Hosted by pediatric physical therapist, wife and mom of three, Dr. KC Rickerd, More Than Milestones is the podcast that goes beyond baby checklists and dives deep into real motherhood, real development, real relationships, and everything in between.
Whether you’re supporting your baby’s motor development, navigating big kid emotions, or navigating a new stage of life & parenting, this show blends expert-backed education with the honest, unfiltered reality of motherhood.
Each week, KC brings you conversations with trusted professionals—pediatricians, therapists, sleep and feeding experts, mental health pros, and more—plus raw, relatable stories from fellow moms and caregivers. No pressure to be perfect. Just honest conversations, support, humor, and community for the journey you’re on.
If you're looking for clarity, connection, and a reminder that while supporting our children’s development is important, so is supporting ourselves - you’re in the right place, because it’s always more than milestones.
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46. What Counts as a Word? Toddler Speech Milestones, Late Talkers, and When Not to Wait with Pediatric SLP Caley Nunnally
Saison 1 · Épisode 46
mardi 29 septembre 2026 • Durée 30:51
Does "bah" count as a word? What about the sign for more? And if you're told to wait and see, but something in your gut is telling you not to...then what?
My son has been in speech therapy since he was about 17 months old, so this one is personal. As a physical therapist, motor milestones have always felt pretty concrete to me. If a baby isn't rolling, we see it. Speech never felt that clear, and looking back at old videos now, I can see things I didn't know to look for at the time.
I'm joined by my friend Caley Nunnally, pediatric speech-language pathologist, mom of two, and founder of Learn with Chatterboxes. Caley has spent 13 years working with late talkers and early diagnosed autistic kids, with a specialty in AAC (augmentative and alternative communication).
We talk about why word count is really just the tip of the pyramid, the three things that make a word "count" (signs included), what Caley looks for at the two-year checkup, and why some kids with strong understanding don't qualify for early intervention before age three. We also get into one of the biggest worries she hears from parents: that AAC or sign language will keep a child from talking. Caley explains why the research actually points the other way. She wraps up with the simple, everyday strategies she gives parents, starting with which words to focus on first.
If you've ever sat there counting your toddler's words and wondering if you're overthinking it, this one's for you. 🤍
About Caley: Caley Nunnally is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with 13 years of experience and a mom of two. She works primarily with late talkers and early diagnosed autistic children, with a specialty in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She splits her time between a children's hospital and her private practice, and shares speech and language education on Instagram at Learn with Chatterboxes.
Connect with Caley: Instagram: @learnwithchatterboxes Caley answers questions in the comments on her posts, so that's the best place to ask questions.
If this conversation was helpful, follow More Than Milestones so you never miss an episode, and leave a rating or review. It really does help other parents find the show.
Timestamps ⏱️ 00:00 Welcome and meet Caley 01:18 KC's side of this conversation: parenting a child in speech therapy 02:05 Looking at the whole child: joint attention, understanding, and gestures 03:50 Is there a timeline for first words? 06:28 Do signs count as words? 07:30 Why speech milestones feel harder to spot than motor milestones 08:22 Early intervention and why some kids don't qualify before age 3 09:52 Receptive vs. expressive language 11:22 Does AAC, sign language, or bilingualism delay speech? 14:42 What to look for at two years: 50 words and two-word combinations 19:17 Words vs. utterances (and why "all done" is one word) 21:12 When your gut says don't wait: outpatient therapy options 24:39 Caley's top tips for supporting speech at home 29:16 Where to find Caley
45. Are Babies Actually Different Now, or Is Everything Around Them? What's Really Behind the Shift in Baby Development (Part 2 with Carly Clearwater)
Saison 1 · Épisode 45
mardi 22 septembre 2026 • Durée 50:03
Six weeks. Eight weeks. That's when so many of us are back at work, pumping in a bathroom or a shuttle bus or wherever we can grab a few minutes. Nobody tells you that stretch, the schedule, the container time, how much of a village you actually have, is quietly shaping how your baby moves and grows too.
