No One Told Us
Kids & Family
About
No One Told Us the truth about parenthood. WHY?!Welcome to No One Told Us, the podcast where we uncover the raw, unfiltered truths about parenthood. I'm your host, Rachael Shepard-Ohta, mom of three and founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby. Each week, join me as we dive deep into the joys, challenges, and surprises of raising children with a mix of expert insights, personal anecdotes, and candid conversations.From navigating postpartum anxiety to mastering the art of making mom friends, and from introducing solids to tackling tantrums, we cover it all. Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro...
Episodes
- Rewind: In-Laws and Tricky Relationship Changes After Baby with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish @drtracyd
This episode of No One Told Us features an interview with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish about in-laws and relationship changes after a baby. The discussion includes setting boundaries, communication, and handling challenging family dynamics with res…
- Rewind: Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth Whippman
Rachael and Ruth Whippman discuss Ruth's book, "BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity." They explore challenges of raising boys, including gendered expectations, emotional isolation, and the effects of patriarchy…
- Rewind: We Have Good Reason to Be Angry with Yara Heary
In this episode of No One Told Us, Rachael interviews psychologist Yara Heary about anger in early motherhood. They discuss identity shifts, relationship strain, and nervous system challenges, offering practical tools for managing anger an…
- Rewind: How to Fight for Your Rights at Work with Daphne Delvaux
In this episode, Rachael and attorney Daphne Delvaux discuss workplace rights for working parents. They cover topics such as pregnancy and postpartum protections, navigating discrimination, and understanding legal rights related to materni…
- Rewind: Fostering a Secure Attachment with Michelle Charriere
Rachael chats with mental health specialist Michelle Charriere about fostering secure attachment with children, discussing attachment styles, the importance of repair, and choosing childcare that supports emotional connection. They also to…
- Rewind: Maintaining Intimacy After Kids with Vanessa & Xander Marin
In this episode, Vanessa and Xander Marin discuss how to maintain intimacy after having children. They cover topics such as the "roommate phase," honest conversations about sex, and the significance of emotional connection, drawing from th…
- Rewind: Bridging Separation at Bedtime with Dr. Gordon Neufeld
Dr. Gordon Neufeld joins Rachael to discuss attachment and strategies for bridging separation at bedtime. The episode explores Dr. Neufeld's Model of the Six Stages of Attachment and how parents can support child development.
- Rewind: Challenging Our Individualistic Culture with Erin Spahr
Rachael interviews therapist and advocate Erin Spahr to discuss the intersection of feminism and motherhood. Topics include the systemic lack of support for parents, the negative impacts of social media, the need for inclusive care, and th…
- Rewind: Feeding Toddlers: Finding Joy in Family Meals with Nita and Jessica of
In this episode, Rachael speaks with Jessica and Nita, co-founders of Happy Healthy Eaters, about feeding toddlers and making mealtimes more enjoyable. They discuss challenges like picky eating, trusting a child’s preferences, and adapting…
- Rewind: Managing Sensory Overwhelm in Parenthood with Larissa Geleris
This episode of No One Told Us features Rachael and occupational therapist Larissa Geleris discussing sensory overwhelm in parenthood. They cover common triggers, practical strategies, and the importance of self-compassion and co-regulatio…
- Rewind: Helping Kids Learn to Read (And Love It) with Miss Beth from Big City Readers
This episode features Rachael and literacy expert Beth Gaskill, known as Miss Beth, discussing how children learn to read. They cover the science of reading, making reading fun, supporting learning styles, kindergarten redshirting, and eff…
- Rewind: Independent Play: Practical Strategies for Simplifying Play with Lizzie Assa
This episode of No One Told Us features Rachael and Lizzie Assa, founder of the Workspace for Children. They discuss independent play, its benefits, and practical strategies for parents to encourage it in their children. The conversation c…
- Rewind: Choosing the Right Daycare and Tips for Transitioning with Elise Disher
This episode of No One Told Us features Elise Disher, M. Ed, discussing how to select the right daycare and ensure a smooth transition for children. The conversation covers the importance of relationships with staff, gradual separation, an…
- Episode 100: Behind the Mic (and the Madness): A Candid Q&A with Rachael & Marley
In this Q&A episode, Rachael and Marley discuss their experiences with parenting and partnership. They answer listener questions on topics such as co-sleeping, division of labor, and maintaining their connection through everyday chaos. The…
- Episode 99: Inside the Mother Brain: How Parenthood Rewires Us with Chelsea Conaboy
In this episode, Chelsea Conaboy discusses how parenthood rewires the brain, covering neurological shifts during pregnancy and postpartum and challenging the myth of maternal instinct. The conversation also explores how caregiving changes…
- Episode 98: Nutrition, Misinformation & Modern Motherhood with Dr. Jessica Nurick
In this episode of No One Told Us, Dr. Jessica Nurick discusses nutrition, misinformation, and modern motherhood. She and Rachael explore topics such as pregnancy nutrition, seed oils, the importance of fiber, and how wellness culture can…
- Episode 97: Parenting Hacks, Playful Discipline & Toddler Tantrums with Chelsea Anderson
Rachael talks with Chelsea Anderson about parenting. They discuss playful parenting, handling tantrums, transitions, and other challenges with toddlers.
