Ask the Doulas Podcast

Car Seat Installation & Safety Tips with Kristin Morter

Send us Fan Mail Car seat safety is one of the most important parts of preparing for a new baby, but choosing the right car seat and installing it correctly can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere talks with Kristin Morter, a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) with Gold Coast Doulas, about everything parents need to know about car seat safety and proper car seat installation. From choosing a newborn car seat to understanding rear-facing and forward-facing recommendations, Kristin shares practical guidance to help parents feel more confident about keeping their babies and children safe in the car. They discuss how to choose a car seat that works for your child and vehicle, proper installation, harness fit, common car seat mistakes, car seat expiration dates, and when children are ready to transition to the next stage. They also talk about car seat safety for grandparents, caregivers, and anyone else who regularly transports your child. Whether you're pregnant and preparing for your baby's first ride home from the hospital, a new parent installing an infant car seat for the first time, or a parent wondering if your child's current car seat is still the right fit, this episode offers practical, judgment-free car seat safety information. In this episode, you'll learn about: Car seat safety for newborns, infants, and young children How to choose the right car seat for your child and vehicle Proper car seat installation Harness fit and positioning Rear-facing and forward-facing car seat safety Common car seat installation mistakes When to transition to a new car seat or booster seat Car seat safety tips for grandparents and caregivers The benefits of working with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Gold Coast Doulas offers car seat safety services in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, including personalized education and guidance to help families feel confident using their car seats correctly. Learn more about car seat safety services with Kristin Morter at https://www.goldcoastdoulas.com/car-seat-safety/. Sponsored by Savvy Rest: Create a more natural and comfortable sleep environment for your family with Savvy Rest natural mattresses and bedding. Save 20% with code GOLDCOAST. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategie

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Beyond What to Expect: Heidi Murkoff on Parenthood, Advocacy, and Family Support

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to truly support parents through pregnancy, birth, and the early years of parenthood? In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re joined by Heidi Murkoff, bestselling author of the What to Expect books, creator of the What to Expect app, and founder of the What to Expect Project. Heidi has spent decades helping parents navigate pregnancy and parenthood, and her work has grown far beyond the books that became a trusted resource for millions of families. We talk about the importance of advocating for parents and families, the unique needs of military families, and why supporting dads and partners needs to be part of the conversation. Heidi shares her perspective on making reliable information and meaningful support more accessible, while also discussing the real-world challenges families face today. We also dive into Bump Day, the What to Expect Project, and the importance of creating stronger communities around parents. From pregnancy and birth to fatherhood, military life, advocacy, and everything in between, this conversation is about what families need to feel informed, supported, and empowered. Whether you grew up reading What to Expect When You’re Expecting, are preparing to become a parent, or simply care about improving the experience of parenthood for families, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

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Why IVF and Fertility Technology Are Becoming Major Inequality Issues with Professor Leonard M. Lopoo.

Send us Fan Mail Access to fertility care is changing rapidly, but who gets access to these technologies is a growing concern. On this episode of Ask the Doulas, we speak with Professor Leonard M. Lopoo, author of Wanting Children, about the intersection of fertility, technology, economics, and inequality. We explore how IVF and other reproductive technologies are increasingly shaping who can become a parent, why access is far from equal, and how income, race, geography, insurance coverage, and social policies can influence fertility outcomes. Professor Lopoo also shares insights from his research on Americans' changing attitudes and experiences around having children. This thoughtful conversation looks beyond the technology itself to ask a bigger question: What happens when the ability to build a family depends on who can afford the opportunity? If you are navigating fertility treatment, considering your options, or interested in the larger social and economic forces shaping parenthood today, this episode offers an important perspective on the future of family building. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

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Realistic Nourishment During Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery with Nina Spears

