In this episode, we’re joined by Vaishnavi—mom, entrepreneur, and candid storyteller—who takes us through her transformative journey as a parent. From navigating the early turbulence of raising her first child, Meera, to finding empowerment through the birth of her second child, Advait, Vaishnavi’s story is one of resilience, introspection, and growth. Along the way, she opens up about the joys and challenges of co-parenting with her husband, Vishwanathan, and the life-changing impact of prioritizing self-care.
Whether you’re navigating the complexities of parenting or looking for inspiration in finding balance, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and heartfelt insights.
Key Highlights
The Beauty of Gentle Weaning: Vaishnavi shares her thoughtful, six-month-long process of preparing Meera for weaning, showing the power of patience and communication.
The Illusion of Choice: By giving children a sense of autonomy, parents can foster trust and receptiveness in even the youngest of minds.
Empowering Birth Stories: Vaishnavi reflects on two vastly different birth experiences, one in a traditional hospital and the other at a midwifery center, highlighting the importance of informed choices and supportive care.
The Evolution of Co-Parenting: Vishwanathan and Vaishnavi’s partnership is a testament to the power of equality and teamwork in building a strong family foundation.
Healing Through Self-Care: After years of running on empty, Vaishnavi’s decision to prioritize her well-being transformed her parenting and personal life.
Resilience in Parenthood: From moments of empowerment to embracing imperfection, Vaishnavi’s reflections remind parents that showing up with love and effort is what truly matters.
About the Guest
Vaishnavi is the proud mother of two children, Meera (9) and Advait (2.5). She is also the founder of Nestery, an online marketplace for premium maternity and children’s brands, where she combined her entrepreneurial drive with her passion for creating meaningful resources for families.
Vaishnavi’s parenting journey is a masterclass in resilience and growth. She candidly shares how her children have shaped her perspective: Meera, with her empathetic nature, taught her to advocate for herself and others, while Advait’s high-energy personality brought lessons in patience and adaptability. Beyond her parenting role, Vaishnavi is a staunch advocate for equitable partnerships in marriage. She describes her husband, Vishwanathan, as an equal partner and co-parent who brings calmness, support, and humor into their lives. Their dynamic reflects the evolving roles of modern parenting, where mutual respect and teamwork take center stage.
Currently on a self-care sabbatical, Vaishnavi has dedicated the last few months to prioritizing her physical and mental health through therapy, fitness, and introspection. She is exploring new opportunities while enjoying a more present and mindful approach to parenting.
Follow Vaishnavi's work:
LinkedIn: @hnavir/
Why You Should Tune In
Gain practical strategies for gentle parenting and fostering resilience in children.
Discover how co-parenting dynamics can evolve into a partnership of mutual respect and equality.
Learn how prioritizing self-care can transform your parenting journey and personal life.
Be inspired by Vaishnavi’s empowering birth stories and her candid reflections on the highs and lows of motherhood.
References
Books:
The Conscious Parent by Dr. Shefali Tsabary (on mindful and empathetic parenting).
Movies and Pop Culture:
Discussions around societal expectations of parenting and birth stories reflect themes from movies like Parenthood (1989) and TV shows like Modern Family (2009-2020), which explore the evolving dynamics of family life.
Podcasts Mentioned:
Vaishnavi hinted at inspiration from other parenting podcasts that encourage candid conversations about the realities of raising children, though specific names weren’t mentioned.
Birth Practices:
Vaishnavi shared her experiences with Hypnobirthing, emphasizing how listening to calming tracks during labor created a relaxed environment and aided her birthing process.
Her second birth took place at a midwifery center, which prioritized minimal interventions, respectful care, and a patient-first approach. These choices empowered Vaishnavi to feel in control and deeply connected during childbirth.
Personal Anecdotes:
Vaishnavi’s stories about co-parenting with Vishy and navigating postpartum emotions highlight the shifting gender roles in parenting.
Her reflections on breastfeeding, weaning, and transitioning to formula feeding offer insights into the varied experiences of parenthood.
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