Why Mom Groups Matter for New Parents with Dawn Ellis, Founder of Gather Well

What Your Pediatrician Wants You to Know about Your First Year with Baby with Dr. Diane Arnaout, Author of Hiccups

Imagine if you rolled together the expertise of your pediatrician and the real talk of your mom best friend, and then had them write a book. That is the experience you are getting in this episode. We're joined by Dr. Diane Arnaout, a board-certified pediatrician, mom, and author of Hiccups: A Pediatrician Mom's Guide to Surviving Your First Year of Parenthood [https://www.amazon.com/Hiccups-Pediatrician-Guide-Surviving-Parenthood/dp/B0FP831H1F]. After 15 years in pediatric practice and two kids of her own, Dr. Arnaout brings both evidence-based guidance and the honesty of a parent who's been through it. One of the coolest things about this conversation is realizing that even your pediatrician experiences the ups, downs, anxieties of that first year of parenthood and survived to tell the tale. Together, we talk about the most common questions parents bring into the pediatrician's office, how to think through parenting advice on social media, why every baby really is different, and how parents should approach big topics like feeding, sleep, crying, vaccines, and baby products. What we cover: * Why the first year can feel so overwhelming, even for a pediatrician * The common questions parents ask behind closed doors * How to sort through parenting advice, influencers, and online “experts” * Breastfeeding, formula, and why feeding choices can feel so emotionally loaded * How to think about crying, fussiness, and different baby personalities * Why Dr. Arnaout strongly recommends following the vaccine schedule * Newborn products that can actually help, and a few that may create more stress than they solve * The one thing Dr. Arnaout would tell every parent bringing a baby home Who this episode is for: Expecting parents, new parents in the thick of the first year, anyone feeling overwhelmed by baby advice online, and parents who want practical, reassuring guidance from a pediatrician who has also been there herself. To learn more about Dr. Diane Arnaout, follow her on Instagram at @drdianearnaout [https://www.instagram.com/drdianearnaout/] and check out Hiccups: A Pediatrician Mom's Guide to Surviving Your First Year of Parenthood [https://www.amazon.com/Hiccups-Pediatrician-Guide-Surviving-Parenthood/dp/B0FP831H1F]. For more from The Starter Set, visit www.TheStarterSet.com [http://www.TheStarterSet.com] or follow us on Instagram @thestarterset_baby [https://instagram.com/thestarterset_baby]. Have questions or episode requests? Contact us at info@thestarterset.com [info@thestarterset.com]. Note: Information in this episode is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical or professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.

Why Mom Groups Matter for New Parents with Dawn Ellis, Founder of Gather Well

One of the most common things parents say after getting through the newborn stage is that their village made all the difference. But what does that village actually look like, and how do you find it? In this episode, we're joined by Dawn Ellis, founder of Gather Well, an organization that brings together expectant parents, new moms, and new dads through support groups and community gatherings in the Boston area. After more than a decade supporting families through pregnancy and the early months of parenting, Dawn shares what she's learned about the power of connection during one of life's biggest transitions. Together, we talk about why joining a mom group can be one of the most helpful things you do as a new parent, what these groups are really like, and how having a community of parents going through the same stage can make early parenthood feel a little less overwhelming. What we cover: * Why having a “village” matters so much for new parents * What actually happens at the group meetings * What has remained true for parents over the past decade and what has changed * Tips for finding and making the most of a parenting community Who this episode is for: Expecting parents who want to build support before baby arrives, new moms looking for connection and reassurance, and anyone wondering how to find their village during the early months of parenting and beyond. To learn more about Dawn and Gather Well, visit GatherWellByDawn.com [https://www.gatherwellbydawn.com/]. For more from The Starter Set, visit www.TheStarterSet.com [http://www.TheStarterSet.com] or follow us on Instagram @thestarterset_baby [https://instagram.com/thestarterset_baby]. Have questions or episode requests? Contact us at info@thestarterset.com [info@thestarterset.com]. Note: Information in this episode is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical or professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.

Navigating Breastfeeding: Myths, Challenges & Expert Tips with Lactation Consultant Jaimie Zaki

