Send us a Text Message.Today Yamel is joined by Danielle Cobo to discuss the importance of breaking the stigma around maternal mental health. Danielle is the best-selling author of the book, ‘Unstoppable Grit: Breakthrough The 7 Roadblocks Standing Between You and Achieving Your Goals’, a military spouse and mother to 6-year-old twin boys. Today Danielle shares her story of postnatal depression, the warning signs to look out for, and her advice on what help to seek and how to navigate your way out of these dark times. Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join our private community on Instagram. If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HEREYou can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here.Visit One Love Nanny’s website hereIn this episode, Yamel and Danielle discuss: Danielle’s story of experiencing postpartum depression and the series of events that led her to reaching out for support from One Love Doula. Some of the misconceptions surrounding maternal mental health and postpartum depressionWarning signs to look out for if you are concerned that someone you love may be suffering from postpartum depressionThe importance of looking after yourself as a mother to then allow you to look after your babies. You need the foundations of self-care - sleep, nutrition, water, etc - to then be able to care for your babies.Strategies you can use to help overcome the obstacles of postpartum depression, including asking for help and creating a team to help share the load, like Danielle did when she sought our support at One Love Doula to have help during the nights, and seeking therapy. Related episode - Overcoming Postpartum Mood Disorder - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-motherhood-kit/id1674367787?i=1000619363890How to tell the difference between postpartum blues and postpartum mood disorder -https://www.onelovedoula.com/blog/postpartum-blues-vs-postpartum-depression-whats-the-difference?rq=postpartum%20bluesDownload your 4th Trimester workbook & learn more about postpartum warning signs, how to prepare and set up your support system and even access some nourishing postpartum recipes To connect with Danielle, you can access the below resources: Email daniellecobo@daniellecobo.comConnect  - https://linktr.ee/DanielleCoboBuy Daniell

Send us a Text Message.Welcome back to another episode of The Motherhood Kit. With mothers day approaching, today we are bringing you a rebroadcast of our popular Mothers Day episode from last year. I’ll be sharing the answers I got from the moms in my audience when I polled them on social media about what they really want for Mothers Day, and I’ll be sharing some thoughts from my own children about what mothers day means to them. So, if you’re currently thinking about what you’d like this Mothers Day, this episode is for you - and it might also be one to share with your loved ones too to drop some hints!  Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.  ●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.●      For more motherhood resources, join our private community on Instagram. ●      If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE●      You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here.●      Visit One Love Nanny’s website here In this episode, Yamel discusses:  ●      Mothers Day is the highest selling holiday for flowers and plants and also the busiest day of the year for restaurants and, whilst moms appreciate these gestures, there are often other things that they’d want even more (and some may surprise you!) ●      From Yamel’s feedback, she deduced that what moms really want can be broken down into three themes: -       The gift of time - this could look like a day where they get some precious alone time or a day when everything's been sorted in advance for them so they don’t have to manage everyone else’s needs. -       Pampering - even if you don’t have a big budget, it can still be possible to make the mom in your life feel special and pampered. You could even involve the kids in creating some at-home treatments, or shop around for an offer that mom can enjoy at a later date.  -       Well thought-out gifts -  rather than running out last minute to grab a card and a rushed present,  spend some time thinking about what the mom in your life would truly appreciate, to show her that you care.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome back to The Motherhood Kit, where Yamel is discussing the topic of toddler sleep challenges. Once the new-born phase is over, it can sometimes seem like you’re just starting to get into a good sleep rhythm, when issues with your toddler’s sleep then come out of nowhere!Today Yamel is joined by Jayne Havens, a certified sleep consultant who runs her own practice, Snooze Fest. Jayne is a leader in the industry and trains, mentors and certifies others to do this work too. In this episode, Yamel and Jayne discuss tips on transitioning your child from a crib to a toddler bed (and why you may want to delay this), how to regain control over the sleep situation in your home, gentle parenting and how this applies to sleep, how to create a calming bedtime routine, and the power of consistency when tackling toddler sleep issues.  Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. ●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.●      For more motherhood resources, join our private community on Instagram. ●      If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE●      You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here.●      Visit One Love Nanny’s website hereIn this episode, Yamel and Jayne discuss:●      What is happening for toddlers around this age and how these factors affect sleep, including the underlying fact that they may not have ever learnt how to sleep, and the role that other life events that often happen around this time can play, for example by increasing separation anxiety.●      Transitioning your child from a crib to a bed, and Jayne’s advice to keep children in their cribs for as long as possible! Plus, the importance of communicating to your child the rules and boundaries regarding transitioning to a bed when the time comes. ●      The power struggles that can arise between parents and their children around sleep, and the importance of retaining control in this area, and dealing with it with confidence and consistency. ●      Strategies to help create a calming bedtime routine for your toddlers, such as good communication, setting expectations, role-playing sleep time, and the importance of shifting your mindset with regard to your toddler's sleep. To connect with Jayne, you can access the below resources: ●      Snooze Fest on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snoozefestbyjaynehavens●      Snooze Fest: https://thesnoozefest.com/●      The CPSM: https://thecpsm.com/●      Becoming A Sleep Consultant Podcast:  https://thecpsm.com/category/podcast/

