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47. Movement After Miscarriage, Mom Guilt, and Keeping Something for Yourself with Amy Haas 06 oct. 202600:40:57

Why do so many moms feel guilty the second they do something just for themselves?


I sat down with Amy Haas, a running and strength coach, the creator behind Race Across the States, and a brand new mom to a baby girl. Amy has run a half marathon in all 50 states, which took her about 10 years. Running carried her through some really hard seasons, including a miscarriage before her daughter was born.


We talk about using movement for your mental health instead of as punishment, and the surprising backlash Amy got from other moms for running and going back to work after having her baby. Amy explains why she believes kids become part of your life instead of replacing it. She also opens up about losing trust in her body after her miscarriage, the phrase from her OB that got her through pregnancy after loss, and why a five-minute walk absolutely counts.


And yes, I share how my kids and I ended up in a full-on power walking competition in the driveway. 😂


If you've ever skipped a workout because you couldn't do the "whole thing," or felt like taking time for yourself made you less of a mom, this one is for you. 🤍


About Amy
Amy Haas is a running and strength coach and the founder of Run With AIM. After running a half marathon in every state, she's now chasing the major marathons and running in national parks with her husband. She shares openly about movement, body image, women supporting women, and now, early motherhood.


Connect with Amy
Instagram: @raceacrossthestates
Coaching: runwithaim.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 this conversation meant something to you, follow More Than Milestones and leave a rating or review. It really helps other moms find the show.


Timestamps ⏱️
00:00 Welcome and meet Amy Haas
00:27 From one half marathon to all 50 states
02:47 What's next: major marathons and national parks
04:00 Movement as a tool for mental health, not punishment
06:13 Falling into the weight-loss mindset and unlearning it
07:45 When your mind quits before your body does
09:57 Eight weeks postpartum and the comparison trap
11:13 The backlash: "Why did you even have kids?"
14:39 Having something that's yours before motherhood
16:00 Why women feel guilty prioritizing themselves
18:28 Perfectionism and all-or-nothing movement
21:23 Letting yourself celebrate the win
21:58 Miscarriage and losing trust in your body
23:43 Rebuilding trust by controlling what you can
26:07 "Common things happen commonly": pregnancy after loss
29:08 How running prepared Amy for motherhood
31:39 The five-minute walk: one way to start this week
33:13 Habit stacking and the driveway power walk
35:50 Growing up with the bodies we were sold
38:31 Dinner table talk and practicing what we preach
39:42 Where to find Amy

46. What Counts as a Word? Toddler Speech Milestones, Late Talkers, and When Not to Wait with Pediatric SLP Caley Nunnally29 sept. 202600:30:51

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.


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 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)22 sept. 202600:50:03

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: clearpathotservices.com
📸 Instagram: @clear.path.ot


Resources mentioned in this episode:
🍼 Free baby containers guide: idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/baby-containers-guide
🔎 Early intervention contact info by state (CDC): cdc.gov/act-early/early-intervention/contact-information-by-state


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 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

44. Baby Milestones Then vs. Now: What’s Changed & Why - Perspectives from a Pediatric PT of 40+ Years15 sept. 202600:49:40

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. 


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 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. 👀


⏱️ 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

43. What 8.5 Years of Not Sleep Training Taught Me About Trusting My Gut (Season 1 Finale)28 juil. 202600:19:16

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 🙏


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


💦 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!

42. Beyond Stretching and Exercises: How the Nervous System Impacts Pain, Movement & Your Child's Development with Taylor Kruse07 juil. 202600:41:30

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


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!

41. Raising a Highly Sensitive Child: The Neuroscience of Big Feelings with Dr. Aoife Durcan23 juin 202600:41:11

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
  • 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

Connect with Dr. Aoife Durcan:
 📖 Book: Your Highly Sensitive Child
https://www.amazon.com/Your-Highly-Sensitive-Child-overwhelming/dp/1804581585
📱 Instagram: @highlysensitivepsychologist
💻 Website: https://www.instituteofhighsensitivity.com/ 

Connect with KC and Milestones & Motherhood:
 💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/
📱 Follow KC: @milestones.and.motherhood
🎧 Follow the podcast: @more.than.milestones.pod
📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097
🛒 Shop KC's favorites: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm
🔥 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
🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries? Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com

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. 

40. The Power of Play: How Inclusive Spaces Shape Childhood and Belonging with G Cody QJ Goldberg09 juin 202600:41:11

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

• 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:

💻 Website: https://www.harpersplayground.org/ 

📱 Harper’s Playground: https://www.instagram.com/harpersplayground/ 
🔗LinkedIn: G Cody QJ Goldberg



Connect with KC and Milestones & Motherhood:
💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/

📱 Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips and parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/

🎧 Follow podcast updates and new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/

📬 Join the email list for milestone tips and podcast updates
 https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097

🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom and baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🔥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


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
 Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com

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

39. The Hormone Revolution: What Women Were Never Taught About Their Bodies with Mariah Berendt26 mai 202601:03:14

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. 

Connect with Mariah:
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nourishyourcycle/ 
🍴 Big Girl Breakfast: https://www.nourishyourcycle.com/big-girl-breakfast 


Connect with KC and Milestones & Motherhood:
💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/

📱 Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips and parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/

🎧 Follow podcast updates and new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/

📬 Join the email list for milestone tips and podcast updates
 https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097

🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom and baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
 Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


🔥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

38. Financial Literacy for Parents: Budgeting, Investing, and Raising Money-Smart Kids with Hannah Rein12 mai 202600:40:42

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: https://financiallyengaged.com/
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financiallyengaged/

Connect with KC and Milestones & Motherhood:
💻 Website & Blog:
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/
📱 Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips and parenting support:
https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/
🎧 Follow podcast updates and new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/
📬 Join the email list for milestone tips and podcast updates
 https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097
🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom and baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm

🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com

🔥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

37. Low-Tox Living Without the Overwhelm: Simple Swaps, Safer Cleaning and Real-Life Wellness Habits05 mai 202600:40:38

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


Links & resources mentioned:

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.


Connect with Samantha:

📲 Instagram & TikTok: @sam_healinghabits 


Connect with KC:
💻 Website:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/

📲 KC's Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/

🎧 More Than Milestones Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones

🛒 Shop KC’s favorite finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm

🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com

🔥Subscribe to More Than Milestones: Unfiltered on Substack for 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month: https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

36. Breaking Parenting Cycles: Emotional Regulation for Parents and Kids with Jon Fogel28 avr. 202600:55:17

How do you handle tantrums, big emotions, and discipline without yelling or punishment?

In this episode of More Than Milestones, I sit down with parenting researcher & author Jon Fogel to break down what is actually happening in your child’s brain during meltdowns and why so many of us feel triggered in those moments. We talk about the difference between punishment and consequences, why traditional discipline often backfires, and what to do instead.

Jon shares practical, research-backed tools to help you regulate your own emotions so you can respond instead of react. We also dive into why some kids feel harder to parent, how to break generational parenting cycles, and how to support emotional regulation in a way that actually sticks.

If you have ever felt overwhelmed, reactive, or unsure how to handle your child’s behavior without yelling, this episode will give you clarity, tools, and a new perspective.

