Spoil Your Baby

Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum

As a mom, neuroscientist, and a long time expert to parents, almost every expert has it wrong when they say 'don't spoil your baby.' Up until the age of 3, your only job is to spoil your baby with affection, attention, and protection. I promise you it's the best chance for the long term mental health and success of your child. On my podcast, I will interview the leading experts to explain why you need to SPOIL YOUR BABY as well as those that may disagree for a spirited debate. I will also give you the most up to date science-backed tools and tips that will help you to raise your baby for lifelong health and success.

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Yesterday · 43 min
Transformed by Birth: Embracing the Unknown in Parenthood ft Dr Britta Bushnell | #69
How can embracing the unknown and trusting our wild instincts transform our journey into parenthood? Dr. Britta Bushnell began her path in childbirth education over twenty-five years ago, rooted in her lifelong passion for storytelling and mythology. After years as a co-owner of Birthing From Within, she earned a PhD in mythology and psychology to understand how narrative shapes our readiness for life transformations. Throughout her career, she observed how modern culture pushes parents to rely heavily on technology, schedules, and strict information - an energy represented by the sun god Apollo. However, this hyper-focus on control often leaves new parents feeling underprepared and isolated when facing the messy reality of birth. Dr. Bushnell faced the challenge of helping parents navigate this gap between rigid expectations and unpredictable outcomes. Her key transformation came through connecting birth to the goddess Artemis, who represents our untamed, animal nature and the wilderness. She learned that "not knowing" is not a problem to fix, but a necessary part of any true rite of passage. Through her book *Transformed by Birth* and her teachings, she guides parents to step away from excessive control, listen to their quiet inner intuition, and embrace the messy middle of transformation. We believe her work shows us that when we trust the wild journey, we gain deep confidence in ourselves. Key Takeaways Facing the unknown is an inherent and essential part of any true rite of passage, not something that needs to be fixed. Over-relying on strict control, technology, and schedules can leave new parents feeling unsupported when real labor and parenthood begin. Birth brings us deeply into our untamed animal nature, requiring us to move beyond rigid society rules into intuitive territory. Transformation is a gradual process that requires us to slow down and accept the uncomfortable, messy middle stage of growth. Developing discernment alongside intuition helps us filter out rigid parenting advice and honor our own quiet inner voice. Becoming The Nurtured Mother https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/becoming-the-nurtured-mother Nurture Neuroscience Professional Certification https://nurture-neuroscience.com/pro-certification - for waitlist - this is visible from Feb 1 2027 to Oct 1 2027 https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page - to join - this can be visible until Feb 1 2027 Resources Dr. Britta Bushnell's Website: https://brittabushnell.com Dr. Britta Bushnell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britta-bushnell-phd-3062634 Dr. Britta Bushnell's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittabushnellphd Guests Bio: Dr. Britta Bushnell is a mother, veteran childbirth educator, celebrated speaker, podcast host, mythologist, and specialist in childbirth, couples, and parenting. For over 25 years, she has worked with individuals and couples as they prepare for birth, drawing from her doctoral work in mythology and psychology, her background as co-owner of Birthing From Within, and her study of brief therapy, storytelling, and relationship vibrancy. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution Mentioned in this episode: Becoming The Nurtured Mother https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/becoming-the-nurtured-mother
September 7 · 17 min
TAKEAWAYS from Evolutionary Parenting: Beyond the Sleep Training Narrative feat. Tracy Cassel | #68
Why does our society place more value on controlled baby sleep than on maternal support, proper feeding, or comfort? Tracy Cassels began her influential work while pursuing her PhD in developmental psychology, coinciding with her pregnancy. She observed a profound contradiction between the widespread advice advocating for infant sleep training—even when pushed by some academics—and the robust findings found in developmental literature and her own research. This mismatch, which she initially felt was a foreign concept given her own background, became the critical momentum to start sharing her perspective publicly. This led to the launch of her extensive website, Evolutionary Parenting, roughly 15 years ago. This platform developed into an invaluable resource, providing detailed and thoroughly referenced information on nearly every topic related to infant brain development for parents. Tracy often interacts with families, some of whom bring along skeptical relatives or partners, seeking clarification on the evidence surrounding sleep practices. She approaches the topic by presenting an honest assessment of what the research confirms and what remains unknown, helping listeners discern the subtleties often missing from conventional advice. She argues that the findings against certain practices, such as sleep training, form an “incredibly strong circumstantial case” rather than a clear-cut legal link. Furthermore, Tracy contends that many sleep problems are misinterpreted as behavioral failures when they are actually symptoms of underlying issues like allergies, sleep apnea, or hormonal imbalances. Her most recent paper with Levita DeSousa advocates for researchers to adopt a much broader perspective, moving away from seeking a "one size fits all solution" and instead considering the full family dynamic, cultural influences, and health context when studying infant sleep. Key Takeaways Sleep problems are often symptoms of underlying physical or psychological issues, not always primary behavioral faults of the baby or parent. The research focusing specifically on mothers and babies, particularly concerning clinical interventions and emotional connection, is significantly lacking. An overemphasis on controlled sleep in modern society leads parents to prioritize it over other critical nurturing components like love, comfort, and proper feeding. Some research proposes methods to help mothers suppress the natural anxiety they feel when hearing their distressed baby cry, counteracting an essential evolutionary response. Infant sleep should be viewed as a family dynamic influenced by culture, general family preferences, health issues, and the need for connection. THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE 43 - Evolutionary Parenting: Beyond the Sleep Training Narrative feat. Tracy Cassel - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more. Join The Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner Certification https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page Resources Tracy’s Instagram: @tracycasselsphdhttps://www.instagram.com/tracycasselsphd Book by Tracy Cassels: Finding Daycare: Navigating the Murky World of Child Care in Today’s Society https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Daycare-Navigating-Todays-Society-ebook/dp/B07PGDR6TC Evolutionary Parenting’s website: https://evolutionaryparenting.com Guest Bio: Tracy Cassels holds a PhD in developmental psychology and is the founder of Evolutionary Parenting. She co-authored a paper with Levita DeSousa, an attachment theory specialist at Monash University in Australia, focusing on how sleep training ignores the larger family dynamic. She is also a contributor to an upcoming academic book on sleep, edited by Jenny (who Greer has also written with), which includes chapters from Darshan Arves and LaVita DeSousa. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
