Blooming in Motherhood

The Importance of Sleep, Self-Care, and Community with Pediatric Sleep Specialist Ella Hanover | Episode 23

Join me for this conversation for growing moms with pediatric sleep specialist and Brooklyn mom, Ella Hanover. Ella shares her expert insights into helping babies and toddlers sleep through the night — and the transformative impact it can have on the whole family. From navigating sleep training to creating independent sleepers, Ella offers practical advice for parents struggling with sleepless nights and unsustainable routines.
Ella’s approach isn’t one-size-fits-all: she emphasizes the importance of tuning into each baby’s unique needs, whether it’s through understanding sleep associations, wake windows, or the balance between flexible parenting and structured sleep routines. With warmth and empathy, she guides parents through the often challenging process of sleep training, offering the confidence and support they need to help their little ones (and themselves) get the rest they deserve.
In this episode, you’ll also hear about Ella's personal journey as a single mom and the invaluable role of community and self-compassion in parenting. With a focus on resilience, flexibility, and self-care, this episode is full of wisdom for parents looking for reassurance and practical tools to navigate the challenges of raising young children.
We talk about:
❀ Sleep training tips for babies and toddlers
❀ Understanding sleep needs and wake windows
❀ Independent sleep routines and the importance of consistency
❀ The emotional and practical challenges of sleep training
❀ The importance of community, asking for help, and being kind to yourself as a parent
Whether you’re a first-time parent or navigating sleep with your second (or third!) child, this episode offers the support, tools, and encouragement you need to make sleep struggles a thing of the past.
Tune in for expert advice and heartfelt encouragement that will leave you feeling empowered and ready to tackle the challenges of sleep — and motherhood — with confidence. ❀
Resources:
❀ Ella Grace Sleep Solutions

How to Strengthen Your Relationship as New Parents: Insights from Couples Therapy with Anna McDonald | Episode 22

Join me for this conversation for growing moms with Anna McDonald, a licensed therapist specializing in couples therapy and postpartum support.
In this episode, Anna shares her journey from a childhood aspiration of becoming a social worker to founding her own practice, where she uses the Gottman Method to help couples strengthen their bonds, especially during the demanding early years of parenting.
Listeners will learn about the common relationship challenges new parents face, including communication breakdowns and shifts in household responsibilities. Anna emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing conflict rather than viewing it as a negative experience. She provides insights into the Gottman Method, which is based on over 40 years of research, offering structured communication techniques to enhance connection and empathy in relationships.
Anna also highlights the significance of proactive relationship maintenance, encouraging couples to invest time in learning about their partnership before crises arise. With practical advice and recommended resources, including books and podcasts, this episode equips listeners with valuable tools to navigate the complexities of parenthood while nurturing their relationships.
Tune in to discover how to transform relationship struggles into opportunities for growth and connection! ❀
Resources❀ Thrive Therapy and Couples Counseling Website
❀ Solly Baby Wraps - use code “poppy.therapy10” for 10% off
❀ Podcast: Marriage Therapy Radio
❀ Podcast: Love and Sex Unfiltered
❀ Book: Fight Right: How Successful Couples Turn Conflict into Connection
❀ Book: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
❀ Workshop: November 17th: Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work in Lakewood, CA

Self-Compassion and Psychological Flexibility for a Calmer Motherhood with Kristin Mize | Episode 21

Join me for this conversation for growing moms with Kristin Mize, a licensed therapist, motherhood empowerment coach, and mom of three boys.
In this episode, Kristin talks about motherhood has grown her self-compassion, mindfulness, and kindness - and how she supports other mothers to do the same.
We talk about:
❀ Psychological flexibility in pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and baby sleep
❀ What Kristin wishes all moms knew when it comes to preparing your mental health for having a baby or adding another baby to your family
❀ How to prepare for birth and be flexible around birth plans and expectations
❀ Finding your own “maternal instinct”
❀ Developing and cultivating self-compassion in parenting
❀ Setting boundaries around what works for YOUR family
❀ How black and white thinking can contribute to anxiety, depression, and perfectionism
❀ A framework for making decisions while avoiding anxiety spirals and self-doubt
❀ And of course, her words of wisdom for moms who are in it right now
Join us!
Resources❀ FREE DOWNLOAD: Maternity Leave Checklist
❀ Kristin’s Website❀ Calm Mom Collective Facebook Group

