The Motherhood Kit

Welcome to a very special episode of The Motherhood Kit Podcast, because we are celebrating one whole year of the show! 

Over the course of the last year, we’ve discussed everything from how to handle life transitions as mom, how to engage with your teens, how to help your infant sleep, how to provide nutritious meals for your family and even how to prepare for birth, and in this episode, we are revisiting some of the amazing moments from our first year. 

Thank you for all your support over the last year and for joining us every week. To celebrate one whole year of The Motherhood Kit podcast and to give back to you, our listeners,, we are doing a special giveaway,  where you can win a $100 Target voucher because what mom doesn’t love Target?!

To enter, all you have to do is:

• Follow me on Instagram at @yamelbelen
• Follow me on TikTok @themotherhoodkit
• Share your favourite episode of the podcast on your Instagram stories and make sure to tag me so I see it!

The Giveaway will end on March 20th, and I’ll be announcing the winner shortly afterwards. The Giveaway is open to all US residents. 

If you want to dive deeper on any of the topics explored in this special anniversary episode, you can listen to the whole episodes at the links below.

Episode 1: Can Moms Have It All? With My Daughters, Bryanna and Tatianna - Listen here

Episode 4: A Guide To Life’s Hurdles, with Dr. Laura Tillman - Listen here

Episode 8: An Adoption Story - Listen here

Episode 20: Mom Life, Hot Wife: Navigating Motherhood and Keeping The Spark Alive With Your Husband - Listen here

Episode 39: Healing In Motherhood, with Guest Julissa Edwards - Listen here

Episode 43: Mom Mind Matters: Navigating Mental Wellness and Saying No To “Mum Guilt” - Listen here

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

• This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.
• For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 
• If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.
• You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here.

Welcome to another episode of The Motherhood Kit Podcast where Yamel is joined by Gina Mundy, an attorney that specialises in childbirth cases. For over two decades, she has analysed the mistakes that are made during labor and delivery and, drawing on this knowledge, she has authored the bestselling book - “A Parent’s Guide To A Safer Childbirth” to help parents prevent these mistakes and have a healthy baby. This is based on her own experiences of cases, as well as her extensive research, meticulous analyzing and the dissecting of countless studies pertaining to childbirth. Rather than merely getting involved after the unfortunate mistake was made, Gina has taken a proactive approach by getting involved before childbirth. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

• This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.
• For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 
• If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.

You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here.

In this episode, Yamel and Gina discuss: 

• Gina’s journey to writing a book, based on the many situations she has been part of as an attorney specialising in childbirth cases, and how she wanted to share her knowledge to empower and help people prevent these mistakes from happening.

• The many benefits of hiring a doula, which Gina views as a primary action that a pregnant person can take to help them safeguard them in their birth experience, and the hugely important role of education in the preparation to your birth. 

• Gina’s opinion on some of the main factors involved in births that end of having bad outcomes, including some cases she has seen involving the use of Pitocin and it not being administered slowly and safely enough. 

• Creating a birth dream team around you, and the importance of advocating for yourself to make sure you’re surrounded by people you trust and feel safe with during your birth. 

• How equipping yourself with this information in the preparation of your birth can be hugely empowering, allowing you to step more confidently into your birth experience. 

And much more!

To connect with Gina, you can access the below resources: 

• Gina’s Website:  www.ginamundy.com
• Gina Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9KFNPNQ
• Gina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginamundy/
• Gina’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093989808329
• Gina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-mundy-70318554/
• Gina’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/GinaMundy_

Welcome to The Motherhood Kit podcast where today Yamel is talking all about how to adequately prepare for your birth experience so that you can navigate your birth with confidence. Childbirth is a sacred rite of passage, and has the power to transform us in ways we’ve never imagined, allowing us to tap into a reservoir of strength, courage and resilience. 

Yamel herself was a teenager when she became a mother but, despite her youth, she threw herself into the preparation for her first birth, enabling her to be an active part of her birth experience.

As an Doula, RN,  and IBCLC, Yamel now helps other women prepare for their childbirth journeys, and in this episode she shares her insights with you. By adequately preparing for your birth, you can make informed decisions for yourself and your baby, and can step into your birth experience with confidence. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

• This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.
• For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 
• If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.

Click here to access Yamel’s Birth Plan template.