August 31 · 17 min
TAKEAWAYS from Why Maternal Love is a Neurobiological Craving feat. Kelly McDaniel | #67
What happens when we spend our adult lives searching for a quality of maternal love we never received as a child? Kelly McDaniel, a licensed professional counselor and author, introduced the concept of "Mother Hunger" in her first book, Ready to Heal. She identified Mother Hunger as an attachment injury stemming from maternal deprivation, noting that millions of women suffer a lifelong emotional burden that adversely affects self-worth, eating habits, and relational wellness. This profound attachment trauma, Kelly explains, is a neurobiological craving for unmet needs: nurturing, protection, and guidance. This "hunger" is often misunderstood and sought inappropriately from romantic partners, friends, or authority figures. Kelly's work illuminates how cultural forces, especially patriarchy, compromise a mother’s capacity to provide a consistent, safe caregiving environment, leading to generational trauma that impacts secure attachment. Kelly published her second book, Mother Hunger, in 2021, compiling research since 2008 to explore how adult daughters can understand and heal from these losses. She emphasizes that while we cannot go back in time, neuroscience shows that our brains can change throughout life, offering hope and opportunity for repair. Her clinical approach helps adult daughters identify this craving, understand the truth of their pain, and become "cycle breakers" in their own families. Key Takeaways Mother Hunger is a profound neurobiological craving for three essential elements of maternal care: nurturing, protection, and guidance. Unmet needs often arise from ancestral inheritance, cultural environments, and unhealed trauma, not necessarily a lack of maternal love. A mother can be physically present but emotionally absent due to unhealed trauma, leading to chronic, automatic dissociation. Healing Mother Hunger enables adult daughters to break epigenetic cycles of trauma, improving their self-worth and relational wellness outcomes. The spiritual component of mothering involves stretching our own capacity for love, loving unconditionally, and embracing personal growth. THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE 42 - Why Maternal Love is a Neurobiological Craving feat. Kelly McDaniel - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more. Join The Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner Certification https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page Resources Kelly’s website: https://kellymcdanieltherapy.com Books by Kelly McDaniel: Ready to Heal: Helping Women Heal from Addictive Relationships. Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Understand and Heal from Lost Nurturance, Protection, and Guidance (Hay House, 2021). https://kellymcdanieltherapy.com/books Contribution: Making Advances; A Comprehensive Guide for Treating Female Sex and Love Addicts. https://www.amazon.com/Making-Advances-Comprehensive-Treating-Addicts/dp/098574720X Mentioned in conversation: Mark Wolynn’s book, It Didn’t Start With You. https://a.co/d/3yJpvKw Guest Bio: Kelly McDaniel, LCMHC, is an author and licensed professional counselor who developed the term “Mother Hunger” to identify an attachment injury related to maternal deprivation. She specializes in nurturing insecure attachment and healing addictive relational patterns in adult women. She holds an MA in English Literature from Georgetown University (1991) and an MA in Counseling from St. Mary’s University (2004). Kelly is also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). She has devoted herself to this work since naming Mother Hunger in 2008. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
August 24 · 17 min
TAKEAWAYS from Self-Mothering: Your Most Important Parenting Job feat. Dr. Gertrude Lyons | #66
What if the most crucial job we have in motherhood is learning to mother ourselves? Dr. Gertrude Lyons, a master coach and thought leader, developed the “Rewriting the Mother Code” framework after conducting an in-depth doctoral thesis. Her purpose is to help women rewrite outdated narratives surrounding motherhood, self-worth, and identity. Dr. Lyons was prompted to begin this work after realizing that even as an established coach, she had lost herself in motherhood, stopped mothering herself, and experienced deep regret and remorse. This experience motivated her to investigate what is possible when women put themselves in the picture. Her doctoral thesis centered on raising women's awareness of the possibility of personal growth and transformative experiences within motherhood. This included challenging personal norms. For example, when facing fertility issues, Dr. Lyons chose to listen to her intuition rather than immediately adopting the full medical model. By tuning in, she uncovered a deep, unconscious fear of being a mother and continuing generational trauma. Addressing this "unfinished business" proved to be a critical part of her healing journey. Dr. Lyons emphasizes that motherhood, despite being painful or chaotic—described as the “caterpillar to butterfly gelatinous mass period”—is the ripest time for transformation and rewiring. She champions the idea that we all mother (ideas, careers, relationships), and the most important person we need to mother is ourselves. Key Takeaways Recognize that the challenging, chaotic early phase of new motherhood is the ripest time for profound personal transformation and rewiring. Challenge the traditional view of motherhood as pure sacrifice and duty, and instead embrace it as an opportunity for self-realization. The deepest form of self-mothering is self-actualization and awareness, requiring ongoing internal work to truly know yourself. We all express "mother energy" by nurturing careers, relationships, ideas, and dreams, not just children. Approach pain as informative and a natural vehicle for wisdom and transformation, rather than something to numb or simply avoid. THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE 41 - Self-Mothering: Your Most Important Parenting Job feat. Dr. Gertrude Lyons - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more. Join The Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner Certification https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page Resources Guest Bio: Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a master coach, podcast host, and thought leader who helps women rewrite outdated narratives around motherhood and identity. She developed the "Rewriting the Mother Code" framework after completing an in-depth doctoral thesis. She offers retreats in Mexico and Ireland, and one-on-one immersive coaching experiences. References and Resources: Book: Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust, a Cosmic Approach to Motherhood https://a.co/d/b4MU6hl Website: https://www.drgertrudelyons.com (includes her TEDx talk) Podcast: Rewrite the Mother Code with Dr. Gertrude Lyons https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewrite-the-mother-code-with-dr-gertrude-lyons/id1534581166 Instagram: @drgertrudelions https://www.instagram.com/drgertrudelyons/?hl=en Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/ FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
August 17 · 34 min
Beyond the Rules: Responsive Feeding and Support feat. Emma Pickett | #65
