Join me for this conversation for growing moms with Tori Sprankel, a mom to two and an expert at personal brands for go-to girlies. You already know her work from, well, this podcast! Tori has played a huge part in growing Poppy Therapy and this podcast - she's someone I look up to both in business and in motherhood and I'm thrilled to share this conversation with you!  This episode is especially for you if you are in the messy middle of figuring out how to shift your work life to fit motherhood wondering if there's another way or if you're an entrepreneur juggling it all 🤹‍♀️ As a mom to two girls, Tori believes in showing them that a cubicle isn't the only way to make a living - that having the freedom and courage to change lives through your own dreams is worth more than any paycheck. In this episode, you'll hear about Tori's journey from being torn up at having to drop her baby at childcare to work a job that didn’t fit, to finding a work-life formula that did fit her family - and how Tori has grown through shifts and challenges to step into motherhood and business with clarity and confidence. We talk about: ❀ Romanticizing life and the small moments ❀ Being a “why choose?” mom - why choose between being a present mother and using your skills to build something that impacts the world? ❀ The wild ride of losing her corporate job the day she brought a new baby home from the hospital - and how the uncertainty of that time also brought her freedom ❀ Working mom guilt (including some mindset shifts and mantras for the hard days) ❀ Dinosaurs and poop - being enthralled with what your kids are enthralled with Join us! "I'm the "why choose?" - I want both. I want the kids and I also want to have parts of my day look like I don't have kids. You can have both and it's okay to want both." Tori is an expert at personal brands for go-to girlies + her obsession is turning that pretty little pinterest board of yours into the brand you’ve always dreamed of. She loves working with women who need that boost of brand magic to back up their killer service suite that the world desperately needs. She specializes in lighting-fast turnaround to help you show-up efficiently, confidently and consistently where it matters most these days: online. Resources ❀ BLOG: Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: 3 Ways to Feel Less Overwhelmed ❀ Sign up for Tori's Nothin' Fancy Friday Emails here! ❀ Shop Solly Baby wraps here (and use code "poppy.therapy10" for 10% off!) You can learn more about Tori and all of her services at www.torisprankel.com

Join me for this conversation for growing moms with Dr. Julie Franks, a therapist specializing in mom anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and burnout. In this episode, Julie shared about her own experiences living with anxiety through fertility struggles, pregnancy loss, a high-risk pregnancy, and constantly adjusting to the challenges of motherhood! We talk about: ❀ Living with anxiety - and why anxiety is not always obvious ❀ Julie’s unexpected experiences in pregnancy - including extreme sickness and bed rest - and how she used self-talk and gratitude to help her through ❀ Recognizing grief over missing out on experiences that she’d hoped for, like a babymoon, a maternity photo shoot, and prenatal yoga classes ❀ How motherhood has given her the ability to “rise to the occasion” with calm and confidence ❀ Finding peace - and her voice - through learning to lean into challenges and changes - and letting go of expectations Join us! "My life got so much easier when I could really lean into what was working for me and our family."   Dr. Julie Franks is an experienced & licensed mental health therapist for moms, an expert in women's mental health, & a social work educator + researcher. She specializes in mom anxiety, and supports moms online with psychoeducation, resources, and tools that bring relief (and really work!!). Most importantly, she is a mom who is right there with you in experiencing the social pressures/demands of motherhood and the stress it creates. She live on Bainbridge Island, WA with her 2 year old son, husband, and 4 dogs.   Resources ❀ BLOG: Do I Have Postpartum Anxiety? ❀ BLOG: Birth Trauma: How to Heal from a Traumatic Birth ❀ BLOG: Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: 3 Ways to Feel Less Overwhelmed ❀ You can learn more about Julie and her resources for anxious moms at www.nurturingthesisterhood.com

Join me for this conversation for growing moms with Jodi Klaristenfeld, mother of a 28-week preemie NICU graduate and the founder of FLRRiSH. In this episode, Jodi shares about the unexpected early birth of her daughter, her NICU experience, and how her motherhood journey has brought her to support and empower NICU parents. We talk about: ❀ Navigating the complex and beautiful world of becoming the mother of a NICU baby ❀ Special NICU milestones and celebrations  ❀ The mix of emotions NICU families experience - from fear and worry to wonder and pride ❀ Adjusting expectations of motherhood and learning to trust your child's own journey in their development and growth ❀ Practical challenges like feeding your baby and returning to work when your baby has an extended NICU stay ❀ The strength and resilience of NICU babies (and their parents) This episode gives such insight into the challenging journey of having a baby in the NICU - and all that comes after.  Join us!   "Sometimes in life, we don't have choices - we put one foot in front of the other even though we don't necessarily know how we do it. And then we see all the beauty and and the celebrations throughout."   Resources ❀ BLOG: Caring for Your Mental Health with a Baby in the NICU ❀ BLOG: 5 Ways to Bond with Your Baby in the NICU ❀ SUPPORT GROUP: Support and Connection Group for NICU moms ❀ You can learn more about Jodi and her resources for NICU parents at https://www.flrrish.com Jodi Klaristenfeld is a mom to an adorable little girl who was born at 28 weeks due to a rare and life-threatening form of preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. After her daughter's early birth, Jodi quickly discovered preemie moms and dads aren’t always given the support they need. As a result, she created FLRRiSH, a platform that offers NICU parent education, empowerment, support and resources to help families navigate this beautiful and challenging journey. Jodi, her husband, and her family live in NYC.

