Motherhood Made Simple

39 | Can I get rid of my smart phone? Six weeks without and what I've learned

What happens when a modern mom gives up her smartphone?
In this honest and eye-opening episode of Motherhood Made Simple, I’m sharing what the past six weeks have been like living without a smartphone. From the daily inconveniences to the surprising freedoms, I’ll walk you through what I’ve gained, what I’ve missed, and how stepping away from constant connection gave me back something I didn’t expect: time.
If you’ve ever felt glued to your phone, overwhelmed by notifications, or just tired of being constantly on, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. You’ll hear what changed in my parenting, mindset, and day-to-day routines—and why I don’t think I’ll ever go back the same way.
Whether you're curious about digital minimalism, craving more presence in motherhood, or just wondering if it's really possible to live without a smartphone in today’s world, this one’s for you.
Tune in and be inspired to rethink your relationship with your phone—and reclaim your time.
 
LINKS
PUBLIC MOBILE
get a $10 credit when you make the switch https://publicmobile.ca/en/on/plans?referral=4Q02XO
📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖
https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ  
READ MY BLOG
micaela.ca/blog
💻EMAIL ME💻
hello@micaela.ca
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:42 My epiphany
01:59 What phone do I have now?
03:19 What are the rules for this challenge?
04:12 Why did I get rid of my smart phone?
07:02 Some things I've noticed
09:10 Inconveniences
13:11 Am I going to keep my dumb phone?

38 | Am I a good mom? Is there a "right" way to mother?

Ever find yourself wondering, “Am I doing this right?” You’re not alone. If you're in the thick of it I'm here to remind you there is no wrong way to mother. In this encouraging episode, we'll cover choosing what matters to you, learning on the job, and trusting God to strengthen you for each day as a mom.
 
LINKS
📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖
https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ  
READ MY BLOG
micaela.ca/blog
💻EMAIL ME💻
hello@micaela.ca
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:52 I'm struggling
01:40 There's no wrong way to do this
06:09 Let yourself keep learning & growing
08:27 Don't mother on your own strength
09:35 Get my devotional for toddler moms!

37 | 10 Things I've learned in my 20s | Life lessons about family, calling, creativity & friendship

In honor of my 28th birthday, I’m sharing 10 lessons I’ve learned over the past 10 years. I've changed so much, and I am so, so thankful! These lessons are about creativity, calling, family, friendship, and more as I seek to become the woman God created me to be. Whether you’re in a similar season or just love a good life chat, I hope this inspires you to reflect on your own journey and see how far God has brought you!
 
LINKS
📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖
https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ  
READ MY BLOG
micaela.ca/blog
💻EMAIL ME💻
hello@micaela.ca
 
CHAPTERS00:00 Intro
01:50 Family really is the most important
03:09 Responsibility is a blessing, not a burden
03:47 Life (& my creative pursuits) doesn't have to be so serious
04:58 Life is better offline
05:51 If God puts a creative dream in your heart, you need to do it
06:24 Passion & money don't need to go together
07:57 You have to tell people what you need 
08:42 You can only respond to things people actually say, not what you think they think
09:25 Be an initiator or stay lonely

36 | Approach baby sleep with confidence - Mindset shifts for new moms

Baby sleep can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to steal your peace. In this episode, I’m sharing nine mindset shifts that have helped me approach baby sleep with confidence—through the newborn stage, first year, and beyond.
I’ll walk you through how my approach to baby sleep changes as they grow, how I stay flexible while prioritizing rest for all of us, and why mindset matters just as much as method. If you're feeling unsure, exhausted, or just wondering what’s “normal,” I hope this episode will bring you peace and clarity as you make these important decisions. 
 
LINKS
📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖
https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ  
READ MY BLOG
micaela.ca/blog
💻EMAIL ME💻
hello@micaela.ca
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:56 These decisions are a big deal!
02:10 9 Thoughts that give me peace around sleep
09:14 Recap of 9 mindsets for baby sleep
10:13 Our approach

35 | Why I keep my due date private in pregnancy

In this episode, I’m sharing why I’ve chosen to keep my due date private during pregnancy—and why you might want to consider it too. From protecting your privacy to reducing pressure as the big day approaches, keeping your due date to yourself can bring more peace and patience in those final weeks.
I’ll talk about how this decision has helped me enjoy a more calm and intentional pregnancy, and how you can confidently navigate conversations without oversharing.
Whether you’re expecting your first baby or your fifth, this episode is full of gentle encouragement and practical tips for creating healthy boundaries during pregnancy.
 
LINKS
📖MY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODDLER MOMS📖
https://amzn.to/42UhhBQ  
READ THE BLOG
micaela.ca/blog
💻EMAIL ME💻
hello@micaela.ca
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:50 Why I keep my due date private
02:14 Are due dates accurate? 
03:59 Protecting your privacy
05:50 Remaining patient in the final weeks
08:00 Should you keep your 40-week date a secret
08:59 How to answer "when are you due?"