Why is breastfeeding often a learned skill that requires a "village" rather than just a natural instinct? Emma Pickett began her professional life as a teacher before the birth of her own children sparked a deep passion for lactation. She quickly realized that breastfeeding is a continuing line from teaching, as both roles involve helping people reach their goals and feel successful. Emma transitioned from a volunteer breastfeeding counselor to a certified International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2011. She has dedicated her career to supporting families and even helping grandmothers who wish they had better support in their younger years. One of her biggest challenges is navigating a modern society that lacks the "drip-drip" of evolutionary knowledge once passed down through generations. She observes that industrialization has separated families into nuclear pockets, leaving many new mothers holding a baby for the first time without ever seeing someone breastfeed. Emma transformed her approach by viewing breastfeeding not just as a set of statistics, but as a deeply personal goal and a relationship that needs nurturing. She advocates for "responsive feeding" over strict schedules and helps mothers reclaim their intuition. Today, she is a leading voice in maternal support, writing books on toddler feeding and providing a library of resources to ensure every mother feels capable and empowered during her matrescence. Key Takeaways Breastfeeding is a learned skill that often requires a teacher, a model, and a safe environment rather than just biological instinct. We should prioritize responsive feeding by listening to the baby's needs and our environment instead of following strict app-based schedules or clocks. Preparing during pregnancy means gathering your support resources and finding a lactation consultant you personally click with for the postpartum period. Modern isolation means we must intentionally rebuild our "village" by including partners and family in our understanding of responsive feeding and milk supply. The breastfeeding journey can involve winding roads like difficult latches or medical complications, but these can be overcome with the right patient support. Resources Emma Pickett’s Website: https://www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Emma Pickett’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmapickettibclc Guests Bio: Emma Pickett is a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), author, and holistic sleep coach who has been supporting breastfeeding families since 2011. She was honored in 2022 with the Lactation Consultants of Great Britain award for outstanding contribution to breastfeeding. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
August 10 · 16 min
TAKEAWAYS from Why Nasal Breathing is Essential for Early Development with Dr. Shereen Lim | #64
How does optimal breathing and jaw development impact your child's sleep, mood, and ability to thrive? Dr. Shereen Lim, originally a general dentist for 26 years, first delved into the world of sleep apnea due to her husband’s persistent snoring. Her initial focus was on dental devices for adults, but this quickly shifted when she wondered why children’s jaws weren't helped to grow properly from the start. She came across research indicating that palate expansion could reduce snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in children. This led her to pursue early interceptive orthodontics. However, when she spoke to a pioneer in sleep medicine about palate expansion, she was told she was too late, which prompted a critical realization: form follows function. Her attention then shifted entirely to the earliest years of life, focusing on how to ensure a child's tongue and other oral muscles work well to promote optimal jaw development. Dr. Lim stresses that good airway health is defined by nasal breathing 24/7 and optimal jaw development, which serves as the foundation for thriving health and vitality across the ages. She emphasizes that sleep and breathing problems should be viewed as family health issues, often leading to attachment difficulties in infants and behavioral problems in older children, ultimately impacting the entire household. Key Takeaways Airway health is defined as promoting nasal breathing 24/7 and optimal jaw development through effective oral function. Snoring, mouth breathing, and a lack of silence during sleep are signals that airflow difficulties may be present, leading to unrestorative sleep. Breastfeeding, with optimal latch mechanics, is crucial because it acts as nature’s palate expander, helping develop the jaws forward and wide. We must consider the outer borders of the airway—the jaw structures—not just tissue removal, to increase airflow and space for the tongue. Poor breathing quality during sleep can increase the risk of behavioral, learning problems, anxiety, and separation anxiety in children. THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE 45 - Why Nasal Breathing is Essential for Early Development feat. Dr. Shereen Lim - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more. Join The Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner Certification Join our Program: https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page Resources Book Breathe, Sleep, Thrive. https://breathesleepthrivebook.com Website: https://www.drshereenlim.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drshereenlim Instagram: @dr.shereenlim https://www.instagram.com/dr.shereenlim Guest Bio: Dr Lim is a Perth, Australia, based dentist with a postgraduate diploma in dental sleep medicine from the University of Western Australia. She has been involved in the team management of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea for over a decade. Dr Lim is dedicated to promoting airway health from infancy as an alternative approach to minimize the development of these problems, and is author of the book “Breathe, Sleep, Thrive: Discover How Airway Health Can Unlock Your Child’s Greater Health, Learning and Potential.” Her work in private practice is restricted to tongue tie management from infancy to adulthood, early interceptive orthodontics and myofunctional therapy. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/ FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
August 3 · 25 min
Prenatal Bonding: Building a Lifelong Relationship in the Womb feat. Ivana Lombardo | #63
How can building a relationship with your baby during pregnancy transform your experience of birth and early parenthood? Ivana Lombardo’s journey began after moving from Serbia and raising her family without her original community nearby. She faced the isolation many modern parents feel, navigating her first grueling 40-hour labor. Everything changed during her second pregnancy when she discovered HypnoBirthing, which was a "complete 180" from her first experience. This transformation led her to realize that parents in our high-pressure society don't need more rules; they need customized support to reclaim their inner wisdom. She observed that while many prepare the nursery, they often forget to prepare the actual relationship with their child. Ivana now guides families through prenatal bonding to help them find a stable anchor in the unpredictability of new parenthood. Her work bridges the gap between anxiety and confidence by helping mothers connect with their bodies and their babies before birth. We believe her story shows that when a mother feels truly supported, her baby feels it too, setting a ground-level foundation for lifelong health. Key Takeaways Prenatal bonding is simply the act of having a conscious, interactive relationship with your baby before they are even born. Babies are active participants who can recognize specific songs, books, and family voices they heard during the pregnancy. Strengthening your maternal intuition during pregnancy helps you navigate the unpredictable chaos of life with a newborn with more confidence. Research on prenatal bonding shows significantly lower rates of C-sections, postpartum depression, and the occurrence of colicky babies. Simple daily practices like talking or visualizing your baby can help lower maternal stress and increase essential oxytocin levels. Resources Great Beginnings Births Website: https://www.greatbeginningsbirths.com/prenatalbondingba Great Beginnings Births Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatbeginningsbirths Research Paper: Prenatal Bonding (BA) as a Breakthrough in Improving Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Outcomes Anne Goertz-Schroth, Dr. Gerhard Schroth, Dr. Raylene Phillips https://birthpsychology.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Z3sC25KO-1.pdf Guests Bio: Ivana Lombardo is a childbirth educator, HypnoBirthing instructor, women's mental health coach, and nurture neuroscience practitioner. With over 20 years of experience, she guides families through fertility struggles, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, helping them trust their own wisdom. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
