Dear Doula

In this episode of Dear Doula, I sit down with Jennifer Gularson, an expert in women's health, to discuss the realities of perimenopause and menopause, two life stages that are often shrouded in silence or misinformation. We dive into everything: from the symptoms most people don't realize are connected to hormone changes (like itchy ears and brain fog) to the concerning lack of conversations between healthcare providers and women about these natural transitions. Jennifer shares vital insights on hormone replacement therapy, discussing barriers to access, and highlighting the ongoing shortage of estrogen patches that's leaving many women scrambling. We also explore practical tips for self-care in your 30s and 40s to improve long-term health, and touch on why advocating for better medical resources and breaking the stigma around menopause is so necessary. If you're approaching midlife, supporting someone who is, or just want to be better informed about your health, this episode is full of advice and real-world solutions. Subscribe, rate, and let me know what questions you want answered next! If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here: https://www.thecradlecompany.com Connect with Me • Follow me on Instagram: @brandi_jordan_official • Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast • Questions or topic ideas: [email protected] Connect with Jennifer Gularson Website: https://ocfhealing.com/ https://www.yourbestlifewithjennifer.com/ Key takeaways Lack of menopause education and awareness Hormone replacement therapy: benefits and access Stigma and historical misconceptions about menopause Symptom diversity and atypical menopause signs Medication shortages and advocacy efforts Importance of lifestyle for symptom management Testing, baselines, and proactive health monitoring Chapters 00:00 Introduction to menopause and why it matters 01:43 What every woman should know before menopause 03:06 How declining estrogen affects the body 04:50 The stigma and history of hormone therapy 06:05 The evolution of women's health conversations 07:39 Safety and benefits of hormone replacement therapy 12:29 Access and shortages of hormone medications 16:39 Advocacy and policy changes for women's health 22:43 Monitoring symptoms and lab tests 25:44 The link between menopause and brain health 42:20 The protective role of estrogen in women 43:40 Practical advice for women in midlife

In this episode of Dear Doula, I welcome Jennifer Anderson, a registered dietitian and founder of Kids Eat in Color, to explore the world of feeding kids. We talk openly about picky eating, palate training, and how cultural traditions shape the way we raise our children at the table. Jennifer and I share our personal experiences as moms, tackling everything from the pressures of mealtimes to the myths around baby-led weaning and feeding strategies. We break down the difference between typical and extreme picky eating, how to spot the signs early, and what steps to take if you're concerned about your child's eating habits. Jennifer shares practical tools and tips for making family meals less stressful and more joyful, no matter your parenting style or background. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or unsure about how to feed your kids well, this episode is for you! Let's build confidence together as we raise happy, healthy eaters If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here: https://www.thecradlecompany.com Connect with Me • Follow me on Instagram: @brandi_jordan_official • Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast • Questions or topic ideas: [email protected] Connect with Jennifer Anderson Website: https://kidseatincolor.com/ Key themes Picky eating vs. extreme picky eating Early identification and intervention strategies Palate training and food variety Baby-led weaning vs. purees Cultural influences on feeding practices Parental confidence and flexibility Resources and support for feeding challenges Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:02 What is picky eating and when to worry 03:18 Signs of atypical feeding behaviors in infants 05:10 Using a screener to identify extreme picky eating 07:34 Approaching feeding from infancy to prevent issues 08:01 The science of flavor exposure in utero and breastfeeding 09:24 Responsive feeding and mealtime strategies 12:36 Trying new feeding approaches and parent flexibility 13:24 What is baby-led weaning and its principles 15:19 Creating a positive feeding environment 17:46 Following child's lead and avoiding pressure 19:41 Addressing extreme picky eating and when to seek help 25:58 Resources and programs for feeding challenges 28:39 About the book 'Feed Them Well' and its benefits

In this episode of Dear Doula, I switch things up and dive into what it means to prepare our older kids for college. As a mom of three with a 19-year-old in college and two younger kids, I know firsthand that the journey through higher education can be overwhelming, especially with mounting costs and endless choices. That's why I invited Lizette Paredes, a college admissions expert, to guide us through finding the best "fit" for our teens, far beyond just chasing name-brand schools. Together, we explore the myths around merit scholarships, the importance of having early and honest financial conversations, and why understanding your child's unique strengths and interests leads to the best educational outcomes. We dig deep into the advantages of public universities, the benefits of community college, and why every student's journey deserves to be individualized, focusing on their happiness and future success, not just prestige. If you're a parent with college somewhere on the horizon, this one's for you! Listen in for practical tips, surprising options, and empowering advice to help both you and your teen navigate this exciting chapter. If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here: https://www.thecradlecompany.com Sources mentioned: https://www.reading.com Connect with Me • Follow me on Instagram: @brandij_ordan_official • Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast • Questions or topic ideas: [email protected] Connect with Lizette Paredes Website: https://empoweredaccess.com/ key topics The importance of fit in college selection Early planning and self-discovery for students Understanding financial aid and scholarship opportunities The changing landscape of student loans and debt The value of community colleges and transfer pathways How to build a balanced college list The role of intrinsic motivation in college success Career exploration and self-assessment for students Chapters 00:00 Introduction to College Prep and Guest Lizette Paredes 02:21 The importance of supporting development beyond high school 04:38 Factors to consider when choosing colleges: fit, cost, size 05:35 The significance of financial fit and early conversations 07:24 Understanding the changing student loan landscape 10:47 Myth busting about merit scholarships at top universities 12:25 The value of exploring lesser-known colleges and transfer options 15:30 Career and interest assessments for students 18:29 Helping students discover their passions and fit 21:17 The importance of maximizing opportunities in high school 22:50 Strategies for middle-class families to afford college 25:07 The role of community colleges and transfer pathways 30:37 Building a balanced college list and managing expectations 34:18 The value of college experiences and adulting lessons 38:23 Common struggles students face in college applications 39:51 The importance of early self-discovery and exploration 45:13 Examples of diverse career paths and hidden opportunities 50:47 The benefits of early career counseling and exploration 57:16 Advice for parents: supporting growth without high stakes 58:45 Guidance for students: exploring interests and authenticity

