Learning To Mom ® Motherhood Podcast for First Time Moms, New Moms and Expecting Mothers

An honest look into 5 things I wish I started doing earlier as a mom. This podcast has changed me so much as a mom, and these five are the things I've come to learn about how I mother and how my kids are wired, and I really wish I'd started them sooner because it would've made all of it so much more successful for us. There's gonna be some stuff in here you hear and go I LOVE that, and other stuff you'd never in a million years do, so take it with a grain of salt. But if you've been feeling l...

How to design your home to make you CALMER! This week, licensed therapist turned interior designer Anita Yokota breaks down why a cluttered, chaotic home literally spikes your cortisol and keeps your nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight, and how to create a calmer, more cohesive space without becoming a minimalist or throwing away everything you own. If you've ever felt paralyzed by a room you don't know how to fix, guilty for wanting your home to feel good, or just plain touched-o...

Get all the extra giggles and tea with the full 75 minutes of The Couch Hang. Join the Mom Club on Patreon HERE 👈🏼 •✨ Join the Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

On your phone way more than you want to be, even when you're trying to be present with your kids? Can't seem to put it down no matter how hard you try? this episode is FOR YOU! This week, I sat down with Catherine Price, author of How to Break Up With Your Phone, to break down WHY our phones are so impossible to put down (hint: it's not a you problem), what all this scrolling is really costing us and our kids, and exactly how to break the habit for good. In this episode we dive into: ...

Don't know where to begin with potty training your 2-3 year old, or just need some direction and help?? This interview with Jamie Glowacki IS FOR YOU, so buckle in!! This episode is going to change EVERYTHING for your potty training journey. I sat down with Jamie Glowacki, the woman behind the potty training bible Oh Crap Potty Training, and she does NOT hold back. In this episode we discuss: the right mindset to have going into potty trainingwhy you shouldn't tell people you're potty t...

Want all 57 minutes of The Couch Hang without ads and with video?? Join the Mom Club on Patreon HERE 👈🏼 •✨ Join the Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

No matter how much you prep them, the transition to a new sibling is going to be hard. You can absolutely make it easier, and I did a lot of things that I think really helped, but there's no such thing as an easy transition for a kid whose whole world just changed. In this episode I'm walking through everything we did to prepare our older two for their baby brother, from how we talked about him during pregnancy all the way through what's been happening at home now that the newborn novelty ha...

Our kids are growing up in a world run by AI and algorithms, it's SO important we actually understand what's going on with these technologies in order to parent in this age. This week i sat down with Kartik Hosanagar, a Wharton professor who's studied AI and algorithms for over twenty years, to talk through what parents actually need to know right now. In this episode we dive into: what parents need to know about raising kids in the age of AIhow algorithms shape what you and your ...

And we're back with another episode of The Couch Hang! Laila shares her current struggles with colic (and her baby's tongue tie and frenectomy), Meghan shares her kid free weekend and together they talk first haircuts! Come hang on the couch with us! •✨ Join the Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

THE episode to listen to if you're marriage has been struggling since becoming parents. Therapist Eli Weinstein discusses all things: communication strategies, staying connected, relationship skills, fighting well and more. I promise this isn't another "relationship advice" episode. It's legitimately good. if your marriage has felt harder since the kids came, this episode is the one i wish someone had handed me. I sat down with therapist Eli Weinstein, author of From I Do to We Do, to t...

Struggling with getting your toddler or preschooler's sleep BACK ON TRACK (or maybe just "on track" for the first time ever)??? this episode is for you! Cara Walker, the sleep consultant behind Well Rested Mama, walks us through what's normal for 2 and 3 year olds, because so much of what makes us panic at bedtime turns out to be completely fine, and what's genuinely worth paying attention to. In this episode we get into: toddler fighting sleep at 2 and 3 years oldparenting habits that wrec...

Welcome to the FIRST episode of the Couch Hang!! Laila shares her current sleep deprivation. Meghan talks babysitters and they both weigh in on naked moms... and cross country runners. •✨ Join the Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

Prepping children for a sibling, my go-to dinner recipes, thoughts on circumcision and more as I answer the questions YOU submitted for the launch of season 4! I let you ask me anything, and you went THERE. Circumcision, placenta encapsulation, natural family planning, prepping a toddler for a new sibling, and my honest answer on whether we're homeschooling. Season 4 is officially here. Nothing was off limits! In this episode I answer: How to prepare your toddler for a new babyTips for going...

If you're stressed about buying a car with kids because it might just be the most overwhelming grown-up thing there is, this episode is for you! For this week's episode, I brought in Lauren Fix, The Car Coach, and asked her all the questions you're too embarrassed to ask: minivan vs SUV (and are minivans really less safe?), how many car seats actually fit across a back seat, leasing vs buying, and the dealer tricks that quietly cost families thousands. Come walk into that dealership knowing m...