Motherhood and Business Intertwined: Becoming a "Why Choose?" Mom with Tori Sprankel | Episode 20

Join me for this conversation for growing moms with Tori Sprankel, a mom to two and an expert at personal brands for go-to girlies. You already know her work from, well, this podcast! Tori has played a huge part in growing Poppy Therapy and this podcast - she's someone I look up to both in business and in motherhood and I'm thrilled to share this conversation with you! 
This episode is especially for you if you are in the messy middle of figuring out how to shift your work life to fit motherhood wondering if there's another way or if you're an entrepreneur juggling it all 🤹‍♀️ As a mom to two girls, Tori believes in showing them that a cubicle isn't the only way to make a living - that having the freedom and courage to change lives through your own dreams is worth more than any paycheck.
In this episode, you'll hear about Tori's journey from being torn up at having to drop her baby at childcare to work a job that didn’t fit, to finding a work-life formula that did fit her family - and how Tori has grown through shifts and challenges to step into motherhood and business with clarity and confidence.
We talk about:
❀ Romanticizing life and the small moments
❀ Being a “why choose?” mom - why choose between being a present mother and using your skills to build something that impacts the world?
❀ The wild ride of losing her corporate job the day she brought a new baby home from the hospital - and how the uncertainty of that time also brought her freedom
❀ Working mom guilt (including some mindset shifts and mantras for the hard days)
❀ Dinosaurs and poop - being enthralled with what your kids are enthralled with
Join us!
"I'm the "why choose?" - I want both. I want the kids and I also want to have parts of my day look like I don't have kids. You can have both and it's okay to want both."
Tori is an expert at personal brands for go-to girlies + her obsession is turning that pretty little pinterest board of yours into the brand you’ve always dreamed of. She loves working with women who need that boost of brand magic to back up their killer service suite that the world desperately needs. She specializes in lighting-fast turnaround to help you show-up efficiently, confidently and consistently where it matters most these days: online.
Resources❀ BLOG: Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: 3 Ways to Feel Less Overwhelmed❀ Sign up for Tori's Nothin' Fancy Friday Emails here!
❀ Shop Solly Baby wraps here (and use code "poppy.therapy10" for 10% off!)
You can learn more about Tori and all of her services at www.torisprankel.com

Finding Peace through Adjusting Expectations and Embracing Change with Dr. Julie Franks | Episode 19

Join me for this conversation for growing moms with Dr. Julie Franks, a therapist specializing in mom anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and burnout. In this episode, Julie shared about her own experiences living with anxiety through fertility struggles, pregnancy loss, a high-risk pregnancy, and constantly adjusting to the challenges of motherhood!
We talk about:
❀ Living with anxiety - and why anxiety is not always obvious
❀ Julie’s unexpected experiences in pregnancy - including extreme sickness and bed rest - and how she used self-talk and gratitude to help her through
❀ Recognizing grief over missing out on experiences that she’d hoped for, like a babymoon, a maternity photo shoot, and prenatal yoga classes
❀ How motherhood has given her the ability to “rise to the occasion” with calm and confidence
❀ Finding peace - and her voice - through learning to lean into challenges and changes - and letting go of expectations
Join us!
"My life got so much easier when I could really lean into what was working for me and our family."
 