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to another episode of The Motherhood Kit, where Yamel is discussing how to choose the perfect summer camp for your child. As summer break approaches, it can sometimes seem like a daunting task to navigate the endless options, and so today we break down what camps there are available, when to start planning, how much you should budget and how to ensure your kids get the most out of the experience.  Yamel is joined by Laura Byrne, the editor of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine, which has published its own Summer Camp guide, helping parents and their children to choose what camp is the best fit for them this summer. Laura is also a proud mommy of two little boys.  Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. ●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.●      For more motherhood resources, join our private community on Instagram. ●      If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE●      You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here.●      Visit One Love Nanny’s website here●      A guide to finding Summer camps near you just enter your child’s activity interest and your zip: https://www.summercamps.com/●      Yamel’s girls attended an art camp, want to learn more? https://www.instagram.com/reel/CucaQmTA8Dh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== In this episode, Yamel and Laura discuss: ●      The importance of getting your child involved in the process of choosing a summer camp, and keeping their interests top of mind whilst also encouraging them to try something new.  It's also important to do your research and check the qualifications of the staff at the camps to find one that you feel comfortable with.  ●      The huge variety of camps available, from outdoor-based ones such as snorkelling experiences or ones at zoo’s, to gaming camps or ones where they get to make a movie! Explore your options and use summer camps as an opportunity for your children to explore new hobbies and experiences.  ●      Budgeting, and what you can expect to pay. There also some wonderful programs that are income-based so if budget is a difficulty for you, explore options that may be able to give your children great experiences at a lower investment. ●      Much as your children may want to go to the same camp as a friend, there are advantages to going somewhere new where they have to exercise their social skills and make new connections. To connect with Laura, you can access the below resources: ●      The Tampa Bay Parenting website and their Summer Camps edition.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to another episode of The Motherhood Kit, where Yamel is exploring the world of vaginal steaming, a practice steeped in history and tradition and increasingly embraced in modern wellness circles.In this episode, Yamel is joined by Lyani Powers, owner of the Modern Herbal Apothecary here in Tampa Bay, and together they explore the origins, benefits and potential considerations surrounding vaginal steaming, shedding light on the ancient ritual and empowering you to make informed choices about your holistic wellbeing.Lyani has studied clinical herbalism and ethnobotany since she was a child, starting under the skirts of both her grandmothers by watching how they used plants to create remedies. She also has certifications in pregnancy, postpartum and nutrition, and as an ayurvedic postpartum doula.Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HEREYou can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here.Visit One Love Nanny’s website hereIn this episode, Yamel and Lyani discuss:Alternative names you might have heard vaginal steaming be referred to as, including V steaming, yoni steaming, wormwood steaming and sacral steaming.Vaginal steaming as an ancient ritual that has been documented in a myriad of cultures across the world, and has gained increasing popularity in recent years due to an increasing awareness and emergence of holistic wellbeing. What vaginal steaming is and the ways you can do it, from experiencing it in a spa-like setting, to doing it yourself at home as part of your self-care ritual. The  benefits of vaginal steaming, including it being an act of honouring yourself and connecting to the lineage of women who have been doing it throughout history, and also the benefits of steaming to postpartum women, due to how it can help the shrinking of the uterus after birth, and can help heal cuts and tears that might have occurred during birth. Cautions and things to consider when looking into vaginal steaming, including being careful the steam isn’t too hot to prevent burning, precautions to take if you are prone to yeast infections, and being aware about the blend of herbs used if you are allergic to any. Always seek advice from an expert or trained provider, and make sure the place you choose to do it has good hygiene procedures in place. To connect with Keli Garza, @steamychick: https://www.instagram.com/steamychickTo connect with Lyani, you can access the below resources: The Modern Herbal Apothecary Website: https://modernherbalshop.com/The Modern Herbal Instagram:

