Today I’m talking with Amanda Curry, a physical therapist and somatic healing guide who helps moms reconnect with the parts of themselves they’ve been ignoring for years.
Amanda spent a long time being the “perfect,” overachieving mom who looked like she had it all together—but inside she was overwhelmed, disconnected, and exhausted. Her healing began when she realized that having the degrees, the awards, the marriage, the kids… didn’t automatically equal happiness. What she was really carrying was shame, and it was running the show.
Now she helps moms who feel “too much,” too emotional, too overwhelmed, or too stuck in old patterns. Her work is all about slowing down, feeling your feelings, and giving yourself the care you never got as a kid.
What We Talk About
How you can “have it all” on the outside and still feel unhappy
What inner child healing actually is (and isn’t)
How shame shows up in motherhood
Why somatic healing works when talking doesn’t
Letting yourself have needs—and honoring them
CONNECT WITH AMANDA
https://www.instagram.com/thesomaticdpt/https://www.facebook.com/amanda.g.curry
Grab the $35 Guide to Increase Your Milk Supply and Confidence with Breastfeeding here. Use code BOAM at check out for 20% off now until 11/30/25.
FREE Postpartum Planning Guide: https://nataliewelchrd.com/
Episode writing, recording, and editing by Natalie Welch
Audio mastering by Kevin Welch
In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with speech-language pathologist Jeaneen Tang to talk about early language development, why so many kids end up needing speech therapy, and the simple preventative strategies you can start using today with your own infant, toddlers, and kids.
Jeaneen brings over 23 years of clinical experience working with neurodiverse children and adults — and she’s also the mom of a 12-year-old son who survived a traumatic brain injury and stroke at just 13 months old. He lost the use of the right side of his body, and today he can run, climb stairs, and thrive physically, as best as possible. Her dual perspective as both clinician and parent shapes everything she teaches.
We explore her new book, Play Dumb & Sabotage, a powerful guide for moms and dads, caregivers, and early-childhood educators. Jeaneen explains how intentionally “under-helping” — stepping back, waiting, and letting kids struggle just enough — encourages problem-solving, communication, and confident self-expression.
CONNECT WITH JEANEEN
IG personal: @jt808
IG business: @playdumbandsabotage
Link for her book: Play Dumb & Sabotage: Mindfully under-anticipating the child’s needs and creating opportunities to practice language
FREE Postpartum Planning Guide: https://nataliewelchrd.com/
Episode writing, recording, and editing by Natalie Welch
Audio mastering by Kevin Welch
Krista Ehrenfried returns to share her second birth and postpartum story — a follow-up to Episode 11 filled with the hard-won wisdom that comes from walking through the newborn days again with more perspective and compassion.
Krista Shares:
About Krista Ehrenfried
Krista is a Holistic Psychotherapist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. She also works with clients experiencing anxiety, burnout, and relationship challenges — helping couples strengthen communication, connection, and trust.
A mother of two, Krista loves cooking healthy meals from scratch, hiking, exercising, and tending to her growing garden.
CONNECT WITH KRISTA
KRISTA'S RESOURCES
Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth Experience by Debra Pascali-Bonaro & Elizabeth Davis
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Morell
Real Food for Pregnancy and Real Food for Fertility by Lily Nichols, RDN
Are You Menstrual? with Amanda Montalvo
Episode writing, recording, and editing by Natalie Welch
Audio mastering by Kevin Welch
Why does motherhood in America feel so isolating? Matrescence Educator Kelly Conroy explains how evolutionary biology and social systems are out of sync—leaving new mothers unsupported and overwhelmed. We discuss how understanding the neurobiology of caregiving and the anthropology of community can help mothers rebuild the village they were meant to have.
CONNECT WITH KELLY
Instagram: @fierceunfoldingWebsite: https://www.thefierceunfolding.com/Navigating New Motherhood Audio Course: https://www.thefierceunfolding.com/store/nnmaudioBirth Story Medicine: https://www.thefierceunfolding.com/birth-story-medicineMotherhood Mentorship Sessions: https://www.thefierceunfolding.com/motherhood-mentorship
Episode writing, recording, and editing by Natalie Welch
Audio mastering by Kevin Welch
Is the roommate phase inevitable after having a baby? Will sex be less satisfying? How do I get over my body image issues and actually WANT sex? What if nothing turns me on anymore?