Dr. Julie Franks is an experienced & licensed mental health therapist for moms, an expert in women's mental health, & a social work educator + researcher. She specializes in mom anxiety, and supports moms online with psychoeducation, resources, and tools that bring relief (and really work!!). Most importantly, she is a mom who is right there with you in experiencing the social pressures/demands of motherhood and the stress it creates. She live on Bainbridge Island, WA with her 2 year old son, husband, and 4 dogs.
 
Resources
❀ BLOG: Do I Have Postpartum Anxiety?
❀ BLOG: Birth Trauma: How to Heal from a Traumatic Birth
❀ BLOG: Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: 3 Ways to Feel Less Overwhelmed
❀ You can learn more about Julie and her resources for anxious moms at www.nurturingthesisterhood.com

Navigating the Complex and Beautiful Journey of NICU Parenting with Jodi Klaristenfeld | Episode 18

Join me for this conversation for growing moms with Jodi Klaristenfeld, mother of a 28-week preemie NICU graduate and the founder of FLRRiSH. In this episode, Jodi shares about the unexpected early birth of her daughter, her NICU experience, and how her motherhood journey has brought her to support and empower NICU parents.
We talk about:
❀ Navigating the complex and beautiful world of becoming the mother of a NICU baby
❀ Special NICU milestones and celebrations 
❀ The mix of emotions NICU families experience - from fear and worry to wonder and pride
❀ Adjusting expectations of motherhood and learning to trust your child's own journey in their development and growth
❀ Practical challenges like feeding your baby and returning to work when your baby has an extended NICU stay
❀ The strength and resilience of NICU babies (and their parents)
This episode gives such insight into the challenging journey of having a baby in the NICU - and all that comes after. 
Join us!
 
"Sometimes in life, we don't have choices - we put one foot in front of the other even though we don't necessarily know how we do it. And then we see all the beauty and and the celebrations throughout."
 
Resources
❀ BLOG: Caring for Your Mental Health with a Baby in the NICU❀ BLOG: 5 Ways to Bond with Your Baby in the NICU
❀ SUPPORT GROUP: Support and Connection Group for NICU moms❀ You can learn more about Jodi and her resources for NICU parents at https://www.flrrish.com
Jodi Klaristenfeld is a mom to an adorable little girl who was born at 28 weeks due to a rare and life-threatening form of preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. After her daughter's early birth, Jodi quickly discovered preemie moms and dads aren’t always given the support they need. As a result, she created FLRRiSH, a platform that offers NICU parent education, empowerment, support and resources to help families navigate this beautiful and challenging journey. Jodi, her husband, and her family live in NYC.

Strength and Acceptance in Motherhood with Jenna Overbaugh | Episode 17

Join me for this conversation for growing moms with Jenna Overbaugh, a licensed professional counselor, anxiety and OCD expert, and mother.
In this episode, Jenna talks about how becoming a mother has grown her strength, self-compassion, acceptance, and authenticity.
We talk about:
❀ The unexpected challenges of becoming a mom - all those things that don't make it onto the highlight reels
❀ The identity shift she experienced as an academic and career driven professional becoming a parent
❀ Adjusting to the lack of external validation in motherhood and learning to trust herself 
❀ Intrusive thoughts and anxiety in postpartum and motherhood
❀ Doing things with her son now that seemed impossible in the early days
❀ OCD, anxiety, and effective treatment - and how to know when you should get help
This episode is packed with relatable, insightful stories from Jenna and her expertise as the go-to girl for anxiety and OCD treatment. Join us!
 
"There are always going to be challenges, but you can rise to meet those challenges as long as you are meeting yourself with acceptance and self-compassion. And you're gonna get a whole heck of a lot stronger."
 