This episode will help you:

  • Understand the difference between punishment and consequences
  • Learn why kids’ brains struggle during meltdowns
  • Regulate your own emotions in high stress moments
  • Respond to tantrums without yelling or shame
  • Break generational parenting patterns with practical tools

Connect with Jon Fogel:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wholeparent/ 

Website - https://www.wholeparentacademy.com/

Books: Punishment-Free Parenting & Set My Feelings Free (OUT APRIL 28TH) - https://www.wholeparentacademy.com/copy-of-book-2 

The Whole Parent Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-whole-parent-podcast/id1726080800 


Connect with KC & Milestones & Motherhood:
💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/

📱 Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips and parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/

🎧 Follow podcast updates and new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/

🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining

📬 Join the email list for milestone tips and podcast updates
 https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097

🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom and baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm

🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
 Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com

🔥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

35. Dyslexia in Children: Early Signs, ADHD Overlap & How to Support Neurodivergent Kids21 avr. 202600:42:16

What are the early signs of dyslexia in children and how can parents support neurodivergent kids?

In this episode of More Than Milestones, I sit down with Dr. Jacob Santhouse, a counselor specializing in dyslexia and ADHD, to break down what dyslexia actually is and why it is often misunderstood. We talk about how dyslexia impacts language processing, working memory, and reading development, and why many bright children still struggle in school.

We also cover early signs of dyslexia in toddlers and young children, including speech delays, difficulty with rhyming, word mix ups, and memory challenges. You will learn how dyslexia overlaps with ADHD, why many kids are not diagnosed until later, and what parents can do early to support their child.

This episode also explores the emotional impact of learning differences, including shame, confidence, and how to help your child build resilience without pressure or fear.

If you are wondering whether your child might be dyslexic or simply want to better understand neurodivergent development, this episode will give you clarity, tools, and reassurance.

This episode will help you:

  • Understand what dyslexia actually is and is not
  • Recognize early signs in toddlers and young children
  • Navigate testing, school support, and IEPs
  • Support your child without shame, pressure, or “just try harder” messaging
  • Shift from fixing your child to truly seeing and supporting them


Connect with Dr. Jacob Santhouse and explore all of his incredible resources below!


For more of KC and Milestones & Motherhood: 

💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/

📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/

🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/

🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining

📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097

🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm

🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com

🔥 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


34. Tongue Tie Truths: Evidence, Risks, and Informed Decisions14 avr. 202601:08:45

Feeling unsure about tongue ties or overwhelmed by conflicting advice? This episode breaks down what actually matters so you can make confident decisions for your child without fear or pressure.

In this roundtable conversation, I’m joined by Dr Yvonne LeFort NABBLM-C, Kara Larson CCC-SLP, and Brianna Mulik CCC-SLP—three experts in pediatric feeding, swallowing, and breastfeeding medicine to unpack one of the most talked about topics in parenting right now: tethered oral tissues. We talk about what tongue ties actually are, when they matter, and why so many parents feel pushed toward quick decisions without fully understanding their options.

In this episode, we cover:

  • What tongue ties actually are and when they matter
  • Why function matters more than appearance
  • How to know if feeding challenges need further evaluation
  • Red flags to watch for when seeking support
  • What the research says about speech, sleep, and older kids
  • Risks and benefits of intervention
  • What true informed consent should look like

If this episode helped you feel more confident, share it with a friend or another mom who might need it too.

🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/

🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com

 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

33. Traditional Chinese Medicine for Modern Motherhood: Supporting Women’s Health, Energy Balance & Family Wellness with Dr. Felice Chan07 avr. 202600:49:11

Ancient wisdom has a lot to offer modern motherhood, especially when it comes to supporting our bodies, emotions, and families in a more holistic way. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Felice Chan, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine and the founder of Felice Acupuncture and Moonbow. We talk about how using practices from traditional Chinese medicine, like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and food as medicine, can support women’s health, postpartum recovery, emotional balance, and even children’s immune development, all in ways that feel practical and supportive for today’s busy moms.


In this episode, we talk about:

  • How traditional Chinese medicine views the body as an interconnected system
  • Why many women feel dismissed when something feels “off” but lab work looks normal
  • The role of balance, energy (chi), and nervous system regulation in healing
  • A traditional Chinese medicine perspective on fertility and postpartum recovery
  • Blood- and yin-nourishing foods that can support postpartum healing
  • The four pillars of traditional Chinese medicine: acupuncture, herbal medicine, food as medicine, and lifestyle
  • Supporting babies’ and children’s immune systems through a holistic lens
  • Understanding “hot” vs. “cold” illnesses and how the body responds to each
  • The connection between emotions, organ systems, and overall health
  • What to know about herbal medicine and working with a practitioner
  • Small, practical ways busy families can begin incorporating Chinese medicine principles


Links


Connect with Dr. Felice and explore all of her incredible resources below!


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

32. Preparing for Labor & Delivery: What to Expect, Birth Options & Making Informed Decisions with Lo Mansfield 31 mars 202600:44:38

Preparing for pregnancy, labor, and delivery can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to make informed decisions about testing, birth plans, and the support team around you. In this episode, I’m joined by Lo Mansfield, RN, certified lactation consultant, mom of four, and the voice behind The Labor Mama. With years of experience in labor and postpartum nursing, Lo walks us through an honest and empowering look at what to expect throughout pregnancy and birth, from understanding prenatal testing and how pregnancy risk can change, to choosing your birth setting, navigating interventions during labor, and feeling more confident advocating for yourself during one of life’s biggest moments.


Key topics we cover:

  • What “high-risk pregnancy” actually means and how pregnancy risk can change over time
  • Common prenatal tests in the first, second, and third trimesters
  • How to think through hospital vs. birth center vs. home birth options
  • The differences between an OB, midwife, and doula and how each supports you during pregnancy and birth
  • Understanding the cascade of interventions during labor and delivery
  • How to prioritize what matters most when making decisions about your birth experience
  • Pain management during labor, including epidurals and other options
  • Planned, repeat, urgent, and emergency C-sections and when they may be necessary
  • Practical advice for advocating for yourself and asking for time, space, and information during labor


Links:


Follow Lo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelabormama 


Check out her podcast: Lo & Behold: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lo-behold-pregnancy-birth-motherhood/id1813937326 


Listen to KC’s episode, episode 32: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tummy-time-sitting-rolling-walking-milestones-made/id1813937326?i=1000743032221 


Grab a free copy of the Birth Plan/Birth Priorities tool: http://thelabormama.com/third


Check out all of Lo’s online courses & guides: https://thelabormama.com/online-birth-postpartum-and-newborn-classes 


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

31. Brain-Based Treatment 101: How Applied Functional Neurology Supports Kids’ Development and Adult Recovery24 mars 202600:49:26

Feeling stuck when it comes to your child’s development or your own body can be incredibly frustrating, and sometimes the missing piece isn’t where you think it is. In this episode, I’m joined by neuro educator Missy Bunch, who shares how her own career-ending knee injury as a professional dancer led her to discover the powerful connection between the brain, nervous system, and body. Through her work in applied functional neurology, Missy breaks down how the brain processes input, why the body compensates the way it does, and how seemingly unrelated systems (like your eyes, ears, and even sense of smell) can directly impact movement, behavior, and overall function. This conversation will challenge the way you think about symptoms, encouraging you to zoom out, look for root causes, and better understand what your or your child’s body might be trying to communicate.


