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/

06/19/2026

No seriously.

You don't have to Google:

"WHY WON'T MY BABY STOP SCREAMING??"

at 2am.

You really don't.

You could have your very own mother-baby RN in your corner.

You could go into the hospital with a feeding plan you feel confident about.

You could come home knowing you have support waiting for you.

Because the truth is, the fourth trimester can be incredibly hard.

I've lived it.

I've cared for countless families through it.

And I've seen the same thing over and over again:

Parents are often expected to figure it out as they go, during one of the biggest transitions of their lives.

We all deserve better than that.

You deserve someone you can reach out to when you're wondering what's normal, what's not, and what to do next.

That's exactly why I do what I do.

Lexi Luptak is a Registered Nurse (BSN) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist serving families in Monroe County, NY and virtually across the U.S.

With over a decade of pediatric nursing experience, including work in a major pediatric teaching hospital, Lexi supports families through feeding, newborn care, and the early postpartum weeks with practical, evidence-informed guidance that works in real life.

Book a session with her to get the support you need before, during, and after baby's arrival:
https://lexi-luptak.themamacoach.com/booknow/

Not local? We can connect you with a Mama Coach nurse in your area:
https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

06/18/2026

Latching your baby should not be painful.

While some tenderness can be common in the early days, ongoing pain, ni**le damage, or a baby who struggles to stay latched often means it's worth taking a closer look.

If a latch feels painful, it's okay to unlatch your baby and try again.
The process of establishing a comfortable, effective latch can take time, practice, and sometimes a little extra support.

If you're struggling with:
• Painful latching
• Difficulty keeping your baby latched
• Ni**le trauma or damage
• Concerns about feeding effectiveness

You don't have to keep guessing your way through it.

There's usually a reason, and a proper assessment can help identify what's going on and what adjustments may help.

Sarah Clarke is a Registered Nurse and IBCLC supporting families with breastfeeding, infant feeding, and lactation challenges. She helps parents navigate feeding concerns with evidence-informed support that fits their baby and family.

Book a free discovery call to get started:
https://sarah-clarke.themamacoach.com/discovery-call/

Or book a feeding consultation:
https://sarah-clarke.themamacoach.com/booknow/

06/18/2026

A lot of women think they're simply not handling life as well anymore.

But often, they're trying to function the same way in a body that's changing.

Feeling off.

More tired.

More overwhelmed.

Less resilient than you used to be.

I see this all the time with women in their 40s, and it's often the beginning of perimenopause.

The challenge is that many women don't realize what they're experiencing has a name.

Instead, they assume they're doing something wrong, not coping well enough, or simply need to push through it.

You're not imagining it.

And you don't have to keep pushing through it alone.

Understanding what's happening in your body is often the first step toward feeling more like yourself again.

If you've been feeling this way, follow along. I have a lot to share.

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

She helps women connect the dots, understand their symptoms, and make informed decisions about their health.

Book a session here:
https://sophia-raftis.themamacoach.com/booknow/

Not local? We can connect you with a Mama Coach in your community:
https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

06/17/2026

Listen for the little “cuh” or “kah” sounds.

Those audible swallows are one of the signs that milk is moving.
I've worked with babies who looked beautiful at the breast but weren't transferring enough milk to sustain growth.

I've also worked with babies who transferred milk incredibly efficiently despite concerns from their parents.

The point is: latch alone doesn't tell us the whole story.
That's why when families tell me they're worried about supply, I don't automatically assume the issue is how much milk mom is making.

I want to know:
➡️ Is baby actually transferring milk effectively or only non-nutritively suckling?
➡️ Is baby gaining weight appropriately and maintaining their growth curve?
➡️ Are feeds sounding and looking productive, or are they sleepy and requiring constant stimulation?
➡️ Is milk removal happening efficiently, or are you persistently full or engorged after feeds?

Because low supply is often treated as the problem when sometimes it's actually a symptom of something else going on.

⭐ Save this so you know what newborn swallows sound like.

