Laura Sandoval-Sweeney is back as a guest to discuss the postpartum period after birth. In today’s fast-paced world, the postpartum period is often misunderstood and underestimated. Many believe that six weeks is sufficient for recovery, but the truth is far more complex. In this episode, Ciarra dives into a compelling discussion with Laura Sandoval Sweeney, a mental health therapist, to explore the realities of postpartum experiences that can extend well beyond that six-week milestone.

Laura (pronounced Loud-ah) Sandoval-Sweeney is a mental health therapist and owner of Laura Sandoval Therapy in Austin, Texas. With over a decade of experience as a therapist, social worker, and educator, Laura now specializes in supporting high-achieving, anxious moms—particularly those navigating postpartum, trauma, and burnout. Known for her warm, no-BS approach, she helps moms feel more grounded, present, and connected in their everyday lives. Outside of the therapy room, she’s raising a fierce, sensitive toddler and sharing candid, relatable content on motherhood and mental health at @‌laurasandovaltherapy on Instagram.

Website: www.laura-sandoval-therapy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasandovaltherapy/

Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts.

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com

Other ways to connect:

http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com http://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

In this conversation, Amy Volk, a registered nurse and lactation consultant, discusses the various types of lactation providers, their qualifications, and the importance of seeking support both prenatally and postnatally. She emphasizes the need for parents to recognize signs that may indicate the need for lactation support and the role of insurance in accessing these services. The discussion also highlights the importance of co-care among different healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive support for breastfeeding families.

Amie Volk, MSN, RN, IBCLC (she/her/hers) is a registered nurse with six years of pediatric and newborn experience. Her first job as a nurse was in labor, delivery, and postpartum. This job is what really piqued her interest in supporting breastfeeding and chest feeding families. She has worked at a pediatric clinic for the past three years where she has particularly enjoyed helping new families transition into their role as parents. Amie completed her lactation specific education and clinical hours through University of California at San Diego’s Pathway 2 Program.

She is passionate about educating and empowering parents in their feeding journey and is interested in seeking further education and experience in perinatal mental health, bottle refusal, and exclusive pumping. Amie strives to provide inclusive, empathetic, and evidence-based care to all families, no matter what their feeding journey looks like.

Amie is available for home visits in Central and North Austin, office visits in North and South Austin, and virtual visits worldwide.

https://www.itsmorethanmilk.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/amievolk.lactation

Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts.

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com

Other ways to connect:

http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com http://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

In this conversation, Kaitlyn Scott, a labor and delivery nurse and birth photographer, shares her unique experiences of pregnancy, labor, and the transition to becoming a labor and delivery nurse. She discusses her personal journey of having two babies outside of the hospital, the importance of having a doula, and the empowering experience of home birth. Caitlin also reflects on her career shift to labor and delivery nursing and the significance of supporting mothers during childbirth.

Kaitlyn Scott is a dedicated labor and delivery nurse and seasoned ER nurse whose career sits at the heart of life's most transformative moments. With a unique blend of clinical expertise and deep compassion, she supports families through both the expected and unexpected. Beyond the hospital setting, she is also a birth and family photographer, capturing powerful and intimate stories about birth and families. Her perspective behind the camera is shaped not only by her nursing experience, but by her own journeys - having two out-of-hospital births. With a rare combination of professional insight, lived experience, and artistic vision, she brings a grounded and empathetic view on birth.

Website: https://www.kaitlynscottphotography.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaitlynscott_photography Special Offer: If you book birth photography with her, she will throw in a FREE maternity shoot or newborn shoot!

Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts.

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com

Other ways to connect:

http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com http://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com