Send us Fan Mail What does it really look like to nourish yourself during pregnancy when you’re tired, busy, dealing with food aversions, or simply trying to make it through the day? In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere sits down with Nina Spears, founder and CEO of Baby Chick®, to talk about realistic, practical nourishment during pregnancy and the postpartum recovery period. Nina shares some of the key nutrients that are especially important during pregnancy, why they matter for both mom and baby, and simple foods that can help support those nutritional needs without making meals feel overwhelming. They also talk about the often-overlooked importance of postpartum nourishment and how eating well after birth can help mothers feel more replenished, supported, and cared for during recovery. Nina Spears is a certified baby planner, birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator, newborn care specialist, infant massage instructor, and perinatal nutrition expert with more than 15 years of experience supporting families. She is the founder and CEO of Baby Chick®, host of Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast, and author of The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy. Whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or supporting someone through this season, this conversation offers approachable ideas for making nourishment feel a little more realistic and a lot more supportive. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

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From Overwhelmed to Empowered Building Trust As A New Parent with Dr. Mona.

Send us Fan Mail Becoming a parent is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. From endless online advice to well-meaning opinions from family and friends, it's easy to question every decision. In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere sits down with Dr. Mona Amin, a board-certified pediatrician, IBCLC, and mom, to discuss how parents can move from feeling overwhelmed to empowered during the newborn stage. Dr. Mona shares why the first weeks with a baby can feel so challenging and offers practical ways to build confidence in your own parenting instincts. She also explains how to find a pediatrician who is the right fit for your family, what questions to ask during a meet-and-greet appointment, and why it's perfectly okay to change providers if the relationship isn't meeting your needs. Kristin and Dr. Mona also explore the impact of comparison culture, how social media can undermine parental confidence, and what it truly means to trust yourself as a parent. You'll leave this conversation with actionable strategies to reduce anxiety, strengthen your confidence, and create a supportive healthcare team for your growing family. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why the newborn stage feels overwhelming for so many parents • How to begin trusting your instincts as a new parent • What to look for when choosing a pediatrician • Questions to ask before selecting your baby's doctor • When it's appropriate to switch pediatricians • How comparison affects confidence during early parenthood • Practical ways to feel more empowered every day Whether you're expecting your first baby or navigating life with a newborn, this conversation will remind you that confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build, one decision at a time. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

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Celebrating 350 Episodes of Ask the Doulas with Kristin Revere | The Journey Since 2017

Send us Fan Mail Join host Kristin Revere for a special solo episode celebrating 350 published episodes of Ask the Doulas! Since launching the podcast in 2017 around a conference table at the Gold Coast Doulas office in Grand Rapids, Ask the Doulas has grown into a trusted resource for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals around the world. In this milestone episode, Kristin reflects on the journey from recording local interviews to hosting nationally recognized experts, the lessons she's learned from hundreds of conversations, and the incredible community that has made it all possible. Kristin also shares how the podcast evolved during the pandemic, how it inspired new educational offerings and her book Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby, and why the mission has always remained the same: providing judgment-free, evidence-based education and support for families. As a bit of behind-the-scenes transparency, you'll hear why this is Episode 350 even though 353 episodes were originally published. Earlier this year, three episodes were removed from the catalog at a former client's request. Respecting that request was an easy decision because protecting the trust of the families we serve has always been more important than any milestone. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the hundreds of expert guests who have shared their knowledge, our amazing listeners, my co-host Alyssa Veneklase, the entire Gold Coast Doulas team, our podcast sponsors, and everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Whether you've been listening since 2017 or this is your very first episode, thank you for celebrating with us. Here's to the next 350 conversations! Thank you to Cozy Earth for supporting Ask the Doulas and helping us continue bringing evidence-based education to families everywhere. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas Ask the Doulas is a pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting podcast for expecting families, new parents, and birth and baby professionals. Hosted by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase of Gold Coast Doulas, the podcast features conversations with doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, newborn care specialists, fertility experts, and perinatal mental health professionals. Ask the Doulas is designed for both parents and professionals looking for trusted guidance, continuing education, and real-world strategies.

