywaymama.com and give us a follow on social at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama or www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama

Our Partner for this episode is Glitter & Dirt Co. Go to www.glitteranddirtco.com/discount/Reeves to shop for the cutest shoes and accessories for your littles. 

In this episode we sit down with Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Parent Consultant, and Speaker Dr. Tasha Brown. Dr. Brown's passion is helping parents approach parenting with education, value, intention and purpose. We discuss how to talk to you child about loss and grief, how 5 minutes a day can lay the groundwork for a life long open relationship with your child, how to navigate big feelings from little and big people alike, and what your teenage needs MOST from you. I ADORE Dr. Brown, and it was an honor to have her on the show to share her knowledge on the full spectrum of parenting. 

Follow Dr. Brown on social at www.instagram.com/dr.tashabrown and checkout her website www.drtashabrown.com 

Want more of The Every Way Mama? Check out our website at www.theeverywaymama.com and give us a follow on social at www.instagram.com/theeverywaymama or www.facebook.com/theeverywaymama

Our partner for this episode is WonderFold Wagon. Head to their website and use code Shasta to save 10% on any wagon.