We hear it all the time—“get more sleep” and “stress less”—but how do stress and sleep actually impact your skin? And what’s really happening inside your body to cause those changes?

In this expert roundtable from Mama Needs a Moment, we take a deeper look at the biology behind the breakouts, dullness, sensitivity, and accelerated aging so many moms experience. Because it’s not just about skincare—it’s about what’s happening beneath the surface.

This conversation connects the dots between your daily reality as a mom and the changes you’re seeing in the mirror—helping you understand why your skin is responding the way it is.

And while the science is powerful, the solutions don’t have to be overwhelming. The experts also share simple, supportive practices to help regulate your nervous system, improve sleep quality, and care for your skin in a more holistic, realistic way.

Because when you understand what your body is going through, you can stop guessing—and start supporting your skin with intention.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What’s actually happening inside your body when your skin changes — including how stress hormones like cortisol and lack of sleep trigger inflammation, break down collagen, and disrupt your skin barrier

• Why motherhood (especially perimenopause) can amplify skin issues — and how the combination of hormones, stress, and sleep deprivation creates a perfect storm for breakouts, sensitivity, and premature aging

• Simple, realistic ways to support your skin from within — including nervous system regulation, better sleep habits, and small daily practices that can improve both your skin health and overall well-being

🎧 Tune in and explore more expert resources inside the HER+ Health Collective community.

HER+ Experts:

• Dr. Maryam Haque, Board Certified Dermatologist, https://www.oakcitydermatology.com/

• Dr. Abby DeVries, Family Medicine Doctor - https://www.sabiahealthnc.com/

• Kate Layman, Certified Nurse Midwife - https://motherlovewellness.com/

• Dr. Farzaneh Rezaei, Microbial Formulation Scientist - https://fafabiotic.com/

• Tiffaney Webb, Licensed Esthetician | Holistic Skin & Wellness Specialist - www.stillnessandskin.com

• Stephanie Opper, Licensed Esthetician - https://myskinsationalesthetics.com/

Episode Notes and Resources:

FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness

HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

What if your skin isn’t just reacting—but trying to tell you something?

In this roundtable episode of Mama Needs a Moment, our HER+ Provider Directory experts unpack how the **skin microbiome—your skin’s living ecosystem—**changes through pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause. With hormones shifting, sleep disrupted, and stress running high, your skin is constantly adapting… and sometimes struggling to keep up.

We explore how these changes can show up as dryness, acne, sensitivity, or accelerated aging—and why your skin may suddenly feel unfamiliar. You’ll also hear how to tell the difference between what’s normal in motherhood and what’s worth a closer look, plus why building a supportive care team (including dermatology and esthetic support) matters.

This conversation is your reminder: your skin isn’t failing you—it’s signaling. And you deserve to understand what it’s saying.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the skin microbiome shifts during pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause—and why it matters

• What’s considered “normal” skin changes vs. signs it’s time to seek professional support

• How to advocate for your skin health and build the right care team for long-term support

🎧 Tune in and explore more expert resources inside the HER Health Collective community.

HER+ Experts:

• Dr. Maryam Haque, Board Certified Dermatologist, https://www.oakcitydermatology.com/

• Dr. Abby DeVries, Family Medicine Doctor - https://www.sabiahealthnc.com/

• Kate Layman, Certified Nurse Midwife - https://motherlovewellness.com/

• Dr. Farzaneh Rezaei, Microbial Formulation Scientist - https://fafabiotic.com/

• Tiffaney Webb, Licensed Esthetician | Holistic Skin & Wellness Specialist - www.stillnessandskin.com

• Stephanie Opper, Licensed Esthetician - https://myskinsationalesthetics.com/

Episode Notes and Resources:

FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness

HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “What is happening to my skin?!”—this episode is for you.

In this roundtable conversation, we’re joined by a group of HER+ health experts to unpack one of the most common (and confusing) experiences of motherhood: changing skin. From pregnancy through postpartum and into perimenopause, your skin is constantly responding to shifts in hormones, stress, sleep, and overall health—and it can show up as melasma, breakouts, dryness, or new sensitivities you’ve never dealt with before.

