Why Co-Regulation Beats Self-Soothing for Baby's Sleep and DevelopmentIn this episode of 'Mothering from Within,' I, Kaili Ets, a pediatric occupational therapist and mom of two, dive deeper into the topic of your baby's nervous system and the concept of self-regulation. I chat about the age old debate of 'self-soothing' and why this is a very mis-understood concept in the sleep world especially. I also talk about the difference between self-soothing and self-settling, and the important role that co-regulation plays in nurturing your baby's emotional and developmental needs. I go over signs of dysregulation and I share practical strategies for daily interactions and activities that promote a secure and loving environment for your little one, while supporting their nervous system.Remember, your presence and response are invaluable in helping your baby's brain grow and thrive. Grab a cup of tea, tuck in your little ones, and join this enlightening conversation aimed at empowering you to embrace motherhood authentically.00:00 Introduction to Self-Regulation01:30 Understanding Your Baby's Nervous System04:11 The Myth of Self-Soothing11:38 The Dance of Co-Regulation19:32 Sensory-Based Co-Regulation Strategies23:59 The Power of Synchrony26:10 Final Thoughts and EncouragementStay in Touch With KailiKaili's WebsiteKaili's InstagramGrab a copy of my book - Mothering From Within: Find clarity, ease, and trust in your motherhood journey.  Like a good friend, therapist, and mentor, this book offers guidance and support to help you navigate motherhood with intuition, grace, and yes, a bit of humor. It's full of evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate, attachment-focused information on developmental milestones, baby sleep, reflux, feeding, mama mental health, and so much more. To grab a copy just head over to www.kailiets.com/book, Amazon, or your fave online book retailer. If you are ready to take a courageous step towards doing motherhood your way, The Mothering From Within Collective is waiting with open arms to help you get curious about your parenting values, tune into your mama instincts, gain clarity about baby sleep, development, reflux and more, so that you can be the confident supermom you have always dreamed of! We want to hear from you! If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @theholisticbabyguru. Every month I choose a lucky listener to win a signed copy of my book - Mothering From Within. Please consider rating and reviewing my show!  This helps me support more people --- just like you --- move toward more confidence and courage to do motherhood so that you can watch the stress and overwhelm start to melt away. Be sure to let me know what you loved most about this episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.  There is a ton of amazing content coming your way, and if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now. Video podcast is also available to watch over on Youtube.

In this episode of 'Mothering from Within,' I explore the critical aspects of nurturing an infant's brain from birth to three years. I discuss why understanding the infant brain is essential for parents to respond to their baby's needs effectively. I talk about the baby's brain size at birth, its development in the first few years, and the importance of the caregiver's role in regulating stress and emotional well-being. Through discussing the stages of brain development and the stress response systems in babies, I emphasize the importance of responsive caregiving for a baby's emotional and cognitive development. The episode also touches on common stress triggers for babies and offers reassurance about the importance of comfort and responsiveness. 00:00 Welcome to Mothering from Within01:11 Understanding Your Baby's Brain Development06:59 The Importance of Responsive Parenting13:42 Stress Response in Babies vs. Adults22:16 The Impact of Not Responding to Baby's Needs25:14 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Join the CollectiveStay in Touch With KailiKaili's WebsiteKaili's Instagram Grab a copy of my book "Mothering From Within" here. Like a good friend, therapist, and mentor, this book offers guidance and support to help you navigate motherhood with intuition, grace, and yes, a bit of humor. It's full of evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate, attachment-focused information on developmental milestones, baby sleep, reflux, feeding, mama mental health, and so much more.  If you are ready to take a courageous step towards doing motherhood your way, The Mothering From Within Collective is waiting with open arms to help you get curious about your parenting values, tune into your mama instincts, gain clarity about baby sleep, development, reflux and more, so that you can be the confident supermom you have always dreamed of! We want to hear from you! If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @theholisticbabyguru. Every month I choose a lucky listener to win a signed copy of my book - Mothering From Within. Please consider rating and reviewing my show!  This helps me support more people --- just like you --- move toward more confidence and courage to do motherhood so that you can watch the stress and overwhelm start to melt away. Be sure to let me know what you loved most about this episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.  There is a ton of amazing content coming your way, and if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now.

