Episode 36- "Discover the Magic of Baby Massage: A Pathway to Relaxation, Connection, & Communication" with Helen Thompson

In this episode of the Sweet Slumber podcast, host Meredith Brough talks with digital marketing strategist and coach Ashley Brock. They discuss Ashley's entrepreneurial journey, starting a business during pregnancy, and the importance of support systems for parents.

Ashley shares her passion for empowering small business owners in their marketing efforts and the significance of learning from those ahead in the game.  The conversation also touches on the pressures of entrepreneurship, embracing difficulties,  serving others, and maintaining a positive mindset. Ashley's daily routines, including gratitude practice and household habits are highlighted, along with her advice on seeking inspiration and learning opportunities.

Topics

• The importance of sleep for mothers and entrepreneurs
• Preparing for motherhood
• Letting things be hard, embracing growth
• How to overcome difficult obstacles
• The power of visualization and setting specific goals for personal and professional growth
• The pressures and stresses faced by entrepreneurs, especially regarding financial stability
• Maintaining a positive and service-oriented mindset in entrepreneurship
• Ashley's daily routines and household practices for maintaining enthusiasm and well-being

Find Ashley:

• website: https://www.ashleybrock.com
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.ashley.brock/
• Marketing Matters Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-matters-with-ashley-brock/id1715064884

Set up a chat with Meredith to learn about the Baby-Centered Sleep Mastermind for sleep consultants where you can learn from experts like Ashley every month!

Keywords:
Digital marketing, coach, small business owners, leads, sales, sleep, motherhood, entrepreneurship,  support system, financial independence, empowerment, simplifying marketing, women, inspiration, attitude, guidance, investment, progress, growth, persistence, visualization, goals, gratitude, mindset, challenges, perseverance, service-oriented mindset, positivity, routines, well-being, learning opportunities, business tools.

In this episode of "Sweet Slumber," host Meredith Brough, a sleep coach and childcare expert, delves into the topic of postpartum illnesses, focusing on postpartum anxiety and depression.

Drawing from her professional experiences and client stories, Meredith highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms, the impact of sleep on mental health, and the crucial role of professional support. She also revisits insights from a previous guest, Shannon Wilson, to further inform listeners about the challenges and support strategies for postpartum illnesses.

Topics:

• Meredith Brough's insights on postpartum illnesses
• Experiences with clients struggling with postpartum anxiety and depression
• Importance of recognizing signs and seeking help
• Mention of PCI as a source of valuable information and training
• Reflection on clients' experiences and transformations
• Emphasis on spreading awareness about postpartum illnesses
• Impact of sleep on postpartum mental health
• Need for a support system and seeking help from professionals
• Encouragement for parents to be open to seeking support
• The evolving understanding and awareness of postpartum illnesses

Resources:
Look for support or training on PCI or Postpartum.net. Find a therapist, support, and info about certification

Find Shannon Wilson's interview episode here and resources here.

Contact Meredith to share your story here.

Keywords:
postpartum illnesses, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, sleep coach, childcare expert, sleep consultants, Sweet Slumber, seeking help, trained therapists, signs and symptoms, support system, mental health, awareness, sensitivity, support, recognizing symptoms, seeking support, professional help

In this episode of the Sweet Slumber podcast, host Meredith Brough interviews Shannon Wilson (LMHC, PMH-C), a perinatal mental health therapist. They delve into the complexities of new motherhood, discussing the challenges, mental health struggles, and the importance of support during the postpartuml period.

Shannon shares her personal journey and professional insights, highlighting the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression, the prevalence of intrusive thoughts, and the rarity of postpartum psychosis.

They emphasize the need for specialized therapist training, creating postpartum plans, and the importance of recognizing postpartum mental health issues in both mothers and fathers.

The conversation offers practical advice and encourages seeking help to navigate the postpartum period.