This is part two of the conversation I started with my mom about how infant milestones have shifted across generations. Last time, what changed. This time, I sat down with Carly Clearwater, a pediatric occupational therapist and lactation consultant who works with infants and their families, and the founder of ClearPath OT in New Jersey, to get into why.
We talk about what going back to work that early actually does to breastfeeding, and why the "convenience" products on the shelf exist because families genuinely need them, not because anyone's doing something wrong.
We get into how social media can take one rare, scary video and make it feel like something about to happen to your own baby, and why the "village" we're missing isn't really about who lives nearby anymore.
And we talk about something I think about constantly in my own practice: how one small, early thing, like a baby who hates tummy time because of reflux, can quietly snowball if nobody catches it early. Carly walks through what early intervention actually is, why you can usually self-refer for a free evaluation, and how to spot a typical hard stretch versus something worth a closer look.
If part one left you finally able to stop second guessing your gut, I think this one does the same thing, just from the why behind it.
More about Carly: Carly Clearwater, OTR/L, IBCLC is a pediatric occupational therapist and international board certified lactation consultant, in addition to her role as a mom of two toddlers. She's passionate about helping parents confidently support their babies through all their daily occupations (eat, sleep, poop, and play) to build a strong foundation for continued development.🌐 Website:📸 Instagram:
44. Baby Milestones Then vs. Now: What’s Changed & Why - Perspectives from a Pediatric PT of 40+ Years
Saison 1 · Épisode 44
mardi 15 septembre 2026 • Durée 49:40
Bonus Episode: My Mom, the OG Pediatric PT, on What Tummy Time Really Looked Like
Surprise! This one's a bonus episode, and it's personal. 🤍 I sat down with the OG pediatric PT herself, my mom, Susan Swiat, who spent 40 years in early intervention, to talk about what parenting actually looked like before the Back to Sleep campaign changed everything and before the baby container industry figured out how to profit off of new parents being scared.
We get into why babies used to sleep and play on their stomachs without anyone calling it "tummy time," how swings, bouncers, and car seats quietly created something called container baby syndrome, the real rise in torticollis and flat spots on baby's heads, and why crawling was recently and quietly pulled from the pediatrician's milestone checklist without much explanation.
If you've ever second guessed your gut because of something you saw online, I think this conversation is going to bring you a lot of relief.
If this one gave you a little relief about trusting your gut, follow the show and leave a rating or review, it genuinely helps more moms find us. There's a part two coming soon with an OT's take on all of this too. 👀
43. What 8.5 Years of Not Sleep Training Taught Me About Trusting My Gut (Season 1 Finale)
Saison 1 · Épisode 43
mardi 28 juillet 2026 • Durée 19:16
After eight and a half years of helping my three kids fall asleep every single night, no sleep training, no cry it out, this past weekend they told me they were ready to try it on their own. This is the story of that night, what I didn't expect to feel, and the honest update on what's happened since 💛
I'm getting real about what it took to trust my gut through years of doubt, comments, and exhausted nights, sleep trained or not, and why this is the first thing in parenting I have zero regrets about. If you're in the thick of sleepless nights right now and unsure which way to go, or tired of people weighing in on your choices, this one's for you.
In this episode, you'll hear: 📝
Our sleep backstory: 8.5 years of no sleep training, and how we made it work
What it actually felt like the night my kids said they were ready to sleep on their own
Why trusting my gut on this one decision became my anchor through years of doubt
The honest, unexpected update on what happened just days later
My biggest advice if you're in the thick of sleepless nights right now, no matter which path you're on
This also happens to be our season one finale, and I could not be more grateful for this community. Thank you for listening, sharing, and being here. If there's a topic, guest, or story you want next season, please send it my way 🙏
42. Beyond Stretching and Exercises: How the Nervous System Impacts Pain, Movement & Your Child's Development with Taylor Kruse
Saison 1 · Épisode 42
mardi 7 juillet 2026 • Durée 41:30
I am so excited to share this conversation with you 🎙️
I sat down with Taylor Kruse, co-founder of Kruse Elite and a strength and mobility coach specializing in applied neurology, and honestly, this episode opened my eyes in ways I wasn't expecting, even as a physical therapist myself.
