Sage Motherhood
by Stefanie Melo
Welcome to the Sage Motherhood Podcast, a show for moms and moms-to-be who want so much more than the status quo for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. If you know the childbearing year is a sacred, full-person experience: this is the show for you.I am your host, Stefanie Melo, a perinatal coach, newborn care specialist, and homebirth mom of five. Bringing 10 years of doula experience; I'll guide you to options and choices that support the birth and postpartum outcomes you desire. If you are a mom of many, a first-time parent, are planning for a VBAC, preparing for your first homebirth or reclaiming your power after a traumatic birth; I will provide you with tolls and inspiration to experience a positive pregnancy, a better birth and a peaceful postpartum.Each week, I'll bring you holistic tips and sage wisdom to navigate the discomforts of pregnancy, prepare for a birth you love, bond with your baby, tend to your postpartum body with love, build connection with your partner, re
Episodes
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Listening to and Trusting your Intuition
I am a firm believer that we all have trustworthy intuition. You might be more or less skilled at using and trusting your intuition. I believe it's some part gift and some part skill. In this episode, I share some working definitions of intuition different ways intuitive information comes in to...
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Maintaining Milk Supply When Baby Sleeps Longer
If you are someone who is pumping, nursing and your baby is getting a bit older, they are likely going longer stretches of sleep at night. That first night baby sleeps longer, and so do you. . .is glorious Consistently missing that feeding time or pumping time will cause most people to lower the...
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Prenatal Nutrition without Calorie Counting
Prenatal Nutrition isn't about fat or calories. It's about balanced blood sugar, macronutrients, fiber and micronutrients necessary for fetal development and reducing maternal risks. Learn more about reducing these risks in The Secrets of Healthy Pregnancy Birth & Postpartum. This is a free three...
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Creating a Baby Registry that Supports Your Postpartum Mental Health
The Doors Open Soon for Sage Mama Maternity! Be the first to know when the doors open, get exclusive bonuses and discounts by joining me in The Secrets of Healthy Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum. It's free and going to give you information that you likely don't know about how to reduce risks for...
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The Best Kept Secret in Maternity Care
Obstetricians aren't the only option, in fact they aren't even the best option for all women. In this episode we talk about Different care providers, education, certification and practices Different models of care Summary of a Cochrane Review on different Care Models 10 Questions to Ask Yourself…
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First Trimester Ultrasounds
First Trimester Ultrasounds are Iconic. It's exciting, maybe nerve-wracking depending on your history, they can be really helpful tools and in some cases harmful. In this episode we'll talk about the best timing of a first trimester ultrasound, what your practitioner is looking for what you're...
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All About Due Dates
It's the first question everyone has for you, "When is Your Due Date"? Pregnancy is 40 weeks, right? Maybe your partner is confused that you are 4 weeks pregnant on the day you missed your period. What if your periods are irregular? Let's talk about all things Due Dates You can purchase the...
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First Trimester Fatigue
You're a go-getter, excited about you're suddenly hit by First Trimester Fatigue. In this episode we talk about the Three Causes of First Trimester Fatigue Four Products to Help with First Trimester Fatigue Six Tips to Make First Trimester Fatigue more manageable You can purchase the products I...
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The Secret Tool for Healthy Pregnancy & Birth
There is so much data on the benefits of doula support in labor. It truly is powerful . However, even families who hire doulas miss out on the holistic long term benefits of doula support for the first, second, third and fourth trimester. Navigating pregnancy and postpartum in our current system...
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The Myth of Obstetric Care
This is the primary mistake that I see expecting families make when seeking care and support for pregnancy and birth. You can avoid this mistake when you understand what Evidence Based Care looks like, and as a result you'll improve your chances of personalized, safe care for you and baby....
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The Value of Support as You Find Your Path
Interview with former clients Devin and Katie This episode is full of wisdom from first time parents Devin and Katie. I was honored to be their newborn care specialist for five months. Devin and Katie are an incredible couple who allowed me to serve them and guide them through common and...
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When Your Journey Takes an Unexpected Turn
On this episdoe I am honored to interview Sheetal on her experience working with me as a Newborn Care Specialist. Sheetal experienced a pregnancy complicated by gestational hypertension, placental insufficiency, IUGR, a 6 week hospital stay, premature delivery and a NICU stay for her son. I had…
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Interview with Pilar on Thriving with Triplets
Interview with my first client as a Newborn Care Specialist Pilar is a mom of 5 who hired me to take care of her triplets for the first several months. In this episode we talk about: How every baby is different and every child is different. The challenges for older children welcoming new babies....
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Holidays & Travel Tips for New Parents
Top tips for holidays and travel, as these are major temporary upheavals to routines. Make sure you're on the the waitlist for my new program for working moms...the doors are opening soon. Link to TSA information Link to La Leche League information for storing milk during travel Link to La Leche...
