The Mama Coach

The Mama Coach I lead a global team of RNs & NPs committed to caring for women and families. My name is Carrie and I founded The Mama Coach in 2015. Why wouldn't he sleep?
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If you are looking for evidence-informed support with women’s health, pregnancy, newborns, sleep, parenting, and/or potty training please reach out ➡️ We can't wait to help! I have personally been working with moms and babies as a Registered Nurse since 2005 during my time in labour, delivery, and postpartum as well as in private practice. After having my first son in 2008, I was privy to all of t

he challenges that coincide with parenthood. I never expected to have a baby with multiple allergies, colic, and major sleep issues. It took time to gain the skills and confidence to effectively manage my role as a new parent. After getting his allergies under control, the next big challenge was sleep. After months and months of sleepless nights, I found a solution that finally brought rest to my boy. It was life-changing for the whole family! I realized I wasn't the only mom struggling with children and sleep issues and wanted to share my perspectives as a health professional with other families. Your baby is unique as is your parenting style. Our global team of Registered Nurses, Lactation Consultants, and Nurse Practitioners will acknowledge your specific goals and help find solutions for your family. We are committed to providing evidence-informed education, without judgment to help make parenthood easier. Please reach out to the Mama Coach nearest you if you are struggling - we can help! https://themamacoach.com/coaches-landing-page/

Are you an RN or NP looking to join our team? Find out more here: https://themamacoach.com/become-a-mama-coach/

04/24/2026

Many women assume blood tests can diagnose perimenopause, but the truth is lab work rarely tells the full story.

Hormone levels swing up and down throughout this phase, so a single blood draw is just one moment in time — not an accurate picture of what’s really happening in your body.

That’s why perimenopause is diagnosed by symptoms, lifestyle, and health history, not by lab results.

Evidence-informed care and the right therapies matter far more than chasing fluctuating numbers.

The key is to focus on what truly supports your health and how you feel day to day.

If you need guidance tailored to you, I’m here with compassionate, expert support whenever you’re ready 💟

Sophia Raftis is a Registered Nurse based in New York, supporting women through perimenopause with evidence-informed, individualized care that looks beyond lab results.

She helps you understand your symptoms, connect the dots, and build a plan that actually supports how you feel—not just what your bloodwork says.

Book a session 👉 https://sophia-raftis.themamacoach.com/booknow/
If you need support from anywhere else in the world, we can connect you with a nurse in your community 👉 https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

04/24/2026

There aren’t many surgeries that go through 7 layers of tissue. A none give you a baby at the end!

It’s Cesarean Section Awareness Month. Understanding what’s involved with a cesarean birth can help you physically and mentally prepare for what’s to come, whether your cesarean is planned or unplanned.

That’s why I covet the basics of cesarean birth in every prenatal class - because preparing for the birth you want to avoid is just as important as preparing for the one you want to have.

I’ve also designed a Cesarean Prenatal Class, to go deeper to help prepare those having a scheduled cesarean birth.

Katie Roebuck is a Registered Nurse (BN) and IBCLC based in St. Catharines, Ontario, supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and feeding with evidence-based, comprehensive care.

She provides prenatal education that prepares you for all birth scenarios—including cesarean—so you feel informed, confident, and physically and mentally ready for what’s ahead.

Book a session or prenatal class 👉 https://katieroebuck.themamacoach.com/booknow/

If you need support from anywhere else in the world, we can connect you with a nurse in your community 👉 https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

04/23/2026

You’re not imagining it – postpartum support really is lacking in this country. And no one should have to heal, learn, and care for their newborn without guidance.

That’s why I teach an entire series of postpartum plus newborn workshops: to give you the calm, confidence, and support you deserve. 💟

🤍 Evidence-based feeding + healing education
🤍 Practical tools for real life
🤍$20 off when you bundle any 3 workshops
🤍 Private sessions available

You were never meant to do this alone.

What you’ll gain from my classes

1. Confidence – trust your instincts.

2. Calmer more prepared nights– better sleep for baby and you

3. Feeding support – breast, bottle, or combo.

4. Postpartum recovery – heal with guidance, no longer left to your own devices

5. Less stress – realistic, evidence based tools.

6. Stronger bonding – read and respond to your baby.

7. Family support tips – involve partners and loved ones.

So click my link in bio to visit my website and book my classes!

