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

In this episode of Dear Doula, I break down the realities of finding quality postpartum and childcare in the US, including what you can expect to pay and what industry standards look like. I guide you through the differences between postpartum doulas, newborn care specialists, and nannies. I share my insights from years in the industry, offering tips on how to find caregivers that truly fit your family's needs.

I also talk about the evolving landscape of domestic work, including compensation ranges, work agreements, retainers, and new trends like rotational positions. You will learn why offering benefits is important, how to navigate payroll, and where to search for reliable caregivers, whether you're using an agency, online sites, or asking for word-of-mouth referrals.

If you're a parent hoping to find the right support or a caregiver curious about career possibilities, this episode is for you. Don't forget to subscribe, share your questions, and tune in for next week's episode, where I'll tackle all your questions about sleep and baby travel!

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 and newborn care options explained
2. Pricing and rates for childcare services
3. Differences between doulas and newborn care specialists
4. Industry standards for nannies and caregivers
5. Importance of contracts and retainers
6. Hiring methods: agencies vs. DIY approaches
7. Worker rights: pay, PTO, and benefits

Timestamps:

00:00 Navigating Childcare Options

09:56 Understanding Postpartum Care

19:55 The Evolving Role of Nannies

30:03 Finding the Right Caregiver

In this episode of Dear Doula, Ι sit down with Dr. Shivani Amin, a functional medicine and women's health specialist, to explore the root causes of hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and the vital role of minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium in women's health. We discuss how simple shifts in habits, like proper breathwork, staying hydrated with quality water, and getting sunlight, can significantly improve wellbeing for women through every stage, from pre-pregnancy to postpartum.

Dr. Amin shares her holistic approach, focusing on getting to the heart of health issues instead of just treating symptoms. She breaks down why Western medicine often misses mineral deficiencies, how functional medicine bridges ancestral wisdom with modern science, and gives practical, accessible tips for feeling better, without major restrictions or expensive fixes.

If you're ready to take charge of your wellness or help a loved one, don't miss this episode! Let us know how this episode resonated with you, share with a friend, and follow along for more empowering guidance on your parenting and womanhood journey!

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. Hormonal imbalances and root cause treatment
2. Importance of minerals for women's health
3. Inflammation: causes, symptoms, and solutions
4. Breath work and stress management
5. Vitamin D, magnesium, and supplementation
6. Navigating health advice and social media
7. Pre-pregnancy and pregnancy health optimization

Timestamps

02:10 Addressing Hormonal Imbalances

06:02 Reducing Inflammation through Regenerative Care

08:54 The Importance of Breathwork and Hydration

12:51 Optimizing Mineral Levels through Supplements

18:39 Navigating Information Overload on Social Media

20:30 Dr. Amin's Journey to Functional Medicine

23:24 Overcoming Resistance to Change

25:07 Preparing the Body for Pregnancy

27:03 Supporting Postpartum Health

29:00 Embracing the Process and Being Present

33:39 Engaging Dr. Amin's Services

37:45 Finding Dr. Amin Online