Dear Doula

In this episode, I dive into the three biggest mistakes new parents make around sleep, how to avoid them. With over two decades of experience as a doula, I've seen it all when it comes to sleep struggles during the early days of parenting. I break down the misconceptions about newborn sleep, why nutrition is essential for building strong sleep foundations, and how expectations impact your rest as a family 
I also share practical tips on fostering your baby's ability to self-soothe, setting gentle routines, and why tracking feedings and sleep habits can be a game-changer. You'll hear why flexibility with routines beats being overly rigid, how to spot patterns (including the dreaded witching hour), and the power of dream feeds for more restful nights. With gentle advice and encouragement, I want you to feel empowered on your parenting journey.
If you're struggling with sleep or looking to give your baby (and yourself!) the best start, this episode is packed full of insights and real-world strategies. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions. Reach out by email or on Instagram, and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review so more families can find these tips and find ease in early parenting!
 
If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here:
https://www.thecradlecompany.com
Connect with Me
• Follow me on Instagram: @brandij_ordan_official
• Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast
• Questions or topic ideas: [email protected]
 
Resources & Products Mentioned
Code for Ergopouch:  BRANDI
Baby Connect https://en.babyconnect.com/sqh
Hatch https://www.hatch.co/?srsltid=AfmBOoolj-OXZ9x5uyYJO_pUOYqW7Mdc1osMHUhJ4sEg36uzCOWS1eAb
 
Key takeaways:
Nutrition's impact on newborn sleep quality
Overcoming sleep myths and negative mindsets
Sleep crutches versus independent sleep skills
Importance of creating sleep routines
Tracking logs to identify baby patterns
Dream feeds for longer sleep stretches
Balancing flexibility with structured schedules
 
Timestamps:
00:01:09 – 00:03:05 The Reality and Mindset of Newborn Sleep
00:03:05 – 00:07:06 The Importance of Good Nutrition and Weight Gain
00:09:10 – 00:10:36 Feeding Schedules and How They Impact Sleep
00:10:36 – 00:15:05 Encouraging Independent Sleep Skills
00:18:47 – 00:20:03 Strategies to Address Common Sleep Disruptions
00:20:03 – 00:24:47 The Three Solutions for Better Newborn Sleep

In this episode of Dear Doula, I break down the realities of finding quality postpartum and childcare in the US, including what you can expect to pay and what industry standards look like. I guide you through the differences between postpartum doulas, newborn care specialists, and nannies. I share my insights from years in the industry, offering tips on how to find caregivers that truly fit your family's needs.
I also talk about the evolving landscape of domestic work, including compensation ranges, work agreements, retainers, and new trends like rotational positions. You will learn why offering benefits is important, how to navigate payroll, and where to search for reliable caregivers, whether you're using an agency, online sites, or asking for word-of-mouth referrals.
If you're a parent hoping to find the right support or a caregiver curious about career possibilities, this episode is for you. Don't forget to subscribe, share your questions, and tune in for next week's episode, where I'll tackle all your questions about sleep and baby travel!
 
If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here:
https://www.thecradlecompany.com
Connect with Me
• Follow me on Instagram: @brandij_ordan_official
• Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast
• Questions or topic ideas: [email protected]
 
Key takeaways
Postpartum and newborn care options explained
Pricing and rates for childcare services
Differences between doulas and newborn care specialists
Industry standards for nannies and caregivers
Importance of contracts and retainers
Hiring methods: agencies vs. DIY approaches
Worker rights: pay, PTO, and benefits
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Navigating Childcare Options
09:56 Understanding Postpartum Care
19:55 The Evolving Role of Nannies
30:03 Finding the Right Caregiver

In this episode of Dear Doula, Ι sit down with Dr. Shivani Amin, a functional medicine and women's health specialist, to explore the root causes of hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and the vital role of minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium in women's health. We discuss how simple shifts in habits, like proper breathwork, staying hydrated with quality water, and getting sunlight, can significantly improve wellbeing for women through every stage, from pre-pregnancy to postpartum.
Dr. Amin shares her holistic approach, focusing on getting to the heart of health issues instead of just treating symptoms. She breaks down why Western medicine often misses mineral deficiencies, how functional medicine bridges ancestral wisdom with modern science, and gives practical, accessible tips for feeling better, without major restrictions or expensive fixes.
If you're ready to take charge of your wellness or help a loved one, don't miss this episode! Let us know how this episode resonated with you, share with a friend, and follow along for more empowering guidance on your parenting and womanhood journey!
 