You deserve it! 🤍

Kaylin Willits is a Registered Nurse (BSN) based in Central Pennsylvania, providing postpartum and newborn workshops designed to give families clear, evidence-based guidance in the early weeks.

Through practical teaching and real-life strategies, she helps you feel more confident with feeding, sleep, and recovery—so you’re not left guessing or doing it alone.

Explore workshops or book support 👉 https://kaylin-willits.themamacoach.com/booknow/

If you need support from anywhere else in the world, we can connect you with a nurse in your community 👉 https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

04/23/2026

Ever wonder why your sleep suddenly feels like a battleground during perimenopause and menopause? It isn't just "stress"—it’s a biological shift in your internal thermostat and sleep-wake cycles.

As your Estrogen levels fluctuate and drop, your body’s ability to regulate temperature becomes less reliable, leading to those disruptive night sweats. Meanwhile, Progesterone—our "nature’s Valium"—declines, making it harder to fall asleep and stay in those deep, restorative stages.

As a Registered Nurse and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, I look at these hormonal shifts holistically. While we work on a long-term clinical plan, here are 3 small steps you can take tonight to signal to your body that it’s time to rest:

* Control the Climate: Keep your bedroom between 16–18°C (60–65°F). A cool room mimics the natural drop in core body temperature needed for deep sleep.

* Lighten the Layers: Opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking, or natural cotton clothing. Breathable fabrics are your best friend against night sweats.

* Time Your Movement: Exercise is a powerful sleep aid, but timing is everything! Aim for daily movement, but try to finish at least 3 hours before bed so your core temperature has time to drop back down.

Menopause is a complex transition, and sleep is just one piece of the puzzle. You don’t have to navigate these changes through guesswork.

Ready to build an evidence-based plan for better rest?

Book a free discovery call 👉 https://dayna-pinel.themamacoach.com/booknow/

Dayna Pinel is a Registered Nurse and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner in Calgary, Alberta, helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause with evidence-based, whole-body care. She looks beyond symptoms like poor sleep to uncover what’s driving them—so you can build a plan that actually works.

If you need support from anywhere else in the world, we can connect you with a nurse in your community 👉 https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

04/22/2026

If your baby is feeding constantly, won’t sleep unless they’re on you, and cries the second you put them down… this is for you.

You’ve tried everything.
Feeding again. Rocking. Bouncing. Googling at 2am.
And still thinking… is this normal?

Here’s what I want you to know:
Sometimes it is normal.
And sometimes… there’s something we can adjust.

Feeding patterns, milk transfer, wake windows, overstimulation, nervous system regulation—these all play a role in what you’re seeing.
And when no one looks at the full picture, you’re left guessing.
You don’t need more guessing.
You need clear, evidence-based support.

If this stage feels overwhelming, you don’t have to figure it out alone 🤍

Elaine Honeycutt is a Registered Nurse supporting families with newborn feeding, sleep, and postpartum adjustment through in-home and virtual care.

Serving families in Fairfield and Palestine, TX and surrounding areas, and virtually across the United States—she helps you understand what’s happening and what to do next so things feel more manageable.

If you would like to book a session with her in person or virtually, click 👉 https://elaine-honeycutt.themamacoach.com/booknow/

If you need support from anywhere else in the world, we can connect you with a nurse in your community 👉 https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

04/22/2026

Google says one thing… TikTok says another… and your baby said “absolutely not”

If you’ve been bouncing between advice about wake windows, schedules, feeding routines, sleep training methods, and still feel like nothing is clicking… you’re not alone.

Here’s the thing…Baby sleep is NOT one-size-fits-all.
Things like:-Wake windows that actually match your baby’s sleep needs (not just their age)-Daytime calories + feeding efficiency -Bottle flow rates & milk transfer-Sleep environment + overstimulation-Your baby’s temperament

All play a role in how your baby sleeps.
When you work with me, we look at the full picture, not just a generic schedule pulled from the internet. Because your baby deserves a plan that’s actually built for THEM 🤍

Ariana Girling is a Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN, FNP-BC) serving families in Buffalo, NY and Tampa, FL, helping parents make sense of baby sleep by looking at the full picture—feeding, development, and real-life patterns, not generic schedules.