In this episode, we cover:


  • What “brain-based treatment” and applied functional neurology actually mean.
  • How the brain processes input and why the nervous system plays a central role in development.
  • Why the body is constantly compensating and what that can look like in both kids and adults.
  • The connection between cranial nerves, movement, and overall function.
  • How sensory-seeking behaviors may be your child’s way of asking for specific input.
  • Why everything above the neck has a major impact on the rest of the body.
  • The importance of identifying root causes instead of just treating symptoms.
  • How to find qualified practitioners trained in this approach.
  • Simple, practical tools you can try at home, like breathwork and using smell to assess the nervous system.


Links:


Check out Missy’s website: https://www.missybunch.com/ 


Connect with Missy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missybunch15 


Learn more about Z-Health and find a trainer near you at: https://zhealtheducation.com/find-a-trainer/ 


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

30. Creating a Peaceful Home: Intentional Parenting, Supporting Sibling Dynamics & Supporting Our Children in Navigating Friendships with Dr. Hanaa Ghannoum17 mars 202600:47:57

Creating a peaceful home doesn’t come from perfect parenting; it comes from practicing presence, compassion, and intention. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Hanaa Ghannoum, parenting coach, mom of three, and founder of Peace Within Home. With a PhD in early childhood and curriculum studies, Dr. Hanaa helps parents raise their children with calm, confidence, and connection while also doing the inner work of re-raising themselves along the way. Our conversation explores what it really means to create a safe and peaceful home, how to approach sibling conflict in a healthy way, and how we can guide our children in building strong, meaningful friendships. If you’ve ever wanted to parent with more intention and less reacting, this conversation offers both perspective and practical tools.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • The idea of “practicing” parenting and how both parents and children are constantly learning
  • How staying present helps us respond to our kids with more calm and compassion
  • What it really means to create a safe home where children feel supported, even when they make mistakes
  • The power of small daily moments of connection with our kids
  • Understanding sibling conflict and why it can actually be a valuable learning space for kids
  • Simple ways to support siblings through conflict without always stepping in to fix it, including the impact of one-on-one time with each child
  • Creating family traditions that strengthen connection between siblings
  • Ways to start meaningful conversations with kids about friendship and how to recognize healthy versus unhealthy relationships
  • Teaching kids to trust their internal compass and pay attention to how others make them feel
  • Helping children hold boundaries while still responding with kindness and courage


Links


Connect with Dr. Hanaa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhanaa.peacewithinhome 


Dr. Hanaa’s website: www.peacewithinhome.com 


Check out all of Dr. Hanaa’s incredible resources, including the Sibling Conflict Crash Course and The Friendship Lab, at www.peacewithinhome.com/shop 


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milesto nes.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

29. Your Menstrual Cycle Explained: Hormones, Reproductive Health & Advocating for Yourself with Dr. Kerry-Anne Perkins10 mars 202600:57:02

Hormones influence far more than just our menstrual cycle, yet many women reach adulthood realizing how little they were ever taught about their own bodies. Today I’m joined by Dr. Kerry-Anne Perkins, a board-certified OB/GYN and passionate advocate for women’s health education. Together, we unpack why so many women feel disconnected from their bodies, why female health has historically been overlooked in medical research, and how everyday factors like stress, nutrition, and environmental exposures can influence our reproductive health. Dr. Perkins also walks us through the phases of the menstrual cycle in a clear, practical way, explains why tracking your cycle matters, and shares how parents can help normalize conversations about periods and body literacy for the next generation of girls.


Key Topics Covered:

  • Why women have historically been underrepresented in medical research and how that impacts care today.
  • The cultural and lifestyle differences that shape our health and hormones.
  • Rising reproductive health challenges, including infertility and hormonal imbalances.
  • How nutrition, sugar intake, and ultra-processed foods affect hormone balance and overall health.
  • Environmental factors that influence reproductive health, including stress and endocrine disruptors.
  • Understanding the phases of the menstrual cycle and what’s happening hormonally throughout the month.
  • Why different phases of your cycle can affect energy, strength, mood, and focus.
  • The importance of teaching girls what’s normal when it comes to periods, pain, and cycle changes.
  • Why hormonal birth control is often used as a quick solution and what conversations may be missing.
  • Practical ways women can advocate for themselves and find providers who truly listen.


Links:


Follow Dr. Perkins:


On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callmedoctor.p


On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Callmedoctor.p


On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@callmedoctor.p


On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callmedoctor.p 


Dr. Perkins’ website: https://callmedoctorp.com/ 


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milesto nes.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

28. Perimenopause As a Reset, Not a Breakdown: Hormones, Nutrition, and Strength for Moms with Dr. Amy Shah03 mars 202600:43:51

Perimenopause isn’t a sudden switch, it’s a gradual shift that can begin years before most women realize what’s happening. I sit down with Dr. Amy Shah, double board certified MD and nutrition expert, to unpack what perimenopause actually is, why women’s symptoms have historically been misunderstood in medicine, and how to feel empowered instead of blindsided during this transition. Together, we reframe this season of life as an opportunity to build strength, resilience, and long term health from the inside out.


Key Topics Covered:

  • The 7 to 10 year hormonal transition and how it unfolds over time.
  • Why women have been underrepresented in medical research.
  • Cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone explained in simple terms.
  • Early signs that signal shifting hormones.
  • The gut hormone brain connection and why the gut acts as a control center.
  • How nutritional needs evolve in your late 30s and 40s.
  • Intermittent fasting for women and what to consider.
  • Why prioritizing protein, fiber, and probiotics matters.
  • Using food to build strength rather than shrink your body.
  • Questions to ask when searching for a supportive healthcare provider.



Dr. Amy Shah’s Book, Hormone Havoc: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/hormone-havoc-amy-shah-md?variant=43869469081634 


Follow Dr. Amy Shah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramyshah/


Dr. Amy’s Website: https://amymdwellness.com/


Links & Resources


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milesto nes.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a litt

27. Rewrite Your Parenting Story With Therapist Eli Harwood: Attachment Styles Explained and What You Actually Need to Know to Raise Secure, Connected Kids24 févr. 202600:55:31

Attachment isn’t just a parenting buzzword. It’s the invisible thread that shapes how we connect, love, and feel safe for the rest of our lives. In this powerful conversation, therapist, author, and the face behind @attachmentnerd, Eli Harwood brings nearly two decades of clinical experience to unpack what attachment really means, why secure relationships matter far beyond childhood, and how parents can intentionally build safety and trust with their children. From understanding the different attachment styles to exploring whether healing your own wounds can truly impact your parenting, this episode offers clarity, hope, and practical tools. Eli also shares four realistic ways to foster secure relationships at home and a simple but transformative activity that helps children feel safe bringing any topic to their parents.


Key Topics Covered:

  • What attachment is and why humans are wired for connection.
  • The different attachment categories and how caregiver reliability shapes them.
  • Why attachment styles are flexible and can evolve over time.
  • How to identify your own attachment style and recognize patterns in your child.
  • The pressure to “break cycles” and how that mindset impacts today’s parents.
  • Whether healing your past can influence your child’s sense of security.
  • What reflective function is and why it matters.
  • A nuanced conversation around sleep training and attachment.
  • Four attainable strategies to strengthen connection at home.
  • A practical communication exercise to help kids feel safe opening up.


