Two Parents & A Podcast

• Pediatric Sleep Expert: Sleep training myths, safe co-sleeping & how to get better sleep without “training” your baby

  This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re joined by Rachael Shepard-Ohta, a pediatric sleep expert and founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby — to talk about what evidenced-based sleep methods that ACTUALLY work and how to get better sleep without “training” your baby. We get into it all: what to do in those first sleepless newborn weeks, when (if ever) to expect a routine, and why traditional sleep training isn’t the only way. Rachael explains why baby sleep isn’t linear, how to handle night wakings, and what safe co-sleeping can look like for families who choose it. We also cover the modern sleep training industry, what other countries are doing better around infant sleep, and the biggest mistakes parents make in the first year (spoiler: it’s not what you think).  Whether you’re team crib, team co-sleep, or somewhere in between, Rachael will leave you feeling empowered to find what actually works for YOUR family :) Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:05:20 Introduction to Rachael Shepard-Ohta (Pediatric Sleep Expert) 00:06:00 What’s the game plan parents should follow for newborn sleep when bringing baby home from the hospital? 00:10:30 When can parents realistically expect their baby to get into a routine? 00:12:30 Why Rachael doesn’t recommend traditional sleep training 00:15:30 The real pros and cons of sleep training 00:18:10 Rachael’s personal experience with sleep training and how it shaped her approach 00:23:44 Why baby sleep is not linear — and what that means for parents 00:27:30 When should parents actually expect their baby to sleep through the night? 00:28:25 When do frequent wake-ups become concerning? 00:31:10 The pros and cons of co-sleeping — plus how to do it safely 00:35:21 Alex & Harrison share their own experience with sleep training 00:39:45 Evidence-based alternatives to sleep training and co-sleeping 00:47:10 Dealing with nap refusal and short naps 00:52:28 Trial-and-erroring new sleep methods and learning your baby’s cues 00:54:50 What other countries are doing around infant sleep that the U.S. could learn from 00:55:37 Rachael’s thoughts on the modern “sleep training industry” 01:02:00 The biggest mistakes parents make around sleep in the first year 01:06:00 Thank you for listening! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Fast Growing Trees: This Fall, Fast Growing Trees has the best deals for your yard, up to half off on select plants and other deals.  Listeners of our show get 15% OFF at https://www.FastGrowingTrees.com/TWOPARENTS when using the code TWOPARENTS at checkout. *Neuro: For a limited time, you can get 20% off your first order at https://www.Neurogum.com by using code TWOPARENTS. You can also find Neuro at CVS and Amazon. *Hungryroot: For a limited time, get 40% off your first box PLUS a free item in every box for life. Go to https://www.Hungryroot.com/TWOPARENTS and use code TWOPARENTS. *BetterHelp: As the largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://www.BetterHelp.com/TWOPARENTS. --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman Find our guest: Website | https://heysleepybaby.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/heysleepybaby TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@rachaelshepardohta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Feeding in the first year: our experience with breastfeeding, combo feeding & solids

  This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re talking about one of the biggest journeys of year one: feeding your baby. From what it actually feels like when your milk comes in (spoiler: flu-like) to transitioning to combo feeding, to introducing solids and eventually dropping bottles — we’re breaking down what worked for us, what didn’t, and what we’d 100% do differently next time. We get into all the real stuff: middle-of-the-night pumping (don’t do what I did), my experience with DMER (Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex), how a night nurse helped (for Harrison, not me LOL), and the partner’s role in supporting breastfeeding and pumping. Plus tactical things like grocery hauls, our favorite hacks, and a rapid-fire round of the best (and most overrated) products. Before all that… Halloween costume brainstorming (!!! sorry we had to bleep it lol) and our BIGGEST milestone yet — Tate is officially walking (and yes, she needed her first real shoes, cue the tears). And in Things We DMed Each Other: why queen-size beds might actually save your marriage (did Matthew McConaughey have a point??) and our thoughts on the dreaded “black tie optional” dress code (aka the most confusing vibe check ever). LOVE YOU GUYS — thanks for following along through our first year of feeding, learning, and figuring it all out with us. Timestamps:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:02:40 Brainstorming Halloween costume ideas 00:07:10 Tate is walking! + buying your baby’s first shoes 00:09:30 12 months of breastfeeding recap 00:12:07 Why I chose to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months 00:13:20 What it actually feels like when your milk comes in 00:14:25 Our experience with a night nurse 00:15:57 Handling middle-of-the-night feeds & pumping 00:18:35 Final thoughts on the first 0–3 months of breastfeeding 00:20:27 What I’ll do differently for future babies 00:24:40 My experience with DMER (Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex) 00:25:49 Transitioning to combo feeding (and how we made it work) 00:27:58 Introducing solids & our approach to first foods 00:33:15 Weaning off pumping & dropping bottles 00:35:00 A full day of eating + family grocery haul 00:37:36 The partner’s role in breastfeeding & pumping 00:42:26 What I wish I knew before starting the pumping journey 00:46:00 Rapid fire Qs: top pumping product, best hack, most overrated, biggest surprise & what we’d do differently 00:51:17 Final reflections on my breastfeeding journey 00:53:10 Things We DMed Each Other: Why queen beds might save your marriage 00:54:39 Things We DMed Each Other: “Black tie optional” dress codes?? 00:56:15 LOVE YOU GUYS! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Nurture Life: For 55% off your order + FREE shipping, head to https://www.NurtureLife.com/TWOPARENTS and use code TWOPARENTS. *Fast Growing Trees: This Fall, Fast Growing Trees has the best deals for your yard, up to half off on select plants and other deals.  Listeners of our show get 15% OFF at https://www.FastGrowingTrees.com/TWOPARENTS when using the code TWOPARENTS at checkout. *BetterHelp: As the largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp provides access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/TWOPARENTS. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Child Development Specialist: When discipline begins, why punishment doesn’t work & clear vs. gentle parenting