Send us a Text Message.Today on The Motherhood Kit, Yamel explores why adding a touch of massage magic to your prenatal and postpartum journey isn’t just a luxury, but an essential ingredient in your recipe for wellness. In this episode, Yamel is joined by Katrina Turco, an experienced mobile massage therapist who specialises in massage therapy for women. Katrina is a licensed massage therapist and certified medical massage practitioner, specialising in prenatal, postpartum, medical and lymphatic drainage massage. She is also the owner of a mobile clinic called Tampa Bay Mobile Massage Clinic. In this episode, Yamel and Katrina explore the question of is prenatal massage safe, how to identify an experienced massage therapist who can support your journey, and explore the benefits of both prenatal and postpartum massage. Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here.Visit One Love Nanny’s website hereIn this episode, Yamel and Katrina discuss:Katrina’s story of how she went from being a doula to a massage therapist, supporting women in both prenatal and postpartum phasesSafety around prenatal massage, and Katrina’s advice that she tends to advise having them from your second trimester, and steering clear if you have blood clots or other conditions such as placenta previa, but how otherwise it is perfectly safe - so enjoy!The benefits of prenatal massage, including helping you to relax,  improved sleep, triggering the release of the happy hormone oxytocin and generally making you feel more comfortable and easing aches and pains. The practicalities of massage during pregnancy and the kit Katrina has to make sure moms are comfortable during the experience. Katrina emphasises that the most important thing is open communication and that her clients feel able to tell if they are comfortable or not.The importance of prioritising your own wellbeing and self-care, both in the lead up to your birth and afterwards. With so many physical and emotional demands on your body as a mom, it’s important to take time to slow down, and massage can force you to do just that. To connect with Katrina, you can access the below resources: Katrina’s LinkedIn: click hereKatrina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tampabaymobilemassageclinic/

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to another episode of The Motherhood Kit, where today Yamel is joined by special guest Megan Metzler, discussing the world of Nanny Know How.  Megan is an experienced business owner and certified business consultant, and her passion for childcare led her to establish a successful nanny agency, Preferred Childcare (PCC), which has provided quality childcare in the Triad for over 22 years. She is also mother to four children, Hunter, Emma Grace, Lily and Mason).  In this episode, Yamel and Megan discuss all things nanny - from where to find the perfect nanny to how to retain one, and they explore the all-important question of how to work out what’s the right choice for support in your family. Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.  ●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. ●      If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.●      You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here.●      Visit One Love Nanny’s website here●      Check out our ‘Navigating The Nanny’ Interview here●      To read the Buzzfeed article reference by Yamel, click here In this episode, Yamel and Megan discuss: ●      Megan’s story of how she went from being a babysitter to organising 25+ babysitters while she was at college, to creating her business before she graduated! And her decades worth of experience●      The difference between a professional nanny and an au pair, what factors might come into play when choosing what’s right for you●      The role a nanny can take within your family, the duties and responsibilities they can assume, and the cost implications of choosing a nanny to support your family●      Megan’s expert advice on some do’s and don'ts when it comes to retaining your nanny! Including showing your appreciation, respecting their time, and not being guilty of job creep ●      How seeking support does not in any way diminish our role as a mother -  rather, it serves as a proactive measure to safeguard against burnout and preserve our wellbeing. Embracing this mindset fosters resilience and empowers us to navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood with grace.  To connect with Megan, you can access the below resources: ●      Megan’s Website:  https://www.meganmetzgerconsulting.com/●      Megan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganmetzgerconsulting/●      Email Megan at: hello@meganmetzgerconsulting.com

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to a special episode of The Motherhood Kit Podcast where Yamel is joined by not one, but two, incredible moms, Gaetane Joseph and Melissa Wolfe, to talk about what they wish they’d known when they started out on their mothering journeys. Between them, Yamel, Melissa and Gaetane have mothered 12 children, and in this episode they share their wisdom on what advice they would give their younger mom selves, how their perspectives have shifted along the way and what they have learnt on their mothering journeys. Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here.In this episode, Yamel, Gaetane and Melisssa discuss:The importance of maintaining your individual self and identity when you’re a mother, and for your children to see you honouring yourself and your needs as well as theirs, as this models a healthy way of being to them too.Releasing yourself from the expectations of others, as this will ultimately allow you to trust yourself more fully and to develop alongside your child, as you too are on a journey of change and growth as a mother. The shifts in perspective we’ve experienced, including the importance of slowing down, enjoying the moment, and knowing we’re all winging it and figuring it out as we go; motherhood is an evolving journey so enjoy the ride and embrace learning. The importance of having boundaries, and communicating these in a strong but kind way, and the importance of giving yourself compassion and allowing yourself to be vulnerable in sharing about the struggles and the harder sides of motherhood too. And much more!