If you have ever been worried about any of these things, this episode is for you. Today I have on Chloe Mascord, your trusted guide into the intimate world of self-discovery, sex, curiosity and connection. As a sex and intimacy coach and speaker, she helps individuals and couples unlock the secrets to deeper relationships, more satisfying intimacy, and a renewed sense of self-love. Imagine a blend of a supportive friend and a knowledgeable expert, Chloe is here to transform your intimate life after baby.
CONNECT WITH CHLOE:
https://www.instagram.com/thehoneyed.official/www.honey-ed.comwww.honey-ed.com/freebie
FREE Postpartum Care Plan: https://nataliewelchrd.com/
Episode writing, recording, and editing by Natalie Welch
Audio mastering by Kevin Welch
Leah Johnson's résumé includes the words Obama, Kay Hagen, and City Councilwoman, but what she has come to find out is that “mom” is the best title she’s ever had. After a career that fueled her addiction to success and other things, life was dark, and something had to change. Now she lives with the freedom to be herself and know how far from perfect she is. As an imperfect mother of two, she sometimes says bad words, frequently forgets to pack snacks for school, and on occasion, her kids eat popsicles for breakfast. But she knows she is doing the best she can, and that is all people can do on their journey.
Leah grew up in Loveland, Colorado, and has an undergraduate degree from Boston University and half of a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University (because, well, sometimes you don’t finish things). She has visited 32 countries, 7 of which she visited with her kids (ages 10 and 7). She has had a 25-year career in campaign politics and public affairs, which she still needs to recover from. Her little family unit is everything to her, and she spends every free moment she can with them, traveling the world or having dance parties in their kitchen.
CONNECT WITH LEAH:
https://www.facebook.com/findingfantasticjoyhttps://www.instagram.com/findingfantasticjoy/
FREE Postpartum Care Plan:
Episode writing, recording, and editing by Natalie Welch
Audio mastering by Kevin Welch
Today, Amber Richard Bauer shares her story of becoming a mom including being uncertain about even wanting children, a first-trimester miscarriage, her birth center turned hospital birth, the positive side of being a light sleeper, painful breastfeeding, mom rage and MUCH more. Amber is a friend of mine and she has been the star student of the Birth of a Mama podcast. She shares so many ways in which she prepared for her experience, inspired by the episodes here on this platform. It’s the longest episode to-date but for an outstanding reason.
Please enjoy! <3
Connect with Amber:
IG: @ptmindfully
FREE Postpartum Care Plan: https://nataliewelchrd.com/
Episode writing, recording, and editing by Natalie Welch
Audio mastering by Kevin Welch
In today’s episode, I had a wholesome, feel-good chat with Alexandra Franics, aka Queen, about truly honoring birth and postpartum. Alexandra is a dedicated mother of 8 who has been passionately supporting births and teaching across three continents since 2012.
Drawing from her time with Indigenous peoples and her ancestral lineage of midwifery, she founded 'Our Hummingbird,' offering unique birth education and immersion training coined as the 'hummingbird way.’
She guides expectant parents in a holistic, natural, and sovereign approach to childbirth, honors the first 42 days postpartum, and supports conscious parenting. She is currently fundraising for Mamahaven, a home-from-home providing around-the-clock postpartum care.
In this episode, we touch on so many things finally becoming more discussed in the mainstream such as:
how to follow your heart in birth how we form birth norms and expectations how much that first 42 days after birth can impact your health for decades to come how our needs for control as a society (individually, in the medical system, in our family units, relationships, etc.) often prevents the most desirable outcome setting yourself up for the birth and postpartum you dream of regardless of environment and so much more!FREE Postpartum Care Plan: https://nataliewelchrd.com/
Connect with Alexandra:
Mamahaven: https://www.ourhummingbird.com/mamahaven https://www.ourhummingbird.com/ IG https://www.instagram.com/ourhummingbird?igsh=Z3R1Z3c4cWxxNnN4 YT https://youtube.com/@thehummingbirdway5104?si=5IP8WeVjShhHGM7_
Tune into the New Mom Talk Podcast!