Topics:

• Challenges and struggles faced by new mothers
• Strategies for new mothers to prioritize their mental health and well-being
• Why mothers need support from trained therapists
• Warning signs of postpartum depression and anxiety
• What you can do to prevent or decrease the severity of postpartum mental health illnesses 
• What is a postpartum plan and what does it look like
• Risk factors for postpartum illnesses
• Difference between baby blues and postpartum depression
• What postpartum rage, psychosis and OCD are and how common they are
• Postpartum illness in men and what that can look like
• How long the postpartum period lasts

Resource Mentioned:
PCI or Postpartum.net: Find a therapist, support, and info about certification

Find Shannon's Resources & Work with Her:
Website: https://mwrcounseling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mwrcounseling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwrcounseling/?hl=en

Keywords & Timestamps: "Perinatal Mental Health Training Course": "00:01:13" "Postpartum Support International": "00:02:24" "Therapy and Counseling": "00:17:10" "Medication for PPD and PPAt": "00:18:04" "Postpartum Plan": "00:19:17" "Prioritizing Sleep": "00:19:17" "Partner, Sleep Coach, or Doula Support for Sleep": "00:20:18" "Nourishing the Body": "00:20:18" "Getting Outside and Moving": "00:20:18" "Connecting with Other Moms": "00:21:17" "Reminding Yourself of the Seasonal Nature of Parenthood": "00:22:29" "Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression": "00:23:29" "Risk Factors for Perinatal Mood Disorders": "00:25:50" "Trauma at Birth": "00:27:17" "Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety": "00:28:36" "Men and Postpartum Depression": "00:34:12" "Postpartum Rage": "00:36:14" "Intrusive Thoughts": "00:38:52"  "Perinatal OCD": "00:40:28" "Postpartum Psychosis": "00:42:22" "Perinatal Time Frame": "00:43:34" "Support System": "00:48:19", fertility difficulties, infant loss, new mother support

In this podcast episode, Meredith Brough, a sleep consultant and entrepreneur, shares her personal journey and the pivotal moments that shaped her career.

She recounts her experience helping a friend's twin babies with sleep and feeding issues, which led her to realize her potential impact on others. Despite initial struggles with business awareness and marketing, Meredith persevered with the help of a support system, including SCORE and a few business coaches.

Her heartfelt outreach to a viral Instagram influencer resulted in increased clients and global success.  This opportunity brought new challenges which propelled Meredith towards her beloved work with spirited, sensitive, and high needs babies and children.

Adapting to changes in social media, Meredith turned her direction to long form content and several other strategies, which helped Sweet Slumber reach financial stability and growth. Now her passion is teaching and mentoring new sleep consultants.

The episode underscores the value of resilience, adaptability, and customized support in entrepreneurship.

Highlights:

• Personal journey and experiences as a sleep consultant and entrepreneur
• Following your heart and your dreams as an entrepreneur 
• Challenges faced in starting the business 
• Looking for the silver lining during difficult situations
• How to stay strong and resilient during slow months
• Building the business with limited resources and marketing struggles
• The impact of changes in social media algorithms and rules
• Adapting to new methods of teaching and interacting with clients
• Reinventing the business due to marketing challenges
• Importance of investing in professional development and working with a business coach
• Emphasis on adaptability, continuous learning, and finding tailored support within the industry, especially during slow times

Join "The Circle for Empowering Mothers" Facebook group to learn from Meredith and other coaches who are passionate about supporting you in your work!

In this "Women on Fire" debut episode of the Sweet Slumber podcast, host Meredith Brough talks with new mom and confidence coach Chelsea Wilson. 

Chelsea discusses her transition from helping women with body confidence to aiding moms in finding their identity and work-life balance postpartum. She shares her personal struggles with motherhood, including a difficult delivery and anxiety, and offers advice on starting with essential self-care steps. Chelsea shares the wins in her current life, including more freedom, being on the same page with her husband, and the ability to be fully present with her family.

Chelsea introduces her program, "Confidently a Business Mama," and explains how to implement a flexible schedule and establish a balance as a new mom.

The conversation also covers the importance of seeking help for postpartum depression and the transformative power of personal growth. 

Topics:

• Chelsea's personal journey and struggles with confidence and self-esteem
• Challenges of early motherhood and the importance of meeting your needs
• Discussion on seeking help for postpartum anxiety and depression
• Importance of mindset and personal growth
• Finding work-life balance as a mom and entrepreneur
• Three main components of work-life balance
• Tips for creating and sticking to a schedule and meeting essential self-care needs
• Discussion about coaching and what's rewarding about this work
• Chelsea's transformation and positive changes from following her own advice 

Find Chelsea Wilson:
https://www.instagram.com/confidentlychelsea/?hl=en

Join The Circle for Empowering Mothers Facebook group  for passionate female entrepreneurs who support mothers- for motivation, work-life balance tips, inspiration, marketing advice, and networking. (Created by Meredith Brough, Chelsea Wilson, and Vallen Webb).

