In this special Mother's Day episode of the Early Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica sit down with their mom, a family nurse practitioner with decades of experience in labor and delivery, to discuss how early motherhood has changed over the years. From pregnancy to postpartum care, they explore how the landscape has evolved—and what hasn't changed at all.

Episode Highlights:

Pregnancy Then vs. Now: In 1985, Hillary and Erica’s mom found out she was pregnant with home pregnancy tests that weren’t as reliable as the ones we have today. We discuss the evolution of early pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and prenatal care, as well as how things have drastically shifted.

Labor and Delivery Stories: With four kids and diverse birth experiences, Hillary and Erica’s mom shares some fascinating stories from her own deliveries, including how C-sections and VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean) have changed over the years.

Breastfeeding Then vs. Now: Discover how breastfeeding practices have evolved, from lack of lactation support in the 80s to the current wealth of resources available today. Plus, a funny memory about using manual pumps in the pre-electric pump era.

Car Seat Safety and Baby Gear: Hillary reflects on how safety and recommendations around baby gear—especially car seats—have changed since their mom’s generation, and how some of the baby products we now consider must-haves were once non-existent.

Grandparenting and Modern Parenting Differences: What’s it like for grandparents to watch their kids parent differently than they did? Our mom reflects on how she’s seen both Hillary and Erica as moms, navigating the pressures of today’s parenting landscape.

Key Moments:

4:10 – The difference in pregnancy tests: 1985 vs. 2023

12:30 – Hillary's scary birth story and the C-section debate

20:00 – What it was like for mom to breastfeed without support

35:00 – The evolution of baby products: What’s safe and what’s a trend

45:00 – Managing generational differences in parenting approaches

This episode is a must-listen for any new moms (or grandmas!) who are curious about the changes in prenatal care, breastfeeding, and baby gear over the years. Whether you're expecting or just looking for a good laugh, you’ll enjoy hearing about the evolution of early motherhood and the wisdom that’s passed down through generations.

Links to mentioned resources:

The Ultimate Guide to Nighttime Weaning
Baby Settler Instagram

Join the Conversation!
💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Let’s chat! Send us a DM @earlymommingpodcast on IG

Loved this episode? Hit Subscribe, share (text it to your best friend), and scroll down and scroll down to leave a review- it's how more moms find our podcast!⭐️

New to breastfeeding or wondering if you’re doing it right? In this episode of the Early-Momming Podcast, Hillary (RN, IBCLC, mom of four) breaks down the foundations of breastfeeding in those critical early weeks. From how milk supply actually works to what a functional latch looks like, this is your no-fluff, evidence-based guide to feeding your baby with confidence.

Whether you’re currently pregnant or in the thick of newborn life, you’ll walk away knowing:

How milk production really works—and how to protect your supply from Day 1

What a functional feeding rhythm sounds like (and what to do if it’s not happening)

Why your baby waking constantly could be a feeding issue

Red flags most moms miss—and what to do instead

When to ask for help and who to turn to for non-judgy, evidence-based support

We also bust some common myths around nipple shields, milk drying up overnight, and whether you need to chug a gallon of water a day.

📚 Mentioned in this episode:

8 Tips for a Better Latch (Free Download)

Hand Expression Video (Linked Resource)

Book Mentioned: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

Need personalized support? The Baby Settler team offers virtual and in-person lactation consults. Book a consult here.

Join the Conversation!
💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Let’s chat! Send us a DM @earlymommingpodcast on IG

Loved this episode? Hit Subscribe, share (text it to your best friend), and scroll down and scroll down to leave a review- it's how more moms find our podcast!⭐️

In today’s episode of the Early-Momming Podcast, we’re diving into the truth about postpartum body image—no filters, no sugar-coating. For type-A moms who love a plan, who hustle hard, and who want the facts, this episode is for you. Hillary and Erica talk about the pressure to “bounce back” after having a baby, and why that’s not only unrealistic but also not the goal. We’re sharing the real deal on postpartum body changes, how to shift your mindset, and how to get your body feeling strong again—without chasing perfection.