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Mythbusters featuring guest Annie Roo
The doors are opening in December to my new program for working, expecting moms. Get on the waitlist NOW so that you are first to know all the details. A a member of the waitlist, you'll not only get exclusive bonuses you also get a once-in-a-lifetime discount! Head to…
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Crash Course in Cloth Diapering
Cloth Diapering isn't as complicated as you might think it is. It's also not as gross as you might imagine. Learn in this episode 3 Major Motivations for Cloth Diapering 3 Main Styles of Cloth Diapers How to Wash Cloth Diapers What to do about Diaper Rash How to Handle Hard Water What other...
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The Importance of Responding to Baby's Cues
In this episode, I talk about the importance of responding to baby's cues in terms of Biological development Fostering secure attachment Cultivating mental well-being We also discuss the importance of being aware of your own attachment styles and emotional triggers. You can learn more about...
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Lessons from a Very Long Labor
I recently attended a birth that was vastly longer than any other I supported. Throughout the 57 hours of support I offered to mom; I observed, remembered and learned important lessons that I think can help an expecting a parent. In this episode I talk about: The value of well-rounded childbirth...
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Prenatal Yoga with Ashley Goddard, The Yogi Birth Doula
In this episode you'll get to hear from Ashley Goddard, the Yogi Birth Doula. We discuss how yoga saved her life when she discovered it decades ago. How yoga supported not only her pregnancy, but also her birth and postpartum. We discuss the myths and realities of the pelvic floor and how yoga…
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What Does a Newborn Care Specialist Do?
In this episode, I share with you all about working with a Newborn Care Specialist is like. From what a NCS is trained in, what our our role is, what types of tasks we do. I also dive into what it's like choosing an NCS and why this is such an incredible resource for families. I also talk about…
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As You Prepare for Baby, Don't Forget This!
"I was completely unprepared, blind to the other birth that was happening; the birth of myself as a mother." - Kimberly Ann Johnson In this episode we discuss the time, energy and financial investment that goes into preparing for the birth of your baby, but generally little attention, time and...
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Moms Need Rest More Than Resolutions this New Year
Let's talk about the pressures of society that make moms think they need to start fresh with eating, exercise, habit and self discipline goals just because it's January. This Episode is brought to you by Sage Motherhood Mentorship Instead of looking at the Gregorian calendar to determine where…
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22. DHA for Healthy Baby, Birth and Maternal Mental Health
DHA is a crucial nutrient for pregnancy health, infant brain development, maternal mental health and reducing the risk of preterm birth. DHA is easily obtained by consuming 2-3 servings per week of cold-water, fatty fish. Vegan, Vegetarian and Low-seafood diets are ineffective to provide mom and...
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21. First Trimester Tips
You're Pregnant! Now What? In Episode 21, I've got five first-trimester tips to help set you on a path of evidence-based wholistic prenatal care. In this episode we talk about making peace with your emotions during pregnancy, and my favorite tool for supporting emotional well-being in motherhoood...
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20. Twenty Things I am Grateful for as a Sage Mama
In this episode I share 20 things I am grateful for as a Sage Mama Episode 9 with Shannon Smith The Road Not Taken Masterclass Lactation Support Infant Massage Postpartum Planning Sage Motherhood Mentorship Head over to the episode page for a list of the many resources I mentioned in the episode:...
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19. The Power of Infant Massage & Kangaroo Care
19. The Power of Kangaroo Care & Infant Massage History of Infant Massage Infant Massage Research Kangaroo Care Kangaroo Care Research Where to Learn Infant Massage Cultural Traditions with Infant Massage Indian Massage African Massage Russian Massage Infant Massage Benefits for Baby: Faster…
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Holistic Support for Pregnancy & Birth Concerns
I believe … medicine alone will never fully address and support the holistic needs of women, therefore… I encourage women to not only use prescriptions but also to address their mental and spiritual health through lifestyle and therapy Medicine addresses our chemistry, our microbiome and can…
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Postpartum Recover with a Toddler
Tips for Postpartum Recovery with a Toddler Communicate with your toddler. Practice Empathy Prioritize Connection with your toddler Practice maximum toddler effort Ask for help Look into the Montessori approach to foster appropriate independence for your children. Postpartum can be peaceful and...
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Should I Eat Lactation Cookies
1. What makes lactation cookies so special 2. Who should and should not utilize lactation cookies 3. Why I generally am not a fan of lactation cookies (even though they're delish!) Book your lactation support call with me LACTATION SUPPORT I'd love to have you grab my free prenatal affirmations…
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Support for Anxiety in Pregnancy
Anxiety in Pregnancy is incredibly common. Anxiety in pregnancy has been on the rise the past few years. Anxiety in pregnancy makes sense when you consider how unpredictable the childbearing year is. There are so many resources for coping with anxiety and managing it well. I'd love to have you…
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Folate's Long Lost Cousin: Choline
Choline falls into the B family of vitamins, though it doesn't have a "b" name like b12, b9, etc. More about choline: Choline in mom: builds cell membranes supports nerve function DNA synthesis cell messaging fat transport and metabolism in mom Choline for baby Builds the nervous system, Brain...
