Spoil Your Baby

How can we stay emotionally grounded and raise hopeful children when the world around us feels so heavy?
Ariella Cook-Shonkoff is a psychotherapist and writer who has spent her life finding healing and refuge through the creative process. Her journey toward writing her book, Raising Anti-Doomers, was sparked by her own "mother bear" worries about raising kids in a California region increasingly threatened by intense wildfires. In her therapy practice, she also noticed a deep need to resource parents and young people who were struggling with climate anxiety and a sense of hopelessness. She wanted to find a way to counter the "doomer" narrative that often dominates our news and social media feeds.
Her transformation involved developing the concept of the "anti-doomer"—a way to live a fulfilling life while acknowledging difficult realities. She encourages us to find a "sweet spot of engagement," where we keep one foot in the muck of reality and the other foot firmly in a place of grounding. Ariella emphasizes that we don't have to choose between denial and panic; instead, we can use social connection, creativity, and time in nature to stay resilient. By modeling curiosity about the natural world for our children, we can help them feel a sense of belonging and stewardship. She teaches us that parenting with hope is a form of activism that starts at home and ripples out to the rest of the world.


Key Takeaways
Finding the "sweet spot of engagement" helps us balance an awareness of difficult truths with the grounding needed to stay calm.
Building a "parent club" or women's group provides essential social connection and validation, helping us feel less isolated in our concerns.
Spending time in nature allows us to experience "interbeing," where our personal problems feel smaller in connection to the vast natural world.
Modeling curiosity about nature, like watching insects or sunsets, helps children develop a lifelong habit of gratitude and environmental stewardship.
Small, daily acts of giving back to nature serve as a powerful form of family activism that seeds important values in younger generations.


THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE 48 - Raising Anti-Doomers feat. Ariella Cook Shonkoff - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more.

Becoming The Nurtured Mother
https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/becoming-the-nurtured-mother

Nurture Neuroscience Professional Certification
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page

Resources
Ariella’s Book Raising Anti-Doomers https://anti-doomer.com
Ariella’s Website: https://www.ariellacookshonkoff.com
Ariella’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariella-cook-shonkoff-09a7922a
Ariella’s Instagram: @ariellacookshonkoff https://www.instagram.com/ariellacookshonkoff

Guest Bio: Ariella Cook-Shonkoff is a psychotherapist, writer, and the author of Raising Anti-Doomers. She is affiliated with the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America and holds a deep belief that both art and therapy are transformative. She uses the creative process as a backbone for healing and invites her clients to express themselves authentically with self-compassion.
Ready to Connect with Greer?
"Nurture Neuroscience" Website:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/
FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting":https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book:https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
Mentioned in this episode:
Nurture Neuroscience Professional Certification
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/pro-certification - for waitlist - this is visible from Feb 1 2027 to Oct 1 2027
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page - to join - this can be visible until Feb 1 2027

How can treating breastfeeding as a relationship rather than a mechanical task transform your feeding journey?
Kelly Kendall began her career as a hospital postpartum nurse and lactation consultant before moving into private practice. Throughout her years in the hospital, she watched countless parents feel completely overwhelmed after birth. Many prepared thoroughly for labor, yet found themselves caught off guard by the realities of breastfeeding in a world that lacks social modeling.
She saw firsthand how modern isolation and digital age pressure leave families feeling defeated when feeding does not go smoothly. Kelly transformed her approach by viewing breastfeeding not as a mechanical chore, but as a relational practice centered on love and connection. She realized that feeding is about holding the relationship between parent and baby, no matter what path it takes. Today, through her practice and her online program, Boob School, Kelly teaches parents to trust their bodies and normalize the ups and downs. She empowers families with practical tools like prenatal hand expression, while removing the shame around using nipple shields or pumping. We believe her compassionate perspective offers a comforting reminder that we can love our babies with our bodies in so many meaningful ways.

Key Takeaways
Breastfeeding is a relational practice centered on emotional connection and love between parent and baby rather than just a mechanical delivery of milk.
Learning hand expression during the final weeks of pregnancy builds muscle memory and provides valuable colostrum to support your baby after birth.
Tools like nipple shields and pumps are helpful instruments that can bridge temporary challenges without ending your overall feeding journey.
Taking a short break for skin-to-skin contact helps lower stress and allows both parent and baby to reset their nervous systems.
We need to rebuild community support and remember that nurturing our children with our bodies extends far beyond the act of breastfeeding.