Discussion Highlights:

The Bounce Back Myth: Why the pressure to "bounce back" after childbirth is setting you up for frustration. Hillary and Erica unpack the harmful cultural idea that there’s a deadline to get your body back to pre-pregnancy form.

Postpartum Body Changes: From weight retention to stretch marks, loose skin, and muscle loss, we’re addressing the most common changes moms face after baby—and why you should stop stressing about "getting back" to a pre-baby version of yourself.

Mindset Over Perfection: Type-A moms, listen up! We talk about the importance of shifting from a “fix it” mindset to a “take care of it” mentality. Your body is amazing for having grown and birthed a baby, and it deserves care and celebration, not criticism.

The Truth About Social Media: We get real about how social media fuels comparison and unrealistic standards. If you find yourself stressed about your body after seeing other new moms on Instagram, this episode will help you cut through the noise.

Practical Tips for Postpartum Healing: Hillary shares actionable steps to get your body feeling strong again, from pelvic floor recovery to managing stress and staying active in realistic, non-perfectionist ways.


Links Mentioned:
Baby Settler's App and Downloadable Guides

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Episode

Join the Conversation!
💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Let’s chat! Send us a DM @earlymommingpodcast on IG

Loved this episode? Hit Subscribe, share (text it to your best friend), and scroll down and scroll down to leave a review- it's how more moms find our podcast!⭐️

In this episode of the Early-Momming Podcast, Hillary sits down with Dr. Joel Gator, a board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine, to discuss how parents can navigate vaccine conversations with their pediatrician. This episode is all about informed consent—what it means, why it matters, and how to build a respectful, collaborative relationship with your child's doctor.

Dr. Gator shares insights from his upcoming book, Between a Shot and a Hard Place, which aims to give parents a balanced, evidence-based perspective on vaccines. They discuss why the current healthcare system often struggles to provide parents with unbiased vaccine education, how to advocate for your child's health, and why trusting your gut as a parent is essential.

Topics Covered:

✔️ Why informed consent is essential in vaccine decisions
✔️ How to have open and respectful conversations with your pediatrician
✔️ The challenges parents face when seeking unbiased vaccine information
✔️ The risks and benefits of various vaccines, including Hepatitis B and RSV
✔️ How integrative pediatric care differs from traditional models
✔️ The importance of trusting your instincts as a mom

Links & Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Dr. Joel Gator's Instagram: @drjoelgator
🔗 Dr. Joel Gator’s upcoming book Between a Shot and a Hard Place (Available for Pre-Order)
🔗 Baby Settler Formula Guide
🔗 Baby Settler Breastfeeding & Pumping Guide
🔗 Magnesium supplement for sleep
🔗 Bioidentical progesterone research: Coupon Code BABYSETTLER

Join the Conversation!
💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Let’s chat! Send us a DM @earlymommingpodcast on IG

Loved this episode? Hit Subscribe, share (text it to your best friend), and scroll down and scroll down to leave a review- it's how more moms find our podcast!⭐️

The first few days postpartum can be a mix of magical bonding moments, unexpected physical changes, and rough recovery symptoms. In this episode of The Early-Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica discuss what to expect in those early days, from postpartum cramps and night sweats to skin-to-skin bonding and the first latch.

Hillary, a labor & delivery nurse and mom of four, shares insights from both a professional and personal perspective. We cover postpartum bleeding, fundal massages, sleep expectations, and the reality of postpartum pain. Plus, Hillary shares her FREE Labor & Delivery/Postpartum Guide to help navigate this transition.

Topics Covered:

Postpartum cramping and why it happens

Night sweats, body odor, and other physical changes

Why the first two hours after birth are crucial

How to advocate for uninterrupted skin-to-skin

Postpartum bleeding and what to expect

Fundal massages—why they matter

The first postpartum bowel movement

Newborn sleep patterns

Best postpartum recovery tips

Resources & Links:

Labor & Delivery/Postpartum Guide: Download Here

Hillary’s delivery video: Find it on Instagram

Learn more about working with an IBCLC: Baby Settler Consults
Follow @EarlyMommingPodcast: Instagram

Join the Conversation! What surprised you most about the first few days postpartum? Let us know on Instagram or send us a message. If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review to help other moms find our podcast.