In this episode, Yamel covers: 

• The importance of taking the time to research your birth prenatal provider, as this is an important element of your birth experience (and you’ll be spending a lot of time there in the lead up and for the birth itself) so take your time to visit and ask people for their experiences, to check it aligns with what you envisage for your birth

• How knowledge is power, so take the time to research, read, listen to podcasts and educate yourself, so that you can have a fuller understanding of the decisions along the way and the conversations you’ll be having with the medical practitioners

• The importance of taking a course to prepare for your birth, and in making sure it’s by someone qualified in the area. Click here to access Yamel’s Childbirth Preparation Course. 

• What it means to be an active participant in your birth experience, and how this can empower you to advocate for yourself, and the importance of including your partner in the preparation process too

• Tuning into your intuition and using positive affirmations within the preparation of your birth experience and in the birth itself

And much more!

On today's episode of The Motherhood Kit Yamel is joined by two guests to talk all about empowering birth advocacy.

As well as being an RN, Yamel is an IBCLC and a Doula, supporting birthing people in various settings throughout their labour and birth experiences, and today she is joined by two midwives - Amy Reinke, a hospital-based midwife and Mary Catherine Hamelin, a home-birth midwife. Together with Yamel, they dive into the crucial topic of navigating the complexities of childbirth advocacy in the United States, discussing how you can be an active part of your birth experience, the importance of having a birth plan (download your Birth Plan Template here) and how to build your team in order to have a positive birth experience. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.

●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

●      If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.

In this episode, Yamel, Amy and Mary Catherine discuss: 

●      Amy and Mary Catherine’s backgrounds in doulaing and how this intersects with their midwifery careers, and what the roles of a midwife includes

●      The importance of informed consent in birth - how this includes being given a thorough explanation of the situation at hand, being told the benefits and the risks, and being given the space to then reflect and come to your own decision. 

●      The role of a doula and how they can help empower you to advocate for yourself in your birth experience, and the power of coming into your birth with adequate knowledge so you can be an active participant in the experience 

●      The importance of having a birth plan and of thinking of it as a set of preferences but to also allow for an element of flexibility within this. Amy, Mary Catherine and Yamel also break down what makes a good birth plan, including doing research beforehand and using pictures for clarity. Please see here for your birth plan template, to empower yourself with the tools to navigate your birth experience with confidence and ensure your voice is heard every step of the way. 

●      The importance of doing adequate research in the choosing of your birth location, and of making an empowered choice based on their set up and what you want for your birth experience. 

●      The importance of diversity within care teams, and how you have the right to build a birth team that you feel supported by and safe with. And more!

To connect with Amy and Mary Catherine, you can find out more about them here:

-       Mary Catherine - you can find out more about her work at her website here.

-       Amy - you can find out more about her work at her website here, or on her Instagram here.

Welcome to today’s episode of The Motherhood Kit Podcast. On this special Valentine’s edition of the show we are celebrating love, self-acceptance and the beauty of embracing our bodies as they are. We are discussing all things self-acceptance and body positivity, and how you can choose to love yourself more this Valentine’s day. 

Today, Yamel is joined by Heather Fletcher, an accomplished fitness professional and wellness advocate with over 15 years experience. She holds a BA in health and physical activity and a master’s degree in exercise physiology, offering a comprehensive perspective of health and wellness. Heather manages the blog thefitfoodielife.com, extending her reach beyond conventional settings to educate and motivate busy professionals to prioritize their health on a global scale. This is a rich episode with so much goodness for you to enjoy!

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.

●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

●      If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.

In this episode, Yamel and Heather discuss self-love and body positivity, including: 

●      Heather’s journey in the health and wellness space, including her experience of being a competitive body-builder which led to her having to re-learn how to fall in love with fitness again

●      How intimidating the fitness world can be for beginner’s, and Heather’s expert advice on this, including her tips on how to get started, such as taking at-home online classes to build up your confidence before going to in-person ones

●      The role social media and the internet play in perpetuating unrealistic standards of fitness and beauty, and ideals that are often not even healthy, & how to shift your perspective to knowing that these are edited photos and not the whole situation

●      The mindset of viewing fitness and working out as something to do purely to look good, and the importance of shifting this to instead see it as the end goal being feeling good and increased functionality. 

●      Redefining body positivity in terms of seeing how your body looks as just one small part of the equation, and being grateful for everything else your body provides for you in terms of functionality and health every day

●      The power in changing the way you compliment people, to deemphasize looks and to mention other aspects of their character or personality, & how this can be used within our parenting of our children to encourage them to value themselves for all their gifts, not just their looks. 

To connect with Heather, you can access the below resources:

●      Heather’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/heatherfitfoodie/

●      Heather’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heatherfitfoodie

●      Heather’s website: https://www.thefitfoodielife.com/

Welcome to another episode of The Motherhood Kit podcast. Continuing with our theme of wellness, today’s episode is exploring the topic of mental health. Motherhood is a beautiful journey but it can also be a challenging one, and the dance between the joys of mothering and the demands of everyday life can take a toll on our wellbeing. 