Follow Eli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attachmentnerd/


Follow Eli on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attachmentnerd


Visit Eli’s Website: https://www.attachmentnerd.com/


Eli’s Adult Journal: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/securely-attached-workbook


Raising Securely Attached Kids: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/raising-securely-attached-kids


The Mother/Daughter Journal - Uniquely Us: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/uniquely-us-mother-daughter-journal


How to Deal with Your BEEP! So Your Kids Don’t Have To: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/how-to-deal




Links & Resources


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milesto nes.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:

 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence

26. My Hot Takes on Weddings, Wine Culture, Wearing Jorts + More!17 févr. 202600:40:21

This episode is a fun, rapid fire hot takes roundup straight from my Instagram community, where nothing was off limits and everything from jorts to uninviting kids from weddings made the list. Pineapple on pizza? Pickle potato chips? Taking three kids anywhere in public? We’re covering it all.

I share how my perspective has shifted from first time mom to third time mom and how experience has softened some of my rigid thinking. We talk shared bank accounts, who gets up in the middle of the night, in law dynamics, co-sleeping, mommy wine culture, intimacy after kids, and whether no gift birthday parties are actually a gift to parents. I also weigh in on helmets and torticollis, and one of those is absolutely not something to ignore. This conversation is lighthearted and honest, but also a reminder that most things in motherhood are nuanced and confidence often comes with time, growth, and doing what truly works for your family.


Links & Resources


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milesto nes.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍


This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

25. Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Alyssa Campbell on Supporting Emotional Development in Ages 5 to 1210 févr. 202601:07:06

Alyssa Campbell joins More than Milestones to dive into one of the most overlooked yet critical stages of child development: ages 5 to 12. With a master’s degree in early childhood education, research experience in emotional development, and as the founder of Seed and Sew and a two-time bestselling author, Alyssa helps parents understand why big emotions in big kids are not something to fix, but information to listen to. We explore how emotional and social development shows up differently in school-aged kids compared to toddlers, why connection is the foundation for everything, and how parents can stay close even as peer influence grows. This conversation offers practical insight for navigating big feelings, conflict, honesty, and tough topics with confidence and compassion.


Key Topics Covered


  • Why ages 5 to 12 are a critical and often overlooked stage of emotional development
  • How big emotions show up differently in school-aged kids versus toddlers
  • Why big emotions are not a phase, but important information
  • The nine senses and how they influence emotional regulation in kids
  • How to identify what triggers your individual child and what they truly need
  • Staying connected as kids start prioritizing peer relationships
  • How to repair after missteps in connection with your child
  • Talking to kids about puberty, sex, drugs, and peer pressure earlier than expected
  • Why lying can be developmentally appropriate at this age and how to respond
  • Navigating conflict between kids and knowing when to step in versus step back


Follow Alyssa on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/seed.and.sew/


Alyssa’s Website: https://www.seedandsew.org/about


Free Questionnaire: https://regulationroadmap.softr.app/


Get Your Copy of Alyssa’s Book Tiny Humans, Big Emotions: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/Tiny-Humans-Big-Emotions-book


Get Your Copy of Alyssa’s Book Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/big-kids-bigger-feelings-book


Links & Resources


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

24. Sex After Kids: How to Reconnect as Partners, Reignite Intimacy & End the Roommate Phase With Vanessa & Xander Marin03 févr. 202600:52:19

If you’ve ever felt like your partner turned into a roommate after kids, this conversation is for you. I'm joined by the one and only Vanessa and Xander Marin. Vanessa is a licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in sex therapy, and Xander left his career at Google to focus on helping couples talk openly about sex. In this episode, we dive into the “roommate phase,” the bristle reaction, and what it really looks like to reconnect sexually after kids. Vanessa and Xander normalize the fact that every couple struggles with intimacy, from mismatched sex drives to communication breakdowns and share practical, realistic tools to help partners feel less alone and more connected. 


Key Topics Covered

  • Why intimacy shifts for every couple


  • The “roommate phase” and how couples drift


  • Preparing for how parenthood impacts your sex life


  • Mom mode → me mode → we mode, and why transition time matters after birth


  • Mental desire vs. physical arousal, including responsive desire


  • How to communicate needs and invite reconnection without rejection


  • Why sex shouldn’t feel like a chore—and how to rebuild real connection


Follow Vanessa + Xander on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessaandxander/


Visit Vanessa + Xander’s Website: vmtherapy.com


Their Book; Sex Talks: https://sextalksbook.com/


Links & Resources


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milesto nes.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

23. Raising Boys In Today’s World: Reimagining Boyhood, Masculinity & Raising Emotionally Strong & Connected Boys27 janv. 202600:46:46

Ruth Whippman, author and journalist,  joins us today to unpack America’s obsession with happiness, the loneliness baked into modern motherhood, and what it looks like to raise boys in today’s complicated cultural landscape. Drawing from her books BOY MOM and America the Anxious, Ruth shares why the way we pursue happiness often backfires, how isolation impacts parents, and the contradictory messages boys receive about masculinity, emotion, and identity. This conversation is honest, nuanced, and deeply relevant for anyone raising sons or simply trying to parent with more clarity and compassion.

Topics we cover:

  • America’s happiness obsession and why it often leads to more anxiety.
  • Loneliness in motherhood and why we were never meant to parent alone.
  • Contemporary boyhood and the conflicting messages boys receive about masculinity.
  • Anxiety, gender roles, and the psychological impact of labeling boys as “toxic”.
  • How early messaging shapes boys’ emotional development.
  • Roughhousing, nurturing, and the unique role of fathers.
  • Nature vs. nurture when raising emotionally intelligent boys.
  • Screen time, sports overload, and the importance of unstructured play.


Follow Ruth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthwhippman/


Subscribe to Ruth’s Substack: https://substack.com/@ruthwhippman


Visit Ruth’s Website: https://www.ruthwhippman.com/


Get Your Copy of BOY MOM: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/boy-mom-reimagining-boyhood


Get Your Copy of America the Anxious - Why Our Search for Happiness Is Driving Us Crazy and How to Find It for Real: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/america-the-anxious-book


Links & Resources


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


22. Motherhood Overwhelm Solutions: Tiny Habits + Automation That Actually Make Mom Life Easier20 janv. 202600:45:01

Motherhood doesn’t usually need another to-do list, it needs support that actually shows up in real life. Today I’m joined by Sharon Pope, founder of Shelpful, an AI-powered task manager created to help moms reduce mental load and make everyday life feel more manageable.

Sharon, a mom of two, built Shelpful out of her own experience returning to work after maternity leave and realizing she was excelling everywhere except in caring for herself. What she wanted was simple reminders for the small things like drinking water or taking a pause so she created the tool she wished she’d had.

We talk about why overwhelm is so common in motherhood and how tiny habits can create momentum, reduce decision fatigue, and make follow-through feel easier. Sharon also shares why celebrating small wins matters and how involving your kids in your routines can help model healthy habits while making them part of the process.

You’ll hear real-life examples of how automation has simplified Sharon’s life, from never missing important emails to remembering preschool sign-ins. She also shares an underutilized app that’s already on your phone and surprisingly powerful, even if you don’t consider yourself tech-savvy. Plus, hear her hot take on “eat the frog” and the habit approach her ADHD brain actually prefers.


Sharon’s Workshop: https://stan.store/shelpful/p/replay-automate-your-life


Follow Shelpful on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelpful/


Find Shelpful in the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shelpful-ai-for-adhd-tasks/id6741499362


Links & Resources


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates

https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

21. Sick Season Survival: Pediatrician Dr. Anjuli Gans’s Guide to Winter Illnesses13 janv. 202600:27:42

Winter sniffles don’t have to send you spiraling especially when you know what’s normal, what’s not, and when to call for help. In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend Dr. Anjuli Gans, board-certified pediatrician at CHOP and the voice behind @resilientrascals, to walk us through navigating winter illnesses with newborns and young kids with more confidence and less fear.

