No One Told Us

What if "mom brain" isn't something to laugh off, but evidence that your brain is undergoing one of the biggest transformations of your life? In this episode, Rachael sits down with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Nikki Pensak to explore the science behind the postpartum brain, why anxiety is so common after having a baby, and what every mother deserves to know about her mental health.

Together, they unpack the brain changes that occur during motherhood, why maternal instinct isn't as automatic as we're often told, and how sleep deprivation, stress, and trauma can shape the postpartum experience. Dr. Pensak also shares why healing is possible, how mothers can recognize when they need support, and the hope that can come through post-traumatic growth.

Inside this episode:

What "mom brain" really is and why it happens

How neuroplasticity reshapes the brain during motherhood

Why postpartum anxiety is so common and often overlooked

The myth of maternal instinct and what actually builds confidence as a parent

How stress and sleep deprivation affect the maternal brain

Understanding birth trauma and the possibility of post-traumatic growth

Signs it may be time to seek support for postpartum anxiety or depression

Why self-care is a vital part of maternal mental health

How social media can impact new moms….for better and for worse

Dr. Nikki's inspiration for writing Rattled and helping mothers feel less alone

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Rattled by Dr. Nikki Pensak

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

Instagram | Tiktok | Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if raising your kids didn't have to look like everyone else's? In this episode, Rachael sits down with entrepreneur and Boundless Life founder Elodie Ferchaud for a conversation about choosing a different path, raising resilient kids, and creating a family life that feels aligned with your values…not someone else's expectations.

From leaving the corporate world to raising four children while living around the globe, Elodie shares how travel has changed the way she parents, why she's become a more relaxed mom over the years, and what different cultures have taught her about childhood, education, and community. Whether you're dreaming of worldschooling or simply looking for inspiration to parent more intentionally, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what family life can look like.

Inside this episode:

Why Elodie left the corporate world to build a life of more freedom and flexibility

How parenting four kids has shifted her perspective over the years

What different cultures can teach us about raising children

How travel helps kids build confidence, resilience, and independence

The surprising ways parenting support looks different around the world

What inspired Elodie to create Boundless Life

Rethinking school, learning, and what children really need to thrive

The power of community, especially when you're far from home

Why stepping outside your comfort zone can transform your family

How to create a life that feels intentional, connected, and true to your values

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Boundless Life

Montessori Method

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

Instagram | Tiktok |  Website 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Rachael sits down with child safety educator and founder of Safe Beginnings, Holly Choi, to talk about one of the biggest challenges of parenting: keeping our kids safe without feeling like we have to bubble-wrap them. If you've ever worried about baby-proofing your home, questioned whether your car seat is installed correctly, wondered which safety recommendations actually matter, or felt overwhelmed by all the potential dangers parents are told to watch out for, this conversation is for you.

Holly shares practical, evidence-based safety tips for babies and toddlers while helping parents understand the difference between healthy risk-taking and true hazards. This episode is equal parts educational, empowering, and reassuring and will leave you feeling more confident about creating a safer environment for your child.

Inside this episode:

The most common injuries babies and toddlers experience

Understanding the difference between risks and hazards

Hidden dangers many parents overlook in their homes

The childproofing essentials every family should know

How to think one step ahead when it comes to safety

Common car seat mistakes parents make

How to make sure your car seat is installed correctly

Water safety basics every parent should know

The importance of layers of protection around water

Balancing safety with independence and exploration

How to protect your child without parenting from fear

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Safe Beginnings

Instagram: @safebeginnings

Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs)

Water safety resources

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

Instagram | Tiktok |  Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're BACK for Season 2! In this kick-off episode, Rachael sits down with therapist, author, and attachment expert Eli Harwood (aka Attachment Nerd) to separate fact from fiction when it comes to attachment.

If you've ever worried that one parenting decision could ruin your child's attachment, wondered if sleep training permanently damages connection, or felt pressure to parent perfectly, this conversation is for you.

Eli shares what secure attachment actually looks like, why repair matters more than perfection, and how parents can break generational patterns without carrying shame for their own mistakes. This episode is equal parts reassuring, validating, and empowering and will leave you feeling a little lighter about the job you're doing.

Inside this episode:

What secure attachment really means (hint: it's not attachment parenting)

The biggest myths parents believe about attachment

Why "good enough" parenting is actually the goal

The barriers that make connection feel harder in modern parenthood

The truth about attachment and sleep

How to repair after parenting mistakes and difficult moments

Why boundaries and secure attachment go hand in hand

Navigating parenting differences with your partner

How self-awareness, forgiveness, and self-compassion shape the parent-child relationship

Why your child doesn't need a perfect parent…they need YOU!

& so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:


Eli's website: attachmentnerd.com


Instagram: @attachmentnerd


Book: How to Deal With Your Sht So Your Kids Don't Have To*

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

Instagram | Tiktok |  Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever found yourself navigating a tricky situation with your in-laws? In this conversation, Rachael interviews Dr. Tracy, a psychologist and couples therapist, all about the topic of in-laws and how they can affect relationships with significant others. Dr. Tracy provides lots of tips for communication and speaking up in uncomfortable situations and how to handle challenging family dynamics with respect. 

Inside this episode:

How in-law and family dynamics impact relationships

How to set and enforce healthy boundaries with in-laws and parents

The difference between requests vs. boundaries

Navigating relationship challenges as new parents

How to handle relationships with toxic family members and the option of going no contact

Help finding ways to nurture the connection with your partner

The power in trusting yourself and tuning out outside advice

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Tracy’s website: ⁠https://www.drtracyd.com/⁠ 

Dr. Tracy’s podcast: ⁠I’m Not Your Shrink⁠

Dr. Tracy’s instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd/?hl=en⁠ 

Dr. Tracy’s Book: ⁠I Didn’t Sign Up for This ⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit⁠ heysleepybaby.com⁠ and follow⁠ @heysleepybaby⁠ on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of⁠ Hey, Sleepy Baby⁠, and the host of this podcast.

⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Tiktok⁠ | ⁠ Website⁠ 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices