Since I Became a Mother

Since I Became a Mother is a podcast about the things motherhood changes, the things no one warns you about, and where we figure out who we are becoming, together. Hosted by Taylor Rae Roman, the show creates an honest and supportive space for new mothers navigating the emotional, physical, and practical realities of early motherhood. Season One explores some of motherhood’s toughest and most consuming questions: baby sleep, feeding, caretaking, mental health, changing relationships, finding yourself, and building a community that understands what you are experiencing. “Before I was a mother, I barely noticed mothers, and now, they’re all I see.” I see you.

Latest Episodes:

When Baby Sleep Takes Over Your Life: Night Wakings, Sleep Training & Maternal Mental Health with Ella Grace Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Episode Summary

Baby sleep can quickly take over your entire mental load. In this episode, Taylor talks with pediatric sleep specialist Ella Grace Hanover about infant sleep, night wakings, sleep training, contact naps, feeding to sleep, and what’s actually normal. They also discuss how sleep deprivation affects mothers, when sleep becomes unsustainable for a family, and how to make changes without feeling like you’re failing your baby. This episode definitely leans into sleep training, so if that's not your vibe, skip this one!

In This Episode

What normal infant sleep looks like
Why babies wake at night
When sleep becomes unsustainable
What sleep training really means
Crying, attachment & sleep-training guilt
Feeding to sleep & contact naps
Sleep deprivation & maternal mental health
The mental load of wake windows and schedules

This Week’s Guest

Ella Grace Hanover is a NYC-based pediatric sleep specialist, certified sleep consultant, postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, and integrative feeding and lactation specialist. She is the founder of Ella Grace Sleep Solutions.

Website: https://www.ellagracesleepsolutions.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellagracesleepsolutions/

Resources Mentioned

Precious Little Sleep: The Complete Baby Sleep Guide for Modern Parents by Alexis Dubief
Hiscock H, Wake M. Randomised controlled trial of behavioural infant sleep intervention to improve infant sleep and maternal mood. BMJ. 2002. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.324.7345.1062
Hall WA, Hutton E, Brant RF, et al. A randomized controlled trial of an intervention for infants’ behavioral sleep problems. BMC Pediatrics. 2015. DOI: 10.1186/s12887-015-0492-7
Park J, Kim SY, Lee K, et al. Effectiveness of behavioral sleep interventions on children’s and mothers’ sleep quality and maternal depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports. 2022. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07762-8

Connect With Taylor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorraeroman/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorraeroman
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorRaeRoman
ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/shop/taylorraeroman
Amazon Storefront: https://a.co/d/0cNsmkdY

Join the Community
STRONG (As a Mother) Run Club: https://taylorraeroman.com/run-club

Work With Taylor
Partnerships, speaking & inquiries: https://taylorraeroman.com

Disclaimer
The information shared on Since I Became a Mother is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical, mental health, or other professional advice. Always consult your own qualified healthcare provider about questions related to you or your child.

Credits
Host: Taylor Rae Roman
Podcast: Since I Became a Mother
Artwork: WK Creative Studio
Photography: Ambe J. Williams

Is This Normal? Crying, Gas, Reflux & When to Call the Pediatrician with Dr. Nilay Donmez Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Episode Summary

Newborns are weird — they grunt, strain, spit up, cry for seemingly no reason, and somehow make every new parent wonder: “Is this normal?”

In this episode of Since I Became a Mother, Taylor sits down with triple board-certified pediatrician Dr. Nilay Donmez to talk through the newborn behaviors that worry parents most. They discuss crying, gas, reflux, witching hour, feeding, hydration, and how to tell the difference between normal newborn behavior and something that actually needs medical attention.

In This Episode

What normal newborn behavior actually looks like
Why babies cry and what witching hour really is
Gas, grunting, straining, and digestive discomfort
Infant reflux and when it becomes a concern
How to know when to call the pediatrician
Newborn red flags parents should never ignore
How to manage the anxiety of constantly wondering whether something is wrong

Guest

Dr. Nilay Donmez is a triple board-certified pediatrician in general pediatrics, pediatric nephrology, and obesity medicine and the founder of First Steps Pediatrics in Tribeca. Her practice focuses on personalized, relationship-based pediatric care, with a particular emphasis on newborns, early childhood, prevention, and the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. She also shares practical pediatric education with parents through her @doctorforkids platform.

