Busy Mom Talk, The Podcast

Episode OverviewAm I the Drama… or Is This Actually Wild?This week on Busy Mom Talk, Kianna goes solo for a much-requested episode of “Am I the Drama?” — diving into real stories submitted by listeners who are deep in the messiness of motherhood, family dynamics, and public judgment. From overstepping mothers-in-law to partners who won’t set boundaries, this episode pulls back the curtain on situations so many parents quietly deal with.When Mothers-in-Law OverstepKianna reads listener stories about mothers-in-law who push limits, ignore parenting choices, and insert themselves where they’re not invited. She shares her honest take on why these dynamics are so triggering, how generational expectations play a role, and why protecting your role as a parent doesn’t make you disrespectful — it makes you intentional.When Your Partner Doesn’t Hold the LineOne of the biggest themes in this episode is what happens when a husband or partner doesn’t stand their ground. Kianna unpacks the emotional toll of feeling unsupported, why this issue is about more than just in-laws, and how partnership, communication, and shared boundaries are essential for a healthy family unit.Public Parenting Shaming & Why It Hits So HardFrom unsolicited comments in grocery stores to judgmental looks at the park, Kianna reacts to stories of parents being shamed in public. She shares why these moments stick with us, how they can shake confidence, and why parenting already feels vulnerable enough without strangers weighing in.Real Opinions, No SugarcoatingThis solo episode blends humor, honesty, and straight-up truth. Kianna shares her personal opinions on each scenario — when to speak up, when to let it go, and when it’s okay to say “no more.” It’s validating, relatable, and meant to remind parents that they’re not alone in navigating these uncomfortable situations.Want Your Story Read on the Podcast?Kianna closes the episode by inviting listeners to submit their own “Am I the Drama?” stories. If you’re dealing with family drama, partner tension, or parenting judgment and want a space to be heard, you can send your story to kianna@busymomtalk.ca to be featured in a future episode.

Episode OverviewThe Uncommon Path: Specializing in Pediatric OsteopathyThis week, Kianna sits down with Megan Palmer, a highly trained osteopath from Mulberry Wellness and Mulberry Minis, whose extensive focus in pediatrics sets her apart in a field where infant-specific training is still uncommon. Megan shares what led her to pursue this path, the depth of education required, and why she is so passionate about supporting babies and families through gentle, evidence-informed manual therapy.Understanding Fascia and Infant MovementKianna and Megan dive into one of the most misunderstood aspects of infant well-being: fascia. Megan explains how tightness, tension, and restrictions in the fascial system can influence a baby’s feeding, digestion, sleep, comfort, and overall movement. She breaks down what parents often notice at home—arching, stiffness, difficulty settling, feeding challenges—and how osteopathic care assesses the whole body to understand why those patterns are happening.Tongue & Lip Ties: Before and After CareOne of the most requested topics for new parents is the impact of tongue and lip ties. Megan discusses how fascial tension influences breastfeeding, bottle feeding, latch issues, and oral function. She explains what osteopathic treatment can do before a release to prepare the tissues, and how aftercare supports healing, mobility, and successful feeding outcomes. This segment is full of practical guidance for parents feeling overwhelmed by tie-related challenges.Torticollis, Head Shape & Newborn TightnessThe conversation moves into common concerns Megan sees in babies: • Torticollis • Flat head shape / plagiocephaly • Preference to look one direction • Body tightness from birth or pregnancy positioning • Discomfort when lying on their backMegan explains how these patterns develop, what parents can look for, and how osteopathic techniques work to gently release restrictions and restore balanced movement. Her explanations help parents understand that babies’ bodies tell a story — and with the right approach, those stories can be supported with comfort and ease.Individualized Care Through Gentle Manual TreatmentThroughout the episode, Megan emphasizes that osteopathic care is never one-size-fits-all. Each baby receives a full assessment that guides a tailored plan based on their unique needs, birth history, feeding experience, and body tension patterns. Using a variety of gentle manual therapies, osteopaths aim to support the body’s natural ability to heal and function optimally.Megan’s perspective is empowering for any parent navigating feeding concerns, tension, digestive issues, or simply wanting to understand their baby’s body better.Follow Busy Mom Talk on Instagram for more episodes and expert conversations. Share this episode with a parent who’s navigating feeding challenges, newborn tightness, or is curious about osteopathic care.