Keywords: new mom, confidence coach, life coaching, psychology, matrescense, work-life balance, meeting essential needs, self-care, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, mental health, connection, entrepreneur, time management, mom-life, schedules, mom entrepreneur, work life balance, new baby, postpartum

In this podcast episode, Meredith Brough, a pediatric sleep expert, talks about a parenting concern that is becoming more common. Many parents feel anxious and scared when their babies cry; they are afraid that even normal expressions of emotion might be harmful.

Meredith discusses various situations when babies cry to  signal different needs and other times when crying is an expression of emotion. She emphasizes the importance of parents learning to interpret these cries to respond appropriately to their infants' needs. She encourages parents to foster a sense of security and trust with their babies, which is crucial for healthy development.

In this episode, Meredith shares her personal experiences with tear-free sleep techniques and explains why they were created in the first place. She debunks the belief that parents should avoid tears completely and emphasizes the significance of being responsive and providing comfort and love to improve babies' sleep, instead.

Throughout the episode, Meredith addresses common concerns and misconceptions about infant sleep and offers reassurance to parents who may be struggling with sleep-related issues.

The show will help you walk away with a deeper understanding of how to lovingly and effectively support your babies' sleep needs, armed with strategies that prioritize comfort, loving responsiveness, and best of all, your child's well-being.

Topics: 

• Infant communication through crying
• Examples of normal crying
• What to avoid with sleep training that is damaging
• Choosing between tear-free or gentle methods and what really matters
• The importance of responsiveness
• Providing comfort and love 99% of the time
• Why 99% instead of 100%
• Why your fears might be misplaced 
• The type of babies who might need a tear free approach to sleep better and why
• How to improve sleep using a peaceful approach 

Have you taken the Sleep Temperament Quiz?

Learn more about your child's nature and why they are waking often. Find out what tools you need to improve your sleep in just 5 minutes!

Click on your child's age group to get started:  Babies     Toddlers/Children

Visit sweetslumbertime.com to learn more about working with Meredith then click on the Contact tab to set up a free Sleep Intervention Call! She'll help you choose the program that's right for your child.

Key words:
Sleep consultant, sleep coaching, pediatric sleep, baby centered sleep, infant communication, crying, tear-free sleep methods, gentle sleep methods, attachment, security, resp

In this episode, you'll be introduced to the world of early development expert Michelle Mintz and her groundbreaking parent coaching program, Baby Blooming Moments. Expect to be inspired as Michelle takes you on a journey through her own transformation from a speech therapist to a passionate advocate for early childhood development.

Michelle will encourage you to take the lead in optimizing the growth and development of your child. She'll unveil powerful strategies for enriching your interactions. She'll even teach you how to nurture language skills, brain growth, and communication. By watching, pausing, and truly listening to your child, Michelle explains that you can gain a deeper understanding of their needs and provide the support that will help them thrive.

What sets Michelle apart is her groundbreaking coaching program, where she guides parents in real-time, equipping them to discover a whole new level of connection and communication with their little ones.

So, if you're ready to discover invaluable insights into effective parenting strategies, and be inspired by a single mother's journey, this podcast episode is a must. Get ready to embark on a transformative adventure with Michelle Mintz and Baby Blooming Moments.

Topics:

• Importance of weaning off pacifiers early to prevent speech & language delays (Find Michelle's book in the notes)
• Significance of language and growth in early development
• Empowering parents, grandparents, nannies, & caregivers to be proactive in preventing delays
• Enriching & engaging experiences for babies & toddlers to maximize brain development
• Challenges & opportunities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic
• Significance of repetition in a child's learning process
• Strategy of watching, pausing, & listening to children to understand their needs and interests

Find Michelle:

Website: Baby Blooming Moments - babybloomingmoments.com

Socials:

• Instagram: @babybloomingmoments
• Facebook: Baby Blooming Moments
• TikTok: @babybloomingmoments
• YouTube: Baby Blooming Moments

Find the Book: "All Done Binky" - about weaning off of a pacifier - available on Amazon

Phone Consultations: Free 30-minute consultations available through Zoom or phone - Call (424) 226-2206 or email: michelle@babybloomingmoments.com

Keywords: Michelle Mintz, Baby Blooming Moments, early development expert, parent coaching program, speech language pathologist, birth to five years old, speech and language delays, children's book, "All Done Binky", enriching interactions, early years,  childhood development, preschool teachers, daycare providers, brain development, COVID-19, single mother, co-parenting, consistency, stable environment, non-verbal communication, body language, facial expressions, engagement, language development, enrichment, following the child's lead, connection, trust, attachment, weaning off pacifiers, communication with babies and toddlers, new parents.