In this episode of 'Mothering from Within,' I chat all about babies' tears and crying. I talk about understanding crying not just as a means for babies to express immediate needs but as a deeper form of communication, including 'memory crying' linked to pre and perinatal experiences. I discuss how responding to crying with empathy and support can foster emotional regulation and resilience in children, laying a foundation for their emotional development. I highlight the personal journey parents can undertake to become more comfortable with their child's tears, exploring their own emotional triggers and childhood experiences around crying. 00:00 Welcome to Mothering From Within01:11 Understanding Baby's Tears: A Deep Dive03:07 Exploring the Emotional World of Babies08:25 The Power of Listening and Empathy in Parenting12:26 Navigating Tears and Emotions: Practical Advice for Parents20:31 Reflecting on Our Own Relationship with Tears22:50 Becoming Comfortable with Tears: Steps for Parents27:06 Join the Mothering From Within CollectiveStay in Touch With KailiKaili's WebsiteKaili's InstagramIf today's conversation sparked something inside you and you're eager to dive deeper, my book "Mothering From Within" is waiting to take you on that journey. It's full of evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate, attachment-focused information on developmental milestones, baby sleep, reflux, feeding, mama mental health, and so much more. To grab a copy just head over to www.kailiets.com/book.If you are ready to take a courageous step towards doing motherhood your way, The Mothering From Within Collective is waiting with open arms to help you get curious about your parenting values, tune into your mama instincts, gain clarity about baby sleep, development, reflux and more, so that you can be the confident supermom you have always dreamed of! I want to hear from you! If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @theholisticbabyguru. Every month I choose a lucky listener to win a signed copy of my book - Mothering From Within. Please consider rating and reviewing my show!  This helps me support more people --- just like you --- move toward more confidence and courage to do motherhood so that you can watch the stress and overwhelm start to melt away. Be sure to let me know what you loved most about this episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.  There is a ton of amazing content coming your way, and if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now.

In this episode of 'Mothering from Within,' I explore the intricacies of birth from a baby's perspective, highlighting the challenges and resilience inherent in the journey through the birth canal. I chat about how a baby's birth story influences their early functioning, from feeding and sleeping to overall comfort and shed light on the physical processes during birth. Then I move on to discussing 'life after birth' for babies!  You'll learn why babies are so dependent on you, as their special adult, and why closeness and attachment are so important (and not a bad habit). This episode serves as a guide for new mothers to understand their babies' experiences, advocating for informed, intuitive parenting and the support of gentle therapies to foster early development and well-being.00:00 Welcome to Mothering from Within01:11 The Journey of Birth from a Baby's Perspective07:29 Understanding Baby's Post-Birth World09:30 Embracing the Fourth Trimester11:38 The Magic of Craniosacral Therapy15:23 Wrapping Up with Love and RecommendationsStay in Touch With KailiKaili's WebsiteKaili's InstagramWorried your baby has some body tightness or tension?  Click here to grab my free Baby Body Bliss Guide to assess your baby at home and get started with some tips on how to help release that tension.Searching for clarity on biologically normal development for babies? The Holistic Baby Bundle provides the guidance and support you need to foster responsive and attachment-based parenting. This comprehensive bundle includes courses and e-books tailored to help you identify and address your baby's needs, promoting growth and comfort that respects their unique rhythm. With expert insight into milestones, sleep patterns, reflux, oral ties, and loving weaning, this bundle is designed by a pediatric occupational therapist dedicated to transformative, supportive learning. Perfect for parents seeking practical strategies and heartfelt support.  Learn more here.I want to hear from you! If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @theholisticbabyguru. Every month I choose a lucky listener to win a signed copy of my book - Mothering From Within. Please consider rating and reviewing my show!  This helps me support more people --- just like you --- move toward more confidence and courage to do motherhood so that you can watch the stress and overwhelm start to melt away. Be sure to let me know what you loved most about this episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.  There is a ton of amazing content coming your way, and if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now.