A Pediatrician Who Became a Guide for ParentsIn this episode, Kianna sits down with Dr. Mona Amin, board-certified pediatrician and founder of PedsDocTalk, to talk about what happens when medicine, motherhood, and the online world collide. Dr. Mona shares how burnout in traditional pediatrics and a desire to give parents more time, context, and compassion pushed her to start creating content online—long before Reels and TikTok. What began as answering questions in her car on lunch breaks has become a global platform giving millions of parents more confidence, clarity, and calm.Humanizing Doctors and Letting Go of PerfectionKianna and Dr. Mona dive into the pressure we put on doctors to be “all-knowing” and available 24/7—and how that mindset hurts both families and physicians. Dr. Mona talks openly about sharing her own birth trauma, her child’s illnesses, and her personal struggles, not for drama, but so parents remember that doctors are human too. She reminds listeners that no parent is meant to know everything from day one, and that “imperfect parenting” with reflection and repair is not only normal—it’s healthy.Sleep Training, Attachment, and Why Tears ≠ TraumaThe conversation gets real when Kianna brings up the comment that parents who sleep train are “horrible.” Dr. Mona breaks down the science and developmental reality behind sleep training, explaining why it does not destroy attachment. She uses practical examples and her own experience using “cry” methods with her children, emphasizing structure, check-ins, and responsiveness. She explains how setting boundaries around sleep can coexist with secure attachment, and why tears during learning are not the same as trauma.Neurodiversity, Labels, and Getting Kids Help Without ShameFrom ADHD to autism and speech delays, Dr. Mona walks through what happens when a teacher flags a concern and how she approaches those conversations in clinic. She talks about the fear and stigma parents feel around labels, and reframes diagnosis as a tool for getting support—not a life sentence or a reflection of “bad parenting.” She shares her belief that far more of the world is neurodivergent than we realize, and encourages parents to be curious about how their child’s brain works instead of trying to force them into a narrow mold.Sick Season, Immunity, and What Actually HelpsIn the thick of endless daycare germs, Kianna asks the question every parent is screaming: “What am I doing wrong?” Dr. Mona breaks down what really drives frequent sickness (spoiler: it’s germ exposure, not cupcakes) and what actually helps: handwashing, realistic hygiene, sleep when possible, hydration, balanced nutrition, and simple tools like saline sprays and honey. She explains why the first years of daycare or school are the hardest, why it gets better, and how to model rest and body-listening for kids.A Why Rooted in Purpose, Not FollowersThe episode closes with Dr. Mona’s “why”—a story about a grandmother who recognized her at a restaurant and shared how PedsDocTalk made her feel like a better caregiver. Dr. Mona reflects on the privilege and responsibility of having a platform, the importance of purpose-driven work, and her commitment to helping parents feel more seen, less scared, and more confident in raising their children—even on the hardest days.Don’t forget to follow Busy Mom Talk on Instagram! Share this episode with a parent friend who needs a little less guilt and a little more grounded guidance.

Episode Overview In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Sarah Belefontaine of Four Wings Psychology talks about the path of parenthood. She shares how each transition into parenthood—whether it’s welcoming your first baby or your fourth—brings its own identity shift, emotional landscape, and learning curve. Dr. Sarah reflects on the complexity of these seasons and how becoming a mother transformed both her life and her work.Navigating the Shifts of ParenthoodKianna and Dr. Sarah dive into the emotional, physical, and psychological toll parents experience as they enter each new chapter. They explore how no two postpartum experiences look the same, and why giving yourself permission to adapt matters. From preparing for parenthood before your baby arrives to finding support long after, Dr. Sarah outlines realistic tools and compassionate approaches that can help parents feel grounded during massive change.Finding Your People (And Knowing You Can Change Them)The conversation touches on the world of mommy groups, how helpful they can be, how overwhelming they sometimes feel, and why it’s completely okay to “trial” different communities. Dr. Sarah reminds listeners that the right support group can shift depending on the season you’re in, and leaving one that doesn’t serve you is an act of self-care, not failure.Sleep Deprivation, Baby Blues & Postpartum Mental HealthWith honesty and clarity, Dr. Sarah discusses the realities of sleep deprivation and how it intensifies feelings of anxiety, sadness, overwhelm, and irritability. She breaks down the difference between baby blues—a common, temporary postpartum phase—and conditions like postpartum anxiety (PPA) and postpartum depression (PPD), which require deeper support. She also brings to light topics that are rarely talked about openly, including postpartum rage, emphasizing that these experiences are more common than people admit.Breathing Room, Boundaries & “Mom Time-Outs”This segment explores the importance of small, intentional moments of care. Dr. Sarah shares strategies like taking “mommy time-outs,” carving out small pockets of stillness, and noticing your emotional capacity before reaching burnout. She offers practical emotional regulation techniques any parent can use in the moment—whether you’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, or simply running on empty.Building the Support System You Actually NeedKianna and Dr. Sarah highlight how support systems look different for every family, and why comparison only adds pressure. Whether your village is a partner, a friend, an online community, or a paid professional, what matters is that it works for you. They also explore accessible, low- or no-cost resources available in most communities—from recreation centers to public libraries to free virtual tools—that can offer connection, education, and relief.Follow Dr. Sarah online at @fourwingspsychology and @drsarahbellefonatineLinks: www.fourwingspsychology.caDon’t forget to follow BusyMomTalk on Instagram! Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what resonated with you most.