We break down why so many pain and movement issues actually start in the nervous system, not the muscle or joint we tend to blame. Taylor walks me through the difference between "inputs" (the sensory information your brain takes in through vision, touch, and the vestibular system) and "outputs" (the movement, posture, or pain you actually experience), and why changing the input is often the fastest way to change the output. I share one of my favorite examples from my own practice 👶, why a "torticollis" diagnosis is sometimes actually a vision issue in disguise, and we get into why the vestibular system plays such a huge role in muscle tone, gait, and posture in kids.
If you have ever felt like you were just told to "stretch it out" or "give it time" without anyone explaining the why behind your child's movement pattern, this one is for you 💛 And if you're a healthcare or movement professional who has sensed there's more going on than the textbook explains, I think you're really going to love this.
In this episode, you'll learn: 📝 - What applied neurology and applied kinesiology actually mean, explained in plain language - The difference between sensory "inputs" and movement "outputs" and why it matters - Why the vestibular (inner ear) system can directly affect muscle tone, posture, and gait - A real example from my own caseload of how a vision issue can be misdiagnosed as torticollis - Why fast, dramatic results from nervous system work aren't a "hack," they're a sign the brain feels safer - How applied neurology can apply to pediatric populations, and what that looks like in practice - How to evaluate whether a provider is qualified in this space, and where the field is headed
41. Raising a Highly Sensitive Child: The Neuroscience of Big Feelings with Dr. Aoife Durcan
Saison 1 · Épisode 41
mardi 23 juin 2026 • Durée 41:11
Raising highly sensitive children: the neuroscience of big feelings, co-regulation, and supporting sensitive kids.
In this episode of More Than Milestones, I am joined by Dr. Aoife Durcan, chartered counseling psychologist, author of Your Highly Sensitive Child, and founder of Highly Sensitive Psychologist, to explore what it really means to raise a highly sensitive child.
Roughly 30% of children are born with a finely tuned nervous system that processes the world more deeply, feels emotions more intensely, and is more attuned to subtle changes in their environment. Drawing on both her clinical work and her experience parenting three highly sensitive boys, Dr. Durcan breaks down the neuroscience behind sensory processing sensitivity and offers compassionate, practical guidance for parents who feel like their child experiences everything more.
Together, we talk about why some babies are so hard to soothe and what that means for postpartum mental health, the difference between high sensitivity and neurodivergence, and why co-regulation matters so much for these kids. We also get into emotional dysregulation, the "window of tolerance," holding boundaries without breaking connection, and how supporting a sensitive child early builds confident, self-assured adults.
If you are a highly sensitive parent, raising a deeply feeling child, or simply trying to understand the big emotions in your home, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, validated, and equipped.
In this episode, we cover:
What sensory processing sensitivity actually is, from a neuroscience perspective
Why roughly 30% of kids are born highly sensitive
How high sensitivity shows up in babies and what it means for postpartum mental health
The difference between high sensitivity and neurodivergence (and why the distinction matters)
Why co-regulation is so important for a highly sensitive child
Understanding the "window of tolerance" and emotional dysregulation
How to become a "sensory detective" for your child and yourself
Setting and holding boundaries without harming connection
40. The Power of Play: How Inclusive Spaces Shape Childhood and Belonging with G Cody QJ Goldberg
Saison 1 · Épisode 40
mardi 9 juin 2026 • Durée 41:11
Inclusive playgrounds, accessibility, and why play matters for everyone.