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to a very special episode of The Motherhood Kit Podcast, because we are celebrating one whole year of the show! Over the course of the last year, we’ve discussed everything from how to handle life transitions as mom, how to engage with your teens, how to help your infant sleep, how to provide nutritious meals for your family and even how to prepare for birth, and in this episode, we are revisiting some of the amazing moments from our first year. Thank you for all your support over the last year and for joining us every week. To celebrate one whole year of The Motherhood Kit podcast and to give back to you, our listeners,, we are doing a special giveaway,  where you can win a $100 Target voucher because what mom doesn’t love Target?!To enter, all you have to do is:Follow me on Instagram at @yamelbelenFollow me on TikTok @themotherhoodkitShare your favourite episode of the podcast on your Instagram stories and make sure to tag me so I see it!The Giveaway will end on March 20th, and I’ll be announcing the winner shortly afterwards. The Giveaway is open to all US residents. If you want to dive deeper on any of the topics explored in this special anniversary episode, you can listen to the whole episodes at the links below.Episode 1: Can Moms Have It All? With My Daughters, Bryanna and Tatianna - Listen hereEpisode 4: A Guide To Life’s Hurdles, with Dr. Laura Tillman - Listen hereEpisode 8: An Adoption Story - Listen hereEpisode 20: Mom Life, Hot Wife: Navigating Motherhood and Keeping The Spark Alive With Your Husband - Listen hereEpisode 39: Healing In Motherhood, with Guest Julissa Edwards - Listen hereEpisode 43: Mom Mind Matters: Navigating Mental Wellness and Saying No To “Mum Guilt” - Listen hereKeep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to another episode of The Motherhood Kit Podcast where Yamel is joined by Gina Mundy, an attorney that specialises in childbirth cases. For over two decades, she has analysed the mistakes that are made during labor and delivery and, drawing on this knowledge, she has authored the bestselling book - “A Parent’s Guide To A Safer Childbirth” to help parents prevent these mistakes and have a healthy baby. This is based on her own experiences of cases, as well as her extensive research, meticulous analyzing and the dissecting of countless studies pertaining to childbirth. Rather than merely getting involved after the unfortunate mistake was made, Gina has taken a proactive approach by getting involved before childbirth. Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.You can access The One Love Childbirth Preparation Course here.In this episode, Yamel and Gina discuss: Gina’s journey to writing a book, based on the many situations she has been part of as an attorney specialising in childbirth cases, and how she wanted to share her knowledge to empower and help people prevent these mistakes from happening.The many benefits of hiring a doula, which Gina views as a primary action that a pregnant person can take to help them safeguard them in their birth experience, and the hugely important role of education in the preparation to your birth. Gina’s opinion on some of the main factors involved in births that end of having bad outcomes, including some cases she has seen involving the use of Pitocin and it not being administered slowly and safely enough. Creating a birth dream team around you, and the importance of advocating for yourself to make sure you’re surrounded by people you trust and feel safe with during your birth. How equipping yourself with this information in the preparation of your birth can be hugely empowering, allowing you to step more confidently into your birth experience. And much more!To connect with Gina, you can access the below resources: Gina’s Website:  www.ginamundy.comGina Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9KFNPNQGina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginamundy/Gina’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093989808329Gina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-mundy-70318554/Gina’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/GinaMundy_

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to The Motherhood Kit podcast where today Yamel is talking all about how to adequately prepare for your birth experience so that you can navigate your birth with confidence. Childbirth is a sacred rite of passage, and has the power to transform us in ways we’ve never imagined, allowing us to tap into a reservoir of strength, courage and resilience. Yamel herself was a teenager when she became a mother but, despite her youth, she threw herself into the preparation for her first birth, enabling her to be an active part of her birth experience.As an Doula, RN,  and IBCLC, Yamel now helps other women prepare for their childbirth journeys, and in this episode she shares her insights with you. By adequately preparing for your birth, you can make informed decisions for yourself and your baby, and can step into your birth experience with confidence. Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE.Click here to access Yamel’s Birth Plan template.In this episode, Yamel covers: The importance of taking the time to research your birth prenatal provider, as this is an important element of your birth experience (and you’ll be spending a lot of time there in the lead up and for the birth itself) so take your time to visit and ask people for their experiences, to check it aligns with what you envisage for your birthHow knowledge is power, so take the time to research, read, listen to podcasts and educate yourself, so that you can have a fuller understanding of the decisions along the way and the conversations you’ll be having with the medical practitionersThe importance of taking a course to prepare for your birth, and in making sure it’s by someone qualified in the area. Click here to access Yamel’s Childbirth Preparation Course. What it means to be an active participant in your birth experience, and how this can empower you to advocate for yourself, and the importance of including your partner in the preparation process tooTuning into your intuition and using positive affirmations within the preparation of your birth experience and in the birth itselfAnd much more!

Send us a Text Message.On today's episode of The Motherhood Kit Yamel is joined by two guests to talk all about empowering birth advocacy.As well as being an RN, Yamel is an IBCLC and a Doula, supporting birthing people in various settings throughout their labour and birth experiences, and today she is joined by two midwives - Amy Reinke, a hospital-based midwife and Mary Catherine Hamelin, a home-birth midwife. Together with Yamel, they dive into the crucial topic of navigating the complexities of childbirth advocacy in the United States, discussing how you can be an active part of your birth experience, the importance of having a birth plan (download your Birth Plan Template here) and how to build your team in order to have a positive birth experience. Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.  ●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. ●      If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE. In this episode, Yamel, Amy and Mary Catherine discuss:  ●      Amy and Mary Catherine’s backgrounds in doulaing and how this intersects with their midwifery careers, and what the roles of a midwife includes●      The importance of informed consent in birth - how this includes being given a thorough explanation of the situation at hand, being told the benefits and the risks, and being given the space to then reflect and come to your own decision. ●      The role of a doula and how they can help empower you to advocate for yourself in your birth experience, and the power of coming into your birth with adequate knowledge so you can be an active participant in the experience ●      The importance of having a birth plan and of thinking of it as a set of preferences but to also allow for an element of flexibility within this. Amy, Mary Catherine and Yamel also break down what makes a good birth plan, including doing research beforehand and using pictures for clarity. Please see here for your birth plan template, to empower yourself with the tools to navigate your birth experience with confidence and ensure your voice is heard every step of the way. ●      The importance of doing adequate research in the choosing of your birth location, and of making an empowered choice based on their set up and what you want for your birth experience. ●      The importance of diversity within care teams, and how you have the right to build a birth team that you feel supported by and safe with. And more!To connect with Amy and Mary Catherine, you can find out more about them here:-       Mary Catherine - you can find out more about her work at her website here.-       Amy - you can find out more about her work at her website here, or on her Instagram here.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to today’s episode of The Motherhood Kit Podcast. On this special Valentine’s edition of the show we are celebrating love, self-acceptance and the beauty of embracing our bodies as they are. We are discussing all things self-acceptance and body positivity, and how you can choose to love yourself more this Valentine’s day. Today, Yamel is joined by Heather Fletcher, an accomplished fitness professional and wellness advocate with over 15 years experience. She holds a BA in health and physical activity and a master’s degree in exercise physiology, offering a comprehensive perspective of health and wellness. Heather manages the blog thefitfoodielife.com, extending her reach beyond conventional settings to educate and motivate busy professionals to prioritize their health on a global scale. This is a rich episode with so much goodness for you to enjoy! Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. ●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. ●      If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE. In this episode, Yamel and Heather discuss self-love and body positivity, including: ●      Heather’s journey in the health and wellness space, including her experience of being a competitive body-builder which led to her having to re-learn how to fall in love with fitness again●      How intimidating the fitness world can be for beginner’s, and Heather’s expert advice on this, including her tips on how to get started, such as taking at-home online classes to build up your confidence before going to in-person ones●      The role social media and the internet play in perpetuating unrealistic standards of fitness and beauty, and ideals that are often not even healthy, & how to shift your perspective to knowing that these are edited photos and not the whole situation●      