Midnight Mama

Perinatal Loss and Grief. The most difficult decision of one mother's life.

This week I began recording for a new series focusing on perinatal grief and loss.  This topic can be triggering for some people, so I caution you to check in with yourself before listening:
This week, Kate joined me to share her story about becoming pregnant and then receiving some information about her pregnancy that would ultimately have her make one of the most difficult decisions of her life.  Kate opens her heart to us and shares her incredible story about TFMR, the stigma and shame that can be associated with this, and how she has found her way through the grief, one small step at a time.
Please, keep an open mind when listening to this episode, and if you want to show some love to her, leave a review.
If you or anyone you know is going through this process, and dealing with the grief of perinatal loss, let's connect and be sure that you have the support and community that Kate talks about in this episode.
Email me:  nkumi@thewholemom.com
Postpartum support international support groups linked here

How to get everything you need without asking for it.

Effective communication is the most essential tool moms can carry in their toolbox (or purse).  Someone once told me that I steer my words like a Ferrari, and I took that compliment and ran with it.  I have learned how to get my needs met without asking, and in this episode I share the "How to" with you.  For those of you who are worrying, or have worried about losing the "masculine energy" you've so proudly created in your life; the energy that has catapulted you into high paying and highly respectable positions, well, let's say it's still there.  Once you learn to re-purpose it an leverage it, you won't be stopped.
If this spoke to you, and you are interested in working together on the development of this skill and energy, let's connect.
Nkumi@thewholemom.com

Outgrowing your environment in motherhood, and finding a safe space

We put so much focus on supporting our children and their growth that we forget we are growing alongside of them, and this might mean "outgrowing" environments.  As you grow and evolve as a mother it is natural for you to feel uncomfortable in places you once enjoyed or found comfort in.  Your circle will change, and sometimes it becomes clear that you need a better, or stronger community to support this new version of you.  Like most jobs, there comes a point where a change is necessary, and sometimes motherhood can put that into perspective for us.  My question is, do you have that circle or are in you in need of a "new environment?"  If the latter is the case, then I invite you to explore my virtual community, The Nest, a monthly subscription that provides you with that environment.  I am launching a new group coaching program this summer that focuses on  Becoming Her, and would love to give you more information on this here
 
As always, if you need some assistance, don't hesitate to reach out nkumi@thewholemom.com

Exploring the Mother Wound and ways to potentially heal from it. A deep dive into this concept with Marene Burke; my mother.

As I close out the series of Birthing Her I thought it was important for me to highlight the most influential woman in my life, who also happened to have given birth to me.  I sat down with my mother to talk a bit about what her life was like, becoming a mother 40 years ago to see what has changed in the world of maternal mental health.  We got vulnerable talking about the mother wound, the one wound we don't realize we have until we become mothers, and ways to recover or triage that wound so we don't bleed on our own children.  How do you learn to become a mother if you didn't have a strong example, and what has that done for you on your own journey?
Tune it to find out.  You will not want to miss this episode, for so many reasons.  Whether or not you have the mother wound, everyone can benefit from hearing this impactful interview between to strong, healthy mamas, who come from the same bloodline.
Please, leave a comment or two letting us know if this was helpful for you.
If you believe you have the mother wound and want to work through this in a safe space, don't hesitate to connect with me @ nkumi@thewholemom.com

From the NICU to helping you with Dr. Jess Daigle, pediatrician and life coach for NICU moms.

I sat down today with board-certified pediatrician/life coach, Dr. Jessica Daigle and talked in depth about her experience  with the NICU from a provider and parent standpoint.  Dr. Jess shares her challenges navigating pregnancy loss, postpartum, and the NICU from the perspective of a mother, and what she is doing to contribute to education, awareness, and support of NICU families. 
Dr. Jessica Daigle is a board-certified pediatrician, neonatal/pediatric hospitalist, and Founder/CEO of Mom & Me MD. She is the proud mother of 2 kids both born prematurely, with 1 staying in the NICU for 5 weeks. 
She has a concierge medical practice in Atlanta, GA that provides local in-home and virtual care services to newborns (with focus on NICU babies) with education and support for their mothers/families to make the transition home easier and less overwhelming. She also offers life coaching for NICU moms to help them navigate life after the NICU and be the confident mom they want to be. 
She lives in South Atlanta with her husband and two kids. Follow her on Instagram @momandme_md