In this episode of 'Mothering From Within,' I explore the unrealistic expectations set by societal infant stories on motherhood and infant care. By reflecting on the narratives around sleep, feeding, independence, and the ideal of a 'good baby,' this episode aims to dismantle pressures towards perfection in motherhood. I discuss the challenges of aligning with these expectations and encourage moms to trust their instincts, embrace their unique journey, and rewrite their own stories of motherhood with authenticity and grace. 00:00 Welcome to Mothering From Within00:22 The Heart of Parenting: Exploring Motherhood01:11 Unveiling the Myths: Reflecting on Infant Stories05:27 Diving Deep into Infant Sleep Myths07:27 Independence and the 'Good Baby' Narrative10:46 Feeding Stories: Navigating the Complexities12:21 Postpartum and Motherhood: Rewriting the Narrative16:09 Join the Mothering From Within CollectiveIf today's conversation sparked something inside you and you're eager to dive deeper, my book "Mothering From Within" is waiting to take you on that journey. Like a good friend, therapist, and mentor, this book offers guidance and support to help you navigate motherhood with intuition, grace, and yes, a bit of humor. It's full of evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate, attachment-focused information on developmental milestones, baby sleep, reflux, feeding, mama mental health, and so much more. To grab a copy just click here or head over to your online book retailer of choice.If you are ready to take a courageous step towards doing motherhood your way, The Mothering From Within Collective is waiting with open arms to help you get curious about your parenting values, tune into your mama instincts, gain clarity about baby sleep, development, reflux and more, so that you can be the confident supermom you have always dreamed of!I want to hear from you! If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @theholisticbabyguru. Every month I choose a lucky listener to win a signed copy of my book - Mothering From Within. Please consider rating and reviewing my show!  This helps me support more people --- just like you --- move toward more confidence and courage to do motherhood so that you can watch the stress and overwhelm start to melt away. Be sure to let me know what you loved most about this episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.  There is a ton of amazing content coming your way, and if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now.

In this episode of 'Mothering From Within,' I chat with guest expert Dacia Davison, a New Zealand-based occupational therapist specializing in mental health. Dacia shares her personal journey of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of self-regulation and reconnecting with one's identity beyond being a mom. We discuss the challenges mothers face, including postnatal depression, and offer strategies for managing sensory overwhelm and identifying personal values and strengths. The conversation highlights the necessity for mothers to prioritize their mental health and well-being through simple, actionable steps, fostering a sense of control and joy in their journey. This episode is a deep dive into navigating the complexities of motherhood with confidence, courage, and authenticity.00:00 Welcome to Mothering From Within01:08 Meet Dacia: A Journey Through Motherhood and Mental Health02:35 Dacia's Personal Story: From Professional to Parent03:29 Navigating Postnatal Depression and Identity Shifts15:41 Strategies for Coping with Motherhood Challenges19:51 Embracing Self-Care and Sensory Regulation25:10 Integrating Parenting Values and Strengths26:02 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to the CollectiveConnect with Dacia:Facebook page Facebook group If you are ready to take a courageous step towards doing motherhood your way, The Mothering From Within Collective is waiting with open arms to help you get curious about your parenting values, tune into your mama instincts, gain clarity about baby sleep, development, reflux and more, so that you can be the confident supermom you have always dreamed of!I want to hear from you! If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @theholisticbabyguru. Every month I choose a lucky listener to win a signed copy of my book - Mothering From Within. Please consider rating and reviewing my show!  This helps me support more people --- just like you --- move toward more confidence and courage to do motherhood so that you can watch the stress and overwhelm start to melt away. Be sure to let me know what you loved most about this episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.  There is a ton of amazing content coming your way, and if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now.

