Embark on a transformative journey through motherhood with the Entering Motherhood podcast, hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger. As a mom of two, wife, certified birth and postpartum doula, and passionate advocate for intentional motherhood, Sarah Marie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every episode. Join us as we delve into mindful healing, holistic parenting practices, and reflective exploration of generational impacts. From preconception to postpartum, Sarah Marie guides us through intentional conversations, sparking curiosity and empowerment during pregnancy, birth, and the often-overlooked postpartum period. Our mission is to equip you with the tools you need to heal, thrive, and embrace motherhood while staying true to your own individual identity. Join us as we empower you to become the mother you aspire to be, with confidence and authenticity!
Episodes
Monday Apr 26, 2021
Monday Apr 26, 2021
Courtney has been through preeclampsia and a caesarean and is here to share her story with us through it all. We talk about what it was like for her to start tracking her blood pressure at 32 weeks and how she really wasn't even informed why or what was going on. Then at 33 weeks she had hit the number the doctors told her about went in, had to wait a few hours, and then was admitted for 24 hours of monitoring. Her stay ended up turning into 3 days and it was determined that she had mild preeclampsia.
She was able to return home but then at 35 weeks headed back to the hospital because she was experiencing contractions and when she arrived it was determined she was already 3-4 cm dilated. She talks about what this was like and her feelings of anxiety and how she wasn’t sure what was going on. The caesarean rate at this hospital was low and the doctor tried to have her remain in labor for as long as possible but when her babies heartbeat started to drop it was time to head to the operating room.
As soon as her baby was born she was sent off to the NICU and Courtney couldn’t even get to see her daughter until 27 hours after she was born. She doesn’t remember much due to the medication she was on for the caesarean but she shared her feelings of failure and hate towards her daughter for having to go through so much. She talks about how she still felt so alone and afraid at around 8 weeks postpartum and was asking her doctor what was going on.
Her daughter is now approaching 2 years old and their connection has drastically improved. She has also discovered that in sharing her story with others she has found tremendous healing and gained some serious empathy. I am so appreciative of this conversation and the courage Courtney has to talk about the hard side of motherhood and the things most keep hidden.
Feel free to check out her blog Knock on Motherhood or the podcast her and her husband have started called Knock on Parenthood.
Contact Courtney Smith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knockonmotherhood/
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Monday Apr 19, 2021
We talk about what it was like for Kelli to enter motherhood for the first time and what it’s been like since. When first looking into foster care her coordinator had said if it’s meant for you it will work out. She had always wanted kids so she found a way to make that possible even though she was single and hadn't had kids of her own yet. Even though it took a bit longer to finally be placed with a child, in less than 3 months she worked hard and made it possible to become eligible to be a foster mom. Kelli needed to prepare for any age and all the potential trauma that that comes with fostering.
Like many new moms, she still faced the fears of ‘can I actually do this?" and "I don’t know what I’m doing!” and she also took part in getting to share the news with her family. She realized that there was a lot of learning and growing in her journey and that she was now responsible for things like doctors appointments and setting rules, but overall she said she has never felt more purposeful and more fulfilled than when she is a foster mom. She soon realized she needed to put everything she had into someone else day and night and later learned how to find ways to still find time for herself. She suggests that other new foster moms learn to say yes to people that offer to help you and find things that the kids can do that are fun for them so you can have some time for yourself.
The transition of sending them back to their family is what you hope for but its still hard and very bitter sweet. Her family has been supportive and her nieces and nephews also love the idea but they also feel the separation when the kids transition back to their family. Some might say it’s hard to see them go but Kelli reassures us that It’s hard to let them go but these kids need this love and they need people to hold that space for them, the whole point is to care too much.
If you’re looking into being a foster parent yourself reach out to other foster parents in the area and get to know the steps that are needed specifically for you. If you know a foster mom be sure to take a moment to appreciate them, be empathetic, and support them where you can. After all, we are all mothers coming together on this journey of Entering Motherhood.
