In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, Sarah Hardy Walsh, a naturopathic doctor and lactation consultant, discusses the complexities of infant sleep training. She explores the cultural pressures that contribute to parental stress and offers practical steps for addressing sleep challenges without resorting to conventional sleep training methods. The episode emphasizes understanding the root causes impacting infant sleep, such as feeding issues, developmental leaps, and parental stress. Sarah also provides strategies for parents to find additional support and align sleep solutions with their core values, offering a holistic approach to improving family well-being.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Breath Awareness

02:16 Culture Sets Parents Up for Struggle Around Sleep

05:13 Steps to Address Infant Sleep Challenges

06:06 Key Questions for Sleep Training Consideration

10:12 Exploring Alternatives to Sleep Training

15:47 Final Thoughts and Support Resources

Episode Transcript

This episode has been brought to you by Well Rooted Matrescence ~ a monthly membership program focused on supporting you with reliable resources and aligned community so you experience more steadiness, clarity and confidence as you navigate the transition to motherhood. Join us today for as little as $9/month.

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, Sarah Hardy Walsh, a naturopathic doctor and lactation consultant, guides mothers through the practice of labyrinth meditation. She explains how labyrinths differ from mazes and their historical significance in spirituality and personal growth. The episode delves into the benefits of using labyrinths to access the right hemisphere of the brain, fostering intuition, creativity, and inner wisdom. Sarah shares how labyrinth meditation can offer calmness and grounding, especially for mothers navigating the complexities of matrescence.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence,

00:40 Grounding into the Present Moment,

02:11 Exploring the Labyrinth: A Tool for Meditation,

04:04 Understanding the Labyrinth vs. Maze,

04:53 The Labyrinth's Connection to Nature,

05:23 Benefits of Labyrinth Meditation for Mothers,

07:43 Conclusion and Farewell

Episode Transcript

This episode is brought to you by ⁠Well Rooted Matrescence⁠, an mothly membership for pregnant and new mothers focused on cultivating community, nourishing rest + resilience and expanding knowledge on topics related to the transition to motherhood. ⁠Join us today for as little as $9/month or $97/year.

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, Sarah Hardy Walsh, a naturopathic doctor and lactation consultant, guides mothers through the concept of resilience in the context of motherhood. The episode explores the difference between survival resilience and thriving resilience, emphasizing the importance of supportive communities and practices for maintaining health and vitality. Listeners will learn how to cultivate a thriving resilience that supports both themselves and their families.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Breath Awareness

02:11 Understanding Resilience

03:43 Survival Resilience

07:28 Cultivating Thriving Resilience

10:33 Mission for Thriving Mothering Resilience

10:58 Conclusion and Community Invitation

Episode Transcript

This episode is brought to you by ⁠Well Rooted Matrescence⁠, an mothly membership for pregnant and new mothers focused on cultivating community, nourishing rest + resilience and expanding knowledge on topics related to the transition to motherhood. ⁠Join us today for as little as $9/month or $97/year.

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, Sarah Hardy Walsh, a naturopathic doctor and lactation consultant, offers guidance on transitioning to a dairy-free nutrition. The episode explores common symptoms of dairy intolerance, alternative sources of calcium, healthy fats, and protein, and ways to maintain traditional comfort foods while avoiding dairy.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding Exercise for Mothers

02:11 Understanding Dairy Intolerance

04:24 Dairy-Free Alternatives and Nutritional Tips

05:48 Comfort Foods and Dairy-Free Eating

06:21 Vitamin D and Final Thoughts

06:51 Join the Well Rooted Matrescence Community

Recipe Mentioned in Episode: Dairy- Free, Grain-Free Chocolate Cupcakes

This episode is brought to you by Well Rooted Matrescence, an mothly membership for pregnant and new mothers focused on cultivating community, nourishing rest + resilience and expanding knowledge on topics related to the transition to motherhood. Join us today for only $9/month or $97/year.

