More than Milestones

Kaitlin Rickerd
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  • PARENTING

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.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    37. Low-Tox Living Without the Overwhelm: Simple Swaps, Safer Cleaning and Real-Life Wellness Habits

    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 itHow to make healthier swaps without throwing everything outWhat to prioritize first, including food, skincare, or cleaning productsThe truth about common household cleaners and disinfectantsWhat quats (quaternary ammonium compounds) are and why they matterA breakdown of hypochlorous acid and safer disinfecting optionsHow to navigate conflicting researchPractical daily habits to support your body’s natural detox systemsCircadian rhythm, sunlight, and simple wellness routinesGlucose balance basics including meal order, walks, and easy metabolism habitsReal-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-74bf87042643Force 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? podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com 🔥Subscribe to More Than Milestones: Unfiltered on Substack for 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month: https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

    41 min

  2. 28 APR

    36. Breaking Parenting Cycles: Emotional Regulation for Parents and Kids with Jon Fogel

    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 consequencesLearn why kids’ brains struggle during meltdownsRegulate your own emotions in high stress momentsRespond to tantrums without yelling or shameBreak 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

    55 min

  3. 21 APR

    35. Dyslexia in Children: Early Signs, ADHD Overlap & How to Support Neurodivergent Kids

    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 notRecognize early signs in toddlers and young childrenNavigate testing, school support, and IEPsSupport your child without shame, pressure, or “just try harder” messagingShift 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 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

    42 min

  4. 14 APR

    34. Tongue Tie Truths: Evidence, Risks, and Informed Decisions

    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 matterWhy function matters more than appearanceHow to know if feeding challenges need further evaluationRed flags to watch for when seeking supportWhat the research says about speech, sleep, and older kidsRisks and benefits of interventionWhat true informed consent should look likeIf 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

    1hr 9min

  5. 7 APR

    33. Traditional Chinese Medicine for Modern Motherhood: Supporting Women’s Health, Energy Balance & Family Wellness with Dr. Felice Chan

    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 systemWhy many women feel dismissed when something feels “off” but lab work looks normalThe role of balance, energy (chi), and nervous system regulation in healingA traditional Chinese medicine perspective on fertility and postpartum recoveryBlood- and yin-nourishing foods that can support postpartum healingThe four pillars of traditional Chinese medicine: acupuncture, herbal medicine, food as medicine, and lifestyleSupporting babies’ and children’s immune systems through a holistic lensUnderstanding “hot” vs. “cold” illnesses and how the body responds to eachThe connection between emotions, organ systems, and overall healthWhat to know about herbal medicine and working with a practitionerSmall, 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/checkoutAcupuncture Clinic Booking Site – https://www.feliceacupuncture.com/Moonbow Skincare – https://moonbowskin.com/Postpartum Recipes – https://www.amazon.com/First-Forty-Days-Essential-Nourishing/dp/1617691836National Website for Acupuncturists – https://www.ncbahm.org/find-a-practitioner-directory/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drfelicechan/TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@drfelicechanWebsite – https://drfelicechan.com/  🎧 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

    49 min

  6. 31 MAR

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

    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 timeCommon prenatal tests in the first, second, and third trimestersHow to think through hospital vs. birth center vs. home birth optionsThe differences between an OB, midwife, and doula and how each supports you during pregnancy and birthUnderstanding the cascade of interventions during labor and deliveryHow to prioritize what matters most when making decisions about your birth experiencePain management during labor, including epidurals and other optionsPlanned, repeat, urgent, and emergency C-sections and when they may be necessaryPractical 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

    45 min

  7. 24 MAR

    31. Brain-Based Treatment 101: How Applied Functional Neurology Supports Kids’ Development and Adult Recovery

    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

    49 min

  8. 17 MAR

    30. Creating a Peaceful Home: Intentional Parenting, Supporting Sibling Dynamics & Supporting Our Children in Navigating Friendships with Dr. Hanaa Ghannoum

    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 learningHow staying present helps us respond to our kids with more calm and compassionWhat it really means to create a safe home where children feel supported, even when they make mistakesThe power of small daily moments of connection with our kidsUnderstanding sibling conflict and why it can actually be a valuable learning space for kidsSimple ways to support siblings through conflict without always stepping in to fix it, including the impact of one-on-one time with each childCreating family traditions that strengthen connection between siblingsWays to start meaningful conversations with kids about friendship and how to recognize healthy versus unhealthy relationshipsTeaching kids to trust their internal compass and pay attention to how others make them feelHelping 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

    48 min
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Trailer

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kaitlin Rickerd
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 More than Milestones
  • Show Website
    More than Milestones

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