Motherhood Intended
Are you tired of scrolling your feed only to see the highlight reel version of motherhood? Join Jacqueline Baird, a passionate mom here to support other women on their unique journeys to motherhood and beyond.
You’ll hear from experts in the fields of women’s health, fertility, and family planning, as well as from the brave women who want their unique stories to be heard. We’ll talk about unexpected paths taken, miraculous moments experienced, and how we keep going on this beautiful and ever-changing journey as mom.
This podcast will also document Jacqueline’s current life as a mom of three, plus many reflections and insight from her decade long infertility journey including multiple losses, IVF, preterm deliveries, surrogacy, and more. Stay tuned as her family’s story continues to unfold.
If you feel like you can’t always relate to the picture-perfect stories you see, follow the podcast now and join a community that’s getting real about what it takes to be a mom.
Motherhood Intended
Why Baby Bonding Matters More Than Baby Gear with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie
In this episode, Jacqueline sits down with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist and AAP spokesperson, to explore what truly builds a strong foundation between parents and their newborns. From NICU realities to bonding after surrogacy, this episode is a science-meets-heart deep dive into connection, communication, and ditching the pressure to “do it all.”
What you’ll learn:
- Why bonding isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence
- How early relational health impacts brain development
- The science behind skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo care
- What to know about birth plans, baby gear, and bonding expectations
- How babies communicate through crying and cooing
- The truth about sleep training, co-sleeping, and newborn needs
- Why it’s okay if love doesn’t happen “at first sight”
- How your baby benefits from your support system
- Misconceptions about newborn needs and bonding “rules”
- Why “you are enough” matters more than anything else
Questions answered in this episode:
- What happens in the brain when a baby bonds with a caregiver?
- Is it possible to bond deeply if you didn’t carry your baby?
- Does skin-to-skin actually do anything physiologically?
- What should you do if bonding doesn’t happen right away?
- Are birth plans helpful—or harmful?
- Is it okay if I’m not a “baby-wearing mom”?
- Can babies really communicate through different cries?
- What’s the science behind co-sleeping or sleep training?
- How can parents build trust and resilience in their baby?
- What do newborns really need most from us?
Connect with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie:
- Instagram: @jopargalinkiemd
- Book: The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting with Your Newborn
- AAP Parent Resource: HealthyChildren.org
Connect with the podcast:
- Facebook: Motherhood Intended Community
- Instagram: @motherhood_intended
- Leave a review for the podcast
- Apply to be a guest on the show!
Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!
If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12
