Episode 99: Inside the Mother Brain: How Parenthood Rewires Us with Chelsea Conaboy
Episode 99: Inside the Mother Brain: How Parenthood Rewires Us with Chelsea Conaboy
In this episode, Rachael sits down with journalist and author Chelsea Conaboy to explore what really happens to the brain during pregnancy and postpartum. Drawing from her groundbreaking book Mother Brain, Chelsea unpacks the myth of maternal instinct and shares what neuroscience is revealing about the profound brain changes that take place when we become parents.
Together, they dive into the emotional and psychological realities of new parenthood, the shifting identity of caregiving, and why understanding the science of the parental brain is a powerful step toward building more compassionate cultural narratives and systems that support families.
Inside this episode:
The major neurological shifts that occur in pregnancy and postpartum
Why “maternal instinct” is more myth than science
How caregiving changes all parents’ brains, not just mothers
The impact of identity shifts and anxiety in early parenthood
How brain science supports better parental leave policies
The role of sleep, stress, and societal pressure on new parents
Why the transition to parenthood is a developmental stage
Why understanding your brain helps you give yourself grace
And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Mother Brain by Chelsea Conaboy
Follow Chelsea on Instagram: @chelseaconaboy
Between Us Substack
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
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Episode 98: Nutrition, Misinformation & Modern Motherhood with Dr. Jessica Nurick
Episode 98: Nutrition, Misinformation & Modern Motherhood with Dr. Jessica Nurick
In this episode, Rachael sits down with nutrition scientist and registered dietitian Dr. Jessica Nurick to unpack the confusing world of nutrition, wellness, and parenting. From pregnancy food rules to the fear-based messaging around seed oils and formula, Dr. Nurick brings clarity and calm to a space often dominated by conflicting advice.
Together, they explore how wellness culture can create unrealistic expectations for new parents, why fiber is your gut’s best friend, and how to build nutrient-dense meals without overthinking it. With humor, empathy, and a strong public health lens, Dr. Nurick reminds us that evidence-based information, not internet trends, is what supports real families.
Inside this episode:
The influence of Dr. Nurick’s personal story on her career in nutrition
The harm of misinformation during pregnancy and postpartum
The truth about seed oils and why they’re not the enemy
Practical, realistic tips for feeding families
The microbiome’s love language: fiber
How wellness culture often fails (and pressures) new moms
The rise of crunchy mom narratives and how to separate fact from fear
How to identify credible nutrition sources
The bigger picture: public health, food access, and social support
And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Follow Dr. Jessica Nurick on Instagram: @drjessicard
Dr. Jess on substack: here
Dr. Jess on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjessicaknurick?lang=en
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Episode 97: Parenting Hacks, Playful Discipline & Toddler Tantrums with Chelsea Anderson
Episode 97: Parenting Hacks, Playful Discipline & Toddler Tantrums with Chelsea Anderson
In this episode, Rachael sits down with parenting content creator and former babysitter Chelsea Anderson to talk all things tantrums, transitions, and the power of play. Chelsea shares her journey from marketing and babysitting to becoming a go-to voice for practical, creative parenting solutions on social media.
Together, they explore how playful parenting can shift a home’s energy, why transitions are “energy expensive,” and how simple hacks can ease even the toughest moments with toddlers. Chelsea brings humor, warmth, and a deep understanding of child behavior and reminds us that even boundaries can be playful.
Inside this episode:
Chelsea’s background in marketing and babysitting
Why kids test boundaries (and how to respond)
The power of playful parenting to prevent power struggles
Handling transitions with humor and creativity
Sibling aggression and managing big emotions
Nighttime routines and car seat battles
Why it’s okay to “bribe” sometimes
Helping toddlers feel in control without giving in
Chelsea’s upcoming book on babysitting hacks
And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Chelsea on instagram: @chelsea_explains
Chelsea on tiktok: @chelseaexplainsitall
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Episode 96: How Not To Hate Your Husband After Kids with Jancee Dunn
Episode 96: How Not To Hate Your Husband After Kids with Jancee Dunn
In this episode, Rachael sits down with journalist and author Jancee Dunn to talk about what really happens to relationships after kids enter the picture. Based on insights from her book How Not To Hate Your Husband After Kids, Jancee shares her own story of how motherhood rocked her marriage and the hard conversations, therapy, and practical shifts that helped her and her partner reconnect.