- Episode 96: How Not To Hate Your Husband After Kids with Jancee Dunn
In this episode, Jancee Dunn, author of "How Not To Hate Your Husband After Kids," discusses the challenges relationships face after childbirth, including resentment, invisible labor, and intimacy issues. She offers insights and tools for…
- Episode 95: Choosing Sobriety: A Real Talk on Alcohol, Motherhood & Identity with Meg Fee
In this episode, Rachael talks with Meg Fee about her non-linear path to sobriety, its intersection with motherhood, and navigating social situations without alcohol. They discuss challenging "mommy wine culture" and the importance of comm…
- Episode 94: Parenting a Child with Disabilities with Casey Mouton
In this episode, Casey Mouton discusses her personal journey of parenting a child with disabilities, including her son’s diagnosis, its impact on her family, and how it influenced her career in maternal mental health. She shares insights o…
- Episode 93: Navigating the Grandparent-Parent Relationship: Boundaries, Expectations & Building Connection with Deedee Moore
In this episode, Rachael and Deedee Moore discuss the complexities of grandparent-parent relationships. They explore setting boundaries, managing expectations, and fostering connections, addressing topics like unsolicited advice, holiday o…
- Episode 92: Celebrating Queer Families & Normalizing Representation with Jaimie from the Queer Family Podcast
No One Told Us features Jaimie from The Queer Family Podcast to discuss the joys and challenges of queer families, including bonding as a non-bio parent and normalizing LGBTQIA+ family dynamics. The conversation also covers the importance…
- Episode 91: The Potty Training Journey: Readiness, Regression & Releasing the Pressure with Jess from Nurtured First
In this episode, Rachael and psychotherapist Jess Vanderwier from Nurtured First discuss the complexities of potty training. They cover topics such as readiness signs, managing regressions, and how to approach potty training without pressu…
- Episode 90: Rebuilding After Divorce: Communication, Co-Parenting & Finding Yourself Again with Betsy Kelly
Rachael and Betsy Kelly discuss rebuilding after divorce, including communication, co-parenting, and rediscovering self-worth. They explore the emotional journey of divorce and the importance of community and storytelling.
- Episode 89: Debunking Vaccine Myths: Making Choices with Evidence and Compassion with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik
In this episode, Dr. Elisabeth Marnik and Rachael discuss vaccine myths, parental decision-making, and the role of fear and misinformation. They explore the science behind vaccines, address common concerns, and emphasize compassionate scie…
- Episode 88: One and Done or One More? How to Trust your Own Path with Amanda White
Rachael and Amanda E. White discuss the unspoken truths of motherhood, including ambivalence, personal choice, and navigating societal expectations. They cover topics like family planning decisions, the impact of social media on parenting…
- Episode 87: Neurodivergent Children: Sleep, Sensory Needs, and the Right Support with Lauren Sloan
This episode of No One Told Us features Lauren Sloan discussing the unique needs of neurodivergent children. She shares insights on sleep, sensory processing, and the challenges of traditional advice for neurodivergent kids, offering guida…
- SURPRISE! You're So Right Sneak Peek!
This is a sneak peek of "You're So Right," a new podcast hosted by Rachael and Caitlin Wilder. They discuss Rachael's trip to LA, including ear piercings, concussions, and ice cream samples, as well as being model scouted and their thought…
- Episode 86: Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth Whippman
In this episode of No One Told Us, Rachael and Ruth Whippman discuss Ruth's book, "BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity." They explore the challenges of raising boys today, including gendered expectations, emoti…
- Episode 85: Navigating Grief: Support After Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Loss with Jessica Zucker
Rachael speaks with psychologist Jessica Zucker about her experiences with miscarriage and her efforts to normalize conversations around women's reproductive health. Jessica shares insights from her books, including 'I Had a Miscarriage' a…
- Episode 84: Emotionally Preparing for the Fourth Trimester with Lauren Hays & Megan Dalton
This episode of No One Told Us features Rachael, Lauren Hays, and Megan Dalton discussing matrescence and the need for better support for new mothers. They cover maternal mental health, postpartum self-care, D-MER, and the impact of sleep…
- Episode 83: What does research say about sleep training? Bed Sharing? Debunking the Myths with Tracy Cassels
Rachael and Tracy Cassels PhD discuss what research says about sleep training and bed sharing. They delve into why responsive caregiving is crucial, how highly sensitive children may not respond well to sleep training, and the benefits and…
- Episode 82: Weaning Methods, Challenges and Tips with Candace St. John
This episode of No One Told Us features Rachael and Candace St. John discussing various weaning methods, challenges, and tips. They cover the emotional aspects of the weaning process for both parents and babies, address common concerns lik…
- Episode 81: Postpartum Depletion, Burnout and Exhaustion with Kim Perez