Ashli Daley is a Registered Nurse and IBCLC based in South Florida, supporting families with evidence-based feeding, lactation, pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood care.

Book a session in person or virtually:
https://ashli-daley.themamacoach.com/booknow/

Not local? We can connect you with a nurse in your community:
https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

06/17/2026

"Drowsy but awake."

Can we talk about why this advice doesn't work for so many babies?

Parents hear it all the time:

"Just put your baby down drowsy but awake and work on self-soothing."

And yes, for some babies this works, especially during the newborn stage.

But for many babies, "drowsy but awake" leads to:
❌ sleep resistance
❌ failed transfers
❌ short naps
❌ frequent wake-ups
❌ frustration for everyone

Here's why:
⭐ Drowsy is actually the first stage of sleep.

Those heavy blinks.
That glazed-over stare.
A relaxed body.
Zoning out while feeding or rocking.

Your baby is already drifting into sleep.

And this matters because of something called sleep pressure — your baby's biological drive for sleep.

Even a few minutes of light dozing can reduce that sleep pressure.

Think of it like a tiny cat nap.

So what often happens?
➡️ Baby gets drowsy while feeding, rocking, or cuddling
➡️ Transfer happens
➡️ Baby wakes fully during the transition
➡️ Now they're less tired and frustrated

This is one of the biggest reasons I see babies fighting naps and bedtime.

Sometimes babies do better with:
✔️ Falling asleep fully in their sleep space

OR

✔️ Being fully supported into a deeper stage of sleep before transfer

"Drowsy but awake" is not the gold standard for every baby.
The goal is finding what works for your child's temperament, development, and sleep needs.

Amanda Archibald is a Registered Nurse, IBCLC, and Pediatric Sleep Consultant based in Vancouver, BC, helping families create realistic, personalized sleep plans that work in real life.

Book a consult with her here:
https://amandaarchibald.themamacoach.com/booknow/

Not local? We can connect you with a Mama Coach nurse in your area:
https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

06/16/2026

Both times I brought my babies home, I remember asking myself — and anyone willing to listen — whether what my baby was doing was "normal."

With my daughter, she was feeding constantly. Feeds were long, often 40–60 minutes, and then we'd do it all again two hours later.

She was unsettled, gassy, and always seemed hungry.

And I kept going back and forth in my head: is this simply newborn life... or is something off?

I asked other mums.

I spoke to family.

I raised it with healthcare professionals.

But I kept hearing the same thing:

"Don't worry, she's a newborn. Newborns can be fussy."

Then the weight loss started.

It turned out she had a tongue tie.

What I really needed in those early days wasn't someone to tell me I was overthinking things. I needed someone to listen to my concerns.

Someone to sit with me.

Someone to assess what was actually going on.

Someone to say, "Talk me through it. Let's start at the beginning."

Someone to guide me without making me feel like I was doing something wrong.

I needed to feel heard and know it wasn't all in my head.

Because it's really hard to know what needs extra support when you're in it, especially as a first-time mum.

Fast forward four years, and I found myself in the same newborn situation again with my son.

But this time, I knew.

I trusted my instincts.

I advocated for the support I needed early on.

That's exactly why I do what I do now.

So you don't have to sit there second-guessing everything.

I'd love to listen to your story and help you make sense of what's going on with you and your baby.

Zahra Rajah is a Registered Nurse (BScN) based in London, United Kingdom, supporting families through newborn feeding concerns, early parenthood challenges, and postpartum transitions. She offers both in-person and virtual support across the UK.

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

Not local? We can connect you with a Mama Coach in your community:
https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

06/15/2026

One simple baby bath tip that could help prevent accidents:
Always put the cold water in first.

When you're tired, distracted, or juggling a crying baby, little safety habits matter.

By running the cold water first and then adding warm water, you reduce the risk of a child accidentally turning on the tap, getting splashed, or coming into contact with water that may be too hot.