July 27 · 31 min
Matrescence: Healing Attachment Wounds and Finding Your New Self feat. Mariya Garnet | #62
How can we bridge the gap between knowing our patterns and actually feeling like ourselves again in early motherhood? Mariya Garnet brings over 18 years of experience in the wellness industry, blending traditionally trained indigenous practices from the Peruvian Amazon with Western psychotherapy and expressive art therapy. Her journey into somatic and creative work was fueled by a desire to help people bridge the difficult gap between cognitive understanding and the actual felt sense of self. She works extensively with young mothers who are navigating the profound identity shifts and brain structural changes that come with matrescence. One of the biggest challenges Mariya addresses is "primary maternal preoccupation," where a mother’s attention is rerouted entirely toward her baby, often leading to a sense of lost identity and deep grief. She guides mothers through the "messy" but transformative process of letting go of their old selves while resisting the modern pressure to instantly "get back to normal". Her key transformation involves using somatic practices like bilateral drawing and bilateral stimulation to help mothers reconnect with their bodies and their own physical needs. By reclaiming their senses, mothers can use this window of high neuroplasticity to heal early attachment wounds and break generational cycles. We believe that with the right support, mothers can emerge from this transition more confident and grounded than ever before. Key Takeaways Matrescence is a normal developmental shift similar to adolescence that involves real structural changes in the brain and identity. Primary maternal preoccupation is a biological survival mechanism that reroutes a mother's focus entirely toward her baby's needs. Simple somatic practices like bilateral drawing or humming can help mothers reconnect with their felt sense of self during postpartum. Motherhood acts as a mirror that brings early attachment wounds to the surface, offering a unique window for deep psychological healing. Improving your ability to hold difficult emotions, rather than just trying to feel better, helps widen your nervous system's circle of tolerance. Resources Somatic Therapy for Mothers: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/somatic-therapy-directory Website: https://www.silverowltherapy.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariyagarnet Guests Bio: Mariya Garnet is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) and the founder of Silver Owl Therapy. She is a professional artist and a traditionally trained facilitator with experience in indigenous wellness practices and Western psychotherapy. Mariya specializes in creative and somatic work, helping clients fill the gap between knowing and feeling. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/ FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
July 20 · 31 min
Beyond Milestones: Why the Movement Process Matters Most feat. Babies Project | #61
How can the way your baby learns to move today shape the way they learn about the world for the rest of their lives? Amy Matthews and Sarah Barnaby are the co-founders of Babies Project, but their path into this work didn't start with being parents themselves. Amy began her career in dance and theater, always curious about the "underpinnings" of how adults move and use their bodies. Sarah grew up in a very athletic family and spent years in gymnastics and yoga before looking for a deeper way to connect movement with the mind. They eventually met through their training in Body-Mind Centering and realized that working with infants offered the most satisfying way to explore the foundations of human development. They often see parents struggling with the "modern parenting" trap of keeping babies in containers like car seats or strollers for too long. They also noticed that many parents feel huge stress about hitting milestones on a strict timeline. Their key transformation was moving away from a "fixing" mindset to one of pure curiosity. They teach that we don't need to "teach" babies how to sit or walk. Instead, we should provide an environment where they can safely explore "horizontal life" and even practice falling to build resilience. By using gentle techniques like the "baby ball" hold, they help parents settle their babies and trust in their child's natural ability to navigate the world. We believe this perspective offers a beautiful way to slow down and truly see what our babies are capable of. Key Takeaways Learning to move is actually learning to learn, which influences a baby’s lifelong ability to engage with and understand their surrounding world. We should focus less on the exact timing of milestones and more on the rich quality and curiosity of the movement process itself. Falling is not a failure but a vital skill that helps infants build physical resilience and trust in their own bodies. Spending time in horizontal positions on the floor helps babies bond with the earth and feel supported by gravity on all sides. Holding a baby in the "baby ball" position helps them orient to their midline and creates a settling baseline for their nervous system. Resources Babies Project Website: https://www.babiesproject.org Preparing for Caring Resources: https://www.babiesproject.org/preparing-for-caring IDME Training Information: https://www.bodymindcentering.com/program/infant-developmental-movement-education Sonder Movement Project: https://www.sondermoves.com/idme Guests Bio: Amy Matthews, CMA, IDME, BMC Teacher, RSMT/RSME, has been teaching movement since 1994. She is a Body-Mind Centering® Teacher and an Infant Developmental Movement Educator. She co-authored the best-selling book Yoga Anatomy and serves as a Program Director for the School for Body-Mind Centering. Sarah Barnaby is a certified BMC Teacher and Infant Developmental Movement Educator (IDME). She is trained in the Newborn Behavioral Observation (NBO) system and is a post-partum doula. She teaches developmental movement to people of all ages, from infants to elders, in New York City. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
July 13 · 8 min
TAKEAWAYS from Trust Your Instinct with Amanda Hadfield | #60