34 | Having a baby? Here's how to prepare for a peaceful postpartum

Are you almost ready to have a baby but wondering what do I actually need to prepare for postpartum? In today’s episode, we’re chatting all things postpartum and how to prepare in a way that brings more peace, rest, and joy into those early newborn days. Whether you’re a first-time mom or preparing for baby number four like me, this conversation will help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
I’ll walk you through practical tips and postpartum essentials—from what to stock up on, how to talk to your husband, and how to plan ahead with things like freezer meals and visitor expectations. You’ll also hear my personal take on creating a peaceful environment for healing, bonding, and easing into this new season of motherhood.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
How to think about postpartum
How to prepare
Must-have postpartum items for both mom and baby
Mindset shifts to help you enjoy those early weeks
Whether you're weeks away from delivery or just thinking ahead, this episode is full of encouragement and actionable steps to help you feel ready and at peace.
LINKS
Peri Bottle
https://amzn.to/3HDNWTF 
Bidet
https://amzn.to/4dZzFge 
Pads I like
https://amzn.to/401OCZb 
Healing spray
https://amzn.to/4l4SiBO 
Lactation pads
https://amzn.to/43Ew3wv 
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:54 Personal update
03:28 Realistic expectations
05:08 How to think about this list
05:59 Emotionally prepare
07:42 How to talk to your husband about postpartum
10:06 Prepare your children
10:40 Empty your schedule
12:12 Prepare your home
13:49 Make sure you are well supported
15:30 Items to gather
17:28 Final encouragement

33 | Giving birth at home? How to prepare for homebirth mind, body & birth supplies

Thinking about giving birth at home? Let's talk about how to prepare for a home birth. I’ll walk you through how to prepare your mind for a peaceful birth, how to support your body through pregnancy and labor, and how we’re setting up our home birth space for comfort and calm.
Whether you're planning your first home birth or just exploring natural birth options, this episode will give you a simple approach full of practical tips for birth at home.
 
LINKS
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (my fave birth book)
https://amzn.to/4mB4A6h 
Birth Without Burden Course (free)
https://stan.store/madelinemarlatt 
Tub Heater
https://amzn.to/3FigmC1 
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:47 Should I have a birth plan?
01:25 Prepare your mind for birth
10:38 Prepare the space for birth
15:21 Prepare your body

32 | Should I give birth at home? Why I choose homebirth

Considering a homebirth? Today, I’m sharing why I choose to give birth at home instead of in a hospital. I’ll walk you through 6 practical reasons that led to this decision.
We'll go over what it means to give birth at home with a homebirth midwife, the cost of homebirth, the mess, how to get your husband on board and why I feel confident this is a safe way to meet my baby. 
Whether you're curious about home birth, considering natural birth options, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at what this process is like, this episode will give you an honest, encouraging perspective from a Christian mom’s point of view.
 
LINKS
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (my fave birth book)
https://amzn.to/4mB4A6h 
Birth Without Burden Course (free)
https://stan.store/madelinemarlatt 
Bridget Teyler (Videos on birth, pain management, pregnancy & more)
https://www.youtube.com/@BridgetTeyler 
Tub Heater
https://amzn.to/3FigmC1 
 
CHATPERS
00:00 Intro
01:00 What lead to this decision?
03:16 Is it dangerous?
07:09 Why I love giving birth at home
15:24 How much does a homebirth cost?
16:39 Is homebirth messy?
17:49 How can I convince my husband?

31 | How to transition from one to two or two to three kids

Having a second baby? Maybe your third? This episode is all about adding a child - navigating big emotions (both yours and your toddlers'), practical tips for toddlers getting a sibbling and my experience with adding a second child vs adding a third child. 
EMAIL ME hello@micaela.ca
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:50 You've got this!
03:27 Navigating your own emotions
05:37 Helping your toddler transition
09:42 Prepare for postpartum
12:12 Baby #2 & Baby #3 differences and similarities
18:55 Final encouragement

30 | Thinking about blogging? Here's why you should start a mom blog today

Have you been putting off starting your Blog or another creative outlet? For years, I told myself I didn't have time to blog or that I didn't know how to start a blog. But really, I was afraid. I let insecurities hold me back from pursuing my God-given dreams.
If you desire to write or create content to encourage the world, there's a good chance this is a call God has placed on your life and you need to be obedient! 
 I'm sharing 5 reasons to start your blog today along with some encouragement for the process.
Let's connect! Email me at hello@micaela.ca
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Create Anyway https://amzn.to/44Jsypz 
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:04 Why are we talking about this?
04:22 Five reasons to start your blog
04:33 You can start imperfectly
06:31 There is room for you
07:16 Clarity comes with action
08:50 Your confidence will grow
09:32 It will be fun!
10:18 Final encouragement