Join me for this conversation for growing moms with Jenna Overbaugh, a licensed professional counselor, anxiety and OCD expert, and mother. In this episode, Jenna talks about how becoming a mother has grown her strength, self-compassion, acceptance, and authenticity. We talk about: ❀ The unexpected challenges of becoming a mom - all those things that don't make it onto the highlight reels ❀ The identity shift she experienced as an academic and career driven professional becoming a parent ❀ Adjusting to the lack of external validation in motherhood and learning to trust herself  ❀ Intrusive thoughts and anxiety in postpartum and motherhood ❀ Doing things with her son now that seemed impossible in the early days ❀ OCD, anxiety, and effective treatment - and how to know when you should get help This episode is packed with relatable, insightful stories from Jenna and her expertise as the go-to girl for anxiety and OCD treatment. Join us!   "There are always going to be challenges, but you can rise to meet those challenges as long as you are meeting yourself with acceptance and self-compassion. And you're gonna get a whole heck of a lot stronger."   Resources ❀ BLOG: How to Manage Postpartum Anxiety and Scary Thoughts ❀ QUIZ: What Kind of Support Do You Need to BLOOM in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources! ❀ You can learn more about Jenna and her work at https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com Jenna Overbaugh is a licensed professional counselor based in Wisconsin and has been working with people who have OCD and anxiety since 2008. Previously, she worked at world renowned facilities including Johns Hopkins Hospital and Rogers Memorial Hospital, where she treated some of the most debilitating cases of OCD and anxiety in the world.  She has contributed to several peer reviewed literature articles as well as spoken at national conferences on OCD, anxiety, hoarding, and related issues.  She is the host of the "All The Hard Things" podcast and the creator of her signature program "The OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint".  She’s also mom to a 5 year old and has lived experience with OCD and anxiety.

Learn about the "new and improved" podcast and what to expect from season two, including: ❀ Guest episodes with mothers who have been through it as they share the stories of what it was like for them ❀ Interviews with experts with the knowledge and skills in everything from baby and toddler sleep to pelvic floor health to child development - all to help you navigate the early years of motherhood. ❀ Short solo episodes from me, Molly Vasa Bertolucci, a licensed perinatal mental health therapist and mother of two on a parenthood learning journey, just like you. We’ll touch on topics like postpartum and maternal mental health, practical challenges like feeding and sleep in the early years, relationship changes and challenges, and identity shifts (oof, that’s a big one). If you want to know how other moms got through it, learn from experts, and be supported in embracing change, learning and growing, and BLOOMING IN MOTHERHOOD...  you’re in the right place. I can't wait - thanks for joining me for these conversations for growing moms.   Resources: Poppy Therapy Website Blooming in Motherhood Website

Season one finale episode! And a name change! Our First Year is now Blooming in Motherhood - with more exciting changes to come. I can't wait to see how this podcast grows and develops. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the guests and listeners of this first season.    For this special finale episode, I'm talking with Dr. Cassidy Freitas. Cassidy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and mom to three with a virtual group private practice in California where she supports parents navigating fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and parenting young children. She hosts the top-rated wellness and parenting podcast Holding Space and shares supportive tips and strategies for millennial parents over on Instagram @drcassidy.   On this episode, Cassidy talks about her own experiences in postpartum and parenting that have led her to the work that she's doing today. We talk about: ✨ Models of parenthood from our own parents ✨ Breaking cycles of perfectionism ✨ Sleep deprivation and the impact on mental health ✨ Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders for both parents ✨ Breastfeeding challenges ✨ Learning, growth, and healing for many years through parenthood This episode is jam packed with wisdom and insight from Cassidy. Join us!  Resources ✨ BLOG: Managing Sleep Deprivation with a New Baby ✨ QUIZ: What Kind of Support Do You Need to BLOOM in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources! ✨ You can learn more about Dr. Cassidy and her private practice at www.drcassidymft.com