Are you feeling conflicted because your mothering instincts feel right, but everyone around you insists you are doing it wrong? Amanda Hadfield, who was previously working as a veterinary nurse, started maternity leave looking for self-discovery and a complete career change. While pregnant, she knew she was looking for something else. She faced a major challenge during this time: she felt deeply conflicted because everything she was doing felt right in her heart, yet she was under immense pressure from family, friends, and health visitors who told her she was mothering incorrectly. Her path changed when a mother at her breastfeeding group recommended The Nurture Revolution by Greer Kirshenbaum. The book changed everything for her. When she received a newsletter announcing the certification program, she knew 100% that this was the path for her, manifesting getting into the limited spaces. Amanda became the world's first Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner to certify. She launched her first circle in March 2025, initially expecting only two mothers but welcoming eight. The impact was profound, providing mothers with a space to be nurtured and find healing from issues like birth trauma or difficulty bonding with their baby. Amanda also experienced significant personal growth, moving from being "terrified" before her first class to gaining the confidence to lead circles and workshops. Her group fostered deep connections, with the first block of mothers continuing to meet up every week, forming a tight-knit group. Key Takeaways Up until the age of three, your primary role is to spoil your baby with affection, attention, and protection. When women gather in person, magic happens, creating a supportive sisterhood and community that lasts a lifetime. The Nurtured Presence practice is highly emotive, centering on four questions that affirm to your baby, "I see you, you are enough". Inner child work involves holding your baby but answering the four natural questions as if you were addressing baby-you. Ambivalence can be practiced by holding two rocks to help you really feel two conflicting emotions at the same time. THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE 38 - Boosting Confidence Through Nurtured Presence feat. Amanda Hadfield - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more. Join The Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner Certification Join our Program: https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page Resources Amanda Hadfield is the world's first Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner to certify in the certification program. Her business is North Star Nurture. She runs in-person circles every Wednesday at 9:30 AM in the Glencore Center in Scotland. Amanda also offers sleep consulting and is planning to team up with another practitioner, Gabrielle, for parental regulation support. Amanda Hadfield´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabennison Amanda Hadfield´s Website: https://northstarnurture.com Amanda Hadfield´s Instagram: @north.star.nurture https://www.instagram.com/nurtured.mom.nurtured.baby Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE - "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE - "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
July 6 · 8 min
TAKEAWAYS from Trust Your Instinct with Gabrielle Ferrara | #59
Why is "normal" infant sleep so often labeled as a problem needing medical intervention? Gabrielle Ferrara began her professional life dedicated to mental health counseling and social work, holding a Master’s in Social Work and licensure as a clinical social worker in both New Jersey and Florida. She initially planned to return to her full-time therapy job after having her son, never anticipating motherhood would completely uproot her career path. When her son’s personal sleep journey began to get "a little hairy" at four months old, she discovered Greer's work. Listening to the resources gave her the language and the tools to quiet the intense pressure and noise she was receiving about sleep training, allowing her to trust her intuition about what her baby needed. This transformative personal experience motivated her to enroll in the first cohort of the Nurture Neuroscience practitioner program. She saw this as an opportunity for self-education and to be among other like-minded professionals and parents with similar values, with the hope of translating the knowledge into a professional career. In her consults, she found her primary job was offering education and reassurance to parents who constantly ask, "Is what my baby doing normal?". Her own path has been challenging, as her son has nearly every medical red flag or sleep disruptor, including reflux, oral ties, low ferritin, and snoring. She has faced significant pushback from the medical system, which often promotes a medicalized behaviorist approach, prescribing "self soothing" even when physical symptoms are present. Gabrielle emphasizes that for families facing complex sleep issues, responsive co-sleeping or bedsharing is often the only way to get enough sleep to function. She uses her combined therapeutic and personal experience to help parents navigate these complexities and balance their child's medical needs with their nurturing needs. Key Takeaways The majority of consult work involves reassuring parents that their baby’s needs and behaviors are developmentally normal. We must reject the overwhelming mainstream messaging that sleep training is the only viable solution for infants. It is crucial to normalize the grief parents feel when the reality of infant sleep doesn't match cultural expectations. Some families rely on responsive co-sleeping or bedsharing as the only practical solution while addressing underlying health issues. Parents need support to stand confidently in their attachment-based choices against external pressure and medical pushback. THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE 47 - Trust Your Instinct: Quieting the Sleep Training Noise feat. Gabrielle Ferrara - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more. Resources Gabrielle Ferrara is a Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner and Consultant. She holds a Master's in Social Work (MSW) and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey and Florida. Website: https://www.gabrielle-ferrara.com Instagram: @nurtured.mom.nurtured.baby https://www.instagram.com/nurtured.mom.nurtured.baby Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE - "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE - "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
June 29 · 12 min
TAKEAWAYS from Beyond Perfection with Talia Shapero | #58
Is it possible to improve our sleep and reduce anxiety, even when navigating the exhaustion of new parenthood? Talia Shapero's journey to becoming an adult sleep coach began with her own years-long battle with insomnia. This sleep struggle became significantly worse after the birth of her son. Even when her baby started sleeping through the night, Talia found she was unable to. This chronic lack of quality sleep severely impacted her cognitive, physical, and emotional health, leading to intense anxiety and a dysregulated mood. Fortunately, her medical practitioners were insightful, suggesting that addressing her sleep issues might alleviate her anxiety, recognizing the crucial bi-directional relationship between mood and sleep. Talia was diagnosed with true insomnia and underwent Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which she describes as truly transformative. The treatment improved her overall well-being—she was feeling better, eating better, and became a more engaged partner and parent, gaining resilience, patience, and love to give to her family. Through this experience, she realized that many people lack knowledge about sleep and struggle silently. Motivated by her personal success and the universal need for solutions, Talia earned her certification to help others as an adult sleep coach. Key Takeaways Focus on the quality of sleep as much as the quantity, and anchor your morning wake time for circadian rhythm consistency. When a full nap isn't possible, schedule "daily pauses" by lying down horizontally, screen-free, to refresh and restore