Mom's Special Too

Welcome to Episode 15! We did it!!! Our FINAL episode of Season 1 is here. Thanks again to all of you that have supported us this year. Today we have an amazing guest who I am sure you will love as much as I do: Ziggy Makant, AKA Zig Fit Mama. 

Ziggy is an Instagram sensation, helping moms to embrace everything that comes with motherhood. Ziggy shares her journey as a young mother and how she has found her way and miraculously balanced her time as an entrepreneur raising two small children. She offers great advice for those of you wanting to launch your own business, even for those of you that aren't sure what it is you wish to do. 

Highlights include:

• How Ziggy created her Brand.
• Her Postpartum journey. 
• Why choosing joy is your precursor to success.
• Doing what is achievable and attainable. 
• The importance in reaching out.
• How habits build self-confidence.
• Why treating ourselves like we are pregnant is the best form of self-care. 
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In this episode I also share more about my personal journey with Postpartum Anxiety and the experience I had with guilt as a new SN mother. A reflection on how I would have done things differently had I known what I know today. 

"We want to set our children free from thinking they are responsible for how we feel."   ~Katherine

Welcome to Episode 14! In today's show I interview TedX speaker and founder of The Conscious Parenting Revolution, Katherine Winter Sellery. We cover the shortcomings found in a controlling form of discipline and introduce a softer approach to parenting. If you find that your child exhibits the 3 Rs: Retaliation, Rebellion and Resentment, then Katherine's solution may just be what you are looking for.  This interview is LOADED with so many golden nuggets that this small description does not do it justice, 

Some highlights include:

• The need to learn to be together and the importance in accepting different beliefs in our family systems and the world. 
• The Belonger vs the Autonomous Child and how to approach these children differently.
• Why ODD gets mistaken for an autonomous child. 
• How to meet resistance with curiosity instead of anger.
• Getting everyone's needs met.
• How to be an orchestra conductor instead of a boss.
• Learning to be considerate through the experience of it. 
• Why buying obedience through manipulation doesn't work.

This is an episode you don't want to miss!!

"We know that people are able to regulate their emotions by an internal dialogue, so we need to be able to support their ability to have an internal dialogue."    ~Katherine

Welcome to Episode 13! Today Stephanie calls into the show from Greece to share her SN journey with us. Stephanie is a Counselling Psychologist, specialising in addiction. Trained in mindfulness, Stephanie's vision is to bring mindfulness to schools in Greece. 

In this episode you will learn what mindfulness is and how it can dramatically improve your daily life. Highlights include: 3 mindfulness practices you can begin using today, on the spot mindfulness tools and tips on implementing a mindfulness practice for your children. Stephanie has a teenage son on the spectrum so for those of you that have younger children, Stephanie's experience offers hope and excitement for the days ahead. 

Stephanie can be reached at: steflanomou@gmail.com

Welcome to Episode 12! On today's episode I interview Karin Ferrari, SN mother to 3 young children including her 7 year old daughter Arianna, who has Down Syndrome. In this episode Karin takes us on her journey from diagnosis to current-day life, sharing with the concerns and blessings she has experienced along the way. Karin offers tips on how to stay organised, including her favourite apps she relies on to stay consistent and productive in her daily life.  We also dive into mom-guilt and what to do to avoid it. 

If you have a young child with DS, this interview will especially give you hope on what lies ahead for you. Enjoy the show!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone!! Thank you for your continued love and support.

Elektra and I share a Holiday message with all of you, including a rundown of the last four episodes of Season 1. Next week we have Karin Ferrari sharing her SN story, followed by three amazing mothers sharing tips on early motherhood, conscious parenting and mindfulness. We hope you will join us!

Welcome to Episode 11! In today's interview I chat with a long-time friend, Dr. Kristin Maloney, Naturopathic Physician and Homeopath. Dr. Maloney covers the use of homeopathy for women's health, including hormone and mood regulation as well as tips for boosting the immune system. Highlights include:  a case study involving a non-verbal child, 3 remedies Kristin always has on hand, and seed cycling for hormone health. 

NOTE* The end of our interview got cut-off and  did not record so I have included Kristin's list of immune boosting tips below:

1. Andrographis.
2. Vitamin C 1-2 grams.
3. Vitamin D - number one association with COVID deaths is low vitamin D, so get tested. Optimal vitamin D levels are 50-70.
4. Vitamin A is a wonderful anti- viral that is underutilized. Can do a few days of high dose, not during pregnancy and use caution because it can store in the liver and cause toxicity, so work with someone knowledgeable.
5. Propolis - a resin made by the bees, is a super anti- microbrial. Dr. Klinghardt talks about using it effectively to treat SARS.
6. NAC- is a wonderful mucolytic ( thins the mucus) and is the pre- cursor to glutathione- our mother antioxidant.