We’re getting real about what’s actually going on beneath the surface—and why so many moms feel like their skincare routine suddenly stops working.

Inside this episode, we talk about:

• Why pregnancy can trigger acne, oiliness, and pigmentation

• What’s behind stubborn melasma that lingers long after postpartum

• How perimenopause and hormone shifts impact collagen, elasticity, and breakouts

• The role of stress and sleep (or lack of it) on your skin

• Why SPF isn’t optional—and how to find one you’ll actually wear daily

• The connection between your skin microbiome and overall skin health

You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your skin and simple, expert-backed ways to support it—without overcomplicating your routine.

Because your skin isn’t “failing you”—it’s responding to everything your body is navigating in this season.

👉 And if you’ve been curious about the deeper “why” behind your skin changes, don’t miss our next episode where we take a closer look at the skin microbiome and when it’s time to dig deeper into concerning changes.

HER+ Experts:

• Dr. Maryam Haque, Board Certified Dermatologist, https://www.oakcitydermatology.com/

• Dr. Abby DeVries, Family Medicine Doctor - https://www.sabiahealthnc.com/

• Kate Layman, Certified Nurse Midwife - https://motherlovewellness.com/

• Dr. Farzaneh Rezaei, Microbial Formulation Scientist - https://fafabiotic.com/

• Tiffaney Webb, Licensed Esthetician | Holistic Skin & Wellness Specialist - www.stillnessandskin.com

• Stephanie Opper, Licensed Esthetician - https://myskinsationalesthetics.com/

Episode Notes and Resources:

FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness

HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

Parenting multiple children can feel like a constant balancing act—meeting everyone’s needs while running on empty yourself. In this final episode of our Supporting Siblings series, we explore what it really looks like to stay emotionally regulated and prevent burnout in the midst of it all.

Our expert roundtable shares practical, realistic strategies to reduce mental load, simplify daily life, and create calmer home environments. We also dive into the emotional side of parenting—maintaining your identity outside of motherhood, setting compassionate boundaries, and finding meaningful ways to connect one-on-one with each child.

You’ll hear why just 10–15 minutes of fully present connection can make a powerful impact, and how small moments of validation build trust, empathy, and stronger sibling relationships over time.

This episode brings the series full circle—reminding us that when parents feel grounded and supported, it creates a ripple effect that strengthens the entire family.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to reduce mental overload and decision fatigue in daily family life

• Simple ways to stay emotionally regulated and prevent parental burnout

• Practical strategies to build deeper connection with each child while nurturing sibling unity

A must-listen for any parent navigating the beautiful, messy reality of raising multiple kids.

HER+ Experts:

• Dr. Carrie Ann Dittner PhD, Clinical & Developmental Psychology, Founder of Peak City Psychology

• Elise N. Davis, LCMHC, C-MMT Counseling. Meditation. Yoga, Owner of Present Practice Counseling

• Brittni Winslow, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist, Owner of Emerge Pediatric Therapy

• Gigi Miller, Productivity Coach, Executive Function Support, Owner of The Organized Life

• Quinandria Lee, Ed.S., LCMHC, NCC, Owner of Curated Space Counseling and Consulting

Episode Notes and Resources:

FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness

HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

Sibling conflict can feel relentless—the arguing, tattling, and constant battles over fairness or space. For many parents, it’s the most exhausting part of raising multiple kids and can leave them wondering if something is going wrong.

In this roundtable conversation, experts from the HER+ Provider Directory offer a refreshing reframe: sibling conflict isn’t just something to stop—it’s an opportunity to teach powerful life skills. The discussion explores how parents can shift from refereeing fights to coaching emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving.

You’ll hear practical strategies like depersonalizing communication to reduce defensiveness, helping children pause and regulate before responding, and allowing siblings space to work through disagreements. The experts also discuss how developmental stages influence conflict and why adjusting expectations can change the dynamic at home.

