Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

We’re turning back the clock for Father’s Day with a special episode with Eric Taylor (dope_dad_e). Many dads struggle with the responsibilities of fatherhood, leaving moms to shoulder the burden alone. How can dads break these curses?With his viral ‘dusty son’ trend featured on The Sherri Show, Buzzfeed, and Good Morning America, Eric has become a powerful voice around breaking generational curses, loving with intention, and raising kids with purpose.Eric opens up about what “dusty” really means, sharing his own evolution from dusty habits to intentional fatherhood. He reflects on how growing up without a father, living through addiction, and learning from his wife’s example helped him step into the husband and dad he wants to be.The conversation also explores the loneliness men often face in fatherhood, the shifting of friendships and relationships when kids come along, and the courage it takes to ask: ‘Who do I want to be for my partner, my children, and myself?’Episode Highlights00:55 – Why Eric got into social media to share his message.02:19 – What is a ‘dusty’ son?04:50 – Eric’s experiences of his shortcomings as a husband and dad.06:17 – What are generational curses?10:19 – Can you train yourself to be a good father or partner?12:28 – How do dads experience loneliness?16:23 – How does friendship work in dad circles?17:53 – What questions do moms ask Eric?21:01 – Moms need to let dads do their part.23:13 – Men hate to feel stupid24:12 – Parents need to start saying what they need.24:12 – Eric’s final thoughts.About the Guest: Eric Taylor (dopedad_e)Eric Taylor is a parenting and marriage content creator known as dopedad_e on social media. Eric creates relatable parenting and relationship content for his community of nearly 300k followers, emphasizing breaking generational curses, loving your spouse with power, and raising your children with purpose. He has collaborated with brands like Sour Patch Kids, Play-Doh, Dave’s Killer Bread, and Time 4 Learning. In 2023, his ‘Dusty Son’ viral trend was featured on The Sherri Show, Buzzfeed, and Good Morning America, and his content has been further featured in publications like Parents and Goodful.Connect With UsMomcozyWebsite | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramLalaina RabaryLinkedInEric TaylorInstagram | WebsiteAbout the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We GrowMomcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.Enjoying the Show?Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms. Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus https://koalatots.supercast.com Narrated by Abbe OpherMusic by Sokratis SeirlisInstagram: @koalakids.fm

How can bedtime stories help children (and parents) slow down, feel connected, and drift into calm?In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary welcomes Abbe Opher, voice artist and creator of the Koala Moon and Koala Tots podcasts. Known for her soothing narration and heartfelt storytelling, Abbe brings bedtime to life through stories that comfort, connect, and calm children and parents alike.Abbe shares how bedtime stories can transform the chaos of the day into a moment of presence, why it’s never too early to begin reading with your child, and how sound, rhythm, and voice can nurture a sense of safety and belonging. She and Lalaina talk about practical ways to make storytelling a natural part of everyday life(without the pressure for perfection) and how to meet children where they are, from babies to busy toddlers.The conversation also explores how stories help children process emotions and life’s challenges, offering comfort through imagination and connection. Abbe also reflects on moving listener messages—from a child who finally found peace at bedtime to a soldier connecting with his kids across continents—and the powerful reminder that stories can bridge even the widest distances.From building nighttime rituals to embracing imperfection, this episode offers a warm invitation to slow down, breathe, and rediscover the magic of bedtime storytelling, for both your child and yourself.Episode Highlights01:09 – Why are bedtime stories such an important part of a nighttime routine?04:13 – What types of stories and sounds work best for babies and toddlers?07:02 – Is there a perfect setting for reading to your children?08:47 – To stay awake during storytelling, choose a book you enjoy.11:11 – Helping toddlers stay focused and engaged during storytime.12:51 – What’s the difference between e-books, audiobooks, and reading aloud?17:34 – Heartfelt stories about the children who listen to Abbe’s shows.21:51 – Navigating the different listening styles of children.23:44 – Why winding kids down for bed isn’t an exact science.26:33 – Abbe’s golden rule of storytelling.28:07 – Abbe’s outro.About the Guest: Abbe OpherAbbe is a voice actor known for her soothing and versatile delivery. Since entering the voiceover world in 2018, she has voiced a wide range of projects; however, her voice is most often heard on several major Sleep and Mindfulness apps, where her calming tones help listeners unwind and destress.After pivoting from a successful career in journalism and copywriting, Abbe discovered her true groove in voiceover work, a move originally inspired by her search for a better work–family–life balance. What began as a career shift has become a passion, as she now regularly records sleep stories, meditations, and abridged classics.Connect With UsMomcozyWebsite | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramAbbe OpherWebsiteSleepiest PodcastsWebsite | Koala Moon | Koala Tots About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We GrowMomcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.Enjoying the Show?Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms. Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus https://koalatots.supercast.com Narrated by Abbe OpherMusic by Sokratis SeirlisInstagram: @koalakids.fm

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses infant loss. Please listen with care and step away if this topic feels too heavy for you at this time. Resources and support links are included belowLosing a baby is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure, yet it remains a subject that is often hidden in silence. How can parents navigate the grief of infant loss, find support, and begin to heal while honoring their babies’ memory?In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary speaks with psychotherapist Angelica Quezada, who works with Pregnancy After Loss Support to help families move through grief with compassion, connection, and community. Drawing from her personal journey of loss and her professional expertise, Angelica offers insight into the emotional, cultural, and relational complexities of infant loss.Angelica shares her story of postpartum depression, pregnancy loss, and becoming a mother again while facing deep grief and medical challenges. She explains how language and terminology—such as miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, and infant loss—carry power and validation for families, and why compassionate communication, continuity of care, and culturally sensitive support are essential in the healing process.The conversation explores how partners experience grief differently, the importance of holding space for multiple “faces of grief” such as sadness, guilt, anger, or even relief, and the value of rituals, memory-making, and community support in honoring babies who have died. Angelica emphasizes that grief is not an illness but a deeply human process, and she offers practical advice for seeking therapy, reconnecting with the body, and building supportive networks.She leaves grieving parents with a powerful reminder: your loss is real, your grief is valid, and you are not alone.Episode Highlights00:05 – Introduction and context01:41 – Angelica’s journey to her work with infant loss.04:38 – Angelica’s personal experience with infant loss.07:51 – Healing and not-so-healing acts of comfort and care after loss.10:08 – Defining miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, and infant loss.13:53 – What support should families receive after a loss?17:51 – What types of therapy make the most difference?21:04 – The impact on birthing partners.23:08 – The many complicated faces of grief.25:50 – Preparing to return to work after a loss.28:10 – How Pregnancy After Loss Support can help moms.29:34 – Angelica’s words of comfort for those experiencing loss.About the Guest: Angelica QuezadaAngelica Quezada, LCSW, PMH-C, is a bilingual psychotherapist, coach, and women’s wellness advocate with over a decade of specialized experience in maternal mental health. Drawing from her work in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, Angelica brings a unique perspective on the systemic gaps in care that impact women during some of life’s most sacred and challenging transitions. Her personal experience with pregnancy loss deepened her commitment to advancing trauma-informed, culturally humble, and compassionate approaches to reproductive and perinatal mental health. As both a therapist and coach, she creates space for healing, growth, and restoration, while her involvement with Pregnancy After Loss reflects her dedication to systemic change—improving provider education, expanding family support, and strengthening healthcare practices for mothers and their babies.Connect With UsMomcozyWebsite | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramLalaina RabaryLinkedInAngelica QuezadaInstagram | WebsiteFurther ResourcesPregnancy After Loss SupportFirst CandleCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): SIDS: Parents and CaregiversChildren’s Bereavement Center March of Dimes: Loss & GriefStar Legacy FoundationMISS FoundationRachel's GiftRTZ Hope / Return to ZeroPSI Help Line: 800-944-4773PSI Email: postpartumsupportinternational@postpartum.netEmergency (U.S.): Dial 988National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMAAbout the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We GrowMomcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.Enjoying the Show?Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms. Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus https://koalatots.supercast.com Narrated by Abbe OpherMusic by Sokratis SeirlisInstagram: @koalakids.fm