Today, Yamel is joined by Jennifer Benoit, founder of Mindwell Strategies, a maternal wellness company that provides therapy and coaching services to women navigating motherhood. In this conversation, they discuss all things mothering and mental wellness, including the invisible mental load that many of us carry, the phenomenon of “mom guilt” (and saying no to it!) and steps you can take to look after your mental wellness in the same way you look after your physical wellness. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

• This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.
• For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 
• If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.

In this episode, Yamel and Jennifer discuss all things mental health in motherhood, including: 

• The invisible mental load that we carry as moms, with busy to-do lists and the constant mental activity of planning and forward-thinking to ensure the day goes smoothly and our families can thrive, and the pressure this can sometimes put on relationships

• The transition into motherhood and how we say at One Love, that when babies are born, so are mothers

• Jennifer’s advice to help navigate this transition with ease, including making space for the things that you cannot control in motherhood, and allowing for flexibility as well as routines

• “Mom guilt” and the power to choose to not subscribe to it - have compassion for yourself and give yourself grace, remembering that you are human and that messing up is an inevitable part of life.

• The importance of being aware of comparisons to other people who may outwardly seem to be having an easier time of mothering, and knowing that social media is just a highlight reel. 

To connect with Jennifer, you can access the below resources:

• Jennifer’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbenoit1/
• Jennifer’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-benoit-lcsw-4504b23

And for helpful resources regarding this topic, please visit: 

https://www.onelovedoula.com/blog/postpartum-blues-vs-postpartum-depression-whats-the-difference?rq=baby%20blues

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10613459/

And if you’re  in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.

Welcome to another episode of The Motherhood Kit Podcast. Today we are kicking off a new series all about wellness, and in this episode we will specifically be talking about the importance of looking after your skincare as a mom.

In the hustle and bustle of motherhood, it’s easy to overlook and even forgo our skincare routines but, as the body’s largest organ, it deserves our utmost attention and care. Yamel is passionate about this topic and uses her skincare as her special time for self-care and as a moment to say yes to herself and give herself some TLC. 

In this episode, Yamel is joined by Krissy Alpagut, skincare expert and owner and lead esthetician at Cielo Spa Tampa, where Yamel is a client. At Cielo Spa, their goal is to make your skin, mind, body and soul feel as if you’ve escaped your daily life for a moment of self love. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

• This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.
• For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

In this episode, Yamel and Krissy discuss:

• Some of the skincare mistakes that moms are making, including the number one mistake of going to bed without washing your face first (and why this is such a no-no!)

• The most important types of skincare products that all moms should have in their daily routine, and the many advantages of starting using retinol early

• Shifting your thinking to seeing skincare as an investment, as it’s looking after your body’s largest organ and the first thing people see

• The three vital skincare steps that you should not be skipping when it comes to both your day and night routine as a mom

• How to fit your skincare regime into your life as a mom, and tips on how to make it a self-love and self-care ritual

Plus Yamel gets Krissy’s expert advice on collagen, acids and other skincare topics and trending buzzwords!

To connect with Krissy, you can visit the Cielo Spa on Instagram or via their website here.

Welcome back to The Motherhood Kit Podcast. In today’s episode we are continuing our theme of a better you in this new year, and today we are providing you with the gift of organization.

In this episode, Yamel is joined by professional home organizer, interior designer and founder of Divine Order, Sarah McMillion, who shares her wisdom of how to organize not only your home, but also your mind, in 2024. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

• This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.
• For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

In this episode, Sarah and Yamel discuss:

• Sarah's background and how she became an organizational and decluttering pro, and how she supports her clients,
• The impact that organization can have on your wellbeing and your mental health,
• The importance of including your children in the organization and upkeep of your home, and the role of modeling in this,
• The importance of starting with small actionable steps, and giving yourself grace that there doesn't have to be huge changes overnight,
• Yamel's top three ways that you can stay organized that you can action today,
• Sarah's top four expert strategies of how you can declutter not only your home but your life as well.

To connect with Sarah and find out how you can work with her:
 

• Visit her website at https://thedivineorder.co/
• Contact: 417-234-9684
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divine_order_home/?hl=en

Welcome back to The Motherhood Kit Podcast where today we are continuing our theme of a new you this new year with a conversation all about professional fulfilment. Often in motherhood, we feel a desire for change and personal growth, and sometimes this can extend to our professional lives and we feel a need to shake things up and pivot into something new. 