Website: https://newmomtalk.com/
New Mom Talk IG: https://www.instagram.com/newmomtalk.podcast/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQZH_AmrVDn7cdGHROIQH6Q
Carlsbad Mom Crew IG: https://www.instagram.com/carlsbadmomcrew/
San Diego Mom Crew IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegomomcrew/
In today’s episode, Annie Temple shares about outcast parenting, a term she coined after experiencing life as a mom and a sex worker. She has worked in adult entertainment since 1997 when she started as a stripper and went on to nude modeling, being a content creator, and in 2018 started providing intimacy services. She is passionate about healing division and helping people feel more connected and valued in society. This episode was very relatable to me on a personal level and I'm sure to many other mamas out there looking for connection while forging their own path, sex worker or not.
Get my FREE postpartum Care Plan: https://nataliewelchrd.com/
Connect with Annie:
https://www.annietemple.com/ https://www.instagram.com/annietemplexoxo/ https://www.facebook.com/annietemplexoxo/ https://www.tiktok.com/@annietemplexoxo https://www.youtube.com/@annietemple
Sign up for Annie's newsletter and receive two free gifts:
Check out the New Mom Podcast!
Website: https://newmomtalk.com/
New Mom Talk IG: https://www.instagram.com/newmomtalk.podcast/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQZH_AmrVDn7cdGHROIQH6Q
Carlsbad Mom Crew IG: https://www.instagram.com/carlsbadmomcrew/
San Diego Mom Crew IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegomomcrew/
In today’s episode we have Dr. Emilie Wilson on to share her story of becoming a mom. Emilie is a naturopathic doctor who helps women change their bodies and get the life they truly desire, and have a transformational, empowering postpartum experience.
In her story she shares openly about her birth and postpartum experience at 42 years old and how it was really nothing like what she had imaged or hoped it would be. And it had nothing to do with her age!
Some of the topics Emilie touches on:
Connect with Dr. Emilie
Website: sanoswellness.com
Purchase her book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/je0dkV4
IG: @sanoswellness
New Mom Talk Podcast
Website: https://newmomtalk.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/newmomtalk.podcast/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQZH_AmrVDn7cdGHROIQH6Q
Carlsbad Mom Crew IG: https://www.instagram.com/carlsbadmomcrew/
San Diego Mom Crew IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegomomcrew/
Download my FREE Postpartum Care Plan: https://nataliewelchrd.com/
On today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Jacqueline Kincer, the heart and soul behind Holistic Lactation®. Over the years Jacqueline has worked directly with breastfeeding families, providing skilled lactation care. She now hosts the popular podcast Breastfeeding Talk, sharing insights from breastfeeding moms, experts in related fields, and her own professional experience. She has also created The Nurture Collective®, an online program whose mission is to take the overwhelm out of breastfeeding and provide a trusted place to get education and advice.
Some of the topics we cover today include:
Connect with Jacqueline:
https://instagram.com/holisticlactation https://holisticlactation.com https://thenurturecollective.co https://breastfeedingtalkpodcast.com
FREE Postpartum Care Plan: www.nataliewelchrd.com
Website: https://newmomtalk.com/New Mom Talk IG: https://www.instagram.com/newmomtalk.podcast/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQZH_AmrVDn7cdGHROIQH6QCarlsbad Mom Crew IG: https://www.instagram.com/carlsbadmomcrew/San Diego Mom Crew IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegomomcrew/
In today’s episode, Tessia Watson shares her story of motherhood and how it led her to write her book Rejuvenated Mums Make Happy Kids.