We cover how to prepare if you’re expecting a winter baby, RSV protection, the best way to take your child’s temperature, and clear signs it’s time to loop in your pediatrician. Dr. Anjuli breaks down common illnesses like stomach bugs, RSV, and croup, including what to have on hand at home, how and when to rehydrate, and which symptoms actually matter most. She also debunks common croup myths and explains the difference between typical, recurrent, and atypical croup. This conversation is packed with practical reassurance you’ll want to bookmark for sick season.


Follow Dr. Anjuli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientrascals/


Visit Dr. Anjuli’s Website: https://www.resilientrascals.com/


Dr. Anjuli’s Guides: https://www.resilientrascals.com/guides


Links & Resources


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

20. Becoming: Not Achieving: Rethinking Resolutions, Vision Boards & Intentions 06 janv. 202600:21:44

This episode is a little different. After sharing my 2025 reflections on Substack and intentionally celebrating the small wins I usually overlook, I felt a shift in how I wanted to approach the year ahead. That reflection led me to move away from a traditional vision board and toward something that feels more grounded and sustainable: a becoming board. In this episode, I walk you through how I set my intentions for 2026 and why focusing on who I’m becoming feels more aligned than focusing on what I want to achieve.

We explore the idea of honoring natural seasons instead of forcing progress on an arbitrary calendar. I even share a surprising historical lesson about when the new year used to begin and why January 1st became the default. That discovery led me to rethink how I want to use the first few months of the year, which is why I’m focusing on what I’m calling “ministones” from January through March as a way to prepare for the bigger milestones I want to reach later in 2026.

In this episode, I guide you through the exact exercise I used so you can try it for yourself. I reflect on 2025, explain why I’m treating 2026 as a season rather than a checklist, and share the core intentions I’m carrying with me into this year. I also talk about the power of visual reminders, a quote that created a major mindset shift for me, and an evidence-based reel from a behavior change expert that helped everything click. I’ve never felt this energized stepping into a new year, and my hope is that this episode helps you find a more intentional way forward too.


Follow Karin on Instagram: @karinnordinphd: https://www.instagram.com/karinnordinphd/



Links & Resources


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

19. From Restraint Collapse to Co-Regulation: A School Social Worker’s Guide to Big Kid Emotions30 déc. 202500:34:07

Brittany Brady is a school social worker with over a decade of experience and the founder of Bright Starts Co. Through her work in schools, Brittany noticed that many children were entering classrooms academically ready, but struggling emotionally, socially, and behaviorally. That insight led her to focus on what truly supports school readiness: strong routines, emotional regulation, independence, and confidence built at home.

In this episode, Brittany helps us understand why kids experience frequent meltdowns and what’s really happening beneath the surface. She explains the power of pausing as a parent instead of reacting, how parenting scripts can support regulation, and what restraint collapse is, including what it looks like after a long school day. Brittany also shares simple, low-effort strategies families can use to minimize restraint collapse and help children feel safer and more secure through consistent routines.

We wrap up the conversation by exploring how to help children feel seen and heard, along with practical questions parents can ask after school that go beyond the usual one-word responses. This episode is full of realistic, high-impact ideas you can implement without adding more to your already full plate.


Follow Brittany on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightstartsco?igsh=eDF0dWR3ZnFzaHd1

Visit Brittany’s Website: https://www.brightstartsco.com/store


Links & Resources


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍


This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

18. Is a Helmet Really Necessary? A Pediatric PT and Orthotist Break Down Flat Spots, Torticollis & Treatment Options23 déc. 202501:00:32

In this episode of More than Milestones, I sit down with Becki Westover, a certified orthotist with Bloom Kids who has over 20 years of experience working with infants and families. Becki explains what a certified orthotist does and why helmet therapy can feel confusing or controversial for parents.

We talk through common concerns about infant helmets, including weight, size, comfort, and whether helmets interfere with development. Becki clears up misconceptions by explaining how helmets are designed, what they’re made of, and how they support natural head growth rather than forcing change.

The conversation also covers the most common types of head flattening, why cases seem to be on the rise, the impact of the Back to Sleep campaign on tummy time, and the connection between torticollis, IVF pregnancies, and head shape differences. Becki shares when helmet therapy is most effective, why some families are referred to neurosurgery first, and how parents can approach these referrals with more confidence and less fear.


Follow Becki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckiatbloom/


Visit Becki’s Website: www.bloomkidsorthotics.com


Links & Resources


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍


This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

17. Baby Sleep Without the Pressure: A Conversation with Rachael Shepard-Ohta from Hey Sleepy Baby16 déc. 202500:45:17

Today I’m joined by Rachael Shepard-Ohta, founder of Hey Sleepy Baby, for an honest look at what’s normal when it comes to baby sleep. Rachael started Hey Sleepy Baby in 2020 when she was newly postpartum with her second baby, and now as a mom of three, she has become a trusted voice for parents who want an alternative to sleep training.

We talk about why sleep training doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing decision. After several personal failed sleep training attempts at four months old with her own child, she  accepted that she’d just respond to him when he needed her. A few months later, he slept through the night on his own. No program, no pressure—just development and biology doing what they’re supposed to do.

Rachael explains why babies are meant to wake throughout the night and how none of us truly sleep in uninterrupted stretches. She also shares how the lack of maternity leave in the U.S. pushes so many parents toward sleep training sooner than they might naturally choose. 

We dig into the myth of self-soothing and how temperament plays a  role in whether a baby can fall back asleep independently. We also get into the fears around attachment and why the more important question is how different approaches impact a child’s stress response rather than whether sleep training is inherently right or wrong.


Rachael’s Podcast Episode with Tracy Cassels on Sleep Training: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-83-what-does-research-say-about-sleep-training/id1704569686?i=1000702040625


Rachael’s Free Guide on Better Sleep without Sleep Training: https://heysleepybaby.com/freebie-no-sleep-training


Follow Rachael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heysleepybaby/


Rachael’s Website: https://heysleepybaby.com/


Links & Resources


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

16. My Birth Stories: Trauma, Healing, and the Truth I’ve Never Shared09 déc. 202500:30:46

Trigger warning: I share traumatic details of my birth story. If you’re heading into your own birth, you may want to skip parts of this episode.

I’ve been nervous to record this because these stories still feel so close. After my conversation with Illiyin Morrison in Episode 15, I finally felt permission to stop minimizing what I went through and to share the births that shaped me and my postpartum experiences.

I start with Aud’s story. I had gestational hypertension with all three pregnancies, so I was induced at 37 weeks. Labor was long and slow, and once my water broke, the Pitocin hit hard. When it came time to push, everything changed. Audrey became stuck & had shoulder dystocia. My OB hit the emergency button the moment she was born, and the room filled instantly. I then began to hemorrhage, and everything went blurry fast.

I woke up hours later without my baby and with no idea where she was. The NICU was closed, so I couldn’t see her. Those hours were some of the darkest of my life, and I’m certain that moment was the beginning of my postpartum anxiety. 

