In this episode, Kaili dives deep into the topic of “colic” and what it really means when your baby is crying inconsolably. She challenges the catchall label of colic, encouraging parents to trust their instincts and look beyond the surface for possible root causes.

Key Topics Covered:

[01:12] What “colic” actually means and why it’s often just a label, not an explanation.

[03:10] The importance of trusting your parental intuition when something feels off with your baby.

[04:28] Common root causes of excessive crying in babies, including:

• Nervous system sensitivity and sensory overload
• Emotional processing from birth or in utero experiences
• Digestive issues (food intolerances, gut health, reflux, etc.)
• Body tension and compression from birth or positioning
• Oral dysfunction and feeding challenges
• Practical steps for parents:

[09:37] What Parents Can Do

• Trust your gut and observe patterns in your baby’s behaviour
• Consider holistic support options like craniosacral therapy, osteopathy, or pediatric OT
• Focus on co-regulation—your calm helps your baby’s calm
• Seek support when needed; you don’t have to do it alone

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Baby Body Tension Guide
• Kaili’s book, “Mothering From Within”
• In-person and virtual support options for parents

Takeaway Message:
You know your baby best. Colic is not the end of the story—it’s a signal. With the right support and clarity, you and your baby can find your rhythm again. Trust yourself, trust your baby, and remember: you’re doing an incredible job.

Connect with Kaili:

• Kaili's Website
• Kaili's Instagram
• Book a Right Fit Call with Kaili
• For in-person support (Stony Creek/Hamilton area) or virtual resources - www.kailiets.com
• Share this episode with another mama who needs to hear it!

In this heartfelt episode, Kaili sits down with Gail Gabriel, a fellow occupational therapist, NICU mama, and founder of The NICU Collective. Gail shares her raw and powerful journey from the unexpected early delivery of her son at 30 weeks to navigating the NICU, early intervention, and her own emotional healing.

Whether you’ve experienced a high-risk birth, a NICU stay, or just the intense uncertainty of new motherhood, this episode offers real talk, deep compassion, and hard-earned wisdom.

You’ll hear about:

• What it's really like to bring home a premature baby
• How to shift from fear to trust—even after trauma
• The power of community and sharing your story
• Mental health, NICU PTSD, and finding your way back to self
• Why creating space for your healing matters as much as your baby’s development

Gail’s story will resonate deeply with any mama who’s ever felt out of control, isolated, or overwhelmed—and her insights will help you feel seen, supported, and not alone.

🕒 Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Kaili’s intro
03:18 – Meet Gail Gabriel: OT, mom, NICU warrior
06:46 – Gail’s birth & NICU story: a 30-week surprise
11:25 – Trauma, healing, and finding her footing again
17:52 – Mental health, fear, and building resilience
22:00 – Finding support when no one else gets it
26:49 – The NICU Collective: creating safe spaces for NICU families
30:25 – Why sharing your story matters
31:40 – Redefining self-care as a NICU mom
36:35 – Gail’s takeaway: the NICU journey shapes you
41:00 – Final reflections + where to find Gail

💜 Connect with Gail:
Instagram: @nicu_collective
Facebook: NICU Collective

📘 Grab Kaili’s Book: Mothering From Within – your compassionate, holistic guide to baby sleep, development, reflux, and more - https://www.kailiets.com/book

✨ Loved this episode?
Subscribe, rate, and share it with a friend who needs this kind of soul-deep support. And tag us on IG @theholisticbabyguru and @nicu_collective—we love hearing your thoughts!

Should You Hire a Doula? How to Know If It’s Right for Your Family.

In this episode of 'Mothering From Within,' host Kaili Ets sits down with Kristen Revere, the owner and founder of Gold Coast Doulas, to discuss the critical role doulas play in both birth and postpartum care. Kristen, an elite certified birth and postpartum doula, shares her journey from political fundraising to founding a successful doula agency in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The conversation touches on the various services doulas offer, including emotional support, breastfeeding assistance, and overnight care. Kaili and Kristen also highlight the often-overlooked importance of preparing for the postpartum period, offering valuable advice for new parents. Tune in to learn how doulas can provide essential support during the magical yet challenging first years of parenthood.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:15 Meet Our Special Guest: Kristen Revere

02:23 Kristen's Journey to Becoming a Doula

05:05 The Role and Importance of Doulas

14:16 Personal Experiences with Doulas

16:17 Planned Medical Births and Doulas

20:18 Postpartum Support and Planning

22:51 Fertility Benefits and Postpartum Support

23:26 The Importance of Rest for New Mothers

24:51 Sharing Responsibilities and Overcoming Challenges

26:02 Role and Benefits of Postpartum Doulas

32:08 Hiring a Doula: What to Look For

34:04 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

36:57 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

37:44 Where to Learn More and Closing Remarks

To learn more about what Kristen offers:

• Kristen's Website
• Kristen's Instagram

Stay in Touch With Kaili

• Kaili's Website
• Kaili's Instagram
• Book a Right Fit Call with Kaili

📘 Want more holistic support? Grab Kaili’s book Mothering From Within

💜 Subscribe + share with a mama who needs this insight.