We are joined today for an expert interview with Dr. Carri Dominick! Carri is a pelvic floor physical therapist and the owner of Recharge Therapy in Long Beach, California, where she supports people during pregnancy and postpartum recovery as well as helping people with pelvic floor dysfunction live their best lives.  In this podcast episode, Carri talks about: Common reasons birthing people seek out pelvic floor therapy in the first year of parenthoodHow pelvic floor physical therapy can help in recovery after birthWhat an initial assessment, sessions, and course of treatment might look like for a pregnant or postpartum person seeking out physical therapy for pelvic floor symptomsSigns and symptoms to watch for in pregnancy and postpartum and how to prepare your pelvic floor for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartumReturning to fitness after having a babyThat it's never too late to seek out help and support - common does not mean normal!  Join us! Resources: What Kind of Support Do You Need in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources! From Dr. Carri Dominick: Recharge Therapy Website Recharge Therapy on Instagram Recharge Therapy on TikTok Recharge Therapy on Facebook

Today's guest is Valerie Probstfeld, MSN, FNP-BC. Valerie is a nurse practitioner and mother of three. Valerie shares in this episode about the amazement she found in her first year, along with the vigilance and control she felt she needed to hold on to during and after her baby's NICU stay - "within the first 10 minutes of my child’s birth, the illusion of control was ripped away from me." Valerie talks about: Studying for the "motherhood exam like I was going to get an A+"Learning to cope with fear and anxiety to be present in the momentThe unique challenges of navigating a NICU stay as a mother AND a medical provider Building new ways of thinking and reactingAdvice to mothers to take photos to preserve memoriesCultivating and practicing self-compassionShifting ambition in motherhood and following her passion for supporting moms  "At the end of the day, I’m an imperfect mom who loves - and that’s really all that matters."   About Valerie: Valerie Probstfeld, MSN, FNP-BC is a nurse practitioner who received her bachelor's degrees from Bradley University in nursing and music. Valerie also holds a master's degree from Yale University.  Valerie has experience in pediatric neurology as well as primary care.    Valerie encourages moms to love as an action while living life more authentically. You can check her out at her website: tomomistolove.com and social media: @valerie_probstfeld.  Valerie also has a podcast available on Spotify, Apple, and Google called "To Mom with Valerie Probstfeld, NP"    Resources: Therapy for NICU Moms   How We Get Thru Course : Having a Baby in the NICU (Get a free month of How We Get Thru with this link!) Photographing the First Year: Expert Interview with Miranda Hayek

I'm so excited to share this expert interview with Mika Storey! Mika is a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist and a mother of two young boys. She is the owner of A Speech Storey – a pediatric private practice specializing in early intervention and speech sound disorders in Southern California. Mika values play-based therapy, parent education, and family-centered care.  In this episode, Mika talks about: Speech and language milestones in the first year of lifeHow she became interested in speech and language developmentEmpowering caregivers in therapyHow play aids in speech and language developmentWhat to do if you have concerns about your child's speech and language developmentDetails about her language focused play group, Storeytime Tots, and her debut children's book - Nixon's Engine Words Join us! Resources: How We Get Thru App What Kind of Support Do You Need in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources!   From Mika A Speech Storey Website Instagram: @a_speech_storey Storeytime Tots Nixon's Engine Words

A very special guest on the podcast today - my sister, Marci! Marci is a first time mom to baby Marek and shares in this episode about how this emotional first year of motherhood has transformed and humbled her. Marci thought life would be “pretty much the same, but with less sleep”. The reality? “Everything about my life changed”. Marci talks about: Unexpected feeding challenges when starting her baby on solid foods Comparison in motherhood that brought on feelings of fear and shame Navigating changes in her career and the decision to leave paid work for a time The importance of improving communication with her husband and finding connection and common ground outside of their roles as parents Asking for support with the mental load around feeding her baby and baby sleep The pride she feels in learning, growing in patience, and letting go of control I’m so thrilled to share parts of Marci’s story with you - I’m glad you’ve joined us! Resources: Communication Habits of Successful Couples Eight Ways to Keep Your Relationship Healthy During Postpartum and Early Parenting Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: 3 Ways to Feel Less Overwhelmed What Kind of Support Do You Need in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources! Lovevery Playkits   From Marci: Taking Cara Babies Marci’s instagram: @marcellaruth   See the transcript and show notes on the website.