When Audrey turned one, we got pregnant with Liv. Because of the shoulder dystocia, a C-section was always on the table, but my OB encouraged me to try for another vaginal birth. Liv’s birth became the healing experience I desperately needed. It helped rebuild trust in my body after so much fear and trauma.

Toward the end of the episode, I share a story I’ve never talked about publicly — one that brings up big emotions. Each of my births was different, challenging, and beautiful in its own way. 


Links & Resources


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. 


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

15. Processing Your Birth Story with Perinatal Expert Illiyin Morrison: Birth Trauma, Postpartum Mental Health, Informed Consent, and Finding Your Voice Amidst It All02 déc. 202500:45:35

Perinatal trauma expert and midwife Illiyin Morrison joins me to talk about what birth trauma really is and how we can begin to make sense of our own stories. After her own difficult birth, Illiyin created a framework that helps mothers understand what happened during their birth experience, why they responded the way they did, and how to move forward with clarity and compassion. Her work now includes remote birth debriefs, her book The Birth Debrief, and a podcast by the same name.

We explore how trauma is an internal response to an external moment and why so many women don’t process what happened until long after the newborn stage. Illiyin shares how informed consent, communication, and understanding your options can shift the entire birth experience. She also explains how postpartum depression and anxiety can show up not only as disconnection, but as hypervigilance.

We discuss the tender decision of whether to try for another baby after a traumatic birth and the importance of giving yourself time to heal between pregnancies. And for the mothers who know something feels off but feel too overwhelmed to address it, Illiyin offers a comforting first step: simply acknowledging aloud that something is going on is meaningful. Every mother deserves support, understanding, and space to process both the hard moments and the good ones too.


Links & Resources


Follow Illiyin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illiyinmorrison/


Get your copy of Illiyin’s Book; The Birth Debrief: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/the-birth-debrief


Listen to The Birth Debrief Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-birth-debrief-the-podcast/id1705643396


Illiyin’s Services: https://mixingupmotherhood.com/


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

14. Why Do We Hammer with a Hammer, Rake with a Rake, but Sweep with a Broom: Misheard Mondays & The Chaos of English Decoded with Miss Beth from Big City Readers25 nov. 202500:43:19

Why do we hammer with a hammer, rake with a rake, but sweep with a broom? This viral TikTok question sparked today’s conversation—a replay of my interview on Miss Beth’s podcast, The Play on Words Podcast. If you’ve ever wondered why English feels impossible to decode, this episode will give you clarity you can use with your child right away. 

Miss Beth breaks down why English spelling is so inconsistent, using her favorite example: the word “healthy.” Since the root word is “heal,” the spelling stays the same—even though the pronunciation shifts. 

We explore why the word “Pacific” contains three different sounds for the letter C, whether we’ve all been mispronouncing “longevity,” and why we drink a drink but definitely don’t “food a food.” Miss Beth also confirms that struggling with reading out loud in school doesn’t mean anything about your reading ability.

We’re already planning a part two, so start sending in the words that confuse you most. Whether it’s the spelling, the meaning, or the pronunciation, we’ll break it down and help make English make sense—one word at a time.


Links & Resources


Beth’s website: https://www.bigcityreaders.com/


Follow Beth on Instagram @bigcityreaders: https://www.instagram.com/bigcityreaders/


Beth’s FREE Workshop for Kinder - 2nd Grade Parents: https://my.demio.com/ref/NdBsEKF5wWoY4Tbs


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. 


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

13. Are We Teaching Reading Wrong? A Candid Talk on Phonics, Sight Words & the Science of Reading with Big City Readers’ Beth Gaskill18 nov. 202500:47:48

If the thought of “kindergarten readiness” has you spiraling, this episode is going to be a breath of fresh air. Today I’m joined by Beth Gaskill, better known as Miss Beth of @bigcityreaders, a former teacher turned literacy specialist who’s changing the way parents think about reading.

Beth breaks down why we’re putting way too much pressure on ourselves when it comes to kids starting school—and what’s really going on inside kindergarten classrooms across the U.S. From the lack of regulation to teachers paying out of pocket for literacy training, she’s not afraid to call it like it is.

We also get into some of the most common questions parents have about reading: whether we’re pushing kids to read too soon, if sight words are really necessary, and what the “science of reading” actually means. Beth shares what to look for in your child’s reading curriculum and why third grade is such a crucial turning point for reading development.

She leaves us with one powerful piece of advice for raising readers: let your kids see you reading. 


Beth’s website: https://www.bigcityreaders.com/


Follow Beth on Instagram @bigcityreaders: https://www.instagram.com/bigcityreaders/


Beth’s FREE Workshop for Kinder - 2nd Grade Parents: https://my.demio.com/ref/NdBsEKF5wWoY4Tbs


Links


A list of KC's favorite children's books: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/childrens-books


Book that KC’s Mom wrote, Grandpa’s Garden: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/yUsgo


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. 


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere els

12. Motherhood, Friendships & Social Media: Real Talk with Amy Kiefer11 nov. 202500:47:56

Today, I’m joined by my closest social media friend, Amy Kiefer. Amy is the co-founder of Expecting and Empowered, a pregnancy and postpartum workout app she runs with her sister, Krystle. She also co-hosts the HERself Podcast, and her online journey began through @ameskiefer, where our friendship started. She’s now sharing her dream home journey at @athomewithameskiefer, and we dive into all the things — motherhood, social media, and growing through every stage.

This episode isn’t an interview — it’s a real chat between two friends. We share how our friendship began online and how it’s grown. Amy opens up about supporting me through my hardest postpartum chapter, and we talk about the bitter sweetness of leaving the little kid years behind while finding joy in watching our kids grow.

We also get real about social media & the influencer world. Amy shares how she’s learned to handle criticism, reframe negativity, and protect her energy. Her perspective on mean comments will shift the way you think about showing up publicly. Amy shares why genuine friendships matter more than follower counts. She also shares what most people get wrong about influencers — and yes, it involves money.

Whether you’re in the baby years, growing alongside your kids, or navigating friendships and social media, this one will leave you feeling seen, understood, and a little lighter.


Follow Amy on her personal page: https://www.instagram.com/ameskiefer/


Expecting and Empowered: https://www.expectingandempowered.com/


Listen to the HERself Podcast: https://www.herselfpodcast.com/


Links

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. 


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

11. Motherhood, Marriage, and the Invisible Load: Dr. Morgan Cutlip on Sharing the Weight04 nov. 202500:48:34

Today we’re joined by Dr. Morgan Cutlip — relationship expert, psychologist, and author of How to Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself and A Better Share. We’re talking about the invisible weight of motherhood: the mental load.

Dr. Morgan breaks down what the mental load really means and why one of the hardest parts is explaining it. She shares how to get on the same page with your partner without turning it into a fight, and how to visualize the load so it’s easier to communicate.

We discuss why this burden often falls on women and how to build natural check-ins with your partner as life changes — because the load shifts every day. Dr. Morgan also shares what women want most: partners who anticipate needs and show appreciation, and how to invite that change without resentment.

We wrap up with a conversation about mom guilt, the slow erosion that can happen in relationships, and how to stay connected through the chaos. Dr. Morgan reminds us that it’s okay to take the moment you need — because knowing and asking for what you need is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself and your family.