Tune in as Yamel talks to Melissa Blackmore about switching careers and how to find happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your professional journey. We’ll be covering how to recognise the signs that it might be time for a career change, how to explore new options, and Melissa will be sharing her insights on the scary part of interviewing when you’re going back into the working world after taking time off with your little ones. 

Melissa is a seasoned career strategist, program maker and hiring manager who empowers women in building purposeful careers while increasing their earning potential. With her deep-rooted corporate knowledge, she supports women in manoeuvring the complexities of the job market and workplace dynamic. Melissa is dedicated to enabling women to find career trajectories that offer fulfilment on financial, mental and emotional fronts. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.

●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

To connect with Melissa, you can reach out to her on:

·      Melissa’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissakblackmore

·      Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissakblackmore/

·      Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissakblackmore

·      Melissa’s website: https://www.projectmgmtsuccess.com/

Some of takeaways from this episode include: 

How to recognise you may be in need for a career change 

Melissa identifies three questions you can ask yourself, to help work out whether you might be ready for a career pivot, and they all come under the umbrella question of – how is my current career impacting me mentally, physically and emotionally? 

How to know what new venture to pursue 

If you’re not sure what to pursue next, it’s important to spend some time doing the groundwork of working out what you enjoy, what you want out of your work, what are you actually good at, and where do your skills and expertise lie? It may also be worth going to a networking event and speaking to professionals to help you work out what career your strengths will fit.  

Start with your non-negotiables 

Setting out your non-negotiables for your next career venture is critical because it helps you get clarity on what is important for you, whether it’s a salary figure, a level of flexibility, or something else you want to achieve. Therefore, when an opportunity does arise, you’ll be able to check in with yourself that it fully aligns with you and your goals. 

Welcome back to The Motherhood Kit Podcast where today we are continuing our theme of a new you this new year with a conversation about healing in motherhood. Tune in as Yamel discusses all things healing with Julissa Edwards, including exploring what conscious mothering is and what simple but powerful steps you can take to embark on your healing journey today.

Julissa Edwards is a licensed therapist, mindset coach and spiritual guide, making her uniquely positioned to empower mothers who are seeking an easier transition into motherhood. She helps moms by facilitating a deeper connection with their intuition, allowing them to tap into their inner wisdom and make decisions with greater confidence. By nurturing this connection with their intuition, Julissa assists mothers in breaking free from the patterns of generational traumas that may have been passed down through their family lineage. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

• This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.
• For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

To connect with Julissa, you can access the below resources:

• Julissa’s Motherhood Retreat: https://www.julissaedwardscounseling.com/retreat 
• Julissa’s Mama’s Rescue Kit: 33 Quick and Effective Stress Busters: https://julissa-edwards-counseling.mykajabi.com/opt-in-freebie
• Julissa’s Masterclass: Mastering Mother's Intuition and Dissolving Anxiety: https://julissa-edwards-counseling.mykajabi.com/offers/s7HYqcGT/checkout
• Julissa’s Conscious Motherhood Circle Mastermind: https://www.julissaedwardscounseling.com/conscious-motherhood-circle

Some of takeaways from this episode include: 

Allowing yourself to reflect on your past and the truth of your experiences 

Reflecting on your past and your lived experiences does not mean you are dishonouring or disrespecting your parents in any way, but instead allows you to clearly see how things in your upbringing may have influenced you. By getting to know your inner child and leaning into their needs and feelings, you can then give yourself what you may not have experienced in childhood. 

Breaking out of the “good daughter” archetype

Being the “good daughter” can become an identity that many women carry into adulthood but by being cognisant of this, motherhood can actually provide a great opportunity to push against these patterns and start to do things your way, which will help you on your healing journey. 

Practice conscious motherhood 

Conscious motherhood involves practising non-attachment and developing inquisitive factors around what is going on and what you are experiencing, but with no judgement or attachment to the feelings or emotions. This can be such a powerful practice, especially in motherhood, where you are not only dealing with your own emotions but also your children’s emotions too.  

Welcome back to  Season 4 of The Motherhood Kit! To kick off the new season and welcome in the new year, today’s episode is all about how to create your motherhood vision board. In today’s episode, Yamel is joined by Tabitha Blue, to discuss why vision boarding is such great practice, especially at this time of year, and how to create your own vision board.

To access the template to create your own vision board, please click here.