If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here:
https://www.thecradlecompany.com
Connect with Me
• Follow me on Instagram: @brandij_ordan_official
• Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast
• Questions or topic ideas: [email protected]
 
 
Key Takeaways
Hormonal imbalances and root cause treatment
Importance of minerals for women's health
Inflammation: causes, symptoms, and solutions
Breath work and stress management
Vitamin D, magnesium, and supplementation
Navigating health advice and social media
Pre-pregnancy and pregnancy health optimization
 
Timestamps
 
02:10 Addressing Hormonal Imbalances
06:02 Reducing Inflammation through Regenerative Care
08:54 The Importance of Breathwork and Hydration
12:51 Optimizing Mineral Levels through Supplements
18:39 Navigating Information Overload on Social Media
20:30 Dr. Amin's Journey to Functional Medicine
23:24 Overcoming Resistance to Change
25:07 Preparing the Body for Pregnancy
27:03 Supporting Postpartum Health
29:00 Embracing the Process and Being Present
33:39 Engaging Dr. Amin's Services
37:45 Finding Dr. Amin Online

In this episode, I sit down with birth doula and postpartum trainer Kaitlyn Wozniak to talk about postpartum recovery in a whole new way.
Together, we unpack common myths and outdated expectations, like the "snap back" culture, and explore why postpartum should be treated as essential rehab, not just traditional exercise. We talk about shifting the focus from looks to real healing and functional strength.
We cover everything from breathing techniques and pelvic floor health to the value of individualized care over one-size-fits-all advice. The conversation also dives into the emotional side of recovery, identity, autonomy, and how mental health and community support are part of the process.
If you're a new or expecting mom, or someone supporting women through postpartum, this episode is full of practical tips and honest insights. Tune in to learn how to make postpartum your strongest season.
 
 
If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here:
https://www.thecradlecompany.com
Connect with Me
• Follow me on Instagram: @brandij_ordan_official
• Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast
• Questions or topic ideas: [email protected]
 
 
Key Takeaways
Individualized postpartum recovery approaches
Pelvic floor health and misinformation
Diaphragmatic breathing for core stability
Rehab versus traditional exercise postpartum
The emotional impact of postpartum changes
Body image, autonomy, and societal pressures
Building a supportive postpartum "village"
 
 
Timestamps
 
00:00 The Evolution of Postpartum Care
02:06 Caitlin's Journey into Birth and Postpartum Training
04:00 Debunking Fear-Based Practices in Postpartum Care
06:10 Functional Movement and Preparation for Birth
09:05 Breathwork and Its Importance in Pregnancy
11:59 Understanding the Pelvic Floor
15:52 Postpartum Recovery: Timing and Approach
17:52 Challenging the Six-Week Rule
22:08 The Need for Individualized Care in Postpartum Recovery
24:19 The Importance of Self-Care in Postpartum Recovery
25:05 Rehabilitation vs. Exercise: A New Perspective
29:12 Body Positivity and the Pressure to Conform
33:39 Sisterhood and Healing in Women's Communities
41:52 Finding the Right Support for Postpartum Recovery

In this episode of Dear Doula, I'm talking about something many parents experience but often struggle to understand. The sudden changes in their baby's sleep.
Is it a sleep regression, a growth spurt, or something else entirely?
As a doula and sleep consultant who has supported families for many years, I see this confusion all the time. Babies suddenly waking more often at night, feeding differently, or becoming fussier than usual. These changes are often connected to developmental leaps, shifts in feeding needs, or the way a baby's sleep cycles are maturing.
In this episode, I break down the difference between sleep regressions and growth spurts. I share real examples of what this can look like, from babies learning to roll over and waking themselves up, to the well known four-month sleep regression that catches many families by surprise.
We also talk about what parents can actually do during these phases. I share simple ways to start understanding your baby's patterns, why it helps to track sleep and feeds for a short time, and how to look at bigger lifestyle changes that might be affecting your baby's rest.
If you're currently in a stretch of broken sleep and wondering what changed, this conversation will help you make sense of what's happening and feel more confident in how you respond.
 
Resources & Products Mentioned
Code for Ergopouch:  BRANDI
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump
https://haakaausa.com/products/silicone-breast-pump
Pampers Swaddlers Newborn Diapers https://www.pampers.com/en-us/diapers-wipes/pampers-swaddlers
Holle Baby Formula
Dr. Brown's Bottles (Anti-Colic) https://www.drbrownsbaby.com
Soothie Pacifiers https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-mo/pacifiers
Sweatpea Swaddle https://www.happiestbaby.com/products/sleepea-swaddle
Bassinet Safety Guidance (AAP Safe Sleep) https://www.aap.org 
Laundry Favorites for Baby Clothes: 
Zum Laundry Soap — https://www.indigowild.com/collections/laundry-soap
Seventh Generation Fabric Softener- https://www.seventhgeneration.com/liquid-fabric-softener-free-clear
Ecover Fabric Softener — https://www.ecover.com/products/laundry/fabric-softener
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Remover — https://missmouths.com
 
 
 
 
If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here:
https://www.thecradlecompany.com
Connect with Me
• Follow me on Instagram: @brandij_ordan_official
• Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast
• Questions or topic ideas: [email protected]
 

Key Takeaways
• Sleep regressions and growth spurts can look very similar, but they often have different causes.
• Developmental milestones, like rolling or increased awareness, can temporarily disrupt sleep.
• Growth spurts often come with increased feeding and changes in hunger cues.
• Tracking sleep and feeding patterns for a few days can reveal helpful patterns.
• Small adjustments, like dream feeds or bedtime timing, can support better nights for both baby and parents.
 
Timestamps
00:00 The Emotional Load of Parenting in 2026
06:41 Navigating the Challenges of Parenting and Personal Growth
12:23 Intentional Parenting: Prioritizing Yourself and Family Values
20:52 Creating a Peaceful Parenting Experience in 2026