A few more baby bath safety tips:
✨ Always check the water temperature before putting your baby in
✨ Never leave your baby unattended, even for a moment
✨ Have everything you need ready beforehand (towel, nappy, clean clothes)
✨ Empty the bath immediately after use

Baby baths can feel intimidating at first.

The good news?
With a few simple safety habits, bath time can quickly become one of the most enjoyable parts of your routine.

Did anyone else feel nervous about bathing their newborn for the first time? Tell me below 👇

Emma Lewis is a Registered Children's & General Nurse, Registered Midwife, and Certified Lactation Support Provider based in Dublin, Ireland, supporting families with practical, evidence-based newborn care, feeding, and parenting support.

If you're looking for guidance through those early weeks and months, I'd love to help.

Book a session for personalized support:
https://emma-lewis.themamacoach.com/booknow/

Not local? We can connect you with a Mama Coach in your community:
https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

06/15/2026

Ever walked away from an appointment with that pit-in-your-stomach feeling? Like your concerns didn’t really land?

That happened to me recently. And it reminded me why, in my practice, the parent’s voice always comes first.

Because no matter how many kids I’ve supported as an RN, I haven’t supported your kid. And you know them best. 💛

My role? To bring evidence, options, and strategies — and then work with you to create a plan that actually fits your child and your family.

Parenting doesn’t come with a script, but you do get to be the expert. I’ll meet you there.

Jennifer Bonilla is a Registered Nurse based in Alberta, supporting families with personalized, evidence-informed parenting support both in-home and virtually.

Book a session with her to get clear on what's going on and what support may help:
https://jennifer-bonilla.themamacoach.com/booknow/

Not local? We can connect you with a Mama Coach in your community:
https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

06/14/2026

One thing I wish more people understood about fertility concerns is that this journey isn't only physical.

It affects your mental health, your relationships, your confidence, and often the way you move through everyday life.

You can feel hopeful and exhausted at the same time. Grateful and grieving. Optimistic and discouraged. Both can be true.

Research has shown that up to 40% of women navigating fertility challenges meet the criteria for anxiety or depression during the process.

Yet many women feel pressure to stay positive, keep pushing forward, and carry the emotional weight quietly.

The reality is that fertility challenges can be incredibly demanding, both physically and emotionally.

If this journey has felt heavier than you expected, there is a reason.
Fertility support shouldn't focus only on hormones, lab work, or treatment plans.

It should also acknowledge the emotional impact of everything you're carrying.

You deserve care that looks at the whole picture.

Nancy Thorp is a Registered Nurse, Master of Public Health, and Women's Health Nurse based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, supporting women through fertility with thorough, evidence-based care that looks beyond "just hormones."

Book a session with Nancy and get a clear, personalized plan for your health:
https://nancy-thorp.themamacoach.com/perimenopause-menopause/

Not local? We can connect you with a Mama Coach in your community:
https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

06/12/2026

Stop blaming every night waking on teething.

Yes, sometimes it's teething.

But if your baby has suddenly started fighting bedtime, waking more often overnight, or struggling with naps, there may be more going on.

One common reason?

Developmental leaps.

Any time your baby learns a new skill, their brain gets busy practicing and processing that new information.

Rolling.
Crawling.
Pulling to stand.
Walking.

And yes, sometimes that practice shows up at 3 a.m.

The challenge is that teething often gets blamed for every sleep disruption, which can make it easy to miss other factors that may be contributing.

Sleep changes are rarely random.

Looking at the whole picture helps us understand what's actually happening and what support may help your baby get back on track.

If bedtime battles, frequent night wakings, or short naps are becoming exhausting, you don't have to keep guessing.

Let's figure out what's really going on.

Stephanie Cote is a Registered Nurse and IBCLC supporting families with personalized, evidence-informed sleep support that works in real life.

She supports families in Kingston, Ontario with in-home care and offers virtual support across Canada.

Book a discovery call to get clear on what's happening and what support may help:
https://stephanie-cote.themamacoach.com/discovery-call/

Not local? We can connect you with a Mama Coach in your community:
https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

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