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What the Evidence Says About the Vitamin K Shot for Newborns with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln

Send us Fan Mail How much do you really know about the Vitamin K shot for newborns? What does the evidence say, why is the Vitamin K injection recommended shortly after birth, and what should parents consider when making an informed decision? In this episode of the Ask the Doulas Podcast, Kristin Revere sits down with board-certified OB-GYN, educator, and bestselling author Dr. Jennifer Lincoln to explore the evidence, common myths, and informed decision-making surrounding Vitamin K. Dr. Lincoln is known for making complex medical topics approachable through evidence-based education, and her newest book, The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery, empowers families to navigate pregnancy and birth with confidence. Together, Kristin and Dr. Lincoln discuss: What Vitamin K is and why newborns naturally have low levels at birth Why the Vitamin K injection is recommended shortly after delivery Common Vitamin K myths and misinformation parents may encounter online The risks associated with Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) How parents can ask informed questions about newborn care and discuss their options with their healthcare team Highlights from Dr. Lincoln's new book, The Birth Book Whether you're expecting your first baby or adding to your family, this conversation offers balanced, evidence-based information to help you feel confident advocating for yourself and your newborn. About Dr. Jennifer Lincoln Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is a board-certified OB-GYN, hospitalist, educator, and author based in Portland, Oregon. She is passionate about helping families cut through misinformation with compassionate, evidence-based education. Her latest book, The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery, is a comprehensive guide to preparing for birth, understanding your options, and navigating the labor and delivery experience with confidence. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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How AI Can Help Reduce the Mental Load of Motherhood with Christy Shannon

Send us Fan Mail How can you reduce the mental load of motherhood and feel less overwhelmed by everything you have to remember, plan, and manage? In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere sits down with Christy Shannon, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Ollie AI, to explore the invisible mental load of motherhood and how technology can help lighten it. From managing family schedules and meal planning to keeping track of appointments and the never-ending to-do list, mothers often carry an overwhelming cognitive burden that goes unnoticed. Christy shares her own motherhood journey, the inspiration behind creating Ollie AI, and how artificial intelligence can become a practical tool for reducing stress rather than adding to it. Together, Kristin and Christy discuss the realities of modern parenting, the importance of asking for help, and why simplifying everyday tasks can create more space for connection and joy. Whether you're expecting your first baby, navigating the toddler years, or juggling a busy household, this conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the mental load of parenting. In this episode, you'll learn: • What the "mental load" of motherhood means and why so much invisible labor falls on mothers • How decision fatigue can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm • How AI tools can help busy parents organize schedules, appointments, meals, and everyday tasks • Practical ways to reduce the cognitive load of parenting and simplify household responsibilities • Why asking for help matters and how partners can better share the mental load • How technology can support parents without adding another source of stress • Ways to create more time and mental space for connection, family, and what matters most If you've ever felt like you're carrying the weight of your family's endless to-do list, this episode is for you. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Breast Pumping Tips for Increasing Milk Supply with Chelsea Anderson, CLC of BabyBuddha

Send us Fan Mail How can you increase milk supply with pumping, build an effective pumping routine, and continue breastfeeding when life gets busy? Whether you're exclusively pumping, building a freezer stash, returning to work, or trying to increase your milk production, knowing how to pump effectively can make feeding feel more manageable. In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere talks with Chelsea Anderson, CLC from BabyBuddha, about pumping, milk supply, and combining breastfeeding with pumping. Chelsea shares practical guidance on establishing and maintaining milk supply, creating a pumping schedule, making pumping more comfortable, and avoiding common mistakes that may affect milk production. They also discuss relactation, wearable and portable breast pumps, balancing nursing and pumping, returning to work while protecting milk supply, and when to seek additional support from a lactation professional. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to create an effective pumping routine to support milk supply • Relactation tips for parents who want to restart or increase milk production • How to balance breastfeeding and pumping while meeting your feeding goals • Tips for returning to work while continuing to pump and protect milk supply • Common pumping myths and misconceptions about breast milk production • How wearable and portable breast pumps can fit into your breastfeeding routine • When to seek professional lactation support for pumping or milk supply concerns Whether you're exclusively pumping, nursing and pumping, preparing to return to work, or looking for ways to support your milk supply, this conversation offers practical guidance for navigating breast pumping with greater confidence. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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How Busy Parents Can Prepare for Childbirth with Ashley Brichter of Birthsmarter