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Meeting Your Breastfeeding Goals
Meeting Your Breastfeeding Goals 1. The Milk Suppy Equation Sufficient glandular tissue + Functioning hormones and hormone receptors + adequate, frequent, effective milk removal + intact neural pathways and ducts = healthy milk supply. 2. Infant Communication Understand infant cries, body…
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A Vision that Shakes the Status Quo
A vision for mothers, babies, fathers, partners and community around the childbearing year that shakes the status quo. There is a lot to consider when pregnant and welcoming a new baby, and it goes far beyond the technical & physical aspects like getting on a prenatal vitamin, choosing a provider...
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Optimizing Calcium Abosorption in Pregnancy
Calcium in Pregnancy, Pre-eclampsia & Absorbing calcium Calcium is a mineral that has a special relationship with Vitamin D. Calcium requirements for pregnant and lactating women vary by age. If you are 18 or younger and pregnant or lactating you should be getting at least 1300mg Ages 19-50...
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How to Surrender in Birth & Motherhood
In this episode I dive into one of the most helpful pain management tools in labor: surrender. I want every mama to embrace birth and all it's complexities because when you are fully present in it, you can come through with so many powerful lessons for your future as a mother. I share with you...
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Interview with CNM Shannon Smith, Postpartum Mental Health, Homebirth & Hopsital Midwifery
In this Episode I interview Shannon Smith, CNM. Shannon was my doula for 3 of my 5 births and an incredible resource in my pregnancy journey. In this interview we discuss: Shannon's desire to become a midwife and why she chooses to provide hospital-based care. Ideas for how those birthing in...
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What They Won't Tell You About Breastfeeding
In this episode we explore three things that "they" won't tell you about breastfeeding. A few points of clarification. I 100% support the decision to use formula or donated milk for any reason. I am a HUGE advocate for breastfeeding because it is almost always the easiest for baby to digest…
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How Montessori Brings Balance to Motherhood
In this Episode we talked about how the Montessori approach can strike a balance in the parenting advice out there, while also being radically different. The Montessori approach can simplify your experience as a parent, create security and consistency for your baby as well as honor your intuitive...
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Iron Needs in Pregnancy
In this Episdoe we talk about: What iron does for mom & baby Who is at higher risk for iron deficiency? How much iron do you need? Best sources of iron Three Ways How to increase iron levels What to look for in supplements ferrous bisglycinate chelate When to disregard your doctor or midwives...
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Cultivating a Birth Mindset that Delivers
Cultivating a Birth Mindset that Delivers In this episode I talk about how birth is not primarily a physical experience. A majority of the time when a mama takes a step off of her birth plan, it's not because of a physical problem. It's most often a mental or emotional challenge that creates the...
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Folic Acid vs Folate for Pregnancy
Folate & Prenatal Nutrition Folate is a necessary nutrient to sustain a pregnancy and prevent neural tube defects. Folate and Folic Acid work differently in the body, and consuming folate is safer than taking folic acid supplements. FDA currently recommends 600mcg for pregnancy and 500mcg for...
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The Danger of Conscious Mothering
In this Episode I share -why there is pushback against natural birth, breastfeeding and other parenting choices -what this can look like -how it harms mental and emotional health for moms -how to navigate the gap between ideals and reality through attachment and detachment I also invite you to…
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Ep. 1 What is Sage Motherhood?
Show Notes In this Episode I share -Why I chose the word Sage for my business -How I define sage motherhood -My beliefs around motherhood, pregnancy, birth, parenting and babies. We all have teaching, experiences and cultural practices that shape the way we view femininity, menstruation…
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My Motherhood Story
In this episode, I share the first 10 years of my motherhood story, because it shaped my perinatal coaching and parent coaching practice. I invite you to listen and reflect on ways you see parts of your story in mine and how your beliefs, emotions and experience have shaped your journey. Content...
About this show
Welcome to the Sage Motherhood Podcast, a show for moms and moms-to-be who want so much more than the status quo for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. If you know the childbearing year is a sacred, full-person experience: this is the show for you.I am your host, Stefanie Melo, a perinatal coach, newborn care specialist, and homebirth mom of five. Bringing 10 years of doula experience; I'll guide you to options and choices that support the birth and postpartum outcomes you desire. If you are a mom of many, a first-time parent, are planning for a VBAC, preparing for your first homebirth or reclaiming your power after a traumatic birth; I will provide you with tolls and inspiration to experience a positive pregnancy, a better birth and a peaceful postpartum.Each week, I'll bring you holistic tips and sage wisdom to navigate the discomforts of pregnancy, prepare for a birth you love, bond with your baby, tend to your postpartum body with love, build connection with your partner, re
Hosted by
Stefanie Melo