Together, they dig into the messy, emotional realities of postpartum partnership: the resentment, the invisible labor, the awkwardness around intimacy, and how to stop keeping score. With humor and honesty, Jancee offers validation and tools for couples who are in the thick of it and ready to find their way back to each other.
Inside this episode:
Why resentment builds and how to talk about it
The “mental load” and how it disproportionately affects moms
Understanding labor inequity and how to rebalance
What maternal gatekeeping is and why it matters
The importance of open conversations about intimacy
How time management and self-perception impact connection
Tools for better communication (I statements, emotion labeling, paraphrasing)
Why therapy isn’t just for couples in crisis
Simple exercises to strengthen your relationship
Letting go of social media perfection and sharing real experiences
And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
How Not To Hate Your Husband After Kids by Jancee Dunn
Follow Jancee on Instagram: @janceedunn
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Episode 95: Choosing Sobriety: A Real Talk on Alcohol, Motherhood & Identity with Meg Fee
Episode 95: Choosing Sobriety: A Real Talk on Alcohol, Motherhood & Identity with Meg Fee
In this episode, Rachael sits down with Meg Fee, creator of the podcast More Than Sobriety, to talk about the complex, non-linear path to sobriety and how it intersects with motherhood. Meg shares her deeply personal story of questioning her relationship with alcohol, navigating social situations sober, and challenging cultural norms like "mommy wine culture."
Together, they dive into the emotional realities of sobriety, the power of community, and why you don’t need to hit rock bottom to choose a different path. This honest and empowering conversation offers support and perspective to anyone who’s sober curious or simply reevaluating their relationship with alcohol.
Inside this episode:
Meg’s journey to sobriety and why it’s never a straight line
Rachael’s realizations about the role of alcohol in her life as a mom
The shift in perspective that motherhood can bring
Understanding "mommy wine culture" and its impact
Why sobriety is about more than just abstaining
How to navigate social situations and friendships without drinking
The role of cannabis and other alternatives in sober living
Breaking the stigma around addiction and alcohol use disorder
Why communication with friends and support systems are essential
How mocktails and non-alcoholic options are changing the game
The importance of community and listening to your own intuition
And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Follow Meg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfee/?hl=en
Listen to her podcast: More Than Sobriety
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
No One Told Us the truth about parenthood. WHY?!
Welcome to No One Told Us, the podcast where we uncover the raw, unfiltered truths about parenthood. I'm your host, Rachael Shepard-Ohta, mom of three and founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby. Each week, join me as we dive deep into the joys, challenges, and surprises of raising children with a mix of expert insights, personal anecdotes, and candid conversations.
From navigating postpartum anxiety to mastering the art of making mom friends, and from introducing solids to tackling tantrums, we cover it all. Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, this podcast is your go-to resource for honest advice, relatable stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Join me as I sit down with experts in their fields, as well as friends, family, celebrities, and influencers, to share their experiences and wisdom on everything from sleepless nights to rocky relationships. No topic is off-limits, and no story goes untold on No One Told Us.
So grab a cup of coffee, pop in your headphones and join the conversation. This is the podcast everyone needed before they had kids- because now that those little ones are here, there's a lot to unpack. So let's pull back the curtain on becoming a first-time mom (or dad!) to share the good, the bad and the ugly. A little education, a little fun, and a whole lot of heart goes into each and every episode of No One Told Us to have you feeling less alone and way more empowered.
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