Send us Fan Mail How can busy parents find time to prepare for childbirth? With packed schedules and endless pregnancy information online, many expecting parents struggle to fit childbirth classes and birth preparation into their lives. The challenge is not always finding the right class. It is finding an approach to childbirth education that fits the realities of modern family life. In this episode of the Ask the Doulas Podcast, Kristin Revere talks with Ashley Brichter, founder and CEO of Birthsmarter, about how childbirth education can better serve today's expecting parents. They explore why time is such a significant barrier to birth classes, how parents are consuming pregnancy and birth information differently, and what effective childbirth education should provide to help families feel informed and confident before labor and birth. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why finding time is one of the biggest barriers to childbirth education for expecting parents • How busy parents are changing the way they look for pregnancy and birth information • What essential topics expecting parents should look for in a childbirth class • Practical ways to fit birth preparation into a busy pregnancy schedule • How accessible and engaging childbirth education can help parents feel more confident preparing for labor and birth • What modern birth education can do to support families without adding to information overload Whether you're expecting your first baby or supporting families as a doula, childbirth educator, or other birth professional, this conversation offers a fresh look at what parents need from childbirth education today. You'll hear practical ideas for making birth preparation more accessible, realistic, and useful for busy families. Connect with Ashley Brichter and learn more about Birthsmarter. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Ask the Doulas Podcast, leave a review, and share it with an expecting parent who could benefit from evidence-based birth education. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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How to Prepare for Postpartum Before Your Baby Arrives with Kristin Revere

Send us Fan Mail How do you prepare for postpartum before your baby arrives? Planning for recovery, sleep, meals, feeding support, mental health, household help, and visitors can make the transition into the fourth trimester feel more manageable. A postpartum support plan gives expecting parents a chance to think through what they will need, who can help, and how responsibilities will be handled once the baby comes home. In this solo episode of the Ask the Doulas Podcast, Kristin Revere shares practical guidance on creating a postpartum plan before birth. She explains how to build your support team, set realistic expectations, talk with your partner about responsibilities, and prepare for the physical, emotional, and practical demands of life with a newborn. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why creating a postpartum plan is an important part of preparing for life after birth • How to identify your postpartum support team before your baby arrives • What to discuss with your partner about responsibilities, expectations, and household tasks • How to plan ahead for meals, household help, visitors, and boundaries during the fourth trimester • Ways to prepare for feeding support and newborn sleep challenges • When a postpartum doula or newborn care specialist may be helpful • How to create a flexible postpartum support plan that can adapt to your family's needs Preparing for postpartum is about more than getting the nursery ready or buying baby gear. This conversation helps expecting parents think ahead about the support, practical help, and resources they may need during the first weeks with a newborn. By creating a postpartum plan before birth, families can enter the fourth trimester with clearer expectations and a stronger support system. 🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, first-time parents, growing families, partners, doulas, and anyone preparing for the postpartum period and fourth trimester. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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How to Support Perinatal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum with Katie Crenshaw

Send us Fan Mail How can you get support for your mental health during pregnancy and after having a baby? Perinatal mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, can affect parents during pregnancy and postpartum, yet stigma and lack of awareness can make it difficult to know when to seek help or where to turn. In this episode of the Ask the Doulas Podcast, Kristin Revere sits down with Katie Crenshaw, Brand and Integrated Marketing Manager at Postpartum Support International and Social Media Manager for The Blue Dot Project. Katie shares how The Blue Dot Project has become a powerful symbol of awareness, advocacy, and hope for families navigating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She discusses the importance of storytelling in reducing stigma, how communities can better support parents during pregnancy and postpartum, and the role birth workers play in recognizing, validating, and connecting families with resources. In this episode, you'll learn: • What The Blue Dot Project is and how the maternal mental health movement began • Why perinatal mental health awareness is important during pregnancy and postpartum • How stigma can prevent parents from seeking support for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders • How sharing personal stories can help families feel seen, understood, and less alone • Ways doulas and birth workers can support clients experiencing mental health challenges • Mental health resources available through Postpartum Support International • How parents, professionals, and advocates can get involved in raising awareness about perinatal mental health Whether you're a parent, doula, childbirth educator, healthcare professional, or advocate, this conversation highlights actionable ways to support maternal mental health and become part of a movement that reminds families they are never alone. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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How Can Birth Be Made Safer Through Better Maternal Healthcare Systems with Dr. Vandana Arcot, MD

