Back to Work After Baby: Childcare, Nanny Prep, and Mom Guilt
2026/06/08 | 42 mins.
In this episode of the Early-Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica talk about one of the biggest transitions in early motherhood: going back to work after having a baby.
Erica shares what it was really like to return to work after 12 weeks of maternity leave, including the emotional lead-up, the sadness of leaving the newborn bubble, and the surprising identity shift that comes with stepping back into professional life while still feeling deeply attached to your baby.
They also talk through the practical side of returning to work: setting boundaries with email, preparing before maternity leave, organizing personal information outside of a work account, and making the transition smoother for both mom and baby.
A big part of this episode focuses on childcare — especially the decision to hire a nanny. Erica shares how she and Nate weighed daycare, family help, and nanny care, what they looked for in a nanny, how they handled interviews, what questions helped them find the right fit, and how they onboarded their nanny before Erica's first day back at work.
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Low Milk Supply, Combo Feeding, and the Emotional Side of Breastfeeding
2026/05/26 | 56 mins.
Hillary and Erica talk honestly about low milk supply, combo feeding, formula, triple feeding, and the emotional side of breastfeeding when things do not go as planned. Erica shares her personal feeding journey with Nash, while Hillary explains what moms need to know about true low supply, perceived low supply, early postpartum support, and when to get help from an outpatient lactation consultant.
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First Time Mom Birth Story: What Actually Happens in the Hospital + Golden Hour Mistakes to Avoid
2026/05/11 | 40 mins.
In this season 3 premiere, Erica shares her full birth story—from false alarms and triage visits to a fast, textbook delivery and those emotional first moments meeting her baby.
Hillary (labor & delivery nurse + IBCLC) breaks down what actually happened in real-time—including what went right, what didn't, and what every mom should know before walking into the hospital.
This episode is equal parts real-life experience and clinical insight—so you can feel more prepared, confident, and equipped heading into birth.
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In this episode, we cover:
* What early labor actually feels like (and why you might get sent home) * Water breaking vs leaking—how to tell the difference * What to expect when you arrive at the hospital * Epidural experience (what it really feels like) * Fast labor vs typical first-time labor * The truth about pushing (and how long it takes) * What the golden hour should look like after birth * A real example of when to advocate for yourself in the hospital * Why having someone advocate for you matters
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Key takeaway: You don't have to just "go with the flow" in the hospital—you can ask questions, pause interventions, and advocate for the experience you want.
This episode is sponsored by Nurtured 9 [https://www.nurtured9.com](https://www.nurtured9.com)
Use code EARLYMOMMING for 15% off
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Loved this episode? Leave a review on Apple or Spotify—it helps more moms find this support
What We Learned About Early Momming This Year
2025/11/24 | 47 mins.
In this season finale, Hillary and Erica look back at the most-played episodes of the year and unpack the biggest lessons moms kept coming back to: feeding and sleep, postpartum hormones (including GLP-1s), breastfeeding in the first four weeks, vaccines and pediatric partnerships, pelvic floor recovery, and why "bouncing back" isn't the goal.
Get clear on the feeding–sleep loop and next steps: https://babysettler.com
About Hillary: Hillary Sadler is a board-certified lactation consultant, masters-level registered nurse, author of Babies Made Simple, mom of four, and the founder and lead consultant at Baby Settler in Charleston, SC (serving families virtually worldwide).
If this show has helped you at 3 a.m. (or any hour), tap ★★★★★ and drop a one-line review on Apple or Spotify. It helps more moms find the show.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding questions or concerns about your or your baby's health.
Holiday Kickoff: Cozy Traditions, Low-Stress Gifting, and the Ultimate Early-Momming Gift Guide
2025/11/10 | 57 mins.
Navigating the holidays with a bump or a brand-new baby? In this episode, Hillary and Erica kick off the season with calm, cozy, doable ideas—plus their ultimate gift guide for expecting moms, fourth-trimester recovery, new dads, and babies through toddlers.
Hillary (two November babies!) shares what actually made the season feel special—not stressful—while Erica (37 weeks pregnant) talks about setting expectations with family, picking just one or two "anchor traditions," and saying yes only when it serves your recovery and sanity. They also swap real-life gift ideas that feel thoughtful, supportive, and actually useful.
Get clear on the feeding–sleep loop and next steps: https://babysettler.com
About Hillary: Hillary is a board-certified lactation consultant, masters-level registered nurse, author of Babies Made Simple, mom of four, and the founder and lead consultant at Baby Settler in Charleston, SC (serving families virtually worldwide).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding questions or concerns about your or your baby's health.
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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