Tabitha Blue is a wife, mom to six children, and is the creator of the Fresh Mommy Blog, a lifestyle brand covering everything from home design and DIY, delicious recipes, fashion and style inspiration and, of course, fun life lessons. Through her workshops, Tabitha has helped many women create vision boards over the last few years and has seen first-hand the results that people can have when they are clear and intentional on their goals, so who better to join us in this conversation today. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

• This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.
• For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

To connect with Tabitha, you can find her on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube or at her website at https://freshmommyblog.com/.

Some of takeaways from this episode include: 

The power in the intentionality behind visionboarding 

One of the reasons why vision boarding can be so powerful is that it compels us to take a moment’s pause and to intentionally ask the question, ‘what do I want to see in my life?’ Usually we are so caught up in the day to day running of life that we forget to ask ourselves questions around what do I want for the future, and what brings me joy. 

Manifestation is backed by science 

Our brains are problem-solvers and it’s often when we give our brains a bit of space that they will find a solution to something we’ve been thinking about, even when we’re not actively thinking about it. The power of vision boarding is that it helps us get clear on the things we want to accomplish and the goals we want to achieve, and then our brains will naturally get to work on coming up with solutions and finding a way to make these happen.

Working backwards and reverse engineering your end goals 

A great tip for visioneering or making a vision board is to allow yourself to dream big and then work backwards to say; what does that mean I have to be, to allow for that to happen? 

Gaining clarity on your goals will allow you to say ‘No’ as well as ‘Yes’

We all only have so much time, and so the more we say ‘yes’ to everything, the more that is making us say ‘no’ to things that do truly align with our vision. So by using a visionboard to get clear on your goals, dreams and intentions, you are able to gain the strength to say no and to hold your boundaries, allowing more space for everything that you do want to create.

Welcome back to The Motherhood Kit podcast! We are so excited to be back and bringing you a brand new season this new year, supporting and empowering you on your motherhood journey. 

This is the podcast for mothers everywhere who are seeking guidance, camaraderie, and a safe space to connect, learn and thrive. And this season we have so much goodness coming up! We’ll be covering topics such as motherhood and wellness, finances, health, and dreaming big! Tune in for inspiration, understanding, practical advice and much much more. 

Our host, Yamel, is on a mission to provide you with a toolkit for all seasons of motherhood, to empower you to live your best life whilst raising your children, and to thrive during the ride. 

We’ll be back with new episodes releasing every Wednesday, from January 3rd. Make sure you click ‘Follow’ on whatever app you’re using to listen now, to make sure you never miss an episode. Don’t miss out on the excitement! 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

• This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.
• For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

Today is the Final episode of Season 3, and in preparation for the holidays, we are diving into a topic that’s especially relevant as we approach the holiday season; gifts. 

The holidays are the perfect time to create lasting memories with your kids and to introduce family traditions that they can then take on to share with their own families in years to come. In this episode, Yamel discusses the beauty in shifting from physical gifts to experiences and shares her wisdom on how to establish and maintain holiday traditions, as well as some practical tips on how to incorporate experiences into the holiday season. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

• This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.
• For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

Some of takeaways from this episode include: 

Shift your focus from physical gifts to experiences with your children 

During the holiday season, the focus is so often on tangible gifts, and studies have shown that many people go beyond their financial comfort zone when buying gifts, compelled to spend more and more to keep up in some way or to make sure their kids aren’t lacking. But what can actually be so much more valuable to our children is providing them with our presence and undivided attention, and by being intentional with what we do together during the holidays. 

Create new holiday traditions 

One way to incorporate experiences into the holiday season is by creating new family holiday traditions. One of these could include putting together a visual representation of all that you’re thankful for by making a big poster that everyone in the family can contribute to, for you to display front and center throughout the holidays. Other traditions could include all coming together for a festive family games night or taking a road trip together where you can spend some quality time. 

Give back to your local community 

Another beautiful experience and family holiday tradition you can start this year is to gift your kids with the joy of giving back to those in need in your community. You can look into local food banks to support, or even make your own initiative to help the community. This is a perfect way to foster experiences with your kids during the holidays and give back at the same time. 

In today’s episode, drawing our mini-series exploring motherhood and identity to a close, Yamel is joined by Lexi Floyd-Nye to discuss how to reclaim your identity in motherhood, and to explore the power of community in helping with this.

Lexi is married to her loving and supportive wife, and together they are boy moms to their two children, 3-year-old Harrison and 1-year-old Channing. A nurturer by nature, Lexi has a gift for bringing people together and creating safe spaces to share their truest and most authentic selves. Her professional background includes a degree in Communications from the University of South Caroline Upstate, and her career has ranged from public relations in corporate America to marketing in non-profits, and most recently, Lexi founded Luna Marketing and Consulting.