  This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Siggie Cohen — Child Development & Parenting Specialist — to talk all things discipline. The first thing we learned - discipline doesn’t ACTUALLY mean punishment (and definitely not spanking). Dr. Siggie walks us through what discipline REALLY is, when it should begin (earlier than you think), and how to respond with clarity (not frustration) when your toddler tests the limits. We also get into how communication sets the tone for everything, a real-life example of disciplining a 5-year-old, and her thoughts on gentle parenting (+ how her approach differs).  Dr. Siggie leaves us with her biggest takeaways on raising disciplined, confident kids — and honestly, this one feels like a masterclass for anyone with toddlers or young kids!!!  LOVE YOU GUYS! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:01:02 Meet Dr. Siggie Cohen – Child Development & Parenting Specialist 00:04:18 What discipline really means (spoiler: it’s not punishment) 00:05:40 When should discipline actually begin? 00:10:54 How to handle a defiant toddler without losing your cool 00:17:37 Why communication is the foundation of early discipline 00:21:40 Is there ever a time when punishment makes sense? 00:25:16 A real-life scenario: disciplining a 5-year-old 00:31:50 Shaping your overall parenting mindset with Dr. Siggie’s approach 00:35:52 Gentle parenting vs. clear parenting 00:39:34 Dr. Siggie on spanking & other physical discipline methods 00:41:54 Dr. Siggie’s final takeaways on raising disciplined, confident kids 00:46:51 Thank you for listening! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Harbor: Restore your peace of mind with Harbor. Go to https://www.harbor.co/TWOPARENTS for $50 off and experience the security every parent deserves. *Bilt: Earn points on rent and around your neighborhood, wherever you call home, by going to https://www.joinbilt.com/TWOPARENTS.  *Goodles: Goodles are available nationwide at Target, Walmart, and many other major grocery stores and retailers. Don’t forget to try the new single-serve cups! *Quince: Keep it classic and cozy this fall with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to https://www.Quince.com/alex for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman Find our guest: Website | https://drsiggie.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dr.siggie/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@parenting.with.dr.siggie --------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House – https://www.justmediahouse.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The 5 Biggest Surprises of Being First-Time Parents

