In this episode of the Early Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica dive into the holiday season and the unique challenges it brings for new moms. They explore how to balance family expectations while navigating the joys and stresses of welcoming a new baby during this festive time of year.

Key Topics Discussed:

Personal anecdotes about preparing for the holiday season with young children.
Strategies for setting boundaries with family regarding holiday commitments.
Tips for managing the needs of a newborn during holiday festivities.
Suggestions for simplifying holiday traditions while creating meaningful memories.
Navigating unsolicited parenting advice from family members.

Links and Resources Mentioned: Baby Settler Nighttime Weaning Guide - A resource designed to to help new moms with feeding and sleep strategies during the holiday season.

Sleep Out Portable Blackout Curtains - A useful tool for ensuring quality sleep for babies while traveling. Use code BABYSETTLER10 for 10% off.
Catch Up on Previous Episodes - Links to earlier episodes for those looking to binge-listen.
Final Thoughts: As the holiday season approaches, it’s crucial for new moms to prioritize their needs and those of their babies. Setting boundaries and having open conversations with partners can alleviate stress and enhance the enjoyment of this special time with family.

Be sure to leave us a review and follow us on Instagram @babysettler and @earlymommingpodcast

In this episode of the Early Momming Podcast, we dive deep into the often misunderstood topic of tongue ties in newborns. Hillary discusses what tongue ties are, how they impact feeding, and why it's crucial to focus on function rather than immediately opting for surgical intervention. She shares her personal experiences, professional insights, and practical advice for parents who suspect their baby may have a tongue tie.

Key Topics Covered:

What is a Tongue Tie? A detailed explanation of tongue ties, including anterior and posterior tongue ties, and how they can affect a baby’s ability to feed.

Common Misconceptions: Addressing outdated views on tongue ties and why some pediatric providers may dismiss them.

Symptoms of Tongue Ties: Identifying the signs of a tongue tie, such as low milk supply, nipple trauma, and reflux symptoms.

The Role of Tension: Understanding how body tension can mimic or mask a tongue tie and the importance of craniosacral fascial therapy (body work) before considering a release.

Function Over Surgery: Why not all tongue ties require surgical intervention and the importance of evaluating a baby’s feeding function before making decisions.

Resources Mentioned:

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy: Find a Gillespie-trained Infant Body Worker Near You - It's essential to book an appointment for your newborn to address tension before considering a tongue tie release.

If you suspect your baby might have a tongue tie, book an appointment with an experienced feeding specialist who can conduct a thorough evaluation.

Visit the BabySettler.com for more resources and information on feeding and sleep.

Be sure to leave us a review and follow us on Instagram @babysettler and @earlymommingpodcast

In this episode of the Early Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica sit down with Dr. Alice Pickering, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified clinical trauma specialist, to discuss the challenges Type A moms face during the postpartum period. Dr. Alice shares her personal journey of transitioning from a forensic psychologist to a maternal mental health expert, driven by her own experiences as a mom.

They dive deep into the mental load that moms carry, the struggles of navigating motherhood with a Type A personality, and how to manage anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and mom guilt. Dr. Alice also provides practical tips for balancing the demands of motherhood while maintaining mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of sleep, asking for help, and finding flexibility in a world that often demands perfection.

Whether you’re a new mom, expecting, or supporting someone in their motherhood journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice to help navigate the complexities of early motherhood.

What You’ll Learn:

- The mental load of Type A moms and how to manage it
- Coping with postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and mom guilt
- The importance of sleep and self-compassion in early motherhood
- Strategies for effective communication with your partner to share responsibilities

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Dr. Alice Pickering's Website – Learn more about Dr. Alice’s practice and access her resources and Follow Dr. Alice on Instagram
Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker – A highly recommended book on the importance of sleep.
The Boss Babe Podcast – Mentioned in the episode for its insights on managing tasks and priorities.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow mom who could use some encouragement and support. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @babysettler and @earlymommingpodcast for more tips and updates!