This week we're joined AGAIN by registered dietitian Kathy, the Mini Me Dietitian, to unpack how little ones actually build their relationship with food, when real picky eating starts, and what to do about it. In this episode, we get into: What most parents don't realize about how kids learn to eatWhy "picky" gets slapped on toddlers way too earlyWhat's really happening in your kid's body after the first birthdayWhat to do when a great eater suddenly gets selectiveWhen your little one only ea...

Ever been in a room full of people and still felt completely, achingly alone? This week it's just me, sharing how I built my village from absolute zero (I was the first of all my friends to become a mom), why it sometimes feels more like a burden than a blessing, and how to actually create the community you're craving. In this episode, I get into: Why motherhood feels so lonely Redefining what a "village" even isThe secret nobody tells you: you don't FIND a village, you build oneHow to b...

In this episode, Flo Moynihan, the Catholic Nutritionist, walks us through cycle syncing in the most practical, doable way! We go phase by phase and break down what to eat, how to move, and even how to plan your week around where you're at, so you can work WITH your body instead of fighting it. We also get into the red flags most women are never taught to notice, the symptoms that are actually your body asking for help, and why so much of your relationship with your cycle traces straight bac...

Behavioral geneticist Dr. Danielle Dick (author of The Child Code) breaks down your child's temperament and how to actually parent the kid you've got. In this episode, we get into: Why your child's behavior is NOT a reflection of your parentingThe roughly 50/50 split between genes and environment, and what it means for youThe "three E's" of temperament: extroversion, emotionality, and effortful controlThe real difference between a shy kid and an introverted kid"Goodness of fit," and how to se...

Don't roll your eyes because this is NOT the kind of episode where you're gonna be guilt tripped. This week it's just me telling you the WHOLE story of how I actually got into non-toxic living , plus my favorite swaps we use in our home. AND the things we do that cost ZERO money. In this episode, I'm getting into: Where my passion for clean living ACTUALLY startedHow years of acne taught me that my body responds to its inputsThe baby acne + dairy allergy season that changed everyt...

If you've ever sat at a well check, brought up a concern about your toddler, and been told to just "wait and see"... this episode is for YOU. Allison is a pediatric physical therapist (and a mom of four who had four kids in five and a half years, so she GETS it), and she is breaking down exactly what your 12 to 24 month old should be doing, when, and how to tell the difference between a kid developing on their own timeline and an actual red flag worth chasing down. But the part that gave me c...

Whether you've whispered "what is wrong with me" after snapping over a spilled sippy cup, or you've been told it's "just hormones" one too many times, this episode is going to make you feel SO seen. Stacia Scott, nurse practitioner and founder of Postpartum Care USA, is back for round two, and she's bringing data from more postpartum moms than any clinic in the world: 88.2% of them experience mom rage. The best part? Rage is a signal from a depleted body, and once you know what it's signaling...

What happens when your toddler climbs out of the crib or when you're ready to move them into a "big kid bed"? In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Burke, founder of Awesome Little Sleepers and creator of the REST Method, to talk about the transition no one prepares you for: moving your child from the crib to a big kid bed. If you've got a toddler who's started leaving their room, calling for "one more hug," asking for water like a tiny dehydrated philosopher, or who suddenly stoppe...

Whether you're a first time mom feeling overwhelmed or a seasoned mom gearing up for another round, this episode is a peek into exactly how I'm preparing for my second natural birth with baby #3. From physical to mental, spiritual to postpartum prep, I'm walking you through everything I'm doing this time around!! A heads up before you press play: this is not a checklist. You don't have to do every single thing I'm doing. But if even one piece of this episode lights a fire under you to a...

This episode is going to give you so much more clarity, compassion, and confidence. In this episode, we’re talking about what’s really going on beneath toddler behavior, and how we can BEST respond. In this episode, we cover: A breakdown of the Transforming Toddlerhood's parenting approach The biggest misconceptions parents have about toddlers What’s actually happening in a toddler’s brain during meltdowns and big emotions The physical, emotional, and s...

How we talk about food, model it and the environment we create around it all impacts our children's relationship with food! In this episode, I’m joined by Kids Eat In Color to break down what a healthy relationship with food actually looks like and how to approach meals and snacks without pressure, bribing, or power struggles. In this episode, we cover: What a healthy relationship with food really looks likeHow to approach snacks and whether they help or hurt appetite How to build balanc...

If you’ve ever questioned whether your child is getting enough play, the right kind of play, or if you should be doing more, this episode is going to take a huge weight off your shoulders. In this episode, we break down what actually matters when it comes to play in the toddler years, so you can stop overthinking it and start feeling confident in what you’re already doing! In this episode, we cover: What “play” really looks like for 12–24 month olds Why play is critical for b...

