There are few moments more exhilarating – and scary – than the moment you return home with your newborn baby from the hospital and realize that this precious life is now literally in your hands.
As you seek advice from family and friends on how to take care of yourself and your baby, consider another source of inspiration: podcasts. The thing about podcasts is that you can listen to them whenever you have a spare moment, even when you’re doing other things. (And, yes, you’re going to be very busy.) Here’s a list of some of the very best podcasts for new moms.
Made by Mammas
(Available at: Apple, Audible, Spotify)
Created and hosted by Georgia Dayton and Zoe Hardman, two friends who happened to get pregnant around the same time, “Made by Mammas” follows their journeys through pregnancy and into the first years of motherhood. Georgia and Zoe talk to various experts about issues of relevance to new parents, including strategies for getting your kids to fall and stay asleep for the night and how to get your body back in shape after birth.
Mum’s The Word
(Available at: Apple, Podtail, Spotify)
“Mum’s The Word” is the brainchild of Dr. Kaz Jaffe, a chiropractor and mom of two young kids who runs a large pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic practice. In line with her medical training, Jaffe devotes much energy to discussing how women can stay healthy pre and post-partum.
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Newbies: New Moms, New Babies
(Available at: Apple, Audible, Spotify)
Unlike the prior podcasts, “Newbies: New Moms, New Babies” focuses exclusively on what happens after child birth: how moms can best take care of themselves and their babies. Produced by Natalie Gross, a journalist, and Kristen Stratton, a doula, with a combined five young kids between them, this podcast explores topics such as how to baby proof your home and what young moms can do to cultivate their mental and emotional health.
One Bad Mother
(Available at: Apple, Player FM, Spotify)
Sometimes, as a new parent, you just want to sit down and have a good belly laugh about it all. When the mood strikes you, listen to “One Bad Mother.” Co-hosted by Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn, two moms of young kids who both work in the comedy business, this podcast pokes fun at all the crazy, silly things that babies do every day and that moms have to deal with. If you enjoy their podcast, get a copy of their equally funny book “You’re Doing A Great Job.”
The MomForce
(Available at: Apple, Libsyn, Spotify)
Vanessa Quigley, the creator of “The MomForce,” knows a thing or two about how to take care of yourself while also taking care of your baby. The mom of 7 kids, she’s managed to establish a successful photo book company by the name of “Chatbooks.” On her podcast, she explores topics like how to: maintain a positive body image after birth, make new friends in your community, and cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with your partner.
The Mom Hour
(Available at: Apple, Audible, Spotify)
Like “The MomForce,” “The Mom Hour” offers lots of great advice on how to take care of yourself as a new mom. This long-running podcast (it began in 2015) was founded by Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers, two experienced media and communications professionals with a combined eight kids (Meagan: five; Sarah: three). On their podcast, Meagan and Sarah cover topics like what to eat for optimal well-being and how to avoid excessive worrying.
The PedsDocTalk
(Available at: Apple, Podtail, Spotify)
Finally, listen to “The PedsDocTalk,” the popular parenting podcast founded by pediatrician and mom Dr. Mona Amin. On her podcast, Amin talks to other experts in the fields of child development and health and answers questions submitted by parents. Recent episodes explore topics such as dealing with problems with breastfeeding, detecting hearing loss in babies and preventing your kids from becoming picky eaters.