Follow Dr. Morgan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmorgancutlip/


Dr. Morgan’s Website: https://drmorgancutlip.com/


A Better Share: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/a-better-share


How to Love Your Kids without Losing Yourself: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/love-your-kids-without-losing-yourself


The Brief: A No BS Guide to the Mental Load for Men: https://drmorgancutlip.com/the-brief



Links


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones



10. Overwhelmed, Emotional, and Human: The Real Side of Motherhood & Restraint Collapse No One Talks About28 oct. 202500:22:40

This episode is a raw one for me. It came out of the blue, right in the middle of an overwhelming season. There’s been a lot happening personally and medically within my family, and when that happens, I tend to put my head down and just get through it without really processing what’s going on.

After a long, exhausting day, I was putting the kids to bed and completely lost it. I yelled, felt terrible, apologized, and cried. It hit me—this is restraint collapse. We talk about it with kids; they hold it together all day and then fall apart at home. But sitting there in tears, I realized I was experiencing the adult version.

All day, I can show up for clients, for work, and on social media. But when I walk through the door, my patience and energy are gone. The guilt that comes with realizing I can give my best to others but not always to my family—it’s heavy. That moment was a wake-up call.

I talked with my kids about creating a safe word they can use when they notice I’m not being my best self. I’ve been working on supporting myself better—prioritizing movement, validating my feelings, being honest with Jay, gratitude journaling, cutting screen time, using noise-canceling headphones, and giving myself a short transition period when we all get home.

We talk a lot about helping kids cope with restraint collapse, but not what it looks like for us. Hard seasons will always come, but how we care for ourselves can change. My hope is that this episode reminds you to take a step back, give yourself grace, and focus on the small things that help you breathe again. This season won’t last forever.


Links:

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. 


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

9. Dark Marketing in Motherhood: Emotionally Manipulative Hooks, Expert “Word Salad,” and Simple Steps to Spot Pseudoscience21 oct. 202500:37:35

Welcome back to part two of our conversation with speech-language pathologist and pediatric feeding expert Bri Miluk (@pediatricfeedingslp), we’re diving into one of the most important topics for parents today—misinformation and pseudoscience on social media. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, be sure to go back to hear our discussion on primitive reflexes and why they matter.

In this episode, we talk about how parents can confidently navigate the minefield of social media and spot misleading or pseudoscientific claims. Bri shares practical tools for identifying red flags like unfalsifiable claims, exaggerated proof statements, emotional testimonials, cherry-picked studies, and overly technical “technobabble”.

We also dig into the world of dark marketing tactics—how trauma-based storytelling and hidden pricing strategies can be used to manipulate parents’ emotions and influence their decisions. These methods often prey on fear, guilt, and trust, making it harder to recognize when information is misleading.

Bri introduces a simple but powerful framework created by Dr. Jessica Stokes-Parish called CRABS, which stands for conflicts of interest, references, author, buzzwords, and scope of practice. This quick mental checklist helps you pause and evaluate what you’re seeing online before believing it.

We wrap up by exploring the issue of predatory journals—what they are, how people can pay to get published, and why not all research is created equal. Bri offers examples of how to verify if a study is credible and how to protect yourself from impressive-sounding but unreliable “science.”


Connect with Bri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pediatricfeedingslp


Bri’s Podcast Episode with Dr. Jessica Stokes-Parish on the CRABS Framework: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4eSwFr0tpUPG21Z6UQHjOD?si=k5jzl0DaQ8O8KBiBTexcRA&nd=1&dlsi=9bb41e6995b7466d


Links

💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

8. Are Primitive Reflexes Really to Blame? Busting Baby Development Myths with SLP & Feeding Expert, Bri Miluk14 oct. 202500:56:24

Today we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood & controversial topics circulating on social media right now — primitive reflexes. I’m joined by Bri Miluk, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in infant and medically complex feeding and is the face behind @pediatricfeedingslp.

In this first episode of our two-part conversation, Bri and I unpack what primitive reflexes actually are, what purpose they serve, and why there’s so much misinformation online about them.

We start by defining primitive reflexes — are they real? What role do they play in your baby’s early development? We’ll talk through common reflexes you’ve probably noticed, how they support survival at birth, and how they naturally integrate as your baby grows.

Bri and I also explore what happens when these reflexes don’t integrate or fail to emerge, and what that might mean for your child’s development. We discuss why parents should be cautious when it comes to “retained primitive reflex” content on social media, especially when it comes to testing and treatment claims that aren’t supported by research.

Bri shares her expert insight on the risks of non-evidence-based interventions, how to assess whether a treatment plan is legitimate, and the importance of task-specific, functional movement when supporting your child’s development.

If you’ve ever come across posts claiming your child’s challenges are due to “retained primitive reflexes,” this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface — and empower you to ask the right questions before pursuing any intervention.


Connect with Bri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pediatricfeedingslp


Links


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

7. Motherhood Burnout & Raising Resilient Kids: The Science of Stress with Researcher Nina Nesdoly07 oct. 202500:43:47

Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s a complex mix of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness that so many parents and professionals silently struggle with. In this episode of More than Milestones, KC Rickerd sits down with Nina Nesdoly, a stress management speaker, researcher, and PhD candidate studying stress at work, to unpack what burnout really means and how we can build resilience in both ourselves and our children.

Nina shares her personal journey into neuroscience and stress research, including the life-altering experience that led her to dedicate her career to helping people create sustainable, joy-filled lives. Together, KC and Nina explore practical questions like: How do we know when stress has tipped into burnout? Can work-life balance truly exist for parents? And how can small, realistic acts of self-care prevent us from burning out completely?

This conversation also dives into the role of resilience—what it means biologically, how too much or too little adversity shapes it, and how we as parents can foster resilience in our kids. From navigating parenting during COVID to handling children’s big emotions, Nina shares strategies that can help families manage stress in healthier, more connected ways.

If you’ve ever wondered how burnout impacts parenting, why your emotional state affects your kids, or how to reframe self-care without guilt, this episode is packed with science, insights, and encouragement you won’t want to miss.


Nina’s Burnout 101 Ebook : https://www.ninanesdoly.com/burnout-101-ebook


Nina’s Burnout Toolkit Assessment: https://www.ninanesdoly.com/burnout-assessment


Follow Nina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninanesdoly/


Follow Nina on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ninanesdoly


Follow Nina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-nesdoly/


Nina’s Website: https://www.ninanesdoly.com/


Links


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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:

6. Touched Out, Burnt Out, and Overwhelmed: My Motherhood Burnout Experience30 sept. 202500:16:16

Burnout has been a part of my motherhood journey in ways I never expected. For most of my life, I had systems and methods that helped me succeed — whether it was in school, work, or personal goals. But once I started adding more and more to my plate — a job, a house, a partner, kids — those methods stopped working the way they used to. Suddenly, what had always kept me afloat wasn’t enough anymore.

I used to think burnout meant shutting down completely, being unable to function, or feeling constant exhaustion. But I quickly learned that burnout looks different for everyone. For me, it showed up as irritability, mood swings, brain fog, and the kind of overstimulation that left me frustrated with the people I love most. At the same time, I could still show up for my kids — making sure they had three meals a day and healthy snacks — while completely neglecting myself. There were so many days I’d get to 9 p.m. and realize all I’d eaten was a scrap of avocado leftover from my child’s baby-led weaning meal.

In this episode, I share the real ways burnout has surfaced in my motherhood journey, from the moments of frustration where I needed Jay to literally squeeze me to calm down, to the deeper realization that self-care can’t come last if I want to show up well for my family. Burnout is something almost every parent will face at some point, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay stuck there. I’ll talk about what has helped me and how you can begin recognizing burnout in your own life too.

