Shows
Can I Be Honest with Valentina & LinaCatching Up with Valentina & Lina: Gratitude During Survival Mode and Everything Valentina's Learned About HomeschoolSend us a textIn this week’s catch-up, Lina opens up about how hard it can be to feel grateful during a difficult season of parenthood. Meanwhile, Valentina talks about her first two months of homeschooling her daughter: what she’s learned, what’s surprised her, and why it’s been such a fulfilling change for her family’s rhythm as a small business owner and a musician’s wife.It’s an honest, reflective, and comforting conversation about finding peace in imperfect seasons, redefining success, and doing what works for your family.
2025-10-211h 05Can I Be Honest with Valentina & LinaWe Are Over Summer & Ready for Fall: A Catch-Up With Valentina and LinaSend us a textSummer was… a lot. 🌞 In this episode, Lina and Valentina get real about why they’re both over it. Lina shares how her “fun” summer plan of mixing different camps for her son turned into a schedule nightmare and a budget shocker when she saw the true cost of summer camp. Valentina opens up about why “back to school” looks totally different for her family this year as she steps into the world of homeschooling. From juggling unpredictable weeks to dreaming of the sweet structure of fall, we’re talking about the highs, the lows, and eve...
2025-08-081h 05
The New Mamas PodcastIt's Been Hard Lately + I'M TAKING A PODCAST BREAK!Send us a textIn this episode, Lina elaborates on how hard it's been coming back from maternity leave and juggling her 4-month old daughter. She discusses the challenges of exclusively breastfeeding, childcare costs, quitting her job (and how it's not gonna happen), and a little bit about the behind-the-scenes of podcasting. The podcast is on a break but will be back soon! In the meantime, stay in touch with Lina on Instagram.Support the showConnect with Lina on @linaforrestal on InstagramFollow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram
2024-04-1733 minThe New Mamas PodcastMy Postpartum Doula and I Recap the Last 3 Months of Working TogetherSend us a textLina hired her postpartum doula, Katie, to aid her in her first few months postpartum with her second baby, Evelyn. In this episode, Lina and Katie have an informal chat on what it was like working together. This is a great episode for anyone who's considering hiring a postpartum doula!Connect with Katie on Instagram: @lifeinbloomwellnessTo learn more about my postpartum doula Katie, check out her website: https://www.lifeinbloomwellness.co/ Support the showConnect with Lina on @linaforrestal on InstagramFollow the @n...
2024-03-201h 05The New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: Thoughts on Going Back to Work, Childcare ($$$), & How I'm Managing as a Mom of 2Send us a textIn this episode, Lina gives a 3 month postpartum update. Just Chatting episodes are meant to emulate a your mom bestie leaving you a long voice note. In this episode Lina talks about:How her maternity leave is ending and her thoughts on going back to workTransparency on the costs of childcare and what she can realistically affordPublic versus private schoolHow she's managing as a mom of two, specifically around the nights when she has to solo parent Baby-wearing and brands she lovesSupport the show
2024-03-1353 minThe New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: What I LOVE About Motherhood and Marriage + Listener ThoughtsSend us a textHappy Valentine's Day! In this special episode, Lina shares what she LOVES most about motherhood and marriage and also shares what YOU said you love too! If you want to contribute to the listener feedback episodes, give Lina a follow on Instagram (@linaforrestal) and keep an eye on her Stories where she polls her audience. Support the showConnect with Lina on @linaforrestal on InstagramFollow the @newmamaspodcast on InstagramRead Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.comSupport the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (h...
2024-02-1440 minThe New Mamas PodcastJealousy and Comparison in Motherhood with Twin Mom Engrid LatinaSend us a textHost Lina Forrestal and her friend and fellow podcaster Engrid Latina sit down for a thought-provoking chit chat about jealousy and comparison in motherhood. Engrid Latina is a personal trainer and strength coach (CSCS) based out of Ohio. She has trained clients both in-person and online for nearly a decade. Engrid's personal history with an eating disorder has helped develop a training model that invites a deep appreciation and respect of the body.Engrid curated a 6-Week Postpartum Training Program designed to help postpartum moms r...
2024-02-071h 13The New Mamas PodcastMY BIRTH STORY!! + My Doula Jenna Toulantis & Hospital Audio From My BirthSend us a textIn this SPECIAL episode, Lina Forrestal tells her positive birth story with her doula, Jenna Toulantis. Jenna helps recount the story from her perspective, adding in professional explanations for why certain things did and didn't happen. Lina's mom also pops in on the episode, discussing how things have changed in 34 years when it comes to pregnancy complications. Lina's favorite part of the episode is an audio recording of birth and hearing Evelyn's first cry.Lina mentions how she listened to the book "HypnoBirthing, the breakthrough natural approach to safer, e...
2023-12-201h 15The New Mamas PodcastMom Hacks for Making the Holidays Less Overwhelming + Gift Ideas for Kids and Husbands with Mariela from Mama Wears Athleisure PodcastSend us a textIn this special Holiday themed episode, host Lina Forrestal is joined by Mariela de Santiago of Mama Wears Athleisure Podcast and they share tips and tricks for minimizing Holiday overwhelm from a first-time mom perspective. Link to Christmas Ornaments Organizer: https://amzn.to/3SXQr70Gift Ideas Mentioned in this Episode:Bombas Socks https://refer.bombas.com/x/42W15n (Get 25% off your first purchase by using this link)Kinetic SandOurPlace Pans and PotsMagnetic building blocksGreen ToysCar detailing gift card (for husbands)Carhartt flannels (for husbands)Connect with...
2023-11-2352 minThe New Mamas PodcastPractical Tips for Preparing Your Toddler (and Partner) for Baby Number 2 with Stephanie AgnewSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal participates in a LIVE COACHING SESSION with Parenting Coach, Stephanie Agnew of Parents Place which is part of Jewish Family and Children Services. Lina is concerned about adding a newborn to their already solid family of 3 and seeks practical advice and tips for a smooth transition. Timestamps:00:00 - 07:55 - Introduction to Parents Place and Stephanie Agnew08:25 - 52:15 - Live Coaching Session with Lina and StephanieWhat is Parent Coaching? Parent Coaching is a collaborative process between an experienced parent coach a...
2023-11-0852 minThe New Mamas PodcastWhich Ingredients Should NEVER Be Used on Your Baby with Twin Mom & Bright Body Baby CEO, Gabi DaySend us a textGabi Day is an identical twin mom (17 months) and also the CEO, Founder, and Formulator of Bright Body and Bright Body Baby, a nontoxic + refillable personal care brand dedicated to creating clean products.Lina and Gabi discuss:The mindset around the "just wait" phenomenon A quick overview of her traumatic birth Gabi and Lina's reaction to the talcum powder recall in April 2023Article, "Is Any Kind of Baby Powder Safe to Use?"Safe alternatives to baby powderWhich ingredients should NEVER be used on babiesSimple alcoholsSynthetic fragrance OR nontransparent fragrance (trade se...
2023-10-181h 05The New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: 30 Week Pregnancy Update - Gestational Diabetes, Hiring a Doulatog and PostPartum Doula, & Thoughts About My 2nd BirthSend us a textLina is now in her third trimester at 30 or 31 weeks! She can never remember how many weeks she is but her due date is coming up on December 10. In this episode she catches up with her listeners about everything from house projects, to financial concerns, her pregnancy diagnosis and thoughts around birth. Talked about in this episode:How Lina switched rooms for her office, giving Archie and Baby E a shared roomUmbilical herniaGestational diabetes and some of her go-to mealsA doctor's appointment gone wrongThe process of hiring a doula and w...