Although she’s had many titles, her favourite is Mom, and she embraces all the joys and obstacles that come with it. She firmly believes that children are the best teachers and appreciates her sons’ reminders to be silly and have fun. Living room dance party, anyone!?

Lexi knows first-hand the challenges of raising a family in today’s world, especially in a non-traditional family setting. Her life experiences fuel her aspiration to advocate for moms in today’s world, especially for LGBTQ+ and non-traditional families. With her friend and business partner Annie, Lexi has set up the Ever Mom Collective, a beautiful community hosting curated events and resources for moms in all seasons of motherhood. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.

●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

You can connect with Lexi and find out more about the Ever Mom Collective at their website. 

Some of takeaways from this episode include: 

Normalise mom guilt 

Mom guilt is an inevitable part of being a mom and something we all feel, regardless of whether we’re a new mom or a seasoned mom, and so it’s so important to normalise this and talk to people about it. So many people are scared to talk about how they really feel in motherhood, because becoming a mom is such a wonderful thing, but it can also be exhausting, scary, overwhelming and demanding, and acknowledging and normalising these feelings can be powerful.  

Find your people

Finding your people and your “tribe” does require some effort and an element of putting yourself out there, whether it’s going to a new mom meet-up group,  meeting up with an old friend or seeking out family members you can talk to. There are also lots of available resources online, and social media can be harnessed to find groups of people you can relate to. 

Having an identity outside of being mom helps you be a better mom

By filling your own cup, doing things to foster your sense of identity outside of being ‘mom’, and by having a community around you, you will ultimately be a better mom to your kids as you’ll feel stronger and more supported, and they’ll be able to see a true version of the multifaceted person you are.

In today’s episode, continuing our mini-series exploring the theme of Identity in Motherhood, we discuss the intersection of social media and motherhood, and specifically how it affects our identity as moms.

In a world where everyone seems to have a perfectly curated online presence, how can we stay true to ourselves as mothers? We discuss how to stay authentic in your identity on the social media world, how to find balance when navigating the world of social media, and how we can use social media for the benefit of creating a community and a support network. 

In this episode, Yamel is joined by Laura Byrne from Tampa Bay Parenting. Laura is an award-winning former TV news journalist who spent 15+ years in newsrooms across the state of Florida. She is now a proud wife and mom of two, and works to share positive news stories and events with families in Tampa Bay. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.

●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

And you can connect with Laura at her Instagram and you can find out more about Tampa Bay Parenting on their website. 

Some of takeaways from this episode include: 

Take a break if needed

If social media is impacting your mental health and not serving you, give yourself permission to take a break from it altogether. You can do this by taking time off from it for a few weeks at a time, or you can set a time limit on your phone to notify you when you have spent a certain time within an App, because we all know it’s so easy to lose track of time when you are scrolling. 

Do an audit and unfollow people if needed

It’s good practice to do a social media audit every now and again, to unfollow people who are making you feel bad about yourself, or impacting your mental health in a negative way. Just like you’d keep your friendship circles tight, keep your online circle tight too, and like with most things in life, ask yourself: does this person bring me joy? If they don’t, then click unfollow, because there are so many amazing influencers out there who can bring you joy and inspiration instead - and remember, social media is a highlight reel, not real life. 

Be aware if social media is taking focus away from real life

If social media is taking time away from real life experiences that you could be having, that’s a sign that it may be negatively affecting your identity and mindset. Take this as an opportunity to do check in with yourself and to prioritise spending time with friends and family, having experiences in real life and off your phone instead. 

Use social media for support and community

Social media can be an amazing way to create a community and a support network, so utilise the platforms for these positives, seeking out connection and following people who inspire you, rather than those who make you feel unworthy or less than in any way. Make sure you’re following a diverse mix of people, so you get a range of influences of people all sharing different things. 

In today’s episode, we explore the issue of motherhood and identity, and how to stay true to yourself throughout your mothering journey. 

 When we become mothers, it’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of diapers, feedings and sleepless nights. Our lives dramatically change and we often find ourselves questioning who we are beyond the title of ‘mom’. Navigating how to maintain a sense of self while embracing the beautiful role of motherhood is a journey of rediscovery that many of us embark on and it’s one that holds great significance. 

In this episode, Yamel shares her own experiences of navigating this over the course of her 25 years of mothering. She shares her valuable insights on the matter and provides tangible advice of how you too can seek out and maintain a sense of identity whilst still embracing the all-important role of being a mom. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.