In this episode of More Than Milestones, I am joined by Cody Goldberg, co-founder and Chief Play Officer of Harper's Playground, to explore the power of inclusive playgrounds and why accessible play spaces are about so much more than play.
Inspired by his daughter Harper's experience navigating the world with a rare genetic disability, Cody shares how a simple moment at a local playground sparked a movement to transform communities through radically inclusive design. Together, we discuss the difference between ADA compliance and true accessibility, the importance of designing spaces that foster belonging, and how thoughtful play environments can benefit people of all ages and abilities.
This conversation challenges us to think beyond ramps and regulations and consider what it really means to create communities where everyone feels welcome, connected, and included.
If you are passionate about accessibility, disability inclusion, child development, community connection, or creating spaces where all people can thrive, this episode is for you.
In this episode, we cover:
• The story behind Harper's Playground and how one family's experience sparked a global movement
• Why accessible playgrounds are about belonging, not just compliance
• The difference between ADA compliant and truly inclusive design
• How playgrounds impact child development, social skills, and emotional growth
• Why play is a fundamental human need across the lifespan
• The hidden barriers that exist in many public spaces
• How nature, community, and thoughtful design create better play experiences
• The connection between inclusive spaces and reducing social isolation
39. The Hormone Revolution: What Women Were Never Taught About Their Bodies with Mariah Berendt
Épisode 39
mardi 26 mai 2026 • Durée 01:03:14
PMS, painful periods, and how to support your body through nutrition
In this episode of More Than Milestones, I am joined by Mariah Berendt, a holistic nutritionist and menstrual cycle educator, to unpack the truth about hormone health, PMS, and why so many women feel “off” for years without real answers.
We talk about how common symptoms like painful periods, mood swings, fatigue, and cravings are often normalized, but are not actually something you have to live with. From the myths of cycle syncing to the foundations of true hormone support, this conversation offers a more realistic and sustainable approach.
If you have ever felt like your body is working against you, this episode will help you understand why and what you can do about it.
In this episode, we cover:
Why many period symptoms are common but not normal
The truth about hormonal birth control and what we still do not know
Cycle syncing and where it can be misleading
Why your cycle is not as simple as four phases
The connection between blood sugar, stress, sleep, and hormones
How modern life impacts your cycle more than you think
The six foundations of holistic menstrual health
Why doing more is not the answer
A simple place to start that most women overlook
You do not need a complicated plan or perfect routine. Supporting your hormones starts with small, consistent changes in how you eat, sleep, and care for your body.
LMNT: Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at http://drinklmnt.com/MILESTONE. Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend.
38. Financial Literacy for Parents: Budgeting, Investing, and Raising Money-Smart Kids with Hannah Rein
Épisode 38
mardi 12 mai 2026 • Durée 40:42
In this episode of More Than Milestones, I’m sitting down with Hannah Rein, CPA, mom of three, and co-founder of Financially Engaged, to talk about financial literacy in a way that actually feels doable for real life. Because the truth is, most of us were never taught this.
We break down the foundational pieces of personal finance, including budgeting, investing, debt payoff, and long-term financial planning, and how to approach it all without overwhelm or shame. Hannah shares simple ways to create a system that works for your life, not against it, and how to start building financial confidence step by step.
We also talk about the real-life side of money. How to navigate finances with your partner, how to start having more open conversations, and how to model financial literacy for your kids in ways that feel natural and age-appropriate.
One of my favorite parts of this conversation is when Hannah shares her “When We Die” folder. It completely shifted how I think about organizing our finances and planning for the unexpected, especially as a parent.
In this episode, we cover: - How to create a realistic budget that you can actually stick to - Where to start with investing, including 401k, IRA, and index funds - High-yield savings accounts vs traditional savings accounts - How to build and prioritize your emergency fund - The snowball vs avalanche method for paying off debt - What accounts to consider for your kids, including 529, UGMA, and custodial IRA - How to have honest and productive money conversations as a couple - Simple ways to start teaching kids about money early on - What a monthly financial reset can look like - How to organize your finances with a “When We Die” folder
If you’ve ever felt like you’re behind, confused, or just not sure where to start with your finances, this episode is for you. My hope is that you walk away feeling more clear, confident, and supported in taking your next step.
