Dear Doula

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

In this episode of Dear Doula, I'm sharing what I actually recommend parents have ready for the first days home with a newborn.
As a postpartum doula and lactation consultant who has supported families for nearly two decades, I know how overwhelming those early days can feel. There are endless product lists, conflicting advice, and so much pressure to get everything right. The truth is that you do not need as much as you think. What you need most is support, rest, and a few thoughtfully chosen essentials.
We talk about feeding, diapering, sleep, postpartum recovery, and the small things that can make a big difference in your confidence during those first 48 hours at home. My goal is to simplify the experience so you can focus on bonding with your baby and healing.
If you are preparing for a newborn or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you feel more calm, prepared, and grounded.
Resources & Products Mentioned
• 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]
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome: The first days home with a newborn
06:11 Feeding essentials: breastfeeding and bottles
12:11 Postpartum care for new moms
18:00 Sleep basics and swaddling guidance
22:30 Simplifying baby products and reducing overwhelm
Key Takeaways
• The first 48 hours at home are about bonding and adjustment, not perfection
• Swaddling can dramatically improve newborn sleep and regulation
• Postpartum recovery deserves just as much attention as baby care
• You do not need dozens of products to care for a newborn well
• Confidence grows quickly when parents feel supported and prepared

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 [email protected].


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: [email protected]
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 [email protected]. 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