2023-10-111h 02The New Mamas PodcastHonest Chat About Having Our 2nd Babies with Jaclyn KingSend us a textFormer NYC mom and professional organizer Jaclyn King is pregnant with her second baby. Both Lina and Jaclyn's kids are around the same age and they have an honest chat about what they're excited for, what they're not excited for, their concerns, and how they're organizing their small country houses for a new baby!Talked about in this episode:How both Jackie's babies are IVF babiesAnxiety (both perinatal and postpartum anxiety) Baby products that both Jackie and Lina want this time aroundHow we're preparing our toddlers to have a siblingHow p...
2023-09-2653 minThe New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: The Good Parts of Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood + Listener ThoughtsSend us a textIn this heartwarming Just Chatting episode, we dive into the GOOD PARTS of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Hosted by Lina Forrestal, this episode aims to discuss the joyous moments, personal growth, and profound emotions that come with becoming a mom. Mentioned in this episode:Jon and Kate + 8: Family Circus VICE DocumentaryFirst pill for postpartum depression approved: ZurzuvaeThe good parts of pregnancy:Seeing baby on ultrasounds and watching their developmentLearning how strong the woman body truly isFeeling the baby moveNice comments from strangersThe good parts of b...
2023-08-0946 minThe New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: Gender Reveal, Baby Names, & Honest Thoughts About How Many Kids We WantSend us a textLearning the gender of your baby is one of life's intimate milestones. In this episode, Lina candidly talks about her second baby's gender and shares her thoughts and concerns. Although she's excited, there's a lot she's worried about, a lot of the stuff stemming from her childhood experiences. Lina shares the wide array of emotions she experiences in learning her baby's gender. She shares her insecurities, memories from her adolescence, and the connection she feels with her baby after learning their gender. She also talks about the decision on whe...
2023-07-2159 minThe New Mamas PodcastHow to Begin to Heal Generational Trauma as a New Mom with Therapist Julissa EdwardsSend us a textChildren are a mirror to ourselves. Julissa Edwards had a began a spiritual journey in her first pregnancy in healing her generational trauma. In this episode, Julissa chats with host Lina Forrestal about how entering motherhood can often spark the desire to heal trauma. Julissa is a licensed Therapist and Mindset Coach and is passionate about helping mothers heal through the journey of motherhood and expand that healing to their children and family. Talked about in this episode:How trauma is definedJulissa's personal experience with generational traumaLina's personal ex...
2023-07-1951 minThe New Mamas PodcastOUR SUMMER FAVORITES: Recipes, Books, and Mom Hacks with Fallon SantiagoSend us a textIn this episode, Lina and her friend Fallon talk about what they've been obsessed with lately: from food to books to mom hacks and fun things to do with your kids in the summer, they talk about it all. Fallon Santiago is a mom of 2, blogger, artist, and Pure Barre instructor. Connect with her on Instagram: @casadefallon and @readwithfallonThis episode was inspired by A Beautiful Mess and their podcast episode: Favorite Summer Things (Deep Dive) Things mentioned in the episode:Pitaya Foods Passion FruitTikTok Blueberry "Ice...
2023-07-141h 02The New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: My Husband and I Get Vulnerable Talking Marriage, Another Baby, and Answering Listener QuestionsSend us a textIn this Just Chatting episode, host Lina Forrestal invites her husband, John Forrestal, on the podcast to catch-up about their son turning 3 and adding another baby into the family come December. Lina and John talk about:John's apprehension about Archie having a sibling and where it comes fromLina's thoughts about sibling relationshipsJohn feeling like he'll have a hard time bonding with baby number 2If having a child changed their relationshipFeelings on the gender of their second child Navigating complicated family dynamics and extended family dysfunctionHow we balance time between being pa...
2023-07-0759 minThe New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: Losing weight...gaining weight...and all the complicated feelings in-betweenSend us a textIn this Just Chatting episode, Lina discusses her complicated feelings around her ever-changing body. She gained weight after her first pregnancy, then lost the weight, and is now gaining it again with her second pregnancy. Although she feels blessed for her pregnancy, she's not loving the process of gaining weight again. Lina shares about how radically accepting her body changing has helped in navigating the complex feelings around weight gain. Mentioned in this episode:Eating to Get Pregnant and Fertility Myth Busting with Nora Debora, Preconception Health CoachS...
2023-06-3043 minThe New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: My Perinatal Anxiety, Pregnancy Insomnia, and Why I'm Interested in HypnobirthingSend us a textIn this episode, Lina gets emotional on the mic (again) but this time talking about how her anxiety is getting worse as time goes on. She shares how she woke up with a panic attack the other night and what her intrusive thoughts were about. Lina talks about how although she feels lucky that she hasn't had any nausea or food aversions, she's been experiencing perinatal anxiety and pregnancy insomnia. She talks about she believes that sleep in the foundation to having good mental health and how the second sleep deteriorates, e...
2023-06-0234 minThe New Mamas PodcastThe 5 Anxiety Styles and How to Be an Unflustered Mom with Amber TruebloodSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal has a chat with mom of 4 and author Amber Trueblood about the 5 anxiety styles and some practical tips for new moms to get unflustered and manage their anxiety. Amber is a mom to four boys, an author, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and married to a former Hollywood photographer. They traveled extensively across the country supporting their two oldest boys as they starred in the hit musical The School of Rock. She picked up some lessons on the road, from travel to homeschooling...
2023-05-3147 minThe New Mamas PodcastHow to Get Toddlers and Preschoolers to Sleep In Their Own Beds with Sleep Consultant Carly ElySend us a textYou're a devoted mom who is doing her absolutely best. And if you're like Carly, then you tried ALL the things. But you still find yourself lying on the floor of your child's room at least a few times a week. In this episode, Carly and Lina talk all things toddler and preschooler sleep! Lina chats through her current challenge: her toddler sleeps in the bed and although it works for their family, she has concerns over what happens when baby number 2 comes along. Carly shares great tips, tricks, and facts th...
2023-05-2453 minThe New Mamas Podcast5 Ways New Moms Can Navigate the Chaos of Daily Life with Jenna HermansSend us a textIn this episode, Jenna Hermans comes on the podcast to share with Lina and her listeners how a huge breakdown after her 4th child helped start a journey within herself in figuring out who she was again. This journey led her to discovering that there are 5 steps in dialing down the chaos of normal life:Efficiency, Habits, Communication, Community, and Self-CareJenna and Lina breakdown each of these and share tips from their different perspectives in how to make daily life more manageable for new parents. Buy her book: C...
2023-05-1748 minThe New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: Overthinking Kids Birthday Parties + Listener ThoughtsSend us a textIn this Just Chatting episode, it's just Lina on the mic overthinking kids birthday parties. She also sources listener feedback and shares what other moms think! She talks about:How she thinks all the pre-school moms hate her because she's bad at RSVPing and shows up lateWhat is an appropriate kids birthday party gift?Listeners weigh in on gift ideasDo you invite the whole class or just the kids that your child plays with?All about RSVPing and NOT RSVPingWhat is the best time for a kids party?Is it o...
2023-05-1250 minThe New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: I went to a NUDE spa lol, my hot take on potty training, and venting about "cancel culture"Send us a textIn this Just Chatting episode, it's just Lina on the mic talking about her life lately:Her experience going to a Korean spaBeing naked around your friend (lol)Having a male masseuse versus a female masseuse How her 3 year old might be more like her husband in personality How she hates labeling her son as "shy" Her experience in oversharing with random moms (oops) A hot take on potty training: why does it feel like a race? Venting about the whole "milestone" thingThe way Lina and her family chose to potty trainingVenting about...