Becoming The Nurtured Mother
https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/becoming-the-nurtured-mother

Nurture Neuroscience Professional Certification
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page
Resources
Kelly Kendall's Website: https://www.thebalancedboob.com
Kelly Kendall's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebalancedboob

Guests Bio:
Kelly Kendall is a registered nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and the creator of Boob School. With experience in hospital postpartum care and private practice, she helps families navigate breastfeeding through a compassionate, relational lens.
Ready to Connect with Greer?
"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum
FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
Mentioned in this episode:
Nurture Neuroscience Professional Certification
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/pro-certification - for waitlist - this is visible from Feb 1 2027 to Oct 1 2027
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page - to join - this can be visible until Feb 1 2027

How do our earliest experiences in the womb and during birth shape our nervous systems and the way we parent?
Ashley Makan and Wendy Bruns both began their careers as doulas, driven by a deep calling to support families during birth. Through their work with the Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health (APPPAH), they discovered how early experiences, starting in the womb and continuing through birth, leave lasting imprints on our nervous systems.
They observed that modern culture often dismisses birth as just a single day, ignoring how a pregnant mother's stress and environment shape a baby's developing body. Ashley and Wendy faced the challenge of helping parents navigate inherited patterns without feeling overwhelmed or judged. They realized that breaking intergenerational cycles is not about achieving perfection, but about cultivating curiosity and self-awareness. By understanding where we come from and reconnecting with our bodies, parents can transform how they show up for their children. We believe their work shows us that when we replace judgment with compassion, we can heal past imprints and build deeper connections for generations to come.
Key Takeaways
Our earliest experiences in the womb leave lasting imprints on our nervous systems that influence how we manage stress as adults.
Babies in the womb are constantly sensing and responding to their mother's emotions, heartbeat, and stress levels to regulate their own nervous system.
Breaking generational birth patterns is not about being a perfect parent, but about practicing connection, curiosity, and self-compassion without judgment.
Reconnecting with your body through quiet evening practices helps lower stress and creates a deeper bond with your baby before birth.
Learning your own birth story and history can help you understand your emotional triggers and make conscious choices for your family.

Becoming The Nurtured Mother
https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/becoming-the-nurtured-mother

Nurture Neuroscience Professional Certification
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page
Resources
Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health (APPPAH) Website: https://birthpsychology.com
APPPAH's Public Education Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@apppah
APPPAH Podcast: Demystifying Birth Psychology https://birthpsychology.com/podcast
Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH Journal Archives) https://birthpsychology.com/journal

Guests Bio:
Ashley Makan is a Prenatal and Perinatal Educator, Birth Doula, Body Ready Method® Pro, Reiki Master Teacher, and Meditation Guide specializing in trauma-informed preconception and birth preparation. She is the founder of Bodhi Birth and Wellness in Upstate South Carolina and a student of midwifery in apprenticeship, advocating passionately for prenatal and perinatal psychology.
Wendy Bruns holds a degree in Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz and works as a birth doula and educator. Her role with the Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health (APPPAH) deepens her understanding of how early experiences shape mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Ready to Connect with Greer?
"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum
FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
Mentioned in this episode:
Nurture Neuroscience Professional Certification
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/pro-certification - for waitlist - this is visible from Feb 1 2027 to Oct 1 2027
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page - to join - this can be visible until Feb 1 2027

How can tapping into your inner intuition transform the way you navigate motherhood and everyday life?
Sydney Blum built her career bridging strategy and community impact with intuitive practice, helping people listen inwardly and lead from alignment. Early on, she noticed how much our society prioritizes left-brain efficiency, data, and endless doing over quiet inner wisdom. When she became a mother, she realized that this heavy focus on external proof leaves many parents feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from their bodies, and trapped in people-pleasing.
Sydney faced the challenge of helping moms reconnect with their senses in a fast-paced world that lacks the traditional support of a village. Her key transformation came from treating intuition as a daily muscle that we can nurture through presence and intentional practice. She learned that even simple habits, like setting a gentle intention before getting out of bed, can shift our focus toward joy, playfulness, and unexpected gifts. Today, Sydney guides women to trust their inner authority, cultivate self-compassion, and embrace community support. Through her work, she shows us that we do not have to parent or live in isolation. By honoring our intuition, we can step out of fight-or-flight mode and make grounded, confident decisions for ourselves and our families.
Key Takeaways
Intuition is information constantly flowing through our senses and nervous system, helping us make grounded and confident decisions every day.
Modern society overemphasizes left-brain efficiency and data, often causing parents to ignore their own bodies and deep inner wisdom.
Setting an intention before opening your eyes each morning helps focus your mind on playfulness, delight, and unexpected gifts throughout the day.
Overcoming people-pleasing and setting healthy boundaries becomes much easier when you trust your inner authority as a parent.
We were never meant to navigate growth alone, and seeking community guides helps us reconnect with our intuition and true self.