Episode OverviewKianna introduces Alycia King and how she became inspired to help another family through surrogacy. Alycia started an instagram page to share her surrogacy journey - @notthebabymamaa. Alycia has been in the surrogacy world for 4 years now, and is on her second journey as a surrogate. Alycia shares some of the exciting and amazing parts of surrogacy, and answers all of Kianna's questions regarding surrogacy.Key TakeawaysKey Terms In SurrogacyAlycia explains some common terms that the fertility and surrogacy world use often, from gestational carrier (GCs) and intended parents (IPs), to other ones that aren't as common.The Decision to Become a Surrogate & How Surrogacy Works in CanadaAlycia talks about the moment she knew she wanted to become a surrogate, and the reactions from her friends and family.. The difference between altruistic and paid surrogacy, and why Canada’s legal framework can be confusing and outdated.Building Trust With Intended ParentsThe emotional connection and boundaries between a surrogate and the family she’s helping. Alycia reflects on the physical challenges, the birth experience surrogates go through, and the moment of transition when the baby goes home with the intended parents.Surrogacy Is Different For EveryoneNo two journeys look the same, and that is okay! Alycia explains how different journeys come with different things, from the process, the legal paperwork, expectations, and even the pregnancy itself. The one thing she notes that is worthy of every journey, is having the support from not only your family and friends, but others in the same position as you. This is the reason she started her zoom support group, and now supports other surrogates, answers questions and holds space for those interested.The Journey Is Like DatingAlycia explains how surrogacy should be as intimate and time consuming as dating, I mean - this person will be expanding your family and things like communication styles, values, and expectations should not just be a small thing to consider.Don't forget to like, subscribe & comment what you loved about the episode, and follow us on Instagram @BusyMomTalk!

Episode OverviewA Mother’s WhyAngela opens up about the moment that changed her perspective on vaccine safety and medical trust. When her baby experienced a mild reaction after routine vaccinations, she asked questions that were met with dismissal. Told not to come back unless she complied without hesitation, Angela began to dig into medical literature, parent forums, and books to understand what had happened. What started as concern for her child became a mission to share informed, evidence-based content for other parents who just want their questions answered.Becoming the “Black Sheep”Angela shares what it’s like to be viewed as different for making choices that go against the grain. She explains how quickly judgment replaces compassion when people learn her children aren’t vaccinated, even though her approach is rooted in love and respect for each family’s autonomy. This conversation explores the emotional weight of being misunderstood and the strength it takes to stand firm in your beliefs as a mother.The Political Divide and the Parenting GapKianna and Angela discuss how the pandemic amplified division and fear around personal health decisions. What was once a quiet parenting concern has become a political debate, leaving many parents afraid to even ask questions. Angela highlights how the real problem lies in accessibility—parents are searching for balanced, trustworthy information but are often met with shame instead of answers.Books That Shaped Her JourneyAngela shares some of the books that deepened her understanding and helped her find confidence in her research. These titles have been a foundation for her platform and for many other parents who follow her work. Find them here: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3nNhAvH&e=AT3DajdbPHbCcia3ttCuhiDs5qDf92fZ9OFyndBXIZMhHt6cc0SdFjUtr44jlCIB07-4BBBRwDBwXlH5za4DdaYblcXD9HJza6bZLKOHB9xBzmIdpBGEMAAIHTFeEmpathy, Education, and EmpowermentAngela’s message is simple: informed parenting should unite, not divide. She encourages mothers to lead with curiosity and compassion, reminding listeners that asking questions does not make you rebellious—it makes you responsible. The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection on trusting your instincts and respecting the diverse ways parents protect their children.Don't forget to follow BusyMomTalk on Instagram! Let us know your thoughts in the comments!