Episode Transcript

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, host Sarah Hardy Walsh, a naturopathic doctor and lactation consultant, provides clear and reliable information on introducing solid foods to your baby. We explore the current recommendations from prominent health organizations, which advocate for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and why this six-month mark is significant. We also debunk common myths or 'false signs' of readiness for solids, such as frequent night waking, a slight slowing of weight gain, and an increased interest in watching adults eat. The episode ends with guidance on addressing concerns related to allergic responses and offers additional resources through the Well Rooted Matrescence Community.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding Exercise for Mothers

02:16 Introduction to Baby Solid Foods

03:20 Current Recommendations for Solid Food Introduction

04:59 Understanding Developmental Readiness

07:18 False Signs of Readiness for Solids

11:24 The Question of Allergy Prevention

13:13 Conclusion and Community Invitation

This episode is brought to you by Well Rooted Matrescence, a monthly membership for pregnant and new mothers focused on cultivating community, nourishing rest and resilience and explanding knowledges on topics related to the transition to motherhood. Join us today for $9/month or $97/year.

Episode Transcript

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, we explore the concept of 'Mom Brain' and its physiological and emotional aspects during the transition to motherhood. We highlight the physical brain changes (neuroplasticity) and the impact of hormones like oxytocin and offer insights into how mothers can embrace these changes and connect with their intuition. We also discuss the discrepancies in research surrounding postpartum cognitive changes and mother's experiences, including the increased mental load that comes with mothering.00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence;

00:40 Grounding Exercise for Mothers;

02:16 Understanding Mom Brain;

03:38 The Science Behind Matrescence + Mom Brain;

07:56 Oxytocin and Emotional Sensitivity;

09:19 Embracing the Wisdom of Mom Brain;

10:11 Conclusion and Community Invitation

Join us in the⁠Well Rooted Matrescence Community⁠. You'll receive immediate access to the full content library (focused on maternal health and wellbeing, infant feeding, infant sleep and family health) and private online community of mothers, to connect in a space away from social media. ⁠Find more information and sign up here⁠.

Episode Transcript

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, we explore how chronis stress impacts matrescence, along with the concept of nourishing mothering resilience. We cover ways we can nourish steadiness amidst the inevitable uncertainties that arise and a favourite, simple practice for quieting the mind and connecting with inner wisdom.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Breath Awareness

02:15 Understanding the Needs of Pregnant and New Mothers

04:07 The Impact of Chronic Stress on Mothering

05:19 Building Mothering Resilience

07:36 Nourishing Practices for Inner Resilience

07:47 Labyrinth Meditation for Mamas

08:35 Conclusion and Next Steps

Learn to Draw A Finger Labyrinth

Join us in the Well Rooted Matrescence Community for support in integrating the labyrinth practice for nourishing mothering resilience. You'll also receive immediate access to the full content library (focused on maternal health and wellbeing, infant feeding, infant sleep and family health) and private online community of mothers, away from social media.Find more information and sign up here.

Episode Transcript

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, host Sarah Hardy Walsh, a naturopathic doctor and lactation consultant, explores the concept of shifting from traditional birth planning to a more adaptable birth preparation mindset. She discusses the limitations and potential emotional risks of rigid birth plans, and introduces 'My Birth Intention' as an alternative, focusing on informed choices and communication. Sarah shares her personal experiences and provides a practical guide to help expectant mothers navigate labor and birth with more confidence and flexibility.

Resource mentioned in this episode:Labor and Birth Preparation Learning Guide

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding into the Present Moment

02:15 Repurposing the Birth Plan

04:42 From Planning to Preparing

06:12 Addressing Fears and Making Informed Choices

07:05 Your Labor and Birth Preparation Guide

08:01 Additional Support and Closing Thoughts
This episode is brought to you by the⁠⁠⁠Well Rooted Matrescence⁠⁠⁠ membership, an online space for pregnant and new mothers including a wisdom-filled content library and a private online community, away from social media.⁠⁠⁠Join today⁠⁠⁠ for $9/month or $97/year.Episode Transcript