We’re joined today by Megan Walsh. Megan is a licensed creative arts therapist and board-certified music therapist - AND a new mom! In this episode, Megan talks about what her first year as a mother has been like and how her training and work as a creative arts psychotherapist has set her up to bond and connect with her son. Megan talks about getting to establish a playful, fun, loving, and openly affectionate family culture with her son, how communication has strengthened her relationship with her husband, and navigating adjusting ambition and work-life balance as a mother and business owner. Megan talks about: Communication is 🔑 even when it’s hard - sharing feelings around resentment and the unequal load in postpartum Shifting feelings about work and ambition in postpartum and early parenting How routines and schedules have supported her family in being connected and being flexible How her training and work as a creative arts psychotherapist has impacted her parenting, especially in the early days Using music for co-regulation, connection, and bonding (some golden tools in this one!) Embracing the duality of the hard and the good in the first year of parenting Join us and get ready to be inspired to sing to your baby 🎤   Megan Walsh, LCAT, LPMT, MT-BC Megan graduated with her master’s degree in music psychotherapy from New York University in 2014. She worked as a licensed creative arts therapist and board-certified music therapist with adults, teenagers, and children in prominent teaching hospitals for six years before moving full time into private practice for the last three years. She is currently completing an advanced clinical training as an analytical music therapy practitioner. Her work has been presented nationally, and Megan has served as a guest lecturer at New York University and St. Mary College of the Woods. When she is not working, you can find Megan harmonizing to her Spotify playlist, listening to her favorite podcasts, and spending time outdoors with her husband, son, and pups. Resources: Managing Sleep Deprivation as a New Parent Communication Habits of Successful Couples Eight Ways to Keep Your Relationship Healthy During Postpartum and Early Parenting Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: 3 Ways to Feel Less Overwhelmed What Kind of Support Do You Need in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources! Ollie Swaddle (use discount code 9NWURUWCHW for 10% off 💰)   From Megan: Megan’s website Instagram: @connectwithmegan

We’re joined today by Dr. Anne Welsh, a mother of four and a clinical psychologist, executive coach, and consultant. In this episode, she talks about learning how to let go and grow through her motherhood journey - in her career, relationships, and in self-compassion. She gives wonderful insight into some of the deep struggles new moms face with all of the shifts that come with becoming a parent. Dr. Welsh began her career at Harvard before opening her own practice with a focus on perinatal mental health and wellness, to support working parents in growing their careers and families. She is a mother of 4 and draws on her own experience as a mother, her research career in the transition to motherhood, and her over 15 years in practice, to help parents feel less alone, more connected to themselves and their values, and more empowered to make their own choices. In this episode, Anne talks about: The process of learning to let go in motherhood - easier said than done for us type A personalities! Scary medical challenges in the first year How so many things - baby temperament, breastfeeding challenges, changes in work and ambition - can challenge your expectations of motherhood (and how that’s okay) How stepping back and allowing chaos to unfold allowed her enjoyment, closeness in relationships, and self-compassion. Wise, wise words for mothers who are in the thick of it right now. Resources: Managing Sleep Deprivation as a New Parent Returning to Work after Maternity Leave: 3 Ways to Feel Less Overwhelmed How We Get Thru App What Kind of Support Do You Need in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources!   From Anne: Dr. Anne Welsh’s website Group Coaching Info Instagram: @dr.welsh.coaching

We have an amazing expert interview today with Dr. Kelsey Kerkhove. Dr. Kelsey is a pediatric audiologist with a passion for connecting and supporting families of children with hearing loss. With a background in diagnosis, treatment, and intervention, she has worked with hundreds of children and their families. She has seen first-hand the roller coaster of emotions that parents feel when they find out their child has been diagnosed with hearing loss. From sadness, to fear, and ultimately acceptance. Her goal is to support you every step of the way. In this episode, she talks about how she helps parents and their babies in the first year, how she became interested in audiology, hearing development and milestones in the first year, and what to do if you have concerns about your baby's hearing. Dr. Kelsey also answers some listener questions about sound machines and noise-cancelling or reducing headphones for babies.  Join us!   Resources: How to Support a New (or New Again) Mom Ollie Swaddle (use discount code 9NWURUWCHW for 10% off 💰) What Kind of Support Do You Need in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources!   From Dr. Kelsey Dr. Kelsey’s website Instagram: @kelseykerkhove_aud

Berenice is a mother of three and a social worker in California who shares about an overwhelming, vulnerable, and miraculous first year. She talks about all of the adjustment that she and her family went through in that first year, how her relationship with her partner was tested, and how they learned the importance of co-regulation and extending grace to each other to strengthen their relationship.  Berenice shares about her experience with postpartum depression and anxiety and what it looked like to get help - eventually - and some of the grief she experienced with an unexpected pregnancy that threw off her timeline and expectations of motherhood, along with the fun and joy of a full household.   Resources: Postpartum Depression: What You Need to Know How to Manage Postpartum Anxiety and Scary Thoughts Communication Habits of Successful Couples Postpartum Support International Solly Baby Wrap (use code POPPY.THERAPY10 for a 10% off Solly Baby discount code)   What Kind of Support Do You Need in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources!