Welcome to another episode of the Sweet Slumber Podcast, where you'll find creative sleep solutions that are effective, lasting, AND nurture your relationships. We will help you support your child's long-term health and well-being, too. 

Are you dreaming about relaxing, restorative nights? Would you like to feel more like your old self? If so, this show was made for YOU. Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of energetic and spirited babies (those strong-willed and highly alert little bundles of joy that keep their parents on their toes) so you can master the art of peaceful slumber. 

In this episode, we discuss the unique characteristics of active and spirited babies, the challenges around their sleep, and validate the emotional wear and tear their parents endure. We talk about the obstacles and setbacks that come with old fashioned sleep training, as well as the need for patience when parents do all the right things but nothing improves.

Topics:

• What's unusual & challenging about energetic & spirited babies 
• Understanding the sleep nature of spirited babies
• The amazement doctors & others express at their alertness, strength, & intelligence
• How difficult it can be to connect with parents in local communities & receive advice that doesn't work
• Why common sleep practices are usually ineffective, inconsistent, and short-lived for these unique little ones
• What you need to know to support them
• What spirited babies need to sleep well
• Tips you can put into practice now to see improvements with sleep

Sleep Tips and Strategies:
Discover baby-centered sleep methods that focus on your child's unique needs and challenges. Find out what to do to sleep well and transform your life!

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Tune in, trust your instincts, and let's navigate the world of spirited baby sleep together.

Take the Sleep Temperament Quiz to understand your child's sleep nature and unlock the keys to your exhaustion in just 5 minutes!

Click here:  Babies      Toddlers

Community Participation:
We want to hear from you! If you have a Spirited Baby at home, share your experiences in the comments. Tell us what sleep looks like in your household 

Listener Spotlight:
Are you a mother with a spirited child? We're looking for moms like you to join our show! Take the Sleep Temperament Quiz (see the link below) and leave a review for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Thank you for leaving a review!

In this insightful podcast episode, our host Meredith Brough sits down with the talented Helen Thompson, a true expert in the world of baby massage. With over 30 years of experience in childcare, Helen is here to share her wealth of knowledge and passion for this amazing practice.

Helen dives right into the impressive benefits of baby massage. Not only does it help with sleep, but it can also provide relief for colic and constipation. Who knew a simple touch could do so much?

Helen emphasizes the importance of touch and communication in building a strong bond with your little one. She explains how baby massage releases oxytocin, which she lovingly refers to as the "cuddle hormone".  You'll both benefit from experiencing this warm, fuzzy feeling (and it might even help with sleep!).

Helen also shares her experiences in the world of childcare and gives us a sneak peek into her own podcast, First Time Mums Chat. It's a must-listen for all you new moms out there!

As the episode unfolds, Meredith and Helen delve into the significance of parental intuition, physical affection, and even talking and singing to your baby. It's all about creating that loving and nurturing environment for your little one to thrive in.

So, if you're a new parent or just curious about the wonders of baby massage, this podcast episode is definitely for you. Get ready to learn, be inspired, and maybe even give your little one a soothing massage afterwards.