your mind. Optimize your body's sleep-wake cycle by ensuring you receive bright light exposure in the morning and limit bright light in the evening. Develop a purposeful and relaxing wind-down routine before bed to signal to your brain and body that it is safe to relax and anticipate sleep. Aim for "good enough" sleep instead of seeking perfection every night, recognizing that sleep is not static and will fluctuate. THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE 40 - Beyond Perfection: Getting "Good Enough" Sleep feat. Talia Shapero - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more. Resources Talia Shapero is an Adult Sleep Coach. She can be found through her website, TaliaShapero.com, and on Instagram and Facebook at @TaliaShaperoSleep. Talia regularly posts tips and information, and she offers a free 20-minute, no-obligation call for those struggling with their sleep. Website: https://www.taliashapero.com Instagram: @taliashaperosleep https://www.instagram.com/taliashaperosleep LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talia-shapero-7a5688a1 Facebook: Talia Shapero Adult Sleep Coaching Services https://www.facebook.com/taliashaperosleep Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE - "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE - "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
June 22 · 12 min
TAKEAWAYS from Conscious Connections with Tracy Gillett | #57
What if "spoiling" your baby with affection, attention, and protection is actually the best path to their long-term mental health and success? Tracy Gillett, a natural parent, felt alone in her early parenting choices like full term breastfeeding and bed-sharing. This led her to create the Raised Good summit, offering a community where parents find confidence, education, and support. The summit highlights research and experts, empowering parents to trust their intuition and parent consciously. Key Takeaways Spoil babies with affection, attention, and protection for long-term mental health. Natural parenting, backed by science, empowers trusting your intuition and conscious choices. Find confidence and community through events like the Raised Good online summit. Understanding a child's nervous system helps interpret behavior and promote healthy development. Extended breastfeeding offers immense benefits; let go of societal expectations and embrace it. THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE 33 - Conscious Connections: Holistic Baby Care & Family Bonds, with Tracy Gillett - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more. Resources Raised Good online summit: https://raisedgood.com Guest Bio: Tracy Gillett is the founder of Raised Good and hosts its sixth annual online summit. As a natural parent, she started the summit to build a community for parents seeking confidence, education, and support in their alternative parenting choices. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
June 15 · 12 min
TAKEAWAYS from Discipline and Development with Dr Vanessa Lapointe | #56
Why is traditional discipline actually causing anxiety and behavioral problems in our children? Dr. Vanessa Lapointe began her career as a practicing psychologist and mother, having been trained in a behaviorist approach that taught her to squash any unwanted behavior to make it stop. She quickly noticed a profound mismatch between this training and the reality of the children coming into her clinic. Dr. Lapointe observed that many referrals were anxiety-based, and it seemed that the very discipline methods being employed by parents were actually causing the anxiety and leading to challenging behaviors. This realization prompted her to conduct a deep dive into child development, including studying the work of Gordon Neufeld. Her key transformation involved moving away from punishment-focused methods, recognizing that the "downstream fallout" from harsh discipline creates more disruption in children's lives than a compassionate approach. Dr. Lapointe now operates from the developmentalist perspective, focusing on the antecedent—what happens in the environment before a behavior occurs—rather than the consequence. She explains that because babies' brains are immature and lack the necessary wiring for self-regulation and impulse control, their "bad behaviors" are actually developmentally appropriate expressions of overwhelm or excitement. Dr. Lapointe emphasizes that we must approach parenting with compassion, humanity, and heart, ensuring our children can grow up in the way nature intended, without having to recover from their childhood. Key Takeaways Traditional behaviorist discipline, which focuses on stopping behavior, often leads to negative outcomes like anxiety and continued disruption later in life. Focus on the antecedent (the environment and stressors before the behavior) rather than the consequence (punishment) to nurture healthy development. Misbehavior does not exist; all challenging behavior is simply communication of a child's needs or an underlying stress response. Boundaries for babies should define how we hold ourselves within, not how we keep the baby out or make them wait. Compassionate parenting gives us the opportunity to heal our inner child by retemplating our own childhood experiences and emotional reactions. THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE 46 - Discipline and Development: The Zero to Three Guide feat. Dr. Vanessa Lapointe - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more. Resources Books: Discipline Without Damage Parenting Right From the Start https://drvanessalapointe.com/child-discipline-books Website: https://drvanessalapointe.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drvanessalapointe Instagram: @dr.vanessalapointe https://www.instagram.com/dr.vanessalapointe X (Twitter) https://x.com/DrVlapointe Guest Bio: Dr. Vanessa Lapointe is a mom, parenting educator, best-selling author, international speaker, and a regularly invited media guest. She holds a doctoral degree in psychology, and practiced as a psychologist for nearly 20 years, before devoting her full-time energy to connecting with parents and other “big people” around the globe in 2023. Founder of The North Star Developmental Clinic, Dr. Vanessa has long been supporting families and children in her developmental clinic alongside her team, and has previous experience in community mental health and the school system. Dr. Vanessa is known for bringing a sense of nurturing understanding and humanity to all of her work. Her passion is in walking alongside parents, teachers, care providers, and other big people to really see the world through the child’s eyes. She believes that if we can do this, we are beautifully positioned to grow up our children in the best possible way. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
June 8 · 29 min
The Roots of Resilience: Healing Birth Trauma feat. Annie Brook | #55