Just as importantly, the conversation acknowledges how draining sibling conflict can be for parents. The panel shares ways parents can regulate their own responses, reduce burnout, and model the emotional skills they want their children to learn.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to reframe sibling conflict as an opportunity to build emotional and communication skills

• Practical ways parents can coach children through disagreements rather than constantly refereeing

• Why parent self-regulation is essential for reducing burnout and creating healthier family dynamics

HER+ Experts:

• Dr. Carrie Ann Dittner PhD, Clinical & Developmental Psychology, Founder of Peak City Psychology

• Elise N. Davis, LCMHC, C-MMT Counseling. Meditation. Yoga, Owner of Present Practice Counseling

• Brittni Winslow, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist, Owner of Emerge Pediatric Therapy

• Gigi Miller, Productivity Coach, Executive Function Support, Owner of The Organized Life

• Quinandria Lee, Ed.S., LCMHC, NCC, Owner of Curated Space Counseling and Consulting

Episode Notes and Resources:

Videos by TheraHive that walk through the Transactional Model and Solutions (mentioned by Elise Davis), explaining how 2 people’s communication/miscommunication impact each other and shape behaviors on both sides.

Part 1: https://youtu.be/_Y_92cfzGO4

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em7tO0z8w40

FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness

HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

When you’re raising more than one child, it’s easy to wonder: Am I being fair?

In this HER+ Roundtable, experts from our Provider Directory unpack what it really means to support siblings in a multi-child family—especially when their needs, personalities, and sensory profiles are different.

Together, we redefine fairness as responsiveness, not sameness. The conversation explores parental guilt, how to check it against your values, and when to repair versus release it. We also dive into navigating sensory differences at home—using tools like children’s books, family agreements, and intentionally teaching empathy so siblings learn to respect one another’s unique needs.

Because supporting our kids starts with supporting ourselves, the panel shares practical regulation strategies for parents, including the “battery analogy” and “body budget” framework to help you understand your own energy deposits and withdrawals throughout the day.

If you’ve ever felt stretched trying to meet everyone’s needs (including your own), this episode will remind you: fairness isn’t about equal treatment—it’s about thoughtful, intentional care and the grace to keep experimenting along the way.

These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode:

• Listeners will learn how to redefine fairness in parenting—not as equal treatment, but as meeting each child’s unique needs. This shift helps reduce guilt and allows parents to focus on responsiveness over rigid equality.

• Listeners will gain practical tools for managing different sensory needs within the same household, including creating family agreements, teaching empathy, and using age-appropriate language to help siblings understand one another.

• Listeners will understand how their own nervous system impacts family dynamics—and walk away with simple strategies like the “battery analogy” and “body budget” to better manage their energy, increase validation, and repair more effectively.

HER+ Experts:

• Dr. Carrie Ann Dittner PhD, Clinical & Developmental Psychology, Founder of Peak City Psychology

• Elise N. Davis, LCMHC, C-MMT Counseling. Meditation. Yoga, Owner of Present Practice Counseling

• Brittni Winslow, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist, Owner of Emerge Pediatric Therapy

• Gigi Miller, Productivity Coach, Executive Function Support, Owner of The Organized Life

• Quinandria Lee, Ed.S., LCMHC, NCC, Owner of Curated Space Counseling and Consulting

Episode Notes and Resources:

Philomena's New Glasses: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/540653/philomenas-new-glasses-by-brenna-maloney/

FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness

HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

Parenting siblings is rarely about doing the same thing twice. In this first episode of our Supporting Siblings Roundtable, our HER+ Provider Directory experts explore what it truly means to raise kids with different temperaments, developmental timelines, and emotional needs.

We begin by unpacking one powerful reframe: children aren’t “difficult” — they’re different. From sensory sensitivities and executive functioning challenges to ADHD and biological differences, this conversation highlights how behavior is often communication. When parents learn to observe, describe, and validate what’s underneath the behavior, they can respond with more flexibility and less guilt.

