This week, we’re tackling one of the hardest (and most crucial) parts of early parenting: sleep training.

The term “sleep training” has gotten a bit of a weird reputation lately - there are so many approaches and opinions. But at the end of the day, building healthy sleep habits matters. Because let’s be honest… if your kid’s not sleeping, you’re not sleeping, and everything feels harder when no one in the house is well-rested.

Sarah is joined by certified pediatric sleep consultant Spencer Lipton, founder of My Sleep Friend, who helps exhausted parents navigate the most common sleep struggles. With tons of listener questions submitted, this episode turns into a mini crash course on all things sleep: from baby sleep training basics to toddler challenges, plus big transitions like moving out of the crib, sibling room sharing, and the small tweaks that can make a big difference.

Want more from our guest this week, Spenser Lipton?

• https://www.mysleepfriend.co/
• Instagram: @mysleepfriend

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

As always, write in YOUR questions, comments, motherhood stories & we'll discuss! Sarah@bigkidproblems.com

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RULA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts

Little Spoon - Make mealtime easy with 30% off with code BOTTLESERVICE30

Pique Life - Get 20% off your order at Piquelife.com/bottleservice

Nowadays - Get 20% off this zero-proof THC beverage that delivers a clean, reliable buzz with no hangover

SKIMS - Shop the Fits Everybody collection and let them know "Bottle Service" sent you!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Sarah is down bad with a daycare plague (seriously… what is in those classrooms?!) and gets real about why maintaining friendships feels harder (but more important) than ever. She also dives into what it actually means to feel like yourself again after kids, and the illusion of that “glamorized” pre-baby life we sometimes think we miss.

Plus, she shares one surprisingly simple tip that might actually save your marriage, and answers listener questions about the very real “C-section shelf” that no one prepares you for.

It’s honest, relatable, and a little unhinged… but that’s showbiz, baby!

Resources from this episode!

• Silicon Strips on Amazon
• Scar Gel with Retinol on Amazon
• Tool I use for Scar Massage
• More "C-section Shelf" guidance in THIS Episode

As always, write in YOUR questions, comments, motherhood stories & we'll discuss! Sarah@bigkidproblems.com

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RULA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts

Little Spoon - Make mealtime easy with 30% off with code BOTTLESERVICE30

Pique Life - Get 20% off your order at Piquelife.com/bottleservice

Nowadays - Get 20% off this zero-proof THC beverage that delivers a clean, reliable buzz with no hangover

SKIMS - Shop the Fits Everybody collection and let them know "Bottle Service" sent you!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who doesn't love a good mom-to-mom chat about the raw, unfiltered reality of early motherhood?! This week, Sarah is joined by Speaker, Athlete, Poet, Podcaster AND "cool Brooklyn mom" Taylor Rae Roman! Together, they discuss the absolute MIND F*CK that is the first year of motherhood, from the intensity of postpartum to the identity shift that no one fully prepares you for. They also chat unmedicated births, breastfeeding struggles, knowing when you're "Done" and just so many other moments that are truly IYKYK.

Want more from our guest this week?!

Instagram: @TaylorRaeRoman

TikTok: @TaylorRaeRoman

Website: https://taylorraeroman.com/

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Write in YOUR questions, comments, motherhood stories & we'll discuss! Sarah@bigkidproblems.com

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RULA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts

Little Spoon - Make mealtime easy with 30% off with code BOTTLESERVICE30

Pique Life - Get 20% off your order at Piquelife.com/bottleservice

Nowadays - Get 20% off this zero-proof THC beverage that delivers a clean, reliable buzz with no hangover

SKIMS - Shop the Fits Everybody collection and let them know "Bottle Service" sent you!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever catch yourself jumping straight to the worst-case scenario when it comes to your kids? What if they stop breathing in the middle of the night? Will starting daycare too early ruin them for life? What if that little cough is actually… the bubonic plague?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. There’s actually a name for this mental spiral: catastrophizing.

In this episode of Bottle Service, Sarah breaks down this common “thought trap” that so many parents (especially postpartum moms) all into. She talks about why our brains are wired to jump to worst-case scenarios, how catastrophizing can show up during postpartum AND throughout parenting, and when those thoughts may cross the line into postpartum anxiety.

Most importantly, Sarah shares ways to interrupt the spiral so you can breathe a little easier and get back to enjoying your kids instead of worrying about every possible disaster. Because more often than not, everything is going to be just fine.

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Write in YOUR questions, comments, motherhood stories & we'll discuss! Sarah@bigkidproblems.com

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RULA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts

Little Spoon - Make mealtime easy with 30% off with code BOTTLESERVICE30

Pique Life - Get 20% off your order at Piquelife.com/bottleservice

Nowadays - Get 20% off this zero-proof THC beverage that delivers a clean, reliable buzz with no hangover

SKIMS - Shop the Fits Everybody collection and let them know "Bottle Service" sent you!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Overstimulated? You're not alone! Parenting is a sensory marathon. The noise, the constant touch, the interruptions, the mental load, the bedtime negotiations that feel like hostage situations. When your nervous system is maxed out, even spilled milk can feel like a five-alarm fire. Thats why regulating our our emotions is SO important!

This week Sarah shares simple tools we can use to help regulate our nervous system and increase our mental fortitude. Because our kids are watching and learning!

Write in YOUR questions, comments, motherhood stories & we'll discuss! Sarah@bigkidproblems.com

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RULA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts

Little Spoon - Make mealtime easy with 30% off with code BOTTLESERVICE30

Pique Life - Get 20% off your order at Piquelife.com/bottleservice

Nowadays - Get 20% off this zero-proof THC beverage that delivers a clean, reliable buzz with no hangover

SKIMS - Shop the Fits Everybody collection and let them know "Bottle Service" sent you!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Sarah discusses the highs and sometimes LOWS of parenting. She dives into why second-born kids can often be more *challenging* than their older siblings, shares an honest moment of losing her cool, and opens up about the guilt that often follows. Most importantly, Sarah talks about what actually matters: what to do after you make a mistake, how to repair, and how to show your kids (and yourself) a little grace. Because yes! Parents are human too. Then we take our FIRST listener submitted question and discuss some mom group drama!

Write in YOUR questions, comments, motherhood stories & we'll discuss! Sarah@bigkidproblems.com

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RULA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts

Little Spoon - Make mealtime easy with 30% off with code BOTTLESERVICE30

Pique Life - Get 20% off your order at Piquelife.com/bottleservice

Laundry Sauce - Get 20% off with promo code BOTTLESERVICE

SKIMS - The Valentine Shop is now open! Let them know "Bottle Service" sent you!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s LOVE WEEK! What once meant sexy lingerie and a big night out now looks a lot more like crafting in sweatpants and falling asleep in front of Netflix (again). Sarah shares how to make Valentine’s Day feel fun and meaningful for your kids, your family, your relationship—and yourself. She dives into the power of Galentine’s, makes a strong case for upgrading your intimates, and so much more! 💘

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RULA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts

Little Spoon - Make mealtime easy with 30% off with code BOTTLESERVICE30

Pique Life - Get 20% off your order at Piquelife.com/bottleservice

Laundry Sauce - Get 20% off with promo code BOTTLESERVICE

SKIMS - The Valentine Shop is now open! Let them know "Bottle Service" sent you!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.