Send us Fan Mail What makes birth safer, and what role does healthcare infrastructure play in maternal and newborn health? Safe birth depends on more than medical care alone. Reliable transportation, hospitals and clinics, electricity, medication storage, emergency services, and trained healthcare providers all play an important role in improving maternal health and birth outcomes. In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere speaks with Dr. Vandana Arcot, MD, a philanthropist and global health leader with more than 17 years of experience in maternal and reproductive healthcare across 13 countries. Dr. Arcot shares what she has learned about improving maternal and infant health and why strong healthcare systems are essential for safer births. We dive into: • What maternal health infrastructure includes and why it matters for safe birth • How healthcare systems and access to emergency care can affect maternal and newborn outcomes • What countries including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, and Thailand have done to improve maternal health • Why maternal healthcare remains underfunded in many communities and how this affects families and healthcare providers • How transportation, electricity, medication storage, clinics, and trained providers support safer maternity care • What communities and policymakers can learn from successful global maternal health systems • Strategies for strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving birth outcomes Whether you're preparing for birth, supporting new parents, working in maternal healthcare, or interested in reducing maternal and infant health disparities, this conversation offers a broader look at what it takes to create safer births and stronger maternal health systems. 🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, doulas, birth professionals, healthcare providers, maternal health advocates, and anyone interested in improving maternal and newborn health. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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What Should I Pack in My Hospital Bag? Birth, Recovery and Newborn Essentials with Kristin Revere

Send us Fan Mail What should you pack in your hospital bag for labor, delivery, postpartum recovery, and your baby? If you are searching for a hospital bag checklist, it can be difficult to know which essentials you really need and what you can leave at home. In this solo episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere shares her guidance on what to pack in a hospital bag for birth and postpartum recovery. She covers hospital bag essentials for birthing parents, partners, and newborns, including labor comfort items, postpartum supplies, baby necessities, and common items that may not be worth packing. You'll learn: • When to start packing your hospital bag and how to prepare before your due date • What to pack for labor, including useful comfort items for the hospital • Postpartum recovery essentials to bring for your hospital stay • What partners should pack and bring to the hospital • Newborn hospital bag essentials and which baby items you may not need • Common hospital bag packing mistakes and how to avoid overpacking • Practical hospital bag tips from experienced doulas who have supported hundreds of births Whether you're preparing for a hospital birth, induction, or scheduled cesarean, this episode will help you create a practical hospital bag checklist for labor, postpartum recovery, and your newborn. 🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, first-time parents, partners, doulas, and anyone preparing for labor, birth, a hospital stay, and postpartum recovery. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Measles Outbreak: Vaccine Protection and What Parents Should Know With Dr. Michael T. Myers Jr.

Send us Fan Mail Measles outbreaks and vaccine protection are becoming a growing concern for parents as cases rise again across the U.S. What do families actually need to know, and what steps are recommended if exposure happens? In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin sits down with Dr. Michael T. Myers Jr., a pediatrician with more than 35 years of experience in pediatrics, public health, and healthcare consulting, and former Chief of Primary Care, Pediatrics, and Practice Transformation at Summit Health New Jersey, to break down what parents need to know about current measles outbreaks, vaccine protection, and practical steps for protecting children. We dive into: • What parents should know about current measles outbreaks in the U.S. • How measles vaccine protection works and what it means for children • What's recommended if your child is exposed to measles • How misinformation affects family health decisions • Why conversations with your pediatric provider are especially important right now This conversation helps parents cut through fear and confusion so they can focus on clear, practical information about measles risk and child health. 🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, families with young children, and anyone wanting to stay informed about current pediatric health concerns. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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How to Calm a Crying Baby: The Science of Soothing Newborns With Dr. Harvey Karp