We’re taking a short break this week, but in the meantime, we wanted to let you know about our Momcozy Brand Day Campaign: Cozy By You.This year, we’re asking: what’s standing between you and a cozier motherhood?We call those moments the Cozy Gap, the little barriers that keep comfort just out of reach. And we’d love for you to share yours. Post your story with the hashtag TheCozyGap, or visit our campaign page linked in the show notes.Every Momcozy product is shaped with this Village in mind, so your voice helps us create comfort that truly matters.Connect With UsMomcozy Brand Day CampaignWebsiteMomcozyWebsite | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramLalaina RabaryLinkedInAbout the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We GrowMomcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.Enjoying the Show?Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and this year’s theme from the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action is Create Sustainable Support Systems. This call extends beyond supporting mothers; it’s about nurturing the entire family throughout the feeding journey.In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary sits down with Dr. Fran, OB-GYN, mom of three, and powerhouse educator known for her clear, evidence-based health guidance online. Together, they explore one of the most confusing and pressing topics for new parents: medications and substances while breastfeeding.Dr. Fran explains why so much available guidance feels conflicting and how a historical lack of research has led to overly cautious recommendations, such as “pump and dump.” She breaks down the latest evidence on alcohol, THC, caffeine, antibiotics, antidepressants, anesthesia, and more, giving parents a realistic, science-backed understanding of what is safe, what to avoid, and how to make confident, informed decisions.Reflecting on her clinical work and her parenting journey, Dr. Fran stresses the importance of treating lactation as part of a parent’s medical history, not an afterthought. The conversation also explores cultural wisdom, the pressures of “doing everything right,” and finding balance between intuition and evidence-based care.Episode Highlights00:46 – Why is there so much conflicting information on medications and substances?03:53 – Are there ‘safe’ amounts of alcohol and THC?06:08 – What about caffeine?06:58 – Medication and breastfeeding myths.09:49 – Dr. Fran’s recommended apps for patients.10:24 – Resources for healthcare workers.11:23 – Which medications are safe while breastfeeding?13:20 – Why are some practitioners overly cautious?15:13 – Talking to family, friends, and partners about medication and breastfeeding.16:49 – Where do cultural wisdom and medicine meet?20:28 – Questions to ask your OB-GYN about medications and breastfeeding22:31 – Final thoughts from Dr. Fran.About the Guest: Dr. FranDr. Fran is an OB-GYN, mother of three, and online educator dedicated to sharing accurate, evidence-based women’s health information.After graduating in 2021, she noticed a wave of inaccurate obstetrics and gynecology content circulating on TikTok. Drawing on her medical expertise and past experience as a content creator, she began posting her own videos to combat misinformation. Within six months, her TikTok audience grew to over 100,000 followers, and by the end of 2024, her combined social media following exceeded one million.Offline, Dr. Fran practices in western New York, specializing in high-risk obstetrics, hormone management (including PCOS and menopause care), and minimally invasive gynecologic procedures such as laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomies.Connect With UsMomcozyWebsite | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramFeatured ProductsMomcozy Mobile Flow M9 Breast Pump | Momcozy Breastmilk Storage BagsLalaina RabaryLinkedInDr. FranInstagram, TikTokAbout the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We GrowMomcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.Enjoying the Show?Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.Content DisclaimerThe World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. After that, infants can continue to breastfeed while also receiving complementary foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding for as long as the mother and infant desire. Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus https://koalatots.supercast.com Narrated by Abbe OpherMusic by Sokratis SeirlisInstagram: @koalakids.fm

Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a natural and instinctive part of motherhood, but the reality can be far more complex and emotional. In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary sits down with Dr. Colette Wiseman, a triple-boarded physician and certified lactation consultant, to unpack the nuanced realities of breastfeeding in today’s world.Dr. Wiseman brings her holistic, evidence-based approach to the conversation, offering compassionate guidance on a wide range of topics, from the critical early days of feeding to the transition back to work. She also demystifies common concerns like low supply, nipple pain, and engorgement, sharing clear advice on what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek help.Dr. Wiseman also addresses the emotional weight many mothers carry when their feeding journey doesn’t go as planned. With warmth and wisdom, she reminds us that love is not measured in ounces, and a fed, loved baby with a supported, mentally healthy mom is always the goal.Episode Highlights01:14 How Dr. Wiseman Got Interested in Breastfeeding02:52 Early Breastfeeding Experiences and Challenges.04:13 Timing and Impact of Milk Coming In.05:58 What Happens Between Birth and Milk Coming In?07:46 What is a ‘Normal’ Supply of Milk?12:05 Navigating Stigma Around Breastfeeding.15:30 Love is Not Measured in Ounces of Milk.18:45 Everyone’s Breastfeeding Journey is Different.22:30 Combo Feeding and Emotional Well-being.25:58 Final Support and Encouragement.About the Guest: Dr. Colette WisemanDr. Colette is a double-boarded physician and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who offers holistic, evidence-based lactation care grounded in over a decade of medical experience. A mother of three who breastfed for more than 50 months, she combines clinical insight with real-world empathy to help families navigate breastfeeding challenges with confidence and compassion.Since 2012, she has supported parents through her private practice, hospital work, and community advocacy. Dr. Colette is also a mentor to fellow healthcare professionals and a moderator for a local Breastfeeding USA support group in Torrance, CA, championing a more breastfeeding-friendly culture across workplaces and communities.Connect With UsMomcozyWebsite | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramFeatured ProductsMomcozy Mobile Flow M9 Breast Pump | Momcozy Breastmilk Storage BagsLalaina RabaryLinkedInDr. Colette WisemanWebsiteAbout the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We GrowMomcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.Enjoying the Show?Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms. Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus https://koalatots.supercast.com Narrated by Abbe OpherMusic by Sokratis SeirlisInstagram: @koalakids.fm

Are you expecting a baby or navigating early motherhood while balancing your career? In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow Podcast, Lalaina Rabary is joined by attorneys Amy Beckstead and Connie Ditto from the Beckstead Terry Ditto law firm to talk about the legal rights every working mom should know.Amy and Connie break down the US. legal landscape around pregnancy, maternity leave, breastfeeding rights, short-term disability, and parental protections at work. From federal laws like the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and PUMP Act to newer state-specific benefits and policies, this episode demystifies your rights in a system that too often leaves moms confused and under-supported.You’ll find resources that can expand on the conversation in this episode further down. The content of this episode should not be considered legal advice.Episode Highlights01:05 Basic Legal Protections for Expectant Moms02:54 Navigating Conversations with Employers05:40 Understanding State-Specific Protections08:37 Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Explained10:36 What Happens When You Might Be Laid-Off?14:32 What Legal Help Should Moms Be Looking For?16:05 FAQs About the Pump Act and Breastfeeding20:07 What About Breastfeeding in Public?23:06 What is Equal Baby Bonding Time27:22 Resources and Encouragement for MomsAbout the Guests: Amy Beckstead and Connie DittoAmy Beckstead is an employment attorney licensed in both Texas and California, and Connie Ditto is a litigation attorney and mediator. Together, they’re part of the team at Beckstead Terry Ditto, a law firm based in Austin, Texas.Connect With UsMomcozyWebsite | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramFeatured ProductMomcozy Jelly Strip Support Nursing BraLalaina RabaryLinkedInAmy Beckstead and Connie Ditto WebsiteResources Mentioned:U.S. Department of Labor – FMLA InfoEEOC – Pregnancy Discrimination FAQsCDC Breastfeeding State Laws MapTexas Workforce CommissionThe PUMP Act ExplainedAbout the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We GrowMomcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond. Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.Enjoying the Show?Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms. Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus https://koalatots.supercast.com Narrated by Abbe OpherMusic by Sokratis SeirlisInstagram: @koalakids.fm