Resources❀ BLOG: How to Manage Postpartum Anxiety and Scary Thoughts❀ QUIZ: What Kind of Support Do You Need to BLOOM in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources!❀ You can learn more about Jenna and her work at https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com
Jenna Overbaugh is a licensed professional counselor based in Wisconsin and has been working with people who have OCD and anxiety since 2008. Previously, she worked at world renowned facilities including Johns Hopkins Hospital and Rogers Memorial Hospital, where she treated some of the most debilitating cases of OCD and anxiety in the world.  She has contributed to several peer reviewed literature articles as well as spoken at national conferences on OCD, anxiety, hoarding, and related issues.  She is the host of the "All The Hard Things" podcast and the creator of her signature program "The OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint".  She’s also mom to a 5 year old and has lived experience with OCD and anxiety.
 

Blooming in Motherhood: Season Two Trailer!

Learn about the "new and improved" podcast and what to expect from season two, including:
❀ Guest episodes with mothers who have been through it as they share the stories of what it was like for them
❀ Interviews with experts with the knowledge and skills in everything from baby and toddler sleep to pelvic floor health to child development - all to help you navigate the early years of motherhood.
❀ Short solo episodes from me, Molly Vasa Bertolucci, a licensed perinatal mental health therapist and mother of two on a parenthood learning journey, just like you.
We’ll touch on topics like postpartum and maternal mental health, practical challenges like feeding and sleep in the early years, relationship changes and challenges, and identity shifts (oof, that’s a big one).
If you want to know how other moms got through it, learn from experts, and be supported in embracing change, learning and growing, and BLOOMING IN MOTHERHOOD...  you’re in the right place.
I can't wait - thanks for joining me for these conversations for growing moms.
 
Resources:
Poppy Therapy Website
Blooming in Motherhood Website

Dr. Cassidy: Anxiety and Growth in Becoming a Mother | Episode 16

Season one finale episode!
And a name change! Our First Year is now Blooming in Motherhood - with more exciting changes to come. I can't wait to see how this podcast grows and develops. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the guests and listeners of this first season. 
 
For this special finale episode, I'm talking with Dr. Cassidy Freitas.
Cassidy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and mom to three with a virtual group private practice in California where she supports parents navigating fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and parenting young children. She hosts the top-rated wellness and parenting podcast Holding Space and shares supportive tips and strategies for millennial parents over on Instagram @drcassidy.
 
On this episode, Cassidy talks about her own experiences in postpartum and parenting that have led her to the work that she's doing today.
We talk about:
✨ Models of parenthood from our own parents
✨ Breaking cycles of perfectionism
✨ Sleep deprivation and the impact on mental health
✨ Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders for both parents
✨ Breastfeeding challenges
✨ Learning, growth, and healing for many years through parenthood
This episode is jam packed with wisdom and insight from Cassidy. Join us! 
Resources
✨ BLOG: Managing Sleep Deprivation with a New Baby
✨ QUIZ: What Kind of Support Do You Need to BLOOM in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources!
✨ You can learn more about Dr. Cassidy and her private practice
at www.drcassidymft.com

Pelvic Floor Health in the First Year: Expert Interview with Dr. Carri Dominick | Episode 15

We are joined today for an expert interview with Dr. Carri Dominick!
Carri is a pelvic floor physical therapist and the owner of Recharge Therapy in Long Beach, California, where she supports people during pregnancy and postpartum recovery as well as helping people with pelvic floor dysfunction live their best lives. 
In this podcast episode, Carri talks about:
Common reasons birthing people seek out pelvic floor therapy in the first year of parenthood
How pelvic floor physical therapy can help in recovery after birth
What an initial assessment, sessions, and course of treatment might look like for a pregnant or postpartum person seeking out physical therapy for pelvic floor symptoms
Signs and symptoms to watch for in pregnancy and postpartum and how to prepare your pelvic floor for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum
Returning to fitness after having a baby
That it's never too late to seek out help and support - common does not mean normal! 
Join us!
Resources:
What Kind of Support Do You Need in Motherhood? Take this quiz for a personalized list of free resources!
From Dr. Carri Dominick:
Recharge Therapy Website
Recharge Therapy on Instagram
Recharge Therapy on TikTok
Recharge Therapy on Facebook