Topics:

• Baby Massage benefits for common issues like sleep, colic, and constipation
• Importance of touch and communication in supporting babies and strengthening the parent-child bond
• The positive effects of baby massage on both parents and babies such as stress reduction and connection
• How baby massage boosts the immune system and language development
• Helen's podcast, First Time Mums Chat, and its aim to support first-time moms
• Advocacy for natural approaches and following intuition
• Importance of communication during massage
• Tips on how to massage babies properly

Learn more about Helen Thompson, her online courses, and the episodes she mentions here: www.mybabymassage.net/sweetslumber

Are you an exhausted parent? Take the Sleep Temperament Quiz! Reveal your child's sleep nature and unlock the keys to better sleep in just 5 minutes. Click here: Babies     Toddlers

Keywords/Mentions with timestamps:

Baby massage technique - mentioned at 00:03:30 Benefits of baby massage for parents and babies, improving colic and constipation - mentioned at 00:04:27 Baby massage for colic and constipation - mentioned at 00:04:27 Baby massage after a bath - mentioned at 00:06:16 Baby massage as a sleep routine - mentioned at 00:06:22 Baby massage podcast - mentioned at 00:07:29  Intuitive feeling - mentioned at 00:09:30 Pleasure of connecting with the baby - mentioned at 00:10:04 Baby massage classes with singing - mentioned at 00:10:40 Teething - mentioned at 00:16:42 Touch and communication with babies - mentioned at 00:17:33 Podcast: "First Time Mums Chat" - mentioned at 00:22:22 Immune system - mentioned at 00:36:15 Direction for massage - mentioned at 00:37:12, holistic remedies,  complementary therapies, child bond, oxytocin, cuddle hormone, love, stress reduction, relaxation, tension, sensory development, immune system, cranial sacral therapy, first-time mom,  instincts, gut feelings, physical affection, parental intuition, joy. 

In this podcast episode, entrepreneur and sleep coach Meredith Brough shares her personal motherhood journey of growth and healing. She opens up about the emotional struggles she has carried since childhood, trauma she experienced in her teen years, and how these experiences have affected her as a mother, influenced her parenting style, and even shaped her Baby-Centered Sleep coaching approach.

Meredith emphasizes the importance of being vulnerable,  seeking wellness, and regulating one's nervous system to be a better parent. She also shares her transformation of becoming a more understanding and less authoritative parent, and how she has become a healer to her children.  Meredith encourages open communication, love, and forgiveness in families.

Topics:

• Meredith's realization of not offering her children the comfort & support they needed in the past & her motivation to share what she has learned to help others 
• Recognizing emotional baggage from her childhood
• Her personal journey of healing & growth as a parent through therapy & spiritual practices
• Moving past our imperfections & embracing growth and healing
• The power of unmasking ourselves & showing our emotions to children
• Embracing vulnerability & open communication
• Regret for not being there for her son & the importance of being present and supportive
• The changes therapy has brought about in Meredith's life, including patience & recognizing & calming herself in challenging situations
• The importance of addressing & regulating one's own nervous system & taking care of oneself as a parent
• Learning to be less sensitive & letting go of unnecessary things & leading by example for her children
• What is helpful to understand about babies & young children (that Meredith didn't know when her children were young)
• What changed in her parenting approach 
• How to help  babies and children thrive & become healthy in every way
• What's wrong with traditional sleep training & what needs to change

Ready to understand your child better and unlock the keys to your exhaustion? Then take the Sleep Temperament Quiz:  Babies     Toddlers

Themes:
Therapy: mentioned throughout the episode (00:10:41, 00:11:42, 00:13:41) Bible: mentioned as a source of study and healing (00:10:41) Healing spiritually: mentioned as part of the healing process (00:10:41) Regulating nervous system: mentioned as a learning process (00:11:42) Finding a therapist: mentioned as a recommendation (00:13:41) Apologizing and expressing love: mentioned as a way to improve relationships (00:14:35) Forgiveness and family love: mentioned as sources of healing (00:15:32) Building a brighter future: mentioned as a possibility for anyone (00:15:32) Parenting resources: mentioned as tools for learning and growth (00:15:32) Cry it out and the Ferber method: mentioned as something the speaker is against (00:20:32)

Key Words:
Sleep coach, sleep consultant, childhood pain, trauma, children, infant, sleep, nervous system, improving sleep, parenting, frustration in parenting, exhausted parent,  emotional regulation, self soothing, crying, poor sleep, emotional health, upbringing, parents, healing, growth, therapy, spiritual practices, prayer, the Bible, emotional triggers, wounds, therapy, open communication, vulnerability, forgiveness, family love,  anxiety, social difficulties, motherhood, mom regret, guilt,  security, authoritative parenting, high sensitivity, overreacting, holding grudges, leading by example, teen years, explosive, intense children,  intuition, instincts, sleep training