Breastfeeding doesn't always come naturally—and that's okay. If you're pregnant and anxious about nursing, currently struggling with breastfeeding pain or latch issues, or carrying guilt about your feeding journey, this episode is for you. We're joined by Jaimie Zaki, certified lactation consultant, nurse, and host of Breastfeeding with Confidence. Jaimie shares honest insights from breastfeeding five kids herself, debunks common breastfeeding myths, and offers practical tips to help you have a positive experience—even when it's not perfect. What we cover: * Why breastfeeding is often harder than expected (and why that's not your fault) * Common breastfeeding challenges vs. true milk supply issues * Why breastfeeding pain is common but NOT normal—and what to do about it * Red flags that mean your baby might not be getting enough milk * How fear, guilt, and bad advice impact your feeding decisions * What good lactation support actually looks like Who this episode is for: Expecting moms who want to feel prepared, new moms struggling with breastfeeding, or anyone feeling guilty or alone in their feeding journey. You'll walk away feeling supported, informed, and empowered—whatever your feeding path looks like. To learn more about Jaimie and her work, visit LittleBearLactation.com [https://littlebearlactation.com] or follow her on Instagram @littlebearlactation [https://instagram.com/littlebearlactation]. You can also check out her podcast Breastfeeding With Confidence for deeper dives into infant feeding topics. For more from The Starter Set, visit www.TheStarterSet.com [http://www.TheStarterSet.com] or follow us on Instagram @thestarterset_baby [https://instagram.com/thestarterset_baby]. Have questions or episode requests? Contact us at info@thestarterset.com [info@thestarterset.com]. Note: Information in this episode is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical or professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.

White Noise, Brown Noise and Surviving Getting Baby to Sleep with Brandon Reed, Founder, Dwellspring.io

If you’re already a parent—or expecting a baby—you know how precious every minute of sleep is. In this episode, we’re talking with Brandon Reed, father of three and founder of Dwellspring.io [https://www.dwellspring.io], about what actually helps babies sleep—and how parents can survive the early years together. What began as a desperate attempt to soothe his own baby led Brandon to experiment with different sleep sounds, from white noise to brown and green noise, and even mixes designed to mimic what babies hear in the womb. That experimentation eventually grew into a comprehensive library of sleep sounds used by families around the world. Drawing on both his experience as a parent and his work building sleep tools, Brandon shares what he’s learned about helping babies sleep longer and deeper—and what it’s really like parenting three young kids. Throughout the conversation, we also talk about the less-discussed side of baby sleep: how chronic sleep deprivation can strain even strong relationships, why prioritizing your partnership matters during the early years, and how couples can stay connected when everyone is exhausted. In this episode, you’ll learn: * What white noise, brown noise, and other “noise colors” are—and how they affect baby sleep * Why sleep sounds can help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer * How to experiment with different sounds to find what works best for your baby * What parenting three young kids really looks like day to day * How sleep deprivation can impact your relationship with your partner * Why staying connected as a couple matters so much in the early years of parenthood If you’re navigating broken nights, trying to figure out which sleep tools are worth it, or feeling the strain that exhaustion can put on your relationship, this episode offers both practical tips and reassurance that what you’re experiencing is normal. To learn more about Brandon and his work, visit Dwellspring.io [https://www.dwellspring.io]. For more from The Starter Set, visit www.TheStarterSet.com [http://www.TheStarterSet.com] or follow us on Instagram @thestarterset_baby [https://instagram.com/thestarterset_baby]. Have questions or episode requests? Contact us at info@thestarterset.com [info@thestarterset.com]. Note: Information in this episode is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. We encourage listeners to evaluate the content independently and consult appropriate professionals for their specific circumstances.

Should I Call the Pediatrician? Dr. Michelle Wagner Talks Baby Rashes, Fevers & Daycare Illness

This week we're getting a pediatrician's view on parents' most common baby questions. When should you actually worry about a fever? Is your baby eating enough? And, of course, what's normal when it comes to baby poop? Dr. Michelle Wagner of Tuckahoe Pediatrics, a pediatrician and mom of three, helps us dig into everything from understanding why doctors take fevers so seriously in those first few months to navigating feeding worries and surviving the nonstop cycle of daycare illness. Throughout the conversation, she draws on both her medical training and lived experience to share some of the tools parents have to keep their kids healthy. And something surprising that might not be surprising at all – the love and safety you create at home can play a foundational role in your child's long-term health. In this episode, you'll learn: * When doctors typically consider a fever as a true emergency—and why the rules change after the first few months * What’s the range of normal when it comes to baby poop (even when it seems surprising) * How to know when to call your pediatrician—hint: if you have a question don't hesitate * Her perspective on feeding concerns, including breastfeeding and supplementation * What parents can typically expect during the first year of daycare when it comes to illness * Some simple, effective ways to comfort a sick baby at home Wherever you are in your parenting journey, you'll get the doctor's perspective on some of the burning baby health questions you'll likely be tackling in the first year To learn more about Dr. Wagner, follow her on Instagram @tuckahoepediatrics [https://www.instagram.com/tuckahoepediatrics/]. For more on The Starter Set visit www.TheStarterSet.com [http://www.TheStarterSet.com] or follow us on Instagram @thestarterset_baby [https://instagram.com/thestarterset_baby]. Have questions or episode requests, contact us at info@thestarterset.com [info@thestarterset.com] Note: Information in this episode is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. Information in the podcast does not constitute personal professional advice. We encourage you to independently evaluate any content and consult with appropriate professionals as needed for your specific circumstances.