Other nutrients to consider:

1. Zinc.
2. Quercetin.
3. Melatonin.

"Don't forget yourself in the midst of everything you do. Without you there is not much that can happen."  ~Melanie 

Welcome to Episode 10! Today you will hear from Maryland resident, Melanie Oates, mother to twins, Julius and Genell, both of which have special needs. In this episode, Melanie takes us on a journey through her life, both before and after she became a mother. She shares the resources that have helped her most, her process behind self-care and how her SN experience has helped her to find her voice. Melanie is the founder of Here For a Reason, a non-profit that provides support to SN families in need. Please think about donating to her cause this holiday season. 

"But the voice I didn't have for myself before, no... Because I have to speak for my myself and my daughter, and Julius too. I am a different beast of a mom... a mamabear!" ~Melanie

Welcome to Episode 9! In today's show I interview Regina Larko of Hashtag Impact, a Podcast for stuff that matters. In our discussion, Regina walks us through her journey into podcasting and the lessons she has learned along the way. If you are interested in starting your own podcast, this episode is for YOU. Topics covered include: the challenges and rewards of podcasting, how to keep your audience engaged, and three things you can do to get started TODAY. Enjoy the show!

Elektra and I host this short episode as we send out our Thanksgiving wishes to all of you. Your support means the world to us, thank you for being here! We are nearly done with Season 1, with only 5 episodes to go. These last interviews cover topics such as: podcasting, parenting, natural medicine and two additional SN mothers that join us to share their experience, courage and hope. Season 2 will focus more heavily on storytelling but will also include professional insight on topics related to self-care and self-appreciation. Hope you will join us!

"You're gonna have to find your own joy and once you start following it just a little bit, you will find there is so much more of it." ~Dr. Kat

Welcome to Episode 8! Today I interview Dr. Katherine Dale, AKA Luna Mama from NYC. Dr. Kat and I have an in-depth discussion about the importance of self care and how it branches out into every area of our lives. We cover topics such as setting boundaries, maintaining connection and the importance in surrounding ourselves with people that respect themselves. Dr Kat. reveals her self-care best practices, the three actions she uses to make her practices stick and what she uses to shift her perspective on the difficult days. Dr. Kat also explains the connection the moon has with self care and manifestation. 

"You need to allow yourself to be vulnerable in the presence of others. That is what allows other people to connect with you." ~Dr. Kat

Dr. Katherine Dale is a Naturopathic Doctor that works primarily with women in such areas as regulating menstruation, increasing fertility and balancing hormones. 

"No one is going to help us feel sexy, we have to do that ourselves." ~ Erika

Welcome to Episode 7. In this fun and intimate interview, Erika dives deep into the importance sexuality plays in our lives and shines a light on how we can feel our sexiest.  If you are in a place where you have lost your spark or are not engaged in a healthy sexual relationship with your partner, Erika is here with tons of tips to get you back on track.  We discuss experiences in feeling "numb," the importance of saying no, how to create your own pleasure list, and why we must pay attention to our state of bliss.

"I finally understood that I don't have to be everything for everyone. I think it took a long time for me to understand that that was OK." ~Erika

In today's Episode I interview Isolde Luyt, SN mother, Personal Trainer and owner of The Izzy Way. In our chat Isolde shares her experience as a SN mother and as well as the importance of  adding fitness and self care to our routines. Isolde reminds us of the most important thing our children need to thrive as well as the role acceptance has on our SN journeys. She also includes a workout routine for tired, busy moms. Enjoy the show!

You can reach Isolde at: Isoldeluyt@mac.com or Whatsapp: +852 5336 6111

In today's episode, Krysia shares her experience as the sister to Annie, a woman with Down Syndrome. Krysia offers valuable insight into what life looks and feels like for the siblings to those with special needs. If you are raising children in a SN family, this episode is for you. 

In this episode the interview questions have been removed, leaving only Krysia's answers.  Join Krysia as she takes you on her personal journey through life as a SN sister. 

In today's episode I interview SN Sleep Consultant Melissa Doman. Melissa and I discuss the hot topic of sleep that so many of us SN mothers need more of. Melissa offers advice for both us and our families, narrowing in on bedtime rituals and rhythms, natural sleep aids and jet lag remedies. Melissa also shares her top 5 tips for ensuring a good night's rest. Enjoy the show!

Melissa Doman is a certified Sleep Sense Consultant and has ten years of experience working with parents and their young children in Philadelphia and around the world.

You can contact Melissa at: 

In Episode 3, I interview Sierra Cooke, mom to two girls; her youngest, Christa, has Shaken Baby Syndrome. Sierra shares the tragic story of what happened to Christa as well as the journey she has been on towards forgiveness. I just heard from Sierra today that Christa passed away this week. Our hearts and prayers are with you Sierra. 

In our very first episode I interview my husband and special needs father, Nikos. We have a candid conversation about what life has been like as a SN family. Nikos shares his worries, favourite experiences and offers support to new SN parents. Thank you for your support!