We also dive into the delicate balance of fairness. How do you support one child who needs more without creating resentment in another? Our experts discuss the importance of narrating differences, educating the whole family about diagnoses or unique needs, and validating feelings without creating a hierarchy of importance. The goal isn’t equal treatment — it’s intentional support.

Finally, we explore how childhood roles and identities can shape sibling relationships well into adulthood, and why helping parents release guilt is essential to fostering clarity and connection within the family.

If you’re raising children who are wired differently, this conversation will help you better understand their needs — and trust your ability to support each of them with confidence.

These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode:

• How to shift from “difficult” to “different.”Listeners will learn how temperament, sensory needs, executive functioning, and developmental differences shape behavior — and how reframing behavior as communication can reduce guilt, frustration, and reactivity.

• How to balance fairness without creating resentment.This episode offers practical language for narrating differences, validating each child’s experience, and meeting one child’s greater needs without unintentionally creating comparison or hierarchy within the family.

• How early sibling dynamics can shape lifelong relationships.You’ll gain insight into how roles and identities formed in childhood can impact adult sibling relationships — and what parents can do now to foster understanding, flexibility, and connection for the long term.

HER+ Experts:

• Dr. Carrie Ann Dittner PhD, Clinical & Developmental Psychology, Founder of Peak City Psychology

• Elise N. Davis, LCMHC, C-MMT Counseling. Meditation. Yoga, Owner of Present Practice Counseling

• Brittni Winslow, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist, Owner of Emerge Pediatric Therapy

• Gigi Miller, Productivity Coach, Executive Function Support, Owner of The Organized Life

• Quinandria Lee, Ed.S., LCMHC, NCC, Owner of Curated Space Counseling and Consulting

Episode Notes and Resources:

FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness

HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion about restrictive eating patterns and their potential harm.

This is the final episode in our Metabolism Roundtable series, bringing together HER+ providers to challenge the messaging women — especially moms — have been taught about weight, energy, and health. (Episodes 158, 157 & 156 are also part of the Metabolism Roundtable series)

In this closing conversation, the panel unpacks why cycles of restriction often leave women feeling more fatigued, stressed, and metabolically stuck, particularly during perimenopause. The experts explore how under-fueling, chronic stress, and the pressure to be smaller can disrupt hormones, increase metabolic resistance, and fuel weight cycling.

The discussion also examines the evolving role of GLP-1 medications, including their potential benefits for insulin resistance and inflammation, alongside the critical need for medical oversight, strength training, and adequate nutrition to protect muscle and bone health.

The takeaway for this final chapter: intensity and restriction aren’t the answer. Consistency, strength, proper fueling, and a collaborative care team offer a more sustainable path forward — one that shifts the focus from shrinking the body to supporting long-term metabolic health and overall well-being.

These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode:

• Why restriction often backfires for women’s metabolismYou will learn how under-fueling, chronic stress, and repeated cycles of “trying harder” can slow metabolism, increase fatigue, and create metabolic resistance — especially for moms and women in perimenopause.

• What actually supports long-term metabolic healthThis episode clarifies why consistency matters more than intensity, and how adequate fueling, strength training, muscle preservation, and stress support are foundational for sustainable energy, blood sugar balance, and overall well-being.

• How tools like GLP-1 medications fit into a bigger pictureYou will gain a balanced understanding of the potential benefits and limitations of GLP-1 medications, and why medical oversight, nutrition, and strength work are essential to protect muscle, bone health, and long-term outcomes.

HER+ Experts:

● Katherin Andrew, Registered Dietitian - https://www.katherineandrew.com/

● Dr. Abby DeVries, Family Medicine Doctor - https://www.sabiahealthnc.com/

● Sarah Parise, ACE Certified Fitness Professional - https://greatdaysbysarah.com/

● Kate Layman, Certified Nurse Midwife - https://motherlovewellness.com/

Episode Notes and Resources:

Dr. Salas-Whalen and her book Weightless

FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness

HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.