DIVING DEEP into something most parents never think twice about… but definitely should: The shoes you put on your kid's feet are affecting their brain development, posture, and even how they move for the rest of their life. 👀 In this episode, I’m joined by Andy Bryant to break down why being barefoot matters, what’s actually happening in your child’s feet when they walk, and how the wrong shoes can quietly work against their development. If you’ve ever grabbed a cute pair of toddler shoes w...

If you're interested in "early potty training" this is the episode you want to listen to! In this episode, we cover: What elimination communication (EC) actually isThe benefits of starting potty learning earlierThe difference between full-time vs. part-time Elimination CommunicationHow to start elimination communication with a toddler (12–24 months)What the “wrap up” phase looks likeWhen and how to transition out of diapersCommon myths about elimination communication (and what’s actually tru...

If you’ve ever felt like the noise, the mess, the constant needs of motherhood, are too much... listen in, this episode is for you! We’re talking all about mom overstimulation with Alexis Adams, founder of Confidently Therapy. Feeling overstimulated is something that we all experience and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom it means you’re a mom! In this episode we cover: What’s physically happening in your body when you feel overstimulated Why moms today may experience more ove...

This episode breaks down how the early years SHAPE the brain without the fear based parenting messaging. We talk about how a child's brain is built through relationships, play, and emotional experiences, and why your presence matters more than perfection. From handling big toddler emotions, to supporting kids who aren’t talking yet, to understanding how your own stress impacts your child’s nervous system, this conversation helps moms focus on what truly makes a lifelong difference. In this ep...

if you have a child aged 0 months to 12 years old, this episode is for you! Between different types of seats, confusing guidelines, and your parents or in-laws constantly asking you, "when can they be forward facing?" it's a lot. In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Pratt from Safe in the Seat to break down car seat safety in a way that actually makes sense. We’re covering exactly how to choose the right car seat for your child, when to make transitions, and the most common mistakes parent...

Every single parent needs to listen to this episode!!! CLICK PLAY and listen all the way through. My word, jaw dropping stuff!!! We talk about the gut microbiome, common disruptions like antibiotics and parasites, and simple ways to help kids thrive from the inside out. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice about toddler nutrition or gut health, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with practical tips to support your child’s gut naturally, understand warning signs, and fe...

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a more personal side of my story and talking about something I don’t discuss often on the podcast: my faith. If you’ve been listening for a while, you know I’m a devout Catholic and my relationship with the Lord has deeply shaped how I experience motherhood. Especially in the moments that feel messy, exhausting, or overwhelming. Today we’re talking about why modern motherhood often feels so chaotic, the pressure to control every detail of parenting, and why t...

In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the real numbers, real strategies, and real mindset shifts that make one-income living doable, even in today’s economy! I’m joined by Mammas On A Budget to talk through what their family budget actually looks like on one income, how to reduce financial stress without feeling restricted, and practical ways moms can bring in extra money without taking on a full second job. This conversation is not about extreme frugality or deprivation. It’s about intenti...

Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids, has been sounding the alarm for years: in our effort to protect our children, we may actually be holding them back. In this conversation, we dive into what’s happened to childhood over the past few decades, why independence is declining, why parents feel more pressure than ever to supervise and structure everything, and what it’s costing our kids. From helicopter parenting and “bulldozer” parenting to overscheduled calendars and screen heavy childhoo...

Today’s episode is a little more personal 👀👀 We’re entering a brand new season as a family, and I wanted to bring you into it! (It's long overdue to be honest) If you’ve been walking through motherhood alongside me, this one feels extra special to share. I’m also talking about something I haven’t shared much about before, what I personally focused on while trying to conceive. Not from a “how to guarantee pregnancy” perspective, but from the mindset of: If I do get pregnant, how do I wan...

Afraid you may be on your way to burnout? Or maybe you're already there? Curious to know the signs, and know how to get out of it? You're in the right place! Dr. Sasha Shillcutt breaks down how burnout develops, why modern moms are especially vulnerable, and how to recognize the early warning signs before you hit a breaking point. This conversation is practical, validating, and deeply freeing for moms who feel like they’re failing when really… they’re overloaded. If you’ve ever thought, “Why ...

College educated women with five or more children are NOT the cultural norm, so why are some choosing this path anyway? In this fascinating conversation, economist and author Dr. Catherine Pakaluk discusses the birth dearth, shares what she discovered after interviewing educated American women who chose large families in an era defined by career ambition. We talk about the “birth dearth,” modern motherhood, identity, purpose, and the deeper motivations behind family size We talk a...