As a single mother of two young boys, she fully understands the challenges modern parents face. Striving to find the perfect balance between family life and personal well-being, Tessia discovered the importance of self-care and rejuvenation. This realization led her to establish and run Les Petits Bellots for 7 years, a bilingual childcare program providing flexible and short-term childcare solutions in French and English for children aged 6 months to 4 years.
In her debut book Rejuvenated Mums Make Happy Kids, she shares the details of her personal journey as a single parent and the invaluable insights gained along the way.
Tessia firmly believes that when mothers prioritize their own well-being, they become optimal parents, ultimately fostering happiness and success in their children, and this is the focus of her work that she deeply desires to share with all of YOU today.
FREE Postpartum Care Plan: https://nataliewelchrd.com/
Check out the New Mom Talk podcast
Website: https://newmomtalk.com/
New Mom Talk IG: https://www.instagram.com/newmomtalk.podcast/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQZH_AmrVDn7cdGHROIQH6QCarlsbad Mom Crew IG: https://www.instagram.com/carlsbadmomcrew/San Diego Mom Crew IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegomomcrew/
Today is a story episode, yay! Join us as Mariela DeSantiago shares of her experience becoming a mama to her now 2-year-old. She’s married, has two dogs at home, and was a special ed teacher before she had her son.
She shares about how her active pregnancy, her c-section after an induction, being ravenous and sleep-deprived in PP and how sleeping when the baby sleeps didn’t work for her. She also talks about her pumping and breastfeeding journey which she was on for 19 months and how she made a major career change after maternity leave. She prefers the term “Raising a Human” as a job title over “Stay at Home Mom” - love this!
FREE Postpartum Planning Guide: https://nataliewelchrd.com/
Mariela's Resources:
In today's episode Ashley P. Lambert, a certified postpartum personal trainer, answers questions about how to safely and optimally approach fitness after baby.
We dive deep into the world of postpartum exercise and explore what it truly means to embrace a holistic approach to physical well-being after birth. Ashley shares her expertise on the importance of gradually rebuilding strength and functionality, prioritizing rest and recovery, and finding the sweet spot with exercise that supports breastmilk supply.
Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered as we celebrate the strength and resilience of postpartum bodies.
03:51 Supporting mamas in motherhood, fitness, health.
07:33 Postpartum changes are normal, bounce-back messaging is harmful.
11:44 Women should embrace their postpartum bodies.
14:14 Transition from weight loss to postpartum nourishment.
19:32 Postpartum recovery requires listening to your body.
20:14 Prioritize rest, recovery, and slow progress.
24:33 Promoting wellness and recovery, acknowledging interconnections.
29:37 Post-birth exercise tips for women summarized.
32:00 Postpartum exercise progression: gradual, safe, and specialized.
36:10 Offer $100 off program, free high-value resource
FREE Postpartum Care Plan: https://nataliewelchrd.com/
CONNECT WITH ASHLEY
IG: https://www.instagram.com/theliquidgoldfitcoach/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLiquidGoldFitCoach Get $100 OFF Ashley's Program: https://www.theliquidgoldfitcoach.com/MilkandMuscleMethod
Website: https://newmomtalk.com/
New Mom Talk IG: https://www.instagram.com/newmomtalk.podcast/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQZH_AmrVDn7cdGHROIQH6Q
Carlsbad Mom Crew IG: https://www.instagram.com/carlsbadmomcrew/
San Diego Mom Crew IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegomomcrew/
In today's episode, we delve deep into the complexities of parenthood and motherhood through the lens of past trauma. Specifically from childhood. What exactly is trauma? You might wonder if you experienced it as a child. Listen in to find out as we explore what trauma is, how our response to it matters most, how invaluable support systems are for new parents, the significance of social interactions, and the necessity of embracing and validating emotions for both children and adults.
Emily sheds light on her unique journey of overcoming childhood trauma and how it shaped her path to becoming a holistic trauma recovery coach. She shares insightful techniques from her "trigger toolbox" to help mothers navigate challenging emotions and triggering situations. I also open up about my own experiences with my daughter's tantrums and the societal pressure to immediately fix them.
Join us as we discuss breaking generational trauma, the importance of a healing-focused community, and how children can act as mirrors reflecting the need for parents to heal old wounds.
