A Bridge to Motherhood Podcast:

The New Mom Survival Guide

A Bridge to Motherhood Podcast - is your go-to resource for practical, honest, and empowering advice on navigating the early days of motherhood. Join us as we dive into tips, stories, and expert insights to help you feel supported, prepared, and confident through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum

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Danielle Bruner Danielle Bruner

How to Introduce Allergens to Babies Safely (What Every Parent Should Know) with Meenal Lele from Lil' Mixins

Have you ever wondered whether introducing allergens early could actually help protect your baby—and how to do it without spiraling into fear?

In this episode, we cover:

  • Why early allergen introduction may play a powerful role in food allergy prevention and what the research actually says.

  • How to introduce common allergens like peanut and egg in practical, low-stress ways that fit real family life.

  • The connection between infant gut health, the microbiome, and how your baby’s immune system learns what is safe.

If you’re ready to feel more confident navigating infant feeding and reduce the fear surrounding food allergies, then this episode is for you. 

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Danielle Bruner Danielle Bruner

You’re Not “Just Tired:” What’s Actually Going On in Your Postpartum Body with Allison Occkial

Have you thought about how to mentally prepare for the changes in your body after baby?

If you’ve ever thought, “I guess this is just motherhood… I’m always going to feel this tired,”—this episode is going to gently challenge that.

Today I’m joined by Allison Occkial, a holistic and functional medicine trainer who specializes in helping women understand what’s really going on in their bodies—especially during pregnancy and postpartum.

We’re talking about the difference between what’s common and what’s actually normal, why so many moms feel dismissed when it comes to their health, and how your hormones, stress, and daily habits are all deeply connected.

This conversation is going to help you stop brushing off your symptoms and start advocating for your body with confidence.

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Danielle Bruner Danielle Bruner

3 Steps to Emotionally Prepare for Postpartum Body Shifts

Have you thought about how to mentally prepare for the changes in your body after baby?

In this episode, we will cover:

-The importance of acknowledging your body’s changes before they happen.

-Why self-compassion is crucial in accepting postpartum shifts.

-How to create a mindset that supports a healthy emotional recovery.

If you’re ready to embrace the changes and feel confident in your postpartum body, then this episode is for you!

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Danielle Bruner Danielle Bruner

Smart Money Tips for New Moms: Budgeting, Planning, and Thriving with a Baby with Lori Atwood

How do you prepare financially for the life-changing journey of motherhood?

In this episode, I’m joined by Lori Atwood, a financial planner who specializes in helping families feel confident and prepared when adding a baby to the mix. Lori shares her expertise on how new moms and parents can reduce financial stress, create realistic budgets, and align money decisions with the values they want to build their family around.

From maternity leave to unexpected baby expenses, Lori offers simple, actionable steps to help moms feel more in control of their finances—without needing to have it all figured out.

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Danielle Bruner Danielle Bruner

Tips from a Postpartum Doula for Establishing a Routine from the Newborn Days Through the First Year

Have you ever wondered how to build a postpartum routine that actually works in real life during motherhood without feeling overwhelmed or boxed in?

In this episode, we will cover:

  • The difference between postpartum routines and rigid schedules, and how to create flexible rhythms in the newborn stage that support both you and your baby

  • Why building your day around anchors can bring stability and peace when everything else feels unpredictable in new motherhood

  • How to adjust your expectations as your baby grows from newborn to 12 months so your routine evolves instead of constantly breaking down

  • My approach to protecting your mental, emotional, and spiritual capacity by intentionally including rest, connection, and time with the Lord in your daily rhythm

  • Why flexibility and grace are essential for sustainable postpartum routines and how to reset when your day doesn’t go as planned

… and a whole lot more!

If you’re ready to create a realistic, flexible, faith-centered routine that supports your life in motherhood instead of adding pressure, then this episode is for you!

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Danielle Bruner Danielle Bruner

VBAC After C-Section What Every Mom Should Know Before Her Next Birth with Hannah Gill

 Have you ever wondered how preparing for a VBAC or C-section during pregnancy could completely change your birth experience?

In this episode, we will cover:

  • The reasons many moms choose a VBAC after a previous C-section and how it can impact future births.

  • Why processing a past birth experience is a powerful step in pregnancy preparation for your next birth.

  • How to advocate for your birth preferences and create a supportive birth plan whether you have a VBAC or repeat C-section.

… and a whole lot more!

If you’re ready to feel informed, empowered, and prepared for your next birth after a C-section, then this episode is for you!

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