Meet Raylynn: Therapist, Beekeeper, and Guide Through Life’s Messy Middle
Breastfeeding Before Birth & Prenatal Power: What I Wish I Knew
When I was pregnant, the idea of “preparing to breastfeed” felt almost laughable. I figured I’d just see how it goes. But after attending a workshop with IBCLC Kathy O’Grady, I realized how much I wish I had known sooner. Breastfeeding isn’t just about instinct—it’s about informed choice, support, and practical skills. Whether you plan to nurse, pump, combo-feed, or use donor milk, feeling prepared makes all the difference. You deserve access to clear information and the power to make decisions that align with your values.
4 Grounding Tools Every Mom Can Try
Parenting by Instinct: How Emotional Awareness Guides Your Best Decisions
What if being a “good parent” isn’t about doing it all perfectly—but about trusting yourself to do what’s right for your family?
I’m so honoured to share that my latest article on parenting by instinct was recently published in [magazine name]! It explores how we can shift from chasing perfection to embracing our inherent worth—and why that matters so much when raising tiny humans.
This piece is for anyone who's ever doubted themselves, compared their journey to someone else’s, or wondered, “Am I enough?” (Spoiler: You are.)
| parenting by instinct | self-worth over perfection | breaking the comparison trap |
Three Years In: From Pandemic Mat Leave to a Practice That Feels Like Home
Amber Sperling reflects on building a trauma-informed private practice from scratch during pandemic motherhood—now a thriving clinic for women’s mental health.
Perinatal OCD: The Silent Struggle of New and Expecting Moms
Healing After a Traumatic Birth: How EMDR Can Help Mothers Recover
Let’s Talk about Introducing Solids to Infants
This blog provides a comprehensive overview of introducing solid foods to infants, covering essential aspects such as recognizing readiness signs, selecting appropriate first foods, establishing a feeding schedule, safely introducing allergens, and ensuring food safety. It also addresses nutritional needs and offers resources for troubleshooting common concerns, empowering parents with the knowledge to navigate this important milestone with confidence.
What my teenager taught me about listening to my body
truggling to understand your body’s needs? You’re not alone. In this blog, learn how a lesson from a teenager can help decode the language of your body—especially when it feels like it’s speaking in riddles. Discover why patience, curiosity, and compassion are key to rebuilding trust with yourself, and explore practical strategies to nurture this relationship, even during the holidays. If intuitive eating or self-compassion feels out of reach, this is the fresh perspective you’ve been waiting for.
The Emotional Backpack: Unpacking Your Child's Day (and Yours!)
The Emotional Backpack: Unpacking Your Child's Day (and Yours!)
Imagine their backpack:
Overstuffed with social drama: Did they have a disagreement with a friend? Were they excluded from a game? Social pressures can be intense for kids, leaving them feeling anxious and insecure.
Bulging with academic worries: Maybe they struggled with a difficult math problem, faced the pressure of a big test, or felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of homework.
Heavy with sensory overload: The constant noise and stimulation of the classroom, the bright lights, and the demands on their attention can be exhausting for some children.
Navigating the Challenges of Modern Parenting: A Deep Dive into the book Impossible Parenting by Olivia Scobie
Parenting in the modern world often feels like a juggling act—between work, personal life, and societal pressures, many parents feel as though they are constantly running on empty. In Impossible Parenting, author Olivia Scobie shines a light on the increasing challenges faced by today’s parents and offers insightful perspectives on how to navigate the pressures and expectations that often seem insurmountable.
In the book several key themes emerge, each offering a critical perspective on the modern parenting experience. The book acknowledges the pressures parents face today and provides many insights on how to navigate these challenges. Here are seven key themes in the book:
1. The Myth of the Perfect Parent
Challenging the unrealistic societal expectations that create the illusion of the "perfect parent." With the rise of social media and the curated images of ideal family life, parents often feel they must meet impossible standards. This book emphasizes that perfection is unattainable and that the pursuit of perfection can lead to stress and burnout. Instead, we should be embracing imperfection and focusing on being present and authentic with children.
2. Pressure to “Do It All”
The book highlights the overwhelming pressure to balance multiple roles—caregiver, worker, spouse, and more—while maintaining a sense of personal fulfillment. The unrealistic expectation that parents, particularly mothers, should excel in every aspect of their lives. The book encourages parents to accept that it’s impossible to do it all, also encouraging them to set realistic goals and ask for help when needed.
3. Parenting in the Digital Age
Technology plays a significant role in modern parenting. It also plays a dual role. While technology can offer educational benefits and connectivity, it also presents challenges such as screen addiction and the impact of social media on both parents and children. It is important for parents to set boundaries around tech use, promote mindful consumption, and balance online and offline interactions to protect family relationships and well-being.
