Parenting Shrink Wrapped
Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!
Parenting Shrink Wrapped
#18: Beyond Birth: Sleep, Support & the Power of Postpartum Care with Kimberly Marie-Ferrol
Every new parent needs support—but what if we told you there's a whole profession dedicated to making birth and postpartum easier? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with Kimberly Marie Ferrol, pediatric sleep specialist, doula, and founder of Vela Haven, to talk about the vital role of doulas, sleep consultants, and postpartum care.
Kimberly shares why every family deserves a village, how doulas support parents beyond childbirth, and why sleep education is just as important as swaddles and pacifiers. She also dives into common misconceptions about doula work, the emotional challenges of new parenthood, and how postpartum support can make all the difference in preventing burnout, anxiety, and exhaustion.
If you’ve ever thought, I wish I had more help when my baby was born, or Why didn’t anyone prepare me for this?, this episode is for you.
About Kimberly
Kimberly Marie Ferrol is a Pediatric Sleep Specialist, Birth and Postpartum Doula, and the Founder of Vela Haven -Sleep Consulting & Maternal Services. She is also the author of My Pregnancy Haven, a pregnancy and postpartum interactive journal designed to support mothers through their journey. Passionate about education and family well-being, Kimberly founded the Academy of Pediatric Sleep Care to provide pediatric sleep training and resources for perinatal professionals. Through her work, she empowers families with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to navigate pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood with ease.
Connect with Kimberly
Website: www.velahaven.com
Instagram: @velahaven
Contact us: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com
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Annapolis Psychiatry, Dr. Melissa's private practice
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