In this deeply compassionate episode of Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline opens up about the emotional toll of the “waiting season” during the fertility journey. Whether you’re waiting for test results, a cycle to begin, or answers that feel impossibly out of reach, Jacqueline shares her own experiences and insights to help you feel seen and supported during this often invisible and very isolating stage. She offers grounding practices, mindset shifts, and an invitation to rest rather than constantly prepare — reminding you that this season is not wasted.

What you'll hear:

• Why the “waiting season” can feel so overwhelming — and why it’s not actually a passive phase
• Practical tools to ground yourself when everything feels out of control (daily rituals, journaling prompts, affirmations)
• The importance of reframing rest as necessary, not indulgent, while trying to conceive
• How therapy and community support can be essential tools, even if you’re “just” in the waiting

Mentioned in the Episode

• Click here to take the Fertility Path Quiz

PLAYLISTS:

• TTC + Infertility
• Miscarriage, Loss, & Grief
• When You or Your Child Are Given a Diagnosis
• Pregnancy + Postpartum
• Surrogacy
• Parenting + Self Improvement
• Top 10 Episodes of 2024

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!

Support the show

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

Season 5 comes to a close with a heart-to-heart from host Jacqueline Baird—reflecting on the powerful stories shared, the community built, and a new chapter that’s just beginning.

In this special solo episode, Jacqueline opens up about her own fertility journey and the inspiration behind Your Fertility Village—a new support community for women navigating infertility, IVF, TTC, loss, surrogacy, or adoption.

She also shares:
💛 A look back at Season 5’s most meaningful moments
🎧 New Spotify playlists curated by topic (so you can find what you need, when you need it)
🌻 What to expect inside Your Fertility Village
📅 Season 6 will premiere August 21—with bonus episodes over the summer

If you’ve ever felt alone on your path to motherhood, this episode is for you.
👉 Join the waitlist for the Village at bit.ly/yourfertilityvillage

PLAYLISTS:

• TTC + Infertility
• Miscarriage, Loss, & Grief
• When You or Your Child Are Given a Diagnosis
• Pregnancy + Postpartum
• Surrogacy
• Parenting + Self Improvement
• Top 10 Episodes of 2024

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!

Support the show

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

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!

Support the show

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