What's Up Wednesday!

On today’s episode, we are revisiting our very first episode of For the Love of Parenting, where we introduced the concepts of self-love and self-care in the journey toward parenthood. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’re reflecting on these themes in the context of gratitude—not just for family, friends, and all we cherish, but also for ourselves.

As we discussed in episode one, self-love is the foundation for nurturing our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, setting us up to be the best parents we can be. Just as Thanksgiving encourages us to appreciate the people around us, self-love invites us to turn that gratitude inward, embracing our own resilience, strengths, and growth as individuals and parents.

Today, we will revisit these essential self-love practices, connecting them with the season of gratitude and discussing practical ways to prioritize self-care during the holiday rush. Join us as we reflect on how fostering self-compassion enriches not only our own lives but also the lives of those we love.

A. Free Download
Download Your Self-Love/Self-Care Checklist Now!

B. Visit Other Episodes In The Self-Love/Self-Care Series
Episode 2 - Embracing Self-Care in Motherhood
Episode 4 - Reflection Exercise - End of Self-love/Self-care Series

Contact:
For The Love of Parenting Podcast - Sponsored by Pregnancy Concepts LLC

DM us on IG @pregnacyconcepts

Email us at askus@pregnancyconcepts.com

Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.

What's Up Wednesday!

November marks National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the realities of diabetes and support those managing the condition. One form of diabetes that particularly impacts mothers-to-be is gestational diabetes, a temporary but significant diagnosis that requires careful attention to ensure both mom and baby stay healthy.

Today on For the Love of Parenting podcast we’re marking this important time by repurposing our popular episode, Self-Love/Self-Care and Gestational Diabetes (Episode 3). In this episode, we dive into the details of gestational diabetes, addressing everything from what it is and why it occurs to how it can be managed with the right steps. This episode is an empowering guide for expectant mothers and families, covering practical strategies to monitor blood sugar levels, make dietary adjustments, and work closely with healthcare providers to navigate a healthy pregnancy.

Be sure to visit my website, www.pregnancyconcepts.com, where you can download a free Blood Glucose Log by hovering over the Podcast section for freebie access. This helpful tool is here to support you in tracking your levels and staying organized throughout your pregnancy journey!

***PLEASE NOTE:***
While the Amazon contest and scavenger hunt featured in the original episode have ended, you can still share your journey with self-love and self-care by sending your photos to my IG account. And if you’re up for a knowledge check, listen to the first three episodes of our self-love/self-care series and see if you can answer the scavenger hunt questions below! Answers are included for you to test your knowledge:

Question #1 – From Episode #1, Nurturing Self-Love During Parenthood: What are the five aspects of self-love discussed that are especially helpful for first-time moms?
Answer: self-compassion, self-worth and confidence, self-care, personal growth, and celebrating achievements.

Question #2 – From Episode #2, Embracing Self-Care in Motherhood: Name three self-care hacks suggested for moms to incorporate into daily routines.
Answer: getting your schedule game on, embracing "good enough," and embracing help.

Question #3 – From Episode #3, Self-Love/Self-Care and Gestational Diabetes: List any three risk factors associated with developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
Answer: obesity, advanced maternal age, family history of diabetes.

Thank you for tuning into this repurposed episode, where we offer helpful guidance on managing gestational diabetes and practical tips for caring for yourself during pregnancy!

Contact:
For The Love of Parenting Podcast - Sponsored by Pregnancy Concepts LLC

DM us on IG @pregnacyconcepts

Email us at askus@pregnancyconcepts.com

Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.

What's Up Wednesday!

In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, this episode of "Born into Silence" shines a light on the experiences of families who have endured the profound heartbreak of losing a baby. This month is dedicated to honoring these often-hidden losses and standing in solidarity with those who carry them. We remember lives that were far too brief and offer a space of compassion and community for those affected.

Joining us is Sadija A. Smiley, an inspiring advocate for grieving families and the founder of Stillborn And Infant Loss Support (SAILS), a nonprofit organization based in Maryland. After the stillbirth of her beloved daughter, Ivyanna Salene, Sadija transformed her grief into a powerful mission, creating a sanctuary of healing for other families navigating similar pain. With her background as an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, speaker, and author, Sadija’s journey from mourning mother to supportive leader is a testament to the resilience that can emerge from even the darkest places.

In today’s episode, we explore Sadija's personal story, her work through SAILS, and the importance of community in healing. Tune in as we honor the memories of these cherished lives, hold space for enduring love, and foster a community of understanding and remembrance for all who walk this difficult path.

A. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Resources

I. Organization

Stillborn and Infant Loss (SAILS)
Sadija Smiley, Founder
Website: www.bornintosilence.org
Email: admin@bornintosilence.org
Phone: 410-941-9061

II. Books

1. From Father to Father: Letters From Loss Dads to Loss Dad
2. You Are Not Alone: Love Letters From Loss Mom to Loss Mom
3. Loved Baby: 31 Devotions Helping You Grieve and Cherish Your Child after Pregnancy Loss. A Devotional Book on How to Cope, Mourn and Heal after Losing a Baby
4. The Grief Recovery Handbook
5. Grieving Dads: To the Brink and Back
6. Welcome To The Sh!t Club: A Male's Perspective on Stillbirth, Grief, and Loss
7. Still Here: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Triumph After Stillbirth

**Disclosure Statement:**

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This affiliate advertising program is designed to provide a way for Pregnancy Concepts, LLC to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Contact:
For The Love of Parenting Podcast - Sponsored by Pregnancy Concepts LLC

DM us on IG @pregnacyconcepts

Email us at askus@pregnancyconcepts.com

Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.