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In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re joined by Lauren McCullough, a labor and delivery nurse turned birth center strategist and founder behind multiple national initiatives transforming maternal health.

Lauren shares the vision behind the National Birth Center Directory and the growing momentum of March for Midwives—two powerful efforts designed to increase access, visibility, and sustainability for midwifery-led care across the country.

We dive into what families should understand about birth center options, why midwifery care matters now more than ever, and the behind-the-scenes realities of launching and supporting birth centers nationwide. Lauren also offers insight into how advocacy, innovation, and community-driven care models are shaping the future of maternal health in the U.S.

Whether you’re expecting, a birth worker or passionate about improving outcomes for families, this conversation will leave you informed and inspired.

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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Bringing home a new baby is a major transition for the entire family, including your dog. In this episode, we sit down with Dominika Knossalla-Pado, certified dog trainer and founder of Dog Meets Baby, to talk about safely preparing your dog for life with a newborn.

Dominika shares her personal journey into motherhood and how her own experience inspired her work helping families create safe, positive relationships between dogs and babies. She offers practical, real-life strategies for introducing your baby to your dog, recognizing stress signals, and preventing common challenges before they start.

We also explore how doulas can support families navigating this transition, the emotional side of bringing home a baby with a pet, and why preparation is key to creating a calm and confident household.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to prepare your dog before baby arrives
• Tips for a safe and successful first introduction
• Common mistakes families make (and how to avoid them)
• How to read your dog’s body language and stress cues
• The role of doulas in supporting families with pets

Whether you are expecting, newly postpartum, or a birth and baby professional, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help both your baby and your dog thrive together.

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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Sleep struggles are one of the most common challenges new parents face—but with so much conflicting advice, how do you know what approach is right for your baby and your family?

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re joined by sleep consultant Mariana Yancik of Gold Coast Doulas to break down the differences between gentle sleep training methods and the often-debated “cry it out” approach. Mariana shares expert insight on what these methods actually look like in real life, how they impact your baby’s development, and how to choose a strategy that aligns with your parenting style.

We dive into:
• What “gentle” sleep training really means
• The truth about cry it out (and common misconceptions)
• When to start sleep training
• How temperament and family dynamics play a role
• Tips for creating healthy, sustainable sleep habits

Whether you’re in the thick of sleepless nights or planning ahead, this episode will help you feel more confident and informed in your approach to infant sleep.

🎧 Perfect for expecting parents, new families, and birth and baby professionals looking to better support their clients.

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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Is “pregnancy brain” real—or is there more going on beneath the surface?

In this episode, we’re joined by Becky Gleed of the Perinatal & Reproductive Wellness Group to unpack the very real experience of brain fog during pregnancy and postpartum. From forgetfulness and mental fatigue to the emotional load of motherhood, Becky shares what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek additional support.

We dive into how hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and mental health all play a role in cognitive changes—and how perinatal wellness support can make a meaningful difference for moms navigating this season.

This conversation is a must-listen for expecting and new parents who want to feel seen, supported, and empowered with tools to care for both their minds and bodies.

Because when mothers are supported, everyone benefits.

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

Keywords:
Pregnancy Brain Fog | Becky Gleed | Kristin Revere | Perinatal Wellness | Reproductive Wellness | Cognitive Changes Pregnancy | Pregnancy Mental Fatigue | Postpartum Brain Fog | Maternal Mental Health | Pregnancy Cognitive Support | Perinatal Mental Support | Hormonal Changes Pregnancy | Sleep Deprivation Moms | Pregnancy Memory Challenges | Emotional Load Motherhood | Maternal Wellness Tools | Supporting New Parents | Pregnancy Wellness Education | Mind-Body Support Pregnancy | Perinatal Health Support | Cognitive Wellness Moms | Mental Clarity Pregnancy | Pregnancy Brain Awareness | Postpartum Cognitive Changes | Maternal Support Systems | Brain Fog Remedies | Pregnancy Focus Support | New Parent Empowerment | Mental Wellness Pregnancy | Emotional Support Mothers | Pregnancy Mindfulness | Maternal Self-Care Tips | Postnatal Mental Health | Perinatal Support Strategies | Pregnancy Stress Management | Supporting Motherhood Journey | Cognitive Health Pregnancy | Perinatal Coaching | Pregnancy Memory Support | Brain Fog Solutions | Maternal Mental Clarity | Mindful Parenting |

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In this episode of Ask the Doulas, we’re talking all about social media and doulas with Doula Darcy. Social media has become one of the most powerful ways for families to discover support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, but it can also feel overwhelming to navigate.

Darcy shares practical tips for parents on how to find the right doula through platforms like Instagram and other social channels, including what to look for in a doula’s online presence and how to spot someone who aligns with your values and birth preferences.

For doulas and birth professionals, this conversation also dives into smart, sustainable ways to market your services online. Darcy breaks down strategies for showing up authentically on social media, building trust with potential clients, and creating content that helps families feel informed and supported.

Whether you are expecting a baby or building your doula business, this episode offers helpful insights into using social media to connect, educate, and grow.

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

Keywords:
Finding a Doula | Doula Darcy | Kristin Revere | Ask the Doulas Podcast | Doula Marketing | Social Media Doula | Birth Support Online | Doula Discovery Tips | Pregnancy Support Online | Postpartum Doula Search | Doula Instagram Tips | Online Doula Presence | Authentic Doula Marketing | Doula Client Connection | Birth Professional Marketing | Doula Business Growth | Social Media Strategies | Doula Online Branding | Doula Networking Tips | Family-Focused Doula | Doula Education Online | Doula Support Access | Doula Values Alignment | Online Presence for Doulas | Marketing Doula Services | Social Media Engagement | Doula Business Tips | Digital Doula Marketing | Finding Birth Support | Doula Platform Strategies | Doula Content Creation | Doula Business Advice | Connecting with Families | Birth Services Marketing |

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Sensitive skin and newborns often go hand in hand, leaving parents overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of what products are truly safe and effective. In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Faulkner Williams, co-founder of Tubby Todd Bath Co., to talk about navigating dryness, eczema, and reactive skin in babies.

