BONUS: How to Cope When Nothing Seems to Be Happening (When You're Trying To Get Pregnant)
In this deeply compassionate episode of Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline opens up about the emotional toll of the “waiting season” during the fertility journey. Whether you’re waiting for test results, a cycle to begin, or answers that feel impossibly out of reach, Jacqueline shares her own experiences and insights to help you feel seen and supported during this often invisible and very isolating stage. She offers grounding practices, mindset shifts, and an invitation to rest rather than constantly prepare — reminding you that this season is not wasted.What you'll hear:Why the “waiting season” can feel so overwhelming — and why it’s not actually a passive phasePractical tools to ground yourself when everything feels out of control (daily rituals, journaling prompts, affirmations)The importance of reframing rest as necessary, not indulgent, while trying to conceiveHow therapy and community support can be essential tools, even if you’re “just” in the waitingMentioned in the EpisodeClick here to take the Fertility Path QuizPLAYLISTS:TTC + InfertilityMiscarriage, Loss, & GriefWhen You or Your Child Are Given a DiagnosisPregnancy + PostpartumSurrogacyParenting + Self ImprovementTop 10 Episodes of 2024Connect with the podcast:Facebook: Motherhood Intended CommunityInstagram: @motherhood_intendedLeave a review for the podcastApply to be a guest on the show!Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!Support the showIf you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12
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15:14
The Village We All Deserve: A New Chapter in Infertility and TTC Support
Season 5 comes to a close with a heart-to-heart from host Jacqueline Baird—reflecting on the powerful stories shared, the community built, and a new chapter that’s just beginning.In this special solo episode, Jacqueline opens up about her own fertility journey and the inspiration behind Your Fertility Village—a new support community for women navigating infertility, IVF, TTC, loss, surrogacy, or adoption.She also shares: 💛 A look back at Season 5’s most meaningful moments 🎧 New Spotify playlists curated by topic (so you can find what you need, when you need it) 🌻 What to expect inside Your Fertility Village 📅 Season 6 will premiere August 21—with bonus episodes over the summerIf you’ve ever felt alone on your path to motherhood, this episode is for you. 👉 Join the waitlist for the Village at bit.ly/yourfertilityvillagePLAYLISTS:TTC + InfertilityMiscarriage, Loss, & GriefWhen You or Your Child Are Given a DiagnosisPregnancy + PostpartumSurrogacyParenting + Self ImprovementTop 10 Episodes of 2024Connect with the podcast:Facebook: Motherhood Intended CommunityInstagram: @motherhood_intendedLeave a review for the podcastApply to be a guest on the show!Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!Support the showIf you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12
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6:10
Why Baby Bonding Matters More Than Baby Gear with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie
In this episode, Jacqueline sits down with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist and AAP spokesperson, to explore what truly builds a strong foundation between parents and their newborns. From NICU realities to bonding after surrogacy, this episode is a science-meets-heart deep dive into connection, communication, and ditching the pressure to “do it all.”What you’ll learn:Why bonding isn’t about perfection—it’s about presenceHow early relational health impacts brain developmentThe science behind skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo careWhat to know about birth plans, baby gear, and bonding expectationsHow babies communicate through crying and cooingThe truth about sleep training, co-sleeping, and newborn needsWhy it’s okay if love doesn’t happen “at first sight”How your baby benefits from your support systemMisconceptions about newborn needs and bonding “rules”Why “you are enough” matters more than anything elseQuestions answered in this episode:What happens in the brain when a baby bonds with a caregiver?Is it possible to bond deeply if you didn’t carry your baby?Does skin-to-skin actually do anything physiologically?What should you do if bonding doesn’t happen right away?Are birth plans helpful—or harmful?Is it okay if I’m not a “baby-wearing mom”?Can babies really communicate through different cries?What’s the science behind co-sleeping or sleep training?How can parents build trust and resilience in their baby?What do newborns really need most from us?Connect with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie:Instagram: @jopargalinkiemdBook: The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting with Your NewbornAAP Parent Resource: HealthyChildren.orgConnect with the podcast:Facebook: Motherhood Intended CommunityInstagram: @motherhood_intendedLeave a review for the podcastApply to be a guest on the show!Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!Support the showIf you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12
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1:10:28
Parenting Multiple Kids While Pregnant With a Heart-Defect Diagnosis With Betsy Goldbeck
In today's episode, Jacqueline sits down with Betsy Goldbeck, a mom of four, to share the emotional and complex journey of her son Aiden, born with a serious heart defect. From an unexpected diagnosis mid-pregnancy to a traumatic birth and multiple hospital stays, Betsy opens up about life as a special needs mom, the toll it’s taken on her family, and the resilience that continues to carry them forward. This is a story of strength, advocacy, and faith—and a reminder that you’re never alone in your motherhood journey.What you’ll learn:What it’s like to receive a heart defect diagnosis mid-pregnancyThe emotional toll of hospital life, medical trauma, and postpartum recoveryHow Betsy navigated motherhood with three other kids during a NICU stayAdvice for new moms facing medical diagnoses in pregnancy or postpartumThe importance of self-advocacy, boundaries, and trusting your intuitionWhat day-to-day life looks like with a child who has a feeding tube and developmental delaysHow her support system, including Fit4Mom and her church, carried her throughThe role of faith and perspective in walking a challenging pathHow siblings can be powerful advocates and helpers for a special needs babyThe joys of celebrating small milestones that feel enormousGet Connected:Facebook: Motherhood Intended CommunityInstagram: @motherhood_intendedLeave a review for the podcastApply to be a guest on the show!Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!Support the showIf you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12
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1:24:09
Working Mom Life From Corporate to Entrepreneur: How Evonne Roman Built Sweet Gear
In this episode of Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline chats with Evonne Roman who is a single mom, entrepreneur, and the founder of Sweet Gear about the transformative journey from corporate life to creative independence. Evonne shares the deeply personal story behind her business launch, the realities of solo parenting, and how reclaiming her identity fueled her professional and personal reinvention. Whether you’re dreaming of a new path or in the thick of a tough season, this conversation will leave you inspired to take that next brave step!What you’ll learn:What inspired Evonne to leave corporate life and start her businessHow she balances solo motherhood with entrepreneurshipThe role of intuition, timing, and resilience in navigating career shiftsWhat it takes to build a business from scratch as a single momWhy networking and real-life connections matter as much as online growthHow she structures her day for both flexibility and focusThe importance of accepting help and prioritizing self-careTools and routines that help her stay grounded and productiveThe mental health impact of entrepreneurship after personal hardshipEncouragement for moms thinking about making a career changeConnect with Evonne Roman:Sweet Shop GearInstagram: @sweetgearshopMailing List: Sign up via her shop for 15% off your first order!Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!Support the showIf you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12
Are you tired of scrolling your feed only to see the highlight reel version of motherhood? Join Jacqueline Baird, a passionate mom here to support other women on their unique journeys to motherhood and beyond. You’ll hear from experts in the fields of women’s health, fertility, and family planning, as well as from the brave women who want their unique stories to be heard. We’ll talk about unexpected paths taken, miraculous moments experienced, and how we keep going on this beautiful and ever-changing journey as mom.This podcast will also document Jacqueline’s current life as a mom of three, plus many reflections and insight from her decade long infertility journey including multiple losses, IVF, preterm deliveries, surrogacy, and more. Stay tuned as her family’s story continues to unfold.If you feel like you can’t always relate to the picture-perfect stories you see, follow the podcast now and join a community that’s getting real about what it takes to be a mom.