Social media can be a lifeline for new moms—but it can also be a minefield of unrealistic expectations, conflicting advice, and pressure to do everything "right."

In this episode of The Early-Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica dive into how social media is shaping the experience of future moms, pregnant women, and new parents—for better and for worse.

They break down:

The most misleading trends in the parenting space (and how they mess with your confidence)
How fear-based messaging makes moms second-guess themselves
The truth about breastfeeding, sleep training, and "biologically normal" baby sleep
The real impact of social media on new mom mental health
Why questioning mainstream advice often gets labeled as pseudoscience
The comparison trap—and how to protect your peace
Plus, they take a fun (and slightly ridiculous) look at viral parenting trends and debunk the good, the bad, and the straight-up bizarre.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, judged, or pressured by what you see online, this episode is for you.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Baby Settler Instagram
Early Momming Podcast Instagram
Nighttime Weaning Guide
Expert accounts to follow: Solid Starts, Dr. Alice Pickering, Expecting & Empowered

Loved this episode? Hit Subscribe, share (text it to your best friend), and scroll down and scroll down to leave a review- it's how more moms find our podcast!

In this special pre-Valentine’s Day episode, Hillary and Erica dive deep into a topic that’s not discussed nearly enough: sex after baby. From physical recovery to emotional barriers, hormones, and relationship dynamics, this episode will validate your feelings, answer your questions, and maybe even make you laugh along the way.

Hillary and Erica chat with Dr. Megan Rome, a pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of Rome Physical Therapy in Charleston, SC. Dr. Megan brings her wealth of expertise in pelvic health, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery to this candid and empowering conversation.

What We Cover in This Episode:

What really happens to your body postpartum (vaginal delivery vs. C-section)
Common postpartum myths about sex (and why most of them are wrong)
Why pelvic floor therapy is a game-changer for postpartum moms
Tips for managing pain, dryness, and hormonal shifts
How to communicate with your partner about intimacy after childbirth
Why orgasms do matter postpartum (and how to make them happen again)
A step-by-step guide to easing back into intimacy, starting with body mapping

Resources Mentioned:
Pelvic Floor Therapy Experts: Rome Physical Therapy – Offering in-person care in Charleston, SC, and virtual consults worldwide

Lubricants for Postpartum:
Good Clean Love
Uberlube
Medicine Mama's Vulva Balm

Don't forget to follow us on @earlymommingpodcast and PLEASE text this episode to your bestie! We'd also absolutely love to hear from you. Will you leave us a reivew? You can do that by going to our Show Page and scrolling down to find that section.

Other Resources you don't want to miss!:

Get Hillary's Book: Babies Made Simple
Get Hillary's Guide to Dropping Nighttime Feeds (and getting more sleep! Delivered through the Baby Settler app!)
Get Hillary's Breastfeeding and Pumping Guide (it's delivered through the Baby Settler app too!)
Shop all our Early-Momming Favorites (and access all our discount codes!)

In this episode of Early Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica dive into a topic many moms face but few talk about: feeding aversions in babies. Whether you're struggling with bottle refusal, challenging breastfeeding moments, or just want to avoid these issues altogether, this episode is for you.

Hillary, a labor and delivery nurse, feeding specialist, and mom of four, breaks down:

What feeding aversions are and how they differ from oral aversions.

Signs of a feeding aversion and how to recognize them early.

The common causes of feeding aversions, including forceful feeding, stress, and negative feeding associations.

How to prevent feeding aversions, with actionable tips like paced bottle feeding and establishing a stress-free routine.

Why a full feed doesn’t always mean a large volume—and how to meet your baby's needs effectively.

The episode also highlights the Baby Settler Method, a holistic approach to feeding and sleep that empowers parents to create predictable, low-stress routines while setting their babies up for success in both eating and sleeping.

📌 Mentioned in This Episode:

Nighttime Weaning Guide
Babies Made Simple by Hillary
Thrive Market (Special discounts for clean pantry essentials! - get %40 off your first order with this link!