This conversation is a lead-in to next week’s episode, where I’ll be joined by an expert who shares practical strategies for managing burnout in parenthood.


Links


Just Ingredients: listeners can save 10% with code MILESTONES.

https://just.crrnt.app/6_-Qo5A0


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

5. Postpartum Recovery Made Real: Incontinence, Hemorrhoids & What’s Not Normal with Expecting & Empowered23 sept. 202500:33:52

Too often, women walk into pregnancy and postpartum without the tools and education they deserve. In this episode, KC is joined by Krystle Howald and Amy Kiefer, founders of Expecting and Empowered, to share how they’re changing the conversation around women’s health.

Together, they dive into the importance of pelvic floor therapy, the differences between C-section and vaginal delivery recovery, and why preventative care is essential for every mom. Krystle and Amy highlight the distinction between what’s common and what’s actually normal postpartum, and they emphasize the role of strength training and self-care in protecting long-term health.

This conversation is both empowering and practical, offering insight into how moms can adapt movement to fit their busy schedules, advocate for themselves in the healthcare system, and lean on community support during one of the most transformative seasons of life.


Follow Expecting and Empowered on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/expectingandempowered/


Expecting and Empowered’s Website:

https://www.expectingandempowered.com/. Use the code ‘KC10’ for a discount.


Listen to the Expecting and Empowered Podcast:

https://www.expectingandempowered.com/podcast


Sponsors

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. 


Links

Just Ingredients: listeners can save 10% with code MILESTONES.

https://just.crrnt.app/6_-Qo5A0


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


 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 chats you won’t hear anywhere else.

https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones


4. From Postpartum to Empowerment: Redefining Fitness as a Mom16 sept. 202500:17:55

In this episode of More than Milestones, host KC Rickerd opens up about her personal journey of regaining fitness and prioritizing well-being after becoming a mom. She shares the real challenges of balancing exercise with the demands of parenting and why mental health plays such a vital role in the process. KC reflects on how her perspective on fitness has shifted from focusing on aesthetics to embracing overall health, strength, and self-care.

KC highlights the importance of giving yourself grace, creating consistency through small and manageable workouts, and recognizing that every season of life brings new fitness needs and goals. She also emphasizes the powerful impact of involving children in exercise—not just for their development, but as a way to model healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

If you’ve ever struggled to prioritize self-care after motherhood or wondered how to reconnect with your fitness in a way that supports both your mental health and your family life, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered, encouraged, and ready to take the next step in your own journey.


Sponsors


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. 



Links


Just Ingredients: listeners can save 10% with code MILESTONES.

https://just.crrnt.app/6_-Qo5A0


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍


This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

3. From Anxiety to Identity Loss: Honest Conversations on Postpartum Mental Health with Kate Borsato08 sept. 202500:55:32

In this episode of More than Milestones, host KC Rickerd is joined by Kate Borsato, a mental health therapist specializing in motherhood and perinatal care. Together, they dive deep into the realities of postpartum mental health, shedding light on experiences that often go unspoken—postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and even postpartum rage.

Kate shares her expertise on how to distinguish between the “normal” worries of motherhood and anxiety that disrupts daily life. She and KC discuss how shame keeps many moms silent, why finding a specialist in perinatal mental health therapy can be life-changing, and the ways unmet needs and expectations contribute to feelings of rage in motherhood.

The conversation also explores identity loss after becoming a mother, and the intentional effort it takes to reclaim joy, self-care, and a sense of self beyond parenting. Kate offers practical strategies for anxiety management, including mindfulness practices, reducing sensory stimulation, and small daily acts of self-care that remind moms of their worth.

This conversation is an honest, compassionate look at the challenges so many mothers face but rarely talk about. Whether you’re navigating postpartum mental health yourself or supporting someone who is, KC and Kate offer insights, validation, and tangible tools to help mothers feel less alone.


Follow Kate on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kateborsato/


The Calm Mom Course:

https://kateborsato.com/thecalmmom


Follow The Perinatal Collective on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/theperinatalcollective/


Rage Becomes Her:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501189565/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_VXB8CX58SYHN7AR8QM3F?linkCode=ml1&tag=themovemmom-20&linkId=382049ae66a1ab1b10ac20ea80f8f3f4


Mom Rage:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1541601300/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_WP1BWM8QHQ4KQA7102QP?linkCode=ml1&tag=themovemmom-20&linkId=31e76b255414d09adeebb2c36620cf36


Links

💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence:

https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍


This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

2. From Postpartum Anxiety to ADHD Diagnosis: What I Learned About Mental Health in Motherhood08 sept. 202500:22:54

In this episode of More than Milestones, host KC Rickerd opens up about her deeply personal journey through postpartum anxiety and the realities of maternal mental health. From the moment of childbirth to finally seeking help, KC shares the raw and honest truth about what it’s like to navigate intrusive thoughts, overwhelming emotions, and the unexpected challenges of early motherhood.

She reflects on how her birth experience shaped her mental health, the role of an eventual ADHD diagnosis, and the power of finding the right support systems and therapy. KC also touches on the guilt many mothers feel when prioritizing self-care, and why it’s so important to talk openly about these struggles.

This conversation is for every mom who has ever felt isolated, anxious, or unsure if what they’re experiencing is “normal.” KC’s vulnerability offers both validation and encouragement, reminding us that healing is possible and that no mother should feel alone in her journey.

If you’re walking through postpartum struggles or supporting someone who is, this episode is a powerful reminder that there is help, there is hope, and there is healing.

Tune in now to hear KC’s story and join the conversation on motherhood, mental health, and the milestones in between.


Links

Postpartum Support International - Online Provider Directory:

https://postpartum.net/get-help/provider-directory/


💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍


This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

1. The Heart Behind More Than Milestones: My Journey as a Mom, A Pediatric PT, & A Woman Finding My Voice Again08 sept. 202500:20:05

Welcome to the very first episode of More than Milestones! In this debut conversation, host KC Rickerd introduces herself, sharing her story as a pediatric physical therapist, mom of three, and advocate for caregivers navigating child development.

KC opens up about how her journey was shaped by her own mother’s career, her transition from a physical therapist assistant to a Doctor of physical therapy & pediatric specialist, and her shift into early intervention services. She reflects on the challenges of adapting therapy to telehealth during the pandemic and how that season inspired her to build a supportive community for parents & caregivers on Instagram.

But KC’s story isn’t just about milestones—it’s about real-life motherhood, marriage after kids, navigating mental health struggles and diagnoses, the pressure of showing up authentically on social media, and everything in between. Through More than Milestones, she’s creating a space where parents and professionals can come together, share honest stories, and learn practical tools for supporting children’s growth and development.

Whether you’re a parent looking for child development resources, navigating early intervention, or simply craving community in your motherhood journey, this podcast is for you.

Be sure to subscribe to More than Milestones wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss the upcoming episodes packed with insights, encouragement, and conversations about parenting beyond the typical milestones.


Links

💻 Website & Blog:
 https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/


📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support:
 https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/


🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops:
 https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/


🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence
https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining


📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updates
https://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097


🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:
 https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm


🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com


Love what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍


This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Welcome to More than Milestones with KC Rickerd07 août 202500:01:36

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.



© My Podcast Data · Projet indépendant · Données issues d'Apple & Spotify