As a doula and newborn care specialist for over 20 years, I can tell you this with certainty : Parents are drowning in misinformation about sleep.

From "sleep regressions" to teething, dream feeds, early rising, and even sleep supplements - there are so many myths circulating that it's no wonder parents feel confused and exhausted. In this episode, I'm breaking down the most common newborn sleep myths and giving you something far more powerful than trendy advice: Clarity.

Because newborn sleep varies widely, and while every baby is different, sleep is not random.It can absolutely be molded with the right foundation and responsive parenting practices.

We'll talk about:

• Why sleep regressions aren't inevitable?

• Why is teething often blamed incorrectly?

• What actually works when babies wake early?

• Whether dream feeds help?

• And why supplements are rarely the solution?

Good parenting isn't about doing everything perfectly.

It's about having the right information.

Listen now to build a strong sleep foundation - without fear-based myths driving your decisions.

PS: You can shop the ErgoPouch range of organic sleepwear and save 15% with code WAMTM here.

You can follow Brandi and her work @deardoulapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments, and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com.

Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!
If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.

Welcome to Season 4 of Dear Doula. After an intentional break, I'm back to talk about the emotional load of parenting and how the way we frame it shapes our experience. Modern parenting is often painted as exhausting and miserable, and I think it's worth questioning what that mindset does to us and our families.

In this episode, I share why 2025 felt overwhelming for me and what I'm choosing to do differently in 2026—being more intentional, putting myself back on my own list, and focusing on connection over survival.

Resources:
• Follow me on Instagram: @brandijordanofficial
• Follow the podcast: @deardoulapodcast
• Questions or topic ideas: brandi@deardoulapodcast.com

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Season 4 of Dear Doula & why I took a parenting break
01:00 – The emotional load of parenting in 2026 and modern parent burnout
02:30 – Why social media frames parenting as miserable (and how that affects us)
03:10 – "You only get 18 summers": borrowed time and raising children intentionally
04:00 – Parenting mindset shifts: connection, gratitude, and emotional presence
06:40 – Why 2025 felt overwhelming as a working mom and business owner
09:10 – Putting yourself back on the list: self-care for parents in 2026
12:30 – Creating family non-negotiables and a parenting manifesto
15:10 – Intentional parenting vs perfectionism
18:00 – Reframing difficult stages: toddlers, tweens, and teens
20:30 – How to raise children more peacefully and intentionally in 2026

TW: This episode contains adult content of a sexual nature

As a doula, I've had countless conversations with new parents navigating the complexities of intimacy after childbirth. Whether it's regaining libido, feeling physically or emotionally more comfortable having sex, or adjusting to the significant hormonal shifts postpartum, there's a lot tied into it.

This week, I'm joined by one of the best people in the business to help me unpack these issues: somatic sex educator Kiana Reeves. Our conversation highlights the importance of patience, understanding, and open communication in postpartum intimacy and Kiana encourages us to prioritize self-care, redefine intimacy, and seek professional support when needed. As the chief education officer for sexual wellness brand Foria®, we also get to hear her top product recommendations for enhancing intimacy after childbirth!

References

Visit the Foria® website

(Use discount code "DearDoula" for 20% off all Foria® products!)

Follow Foria® on Instagram

Connect with Kiana:

Follow her on Instagram

Visit her website

Steamy Chick Institute

Ellen Heed

Tami Lynn Ken

Kimberly Ann Johnson

You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!

Audio Stamps

• 01:27 - Brandi's guest, Somatic Sex Educator Kiana Reeves, tells us about her background and the people she serves.
• 03:23 - Kiana discusses the emotional, physical, and hormonal aspects of postpartum intimacy.
• 09:22 - As the chief education officer at Foria®, Kiana shares how this company and its products cater to the female body.
• 11:03 - Brandi and Kiana discuss how lack of sexual education can cause problems further down the line with consent and sexual pleasure.
• 14:42 - Kiana talks about the role of sexual pleasure in childbirth and the shame surrounding this.
• 15:41 - We find out what moms should focus on to maintain sexual health and wellness and what to do if you're still struggling in the pleasure department.
• 21:54 - Kiana explains how to judge if someone is a reputable sex therapist or not.
• 24:50 - Brandi asks about the stigma surrounding somatic vaginal work.
• 30:32 - Kiana recommends some fun products that she thinks listeners would enjoy using and trying