In this episode of Early-Momming, Hillary opens up about her three-year postpartum health journey. From managing hormonal imbalances to adjusting lifestyle choices, she dives deep into what she's learned about taking care of herself after baby number four.

Join Hillary and Erica as they talk about:

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• The challenges of postpartum recovery three years after having a baby.
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• How sleep, nutrition, and exercise play a vital role in restoring balance.
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• The importance of taking labs and understanding root causes to get on the right path.
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• Hillary’s experience with GLP-1 medication and how it helped her manage stress, weight, and cortisol levels.
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• The emotional and physical challenges moms face while trying to feel like themselves again.
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• Hillary's focus on living a long, healthy life and staying strong for her kids as they grow older.
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Resources Mentioned:

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• Deep Nutrition by Dr. Catherine Shanahan – A book Hillary highly recommends about nutrition and its impact on hormones and overall health.
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• Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means – Another insightful read on energy and body health.
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• Fast Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pells – A book on intermittent fasting that Hillary tried but found to be challenging for her specific health needs.
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• Function Health – A company Hillary used for lab testing to evaluate her health and metabolic markers.
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Stay tuned for our upcoming episode where we will be joined by expert Brooks Vaughn from the Women’s Health Company. Brooks dives deeper into postpartum health, explaining why so many women still struggle with physical and emotional challenges years after having children.

Thanks for listening to another episode of Early-Momming! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, we’d love it if you could leave us a 5-star review—it helps other moms find us and join in on the journey!

If you’re looking for more personalized support, remember that Hillary and her team at Baby Settler offer 1:1 consultations to guide you through your motherhood journey. Whether you need help with sleep, feeding, or postpartum challenges, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

And if you haven’t already, check out the Baby Settler Shop!

Our most popular resource, The Guide to Dropping Nighttime Feeds, is perfect for moms ready to establish a predictable sleep routine.

Plus, when you grab the guide, you’ll get access to the Cliff Notes—your ultimate feeding and sleep schedule for babies 0-12 months.

Visit babysettler.com to explore all our resources, and let us help you get the rest and support you deserve. And be sure to follow @babysettler and @earlymommingpodcast on IG to stay in the loop! See you next time!

In Episode 13 of Season 2, Hillary and Erica dive deep into the science of nocturnal milk supply and share expert advice on maintaining a healthy milk supply as your baby starts sleeping longer stretches through the night. They break down the role of hormones like prolactin and oxytocin, how supply and demand affect your milk production, and the importance of strategically managing milk removals, especially in the first few months.

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• Understanding Prolactin and Oxytocin: Learn how prolactin helps produce milk and how oxytocin moves it. This knowledge is key to understanding your milk supply fluctuations.
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• When Your Baby Sleeps Through the Night: Find out how to protect your supply and avoid a dip when your baby starts stretching their nighttime sleep.
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• Strategies to Maintain Milk Supply: Hillary shares tips such as pumping before bed, hands-on pumping, and power pumping to boost milk production without compromising your sleep.
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• The Role of Breast Milk Storage Capacity: Understand how your breast storage capacity affects milk production and how it influences feedings.
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• Lactation Consultants Can Help: Hillary emphasizes why having a lactation consultant is essential, especially for new moms navigating milk supply and sleep challenges.
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Whether you’re in the early weeks of postpartum or trying to navigate a shift in your baby’s sleep habits, this episode offers actionable advice on how to ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need while you protect your sleep and milk supply.

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• The Complete Guide to Breastfeeding & Pumping: Available for purchase on Baby Settler’s shop page.
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• Baby Settler’s Virtual and In-Person Consults: Offering expert advice to help you manage your milk supply and baby’s sleep.
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💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Let’s chat! Send us a DM @earlymommingpodcast on IG.

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

In this episode of The Early-Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica dive into the complex and often overwhelming role of being the "default parent." We explore the emotional and mental load that moms carry even in balanced partnerships and offer actionable advice for navigating this role without bitterness.

Hillary shares her own experiences with her partner Luke and the challenges they face as parents of four, including managing childcare, scheduling appointments, and balancing work and family life.