The mindset of viewing fitness and working out as something to do purely to look good, and the importance of shifting this to instead see it as the end goal being feeling good and increased functionality. ●      Redefining body positivity in terms of seeing how your body looks as just one small part of the equation, and being grateful for everything else your body provides for you in terms of functionality and health every day●      The power in changing the way you compliment people, to deemphasize looks and to mention other aspects of their character or personality, & how this can be used within our parenting of our children to encourage them to value themselves for all their gifts, not just their looks. To connect with Heather, you can access the below resources:●      Heather’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/heatherfitfoodie/●      Heather’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heatherfitfoodie●      Heather’s website: https://www.thefitfoodielife.com/

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to another episode of The Motherhood Kit podcast. Continuing with our theme of wellness, today’s episode is exploring the topic of mental health. Motherhood is a beautiful journey but it can also be a challenging one, and the dance between the joys of mothering and the demands of everyday life can take a toll on our wellbeing. Today, Yamel is joined by Jennifer Benoit, founder of Mindwell Strategies, a maternal wellness company that provides therapy and coaching services to women navigating motherhood. In this conversation, they discuss all things mothering and mental wellness, including the invisible mental load that many of us carry, the phenomenon of “mom guilt” (and saying no to it!) and steps you can take to look after your mental wellness in the same way you look after your physical wellness.  Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. If You are in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love HERE. In this episode, Yamel and Jennifer discuss all things mental health in motherhood, including:  The invisible mental load that we carry as moms, with busy to-do lists and the constant mental activity of planning and forward-thinking to ensure the day goes smoothly and our families can thrive, and the pressure this can sometimes put on relationshipsThe transition into motherhood and how we say at One Love, that when babies are born, so are mothers Jennifer’s advice to help navigate this transition with ease, including making space for the things that you cannot control in motherhood, and allowing for flexibility as well as routines “Mom guilt” and the power to choose to not subscribe to it - have compassion for yourself and give yourself grace, remembering that you are human and that messing up is an inevitable part of life. The importance of being aware of comparisons to other people who may outwardly seem to be having an easier time of mothering, and knowing that social media is just a highlight reel.  To connect with Jennifer, you can access the below resources:Jennifer’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbenoit1/Jennifer’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-benoit-lcsw-4504b23 And for helpful resources regarding this topic, please visit: https://www.onelovedoula.com/blog/postpartum-blues-vs-postpartum-depression-whats-the-difference?rq=baby%20blueshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10613459/And if you’re  in Tampa and interested in Holistic Postpartum Support for your Mothering Journey, contact One Love

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to another episode of The Motherhood Kit Podcast. Today we are kicking off a new series all about wellness, and in this episode we will specifically be talking about the importance of looking after your skincare as a mom. In the hustle and bustle of motherhood, it’s easy to overlook and even forgo our skincare routines but, as the body’s largest organ, it deserves our utmost attention and care. Yamel is passionate about this topic and uses her skincare as her special time for self-care and as a moment to say yes to herself and give herself some TLC.  In this episode, Yamel is joined by Krissy Alpagut, skincare expert and owner and lead esthetician at Cielo Spa Tampa, where Yamel is a client. At Cielo Spa, their goal is to make your skin, mind, body and soul feel as if you’ve escaped your daily life for a moment of self love.  Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.  This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. In this episode, Yamel and Krissy discuss: Some of the skincare mistakes that moms are making, including the number one mistake of going to bed without washing your face first (and why this is such a no-no!) The most important types of skincare products that all moms should have in their daily routine, and the many advantages of starting using retinol early Shifting your thinking to seeing skincare as an investment, as it’s looking after your body’s largest organ and the first thing people see The three vital skincare steps that you should not be skipping when it comes to both your day and night routine as a mom How to fit your skincare regime into your life as a mom, and tips on how to make it a self-love and self-care ritual Plus Yamel gets Krissy’s expert advice on collagen, acids and other skincare topics and trending buzzwords! To connect with Krissy, you can visit the Cielo Spa on Instagram or via their website here.