Connect with Hannah:💻 Website: 📱 Instagram: Connect with KC and Milestones & Motherhood:💻 Website & Blog: 📱 Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips and parenting support: 🎧 Follow podcast updates and new episode drops:📬 Join the email list for milestone tips and podcast updates🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom and baby finds:🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries? Contact us at 🔥Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood conversations you will not hear anywhere else. Love this episode? It would mean so much if you:⭐ Rate and review the podcast🎧 Follow or subscribe so you do not miss an episode📲 Share this episode with a friend who is navigating the same questions
37. Low-Tox Living Without the Overwhelm: Simple Swaps, Safer Cleaning and Real-Life Wellness Habits
Épisode 37
mardi 5 mai 2026 • Durée 40:38
Non-toxic living is everywhere right now, but for most moms it does not feel empowering. It feels overwhelming.
In this episode of More Than Milestones, I am joined by wellness educator Samantha Gutierrez to break down what low-tox living actually looks like in real life and how to approach it without fear, perfection, or falling into endless research rabbit holes.
We talk about how to make simple, high-impact swaps in your home, how to think critically about products and marketing, and how to support your body’s natural detox systems with small, sustainable habits.
If you have ever felt like you are not doing enough or you do not know where to start, this episode will help you take a deep breath and move forward with confidence.
In this episode, we talk through:
Why non-toxic living can feel overwhelming & how to simplify it
How to make healthier swaps without throwing everything out
What to prioritize first, including food, skincare, or cleaning products
The truth about common household cleaners and disinfectants
What quats (quaternary ammonium compounds) are and why they matter
A breakdown of hypochlorous acid and safer disinfecting options
How to navigate conflicting research
Practical daily habits to support your body’s natural detox systems
Circadian rhythm, sunlight, and simple wellness routines
Glucose balance basics including meal order, walks, and easy metabolism habits
Real-life meal prep and nutrition tips for busy moms
If this one helped make sense of the shift you've been feeling, follow the show and leave a rating or review. It genuinely helps more parents find these conversations.
⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Meet Carly Clearwater, pediatric OT and lactation consultant (part two of the generations conversation) 01:31 – Are babies actually different, or is the environment different? 02:57 – Why this isn't about blaming parents 05:56 – The four building blocks of infant development: eat, sleep, poop, play 07:21 – Why development is all connected (the reflux → tummy time snowball) 09:19 – Going back to work at six and eight weeks postpartum 12:16 – How early return to work affects breastfeeding 15:40 – Container use, busier schedules, and losing the line of moderation 16:54 – Social media, misinformation, and the "age of parenting anxiety" 19:11 – Baby wearing as a modern compromise (and its own misinformation problem) 20:49 – The lack of village and what "community" really means now 26:13 – What's missing without generational modeling 29:02 – The difference between a delay and atypical development 33:10 – Why preventative care beats reactive care 34:55 – A real example of how one missed early step snowballs 37:24 – How to self-refer to early intervention (and why it's often free) 39:05 – The lactation visit most insurance covers that almost no one uses 41:46 – What parents can actually do: real, practical solutions 43:51 – Yellow flags vs. red flags 44:45 – Normalizing floor time and tummy time today
⏱️ Timestamps (00:00) Meet the OG pediatric PT: my mom, Susan (02:00) What sleep and tummy time looked like before Back to Sleep (05:30) How the baby container industry capitalized on new parent fear (08:15) What container baby syndrome actually means (12:00) The rise in torticollis, plagiocephaly, and baby helmets (16:00) What cultural differences taught her about early movement (19:30) Screens, tablets, and losing the instinct to just play with your baby (23:00) Milestone ranges then vs. now, and why crawling quietly disappeared from screenings (27:30) Why crawling matters more than people realize (31:00) Growing up anxious in the social media era vs. her generation (34:30) Her advice for new moms and new therapists
💦 LMNT: http://drinklmnt.com/MILESTONE Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase.