●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

Some of the advice Yamel offers regarding staying true to yourself in motherhood includes:

Embrace your evolving identity 

It’s inevitable your identity will evolve once you become a mother, so embrace this fact and remember that this is perfectly normal. It’s important to foster your passions, nurture your hobbies and tune in to what parts of your identity are still wanting to be known – for Yamel this included going back to nursing school to achieve her career goals. 

Prioritize self-care

Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate, it can be as simple as taking some me-time alone where you can treat yourself and make yourself feel good. 

Seek support and connection 

Nurture your relationships with friends because the support and connection that comes with these friendships will help to reassure you that you’re not alone in your mothering journey, and will provide a safe space for you to stay true to yourself, outside of your identity as ‘mom.’ 

Set boundaries 

Setting boundaries is actually a form of self-care, because by saying ‘yes’ to too much, you are inevitably saying ‘no’ to some of the things you want to do for you. This doesn’t always come easily, but by enforcing boundaries you can have more energy, time and space to prioritize your needs. 

Reflect and Adapt 

Take a moment to periodically reflect on your evolving identity, and adjust as needed. Check in on what and who are bringing you joy and uplifting you right now, and try and seek more of that in your life. 

Communicate with your partner

Share your needs, desires and concerns with your partner, so that they can properly show up and support you, and understand your journey. Ultimately, your partner fell In love with you for you, so allow them to help you in your journey back to yourself. 

In today’s episode, we explore the issue of balancing motherhood and a career, and hope to provide a haven for all you amazing mums out there who are currently navigating this delicate balance in your lives. 

Join us as we explore the intricacies of managing both worlds and discover practical strategies to thrive in all aspects of your life. Whether you’re figuring out the right balance for you and your family, or you’re deciding whether to take the leap and take a break from your career to focus on mothering alone, tune in to be inspired and feel supported as you go on that journey.  

In this episode, I am joined by Maggie Rodriguez, mom of two and host of Daytime at Channel 8. Maggie’s high-profile career started in journalism where she reached the top of her game before retiring for a full 10 years to raise her kids. She is now back in front of the camera having landed the perfect job for her, allowing her to thrive in her career whilst also allowing her to be the mom she wants to be. 

You can find out more about Maggie Rodriguez on her Instagram page and stay tuned for news of her new podcast coming soon. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.

●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

Some of the topics we discuss include:

The importance of finding flexibility and freedom 

When trying to balance motherhood and your career, it’s so important to try and carve out more flexibility and freedom within your role where possible. For some, this might mean speaking up and asking for modifications at work, or starting a conversation with your boss about more flexible working hours or being able to work more from home. Or perhaps it’s starting your own business so you can build more freedom and flexibility into your day to day life. 

Seeking support to help with the load

To successfully navigate this balance, it’s often essential to lean on support where possible, whether it’s help from grandparents or employing a nanny or outside help. 

Having conversations in order to make fully-informed decisions

If stepping away from work to raise your children full time is a decision you are currently thinking about, it’s important to have the necessary conversations surrounding the financial implications of this ahead of time, so that everything has been considered ahead of making this change.  

Prioritising self-care

Balancing being a mom alongside a career is a juggling act, but it’s so important to also prioritise self-care and alone time where possible. This doesn’t always have to look like weekends away or spa days - it can be as simple as making sure you keep up your morning gym routine, taking ten minutes to do your skincare in the evening or taking some moments when you’re in the car to collect your thoughts. 

In today’s episode of The Motherhood Kit, we explore the issue of how to raise successful kids, from kindergarten all the way through to college. As parents we all ultimately want our children to be happy, healthy and to be able to navigate life with relative ease, and raising them to be successful adults will help them with that. In this episode, Yamel dives into some actionable steps that you can take right now to help nurture success in your child, regardless of their age.

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.

●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

Listen to the other episodes in this ‘How To Raise’ mini-series of The Motherhood Kit, by clicking the links below:

How To Raise Non-Racist Kids

How To Raise Kids Who Self-Advocate, with guest Lizzie Assa

How To Raise Responsible Kids, with guest Dr. Maiysha - 

Some of Yamel’s advice to raise successful children includes:

Nurture a love of learning in your child 

It’s crucial to nurture a love of learning in your child, to foster their interest and excitement about the world around them. One way to do this is by reading with them, which improves their language skills and expands their minds, as well as providing an opportunity for them to ask questions and exercise their curiosity.  Another way to nurture a love of learning in your child is by doing hands-on activities with them, such as cooking, which involves them in helping with the household and teaches them so much along the way. 

Build strong study habits 

Establish a consistent daily routine which includes dedicated study, play and rest times, and help guide your child in learning how to prioritise tasks and work out what needs to be done first etc, as this is an important skill they will need throughout their life. 