2023-05-0555 minThe New Mamas PodcastA New Way to Connect with Our Newborns and Ourselves with Dr. Sam creator of Source CodeSend us a textDr. Sam joins host Lina Forrestal and discusses her work around on the relationship between mothers and their infants. She has figured out exactly what newborns need to feel safe and connected, and how this deeply affects who our children grow up to be, and whether they feel safe in the world. Dr. Sam is teaching a course called ‘Parenting as Love: The 12 Secrets to a More Beautiful Life for You and Your Kids,’ which begins this May. Sign up here: https://newmamas--drsamrader.thrivecart.com/parenting-as-love/ Dr. Sam, creator of Sou...
2023-05-0446 minThe New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: Our 20s vs Our 30s, Female Friendships, Breakups, Dating Red Flags feat. my friend Biz PetersenSend us a textIn this episode of Just Chatting, Lina catches up with her friend Biz on her move to LA, female friendships, friendship breakups, dating, red flags, and more. Lina and Biz talk about past female friendships and how expectations and friendship changes as you get older. They share how they both have had significant female friendship breakups and how devastating they can feel. They also share some funny dating stories from their past and what they now recognize as red flags. The main theme of the episode is how life diff...
2023-04-2951 minThe New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: Love is Blind S4 E1-8 Thoughts with Brianna BSend us a textIn this "Just Chatting" episode, the mamas sit down and discuss the latest season of Love is Blind (Episodes 1-8). Lina brings in her friend and fellow reality dating show enthusiast, Brianna B on the podcast to get her thoughts on:How do we feel about Irina and Micah?Who's truly ready for marriage? Does Zack give us the ick? Or is he just quirky? Is Jackie chasing toxic love? What do we think of Paul's mom? Brett and Tiffany are the real dealWhat's up with Micah's so-called "friends" Kwame: is he...
2023-04-0746 minThe New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: Ginny & Georgia Season 2 with Giselle Mateo-FlynnSend us a textIn this "Just Chatting" episode, Lina catches up with her new mom friend, Giselle. Lina and Giselle explore Season 2 of the Netflix show, Ginny and Georgia. They weave in their own experiences in relation to the major themes of Ginny and Georgia:How Georgia has so many layers and is such a complex character Georgia's history of abuseHow Ginny's dad, Zion, is often glamorized despite his flaws as a fatherDoes Georgia have the right to play "God"? How the show discusses being mixed raceHow the show treats racismRelating to Georgia in...
2023-03-3147 minThe New Mamas PodcastEating to Get Pregnant and Fertility Myth Busting with Nora Debora, Preconception Health CoachSend us a textAs host Lina Forrestal is trying to conceive, she's on a mission to learn as much as she can about fertility. In this episode, Lina chats with Nora Debora who is a Preconception Health Coach, Holistic Nutrition and Fertility Awareness Practitioner.In this episode, they talk about:Should you leave your legs up after intercourse?How intermittent fasting is not optimal for fertility healthWhy it's important to balance your blood sugarEating for a healthier menstrual cycleHow to balance your meals with macro-nutrientsBusting common fertility mythsListen to the Ultimate...
2023-03-2456 minThe New Mamas PodcastJust Chatting: My Sister and I Share Funny Stories About Our ChildhoodsSend us a textIn this episode of Just Chatting, host Lina Forrestal catches up with her little sister, Gabi Belle. Being nearly a decade apart, they share how their upbringings were different and how they felt like only-children at different parts of their life. Lina and Gabi talk about:What it was like being mixed race growing upLiving abroad in Brazil in childhoodGoing through puberty and Lina's awkward stageFunny stories from childhoodExperiencing micro-aggressions and casual racism in schoolThe movie, "Everything Everywhere All At Once"How Gabi hates reality dating shows and Lina loves th...
2023-03-2236 minThe New Mamas PodcastToddlers! How to Teach Social and Emotional Learning at Home with Cara ZelasSend us a textTODDLERS! From Byron Bay, Australia to Connecticut: Cara Zelas is an early childhood educator and parent. In this episode, Lina and Cara talk all things toddlers when it comes to behavior and emotional development. Topics covered: What is a toddler? What is going on in toddler brains? How parents can best support their toddlersHow parents can help toddlers regulate their emotionsMethods of discipline Screen timeEncouraging independent playBig World of Little Dude Big World of Little Dude has great free activities for caretakers to do in the classroom, homeschool, or kitche...
2023-01-1152 minThe New Mamas PodcastSolo Ep: Special Birthday Episode! Reflections on the Last Year and What I Foresee for 2023Send us a textHappy Birthday to our host, Lina! In this special solo episode, Lina reflects on her journey through mental health and motherhood in the last year. As Lina turns 34, she explores what success and happiness means to her. She shares that last year she put her mental health at the forefront and the benefits she's seen, especially as the end of year means burn out for most people and she has been able to maintain an energized and motivated state. Lina also shares that her most DM'd question is how sh...
2023-01-0446 minThe New Mamas PodcastNavigating Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood Living Abroad with Blogger Gosia KurowskaSend us a textGosia is a blogger from Belgium/Poland. She’s 37 and a mom of two girls ages 3 and 1. They were both born in Thailand where she and her husband lived for 4 years. A few months ago they moved to a new country again, this time Portugal. In this episode, she talks about the nuances of pregnancy and motherhood journey abroad. Discussed in this episode:Lina and Gosia reminisce about their time living in ThailandWhat it was like being a foreigner pregnant in ThailandWhat it was like giving birth in ThailandWhat it was...
2022-12-281h 03The New Mamas PodcastTips for Making Parenting More Sustainable with Lauren Young: New Mom and Head of Growth at FutureSend us a textIn this episode, Lina and Lauren Young, a mom and Head of Growth at Future, talk tips to make parenting more sustainable. Lauren is on a mission to make parenting as sustainable as possible.This topic is near and dear to Lina's heart as she and her husband and I traded their big city life for a 6 acre farm and sustainability and clean-living are one of the things they're passionate about. Topics discussed:Favorite sustainable giftsBamboozle Food Compost BinGreen ToysLoveveryHannah AndersonFavorite tips to make parenting more sustainableEverlasting Wardrobe: Ki...
2022-12-2252 minThe New Mamas PodcastNewborn Life, Birth Trauma, and being a NICU Mama with Jessica Lamb of the Baby Making PodcastSend us a textIn this episode, newborn mama Jessica comes on the podcast and discusses newborn life, dissecting her possible birth trauma, and what it was like having a baby in NICU. Jessica has wanted to be a mom for as long as she could remember. She's been obsessed with all things pregnancy, birth, babies, and motherhood for equally as long. If there’s a baby in the room, she's definitely holding it. Jessica Lamb is the host of The Baby Making Podcast. She lives in the Greater Chicagoland Area with her husb...
2022-12-0747 minThe New Mamas PodcastFrom A Dad's Perspective: Parenting a Child With a Heart Condition (Theo's Story Part 3)Send us a textHost Lina Forrestal interviews Matthew Simon -- Yes, a DAD! Matt’s wife, Alexis, has been on the podcast twice, telling the story of their son, Theo, who was born with a rare genetic heart condition. In the first episode, she talked through the journey of his diagnosis and in the second episode, she walked us through what it was like watching Theo get heart surgery for his condition. In those episodes, she mentioned how she and her husband, Matt, are a team. In this episode, we hear from his perspective: what this jou...