If you loved this episode: ⭐ Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a parent who needs to hear it 🙏 See you next season on More Than Milestones!
Connect with Taylor Kruse: 🔗 📸 Instagram: @kruseelite 🎧 Podcast: The KRUSE ELITE Podcast 📚 Courses: Neuro Foundations and The Neuro Dojo (https://www.kruseelite.com/)
Connect with me: 💛 🌐 Website: milestonesandmotherhood.com 📸 Instagram: @milestones.and.motherhood and @more.than.milestones ✍️ Substack: https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones 🍼 Tummy Time Masterclass: https://milestonesandmotherhood.com/tummy-time 🛍️ Amazon storefront: https://a.co/d/03ucPZbo ✉️ For sponsorship or guest inquiries: podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com
If you loved this episode: ⭐ Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a parent or provider who needs to hear it 🙏 New episodes of More Than Milestones drop every other Tuesday!
Why supporting sensitive kids early builds confident, resilient adults
Neuroplasticity, repair, and why it is never too late to change your approach
The number one thing every parent of a sensitive child should know
Sensitivity is not a weakness to fix. It is a trait to understand and nurture. When we lean in, co-regulate, and help our children feel seen, we raise kids who grow into adults who feel assured in exactly who they are.
Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introducing Dr. Aoife Durcan 00:34 – Aoife's background and her own highly sensitive boys 01:33 – The neuroscience: what high sensitivity actually is 04:52 – Sensing subtle shifts in tone (KC & Aoife's real-life examples) 07:14 – High sensitivity vs. neurodivergence: is there a difference? 08:57 – Just how common is it? (the 30% figure) 09:40 – What parents notice, including in babies 12:31 – Postpartum mental health and hard-to-soothe babies 14:28 – Why co-regulation matters so much 18:02 – When siblings feel the same thing differently 19:12 – Beyond the physical: the relationship is everything 22:10 – Emotional dysregulation and the "bucket" that overflows 23:40 – The window of tolerance & becoming a "sensory detective" 28:12 – "The only kid who won't leave my lap" and why support pays off 30:05 – Repair, neuroplasticity, and hope for parents 31:58 – Holding boundaries without breaking connection 36:03 – You don't have to say the perfect thing 37:27 – The number one thing every parent should know 39:26 – Where to find Dr. Durcan and her book
Love this episode? It would mean so much if you: ⭐ Rate and review the podcast 🎧 Follow or subscribe so you do not miss an episode 📲 Share this episode with a friend who is navigating the same questions
LMNT: Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at http://drinklmnt.com/MILESTONE. Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend.
• What makes a playground physically, socially, and emotionally inviting
• Practical steps for advocating for an inclusive playground in your own community
• The future of accessibility and inclusive public spaces
Inclusive design is not about creating separate spaces for people with disabilities. It is about building communities where everyone belongs. When we design for connection, accessibility, and play, we create environments that benefit all of us.
Connect with G Cody QJ Goldberg and Harper’s Playground:
🔥Go deeper with KC on Substack More Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood conversations you will not hear anywhere else. https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones
⭐ Rate and review the podcast 🎧 Follow or subscribe so you do not miss an episode 📲 Share this episode with a friend who is navigating the same questions
🔥Go deeper with KC on Substack More Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood conversations you will not hear anywhere else. https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones
Love this episode? It would mean so much if you:
⭐ Rate and review the podcast 🎧 Follow or subscribe so you do not miss an episode 📲 Share this episode with a friend who is navigating the same questions
LMNT: http://drinklmnt.com/MILESTONE Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase.
Some of these links are affiliate links, which just means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only ever share products we actually use and love.
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