4. The Importance of Self-Care
Olivia Scobie stresses the importance of self-care for parents, arguing that they cannot effectively care for their children if they neglect their own well-being. The book emphasizes that self-care is not selfish, but necessary for maintaining emotional and physical health. Some practical tips for parents are to prioritize their own needs, such as setting boundaries, seeking support, and taking time for personal activities, which can ultimately improve their ability to nurture their families.
5. Building Resilience in Children
One of the most important themes in Impossible Parenting is the idea of fostering emotional resilience in children. Olivia Scobie advocates for allowing children to face challenges, make mistakes, and learn from them, rather than overprotecting them from failure. By supporting children through difficulties, parents help build their resilience and coping skills. This theme underscores the importance of preparing children for the realities of life, teaching them to manage setbacks and bounce back from adversity.
6. Redefining Success in Parenting
Traditional metrics of success in parenting, such as academic achievement, behaviour, and external validation, are often put under the microscope. The book urges parents to redefine what success means in the context of raising children. Rather than measuring success by societal standards, parents should focus on fostering healthy relationships, nurturing emotional intelligence, and creating environments where children feel safe, loved, and supported.
7. Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
Central to Impossible Parenting is the idea of cultivating emotional intelligence, both in parents and children. Olivia Scobie explores how parents can model empathy, emotional awareness, and self-regulation to create a home environment that fosters emotional growth. By developing emotional intelligence, parents can better navigate difficult situations, communicate effectively with their children, and teach them how to understand and manage their own feelings.
Each of these themes in Impossible Parenting highlights the struggles that modern parents face and offers a roadmap for how to approach these challenges in a more balanced, realistic, and compassionate way. The book encourages a shift away from unattainable ideals and toward a more humane, flexible approach to parenting that focuses on emotional connection, self-compassion, and resilience.
The Real Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Moms—and How to Find Relief
Sleep deprivation is a common struggle for new moms, but it can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. Lack of sleep can increase stress, irritability, and even contribute to postpartum mood disorders. In this post, we share practical tips to help you manage sleep deprivation, from taking naps when your baby sleeps to creating a relaxing bedtime routine. You deserve rest, and with a little support and self-care, you can navigate this challenging period with more ease.
A Tender Moment, Lost to Food Rules
The pressure to look and eat a certain way because of my career was overwhelming. Combine that with undiagnosed postpartum anxiety and poor body image, and it’s no wonder I felt out of control.
Insomnia, part of my anxiety, made everything worse. I was exhausted from caring for a newborn, my emotions were unpredictable, and my hunger/fullness cues were inaudible.
Healing After Birth Trauma: How EMDR Can Help You Reclaim Your Story
Struggling to move forward after a difficult birth experience? You’re not alone. Traumatic births can leave lasting emotional scars, but EMDR therapy offers a proven way to heal, reframe your story, and reclaim your confidence. Discover how this powerful approach can help you find peace and strength on your postpartum journey.
Navigating ADHD as a Woman: Understanding the Intersection of Gender, Society, and Executive Function
At the core of many women’s experience with ADHD lies a complex web of internalized beliefs about what they “should” do or how they “must” behave. These beliefs are often shaped by societal messages about femininity, productivity, and success. For example, many women feel uncomfortable when they are not busy or productive, leading to guilt when they attempt to rest or take a break.
A new mother’s journey with breastfeeding
A Conversation with Kelly Armstrong - Registered Midwife - Orillia Midwives
Our topic was surrounding a new mother’s journey with breastfeeding
Here are eight important factors to consider
Loving Your Body Without Always Liking It
You don’t have to like how you look to be body positive. A healthy relationship with your body isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, even when things feel messy.
Feeling Overwhelmed as a New Mom? Here’s How to Find Support That Actually Helps
Feeling the Holiday Food Fear? You’re Not Alone.
Are the holidays stirring up food guilt or fear around sugar? You're not alone. In this heartfelt piece, Dr. Kerri shares her journey from restrictive eating and a "breakup letter" with sugar to finding freedom through intuitive eating. Learn how shifting your mindset around food can transform your holiday experience—and the lessons you're passing on to your kids. Discover how to make peace with holiday treats and start a new tradition of balance and joy. Ready to embrace a different way? This post is your starting point.
The Impact of Screen Time: Understanding the Risks of Phone Use and How Parents Can Set Healthy Limits
It's important for us parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive screen time. By setting healthy limits, leading by example, and encouraging a balanced lifestyle, we can help our children navigate the digital world in a safe and responsible way. The goal is not to eliminate screen time completely but to manage it in a way that promotes mental, physical, and social well-being.