2022-12-0250 minThe New Mamas PodcastBudgeting Hacks and Money Tips for New Moms with Alli Williams (@financiALLIfocused)Send us a textAlli became debt free at 25 and then married into $154k of debt. While paying off six-figures of debt she still invested for retirement, saved for a house and other goals, and still spent money on the things she valued, such as Starbucks and season football tickets. Alli is also a mom of 2 and a wife. In this episode, Lina and Alli talk about money, budgeting, how to start saving and investing for your children, the upcoming recession, and why it's important as women to be involved in the conversation around money.
2022-11-2454 minThe New Mamas PodcastHow to Introduce Your Dog To Your New Baby with Noora Keskievari CEO & Co-founder at OneMindDogsSend us a textAs a dog lover (some of you know that I have four dogs) this subject is near and dear to my heart. The expert I have on to talk about this is Noora Keskievari, CEO and Co-founder of OneMind Dogs, an innovative online dog training service. Watch the free webinar, "5 Top New Puppy Tips"Questions answered in this episode:What was your experience when it came to introducing your dogs to your children? When a dog owner is expecting, is there anything she should do to prepare her d...
2022-11-1653 minThe New Mamas PodcastWhat It's Like Being A Step Mom (& Then Having Your Own Baby) with Samantha Porter GrinneySend us a textSamantha was 24 when she became a stay-at-home step-parent to a set of twins. Entering into a divorce situation with kids isn't always easy, there are obvious pros and cons with boundary setting, managing expectations, and knowing when it's your place and when it's not. Samantha is candid and honest about her experience and talks through the challenges and the good things too! Today, Samantha and her husband share a child together, West, who is 5 years old. Samantha hosts Samantha's West, a podcast about motherhood, philanthropy, and all the fun...
2022-11-0951 minThe New Mamas PodcastHow to Ease Back Into an Exercise Routine Postpartum with Laura Varney: Founder of The Baby BodySend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal gets advice from Laura Varney, Pre/Postnatal Fitness Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Founder of The Baby Body on how to ease back into an exercise routine postpartum. “A lot of people say they lose their identity when they become a mom. I feel like I found my identity and really stepped into who I am in both a personal and business sense.” -Laura VarneyIn this episode:Laura shares her postpartum story in relation to fitness and exerciseWe talk about why exer...
2022-11-021h 01The New Mamas PodcastPreeclampsia, a C-section at 32 Weeks, the NICU, and Staying Positive Through It All: First Time Mom Christie's ExperienceSend us a textMassachusetts mom Christie and her husband tried for a year and a half before they finally conceived. At her 20-week anatomy scan, she was diagnosed with VCI and got growth scans the rest of her pregnancy. At her 32 week growth scan, they discovered she had severe preeclampsia and transferred her to another hospital about an hour away because her local hospital didn't have a NICU. She had my daughter almost exactly 29 hours later via an emergency c-section. Christie shares her birth story and what her experience was like each step of...
2022-10-2654 minThe New Mamas PodcastOne Mom's Experience with Breast Implant Illness with Sadie NaimoliSend us a textMassachusetts working mom of two, Sadie Naimoli, didn't know she had breast implant illness. For years, she struggled with chronic illness and couldn't put a finger on what was going on in her body. Like many women in their 20s, Sadie had a warped sense of what the perfect body looked like and decided to get breast implants. Ten years and two babies later, Sadie learned that she had breast implant illness (BII). She shares her story hoping that she can help other women who may be struggling. Resources:
2022-10-2456 minThe New Mamas PodcastGetting Real About VBAC, Birth Trauma, and SAHM Life with AmberSend us a textAmber never planned to be a stay-at-home-mom, but when pumping conditions were less than ideal and the cost of childcare was nearly the amount of her income, Amber and her fiance made the decision for her to stay home and take care of their girls (5 & 3yo's). She's been with her fiance since highschool and bought their first house two years ago in New Jersey. She's now diving into homeschool and working towards the goal of relocating and owning land. Amber struggled with anxiety and depression her whole life and got hit hard with...
2022-10-1200 minThe New Mamas PodcastPPD in Men and How Couples Therapy Saved Her Marriage with Sahra BrandtSend us a textOakland mom, Sahra Brandt, was navigating her first year postpartum while her husband battled postpartum depression. In this episode, host Lina Forrestal and fashion stylist Sahra talk about how hard that first year postpartum is on relationships and Sahra discusses in detail how couples therapy saved her marriage. Today, she and her husband are expecting another baby and are happier than ever. In this episode, Lina and Sahra talk about:When Sahra first realized that there was something deeper going on with her husbandHow she went so far as to f...
2022-10-0547 minThe New Mamas PodcastWhat It Was Like Watching My Toddler Get Heart Surgery with Alexis Simon (Theo's Story Part 2)Send us a textIn episode 15 of season 2, Canadian mom Alexis Simon shared that her son Theo was born with a rare genetic condition. Two-year-old Theo recently went through heart surgery and Alexis shares what that experience was like. She talks about how challenging the experience was at the hospital, watching Theo wake up from surgery, and the type of support she had from the heart warrior community. Donate at theotheheartwarrior.comConnect with Alexis on Instagram: @alexisasimonConnect with Lina on InstagramFollow the New Mamas Podcast on Instagram
2022-09-2951 minThe New Mamas PodcastHow to Balance Your To-Do List with the Needs of Your Baby with Jessica MorlanSend us a textEver get overwhelmed by your to do list? In this episode, host Lina Forrestal consults mom of 3 and business owner Jessica Morlan on how she prioritizes tasks and manages her to do list while juggling running a business and home schooling her daughter.Jess is a registered nurse and mom of 3, 5 and under. She has experience working as a perinatal public health nurse and bedside pediatric nurse. She now coaches new moms in their first year of motherhood. Her professional and personal experience form the foundation of her work as the...
2022-09-2144 minThe New Mamas PodcastSolo Episode: My Eating Disorder Journey and How It's Affected MotherhoodSend us a textIn this episode, Lina is going to be talking about her eating disorder journey and how it’s affected motherhood and shown up in my motherhood journey. This episode may be triggering to those who have a history of eating disorders or who currently have an eating disorder. She references anorexia, body dysmorphia, and disordered eating. If you’re not ready to hear this story, bookmark it for a later date when you’re ready. Lina is 33 years old and the mom of a 2 year old. Her eating disorder started at 13 years ol...
2022-09-1441 minThe New Mamas PodcastPractical Advice on How to Pursue Your Passions and Side Hustles as a Mom with Author Melissa PyrchSend us a textThere's no denying that being a mother is a full-time job in itself, but when you add your own career on top of it, where do you find the time to add in passions and side hustles? Host Lina Forrestal and high school teacher Melissa Pyrch talk about: How to find the time as working moms How to navigate the fear of failureHow to not get lost in comparing yourself to othersLearning how to "fill your cup" in ways outside of motherhoodLearning to find your definition of self-careHow to navigate im...
2022-09-0744 minThe New Mamas PodcastOvercoming Mom Rage and What to Do When Triggered with Dr. Gertrude LyonsSend us a textAs moms, we all have something that triggers us: everything from the baby crying, to our husbands, clutter, or our pets. And then sometimes, that trigger turns into rage. That 0 to 100 feeling leaves us feeling less than great. In this episode, host Lina Forrestal sits down with speaker, life coach, and the fellow podcast host, Dr. Gertrude Lyons. In this episode, Lina and Gertrude talk about:Their personal triggersStrategies they've learned to work through their triggersGertrude's advice for how to work through your emotions when triggeredHow they define "mom rage"Ti...