In this episode, Rachael and functional nutritionist Kim Perez discuss postpartum depletion, burnout, and exhaustion in mothers. They explore ways to fuel the body to lower stress, improve mood, and boost sleep, focusing on nutrition, mine…
- Episode 80: All About Tummy Troubles with Dr. Ruiz of Solid Starts
Dr. Rachel Ruiz, a pediatrician and member of Solid Starts, joins Rachael to discuss tummy troubles in children. They cover topics including normal vs. worrisome symptoms, growth charts, starting solids, picky eating, and neurodivergent fe…
- Episode 79: Traveling the World with Kids with Ben Lutz of The Funemployed Family
Ben Lutz of The Funemployed Family shares his experiences with long-term family travel, working remotely, and worldschooling their children across 35 countries. He discusses financial planning, choosing destinations, and the realities of t…
- Episode 78: Why We Should Care about Caregiving with Elissa Strauss
In this episode, Elissa Strauss, author of "When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others," joins Rachael to discuss societal expectations of mothers and the cultural aspects and value of caregiving. Elissa shares her personal e…
- Episode 77: Making Friends & Keeping Friends with Danielle Bayard Jackson
Danielle Bayard Jackson, a certified friendship coach, joins the podcast "No One Told Us" to discuss how to find and maintain friendships, particularly for mothers. She covers topics such as overcoming common challenges, nurturing relation…
- Episode 76: How Dental Health and Mouth Breathing Affect Development with Dr. Ben Miraglia
Dr. Ben Miraglia joins No One Told Us to discuss the importance of early dental care and its connection to breathing and overall development in children. He emphasizes early intervention for issues like mouth breathing and introduces his T…
- Episode 75: Protecting Your Child's Digital Footprint in the Era of Oversharing with Fareedah Shaheed
In this episode of No One Told Us, Rachael and internet safety expert Fareedah Shaheed discuss protecting children's digital footprints. They cover the risks of oversharing on social media, age-appropriate technology use, and tips for keep…
- Episode 74: Postpartum Nutrition, Meal Prep, Minerals and more with Allegra Gast, RDN IBCLC
Allegra Gast, a registered dietitian and lactation consultant, joins Rachael to discuss postpartum nutrition. They cover topics such as the importance of nutrition for recovery and milk supply, managing fatigue and mood, meal prep tips, an…
- Episode 73: Choosing the Right Daycare and Tips for Transitioning with Elise Disher
This episode of No One Told Us features Elise Disher, M. Ed, who provides advice on selecting appropriate daycare and managing the transition for children. The discussion covers the importance of staff relationships, tailored separation ap…
- Episode 72: Postpartum Supports We Love: Babywearing, Doulas and Mental Health Care with Kay Medeiros
This episode of No One Told Us features Rachael and Kay Medeiros discussing postpartum experiences. They explore the benefits and safety of babywearing, the importance of postpartum doula support, and the need for community for new parents.
- Episode 71: Temperament, "Livewire" Children, and Sleep Challenges with Macall Gordon
In this episode, Macall Gordon discusses the impact of temperament on sleep and children, particularly "Livewire" children who are highly sensitive. She explores tailored parenting approaches, the realities of sleep training, and offers pr…
- Episode 70: The Power of Integrative Pediatric Care with Dr. Elisa Song
Rachael welcomes Dr. Elisa Song to discuss the importance of integrative pediatric care, focusing on a holistic approach to children's health. They cover topics such as nutritional deficiencies, the impact of antibiotics on the gut microbi…
- Episode 69: The Impact of Tongue Ties on Feeding, Sleep and More with Beth Morel, PT
Elizabeth Morel, a physical therapist, joins Rachael to discuss tongue ties and their impact on feeding, sleep, and other bodily systems. She emphasizes early intervention and the importance of collaborating with a team of healthcare profe…
- Episode 68: The Biggest Misconceptions About Attachment and "Gentle" Parenting with Dr. Vanessa Lapointe
In this episode, Dr. Vanessa Lapointe and Rachael discuss common misconceptions surrounding attachment and gentle parenting. They cover topics such as setting boundaries, self-regulation, healing inner wounds, and getting partners on board…
- Episode 67: Baby Babbles, Books and more with Joanne Cazeau, SLP
In this episode, Rachel Shepard-Ohta interviews Joanne Cazeau, a pediatric speech language pathologist. Joanne shares insights on child-led play-based therapy, effective language facilitation methods, and how to select age-appropriate toys…
- Episode 66: Invisible Labor: C-Sections and Birth Trauma with Rachel Somerstein
Rachel Somerstein joins Rachael to discuss C-sections and birth trauma, including personal experiences, the medicalization of birth, and the importance of finding supportive care teams. They also touch on postpartum support and redefining…
- Episode 65: Inclusive Ways to Feed and Parent Your Baby with Victoria Facelli
In this episode, Victoria Facelli discusses inclusive approaches to infant feeding and parenting. She emphasizes considering different feeding methods and the importance of partner involvement and support for parents.