There are few things more humbling than the realization that, as a mom, we don’t have all the answers. Sometimes, we need more than a textbook approach to the first pregnancy, the second baby or a complex situation that stumps us. Yes, you can phone a girlfriend, but thankfully, podcasts have come to the rescue, offering a beautiful blend of wisdom, humor and real-life experiences. Here’s our must-listen list of the podcasts that every mom should tune into — whatever stage of life you’re in:
Podcasts for Expectant Moms
BIRTH WITH POWER
(Available at Apple, Audible, Spotify)
You are in good hands with Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, the creator and host of “Birth with Power,” formerly known as “All About Pregnancy & Birth.” An experienced OB/GYN who has helped deliver more than one thousand babies during her career, she also teaches a popular, online birthing course. Her podcast is a fascinating mix of research-based advice, pregnancy and childbirth anecdotes recounted by Dr. Rankins and stories of how it is to be pregnant and give birth from moms of all ages.
BIRTHFUL
(Available at Apple, Audible, Spotify)
Adriana Lozada, the creator of “Birthful,” is another well-known expert on all things pregnancy and birth. A practicing doula for many years, she offers both birthing and post-partum preparation courses online and works as a sleep consultant. On her podcast, she talks with other experts about pregnancy and childbirth. Recent episodes explore topics such as how to decide what type of birth is right for you and how to make it the most enjoyable experience possible.
INFORMED PREGNANCY
(Available at Apple, Pandora, Spotify)
Another great pregnancy-related podcast is “Informed Pregnancy,” produced by Dr. Elliott Berlin, a prenatal and postpartum chiropractor in private practice who also teaches various workshops for expectant and newly-minted moms. In line with his expertise as a chiropractor, many of the episodes focus on such topics as how best to stay fit during and after pregnancy, including how to maintain a firm and strong pelvic floor and how yoga can enhance your overall well-being.
PREGNANCY PEARLS
(Available at Apple, Audible, Spotify)
Dr. Nicole Plenty is a well-known physician. In fact, she’s double board-certified as a OB/GYN and a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist which, in lay terms, means that she’s an expert on high-risk pregnancies. On her podcast, “Pregnancy Pearls,” Dr. Penty educates women about various risk factors and how you can find expert physicians to deal with them, including asthma, diabetes, hypothyroidism and preeclampsia, among other medical issues.
PREGNANCY AND BIRTH MADE EASY
(Available at Apple, Audible, Spotify)
Finally, expectant moms can take a listen to “Pregnancy and Birth Made Easy,” by Courtney Hart and Stephanie King, two experienced doulas and childbirth educators who offer pregnancy and postpartum courses. A particularly useful feature of their podcast is the frequent episodes titled “Birth Stories.” During these episodes, many of the women Courtney and Stephanie have worked with discuss their pregnancy experiences and what they did to make their journeys as enjoyable as they could be.
Podcasts for New Moms
MADE BY MAMMAS
(Available at Apple, Audible, Spotify)
Created and hosted by Georgia Dayton and Zoe Hardman, two friends who happened to get pregnant around the same time, “Made by Mammas” follows their journeys through pregnancy and into the first years of motherhood. Georgia and Zoe talk to various experts about issues of relevance to new moms, including strategies for getting your kids to fall and stay asleep for the night and how to get your body back in shape after birth.
MUM’S THE WORD
(Available at Apple, Podtail, Spotify)
“Mum’s The Word” is the brainchild of Dr. Kaz Jaffe, a chiropractor and mom of two young kids who runs a large pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic practice. In line with her medical training, Dr. Jaffe devotes much energy to discussing how women can stay healthy pre- and post-partum. Recent episodes focus on how to deal with severe nausea during pregnancy and what’s the best exercise regime after birth, including how to maintain pelvic health.
NEWBIES: NEW MOMS, NEW BABIES
(Available at Apple, Audible, Spotify)
Unlike the prior podcasts, “Newbies: New Moms, New Babies” focuses exclusively on what happens after child birth and how moms can best take care of themselves and their babies. Produced by Natalie Gross, a journalist, and Kristen Stratton, a doula, with a combined five young kids between them, this podcast explores topics such as how to baby-proof your home and what young moms can do to cultivate their mental and emotional health.
ONE BAD MOTHER
(Available at Apple, Player FM, Spotify)
Sometimes, as a new mom, you just want to sit down and have a good belly laugh about it all. When the mood strikes you, listen to “One Bad Mother.” Co-hosted by Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn, two moms of young kids who both work in the comedy business, this podcast pokes fun at all the crazy, silly things that babies do every day and that moms have to deal with. If you enjoy their podcast, get a copy of their equally funny book, “You’re Doing a Great Job.”
THE MOM FORCE
(Available at Apple, Libsyn, Spotify)
Vanessa Quigley, the creator of “The MomForce,” knows a thing or two about how to take care of yourself while also taking care of your baby. A mom of seven kids, she’s managed to establish a successful photo book company by the name of “Chatbooks.” On her podcast, she explores topics like how to maintain a positive body image after birth, make new friends in your community and cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with your partner.
THE MOM HOUR
(Available at Apple, Audible, Spotify)
Like “The MomForce,”” The Mom Hour” offers lots of great advice on how to take care of yourself as a new mom. This long-running podcast (started in 2015) was founded by Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers, two experienced media and communications professionals with a combined eight kids (Meagan: five; Sarah: three). On their podcast, Meagan and Sarah cover topics like what to eat for optimal well-being and how to avoid excessive worrying.
THE PEDSDOC TALK
(Available at Apple, Podtail, Spotify)
Finally, new moms can listen to “The PedsDocTalk,” the popular parenting podcast founded by pediatrician and mom Dr. Mona Amin. On her podcast, Dr. Amin talks to other experts in the fields of child development and health and answers questions submitted by parents. Recent episodes explore topics such as dealing with problems with breastfeeding, detecting hearing loss in babies and preventing your kids from becoming picky eaters.
More Podcasts for Moms
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
(Available at Apple, Lipsyn, Spotify)
For working moms, this podcast is all about helping moms manage their time.
DON’T MOM ALONE
(Available at Apple, Spotify, YouTube)
A mother of four boys provides episodes to help you feel less alone.
MAMA SAID
(Available at Apple, Spotify, YouTube)
An actress and musician talk about the hard, sticky moments we face in parenting.
Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is the author of five books and a college professor. He enjoys life with his wife and son.