Website: https://www.firststepspediatricsnyc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorforkids/

Resources Mentioned

What to Expect the First Year by Heidi Murkoff
Eat, Sleep, Poop: A Common Sense Guide to Your Baby’s First Year by Scott W. Cohen, MD

Join the Community
STRONG (As a Mother) Run Club: https://taylorraeroman.com/run-club

Work With Taylor
Partnerships, speaking & inquiries: https://taylorraeroman.com

Credits
Host: Taylor Rae Roman
Podcast: Since I Became a Mother
Artwork: WK Creative Studio
Photography: Ambe J. Williams

How Breastfeeding Actually Works: Milk Supply, Tongue Ties & the Mother-Baby Dyad with Dr. Linda Dahl  Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Episode Summary

Breastfeeding is often called “natural,” but that doesn’t mean it’s simple.

Taylor sits down with Dr. Linda Dahl, board-certified ENT and breastfeeding medicine expert, to explain what is actually happening biologically and mechanically when a baby breastfeeds. They discuss milk supply, latch and milk transfer, tongue ties, lactation support, and why breastfeeding works best when mother and baby are understood as a team.

They also explore the mental-health toll of difficult breastfeeding and why new moms deserve better education, clearer answers, and less shame.

In This Episode

How breastfeeding actually works
Milk supply and milk transfer
The mother-baby dyad
Latch and oral mechanics
Tongue ties and feeding
The role of lactation consultants
Why breastfeeding advice can conflict
The mental-health toll of difficult feeding
What Dr. Dahl wishes every new mom knew

Guest

Dr. Linda Dahl is a board-certified otolaryngologist and head-and-neck surgeon specializing in breastfeeding and infant feeding. She is the author of Better Breastfeeding and Clinician’s Guide to Breastfeeding, and her work focuses on anatomy, physiology, milk supply, oral mechanics, and the mother-baby feeding relationship.

Website: https://www.drlindadahl.com/Better Breastfeeding: https://www.betterbreastfeeding.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorlindadahl/?hl=en

Resources Mentioned

Better Breastfeeding: A Doctor’s Guide to Nursing Without Pain and Frustration
Clinician’s Guide to Breastfeeding: Evidence-Based Evaluation and Management

Connect With Taylor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorraeroman/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorraeroman
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorRaeRoman
ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/shop/taylorraeroman
Amazon Storefront: https://a.co/d/0cNsmkdY

Join the Community
STRONG (As a Mother) Run Club: https://taylorraeroman.com/run-club

Work With Taylor
Partnerships, speaking & inquiries: https://taylorraeroman.com

Disclaimer

The information shared on Since I Became a Mother is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical, mental health, or other professional advice. Always consult your own qualified healthcare provider about questions related to you or your child.

Credits

Host: Taylor Rae Roman
Podcast: Since I Became a Mother
Artwork: WK Creative Studio
Photography: Ambe J. Williams

Since I Became a Mother: The Identity Shift No One Prepared Me For  Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Episode Summary

Becoming a mother changed more than I ever expected. I spent so much time preparing for pregnancy, birth, and bringing home a baby—but I wasn’t prepared for how profoundly motherhood would change me.

In the first full episode of Since I Became a Mother, I’m sharing my own story: who I was before motherhood, my birth experience, the difficult early postpartum months, postpartum depression and anxiety, severe sleep deprivation, exclusively breastfeeding, and the feeling that somewhere along the way I had lost parts of the person I used to be.

I also share why I created this podcast, why Season 1 focuses so heavily on the first year of motherhood, and why every conversation this season comes from something I found myself searching for when I was a new mom. This isn’t a story about getting back to who I was before—it’s about figuring out who I’m becoming now.

In This Episode

Who I was before becoming a mother
My birth story and the moment motherhood became real
What the earliest postpartum months actually felt like for me
My experience with postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety
Sleep deprivation and the mental toll of being constantly “on”
Exclusively breastfeeding and how consuming feeding can become
Loving my baby deeply while still struggling
Losing parts of my identity after becoming a mother
How motherhood changed my body, relationships, work, ambition, and priorities
Why “getting back to myself” stopped feeling like the goal
What I spent my first year searching for and why I created this podcast
Why Season 1 focuses especially on the first year of motherhood
What I hope Since I Became a Mother gives other moms

Join the Community
STRONG (As a Mother) Run Club: https://taylorraeroman.com/run-club

Work With Taylor
Partnerships, speaking & inquiries: https://taylorraeroman.com

Disclaimer
The information shared on Since I Became a Mother is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical, mental health, or other professional advice. Always consult your own qualified healthcare provider about questions related to you or your child.

Credits
Host: Taylor Rae Roman
Podcast: Since I Became a Mother
Artwork: WK Creative Studio
Photography: Ambe J. Williams

Since I Became a Mother: Why I Made This Show   Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

Episode Summary

Since I Became a Mother is a podcast about the things motherhood changes, the things no one warns you about, and where we figure out who we are becoming together.

In this trailer, host Taylor Rae Roman shares why she created the show, how becoming a mother transformed the way she sees herself and the world around her, and why Season 1 focuses especially on the vulnerable first year of motherhood.