Create an effective study environment 

 Ask your children if they are happy with where they are doing their homework or their studying; for example, if they usually do their tasks in the kitchen, ask them if they like this set up or if the activity around them distracts them. Help them create an environment which is organised, free from distractions and enhances their focus. It’s a great skill for them to hone for when they are more solely responsible for their study time and place.

Foster independence and resilience 

 These are important qualities to instil in your child when they are young, so that they have the necessary tools when they go to college or into a career and have to operate on their own to meet deadlines and pass exams. Ways you can do this include encouraging decision-making in your child, giving them responsibility and independence, and teaching them emotional intelligence by helping them identify and manage their emotions. 

In today’s episode of The Motherhood Kit, we continue our ‘How To Raise’ mini-series, exploring the issue of how to raise responsible kids. As our kids get older, it’s important for us to instil the importance of responsibility in them because it will in turn help them to be able to help themselves. In this episode, Yamel is joined Dr. Maiysha to discuss practical advice and tangible tips on how to do this.  

 Dr. Maiysha is an integrative Physician, Visionary, Thought Leader, Consultant and Trainer of Neurolinguistic Programming, also known as NLP, and is the founder of the Mind Re-Mapping Co. Through her work, she helps individuals and organizations better understand trauma and how it affects the brain, our behaviour and our communication. 

You can find out more about Dr Maiysha at her website and on her Instagram page. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.

●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

Tune in to hear Yamel and Dr. Maiysha’s conversation on how to raise responsible kids. Some of their advice includes:

Use the word ‘help’ to encourage your child 

Both Yamel and Dr. Maiysha have found that one strategy that helps encourage their children to be responsible and take on tasks within the community that is the home is by appealing for your child’s help, which compels them to want to be responsible for you, and gives them a sense of pride in this. 

Connect the task to the consequence, and to their goals

By making your child aware of the consequences of doing, or not doing, a certain task, they can better understand the bigger picture and the broader reasons behind why they need to step up and be responsible. Make your child think about their own goals, which will then encourage their responsible behaviour as a stepping stone to achieving these goals, and will also give them personal ownership of whatever the task is, as it’s linked to a future goal that they have set for themselves. 

Model responsible behaviour

When trying to teach your child to be responsible, model responsible behaviour yourself, and make a point of the tasks and jobs that you are doing, that align with your future goals and the greater good of the family or community. 

Allow them to experience the consequence

Although this can be hard to do at times, sometimes the best thing for your child is to let them feel and experience the pain point of the consequences of their lack of responsibility, so that they can then adjust their behaviour for the future. 

In today’s episode, Yamel is joined by Lizzie Assa and together they dive into an important topic; how to raise kids who confidently self-advocate. Join Yamel and Lizzie as they discuss ways you can encourage your children to find their voice and use it, why this is so important, and practical strategies you can use to empower yourself and your child.  

Lizzie Assa is the founder of The Workspace for Children, a parenting strategist, play expert, and mother of three. With a background in early childhood education and experience working with families and children, Assa helps parents and caregivers avoid burnout by teaching their children independent play. She is a firm believer in the power of simplicity and consistency in play, and is dedicated to promoting these values. She has been featured in various publications such as Parent’s Magazine, NY Times Parenting, Time, and The WSJ. 

You can find out more about Lizzie at her website and her Instagram page. 

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.

●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. 

Tune in to hear Yamel and Lizzie’s conversation on how to raise kids who self-advocate, including the below advice:

Cultivating self-advocacy can start as early as when you’re changing diapers

Self-advocacy can be encouraged from when your children are very young, for example when changing your baby’s diaper you can invite them to be part of the process by talking to them throughout, which gives them an element of control, and also rewires your thinking and encourages you to see that child as a whole person. 

Model self-advocacy for your children in your home 

Create a culture in your home where everyone has a voice and where different opinions can be shared, and be conscious of modelling self-advocacy for your children to observe and learn from. This can and must be done respectfully, and doesn’t mean your home has no boundaries, but instead allows your children to cultivate their voice and allows them to feel seen and understood. One strategy Lizzie recommends to help with this is to use a reflective speaking technique, to mirror their feelings and show them they’ve been heard. 

Teach your children that it’s okay to ruffle some feathers

The journey to self-advocacy may mean that your child ruffles some people’s feathers and it may be uncomfortable at times but teach them that this is okay, and empower them to start to really make choices in their own world. One powerful way to do this is to encourage independent playtime, where your child can have complete control and ownership over the situation.