Becoming The Nurtured Mother
https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/becoming-the-nurtured-mother

Nurture Neuroscience Professional Certification
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/pro-certification - for waitlist - this is visible from Feb 1 2027 to Oct 1 2027
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page - to join - this can be visible until Feb 1 2027
Resources
ILI website: https://ili.sydneyblum.com
One on One consultations: https://sydneyblum.com/workwithme
Sydney Blum's email: sydneyblum@gmail.com
Sydney Blum's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneyrebecc
Sydney Blum's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneyblum

Guests Bio:
Sydney Blum helps people strengthen their ability to listen inwardly and lead from a deeper sense of alignment. She brings together her experience in community impact and strategy with intuitive practice to explore how inner knowledge shapes our relationships, leadership, and the future we create.
Ready to Connect with Greer?
"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum
FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
Mentioned in this episode:
Becoming The Nurtured Mother
https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/becoming-the-nurtured-mother

How can embracing the unknown and trusting our wild instincts transform our journey into parenthood?
Dr. Britta Bushnell began her path in childbirth education over twenty-five years ago, rooted in her lifelong passion for storytelling and mythology. After years as a co-owner of Birthing From Within, she earned a PhD in mythology and psychology to understand how narrative shapes our readiness for life transformations.
Throughout her career, she observed how modern culture pushes parents to rely heavily on technology, schedules, and strict information - an energy represented by the sun god Apollo. However, this hyper-focus on control often leaves new parents feeling underprepared and isolated when facing the messy reality of birth. Dr. Bushnell faced the challenge of helping parents navigate this gap between rigid expectations and unpredictable outcomes.
Her key transformation came through connecting birth to the goddess Artemis, who represents our untamed, animal nature and the wilderness. She learned that "not knowing" is not a problem to fix, but a necessary part of any true rite of passage. Through her book *Transformed by Birth* and her teachings, she guides parents to step away from excessive control, listen to their quiet inner intuition, and embrace the messy middle of transformation. We believe her work shows us that when we trust the wild journey, we gain deep confidence in ourselves.
Key Takeaways
Facing the unknown is an inherent and essential part of any true rite of passage, not something that needs to be fixed.
Over-relying on strict control, technology, and schedules can leave new parents feeling unsupported when real labor and parenthood begin.
Birth brings us deeply into our untamed animal nature, requiring us to move beyond rigid society rules into intuitive territory.
Transformation is a gradual process that requires us to slow down and accept the uncomfortable, messy middle stage of growth.
Developing discernment alongside intuition helps us filter out rigid parenting advice and honor our own quiet inner voice.

Becoming The Nurtured Mother
https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/becoming-the-nurtured-mother

Nurture Neuroscience Professional Certification
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/pro-certification - for waitlist - this is visible from Feb 1 2027 to Oct 1 2027
https://nurture-neuroscience.com/professional-certification-sales-page - to join - this can be visible until Feb 1 2027
Resources
Dr. Britta Bushnell's Website: https://brittabushnell.com
Dr. Britta Bushnell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britta-bushnell-phd-3062634
Dr. Britta Bushnell's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittabushnellphd

Guests Bio:
Dr. Britta Bushnell is a mother, veteran childbirth educator, celebrated speaker, podcast host, mythologist, and specialist in childbirth, couples, and parenting. For over 25 years, she has worked with individuals and couples as they prepare for birth, drawing from her doctoral work in mythology and psychology, her background as co-owner of Birthing From Within, and her study of brief therapy, storytelling, and relationship vibrancy.
Ready to Connect with Greer?
"Nurture Neuroscience" Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum
FREE GUIDE, "Nurture Your Baby's Stress": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress
FREE GUIDE, "Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting": https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting
Order "The Nurture Revolution" Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
Mentioned in this episode:
Becoming The Nurtured Mother
https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/becoming-the-nurtured-mother