We dive into why newborn skin is so delicate, common triggers for irritation, how to simplify your baby’s skincare routine, and what parents should look for when choosing products. Andrea also opens up about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship while raising four little ones in San Diego.

If you are navigating cradle cap, baby acne, eczema, or just want to better understand how to care for your newborn’s sensitive skin, this episode offers reassurance, practical guidance, and hope for smoother days ahead.

Subscribe to our newsletter, check out our birth and baby prep book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:

https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas

Keywords:
Sensitive Skin | Andrea Faulkner Williams | Kristin Revere | Tubby Todd Bath Co. | Ask the Doulas Podcast | Newborn Skincare | Baby Skin Care | Baby Eczema | Baby Dryness | Infant Skin Health | Reactive Skin Babies | Cradle Cap Care | Baby Acne Solutions | Gentle Baby Products | Skincare Routine Newborn | Baby Bath Tips | Newborn Skin Education | Safe Baby Products | Infant Sensitive Skin | Newborn Irritation | Baby Skincare Guidance | Simplifying Baby Care | Newborn Skin Protection | Baby Dermatology Tips | Infant Skin Challenges | Baby Skin Safety | Newborn Skincare Advice | Baby Skincare Best Practices | Delicate Baby Skin | Newborn Skin Tips | Parenting Skin Care | Baby Skin Reassurance | Infant Skin Support | Newborn Product Guidance | Baby Skincare Insights | Baby Skin Wellness | Sensitive Infant Care | Skincare for New Parents | Baby Skin Troubleshooting | Infant Skincare Strategies | Skin Health Education |

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Mom groups have been making headlines lately, and not always in a positive way. While stories about mom group drama and social tension can get attention, they don’t reflect what supportive communities are truly about. The right mom group can be a lifeline during pregnancy and postpartum, offering connection, encouragement, and practical support when families need it most.

In this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere of Gold Coast Doulas sits down with Sarah Greidanus, Owner of FIT4MOM Grand Rapids, to discuss the real value of mom groups and how to find one that feels welcoming and supportive. We discuss how structured mom groups help reduce isolation, build confidence, and create meaningful friendships during a major life transition.

You’ll learn what to expect from FIT4MOM classes and meetups, how community support improves both physical and emotional wellness, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can make motherhood feel less overwhelming.

Whether you're expecting your first baby or adjusting to life with multiple children, this episode will help you understand how to find your village and why positive mom communities matter more than ever.

This conversation is a reminder that motherhood was never meant to be done 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

Keywords:
Mom Groups | Sarah Greidanus | Kristin Revere | FIT4MOM | Ask the Doulas Podcast | Community Support | Postpartum Support | Pregnancy Support Groups | Mom Group Benefits | Motherhood Community | Mom Meetup Tips | Reducing Isolation Moms | Building Mom Friendships | Supportive Mom Networks | Group Classes for Moms | Mom Confidence Building | Emotional Wellness Moms | Physical Wellness Moms | Finding Your Village | Positive Mom Communities | Postnatal Connection | Social Support Moms | New Parent Groups | Motherhood Transition | Peer Support Moms | Mom Network Resources | Parenting Support Systems | Mom Group Guidance | Supportive Motherhood | Mom Community Resources | Connection for Parents | Expecting Parent Support | Life with Multiple Children | Motherhood Support Strategies | Parent Friendship Networks | Mom Group Insights | Motherhood Confidence |

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Choosing a baby formula can feel overwhelming, especially in a world full of strong opinions and fear-based messaging. In this episode, I’m joined by Mallory Whitmore, known as The Formula Mom, to have an honest, judgment-free conversation about formula feeding.

We break down the different types of baby formula, how to read ingredient lists without getting caught up in fear around soy, corn syrup, or seed oils, and how to release the guilt or shame that can sometimes surround feeding choices.

Whether you’re exclusively formula feeding, combo feeding, or simply exploring your options, this episode will help you feel informed, confident, and supported.

Mallory is the author of the new book,
Bottle Service: Education and Encouragement for Guilt-Free and Successful Formula Feeding, which is available in bookstores and online.

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

Keywords:
Baby Formula | Mallory Whitmore | The Formula Mom | Kristin Revere | Ask the Doulas Podcast | Formula Feeding | Formula Types | Reading Ingredient Lists | Soy Formula | Corn Syrup in Formula | Seed Oils in Formula | Formula Feeding Support | Feeding Without Guilt | Judgement-Free Feeding | Combo Feeding | Exclusive Formula Feeding | Baby Nutrition | Infant Feeding Options | Feeding Confidence | Formula Education | Parent Feeding Support | Baby Feeding Guidance | Bottle Feeding Tips | Formula Myths | Infant Nutrition Education | Feeding Choices Support | Parenting Without Shame | Formula Feeding Advice | Baby Food Alternatives | Formula Tips and Tricks | Safe Formula Practices | Feeding Resources | New Parent Support | Infant Feeding Confidence | Formula Feeding Guidance | Feeding Reassurance | Baby Feeding Education | Infant Diet Support | Formula Decision Making | Baby Formula Information |