Chelsy is a social worker and mother of two in southern California.  From an emergency c-section the weekend the world shut down, to breastfeeding challenges and the decision to have another baby, Chelsy shares the story of her rollercoaster first year of motherhood. She talks about gaining a new role, feeling overwhelmed by the newborn days, and describes becoming a mother as a resilient process full of emotion and adjustment. Resources: Managing Sleep Deprivation as a New Parent Postpartum Depression: What You Need to Know Communication Habits of Successful Couples Returning to Work after Maternity Leave: 3 Ways to Feel Less Overwhelmed Kindred Bravely Bras (use MollyV15 for your 15% Kindred Bravely discount code)   What Kind of Support Do You Need in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources!   From Chelsy: Big Little Feelings Looma New Mom Circle (Long Beach, CA)

9,585. That's how many photos are on my phone right now - and counting!  Mothers tend to be the documenters and memory makers in families. With a camera in your back pocket, it's both easier and harder than ever to document family life. I asked Miranda Hayek of Blossom Blue Photography and Blossom Blue Studios to be our first expert guest on the podcast and to talk about photographing the first year. Miranda gives tips on how to best photograph your baby, when to hire a photographer, creating systems for organizing and storing photos to reduce overwhelm. She beautifully shares about how photos and videos aid in preserving memories and building legacy and connection, as well as the importance of embracing the messy beauty of postpartum and early parenthood as part of your family's story. About Miranda: Miranda Hayek, MA, is the artist behind Blossom Blue Photography and the creative director of Blossom Blue Studios, a team of creative artists offering fine art products and visual storytelling services throughout Long Beach and worldwide. She is known for her warm personality, engaging editorial approach and sought out for her captivating imagery and nostalgic films.   Her focus is to document everyday connection and movement from an organic perspective in order to produce archival fine art pieces and digital content that hold a visual story of your legacy to hold and share today and for generations to come.  Resources: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Instagram: @blossombluephoto Editorial Fine Art Website Workbook for Telling Your Birth Story

Anna is a mother of two who thought her motherhood and her family might resemble a 90s sitcom. All of that changed when she received completely unexpected and life-changing news after her first daughter's newborn screening. In this episode, Anna shares about the challenges her family faced with 3 open heart surgeries in 4 years, the impact of postpartum depression and anxiety on her husband, and the trust, endurance, and self-love that Anna found in her first year as a mother.   Resources and Links: Anna on instagram Lily Evadena Watterworth Facebook Page Jack's Helping Hand Caring for Your Mental Health When Your Baby is in the NICU

Jess is a mother and a fertility coach and doula. On this episode, Jess shares about her self-discovery in her first year of motherhood - learning to accept change and be adaptable as a mother, finding clarity, and most of all, finding herself. We talk about asking for help (everyone should take notes from her neighbor on how to support a new mom!) and the importance of sleep in her healing from postpartum anxiety.    Resources Jess's website! Jess's instagram: @fertilityjess Fair Play by Eve Rodsky Managing Postpartum Anxiety and Scary Thoughts Managing Sleep Deprivation as a New Parent How to Support a New (or New Again) Mom

Lianna is a Marriage and Family Therapist and mother of two. Unexpected diagnoses for both of her babies in the first days of their lives were a "big curveball". On this episode, Lianna talks about how heartbreak and defeat existed right alongside feeling blessed and loving motherhood. She shares about working through grief in postpartum, caring for medically complex children, and how mindfulness has supported her through the challenges of early parenthood.   Resources: Learn more about Postpartum Mental Health Find local mental health support: Postpartum Support International Directory Online peer support groups: Postpartum Support International Groups   From Lianna: Instagram: @lianna_huseman Book recommendation: Real Self-Care by Pooja Lakshmin

Nikki is a mother of three, both by adoption and birth. Nikki describes her motherhood journey as going from “famine to feast” - after 7 years of trying to start a family, Nikki became a mom to three girls under two… in the midst of COVID and a cross-country move. Nikki shares about sleepless nights and loneliness, learning to ask for help, celebration, gaining resilience, and growth. Lots of growth.    Resources: Managing Sleep Deprivation as a New Parent   From Nikki: Taking Cara Babies The Connected Child by Karen Purvis Adopted for Life by Russell Moore Honestly Adoption Podcast Calm Parenting Podcast