In this episode of Dear Doula, I sat down with bodywork expert Ken Moench to dive into the often-overlooked impact of birth and pre-birth positioning on babies' comfort, development, and wellbeing. We shared our experiences working with families, highlighting that frequent fussiness, crying, and feeding challenges in infants might not just be "normal," but could be signs of physical discomfort that gentle bodywork can address. Ken Moench explained the principles behind his Mensch Method Bodywork, sharing heartwarming stories from his own practice that showcase the transformational effects of bodywork for infants, helping improve sleep, reduce crying, and even support breastfeeding. We also explored how a parent's health and even ancestral diet can influence a baby's wellbeing. If you're curious about supporting your baby's optimal development, this is a must-listen episode! If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here: https://www.thecradlecompany.com Connect with Me • Follow me on Instagram: @brandij_ordan_official • Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast • Questions or topic ideas: [email protected] Connect with Ken: Website: https://moenchmethodbodywork.com/ Book: https://everybabyhurts.com/ Key takeaways Pre-birth postural deficits and their impact on health Ken Moench's personal journey and prayer for wisdom Techniques for releasing tension in babies and adults The importance of early intervention in health The connection between birth, posture, and development How body work improves sleep, feeding, and mobility in babies The role of nutrition and lifestyle in holistic health The potential for body work to unlock human potential Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Ken Moench's background 01:49 Ken's journey into body work and spiritual inspiration 04:58 The significance of pre-birth posture and its effects 10:00 How body work releases tension in babies 14:59 Case studies: from fetal position to relaxed baby 19:59 Impact of birth trauma and early postural deficits 25:04 Techniques for releasing hip flexors and neck tension 29:55 The importance of early intervention and practical tips 35:01 The connection between posture, health, and potential 39:50 How body work benefits pregnant women and families 44:59 Resources, book recommendations, and training opportunities 50:00 Ken's vision for global impact and future research

Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. infants is missing a keystone species of gut bacteria entirely — including many breastfed, vaginally delivered babies long assumed to have the 'gold standard' microbiome. This episode pulls back the curtain on the infant gut microbiome, one of the most important and least understood frontiers in pediatric health. Today, I sit down with Stephanie Culler, a scientist and expert in gut health, to dive deep into the fascinating world of the microbiome and its impact on early childhood development. We discuss how a baby's gut health starts even before birth, the critical role of the microbiome in immune development, and why the rise in C-sections and antibiotic use may be linked to the alarming increase in childhood conditions like eczema, allergies, and asthma. Stephanie shares insights from her groundbreaking research, emphasizing how most modern babies are missing key gut bacteria that are essential for long-term health. We cover what parents can do to help set up a healthy gut for their children, including the importance of probiotics, prebiotics, diet diversity, and practical tips for boosting your family's microbiome in today's fast-paced world. Curious about whether you can undo any "mistakes" and help your child thrive? This episode will give you hope, real tips, and encouragement. Tune in, and don't forget to share the episode with other parents, leave a review, and let me know what you want to hear next. Your feedback helps more families get the support and knowledge they need! If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here: https://www.thecradlecompany.com Connect with Me • Follow me on Instagram: @brandij_ordan_official • Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast • Questions or topic ideas: [email protected] Connect with Stephanie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/persephone.bio Website: https://persephone.bio/ key topics Impact of birth methods on microbiome Role of nutrition and prebiotics in gut health Importance of probiotics for infants and children Long-term health effects of early microbiome development Practical steps for supporting gut health in children Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nutrition and Mental Health 01:25 The Importance of Gut Health from Pregnancy 03:14 C-Section Births and Microbiome Inoculation 05:32 Postpartum Care for Gut Health 07:12 Probiotics and Prebiotics for Infants 09:30 Nutritional Needs for Children 10:36 Impact of Antibiotics on Child Development 12:46 Reversing Poor Dietary Choices 14:03 Long-term Health and the Microbiome 15:12 Understanding the Microbiome 15:43 Foods That Harm the Microbiome 17:00 Aha Moments in Microbiome Research 19:11 The Rise of Eczema and Allergies 20:33 Modern Life and Its Impact on Health 23:56 Practical Tips for Parents 25:23 Innovative Products for Gut Health