Kissing Newborns, Default Parenting, and Other Hot Takes: Listener Q&A with Erica + Hillary
In this off-the-cuff, unfiltered episode of the Early-Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica go rogue with listener-submitted questions—and nothing is off-limits. From confessing to makeup-free podcasting and being called out by a kid for lying about Venmo, to diving deep into questions like: Should you let family kiss your newborn? Are lactation snacks worth the hype? How do you calm a fussy baby at night? What’s the real impact of being the “default parent”? How do seasoned moms juggle kids in different life stages? And what are Erica’s biggest hopes (and fears) about future motherhood? You'll laugh. You’ll nod in agreement. You might cringe. And you’ll absolutely relate. This episode is part confessional, part Q&A, and 100% Early-Momming energy—aka: raw, real, and ridiculously relatable. 👉 Have thoughts on the Boy Scout coupon debate or newborn kissing etiquette? DM us on Instagram @earlymommingpodcast and tell us what you think! Links & Resources Mentioned MotherLove Herbal Lactation Supplements BABYSETTLER15 coupon code Mabel Mae’s Bakery – Lactation Snacks (ships nationwide) Early-Momming Podcast Instagram Baby Settler Instagram
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59:18
Early Momming: Now and Then – A Conversation with Our Mom
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!⭐️
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1:35:23
Breastfeeding 101: How to Build Supply, Spot Red Flags, and Feed Like a Pro in the First 4 Weeks
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!⭐️
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1:12:13
Mom Bod Real Talk: Body Image after Baby
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!⭐️
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1:11:15
Partnering with Your Pediatrician on Vaccines: A Balanced Conversation with Dr. Joel Gator
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!⭐️
Welcome to the Early-Momming Podcast, where every other Monday morning, we embark on a journey of discovery together. Hosted by Hillary Sadler, a seasoned mother-baby nurse, author, founder and CEO of Babysettler, who is also a mom of four, this podcast is your go-to guide through the maze of early motherhood.
Join Hillary as she shares the reality of millennial motherhood. She's stepping beyond her role as a health-care professional and sharing more than just evidence-based information.
You’ll hear her uncensored thoughts, opinions, and beliefs about pregnancy, birth, postpartum-life, and early-momming. She's inviting other experts who are willing to go beyond the party line to join the conversation too! No topic is off-limits.
Plus, Hillary's non-medical older sister will be a regular guest host, adding a fresh perspective and keeping things interesting. Together, they tackle tough questions and seek authentic answers, ensuring that moms in every stage of their journey feel seen, heard, and supported.
Whether you're a soon-to-be mom, a hopeful mom, or knee-deep in diapers, this podcast is your safe space to show up, get real, and find solace in the shared experiences of early motherhood. Because in this vulnerable season, you deserve truth at your fingertips and a community that understands.
Don't let motherhood suck you dry. Join us on the Early-Momming Podcast and discover how your baby can thrive, how you can sleep, and how your relationships can evolve. Let's embrace the reality of early motherhood together. We've got this!
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