Recommended Books
The Connected Parent by Lisa Qualls and Karyn Purvis PhD
The Connected Child by Kryn Purvis PhD
The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene
Contact Kelli Boyce
Instagram @fosteringsolo
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Hannah and I talk about our cesarean section experiences and what it was like for us during postpartum. If you didn’t know, April is Cesarean Awareness Month and we are so passionate about sharing our point of view and what we personally went through on such a relevant topic, and we're not afraid to speak out about the parts moms typically don't talk about.
After Hannah’s second child she felt like she had a lot to say and wanted to share it with other moms so she started a blog called Keeping it Peachy. We highlight parts from her one post “The mental recovery post-Caesarean section that nobody talks about” and dive deep into how we felt physically and more so mentally after a cesarean section.
We both agree that it’s just so awesome that even though we’re on different sides of the world we can still connect and have these amazing conversations about motherhood. We are certainly not alone and there is so much goodness that can come from sharing our stories and expressing how we’re feeling in each stage of being a mom.
I hope this conversation helps make you feel more connected and feel normal in those early moments as you are entering motherhood. Be sure to join us in the Entering Motherhood Facebook Group and share your thoughts on this episode.
Contact Hannah Lantry:
Website: https://keepingitpeachy.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepingitpeachytheblog/
Monday Apr 05, 2021
Monday Apr 05, 2021
In this episode we speak with Angela, creator and yoga teacher behind Feel at Om, about mindfulness and yoga specifically focused around motherhood. We discuss how taking time for yourself and prioritizing you is important in being able to be ALL there and present with our family. Sometimes all we need is just another mom to be there to support us and guide us along and let us know how to potentially navigate this journey.
It’s so often heard that when mom in a good mood, the whole family is in a good mood. Yoga is not only an amazing workout but also an amazing way to recenter and allow yourself to be more in-tune with yourself and be present with others. We embrace the process of letting go and learning to cope with this transition of motherhood.
The program with Angela is starting May 3rd 2021. It is designed to occur over 6 weeks but is able to be taken at your own pace. Be sure to head on over to her website and get to know more information about her program and preregister. She acknowledges that it doesn’t always have to be that serious and you can be present with your kids even just by dancing in the kitchen or simply reading a book.
Catch the guided meditation at the end of the episode for a little extra added bonus. Let us know what shape you envisioned and be sure to join us in the Entering Motherhood Facebook Group and share your thoughts on this episode.
Contact Angela Mattingly:
Website: https://feelatomyoga.com
Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/feelatomyoga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelatomyoga
Monday Mar 29, 2021
Monday Mar 29, 2021
Megan Champion, the host of On The Hard Days, and I talk about the challenging moments of motherhood and what her journey has been like having a child who may be tough to handle. She is an elementary school teacher, wife, and a mom of three (7 year old twins, and a 4 year old).
Over the years she has found ways to navigate this journey into motherhood and ways to accept her children for who they are help see them where they’re at and support them to the best of her ability. She admits that she does not have it all together, no-one does, but she has found that accepting herself and taking moments to recognize what she brings to the table has helped tremendously. Remember you are not alone and there are more moms out there that are going through exactly what you are going through.
The first step she suggests on being able to do this yourself is to take a piece of paper and think of just one small moment and jot down all the positive strengths that you brought to that situation to support your children. She gives an example of how she did this as she was cooking dinner with her children.
Megan’s main mission is to support mothers who specifically are raising those tough kids, the ones who say “I didn't see this coming when I started parenting”, “this child is really different from me”, or “this child is struggling”. If you feel like there’s a mismatch and you’re feeling shame or guilt going on as a mother, she says these are her people and if this sounds like you please reach out to her.
Contact Megan Champion:
Website: https://www.ontheharddays.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/432579651389988
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/on.the.hard.days/
Monday Mar 22, 2021
Monday Mar 22, 2021
In this episode we talk with Megan Danelz, owner of Heart Strings Music Therapy Services located in Greenville, SC. We discuss how music can be used to help children develop speech and motor skills to be able to communicate more efficiently and improve social skills in everyday activities.
Specifically we dive deep into two major interventions used in the NICU that can be used to prepare baby to be ready to come home sooner. Those two things worked on are non-nutritive sucking and multimodal stimulation. For non-nutritive sucking the goal is to have the baby being able to feed on their own by a using a PAL (pacifier-activated-lullaby) system. She also walks us through the steps used for the multimodal stimulation process that helps newborns be used to being over stimulation in a positive way.