Send us Fan Mail Baby soothing techniques, newborn sleep help, and how to calm a crying baby are some of the most searched concerns for new parents in the early postpartum weeks. But what actually works when your baby is inconsolable and sleep feels impossible? In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere is joined by Dr. Harvey Karp, renowned pediatrician, bestselling author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, and founder and CEO of Happiest Baby, to share practical, science-backed strategies for soothing fussy babies, improving infant sleep, and building confidence during those exhausting newborn weeks. We dive into: Why babies cry and how to respond effectively The science behind soothing techniques and infant sleep How the "5 S's" can calm newborns quickly Safe sleep recommendations every parent should know How calming strategies support parental confidence and mental health Whether you're preparing for baby's arrival or navigating sleepless nights right now, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help your whole family rest easier. 🎧 Perfect for expectant parents, new parents, doulas, and anyone supporting families through the newborn stage. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere's birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Postpartum Sleep Deprivation: How It Affects Mental Health With Mariana Yancik

Send us Fan Mail Sleep deprivation, postpartum mental health, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are often dismissed as a normal part of new parenthood, but chronic exhaustion can affect the brain and body in ways that go well beyond tiredness. In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we're joined by Mariana Yancik of Gold Coast Doulas to explore the connection between sleep deprivation and PMADs, and how this affects parents during pregnancy and the postpartum period. We dive into: How sleep deprivation can contribute to postpartum depression, anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout What chronic exhaustion actually does to the brain and body in the perinatal period How to tell the difference between normal fatigue and something more serious Common misconceptions about infant sleep and realistic parental sleep expectations How support systems and personalised sleep guidance can protect mental health Whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or supporting families professionally, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-informed insight into one of the biggest challenges of early parenthood. 🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, new parents, and birth professionals supporting families through postpartum mental health challenges. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere's birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Postpartum Care: What Happens After You Leave the Hospital With Ciara Lyons

Send us Fan Mail Postpartum recovery and fourth trimester support are often the most overwhelming parts of having a baby, especially when families are sent home from the hospital without a clear roadmap for what comes next. But what actually happens during this transition, and why do so many parents feel unprepared? In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere is joined by Ciara Lyons, MSN, RN, PHN, to explore the physical, emotional, and mental transition into postpartum life and the gaps many families experience in standard postpartum care. We dive into: • The physical, emotional, and mental changes in the postpartum period • Why many families feel unprepared after hospital discharge • Gaps in postpartum care and support systems • What recovery and healing can look like in the fourth trimester • How to build stronger support for the postpartum transition Whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or supporting someone after birth, this conversation helps you better understand what to expect and how to feel more supported in the early weeks at home. 🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, new parents, doulas, and anyone preparing for postpartum recovery and fourth trimester care. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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Cost of Having a Baby: What You Actually Need to Budget For With Kristin Revere

Send us Fan Mail The cost of having a baby, from pregnancy and birth to postpartum care, adds up faster than most families expect. And even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can catch you off guard. In this solo episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere of Gold Coast Doulas breaks down what families should realistically budget for during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, including both expected costs and the ones nobody warns you about. We dive into: How to prioritize spending across pregnancy, birth, and postpartum How to build a realistic baby budget without overwhelm Deciding where to invest (and where to save) Common unexpected costs new parents don't always plan for How planning ahead reduces financial stress during pregnancy and postpartum Whether you're newly pregnant or preparing ahead, this episode helps you approach baby planning with clarity, not financial stress. 🎧 Perfect for expecting parents and families planning for pregnancy, birth, and life with a newborn. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere's birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

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How to Improve Newborn Sleep: What Actually Works for Exhausted Parents With Mariana Yancik

Send us Fan Mail Newborn sleep is unpredictable, frequent wake-ups are normal, and exhaustion in those early weeks is common. The key is understanding what newborn sleep actually looks like, and how to work with it rather than against it. In this episode of Ask the Doulas podcast, we’re joined by certified sleep consultant Mariana Yancik of Gold Coast Doulas to explore what newborn sleep really looks like and how parents can set realistic expectations during the early months. We dive into: • What is normal for newborn sleep and frequent wake-ups • How to set realistic expectations for early postpartum sleep • Common mistakes new parents make with sleep • How to create a calm and supportive sleep environment • When it may be helpful to seek sleep consultation support This conversation helps parents understand newborn sleep patterns so they can feel more confident navigating rest, recovery, and day-to-day rhythms in the fourth trimester. 🎧 Perfect for expecting parents and new parents navigating newborn sleep and early postpartum recovery. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below: https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas