“You’re Not Doing It Wrong” — Rachael Shepard-Ohta on Postpartum Anxiety, Sleep, and Reclaiming Rest After Loss
Rachael Shepard-Ohta, the founder of Hey Sleepy Baby, joins me for an honest and deeply validating conversation about postpartum anxiety, sleep after loss, and what it means to create safety — for both yourself and your baby — in those sleepless early months.
Rachael shares her own experience with postpartum anxiety, how it shaped the work she does now, and why so many mothers silently struggle with sleep. Together, we talk about the myths that make mothers feel like they’re “doing it wrong,” the pressure to sleep train, and how to tune out the noise and listen to your own instincts again.
We talk about:
The link between postpartum anxiety and sleep deprivation
Why mothers after loss often struggle with hypervigilance and safety fears
The science behind co-regulation and why closeness matters
Safe sleep setups — from bedside bassinets to the safe sleep 7
How to navigate online overwhelm and conflicting advice
The role of temperament in baby sleep (and why it’s not your fault)
Simple, realistic ways to reclaim rest and reduce nighttime anxiety
Letting go of guilt, bad-habit fears, and the myth that you’ll “spoil” your baby
This episode is a balm for every mother who has ever questioned if she’s doing it wrong. It’s a gentle reminder that there’s no one right way to sleep, to parent, or to heal — and that both you and your baby are wired for connection, not perfection.
Get to Know Rachael:
Rachael Shepard-Ohta is an Infant-Parent Mental Health Specialist, Certified Sleep Consultant, and former Educator. She founded Hey Sleepy Baby in 2020 and hosts two podcasts — No One Told Us and You’re So Right. Rachael lives in San Francisco with her husband and their three young children.
Instagram: @heysleepybaby
Website: heysleepybaby.com