Megan’s favorite thing about what she does is being able to help any person at any walk of life reach their fullest potential through the use of music. This work not only benefits our children but directly helps us mamas to be closer with our children in a fun and interactive way. It also can help our children grow and progress. What mother doesn't want for her children? This can be such a calming stress relieving experience for all involved.
Contact Megan Danelz:
Website: https://heartstringsmts.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/HeartStringsMTS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartstringsmts/
Music Lessons: https://goldenstripmusicschool.com
To find a music therapist in your area go to: https://www.musictherapy.org
Monday Mar 15, 2021
Monday Mar 15, 2021
In this episode I explain how you can begin to heal your postpartum body simply by being more aware of the type of food you fuel your body with during this time. The main components to consider when choosing meals in the postpartum period would be to have them be fully cooked, warm, contain as few ingredients as possible, and be high in protein and fats.
With more and more research being done about women in the postpartum period it makes me so eager to be on the front line of this and share all the information I'm discovering and learning about everyday. I seriously geek out about this stuff and love sharing it with y’all.
It’s important to understand that we are all different and all require a deeper understanding of how our own individual bodies are functioning and reacting to the food we consume in order to properly heal.
Listen in on this episode to learn how to get started on healing your postpartum body.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entering_motherhood/
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/enteringmotherhood/
1:1 Coaching: https://www.enteringmotherhood.com/1on1coaching
Postpartum Nutrition Course: https://www.enteringmotherhood.com/group-course
If you’re looking to become a certified postpartum nutritional coach email me at enteringmotherhood@gmail.com
Monday Mar 08, 2021
Monday Mar 08, 2021
In this episode we speak with Jo Ingram about the birth of her first daughter and the traumatic experience she had during this time. She experienced postpartum hemorrhaging and ultimately ended up having to receive a subtotal hysterectomy.
She shares her story of finding support during this time for other PPH mothers and how she modeled others journey through surrogacy to take the same route for her life. Taking one step at a time she successfully completed her family with a set of twin girls years after her daughter with the help of a surrogate.
We discuss how it’s important to find a place to share our disappointments and worries as well as our joy. There is such a need to share that early motherhood phase together with other moms who are in the same stage of motherhood. Finding a postpartum support group before the birth of your child can be helpful so that you have that support set in place before the baby comes.
Her own personal mantra in her life and in her business is “I can make the impossible, possible”.
How to contact Jo Ingram:
Instagram: @iamjo.ingram
www.iamjoingram.com
Podcast: Action Taker Tribe
Monday Mar 01, 2021
Monday Mar 01, 2021
This episode is full of so many authentic moments Leah and I have experienced throughout motherhood so far. As a mother of 3 she has had years of transitioning into motherhood and shares what she has found to be most meaningful as she travels along this journey with faith and love by her side.
To best enjoy this episode I strongly encourage you to take a moment to yourself and enjoy listening in on our conversation over your favorite cup of coffee or warm drink of choice. Sharing a conversation and a cup of coffee is one of Leahs favorite things to do and also how we met.
She is a doula in the Greenville area and loves serving women and being there for them during their transition into motherhood.
How to contact Leah Kilmer:
Loving Birth Doula Services on Facebook
@doulaleahdawn
Monday Feb 22, 2021
Monday Feb 22, 2021
We explored the benefits of having a pelvic floor therapist during pregnancy and postpartum with Dr. Ashlee De Nooy, owner of Body Works Women's Health and Wellness. Her knowledge on women’s health is so comforting and it was interesting to hear her discuss what we can notice in our own bodies to better improve our health.
Ashlee also explains to us what a first visit looks like at a pelvic floor therapy appointment. She talks about how something as simple as breathing is a core concept that is able to allow us to have better pelvic floor health.
The individualized care is ultimately what makes the difference when going to a specialist and allows for a deeper understanding of what each client is experiencing in their own unique body.
How to contact Dr. Ashlee De Nooy:
Body Works Women’s Health and Wellness
Located in Greer, SC