In this episode of the Early Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica dive into the complexities of breastfeeding, combo feeding, and the many nuances new moms face in their feeding journey. Hillary, a labor nurse and IBCLC, and Erica, the non-medical voice of the show, discuss how to approach feeding challenges with grace and flexibility, ensuring that moms feel supported no matter their feeding choices.

Introduction and Personal Updates:

Hillary and Erica share personal stories about balancing motherhood, school routines, and a fun recount of Hillary’s whirlwind Arizona trip. (Jump to 01:00)
Erica reflects on the humorous challenges of feeding young kids while out at a restaurant. (02:00)

Breastfeeding Success and Challenges:

Hillary defines what "successful breastfeeding" means, emphasizing that it’s a personal and flexible goal. Whether through direct breastfeeding, pumping, combo feeding, or formula, it’s about what works best for mom and baby. (09:00)
Hillary shares her fourth baby's challenging feeding journey and how even as a lactation consultant, she had to adjust her expectations and approach. (14:00)
Importance of seeking help early, identifying risk factors, and how certain conditions like thyroid issues, PCOS, or birth complications can affect milk supply. (28:00)

Navigating Feeding Options:

When breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned, there are multiple paths, including exclusive pumping, combo feeding, or formula feeding. Hillary shares practical examples from her practice to help moms feel confident in their choices. (53:00)
The importance of having a feeding plan in place before delivery and working with a lactation consultant to troubleshoot potential issues. (56:00)

Preparing for Feeding Success:

Hillary recommends key steps moms can take before delivery to set themselves up for success, including reading her book Babies Made Simple and scheduling a prenatal consult. (1:01:00)
Breastfeeding products to have on hand, like a supportive pillow, a good breast pump, and coconut oil for nipple care. (1:12:00)

The Role of a Support System:

Discussing the critical role a strong support system plays in a mom’s breastfeeding journey and overall mental health postpartum. (1:05:00)

Must-Have Breastfeeding Products:

Nipple butter (Hillary’s favorite is raw coconut oil)
A quality breast pump (check with insurance)
A supportive breastfeeding pillow like My Brest Friend
Bottles, especially Dr. Brown’s for efficient feeds (1:20:00)

Mentions & Resources:

Hillary’s book: Babies Made Simple
Free Formula Guide
Prenatal Consultations
Baby Settler IG

Interested in more personalized help? Book a virtual consult with a Baby Settler lactation consultant!

Stay connected with Baby Settler and get practical tips on how to navigate early motherhood with clarity and confidence. Follow us on Instagram for more real-life insights @earlymommingpodcast

In this episode of the Early-Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica are joined by Claire O’Bryan, NP, co-founder of The SkinClique, to explore the safety of Botox during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Claire provides expert advice on whether expecting and new moms can safely use Botox and discusses the broader implications of skincare routines during these stages. The conversation also touches on common pregnancy-related skin issues, alternative treatments, and how to make informed decisions about your skincare.

Additionally, Claire shares practical skincare tips, including the importance of sunscreen and managing conditions like melasma and rosacea. The episode wraps up with a fun rapid-fire Q&A where Claire answers listener-submitted questions.

More About Claire:
Claire O'bryan, co founder of national aesthetics practice SkinClique, has been a nurse practitioner for almost 15 years.
As a mom of two, she has a special love of treating pregnant and nursing patients struggling with skin issues.
Pregnancy and nursing doesn't automatically have to mean NO to everything good.

Shop Pregnancy/Nursing Friendly Skincare HERE
And book a consult HERE
Follow Claire on Instagram

Get Hillary's Free guide to Birth, Babies, and Breastfeeding.
Check out Baby Settler's Early-Momming Resources at Babysettler.com

Follow us on Instagram @EarlyMommingPodcast for updates, polls, and to engage with our community.

Leave us a review and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover!

Text this episode to your best friend!

In this heartfelt episode of the Early-Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica dive into the intimate details of Hillary's birth stories. From the unexpected pregnancy of her firstborn, Boyd, to the unmedicated deliveries of Ben and Ruth, and the challenging birth of her fourth baby, Clay, Hillary shares the highs and lows of her journey. Discover how her experiences shaped her approach to motherhood and her career as a labor and delivery nurse. Whether you're a soon-to-be mom or a seasoned parent, this episode offers a relatable and inspiring look at the realities of childbirth.

Highlights:

Hillary's candid recount of her first delivery with Boyd
The decision to have unmedicated births with Ben and Ruth
The unexpected challenges faced during Clay's birth
Insights into the importance of having a support system and realistic expectations postpartum
Hillary's journey from a new mom to a seasoned labor and delivery nurse

Links Mentioned:
Watch Hillary's Instagram delivery video
Get the Free Guide: From Labor & Delivery to the Recovery Room
Explore Hillary's book Babies Made Simple
Learn more about Baby Settler


If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with a friend. Your feedback helps other moms find us and join these candid conversations.