2022-08-311h 00The New Mamas PodcastLosing the Baby Weight, Body Image Chat and the Body Positivity Movement with Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Kristen NoriegaSend us a textIn this episode, Lina talks to Kristen about body image, the pros and cons of the body positivity movement, how to simplify nutrition and health for new moms, and what the first steps are to losing the baby weight. [This episode is sponsored by Creidm.com]Creidm.com is a Distributor of the all-natural and eco-friendly home, skin, and health products created by Shaklee. These products are the most clinically tested and clinically proven. Creidm and the Shaklee Products focus on children and mothers. They offer personalized vitamin packs...
2022-08-2437 minThe New Mamas PodcastInfertility: Marianna's Journey Through Medicated Cycles, IUIs, How Much It *Really* Costs, and Mental HealthSend us a textWhen Marianna and her pilot husband started trying for a baby, they never imagined that they would struggle with their fertility. She was surprised to learned that most doctor's won't see you for fertility issues until one year of trying. She saw a specialist who found polyps in her uterus. After having surgery for the polyps removed and going through two failed medicated cycles, and a failed IUI, Marianna took a break from trying to put her mental health first. 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. Lina and Marianna...
2022-08-1748 minThe New Mamas PodcastFirst Time Mom Emily's Experience with Postpartum Depression (PPD)Send us a text(Content Warning: Abuse, Self-harm, Suicide) First time mom Emily sits with host Lina Forrestal and talks about life as a new mom and her struggles with postpartum depression. She talks about her journey into motherhood: her miscarriage, pregnancy, a misdiagnosis of a down syndrome test, and postpartum depression. Emily shares that her anxiety started at her 10-week ultrasound when the technician couldn't find a heartbeat. She shares that she has struggled with her depression and anxiety ever since she was young, since her beloved father passed away. She shares that it...
2022-08-1036 minThe New Mamas PodcastSolo Episode: My Recent Lessons from Therapy and Mental Health UpdateSend us a textLina is back with a solo episode about what she's learned in therapy the last few months. Things discussed in this solo episode:The three C's: You cannot change, you cannot control, and you don't cause them to be this wayCodependency: A person who is codependent will plan their entire life around pleasing the other person, or the enabler. In its simplest terms, a codependent relationship is when one partner needs the other partner, who in turn, needs to be needed.How to detach w...
2022-08-0339 minThe New Mamas PodcastTheo's Story Part 1: Born with a Rare Genetic Condition featuring Alexis SimonSend us a textShortly after Theo's birth, Alexis and her husband learned that their son was born with an ultra rare genetic condition (so rare, that it has no name except a jumble of letters and numbers). Alexis was told that Theo would not make it to be one year old. Fast forward to today, Theo is the most amazing little two year old boy.Theo’s family is desperate for more time with their “Teddy Bear.” The difficult decision has been made to proceed with correcting Theo’s heart defects this summer. T...
2022-07-271h 00The New Mamas PodcastHypnobirthing and How To Hire a Doula with Newborn Mom LinneaSend us a textWhen we think hypnobirthing, a lot of us imagine someone with a yo-yo swinging it back and forth and saying, "You are getting very sleepy..." But that's not what hypnobirthing is at all! Hypnobirthing is a mindset technique involving calm breathing techniques, some deep relaxation, guided mediation, visualization, and affirmations. New mom Linnea caught my attention when she shared with me that she was able to have the birth experience she wanted much thanks to hypnobirthing. I was immediately fascinated by this and knew I had to have her on...
2022-07-2034 minThe New Mamas PodcastWhy Sleep is Important for New Moms and Babies with Huckleberry’s Co-Founder & CEO Jessica TohSend us a textSLEEP! New mamas need more of it, that's for sure. In this episode of the New Mamas Podcast, host Lina Forrestal and Huckleberry's Co-founder and CEO, Jessica Toh, discuss the relationship between sleep and maternal mental health. They explore why they think moms struggle asking for help and brainstorm creative ways moms can prevent burn out. Stats discussed in this episode:Nearly 500 Huckleberry app moms and found that their most significant mental and emotional health challenge (58%) is trying to successfully juggle all of their responsibilities. Not only that, the poll u...
2022-07-1351 minThe New Mamas PodcastNavigating Your Marriage After Having A Baby with Relationship Therapist Aaron SteinbergSend us a textHost Lina Forrestal and Relationship Therapist Aaron Steingberg talk all things relationship after baby. Aaron Steinberg is a certified Relationship Therapist and creator of Babyproofing Your Relationship, an on-demand course that helps couples navigate their relationship after a baby. Things discussed in this episode:The most common things that couples feel disconnected onHow to know when your marriage/relationship is in trouble How couples can build intimacy back into their relationshipHow often couples should be intimate to maintain connectionHow couples can take steps in strengthening their relationships after a baby...
2022-07-0634 minThe New Mamas PodcastAn Honest Chat about Working Motherhood with Fashion Stylist Liz TeichSend us a textHost Lina Forrestal and Fashion Stylist Liz Teich discuss all things working motherhood in this episode. Topics discussed:Practical strategies or processes used to balance a full-time job and motherhoodPrioritizing tasksFinding time to nurture relationshipsLiz is a New York based fashion stylist, lifestyle blogger, on-air style expert and mom of two. Liz has been a professional commercial stylist for 15 years, styling fashion and home goods for print and digital advertising campaigns for major brands and retailers. Through the campaigns she’s worked on she’s styled celebrities including Tom Brady, Mike...
2022-06-2945 minThe New Mamas PodcastTips for Decluttering Your Home As a New Mom with Declutter Expert Katy Joy WellsSend us a textHost Lina Forrestal and declutter expert, Katy Joy Wells, talk about how new moms accumulate things at rapid pace and how that often leads to stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Katy shares her tips for moms who are easily triggered by clutter and hacks for getting a partner onboard. They also talk about the "clutter shame" cycle, the difference between everyday mess and clutter, and practical tips for new moms on managing the clutter in their house. For more decluttering tips, listen to Katy's podcast, The Maximized Minimalist podcast. About...
2022-06-2334 minThe New Mamas PodcastWhat NICU Nurses Wish Parents Knew with NICU Nurse Sydney SojaSend us a textOkay, but what REALLY happens in the NICU? Who's taking care of my precious newborn? What do NICU nurses want you to know? All of these questions and more are answered in this week's episode of the New Mamas Podcast! Host Lina Forrestal sits down with NICU Nurse Sydney Soja (NICU BSN) and asks her all about the NICU:What should moms know about the NICU?Do you get a lot of nervous first-time moms who’s babies end up in the NICU?What qualifies a baby to go to the...
2022-06-0959 minThe New Mamas PodcastHow to Hire a Nanny and Best Practices with Sunni VonMutius and Her NannySend us a textHost Lina Forrestal had the unique opportunity to sit with new mom Sunni VonMutius AND her nanny Salem to discuss all the best practices in hiring a nanny. Sunni discusses her decision making in why she chose to hire a nanny. She shares how she and her partner were intentional about how they approached the process: from writing up an application, what to include on the application, and which website she used to find her nanny, Salem. Salem shares their perspective as a nanny. They share what makes things aw...
