More than Milestones

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:

• Curativa Bay: https://www.curativabay.com/?rfsn=9019208.736ac22 (CODE: HABITS)
• EcoloxTech: https://ecoloxtech.com/samanthagutierrez (CODE: SAMANTHA10)
• Switch Natural App: https://gmm.one/5188d7a0-d51f-4838-bead-74bf87042643
• Force of Nature: https://partners.forceofnatureclean.com/milestonesandmotherhood  (CODE: MILESTONES for 40% OFF bundles)
• LMNT: http://drinklmnt.com/MILESTONE Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase. 

Some of these links are affiliate links, which just means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only ever share products we actually use and love.

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?
[email protected]

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

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 [email protected]

🔥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

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!

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drjacobsanthouse/
• Website - https://www.bluejcoaching.com/ 
• Counseling - https://www.olivecounseling.com/ 

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 [email protected]

🔥 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

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 [email protected]

 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

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!

• Online Course – https://felice-chan.mykajabi.com/offers/pTosH8gc/checkout
• Acupuncture Clinic Booking Site – https://www.feliceacupuncture.com/
• Moonbow Skincare – https://moonbowskin.com/
• Postpartum Recipes – https://www.amazon.com/First-Forty-Days-Essential-Nourishing/dp/1617691836
• National Website for Acupuncturists – https://www.ncbahm.org/find-a-practitioner-directory/ 
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drfelicechan/
• TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@drfelicechan
• Website – https://drfelicechan.com/ 

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

🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?
Contact us at [email protected]

 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

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 [email protected]

 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

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 [email protected]

 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

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 [email protected]

 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

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 [email protected]

 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

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 [email protected]

 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

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