If nothing seems to be working, she helps you build a plan that actually fits your baby.
Book a free discovery call 👉 https://ariana-girling.themamacoach.com/discovery-call/

If you need support from anywhere else in the world, we can connect you with a nurse in your community 👉https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

Let’s be honest… most of us are busier than we actually want to be.So taking care of your health can start to feel like ...
04/21/2026

Let’s be honest… most of us are busier than we actually want to be.

So taking care of your health can start to feel like a list of “I shoulds”…
or “where do I even start?”
or going down a rabbit hole of information and ending up completely overwhelmed.

But what if it didn’t have to feel that way?

What if you had someone to help you slowly (but surely) put yourself back on your own to-do list?
What if figuring out where to start didn’t have to fall all on you?
What if someone actually heard you, your goals, your life… and walked alongside you in the direction you want to go?

You don’t have to do it all on your own 🤍

Lindsey Creasy is a Registered Nurse (BScN) and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner based in Wainwright, Alberta, supporting women through perimenopause and menopause with personalized, realistic care that fits into real life.

She helps you cut through the overwhelm, understand your options, and take meaningful steps toward feeling like yourself again—with support that meets you where you are.

Book a session 👉 https://lindsey-creasy.themamacoach.com/booknow/

If you need support from anywhere else in the world, we can connect you with a nurse in your community 👉https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

If you are wondering whether your baby is getting enough milk, this is exactly where I start my assessment as an RN. Not...
04/21/2026

If you are wondering whether your baby is getting enough milk, this is exactly where I start my assessment as an RN.

Not opinions. Not internet guesses; but patterns.

Swipe through and look at the data, not the fear.

And if you want someone to walk through it with you book a feeding assessment, it includes a full feeding and weight assessment so you don’t have to piece this part of motherhood together alone 🩷

Kira Paynter is a Registered Nurse in Calgary, Alberta, providing comprehensive feeding assessments that evaluate intake, weight, and feeding patterns—not guesswork.

She helps families understand what’s actually happening so they can make confident, informed decisions.

Book a feeding assessment 👉 https://kira-paynter.themamacoach.com/feeding/

If you need support from anywhere else in the world, we can connect you with a nurse in your community 👉https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

04/20/2026

PSA: Pumping should NOT hurt!

Having your pump set up at the max suction setting or too high for your body can lead to:
- Increased ni**le & breast swelling with pumping
- Ni**le or breast pain during & after pumping
- Ni**le or breast trauma (cracking, blisters, sores, bleeding)
- Decreased milk volume output

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE PUMP SETTINGS:
*firstly, the settings can and will likely be different for every mama and that is okay! Every body is unique!

* Start your pumping session with the STIMULATION MODE (the suction pattern is quicker & shorter pulls)— suction should be just enough to start seeing milk drops.
* Once you feel your letdown start/notice an increase in milk flow/or about 3-5mins; transition to the MAINTENANCE MODE (suction patterns is longer & slightly slower pulls)
* Adjust the suction starting low and progress higher as needed.
* Once it feels like an uncomfortable tug, dial it back one or two levels. You want the maximum suction with milk removal while still being comfortable (NO PAIN!)

⭐️If you are one tough mama, and you have a high pain tolerance, be mindful of what your ni**le looks like after a session— if it’s blanched (whitened or lighten), showing extra swelling, looking red and angry, then take note of the level you used and dial it back at your next session.

⭐️Flange fit matters. Check out Crystal’s previous posts for a quick sizing guide.

Crystal Derksen is a Registered Nurse and IBCLC based in Grande Prairie, Alberta, helping families troubleshoot feeding and pumping challenges—especially when things feel painful or not quite right.

From fl**ge fit to milk supply, she helps you understand what’s happening and how to fix it so feeding feels comfortable and effective.

Book a session with Crystal 👉 https://crystal-derksen.themamacoach.com/booknow/

If you need support from anywhere else in the world, we can connect you with a nurse in your community 👉 https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

04/20/2026

Introducing cow’s milk to your breastfed baby doesn’t have to be all or nothing
At one year, it’s not about replacing breastfeeding overnight, it’s about gently adding whole milk alongside solids and letting your baby adjust at their own pace.