2022-06-0234 minThe New Mamas PodcastHaving A Transverse Baby, ECV Procedure, and Emotionally Healing From a C-section with Des'Rae MatthewsSend us a textLina Forrestal sits down with first time mom Des'Rae Matthews as she shares what it was like having a transverse baby and an EVC procedure. Spoiler alert: the EVC procedure wasn't successful and Des'Rae had a C-section. She shares what it was like navigating all of the feelings of trying everything to have her baby come out naturally but then end having a C-section. A transverse baby is when the baby is positioned horizontally in the uterus. An ECV procedure is an "External cephalic version", which is a procedure healthcare providers...
2022-05-2532 minThe New Mamas PodcastPractical Advice for Navigating your Marriage After Baby with Relationship Coach Chelsea SkaggsSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal has a chat with marriage coach Chelsea Skaggs about navigating a partnership after having a baby. This episode covers:Things that most couples are finding conflict aroundHow to get your partner onboard with couples counseling Practical advice for checking in with each otherThe difference between a relationship therapist and a professional life coach? The difference between a couples therapist and a marriage coachHow to approach your partner about getting help from a therapist or coach Chelsea is a certified professional life coach, intimacy expe...
2022-05-1831 minThe New Mamas PodcastSolo Ep: The Problem with Hilary Duff's Nude Magazine Cover and Antidepressants UpdateSend us a textHost Lina Forrestal explores society's obsession with postpartum bodies, particularly, Hilary Duff's nude Women's Health magazine cover (Read Hilary Duff's interview here.). Lina believes that it perpetuates unrealistic body standards for women, especially when celebrities don't disclose that they'd had plastic surgery done or don't acknowledge photoshop. For example, Hilary Duff is shown with no stretch marks, cellulite, or skin texture and yet the theme of the photoshoot is loving her postpartum body. Lina also talks about things she's been loving lately such as the book series, A Court o...
2022-05-1431 minThe New Mamas PodcastGoing from 1 Baby to 2 with SF Mom Alissa Worton-HuntSend us a textHost Lina Forrestal sits down with SF working mom Alissa Worton-Hunt, to discuss what it's like going from 1 child to 2 children. Alissa was very transparent about how different the second time around was, even the journey to get pregnant. She shares her journey to get pregnant both times, how the first time was hard and the second time was easy, her PCOS diagnosis, and her birth story and how birth looks different both times. Alissa also elaborates on experiencing mom guilt with getting pregnant with her second child when her first...
2022-05-111h 02The New Mamas PodcastTransition Back from Maternity Leave, Anxiety Talk, and What it's Like Being a Mom on Social Media with School Counselor and Blogger Jamie DevergilloSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal and blogger Jamie Devergillo chat all things coming back from maternity leave, postpartum anxiety, body image, and what it's like to be a mom sharing it all on social media. Jamie shares practical tips in how she's preparing to go back to work, from practicing leaving the house to leaving a detailed schedule for her caretakers. She discusses how she and her husband made childcare decisions and the feelings of anxiety around having someone else care for her baby. Lina and Jamie both ta...
2022-05-0456 minThe New Mamas PodcastHonest Convo About Bed-sharing with Licensed Therapist Dr. Laura SchwinnSend us a textHost Lina Forrestal sits down with Licensed Therapist Dr. Laura Schwinn to have an honest conversation about bed-sharing. Lina and Laura both share their experiences with bed sharing: why they chose to bed share and why they continue to bed share. They talk about the pressures of society to conform to one way of child sleep, touch upon relationship taboos, and talk about ways to re-establish intimacy. The AAP strongly discourages bed-sharing with infants younger than 1 and if you’re new to the subject, please educate yourself with al...
2022-04-2751 minThe New Mamas PodcastI'M BACK! My Depression Diagnosis, Starting Antidepressants, and What's to Come for Season 2Send us a textLina is BACK and kicks it off with a solo episode unpacking why she took a longer break than expected. What was supposed to be a 2 week break turned into a several month mental health journey unpacking childhood trauma surrounding the holidays, recognizing the signs of depression, seeing a psychiatrist, and ultimately starting the depression medication, Wellbutrin. Lina talks about how being a first-generation child of immigrants has impacted her when it comes to mental health and the fear, guilt, and shame surrounding medication. In this episode, Lina also discusses what she has...
2022-04-2030 minThe New Mamas PodcastSolo Ep: Starting Therapy, Things I Learned In the Last 8 Months of Podcasting & Looking Forward to Season 2Send us a textWelcome to the last episode of Season 1! The New Mamas Podcast will be going on a break for the next month and we will see you October 2021 for Season 2! In this episode, host Lina Forrestal discusses a few life updates:Navigating the toddler phaseStarting therapyTips for reading moreHer interest in relationship psychology and why she loves the Bachelor franchise so muchLina also shares her learnings from the last 8 months of podcasting. Everything from guests she's had to things she'll do differently in Season 2. Lina breaks down to...
2021-08-2534 minThe New Mamas PodcastThe Stigmas Surrounding Working Moms with On-Air Parenting Expert Bethany Braun-SilvaSend us a text"I want to bust the myth that you can't be ambitious and a go-getter and be a good mom at the same time." -Bethany Braun-SilvaIn society and even in popular TV shows, working and career driven women are often portrayed as choosing their careers over their family — which is simply not true and a negative stereotype of working moms. For me, being a working mom fills my cup in a different way. I love doing something for me and believe that working makes me a better mother because I feel so...
2021-08-0349 minThe New Mamas PodcastNavigating Motherhood Without a Mom with Marina AddonizioSend us a textMarina was 16 when she lost her mom to breast cancer. In this episode, Marina shares her journey of loss, grieving, and going through life's milestones without her mother present. Marina discusses how as a society we tend to shy away from taboo topics but in reality many people who experience loss want the opportunity to talk about their loved ones. Marina and Lina discuss the evolution of perceptions of our mothers, how our mothers carry one persona through our adolescence but how as we mature, we start to acknowledge our...
2021-07-2851 minThe New Mamas Podcast34. Postpartum Anxiety and Growing Up With Fear-Based Parenting with Stephanie FengSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal chats with mom of three, Stephanie Feng, about postpartum anxiety (PPA) and growing up with fear-based parenting style, “tiger parenting”. Both Stephanie Feng and Lina Forrestal suffered with postpartum anxiety and recount their experiences, specifically around not being able to leave their babies, scary thoughts, and feeling crippled by their anxiety.They break down their experiences and start to unpack why they felt the way they did, which led them to explore their relationship with their parents and how they grew up with fear...
2021-07-211h 16The New Mamas Podcast33. Newborn and Infant Sleep with Certified Sleep Consultant Megan CopelandSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal chats with Certified Sleep Consultant Megan Copeland all about newborn and infant sleep! Megan is a practicing nurse, a pediatric sleep consultant, and breastfeeding counselor helping families in the newborn and infant stages. Topics Discussed::Tips for new moms to get their newborns to sleep more soundlyHow new moms can get more sleepIs it possible to put newborns on a sleep schedule?Favorite sleep tools and productsIs the Snoo ($1400) worth it?Strategies new moms can use to reduce their anxieties around SIDSBreaking dow...
2021-07-1447 minThe New Mamas Podcast32. Honest Chat Around Postpartum Care and the Need for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy After Baby with Jessica London, Pelvic Floor Physical TherapistSend us a textHost Lina Forrestal and Jessica London, Doctor of Physical Therapist, sit down for an honest discussion around postpartum care (or lack there of) and the need for advocacy surrounding physical therapy for your pelvic floor after birth. Jessica shares her birth story and how after birth, she felt lost in the system. Luckily, her midwives were able to follow up with her but otherwise her doctors never called her for her 8-week check up after her C-section. Jessica was surprised at the lack of education around pelvic floor physical th...