FREE Postpartum Care Plan:
03:29 Overcoming trauma to help others, connecting with self.
07:28 Challenges of motherhood and impact of trauma.
13:05 Struggling with patience in motherhood due to childhood.
14:30 Trauma led to fight or flight dilemma.
17:16 Nervous system reaction, childhood experiences, deep triggers.
21:52 Encouraging child's feelings and offering choices.
25:17 Avoiding nonverbal pressure to conform as a child.
30:41 Activities to calm your nervous system for motherhood.
34:50 Rediscovering parenting norms, embracing emotions, experiencing wholeness.
37:43 Parenthood requires support from people around you.
CONNECT WITH EMILY:
https://mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/home https://www.instagram.com/emily.cleghorn.coach
**Even MORE important than your hormones in postpartum is your social support**
This is the episode I almost didn't post and one you're likely going to enjoy tuning into. It's Victoria J. Mondloch's personal story of birth and early postpartum. She is a retired OBGYN from Wisconsin and mom to 3 daughters. She specialized in women’s health, family medicine, and preventative health & wellness for 35 years. Her approach was to educate and empower her patients to better understand their bodies and maintain healthy lifestyle habits. Dr. Mondloch specialized in bio-identical hormone counseling for women and men.
Topics Victoria shares about:
Connect with Victoria:
https://drvictoriajmondloch.com/
FREE Postpartum Care Plan for a rested and happy mama:
You don't want to miss this! Today on BOAM we have on guest Lily Nichols, my idol in the perinatal health space and a renowned registered dietitian, diabetes educator, author, and founder of the Institute for Prenatal Nutrition. Join us as we dive into the critical topic of postpartum nutrition and recovery.
In this episode, Lily shares her expertise on the importance of nutrient-rich diets for new mothers, based on her work in challenging conventional dietary guidelines. We explore the pervasive issue of postpartum nutrient depletion, the role of animal foods in providing essential nutrients, and why current RDAs may not meet the needs of postpartum women.
Lily also provides practical advice on balanced diets, emphasizing protein and macronutrient intake, and the significance of collagen for tissue recovery. Together, we discuss the physiological and mental health implications of maintaining stable blood sugar levels and the importance of a support system for new moms.
You'll learn about the benefits of prepping nutrient-rich foods, traditional postpartum practices, and the necessity of planning and gathering support beforehand (something I stress ALL the time)!
07:10 Optimizing health before and during pregnancy, postpartum focus.
14:40 Realities of new motherhood beyond social media.
19:55 Postpartum energy needs depend on birth experience.
26:13 Prepare for postpartum with help from others.
31:16 Worldwide dietary customs around postpartum eating habits.
33:58 Adjust diet based on postpartum body response.
40:36 Balanced eating prevents blood sugar instability symptoms.
43:06 Prioritize protein-rich breakfast for stable energy.
50:20 Emphasize iron-rich foods to combat anemia.
53:55 Dietary guidelines overlook key essential nutrients.
01:02:51 Prioritize nutrient dense foods, protein, and consistency.
01:05:53 Endometrial health critical for successful pregnancy outcome.
01:11:05 Preconception checklist and book purchase information.
01:16:45 Gratitude for listening, share, follow, support.
FREE Postpartum Care Plan:
CONNECT WITH LILY:
Real Food for Gestational Diabetes: https://a.co/d/06ELoMTz
Real Food for Pregnancy: https://a.co/d/0aLcChrj
Real Food for Fertility: https://a.co/d/0ddABuq4
Today on the show we have the Mama Coach, Chelsea McMann. She’s a registered nurse in private practice and a mom of two littles with her master's degree in nursing as well as a degree in child development. She’s worked with families privately and in the public setting for over 10 years and she began her business to fill the major gap in education and support that exists for expecting and postpartum parents and families. In addition to group workshops and classes, she provides one-on-one consultations, assessments, and plans for parents to guide them through whatever challenges they may be facing.
