In this episode, Jacqueline sits down with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist and AAP spokesperson, to explore what truly builds a strong foundation between parents and their newborns. From NICU realities to bonding after surrogacy, this episode is a science-meets-heart deep dive into connection, communication, and ditching the pressure to “do it all.”
What you’ll learn:
- Why bonding isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence
- How early relational health impacts brain development
- The science behind skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo care
- What to know about birth plans, baby gear, and bonding expectations
- How babies communicate through crying and cooing
- The truth about sleep training, co-sleeping, and newborn needs
- Why it’s okay if love doesn’t happen “at first sight”
- How your baby benefits from your support system
- Misconceptions about newborn needs and bonding “rules”
- Why “you are enough” matters more than anything else
Questions answered in this episode:
- What happens in the brain when a baby bonds with a caregiver?
- Is it possible to bond deeply if you didn’t carry your baby?
- Does skin-to-skin actually do anything physiologically?
- What should you do if bonding doesn’t happen right away?
- Are birth plans helpful—or harmful?
- Is it okay if I’m not a “baby-wearing mom”?
- Can babies really communicate through different cries?
- What’s the science behind co-sleeping or sleep training?
- How can parents build trust and resilience in their baby?
- What do newborns really need most from us?
Connect with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie:
- Instagram: @jopargalinkiemd
- Book: The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting with Your Newborn
- AAP Parent Resource: HealthyChildren.org
Connect with the podcast:
- Facebook: Motherhood Intended Community
- Instagram: @motherhood_intended
- Leave a review for the podcast
- Apply to be a guest on the show!
__________________________________________________________________________________
💛 You don’t have to do this alone. Join Your Fertility Village — a safe, supportive community for women on their fertility journey. 🌻__________________________________________________________________________________
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.