No One Told Us

What if the hardest part of parenting isn't your child's sleep, but the pressure to do everything "right"? In this episode, Rachael sits down with parenting educator and maternal mental health advocate Fiona Weaver for an honest conversation about the parenting advice we may need to unlearn.

Together, they discuss the myths surrounding sleep training and independence, why "good enough" parenting is actually the goal, and how societal expectations can fuel mom guilt and self-doubt. Fiona also shares her experience parenting three children, navigating toddler sleep challenges, and embracing a more flexible, compassionate approach that supports both children and their parents.

Whether you're questioning the parenting advice you've been given or simply looking for reassurance that you're doing enough, this episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a refreshing perspective on modern motherhood.

Inside this episode:

Why "good enough" parenting is the gold standard

Common myths about sleep training and infant independence

The emotional and developmental needs of children

How societal expectations contribute to mom guilt and shame

Why you can't hang your mood on your baby's sleep

The connection between infant sleep and maternal mental health

Letting go of rigid sleep tracking and unrealistic expectations

Building stronger family relationships through flexibility and connection

How community and support can transform the parenting experience

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Mama Matters website

Fiona Weaver on Instagram

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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What if your baby's sleep challenges weren't something to fix but a clue to better understanding their unique needs? In this episode, Rachael sits down with physician, researcher, and founder of the Possums Program, Dr. Pamela Douglas, to explore a holistic, evidence-based approach to infant sleep, feeding, and development.

Together, they discuss why sleep, feeding, sensory development, and emotional well-being are deeply connected, how societal pressures can increase stress for parents, and why responsive, flexible caregiving often leads to better outcomes for the whole family. Whether you're navigating an unsettled baby or simply looking for a gentler approach to infant sleep, this episode offers practical, reassuring guidance.

Inside this episode:

Why sleep, feeding, and sensory development are all connected

The philosophy behind the Possums approach to infant care

The five domains that can contribute to an unsettled baby

Common myths about overstimulation and baby sleep

Why outdoor play and sensory experiences support healthy development

How parental stress can impact the parenting experience

Practical ways to respond to your baby's unique cues

Why flexibility…not rigid routines…helps families thrive

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

The Discontented Little Baby Book by Dr. Pamela Douglas

Possums Program

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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What if becoming a dad changes the brain just as much as becoming a mom? In this episode, Rachael sits down with psychologist, researcher, and author Dr. Darby Saxbe to explore the science behind "dad brain," how fatherhood reshapes the brain, and why great parenting is built through experience, not instinct.

Together, they discuss the neurological changes fathers experience during the transition to parenthood, the importance of paternity leave and hands-on caregiving, and how supporting dads benefits the entire family. Whether you're a new parent or expecting a baby, this conversation will change the way you think about fatherhood.

Inside this episode:

What "dad brain" really is and how fatherhood changes the brain

Why great parents are made…not born

The truth about maternal and paternal instinct

How paternity leave supports dads, babies, and families

Why hands-on parenting builds confidence and stronger attachment

The role of maternal gatekeeping and working as a team

The importance of supporting dads' mental health

How couples can better navigate the postpartum transition

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Dad Brain by Dr. Darby Saxbe

Natal Gazing on Substack

@Darbysaxbe

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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What if "mom brain" isn't something to laugh off, but evidence that your brain is undergoing one of the biggest transformations of your life? In this episode, Rachael sits down with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Nikki Pensak to explore the science behind the postpartum brain, why anxiety is so common after having a baby, and what every mother deserves to know about her mental health.

Together, they unpack the brain changes that occur during motherhood, why maternal instinct isn't as automatic as we're often told, and how sleep deprivation, stress, and trauma can shape the postpartum experience. Dr. Pensak also shares why healing is possible, how mothers can recognize when they need support, and the hope that can come through post-traumatic growth.

Inside this episode:

What "mom brain" really is and why it happens

How neuroplasticity reshapes the brain during motherhood

Why postpartum anxiety is so common and often overlooked

The myth of maternal instinct and what actually builds confidence as a parent

How stress and sleep deprivation affect the maternal brain

Understanding birth trauma and the possibility of post-traumatic growth

Signs it may be time to seek support for postpartum anxiety or depression

Why self-care is a vital part of maternal mental health

How social media can impact new moms….for better and for worse

Dr. Nikki's inspiration for writing Rattled and helping mothers feel less alone

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Rattled by Dr. Nikki Pensak

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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What if raising your kids didn't have to look like everyone else's? In this episode, Rachael sits down with entrepreneur and Boundless Life founder Elodie Ferchaud for a conversation about choosing a different path, raising resilient kids, and creating a family life that feels aligned with your values…not someone else's expectations.

From leaving the corporate world to raising four children while living around the globe, Elodie shares how travel has changed the way she parents, why she's become a more relaxed mom over the years, and what different cultures have taught her about childhood, education, and community. Whether you're dreaming of worldschooling or simply looking for inspiration to parent more intentionally, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what family life can look like.

Inside this episode:

Why Elodie left the corporate world to build a life of more freedom and flexibility

How parenting four kids has shifted her perspective over the years

What different cultures can teach us about raising children

How travel helps kids build confidence, resilience, and independence

The surprising ways parenting support looks different around the world

What inspired Elodie to create Boundless Life

Rethinking school, learning, and what children really need to thrive

The power of community, especially when you're far from home

Why stepping outside your comfort zone can transform your family

How to create a life that feels intentional, connected, and true to your values

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Boundless Life

Montessori Method

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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