Today, Chelsea answers all your burning questions about sleep with a baby. Like what the hell is even normal when it comes to newborn sleep, if there's anything to be done about sleep deprivation, the risks and benefits of things like contact naps, co-sleeping and sleep training, as well as why sleep regressions really happen and how to get through them. SO MUCH valuable information packed in this episode!!
06:53 Constantly evolving and growing as a mom.
15:08 Babies need constant closeness for biological attachment.
16:26 Balancing sleep for parenting multiple children.
25:14 Coordinated sleep schedules for shared baby care.
26:11 Obsessive breastfeeding led to sleep deprivation.
32:28 Struggling with motherhood and need for flexibility.
40:51 Embrace naptime, cherish moments with your baby.
41:58 Struggling with nap time and self-care.
49:59 Adults don't have moms rock them to sleep.
53:23 Encourage baby to practice skills during the day.
01:02:10 Feel supported in discussing healthcare decisions openly.
01:04:27 Variety of sleep training strategies and the research
01:08:34 Concerns about lack of support and adaptability in sleep training.
01:14:56 Chelsea McMahon offers free consults for families.
CONNECT WITH CHELSEA
https://chelsea-mcmann.themamacoach.com/
FREE Postpartum Care Plan
Postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, mental load, motherhood challenges, decision-making in parenting, sleep deprivation, newborn sleep patterns, baby sleep cycles, cluster feeding, contact napping, sleep regressions, developmental milestones, mental exhaustion in mothers, co-sleeping safety, sleep training methods, individualized parenting, breastfeeding challenges, parental leave, safe co-sleeping guidelines, baby's developmental growth, crying and communication in babies, night waking in babies, attachment and development, temperament in children, American Academy of Pediatrics, newborn sleep space, parental support, mental health in motherhood, balancing personal time with parenting, flexible parenting strategies.
Today on BOAM we have a STORY!! Nicole Lessio came on to share her experience of becoming a mom. She’s been with her husband since she was 17, which I was in complete awe about. They have four kids together, the oldest is 24 and the youngest is almost 12 at the time of recording.
Nicole was so open, a true delight to talk with about the realities of motherhood. She shared about the challenges of an episiotomy, feeling very isolated and tired as a young mom, facing judgment and feeling pressure to sleep train, the weight and overwhelming responsibility of breastfeeding that no one talks about, and the utter necessity of connection in early motherhood, among many other things.
Her perspective was refreshing since she has adult children. It's fun to hear of birth stories from decades ago and to soak up enlightening insights on the evolution of motherhood and parenting as our babies grow up.
FREE Postpartum Care Plan: https://nataliewelchrd.com/
Connect with Nicole: https://www.bringyourkidtowork.com/
Bring Your Kid to Work (Nicole's Podcast)
Today I'm back with motherhood mindset expert Tessa Romero for part 2 of Building a Strong and Resilient Mindset after having a baby. If you have not listened to part 1 yet, please go back and do so!
In today’s segment, we continue to talk about “I am” statements and power words and get into how our minds are conditioned to think in the way that they do. And they can be re-conditioned to think in a NEW way but they have to go through a remodeling of sorts. one way of doing this is through journaling and Tessa dives into her alignment journaling practice and how just FIVE minutes a day can lead to massive change in your life.
04:37 Motherhood mental load: essential for daily tasks.
08:57 Intentional choices shape fulfilling, solitary motherhood values.
10:50 Reflect on the profound perspective of mental load.
13:39 Diverse parenting styles, perspectives, and learning curves.
19:20 Earned badge of honor, keep things simple.
22:28 Reprogram your brain to achieve your desires.
25:53 Our minds can mix up memories.
27:23 Emotions create truth, shaping our experiences and predictions.
32:00 Slowing down thoughts through writing for clarity.
34:05 Lead with value, change lives, worth it.
39:28 Revive retreat offers emotional release in group setting.
Connect with Tessa:
@tessaromero_ www.alignmentjournaling.com
Grab Natalie's FREE Postpartum Care Plan or book a FREE postpartum vision session:
Text or call: 916-520-4039 (ask about any specials)