How do the first impressions of birth and early infancy shape our nervous systems and relationships for a lifetime? Annie Brook is a somatic psychotherapist and educator who helps families understand the profound impact that birth and early caregiving have on lifelong wellbeing. Growing up as a premature baby herself, Annie spent time in an incubator and later navigated infant depression and sensory-motor difficulties. Her personal journey of healing led her to discover that the body holds memories of birth trauma long after they are "forgotten" by the conscious mind. In this episode, Annie explains that babies have no context for medical interventions or difficult births, which can leave deep impressions on the primitive brain, showing up as fears of abandonment or invasion. Through her work, she helps children and adults tell their "birth story" using somatic tools, play therapy, and movement. By unwinding these early impacts, parents can move from guilt to understanding, allowing for a fresh approach to behavior and deep relational healing. Key Takeaways Birth is an impactful memory phase that shapes the nervous system, even if the conscious mind doesn't remember the event. Difficult behaviors in children, such as hypersensitivity or being "clingy," are often communication of a buried birth story. Somatic psychotherapy helps adults and children access and release early trauma by focusing on the "felt sense" of the body. Birth trauma often affects the "relational field," influencing how we connect with parents and partners throughout our lives. Healing begins with non-judgmental listening and helping the "baby self" know it is no longer alone. Resources Annie Brook's Website: https://www.anniebrook.com The Brook Institute on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrookinstitute Annie Brook's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniebrooktherapy Annie Brook's YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@thebrookinstitutewithannie9097 Guest Bio: Annie Brook, Ph.D, LPC, MSME (ISMETA), is a therapist, author, and educator in the somatic community. She founded the Brook Institute for Somatic Studies and Psychotherapy in 2001 and specializes in helping adults and children get to the roots of difficult behaviors by unwinding the impacts of birth on the nervous system. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
June 1 · 35 min
The Healing Power of Nurturing Touch and Infant Massage feat. Sylvie Hetu | #54
How can the simple act of infant massage transform your baby's health and your bond forever? Sylvie Hétu has spent over 30 years leading the way for infant massage around the world. Her journey is tied to the story of Vimala McClure, who saw the power of touch in an orphanage in India. Sylvie realized that this old tradition could solve a big problem today: many babies aren't touched enough and spend too much time in car seats or strollers. She helps parents who feel lost or shy when they bring a new baby home. She uses a gentle, five-session plan to help parents move from feeling worried to feeling sure of themselves. Her work changed how we think about baby care by focusing on love and talking through touch rather than just worrying about sleep or food. She builds a safe place where parents can find a "village" of support again. This allows them to listen to their own gut feelings and see their babies as real people from day one. We think her story shows how simple touch can build a foundation for a healthy life. Key Takeaways Massage helps a baby's body work better and helps them sleep longer by lowering their stress levels. IAIM classes use a slow approach so parents can learn at their own pace and feel more confident. Nurturing touch is like a first language that helps parents understand the subtle signals their babies are sending. These classes bring parents together to create a supportive community and fight the feeling of being alone. Parents can start right now with "resting hands" to help calm their baby and feel closer to them. Resources International Association of Infant Massage Website: https://iaim.net International Association of Infant Massage Canada Website: https://www.iaim-aimbcanada.org Guest Bio: Sylvie Hétu is an international trainer and certified infant massage instructor with the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) for over 30 years. She pioneered infant massage in Canada and has taught in countries all over the world, including South Africa, Japan, and Hungary. She also served as the president of the IAIM for 12 years. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/ FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
May 25 · 36 min
The Womb as the First Home: Shaping Lifelong Mental Health feat. Dr Catherine Monk | #53
How does a mother’s internal world during pregnancy shape a child’s lifelong mental health? Dr. Catherine Monk began her career as a clinical psychologist driven by a deep interest in development. She wanted to understand how our early backgrounds shape who we become as adults. This curiosity led her to the epigenetics revolution, where she discovered that experiences actually get embedded into our biology. Her personal journey was also shaped by seeing her own mother struggle with significant postpartum depression. This experience fueled her passion to become a pioneer in the field of maternal mental health. She faced the challenge of a medical system that traditionally focused only on a baby’s anatomy rather than their brain development. Dr. Monk worked hard to bridge the gap between psychology and obstetrics to show that the fetus is not passive. Her key transformation involved proving that the womb is truly the first influential home. She emphasizes that maternal well-being is the foundation for a baby’s stress and emotional regulation systems. Today, she helps parents find their own agency through simple buffering tools. Her goal is to ensure that the next generation gets the best start possible through science and compassion. Key Takeaways The fetus is an active participant in development, responding constantly to the mother’s internal biological and emotional signals. Incredible brain activity occurs in utero, with 40,000 new synapses forming every second during the peak of the third trimester. Maternal stress can alter the connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, affecting a child's future emotional regulation. Unpredictable or chaotic maternal mood signals in pregnancy can prime the fetus’s sensory systems to be overly vigilant. We can buffer stress by practicing mindfulness, using a worry book for sleep, and focusing on our capacity to be alone. Resources Dr. Catherine Monk at Columbia University: https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/profile/catherine-e-monk-phd Perinatal Pathways Laboratory Website: https://www.perinatalpathways.org Dr. Catherine Monk's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-monk-1956473 Guest Bio: Catherine Monk, PhD, is the inaugural Diana Vagelos Professor of Women’s Mental Health in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Professor of Medical Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Research Scientist VI at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Monk is also the founding director of Women’s Mental Health @Ob/Gyn. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
May 18 · 39 min
Pregnancy After Loss: Finding Connection in the Midst of Fear feat. Kristin Mundy | #52
How can we continue to mother our children and find deep connection even after experiencing profound loss? Kristin Mundy was born to be a doula. She started as a "mother's helper" when she was just a kid and spent years working in education and as a nanny. About eight years ago, she felt a "light bulb moment" and decided to become a full-time doula. Her life and career changed forever when she went through her own heartbreaking journey of loss. After a miscarriage and the stillbirth of her daughter, Vienna, Kristen realized that our society really drops the ball when it comes to supporting grieving parents. She faced the massive challenge of navigating a medical system that didn't always listen and a world that is often afraid of grief. She then went through another loss with her son, William, before eventually welcoming her rainbow baby daughter. These experiences led to a major transformation in her work. She shifted her focus to bereavement and pregnancy after loss, helping other moms navigate the "gap in care" she experienced herself. Kristen learned that even when a baby isn't here physically, you never stop being their mother. She chose to bond deeply with her babies despite the fear, and she now helps others find that same connection. She teaches us that grief is just love with nowhere to