We also discuss the shift in modern parenting, especially between Millennial and Gen Z dads. Today's dads are more involved than ever—doing their own research, seeking solutions, and actively participating in the parenting process. But even with equal involvement, moms still tend to carry the mental and emotional weight of parenting.

We share strategies for avoiding resentment, establishing clear boundaries, and communicating effectively with your partner to ensure both parents feel supported.

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• The importance of communication in partnership and shared parenting.
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• Navigating the mental and emotional load of being the default parent.
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• Practical tips for working with your partner to divide responsibilities.
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• The shift in modern dads’ involvement, from Millennial to Gen Z fathers.
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• How societal expectations still impact the default parent role and what we can do about it.
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• The Complete Guide to Breastfeeding & Pumping – Available now in the Baby Settler Shop.
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• Virtual and In-Person Consults – Work directly with Hillary and the Baby Settler team.
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Thanks for listening to another episode of Early-Momming!

If you enjoyed today’s conversation, we’d love it if you could leave us a 5-star review—it helps other moms find us and join in on the journey!

If you’re looking for more personalized support, Hillary and her team at Baby Settler offer 1:1 consultations to guide you through your motherhood journey. Whether you need help with sleep, feeding, or postpartum challenges, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

And if you haven’t already, check out the Baby Settler Shop!

Our most popular resource, The Guide to Dropping Nighttime Feeds, is perfect for moms ready to establish a predictable sleep routine.

Plus, when you grab the guide, you’ll get access to the Cliff Notes—your ultimate feeding and sleep schedule for babies 0–12 months.

Visit babysettler.com to explore all our resources, and let us help you get the rest and support you deserve.

And don’t forget to follow @babysettler and @earlymommingpodcast on Instagram to stay in the loop.

See you next time!

In this episode of The Early-Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica dive deep into Erica's fertility journey, sharing personal insights and experiences from the past year. Erica opens up about her experience with recurrent pregnancy loss, her pursuit of fertility treatment, and the emotional highs and lows that come with trying to conceive.

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• The Reality of Trying to Conceive: Erica reflects on her initial optimism and the unexpected challenges she faced when trying to get pregnant, highlighting the impact of advanced maternal age and how it affects fertility.
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• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: The emotional and physical toll of pregnancy loss is discussed openly, with Erica offering a heartfelt message of support for other women going through similar struggles.
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• Support from Loved Ones: Erica shares a deeply touching moment with a friend who offered to pray for her during one of the toughest times in her fertility journey, underscoring the importance of having a supportive circle.
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• The Science Behind Fertility: From tracking ovulation to seeking professional help, Erica discusses the steps she and her husband took to better understand their fertility, including hormone testing and ultrasounds.
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• Medical Intervention: Erica talks about working with a reproductive endocrinologist, the tests and procedures involved, and the emotional rollercoaster of navigating infertility treatments.
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This episode is a raw and real conversation about the difficulties of conceiving, the rollercoaster of emotions, and the strength required to keep moving forward. It’s a reminder that every journey is unique—and no one is alone in their struggles.

Whether you're navigating your own fertility challenges, thinking about starting a family, or simply want to better understand the emotional complexity of the journey, this episode offers valuable insights and support.

If you enjoyed today’s conversation, we’d love it if you could leave us a 5-star review—it helps other moms find us and join in on the journey!

If you’re looking for more personalized support, Hillary and her team at Baby Settler offer 1:1 consultations to guide you through your motherhood journey. Whether you need help with sleep, feeding, or postpartum challenges, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

And if you haven’t already, check out the Baby Settler Shop!

Our most popular resource, The Guide to Dropping Nighttime Feeds, is perfect for moms ready to establish a predictable sleep routine.

Plus, when you grab the guide, you’ll get access to the Cliff Notes—your ultimate feeding and sleep schedule for babies 0–12 months.

Visit babysettler.com to explore all our resources, and let us help you get the rest and support you deserve.

And don’t forget to follow @babysettler and @earlymommingpodcast on Instagram to stay in the loop.

See you next time!

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

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!⭐️