This episode is a heart-to-heart and real talk about this whole idea of the "perfect mother." More than half of parents feel that they are failing in their first few years of parenthood. And our society has so many "rules" and things they deem right and wrong, so it is hard not to feel like you are failing if you aren't meeting those things. You feel like you are failing when you stress about every little decision whether it is around feeding or carrying for the tiny, helpless human in front of you.No wonder we are stressed, overwhelmed, always feeling like we are failing and why exorbitant rates of PMADs in our culture. The thing is, this "perfect mother" doesn't really exist.Tune in for a shift in perspective and a big metaphorical hug!00:00 Welcome to Mothering from Within00:22 The Heart of Parenting: Exploring Motherhood00:52 A Gentle Disclaimer: Not Medical Advice01:10 The Seven Cs of Motherhood: Building Blocks for Your Journey02:03 Courage: The First Building Block02:52 Comfort: Responding to Our Children's Needs03:29 Connection: The Essence of Love and Bonding04:35 Clarity: Understanding Your Baby's World06:02 Consistency: The Key to Progress and Development07:13 Compassion: Embracing Imperfection and Self-Care08:25 Confidence: Trusting Yourself in Motherhood10:43 Join the Mothering from Within Collective11:37 Closing Thoughts and InvitationStay in Touch With KailiKaili's WebsiteKaili's Instagram Click here to grab your free hypnosis meditation to help you reconnect with that inner wisdom and trust yourself to navigate motherhood with ease. If you are ready to take a courageous step towards doing motherhood your way, The Mothering From Within Collective is waiting with open arms to help you get curious about your parenting values, tune into your mama instincts, gain clarity about baby sleep, development, reflux and more, so that you can be the confident supermom you have always dreamed of! We want to hear from you! If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @theholisticbabyguru. Every month I choose a lucky listener to win a signed copy of my book - Mothering From Within.Please consider rating and reviewing my show!  This helps me support more people --- just like you --- move toward more confidence and courage to do motherhood so that you can watch the stress and overwhelm start to melt away. Be sure to let me know what you loved most about this episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.  There is a ton of amazing content coming your way, and if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now.

Embracing the Emotional Rollercoaster of New ParenthoodIn this episode #3 of 'Mothering From Within', host Kaili Ets, a pediatric occupational therapist and mother of two, dives into the complexities and emotional rollercoasters of early parenthood. With guest expert Karen McWilliams, a seasoned birth and postnatal doula with over 20 years of experience, the conversation explores how making mistakes is essential for growth as parents, the impact of birth trauma, and the societal pressures on new parents. We discuss strategies for coping with the overwhelming array of emotions new parents face, emphasizing self-compassion, the importance of rest, and the value of reallocating societal expectations to embrace instinctual parenting. We encourage listeners to seek support, prioritize self-care through mindfulness practices like yoga nidra, and highlight the importance of viewing your children as teachers in the journey of parenthood. The episode is an invitation for mothers to lean into curiosity, gain clarity on their parenting journey, and confidently embrace motherhood their way, free from guilt.00:00 Embracing Mistakes in Parenting00:17 Welcome to Mothering From Within01:24 Meet Karen McWilliams: A Journey into Motherhood Support05:06 The Emotional Rollercoaster of New Parenthood13:05 Navigating the Complexities of Motherhood26:23 Rapid Fire Questions with Karen McWilliams30:42 Closing Thoughts and ResourcesListen in and head over to learn more about the parenting programs that Karen offers:Karen's WebsiteKaren's InstagramStay in Touch With KailiKaili's WebsiteKaili's InstagramClick here to grab your free hypnosis meditation to help you reconnect with that inner wisdom and trust yourself to navigate motherhood with ease.If you are ready to take a courageous step towards doing motherhood your way, The Mothering From Within Collective is waiting with open arms to help you get curious about your parenting values, tune into your mama instincts, gain clarity about baby sleep, development, reflux and more, so that you can be the confident supermom you have always dreamed of!We want to hear from you! If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @theholisticbabyguru.Please consider rating and reviewing my show!  This helps me support more people --- just like you --- move toward more confidence and courage to do motherhood so that you can watch the stress and overwhelm start to melt away. Be sure to let me know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.  There is a ton of amazing content coming your way, and if you're not following, there's a good chance you';ll miss out.  Follow now.

