In this episode of the LIFTS Podcast, host Gwyneth Hyndman joins Rylee Andrews, a Maternal Support Professional with the Butte 4 C’s, to talk about the realities facing families across Southwest Montana. Rylee shares what she is seeing in homes right now as the cost of groceries, gas, housing, childcare, and healthcare continues to put pressure on family budgets. She talks about the difficult choices parents are making, from delaying medical appointments to sacrificing their own needs so their children can have what they need. The conversation also explores the emotional toll of that stress, including what Rylee is seeing through postpartum depression screenings and the importance of recognizing when a parent may need additional support. She speaks openly about her own experience as a mom of three and how that lived experience helps her connect with families in an authentic, judgment-free way. Gwyneth and Rylee also talk about Meals for Moms, a program made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor that provides nourishing meals to families during those exhausting first weeks with a new baby. Since launching in January 2026, the program has delivered hundreds of meals to local families—and has also helped connect families with additional home-visiting support. Guest Bio Rylee Andrews is a Maternal Support Professional with the Butte 4 C’s, where she works alongside families during pregnancy and the first year of a baby’s life. With a background that includes 10 years working in childcare and her own experience as a mother of three young children, Rylee brings both professional training and lived experience to her work. In This Episode Supporting families before they reach a crisis: Rylee explains how the Butte 4 C’s works alongside families early, helping them build confidence, find resources, and create their own support networks. The realities of rising costs: A look at how higher costs for groceries, gas, housing, childcare, and healthcare are forcing Montana families to make difficult choices—and sometimes put their own needs last. Maternal mental health: Rylee shares what she is seeing through postpartum depression screenings and why financial stress, uncertainty, and isolation can have such a profound effect on parents and families. The importance of lived experience: As a mother of three herself, Rylee talks about how remembering her own challenging moments in early parenthood helps her connect with the families she serves. 406 Healthy Start: Learn how this home-visiting program supports families during pregnancy and baby's first year with education, encouragement, practical resources, and one-on-one support. Meals for Moms: Hear the story behind this community-supported program providing nourishing meals to families during those exhausting first weeks after bringing home a new baby—and how a simple meal can become a doorway to additional support. It takes a village: Gwyneth and Rylee talk about the importance of accepting help, building community connections, and reminding parents that they were never meant to do this alone. Looking toward the future: Rylee discusses the growing need for family services across Southwest Montana and the ongoing challenge of securing funding so organizations can continue to meet families where they are. Enjoying the podcast? We’d love your feedback and ideas for future episodes! Take our LIFTS Podcast Listener Survey at hmhb-mt.org/survey. Connect with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies WebsiteFacebookInstagram For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at https://hmhb-lifts.org/