If you're feeling overstimulated by all the STUFF in your home, then this episode is for you! In this conversation, we’re breaking down how to declutter well and how to create simple, realistic home systems that can completely change the way your home functions (especially with babies and toddlers). This episode is practical and encouraging! In this episode, we cover: Why decluttering comes before creating home systemsSimple, realistic ways to declutter your home as a mom of littlesWhy minima...

DIVING DEEP into the things parents are constantly told “not to worry about”, like pacifiers, thumb sucking, mouth breathing, snoring, and chronic ear infections AND MORE. In this eye opening conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Ben Miraglia to unpack how jaw development, airway health, breathing, and sleep are all deeply connected in babies and toddlers. We talk about the early signs parents often miss, the well-meaning advice that can delay real support, and what moms can do now if somethi...

How to balance your hormones naturally with The Women’s Health RN! Moms are told that our rage, exhaustion, anxiety, painful periods, adult acne, or fertility struggles are just "part of our hormones". We need better answers! In this conversation with The Women’s Health RN, we talk honestly about hormone balance, why so many women feel off in today’s world, and what small, realistic steps can actually make a difference. This episode is especially for the mom who’s been dismissed, brushed off...

Ever feel like your brain doesn’t work the way it USED TO since becoming a mom? Forgetting things, struggling to focus, or being mentally foggy all day?? In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah Keeley from the Mom Brain Makeover to break down what “mom brain” actually is, what’s happening inside the brain during motherhood, and why these changes are not a flaw, but helps keep our babies alive!! Here’s what we're covering this week: What “mom brain” really is and what’s happening in the materna...

You're not alone if your toddler is clinging to you at bedtime or sneaking into your bed at night, but that doesn't mean it has to STAY that way! In this episode, attachment based sleep coach Heather Boyd helps your toddler sleep in their own bed without the battles, while staying responsive and loving. Whether your toddler is starting to resist bedtime or your whole family is exhausted from night wake-ups, this episode gives you practical, realistic, and gentle strategies for reclaimin...

Ever find yourself wondering if your parenting style is “right”? Or stressing that one wrong approach now is going to mess up your toddler later? With so much parenting advice online, it’s easy to feel like you need to label yourself, pick a style, and stick to it perfectly, ESPECIALLY in the toddler years. In this episode, we’re breaking down parenting styles in a grounded, realistic way. Here's what we are diving into: What parenting styles are and why they matter in toddlerhoodThe main p...

If you’re a stay at home mom who loves your kids but still feels overwhelmed, touched out, or secretly counting down to bedtime most days this episode is for YOU!! Here's what we cover: - Why overcommitting leads to burnout for stay-at-home moms and how saying no creates more joy - How simplifying daily routines makes motherhood feel lighter and more sustainable - What shared parenting actually looks like when your spouse gets home from work - Why having an identity outside of motherhoo...

If you’ve ever joked about “surviving motherhood" with wine or alcohol or if you feel like that evening glass is the only thing getting you through motherhood, this episode is one you’ll want in your ears... Today, we’re breaking down mommy wine culture with Set Free Sisterhood and talking about why it’s become so normalized… and why it’s quietly hurting so many moms (even the ones who insist they “don’t have a problem”). We talk about the subtle early signs that alcohol is becoming a coping ...

Struggling with low energy, needing to survive off coffee, and seems like you never got enough sleep, even after a full night's sleep? In this episode, I’m joined by Flo, the Catholic Nutritionist, to break down circadian rhythm health in a way that’s actually doable for real moms, especially those navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the early years of motherhood. We cover: - What circadian rhythm is and why it matters for moms - What the circadian rhythm regulates beyond sleep - How to get...

Struggling to get your toddler to play independently? JillybeansNYC shares practical tips to encourage independent play, support toddler development, and give you a little sanity (and free time!) We dive into how to encourage independent play without stress or guilt, and I share realistic strategies for creating an environment where your toddler can play safely and meaningfully. We cover topics like: How to balance letting toddlers be toddlers while maintaining a functional, happy homeAge-app...

Wanting to create a home you love, but drowning in baby and toddler toys? This episode is for you! Home Designer Caroline Klein shares simple, realistic ways to create a beautiful, functional home you actually love, even in the little years! We dive into: - Design tips for moms - How to create a beautiful home with baby and toddler toys – How to make smart home decor purchases (and how to make smart home design purchases) - How to design a space - Beginner friendly design rules&...

This one’s been sitting heavy on my heart for a while. It just KEPT coming up and I finally realized, I can’t stay quiet anymore!! That’s where I’m at today. This episode isn’t a light one, but it’s one I felt called to record. I’m opening up about the one parenting hill I’d die on, and why it’s changed the way I see motherhood, social media, and the way we protect our kids online! I share a very personal story about how my perspective completely shifted, what I learned the hard way abo...