Does your baby feel stiff in your arms?
Arch their back when feeding or crying?
Struggle to settle or relax—even when all their “needs” seem met?

You’re not imagining it—and it’s not just colic, gas, or a “hard baby.”

In this episode of Mothering From Within, pediatric OT Kaili Ets shares what it really means when a baby feels tight, fussy, or hard to settle—and how body tension in babies often goes unrecognized and misunderstood by both professionals and well-meaning family members.

You’ll learn:

• What “holding tension” looks like in babies (subtle and obvious signs)
• The connection between birth experiences, body patterns, and behavior
• Why some babies arch, hate lying flat, or can’t fully relax—even when fed and loved
• The emotional toll on moms when no one listens to their concerns
• How to start supporting your baby’s body gently, without waiting for a diagnosis

This episode is your reminder that if your baby feels “off,” your instincts are likely right—and there is help available.

🕒 Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome to Mothering From Within
00:57 – You can feel when something’s off
03:41 – Why this episode matters: the missing conversation
06:30 – Signs your baby may be holding tension
09:27 – How birth, positioning, and compression affect baby’s body
12:10 – Colic, reflux, feeding issues—could tension be underneath it all?
14:45 – Why your baby’s discomfort isn’t “just a phase”
17:03 – The toll on moms when no one validates your concerns
19:56 – What to do next: looking deeper, trusting yourself, finding support

✨ Resources & Next Steps:
📘 Grab Kaili’s book: Mothering From Within → https://kailiets.com/book/
🎁 Download the Free Baby Body Tension Guide → https://freebie.kailiets.com/baby-tension
📍 Interested in local support or research participation? Learn more → https://kailiets.com/therapy/

💜 If this episode resonated, share it with another mama who needs it—and tag @theholisticbabyguru so Kaili can cheer you on.

In this expert-packed episode of Mothering From Within, pediatric OT Kaili Ets is joined by Marisa Marino, a seasoned pediatric physical therapist who specializes in torticollis and plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) in babies as well as pre/postnatal women's health.

Together, they break down:

• What torticollis and plagiocephaly actually are (and what causes them)
• The difference between a baby’s head turning preference and a true diagnosis
• Simple positioning strategies to try at home
• How to spot early signs before it becomes a bigger issue
• When to seek professional support—and what therapy might look like

Whether you're noticing a flat spot on your baby’s head, struggling with tummy time, or hearing new words like “plagiocephaly” or “torticollis” from your provider—this conversation will help you feel more informed, empowered, and supported.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome to Mothering From Within
01:14 – Meet Marisa Marino, pediatric physical therapist
03:03 – What is torticollis? What is plagiocephaly?
04:50 – How head shape and positioning are connected
09:44 – Treatment strategies + tummy time tips
12:11 – What the research says & how to advocate for your baby
26:22 – Final reflections & where to find Marisa

Perfect for parents who are:
• Noticing their baby always turns their head one way
• Concerned about flat spots on their baby’s head
• Wondering if tummy time is enough
• Looking for holistic, gentle alternatives to “wait and see”

💜 Know a mama who needs this? Forward the episode or tag us on IG!
Follow Kaili → @theholisticbabyguru
Find Marisa → risamarino@gmail.com

Want to participate in my Torticollis research study? Book your FREE session here

In this episode of Mothering From Within, Kaili Ets—pediatric occupational therapist and holistic baby guru—dives deep into the often misunderstood condition of Torticollis in babies.

If your baby constantly turns their head to one side, struggles with tummy time or latching, hates one breast, or seems tight and fussy when lying flat—this episode is a must-listen.

You'll learn:

• What torticollis actually is (spoiler: it's more than just a neck issue)
• The connection between torticollis and tongue ties
• Common causes, from in-utero positioning to birth interventions
• Why your baby’s tension might be showing up as feeding, sleep, or motor issues
• Why passive stretching alone often isn’t enough—and what you can do instead

Kaili also shares how craniosacral therapy, osteopathy, and whole-body approaches can gently support babies with head turning preference—without forcing movement or waiting it out.

If you’re local to Stoney Creek, Burlington, or Ancaster, she’s also inviting families to participate in her osteopathy thesis research project focused on gentle, effective support for babies with torticollis.

