In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, Sarah Hardy Walsh, a naturopathic doctor and lactation consultant, offers guidance on transitioning to a dairy-free nutrition. The episode explores common symptoms of dairy intolerance, alternative sources of calcium, healthy fats, and protein, and ways to maintain traditional comfort foods while avoiding dairy.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding Exercise for Mothers

02:11 Understanding Dairy Intolerance

04:24 Dairy-Free Alternatives and Nutritional Tips

05:48 Comfort Foods and Dairy-Free Eating

06:21 Vitamin D and Final Thoughts

06:51 Join the Well Rooted Matrescence Community

Recipe Mentioned in Episode: Dairy- Free, Grain-Free Chocolate Cupcakes

This episode is brought to you by Well Rooted Matrescence, an mothly membership for pregnant and new mothers focused on cultivating community, nourishing rest + resilience and expanding knowledge on topics related to the transition to motherhood. Join us today for only $9/month or $97/year.

Episode Transcript

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, host Sarah Hardy Walsh, a naturopathic doctor and lactation consultant, provides clear and reliable information on introducing solid foods to your baby. We explore the current recommendations from prominent health organizations, which advocate for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and why this six-month mark is significant. We also debunk common myths or 'false signs' of readiness for solids, such as frequent night waking, a slight slowing of weight gain, and an increased interest in watching adults eat. The episode ends with guidance on addressing concerns related to allergic responses and offers additional resources through the Well Rooted Matrescence Community.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding Exercise for Mothers

02:16 Introduction to Baby Solid Foods

03:20 Current Recommendations for Solid Food Introduction

04:59 Understanding Developmental Readiness

07:18 False Signs of Readiness for Solids

11:24 The Question of Allergy Prevention

13:13 Conclusion and Community Invitation

This episode is brought to you by Well Rooted Matrescence, a monthly membership for pregnant and new mothers focused on cultivating community, nourishing rest and resilience and explanding knowledges on topics related to the transition to motherhood. Join us today for $9/month or $97/year.

Episode Transcript

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, we explore the concept of 'Mom Brain' and its physiological and emotional aspects during the transition to motherhood. We highlight the physical brain changes (neuroplasticity) and the impact of hormones like oxytocin and offer insights into how mothers can embrace these changes and connect with their intuition. We also discuss the discrepancies in research surrounding postpartum cognitive changes and mother's experiences, including the increased mental load that comes with mothering.00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence;

00:40 Grounding Exercise for Mothers;

02:16 Understanding Mom Brain;

03:38 The Science Behind Matrescence + Mom Brain;

07:56 Oxytocin and Emotional Sensitivity;

09:19 Embracing the Wisdom of Mom Brain;

10:11 Conclusion and Community Invitation

Join us in the⁠Well Rooted Matrescence Community⁠. You'll receive immediate access to the full content library (focused on maternal health and wellbeing, infant feeding, infant sleep and family health) and private online community of mothers, to connect in a space away from social media. ⁠Find more information and sign up here⁠.

Episode Transcript

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, we explore how chronis stress impacts matrescence, along with the concept of nourishing mothering resilience. We cover ways we can nourish steadiness amidst the inevitable uncertainties that arise and a favourite, simple practice for quieting the mind and connecting with inner wisdom.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Breath Awareness

02:15 Understanding the Needs of Pregnant and New Mothers

04:07 The Impact of Chronic Stress on Mothering

05:19 Building Mothering Resilience

07:36 Nourishing Practices for Inner Resilience

07:47 Labyrinth Meditation for Mamas

08:35 Conclusion and Next Steps

Learn to Draw A Finger Labyrinth

Join us in the Well Rooted Matrescence Community for support in integrating the labyrinth practice for nourishing mothering resilience. You'll also receive immediate access to the full content library (focused on maternal health and wellbeing, infant feeding, infant sleep and family health) and private online community of mothers, away from social media.Find more information and sign up here.

Episode Transcript

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, host Sarah Hardy Walsh, a naturopathic doctor and lactation consultant, explores the concept of shifting from traditional birth planning to a more adaptable birth preparation mindset. She discusses the limitations and potential emotional risks of rigid birth plans, and introduces 'My Birth Intention' as an alternative, focusing on informed choices and communication. Sarah shares her personal experiences and provides a practical guide to help expectant mothers navigate labor and birth with more confidence and flexibility.

Resource mentioned in this episode:Labor and Birth Preparation Learning Guide

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding into the Present Moment

02:15 Repurposing the Birth Plan

04:42 From Planning to Preparing

06:12 Addressing Fears and Making Informed Choices

07:05 Your Labor and Birth Preparation Guide

08:01 Additional Support and Closing Thoughts
This episode is brought to you by the⁠⁠⁠Well Rooted Matrescence⁠⁠⁠ membership, an online space for pregnant and new mothers including a wisdom-filled content library and a private online community, away from social media.⁠⁠⁠Join today⁠⁠⁠ for $9/month or $97/year.Episode Transcript

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, we explore the essential skill of hand expression of breast milk. From understanding the benefits of hand expression, both prenatally and postpartum, to practical tips on how to practice and maximize its effectiveness, this episode covers the information a mother needs to confidently incorporate hand expression into her breastfeeding journey.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Breath Awareness

02:57 Getting to Know Your Breasts

04:01 Prenatal Hand Expression

05:32 Postpartum Hand Expression

07:09 Hand Expression and Pumping

07:35 Conclusion and Further Resources

*FREE* Prenatal Hand Expression + Colostrum Collection Guide

This episode was brought to you by the Well Rooted Matrescence Community - a private online space for pregnant and new mothers to nourish connection, clarity and confidence on their transition to motherhood. Join us today and access the entire content library and supportive community of mothers.Find more details + sign up here.

Episode Transcript

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, we explore the impact of stress on breastfeeding and a mother’s access to her breastfeeding instincts, along with practical tools and practices to foster inner calm and support nervous system resilience.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Connecting with Your Body

02:16 Understanding Breastfeeding Challenges

04:03 Cultivating Calm and Support

04:52 Reflecting on Your Practices

05:30 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

This episode is brought to you by the Well Rooted Matrescence Community - a private, online space for pregnant and new mothers containing a wisdom filled content library, a supportive community of mothers and a knowledgeable guide for your transition to motherhood. Find details and sign up here!

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, we explore the pressures that new mothers often face to do it all on their own or with very little help and the significant role that a supportive community can play in supporting mothers’ feeding experiences. We wrap up with actionable reflections on how mothers can identify and build their own 'village' of support to improve breastfeeding outcomes and overall maternal well-being.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Mindfulness Exercise

02:15 Challenges of Breastfeeding

03:07 The Importance of Organized Community Support

03:45 Partner, Grandmother and Family Involvement

05:49 Reflection and Building Your Support Village

06:52 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

This episode has been brought to you by the Well Rooted Matrescence Community - a private online community, away from social media, alongside a library of content to support you through pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Join us today!