2021-07-0758 minThe New Mamas Podcast30. Social Media and Mental Health featuring Journalist Jessica AboSend us a textHost Lina Forrestal is joined by guest Jessica Abo, who is an award-winning journalist and author of Unfiltered: How To Be As Happy As You Look On Social Media. Her book empowers readers with tools they can use to take back their happiness in real life. During the pandemic, social media was one of the only ways moms could connect and build their village. Together, Lina and Jessica unpack the feelings of comparison and mental health in relation to social media. Topics discussed:Advice for mothers who get st...
2021-06-2325 minThe New Mamas Podcast29. How to Empower Dads in the Newborn Stage (and beyond!) with Chau Dang, AI Product Manager at NVIDIASend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal sits down with Vietnamese-American mom and woman in tech Chau Dang about empowering dads from day one that baby is home! Topics discussed:Chau's background and storyChau's motherhood journeyHow involved Chau's husband was and is Tips & tricks to getting your partner involvedHow to get your partner involved during pregnancyGetting your partner involved during the newborn stageTips in getting the non-birth partner to feel connected during the newborn stageHow to ease your partner's fearsResources mentioned:Daddit Subreddit ThreadChau's sister has a...
2021-06-1659 minThe New Mamas Podcast28. Surviving Still Birth and Black Maternal Health with Tomeka James Isaac, Founder of Jace’s JourneySend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal sits down with Tomeka James Issac, Founder of Jace's Journey. Tomeka shares her story: in May of 2018, her husband Brandon Isaac sat in a hospital room with their son, Jace Alexander, due in a month with no fetal heartbeat and Tomeka, unconscious, diagnosed with the life-threatening H.E.L.L.P (Hemolysis Elevated Liver Enzymes Low Platelet) Syndrome and fighting for her life. Forty-five hospital days and 7 surgeries later, thanks to prayers and an amazing surgical team, Tomeka and Brandon Isaac left the hospital together. T...
2021-06-1053 minThe New Mamas Podcast27. Newborn Stage and Postpartum Health with Dr. Tolulope Olabintan, MD FAAFP AAHIVSSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal talks to Dr. Tolulope Olabintan all about her experiences as a mom of two and practicing physician. Dr. Tolu is Board-Certified Family Physician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. With over 13 years of medical experience, she leads the team at Livingspring Family Medical Center, a primary care center located in Mansfield, Texas. Tolulope is also a mom, wife, and Christian. Topics discussed in this episode:Dr. Tolu's birth story: her experience with PPROM (premature rupture of membranes), being admitted to t...
2021-06-0247 minThe New Mamas Podcast26. Birth Trauma, Giving Birth Abroad, and Moving from NYC to the Countryside with Blogger Ashley HutchingsSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal chats with guest Ashley Hutchings about her story of how she gave birth in London and New York City, and how her family made the life change from living in a NYC high rise to a historic home in Connecticut. This episode is a little different as it's more of a casual chat between mamas! Topics covered in this episode:How Ashley and her husband fell in love and their long-distance relationship What was it like giving birth overseas in comparison to giv...
2021-05-261h 03The New Mamas Podcast25. Your Relationship After Baby: Partner Communication, Navigating Sex, and Co-Parenting Tips with Birthing Expert Sara LyonSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal and guest Sara Lyon unpack what a relationship looks like for first-time parents. Topics covered in this episode:Sara's birth and motherhood storyTips in navigating your relationship during the newborn stageHow relationships change after having a babyHow couples can effectively communicate with each other during the newborn stageNavigating sex during the first yearSara Lyon is a renowned birthing expert, doula, founder of Glow Birth & Body, author of The Birth Deck and You’ve Got This: Your Guide to Getting Comfortable with Labor (lau...
2021-05-191h 10The New Mamas Podcast22. How to Find the Right Support from Pregnancy to Postpartum with Melissa Bowley, CEO and Founder of Flourish Collective IncSend us a textWhen you flourish, your baby flourishes.Melissa Bowley is the Founder and CEO at Flourish Collective Inc. She started her company with a vision to fill the gap in maternal healthcare and make wellness accessible to all moms based on her own childbirth and postpartum experience. In this episode, host Lina Forrestal and guest Melissa Bowley talking about postpartum recovery and how they had prepared for birth but were not prepared for the physical and mental toll that came during the fourth trimester. They talk about the importance of b...
2021-05-0548 minThe New Mamas Podcast19. Post Partum Mental Health: Rage, Therapy, and Normalizing Antidepressants with Megan ChampionSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal of New Mamas Podcast and host Megan Champion of On The Hard Days Podcast collaborate one an unscripted discussion surrounding postpartum mental health. Both Lina and Megan offer a unique perspective as Lina is a first-time mom still in the infant stage and navigating motherhood for the first time and Megan has 3 children, one of them being an out-of-the-box child with extra needs. Lina opens up the discussion with this stat from a study: "4,451 women who had recently given birth, 18 percent self-reported symptoms related to a...
2021-04-141h 05The New Mamas Podcast18. How to Set Healthy Boundaries As a New Mom with Jemila MedleySend us a textIn this episode, we’re going to be talking about boundary setting. This topic is something I’ve been dying to talk to someone about because I am not so good at it! I tend to let people walk all over me because I'm a people pleaser. I hate disappointing people to such an extent that I’m willing to make myself uncomfortable rather than say anything. It’s definitely something I need to work on. I’ve had some bad situations as a new mom happen to me that could have been avoided if...
2021-04-0739 minThe New Mamas Podcast17. The Signs of Post Partum Depression (PPD) with Megan KramerSend us a textIn this episode, working mom Megan Kramer shares her story about post partum depression (PPD). When Megan and her partner learned they were pregnant with their son, they were ecstatic. Like most pregnant moms, she spent a lot of time educating herself on pregnancy, birth, and even post partum care. She was surprised at the lack of information that was out there on post partum mental health.After spending a few days in the NICU, Megan was finally reunited with her baby but to her surprise, she felt no connection to...
2021-03-3136 minThe New Mamas Podcast16. Solo Episode: Kicking my Best Friend Out of my Wedding and Talking to my Husband About Baby Number 2Send us a textIn this episode, I talk about:Are we ready for baby number two?I explore my relationship with the term "best friend" How I kicked my best friend out of my weddingHow I think I'm addicted to social media and how I balance that when my job is literally to be on social media all dayMy thoughts on the new social media platform: ClubhouseConnect with Lina:Instagram: @linaforrestalBlog: www.linaforrestal.comPodcast Instagram: @newmamaspodcastClubhouse Username: @newmamaspodcastArtwork Credit: Gabi's MediaSupport the showConnect with L...
2021-03-2427 minThe New Mamas Podcast15. “I’m not trying to be the mom that does it all.” Erika Garcia on Managing Post Partum ExpectationsSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal chats with Erika Garcia, who is an entrepreneur and 7 months pregnant on not trying to be "super mom" and managing her post partum expectations.Erika dropped out of college in her junior year to pursue her dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. She started "The Etime Blog & Company" who's flagship product is the Supernatural Body Butter. At the beginning of her pregnancy, if you had told Erika she'd come to the decision of taking a step back from her company, she wouldn’t believe you...