In today's episode #2,  I am excited to talk about 7 core concepts that I like to call the building blocks or foundation of doing motherhood your way. You can think of them as the 7 C's of motherhood.These building blocks are ultimately what help you move from that state of overwhelm and confusion to feeling confident and as though you’ve got this whole motherhood thing. They're the pillars that can hold us up even on those days when we feel like everything else is just too much. As we dive in, I want you to imagine these concepts as tools in your mothering toolkit, and keep them in the back of your mind as you come back to the Mothering From Within podcast each week.  These concepts help you navigate this wild ride called motherhood with a bit more ease and a lot more joy.Let me know which C resonates the most with you! Take a screenshot of you listening on your device (and let me know which C resonated most) and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @theholisticbabyguru. Every month I choose a lucky listener to win a copy of my book - Mothering From Within.00:00 Welcome to Mothering from Within00:22 The Heart of Parenting: Exploring Motherhood00:52 A Gentle Disclaimer: Educational Purposes Only01:10 The Seven Cs of Motherhood: Building Blocks for Your Journey02:03 Courage: The First Building Block02:52 Comfort: Responding to Our Children's Needs03:29 Connection: The Essence of Love and Bonding04:35 Clarity: Understanding Your Baby's Needs06:02 Consistency: The Key to Progress07:13 Compassion: Embracing Imperfection08:25 Confidence: Trusting Yourself in Motherhood09:55 Closing Thoughts: Embracing Your Motherhood JourneyGrab your free hypnosis meditation to help you reconnect with that inner wisdom and trust yourself to navigate motherhood with ease. Or DM me the word MEDITATION on Instagram @theholisticbabyguru for your copy.And if you need a little more love and support on your motherhood journey, come and join us inside the Mothering From Within Collective to help you get curious about your parenting values, tune into your mama instincts, gain clarity about baby sleep, development, reflux and more, so that you can be the confident supermom you have always dreamed of!Please consider rating and reviewing my show!  This helps me support more people --- just like you --- move toward more confidence and courage to do motherhood so that you can watch the stress and overwhelm start to melt away. Be sure to let me know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.  There is a ton of amazing content coming your way, and if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now.

Congratulations on becoming a mama! Whether you have a fresh newborn or an active toddler, know that I’ve been where you are, and I’m here for you.For this very first episode of Mothering From Within, I wanted to tell you a little bit more about me, so that you can feel like you know me, this voice in your ear while you feed your baby, go for walks while they nap in the stroller or carrier, or when your driving around to all your baby classes and appointments.So grab a cup of tea, tuck those little ones in friend nap, or bring them along for the ride. It's time to get curious, gain clarity and unleash your courage to do motherhood your way.00:00 Welcome to Mothering From Within01:24 Meet Your Host: Kaili Ets03:39 The Realities of Motherhood: Kaili's Personal Journey07:46 From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Transforming Motherhood10:29 Getting to Know Kaili: 10 Fun Facts12:38 Closing Thoughts and InvitationStay in Touch With KailiKaili's WebsiteKaili's Instagram Click here to grab your free hypnosis meditation to help you reconnect with that inner wisdom and trust yourself to navigate motherhood with ease. If you are ready to take a courageous step towards doing motherhood your way, The Mothering From Within Collective is waiting with open arms to help you get curious about your parenting values, tune into your mama instincts, gain clarity about baby sleep, development, reflux and more, so that you can be the confident supermom you have always dreamed of! If you found this podcast helpful, please subscribe to the podcast more nurturing insights. Share this episode with a friend, and please review our show on the listening app of your choice to help it grow! This helps me support more people --- just like you --- move toward more confidence and courage to do motherhood so that you can watch the stress and overwhelm start to melt away.  And don’t forget to tag me on socials @‌TheHolisticBabyGuru.Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.  There is a ton of amazing content coming your way, and if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now.

Hello and welcome to ‘Mothering From Within’ — the podcast where we dive into the heart of parenting during those magical, yet challenging first few years. If you are a mama who has ever found herself googling "is this normal?" at three in the morning, this podcast is for you.Sleep deprivation, feeding difficulties, the comparison game, parenting challenges, and the endless advice from others - it can be overwhelming.  But, what if you could connect with a supportive community, learn from a trusted expert, and gain the confidence to embrace motherhood on your own terms?That is what this podcast is all about.So, grab a cup of tea, tuck those little ones in for a nap or bring them along for the ride. It's time to get curious, gain clarity, and unleash your courage to do motherhood your way.Officially launching on Mother's Day (May 12, 2024)See you soon, Kaili