Hosted by: Reesa Morala, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

In this episode, Melissa Donald, doula and mom of two, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to explore the challenges of parenting when reality doesn’t match expectations. Melissa shares how the birth of her second child, with a completely different temperament from her first, reshaped her understanding of parenting. She opens up about the toll isolation and unexpected challenges had on her family system and the internal narrative she struggled to overcome.

As they discuss parenting insights, support, and lessons learned, Melissa also shares her favorite Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe from Delish.com—a crowd-pleaser perfect for any family gathering.

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Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Credit: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a57633/baked-spinach-artichoke-dip-recipe/

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened

3/4 c. mayonnaise

3/4 c. sour cream

1 c. freshly grated Parmesan

1 c. shredded white cheddar, plus more for topping

1/2 c. shredded Gruyère

1 (14-oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 (10-oz.) package frozen spinach, defrosted and chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. lemon zest

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions:

1.      Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except baguette. Mix until fully combined and season with salt and pepper.

2.      Transfer to a baking dish and smooth top with a spatula. Top with more shredded white cheddar.

3.      Bake until bubbly and slightly golden, 30 minutes. If you’d like the dip to develop a more golden top, broil on high for 2 minutes.

1.      Serve with baguette on the side, for dipping.

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