A few things to keep in mind:
Start with small amounts in a cup at mealtimes or added to their bottle
Gradually mixing the milk with breastmilk can help with the taste adjustment, start with 75% breastmilk/formula and 25% milk and increase the percentage after a week. Continuing this as your baby is tolerating it.

Don’t stress if they barely drink it at first…..exposure > intake
Breastfeeding can absolutely continue (no need to rush weaning)
Aim for ~16–24 oz/day once established so it doesn’t replace solids
Focus on balanced meals

This is a transition, not a switch.
And every baby moves through it a little differently

If you’re trying to balance breastfeeding, cow’s milk, and solids without feeling confused or overwhelmed, I’ve got you!

Tiffany Lebano is a Registered Nurse and IBCLC in Maryland, specializing in infant feeding, sleep, starting solids and more. She sees families in person in Maryland and virtually anywhere. She also accepts insurance.

You can book a session with here here: https://tiffany-lebano.themamacoach.com/feeding/

If you need support from anywhere else in the world, we can connect you with a nurse in your community 👉 https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

04/19/2026

Not the method of baby-led weaning—but the actual progression from breastmilk/formula to solids.

⭐️ Around 6 months, you’ll start offering solids.
Watch for signs of readiness: sitting independently, good head control, interest in food, bringing objects to their mouth, and loss of the tongue thrust reflex.
At this stage, food is for practice—and an important source of iron.

⭐️ The method you choose matters less in the beginning.
Focus on responsive feeding, self-feeding, and gradually introducing more textures.

⭐️ By 9–12 months, we want to see solids really picking up.
This is when the shift from milk to food becomes more noticeable, and the transition to cow’s milk may begin.

This progression is gradual, baby-led, and happens at your baby’s own pace!
If you want to feel confident about what to offer, when to offer it, and how to move through each stage—this is for you.

Starting Solids Class — April 28
Save your spot here:
👉 https://sarah-clarke.themamacoach.com/classes/

Sarah Clarke, RN, IBCLC, & Tia Heinrichs, RN, CBS, are Mama Coaches based in Medicine Hat, supporting families with feeding, infant nutrition, and the transition to solids with practical, evidence-based guidance.

If you’d like to work with them 1:1 (in person or virtually), you can book here:
👉 https://sarah-clarke.themamacoach.com/booknow/ OR https://tia-heinrichs.themamacoach.com/booknow/

If you need support from anywhere else in the world, we can connect you with a nurse in your community 👉https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

babynutrition ibclc

04/19/2026

That shift you’re feeling in perimenopause?
It’s not in your head—and it’s not something you can out-cardio.
As estrogen declines, your body naturally starts to lose muscle mass, strength, and metabolic efficiency.
And without intervention, it accelerates.
This is where strength training matters.
Not for aesthetics—but for your long-term health.

When you build muscle, you’re supporting your body in ways most women aren’t told about:
• Maintaining lean muscle mass as it naturally declines with age
• Supporting metabolism and reducing fat gain
• Improving bone density and reducing fracture risk
• Protecting against sarcopenia (muscle loss)
• Improving strength, function, and overall quality of life

Strength training is one of the most effective ways to counter the changes happening during perimenopause.

In fact, research shows it can increase muscle mass, improve strength, and reduce fat mass when done consistently.

This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing the right work for the phase your body is in.

If your workouts haven’t changed… but your body has—this is your sign to adjust the strategy.

Tracee Young is a Family Nurse Practitioner, educator, and Veteran based in Syracuse, NY, with over 30 years of experience in Labor & Delivery, NICU, Family Medicine, and Women’s Health.

She provides personalized, evidence-based care for women and families—specializing in perimenopause, menopause, and reproductive health—with a focus on listening, education, and care that meets you where you are.

Through in-home and virtual services, Tracee supports her clients with thoughtful, unrushed care designed to help them feel informed, confident, and supported at every stage.

If you’d like support navigating perimenopause with a personalized, evidence-based plan, you can book with Tracee here: https://tracee-young.themamacoach.com/booknow/

If you need support from anywhere else in the world, we can connect you with a nurse in your community https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/.

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