🕒 Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Mothering From Within
01:11 – Personal update + what inspired this episode
01:43 – What is torticollis? Signs & red flags
04:07 – Common causes of torticollis in babies
05:51 – Why torticollis is more than a neck issue
09:39 – Torticollis & tongue tie connection
15:06 – Why stretching alone isn’t always enough
18:52 – Join Kaili’s local research study (free treatment opportunity!)
19:54 – Final thoughts + how to support your baby holistically

✨ Resources Mentioned:
📘 Mothering From Within – Kaili’s book: A holistic guide to sleep, reflux, feeding, baby development & maternal well-being. Buy your copy here.
🎁 [Free Baby Body Tension Guide] – Learn how to identify subtle signs of body tension at home
📍 [Join Kaili’s Research Study] – For local families with babies experiencing torticollis or head turning preference

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.

In this episode of Mothering From Within, Kaili Ets—pediatric OT and holistic baby guru—dives into the fascinating world of Human Design and sleep.

If you've ever wondered why your baby doesn’t follow the "normal" sleep rules, or why bedtime feels harder than it “should,” this episode is for you. Sleep isn’t one-size-fits-all—and Human Design offers a compassionate, eye-opening way to understand your baby’s natural rhythms, rest needs, and sleep quirks.

You’ll learn how each Human Design energy type (Generator, Manifesting Generator, Projector, Manifestor, Reflector) influences sleep patterns and how to adjust your approach to better align with your child’s unique design. Kaili also explores how defined and undefined centers (like Root, G, and Throat) can impact your child’s ability to fall asleep, express sleep needs, and feel safe in their space.

💤 This isn’t sleep training. This is parenting in alignment with your child’s energetic blueprint.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your baby or toddler may not respond to traditional sleep advice
• How to use Human Design to support better sleep for your child
• Practical sleep tips for each design type
• Why screens, bedtime resistance, or sleep regressions might be linked to design
• What else impacts sleep—like defined centers, environment, and sensory needs

🕒 Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Introduction to Mothering From Within
01:11 – Exploring Human Design and Sleep
03:15 – Understanding Sleep Needs by Human Design Type
04:42 – Generators & Manifesting Generators: Movement, rhythm & routine
07:30 – Projectors: Winding down and emotional processing
09:21 – Manifestors: Sleep resistance & autonomy
10:27 – Reflectors: Lunar cycles & sensitivity
11:49 – Beyond Energy Types: Root, G, and Throat centers
12:55 – Final encouragement for tuning into your baby’s design
13:21 – Wrap-up and free Human Design & Sleep Guide

👉 Download your FREE Human Design chart here.

🎁 Grab the free Human Design + Sleep Guide
📘 Want more holistic support? Grab Kaili’s book Mothering From Within

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

🎙️ Episode 36: Why Your Baby Eats, Sleeps & Plays Differently—And What Human Design Can Reveal

In this illuminating episode of Mothering From Within, host Kaili Ets, pediatric occupational therapist and holistic baby guru, welcomes special guest Meg S. from Wholebeing OT—an occupational therapist and Human Design specialist—to explore a powerful new lens for parenting: Human Design.

Together, they dive deep into how Human Design can help you understand your baby’s unique rhythms, needs, and challenges—especially around sleep, feeding, emotions, and play. Meg shares practical, real-life examples and explains how even the smallest shifts in awareness can lead to big wins in connection, regulation, and flow at home.

Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums, picky eating, bedtime struggles, or just trying to trust your instincts more, this episode is full of aha moments and compassionate insight.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Human Design can help you understand your child’s energy, needs & behavior
• Sleep strategies based on your child’s design type
• The 6 Human Design digestion types (and why your baby might eat “differently”)
• How environment and sound influence your child’s play
• The significance of open vs. defined centers—and how they relate to emotional regulation
• Why Human Design is not a parenting “box,” but a tool for intuition & alignment

🕒 Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Mothering From Within
01:15 – Meet Meg: OT & Human Design Specialist
03:22 – Meg’s journey integrating Human Design with OT
07:31 – Why parents should start with understanding themselves
10:49 – Sleep & Human Design: Types, rhythms & routines
19:00 – Feeding based on design: Digestion types explained
25:34 – Ambience, sound & light: The sensory side of Human Design
29:08 – Environments & how they influence your child’s play
35:37 – Understanding defined vs. open centers in the chart
43:41 – Rapid-fire Q&A with Meg
45:59 – Final thoughts: Raising kids by their design

🎁 Want to learn your Human Design?
👉 Click here to grab your free chart

📋Want to go deeper? Grab the FREE Human Design 101 Cheat Sheet here.

📘 Want more support for your baby and on your mothering journey? Grab Kaili’s book Mothering From Within

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with another mama who’s ready to parent with more ease and alignment.