Bringing new life into this world one baby, and mother at a time with Dr. Stephanie Hack

What happens when you see an OBGYN on the evening news and she is talking about maternal mental health?  You find her and immediately connect.  This was the evolution of our friendship and today we talk about how some connections are just meant to be, and how motherhood has allowed for that space to be present in our lives today.  Sometimes, the OBGYNs get a bad rap for not being "informed" about mental health, but Stephanie is anything but uninformed.  She believes so strongly in educating the "Whole Mom" that she has since shifted in her career.  She might not be delivering newborns, but she is still in the arena of delivering...ideas, businesses, and new moms.  Tune into to hear us talk about feeling empowered as mothers to do whatever we truly want to do, without apologies.
"Dr. Stephanie Hack is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, professional speaker, and entrepreneur. Her special interests in health education, meditation, and women's health empowerment have led to a career spanning two decades. From co-hosting television shows to traveling the countryside of Honduras, she has always used her voice to bring awareness to women's health issues.
 
Dr. Hack obtained her medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and a Master's degree in public health from Temple University. She has developed multiple community programs, obtained grants to facilitate community health initiatives, and served as a commissioner for the D.C. Lactation Commission. During her residency at Georgetown University Hospital and Washington Hospital Center, she further developed her skills as a surgeon and educator, providing care for hundreds of women in the DMV area.
 
Dr. Hack considers herself a lifelong learner whose goal is to enjoy life as much as possible, as healthily as possible, for as long as possible. She wishes the same for you, aiming to empower you to live your healthiest, fullest life."
Website: ladypartsdoctor.com
Podcast:  https://blubrry.com/ladypartsdoctor/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ladypartsdoc/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladypartsdoc?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEzZXXaGApNDsyQYiTk4i1Q

What happens when moms are too "busy" to address their mental and physical health? From lingering anxiety, to root canals with Jenna Urban.

There is something to be said about women who play competitive sports entering motherhood, and Jenna and I dive right into that pool of discussion in this episode.  We used to channel our thoughts and anxiety into competitive sports, so what happens when the sports are removed and we have babies?  Tune in to find out the answer to that, and how using those emotions to pivot in motherhood and build business after business while figuring out just who you want to be wearing this new hat.
Jenna Urban once immersed in suits, now thrives in sweatpants. As the owner of Urban Mac Media, she spent 17 years teaching before transitioning to higher education—which didn’t unfold as expected. This ultimately led Urban to pivot towards her family’s businesses – Lawn and Order Landscaping and LMJ Sheds.
Urban’s online journey started back in 2009, when she started a money-saving blog and amplified her media presence in local newspapers and live TV segments. She is a fierce advocate for local businesses and side hustles, providing expert marketing consulting in email, and content creation.
Urban also co-hosts the “Sole Sisters Podcast” with her sister where they empower their audience with relatable stories from women in leadership roles.
Whether seeking direction, contemplating a career change, or aiming for self-fulfillment, Urban strives to instill clarity, confidence, and courage, enabling clients to recognize their unique and impactful purposes. She writes about her transformative shift from traditional work to entrepreneurial success on JennaUrban.net.
 
 

Redefining Motherhood One Hustle at a time with Dr. Lara O.

I had the pleasure of chatting with my longtime sister/friend, Dr. Lara today as we explored a topic minimally discussed "transparently" as it relates to motherhood.  Can I still have my career after babies?  I sat down with Lara today as she shared her experiences with becoming a mom, navigating postpartum, both at home and in her career, and staying true to herself even when it went against the "standard."  From psych hospitals to prisons, and outpatient programs to weddings, Dr. Lara is doing it all, one hustle at a time, and kicking down any door that stands in the way of her calling.  If you are a career-driven woman and mom, or mom-to-be, this is going to be an inspirational and validating episode for you.
Lara Okanlawon, also known as Dr. Lara and The DocMC is a lover of God, wife to one husband (lol), mother to the two most perfect human beings, a Psychologist and overall BOSS.
 Dr. Lara is a seasoned psychologist with over a decade of experience dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities through therapeutic services, training and development, and facilitation services. With a deep commitment to mental health, marriage and relationships, and personal and professional growth, Dr. Lara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every endeavor. Her holistic approach to her work emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and resilience-building, guiding clients toward greater self-awareness and well-being.
With her unique blend of clinical expertise, training acumen, and facilitation skills, Dr. Lara is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others, one interaction at a time. Whether working with individuals in therapy, leading training sessions for professionals, or facilitating group discussions, she embodies her belief in the transformative power of compassion, connection, and growth.
 You can keep up with her through her marital support platform at www.marriagepinnacle.com and on social media outlets at @marriagepinnacle! Be sure to check out her podcast Chats From the Peak on YouTube and on all podcast streaming platforms! For professional services, contact her at drlaraok@gmail.com
 

Giving birth to a baby AND a new business. How Zandra Bonick is proving she can successfully blend all things motherhood.

Meet Zandra, a seasoned finance professional with over a decade of experience in luxury hotels. Her journey took a transformative turn with the arrival of motherhood, inspiring her to blend expertise with entrepreneurship.
Driven by purpose, Zandra founded her online business to offer essential support to entrepreneurs navigating today's complex business landscape. With a focus on empowering individuals to understand their financial numbers and lead with strategic prowess, she's had the privilege of training numerous professionals and guiding them toward holistic success—all while embracing the joys of motherhood.
 
I had the privilege to connect with Zandra last year through a business coaching course and we related on many topics, motherhood to be exact.  In this episode, we talk at length about her experience as a Swedish woman giving birth in the U.S., her fears, anxiety, and all of the unknowns of postpartum.  She shares how her career shifted once giving birth to her son, and how that event propelled her into entrepreneurship a little ahead of schedule.  She brings a unique experience and shares some of the differences related to maternal mental health as it compares in the U.S. to other countries. We had a great casual conversation and looking forward to growing our businesses and friendships for years to come. 
 
You can find Zandra on IG @ zandrabonick and if you are looking for someone to show you where your money is going, especially in entrepreneurship, she is your GIRL.
 
 

Clapping back on bounceback culture and learning to have a healthy relationship with your postpartum body with LevelTEN CEO, Joelle Cavagnaro

There are enough pressures on moms during pregnancy and postpartum, but what happens when we are the ones applying those pressures, especially when it comes to the expectation of "bouncing back?"  Tune into this week's episode where I sit down with LevelTEN CEO, Joelle Cavagnaro and talk about all the things postpartum.  As the owner of a fitness company, and newly postpartum with her second daughter, there might have been a few challenges to "show" up and meet everyone's expectations.  Joelle and I talked a bit about what that looks like, developing a healthy relationship with your WHOLE self, and why this is so important in her business and her personal life.  The mind and body go hand in hand, and learning to love yourself in every stage of motherhood can positively impact your mental health.   Joelle and her coaches prioritize mental health along with the physical, and do this through a variety of services offered to their clients each month.  To learn more about their coaching services and approach to fitness, follow this link.  If you are pregnant or postpartum and looking to start taking care of your health and fitness goals, I recommend Joelle and her team.
Joelle Cavagnaro is the founder and CEO of Level TEN Coaching, an evidence-based fitness and nutrition coaching company that emphasizes individualized training protocols, personalized and periodized nutrition, and mental health. Since leaving her teaching career in high school health and physical education, Joelle has also co-founded another business, Fit Coach Pro, an online fitness coaching software company designed to help coaches streamline and organize their coaching processes. Alongside her two businesses, she is also a mom to two little daughters ages 2 and under (at the time of this recording).
You can find her @JoelleSamantha on IG