go. By sharing her story, she gives mothers permission to take up space and honor their unique paths to healing. Key Takeaways Grief is essentially love that has nowhere to go, and it is vital to acknowledge this deep connection even after a loss. Mothers have full permission to continue mothering their children who have passed by creating rituals, memories, and space for them in the family. Pregnancy after loss is a unique trauma that requires specialized support to help mothers manage valid fears and anxieties every single day. Connection with a baby is possible and important even during a high-risk pregnancy because that time together is a miracle regardless of the outcome. Finding a village that can sit with you in your pain is essential because society often struggles to support those navigating profound grief. Resources The Doula Life's Website: https://www.thedoulalife.ca The Doula Life's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.doula.life Guest Bio: Kristin Mundy is a doula who specializes in bereavement and pregnancy after loss. She is also a childbirth educator, a loss mom, and a mother of a rainbow baby. She has been a full-time doula for over eight years and is dedicated to bridging the gaps in care for mothers navigating loss and the journey thereafter. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
May 11 · 37 min
The Doula’s Guide to Nurturing Birth Instincts and Connection feat. Stefanie Antunes | #51
Why is the way we connect with our babies at birth so vital for our long-term relationship? Stefanie Antunes began her journey as a doula and educator over twenty years ago after the birth of her second son taught her the true value of preparation and support. She is now a visionary in the field, training thousands of doulas and helping families navigate the intense transition into parenthood. Stefanie believes that birth is an embodied experience that acts as a gateway to our emotional world. She has seen how modern hospital practices often disturb the natural hormonal flow that nature designed for safety and bonding. A major challenge she addresses is the pressure for parents to follow "head-based" information instead of trusting their own inner landscape and instincts. She transformed her practice by focusing on helping people connect with their heart and gut before the "noise" of the world takes over. Stefanie advocates for a return to our mammalian roots, emphasizing that we aren't meant to parent in isolation. She encourages us to reject the myth that we should know everything automatically and instead surrender to the community support we deserve. By prioritizing skin-to-skin contact and planning for postpartum care, she helps families create a foundation of connection that lasts a lifetime. We believe this conversation is a beautiful reminder to look inward and trust the wisdom of our bodies. Key Takeaways Early connection at birth is deeply rooted in our mammalian biology and sets a vital foundation for the lifelong parent-baby relationship. Learning to distinguish between anxiety in the head and instinct in the gut helps parents make better decisions for their families. Modern hospital disturbances, like early inductions, can disrupt the essential hormones that nature provides for a safe and bonded birth experience. The "nuclear family lie" makes us believe parenting should be easy, but we actually need a village to thrive in the postpartum period. Planning for postpartum support through exercises like the "four circles" helps families navigate the intense changes in time and energy after birth. Resources Doula School Canada's Website: https://doulatraining.ca Doula School International's Website: https://doulaschool.com Stefanie Antunes's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieantunes Guest Bio: Stefanie Antunes has been a Lamaze® Educator and doula since 2002, after the birth of her second son showed her just how valuable it is to be prepared for birth and to have good support around you. Stefanie is a visionary in the childbirth field. Her commitment to the profession has been exemplary. She founded Ontario’s first doula agency, helping to obtain insurance for the doula industry, creating the Birth Doula Program, Ontario’s first and only hospital doula program, and more! Stefanie is the director of public relations for the Association of Ontario Doulas, former Public Relations Director and Treasurer for DONA International and sits on many local boards and coalitions to improve our communities. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
May 4 · 25 min
_Motherhood Expanded: Coming Home to Yourself Through Storytelling feat. Kim Marshall | #50
How can we use the challenges of motherhood as a powerful medicine for our own healing and growth? Kim Marshall spent nearly 25 years working with children and families as a teacher before realizing the best way to support kids was to help the people raising them. Six years ago, she left her corporate teaching career to become an online parenting coach and reorganized her life to focus on her own motherhood journey. This shift allowed her to move away from a fast-paced "doing" mindset and embrace a slower, inward-looking way of "being". Her biggest challenge was navigating the "noise" of a world designed to keep us busy and distracted. She realized that if we aren't intentional, we can lose our true selves in the expectations of others. Her transformation came through accepting "matrescence"—the threshold of becoming a mother—and viewing motherhood as a sacred "portal" for growth. Kim's journey inspired her to curate an anthology called Motherhood Expanded, featuring 15 authentic stories of mothers and grandmothers. She believes that our children act as mirrors, holding up invitations for us to heal our deepest wounds and unlearn old patterns. By sharing these vulnerable stories, we find the strength to come home to our humanity and break generational cycles. We believe this episode offers a beautiful reminder that we are never alone in the messy, painful, and glorious process of raising children while raising ourselves. Key Takeaways Motherhood is a unique threshold where we are birthed and chosen to step into the primal and transformative force of love. Our children act as mirrors that hold up invitations for us to address our deepest triggers and begin the work of healing. We must intentionally slow down to avoid losing ourselves in a fast-paced world that prioritizes constant doing over the beauty of being. Vulnerable storytelling helps us connect with a collective motherhood energy, reminding us that we are enough exactly as we are right now. It is a privilege to confront generational wounds and transform them into blessings for the children who are born for these specific times. Resources Kim Marshall's Book: Motherhood Expanded https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GVJWZNFC Kim Marshall's Website: https://www.rootsandwingsmethod.com Kim Marshall's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootsandwingschildhood Kim Marshall's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootsandwingschildhood Guest Bio: Kim Marshall is a mother of 2 and founder of Roots and Wings Childhood. As a parenting coach, she works online to serve an international audience, helping mothers unlearn and relearn what it takes to mother themselves and their children with connection instead of control. Her holistic approach to understanding behavior and relationships guides families toward emotional safety. Kim provides personalized private and group coaching that integrates mindset, strategy, and somatic work to help parents break generational cycles. Ready to Connect with Greer? "Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/ FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting

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