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome back to The Motherhood Kit Podcast. In today’s episode we are continuing our theme of a better you in this new year, and today we are providing you with the gift of organization.In this episode, Yamel is joined by professional home organizer, interior designer and founder of Divine Order, Sarah McMillion, who shares her wisdom of how to organize not only your home, but also your mind, in 2024.  Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.  This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. In this episode, Sarah and Yamel discuss:Sarah's background and how she became an organizational and decluttering pro, and how she supports her clients,The impact that organization can have on your wellbeing and your mental health,The importance of including your children in the organization and upkeep of your home, and the role of modeling in this,The importance of starting with small actionable steps, and giving yourself grace that there doesn't have to be huge changes overnight,Yamel's top three ways that you can stay organized that you can action today,Sarah's top four expert strategies of how you can declutter not only your home but your life as well.To connect with Sarah and find out how you can work with her: Visit her website at https://thedivineorder.co/Contact: 417-234-9684Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divine_order_home/?hl=en

Send us a Text Message.Welcome back to The Motherhood Kit Podcast where today we are continuing our theme of a new you this new year with a conversation all about professional fulfilment. Often in motherhood, we feel a desire for change and personal growth, and sometimes this can extend to our professional lives and we feel a need to shake things up and pivot into something new.  Tune in as Yamel talks to Melissa Blackmore about switching careers and how to find happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your professional journey. We’ll be covering how to recognise the signs that it might be time for a career change, how to explore new options, and Melissa will be sharing her insights on the scary part of interviewing when you’re going back into the working world after taking time off with your little ones.  Melissa is a seasoned career strategist, program maker and hiring manager who empowers women in building purposeful careers while increasing their earning potential. With her deep-rooted corporate knowledge, she supports women in manoeuvring the complexities of the job market and workplace dynamic. Melissa is dedicated to enabling women to find career trajectories that offer fulfilment on financial, mental and emotional fronts.  Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.  ●      This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.●      For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community.  To connect with Melissa, you can reach out to her on:·      Melissa’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissakblackmore·      Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissakblackmore/·      Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissakblackmore·      Melissa’s website: https://www.projectmgmtsuccess.com/ Some of takeaways from this episode include:  How to recognise you may be in need for a career change Melissa identifies three questions you can ask yourself, to help work out whether you might be ready for a career pivot, and they all come under the umbrella question of – how is my current career impacting me mentally, physically and emotionally?  How to know what new venture to pursue If you’re not sure what to pursue next, it’s important to spend some time doing the groundwork of working out what you enjoy, what you want out of your work, what are you actually good at, and where do your skills and expertise lie? It may also be worth going to a networking event and speaking to professionals to help you work out what career your strengths will fit.   Start with your non-negotiables Setting out your non-negotiables for your next career venture is critical because it helps you get clarity on what is important for you, whether it’s a salary figure, a level of flexibility, or something else you want to achieve. Therefore, when an opportunity does arise, you’ll be able to check in with yourself that it fully aligns with you and your goals.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome back to The Motherhood Kit Podcast where today we are continuing our theme of a new you this new year with a conversation about healing in motherhood. Tune in as Yamel discusses all things healing with Julissa Edwards, including exploring what conscious mothering is and what simple but powerful steps you can take to embark on your healing journey today.Julissa Edwards is a licensed therapist, mindset coach and spiritual guide, making her uniquely positioned to empower mothers who are seeking an easier transition into motherhood. She helps moms by facilitating a deeper connection with their intuition, allowing them to tap into their inner wisdom and make decisions with greater confidence. By nurturing this connection with their intuition, Julissa assists mothers in breaking free from the patterns of generational traumas that may have been passed down through their family lineage. Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. To connect with Julissa, you can access the below resources:Julissa’s Motherhood Retreat: https://www.julissaedwardscounseling.com/retreat Julissa’s Mama’s Rescue Kit: 33 Quick and Effective Stress Busters: https://julissa-edwards-counseling.mykajabi.com/opt-in-freebieJulissa’s Masterclass: Mastering Mother's Intuition and Dissolving Anxiety: https://julissa-edwards-counseling.mykajabi.com/offers/s7HYqcGT/checkoutJulissa’s Conscious Motherhood Circle Mastermind: https://www.julissaedwardscounseling.com/conscious-motherhood-circleSome of takeaways from this episode include: Allowing yourself to reflect on your past and the truth of your experiences Reflecting on your past and your lived experiences does not mean you are dishonouring or disrespecting your parents in any way, but instead allows you to clearly see how things in your upbringing may have influenced you. By getting to know your inner child and leaning into their needs and feelings, you can then give yourself what you may not have experienced in childhood. Breaking out of the “good daughter” archetypeBeing the “good daughter” can become an identity that many women carry into adulthood but by being cognisant of this, motherhood can actually provide a great opportunity to push against these patterns and start to do things your way, which will help you on your healing journey. Practice conscious motherhood Conscious motherhood involves practising non-attachment and developing inquisitive factors around what is going on and what you are experiencing, but with no judgement or attachment to the feelings or emotions. This can be such a powerful practice, especially in motherhood, where you are not only dealing with your own emotions bu

Send us a Text Message.Welcome back to  Season 4 of The Motherhood Kit! To kick off the new season and welcome in the new year, today’s episode is all about how to create your motherhood vision board. In today’s episode, Yamel is joined by Tabitha Blue, to discuss why vision boarding is such great practice, especially at this time of year, and how to create your own vision board.To access the template to create your own vision board, please click here.Tabitha Blue is a wife, mom to six children, and is the creator of the Fresh Mommy Blog, a lifestyle brand covering everything from home design and DIY, delicious recipes, fashion and style inspiration and, of course, fun life lessons. Through her workshops, Tabitha has helped many women create vision boards over the last few years and has seen first-hand the results that people can have when they are clear and intentional on their goals, so who better to join us in this conversation today. Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community. To connect with Tabitha, you can find her on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube or at her website at https://freshmommyblog.com/.Some of takeaways from this episode include: The power in the intentionality behind visionboarding One of the reasons why vision boarding can be so powerful is that it compels us to take a moment’s pause and to intentionally ask the question, ‘what do I want to see in my life?’ Usually we are so caught up in the day to day running of life that we forget to ask ourselves questions around what do I want for the future, and what brings me joy. Manifestation is backed by science Our brains are problem-solvers and it’s often when we give our brains a bit of space that they will find a solution to something we’ve been thinking about, even when we’re not actively thinking about it. The power of vision boarding is that it helps us get clear on the things we want to accomplish and the goals we want to achieve, and then our brains will naturally get to work on coming up with solutions and finding a way to make these happen.Working backwards and reverse engineering your end goals A great tip for visioneering or making a vision board is to allow yourself to dream big and then work backwards to say; what does that mean I have to be, to allow for that to happen? Gaining clarity on your goals will allow you to say ‘No’ as well as ‘Yes’We all only have so much time, and so the more we say ‘yes’ to everything, the more that is making us say ‘no’ to things that do truly align with our vision. So by using a visionboard to get clear on your goals, dreams and intentions, you are able to gain the strength to say no and

Send us a Text Message.Welcome back to The Motherhood Kit podcast! We are so excited to be back and bringing you a brand new season this new year, supporting and empowering you on your motherhood journey. This is the podcast for mothers everywhere who are seeking guidance, camaraderie, and a safe space to connect, learn and thrive. And this season we have so much goodness coming up! We’ll be covering topics such as motherhood and wellness, finances, health, and dreaming big! Tune in for inspiration, understanding, practical advice and much much more. Our host, Yamel, is on a mission to provide you with a toolkit for all seasons of motherhood, to empower you to live your best life whilst raising your children, and to thrive during the ride. We’ll be back with new episodes releasing every Wednesday, from January 3rd. Make sure you click ‘Follow’ on whatever app you’re using to listen now, to make sure you never miss an episode. Don’t miss out on the excitement! Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community.