  This week on Two Parents & A Podcast — we’re breaking down the 5 BIGGEST surprises of being first-time parents. **BEFORE WE GET INTO IT - WE’RE SORRY THERE’S NO VIDEO!!! (We had a power outage with like 5 mins left in the episode and we could only recover the audio)** Back to the surprises - from the breastfeeding journey to how quickly you adapt (yes, you can change a diaper in the back of a car), we’re sharing the unexpected lessons and little joys we’ve learned in year one. We also cover the stuff no one tells you: toys are overrated, your capacity for love grows in ways you never imagined, and finding community is just as important as anything else. Before the big list, we’re talking first birthday parties (and Canadian Thanksgiving?!), kids at weddings, a quick etiquette lesson, and our official top 3 restaurants in the U.S. Later: a debate about whether you should pre-toast French toast (a note from Jules: “NO!!!”), the hot take that parents with 4 kids are actually LESS stressed, and a PSA on the biggest choking risks for kids. LOVE YOU GUYS!!! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:00:48 Trying something new with workouts 00:04:03 A look inside Harrison’s brain  00:07:38 First birthday party, Canadian Thanksgiving & kids at weddings (continued) 00:16:28 A quick etiquette lesson 00:18:42 Top 3 restaurants in the U.S. 00:20:54 Our top 5 surprises of parenting so far 00:47:20 Should you pre-toast French toast? 🤔 00:50:12 Things We DMed Each Other: Parents with 4 kids are less stressed 00:52:34 This Week I Learned: The biggest choking risks for kids 00:56:08 LOVE YOU GUYS! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *OneSkin: OneSkin is the world's first skin longevity company. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code TWOPARENTS at https://www.oneskin.co. After you purchase, they’ll ask you where you heard about them — please support our show and tell them we sent you! *Regain: This episode is brought to you by Regain Couples Therapy, powered by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.regain.com/TWOPARENTS and get on your way to being your best self. *Perelel: Exclusive for our listeners — new customers can enjoy 20% off their first order with code TWOPARENTS at https://www.perelelhealth.com. *Boll & Branch: Make upgrading your bed easier than ever with curated Bundles for a sanctuary of comfort. For a limited time, get 20% off Bed Bundles at https://www.BollandBranch.com/alex. Exclusions apply. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman --------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House – https://www.justmediahouse.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Key words: first-time parenting surprises, parenting podcast, Alex Bennett, Harrison Fugman, Two Parents and a Podcast, breastfeeding journey, parenting lessons, partner support, capacity for love, adapting as new parents, parenting community, baby’s first year, toys overrated, parenting hacks, Canadian Thanksgiving, kids at weddings, choking hazards kids, family etiquette, best restaurants USA, French toast debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Engagement Q&A: Proposal details, wedding plans & our thoughts on prenups

  This week on Two Parents & A Podcast — we’re answering ALL of your engagement questions! From the story behind Harrison’s proposal book (and where he actually got it) to what life feels like now that we’re officially engaged, we’re giving you the full play-by-play. We get into the juicy topics you guys asked about: our updated thoughts on a prenup, whether Alex will legally change her last name, and how we handled judgment around having a baby before marriage.  Plus, the wedding talk — what kind of wedding we’re planning (traditional? city hall? somewhere in-between?), if we’ll invite kids (other than Tate), our one non-negotiable detail (spoiler alert: mine is CAKE), and whether there will actually be a bridal party / groomsmen. Basically, nothing’s off-limits this week… if you asked it, we answered it :)  LOVE YOU GUYS! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:01:50 The story behind the proposal book (and where Harrison got it) 00:05:34 Does anything feel different now that we’re engaged? 00:10:04 Updated thoughts on a prenup 00:14:24 Will Alex legally change her last name? 00:15:07 Handling judgment about having a baby before marriage 00:17:55 Was it hard not being married while raising a baby? (Insurance, logistics, etc.) 00:22:10 What type of wedding are we planning? (Traditional, city hall, or in-between?) 00:27:40 Our thoughts on inviting kids other than Tate to the wedding 00:30:32 The one non-negotiable detail for our wedding 00:32:03 Bridal party & groomsmen — will we have them? 00:35:00 LOVE YOU GUYS! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *ZipRecruiter: Use ZipRecruiter, and save time hiring! 4 out of 5 employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. Try it for free at https://www.ziprecruiter.com/ALEX. *PAKA: Grab your PAKA hoodie and get a free pair of alpaca crew socks! Go to https://go.pakaapparel.com/TWOPARENTS and use code TWOPARENTS. *Harbor: Restore your peace of mind with Harbor — the only baby monitor designed to never fail you. Use code TWOPARENTS at https://harbor.co/TWOPARENTS for $50 off. *Hers: Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, Hers has you covered. Visit https://www.forhers.com/ALEX to get your personalized plan. Weight Loss by Hers is not available everywhere. Compounded products are not FDA-approved. Prescription required. See website for full details. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman --------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House – https://www.justmediahouse.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Key words: engagement Q&A, engagement podcast, proposal story, engagement ring details, Alex Bennett engagement, Harrison Fugman engagement, Two Parents and a Podcast, proposal book story, prenup discussion, changing last name after marriage, baby before marriage, wedding plans podcast, wedding non negotiables, bridal party or not, kids at weddings, relationship podcast, parenting and marriage, engagement advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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