2021-03-2420 minThe New Mamas Podcast14. Pitching on Shark Tank, Motherhood, and Entrepreneurship with Dreamland Baby CEO Tara WilliamsSend us a textSPECIAL OFFER: Use code NEWMAMAS to get 15% off Dreamland Baby sleep sacks: www.dreamlandbabyco.com In this episode, Lina chats with Dreamland Baby CEO, Tara Williams about her motherhood journey and what ultimately inspired her to start her own business. While Tara has always known she wanted to be an entrepreneur, the right idea didn't come along until her 4th child wasn't sleeping at night. A creative solution and some help from her mother-in-law later, a prototype for a weighted sleep sack was born and so was the idea...
2021-03-1744 minThe New Mamas Podcast12. Conceiving After a PCOS Diagnosis with Melissa OrtizSend us a textDid you know that PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting 6% to 12% (as many as 5 million) of US women of reproductive age? But it’s a lot more than that. This lifelong health condition continues far beyond the child-bearing years. (source: CDC)In this episode, host Lina Forrestal sits down with motherhood blogger Melissa Ortiz as she shares her story about conceiving after a PCOS diagnosis. Lina and Melissa get fired up about women's health, in the notion that "knowledge is power". They recognize a lack of...
2021-03-0345 minThe New Mamas Podcast11. Mompreneur: Balancing Motherhood and a Small Business with Olivia VollmerSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal and Kentucky native Olivia Vollmer talk about the "tug of war" of motherhood and being a multi-passionate serial entrepreneur. Olivia is the CEO of Jane Model Management and Co-owner of party supply company Bouncin' Blast. Topics discussed in this episode:How to balance motherhood and the things needed to get done everyday Strategies to accomplish everything while juggling a babyWhat has been Olivia's biggest challenge in balancing motherhood and running her own businesses?How Olivia structures her dayHow to prevent burn outLina an...
2021-02-2440 minThe New Mamas Podcast10. Solo Episode: I Miss Breastfeeding, Closing the Door on Toxic Relationships, and Other ThoughtsSend us a textIn this episode, I talk about:A huge milestone in my life, paying off my student loansHow a crappy situation with an ex-boyfriend ended up being serendipitous Archie is 8 months old and has weaned from breastfeeding and how I'm feeling about itSomeone who was close to me disappeared from my life for 5 years and tried to re-enter but I'm protecting my peace and leaving that door closedBeing more intentional with my time to reduce anxiety and stressI feel like there was so much more I wanted to say in this e...
2021-02-1818 minThe New Mamas Podcast9. Teething, Pacifiers, & Early Oral Health Habits with Pediatric Dentist Dr. Aimee LeibowitzSend us a textIn this episode, host Lina Forrestal talks to Dr. Aimee Leibowitz about her birth story, and all things pacifier, teething, tongue tie, and early oral health habits. Dr. Leibowitz is a board certified pediatric dentist and a mom to 3 1/2 year old son, Pierce, and 8 month old twins, Penn and Perry. Aimee and her husband fell in love at Columbia University and own Oceans Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Westfield, New Jersey. Topics covered in this episode:The stance on pacifiers and thumb-suckingWhat is tongue tie?How can you tel...
2021-02-181h 01The New Mamas Podcast8. Solo Episode: Post Partum Anxiety (PPA), Weight Gain, Mom Guilt, & PUPPPSend us a textMY FIRST SOLO EPISODE! I wanted to do something a little different and record an unscripted solo episode talking about my personal challenges in motherhood. I'm 8 months post-partum and having a 'pandemic baby' wasn't easy!In this episode I talk about my struggles with:Post Partum Anxiety (PPA)Mom guilt at every stageWeight gain and body image issuesPUPPP (pruritic uticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy)Starting day-care, having to choose between being a working mom and stay-at-home-momObviously motherhood has been wonderful and amazing in all other aspects: I...
2021-02-1035 minThe New Mamas Podcast7. How to Make Mom Friends During a Pandemic with Popular YouTuber Audrey NguyenSend us a textHaving a baby during a pandemic can be incredibly isolating. In this episode, host Lina Forrestal chats with Audrey Nguyen from popular YouTube Channel (93K+), The Nguyen Family, about her story on she was never meant to be a stay-at-home mom, navigating post-partum-depression, and how she uses social media to connect with other moms and make friends. In this episode we discuss:Strategies for making new mom friendsTips for making friends if you're shy or introverted What to look for in a friendship with a new momWhat it means when pe...
2021-02-0334 minThe New Mamas Podcast6. Cloth Diapers 101 & Approachable Sustainability as a New Mom with Alyssa BourmecheSend us a textThe average baby uses about 2500 diapers in their first year of life. Americans dispose of around 1 trillion diapers a year, 80% of which just sits in landfills. Diapers are made of synthetic materials that aren’t biodegradable. (source:
2021-01-2733 minThe New Mamas Podcast5. Advice From Mom of 4 and Entrepreneur: Ali Hissey, Founder of HisseyFit MaternitySend us a textAli was pregnant four times in a five year span. As a mom of 4, she carries a breadth of information for first-time moms. As a new mom, I had a very real, unscripted conversation with Ali about all things motherhood. In this episode, we chat:Tips for navigating the newborn phaseHormones and expectations while in the newborn phaseManaging body image expectationsThe power of routine and schedulingThe importance of moms having a creative outletAli's inspiration for starting HisseyFit MaternityBooks Recommended: Moms on Call Basic Baby Care, Moms on Call: Next Steps B...
2021-01-2043 minThe New Mamas Podcast4. Navigating Your Relationship in the Newborn Phase with Katharine Vida GonzalezSend us a textI always thought it was cliché when people said that everything changes when you have a baby, but now that I’m here, I completely understand what they mean! No matter how you slice it, your relationship with your partner does change after a baby. In this episode, I sit down with stay-at-home-mom and full-time blogger, Katharine Gonzalez to chat about tips for keeping a healthy marriage after having a baby. Katharine and I are also a huge proponents of couples counseling pre and post baby. We talk about our e...
2021-01-1338 minThe New Mamas Podcast3. Safe Sleep and How To Manage SIDS Anxiety with Sleep Consultant Jennifer GilmanSend us a textIn this episode, Lina sits down with Jennifer Gilman who is a Senior Sleep Consultant at Goodnight SleepSite to talk about newborn safe sleep and how to manage anxiety around SIDS. Jennifer is also a mom of two and is passionate about helping families get the sleep they need!Topics discussed:Things a new mom can do to prepare her newborn for safe sleepingThe truth about co-sleeping and bed-sharingSleep schedules by ageManaging sleep expectations Why CIO (Cry It Out) has a bad reputationStrategies for managing anxiety about SIDSConnect w...
2021-01-0647 minThe New Mamas Podcast2. An Honest Chat: The Newborn Stage with Food Blogger Erin AronowitzSend us a textIn this episode, Lina has an honest chat with Philly Food Blogger, Erin Aronowitz, about what the first 8 weeks home with a baby was like. Surviving the newborn phase is a tough time of adjustment and we want to let you know that you are not alone! The newborn phase is hard for everyone. Topics covered in this episode:What the first 4-6 weeks were like with a newbornWhat surprised us about newbornsWhat did we found challenging about the newborn stageThings we would have done differentlyThings we bought that you f...
2021-01-0635 minThe New Mamas Podcast1. How to Survive Going Back to Work (Working Motherhood) with SF Mom Alissa Worton HuntSend us a textIn this episode, we chat with San Francisco working mom, Alissa Worton-Hunt. Alissa shares what helped her transition back to work after maternity leave. Her first day back to work was the first day of the pandemic lockdown, so her experience going back to work was different than most. With her experiences in living abroad in Europe, she has a unique lens in looking at how the States tackles maternity leave. We chat: Our debate around being a stay-at-home mom versus a working momThe i...
2021-01-0544 min