Through solo episodes and conversations with experts and other mothers, Since I Became a Mother will explore breastfeeding, baby sleep, postpartum recovery, maternal mental health, relationships, friendship, work, identity, and the complicated process of becoming someone new after becoming a mother.

New episodes every Tuesday.

In This Episode

Why Taylor created Since I Became a Mother
The identity shift that can happen after becoming a mother
Why the first year of motherhood is at the heart of Season 1
The conversations and experts coming this season
Creating a space for honest, practical conversations about motherhood

Connect With Taylor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorraeroman/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorraeroman
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorRaeRoman
ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/shop/taylorraeroman
Amazon Storefront: https://a.co/d/0cNsmkdY

Join the Community
STRONG (As a Mother) Run Club: https://taylorraeroman.com/run-club

Work With Taylor
Partnerships, speaking & inquiries: https://taylorraeroman.com

Disclaimer

Credits

Host: Taylor Rae Roman
Podcast: Since I Became a Mother
Artwork: WK Creative Studio
Photography: Ambe J. Williams

[FROM THE "ON THE OUTSIDE" ARCHIVES]: S2E10: Postpartum Recovery: All That Happens to Your Body During Pregnancy & What Happens After Birth (#45) Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

There’s so much focus on pregnancy and birth—but what about after? In this episode, I’m breaking down the physical changes that happen to your body during pregnancy, what actually happens immediately after birth, and the basics of postpartum healing. I’m also sharing key stats, what no one really tells you about recovery, and how to start preparing for postpartum beyond just the physical—because your emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being matter, too.

In this episode, we talk about…

Some info and stats on postpartum and postpartum depression
Changes that happen to your body during pregnancy
What happens to your body during pregnancy and immediately after
The basics for postpartum physical healing
What happens during postpartum, beyond the physical

Resources:

Follow me at @taylorraeroman, everywhere
Full episode transcription and citations: https://taylorraeroman.com/on-the-outside-podcast

Keep In Touch:

Visit taylorraeroman.com
Instagram @taylorraeroman
TikTok @taylorraeroman
YouTube @taylorraeroman
ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/taylorraeroman
Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/taylorraealmonte — includes my baby registry picks and postpartum favorites

Discount Codes:

Natural Cycles: Use code TAYLORRAE for 15% off an annual plan + free thermometer / natural-cycles.sjv.io/xLQLkx

Tinyhood: Use code TAYLORR20 for 20% off up to 12 months of membership / https://tinyhood.sjv.io/c/2688864/957205/12776.

Disclaimer: The information shared on On the Outside is for informational and educational purposes only. I am not a doctor, medical professional, or licensed healthcare provider. The content of this podcast is based on my personal experiences and research, but it should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions related to your pregnancy, health, or well-being. Every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not be right for another.

[FROM THE "ON THE OUTSIDE" ARCHIVES]: S2E9: The Ultimate Pregnancy Checklist: Organizing for Baby's Arrival (#44) May 26, 2025

Show notes

Feeling overwhelmed by all the to-dos? In this episode, I’m sharing the top things to remember each trimester, how to stay organized, and the tools that have helped me manage all the tasks that come with preparing for parenthood.

In this episode, we talk about…

Top things to remember to do each trimester
How to stay organized
Tools for managing all of the tasks that come with becoming a parent

Resources:

Follow me at @taylorraeroman, everywhere
Full episode transcription and citations: https://taylorraeroman.com/on-the-outside-podcast

Keep In Touch:

Visit taylorraeroman.com
Instagram @taylorraeroman
TikTok @taylorraeroman
YouTube @taylorraeroman
ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/taylorraeroman
Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/taylorraealmonte — includes my baby registry picks and postpartum favorites

Discount Codes:

Natural Cycles: Use code TAYLORRAE for 15% off an annual plan + free thermometer / natural-cycles.sjv.io/xLQLkx

Tinyhood: Use code TAYLORR20 for 20% off up to 12 months of membership / https://tinyhood.sjv.io/c/2688864/957205/12776.

[FROM THE "ON THE OUTSIDE" ARCHIVES]: S2E8: Doulas: Finding One and Why You Need One (#43) May 19, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever wondered what a doula actually does—or whether you really need one—this episode is for you. I’m breaking down what doulas do, why having one can make a huge difference in your birth experience, and why Black women and other marginalized birthing people may especially benefit from this kind of support. Whether you’re already pregnant or just planning ahead, this is essential info for an empowered, supported birth.

In this episode, we talk about…

What is a doula, and what do they do
Why you might want a doula, including why Black women & marginalized folks might especially want one
How to find a doula, including free & subsidized doula programs in the U.S. and the average cost of a doula
My personal experience with my doula

Resources:

Follow me at @taylorraeroman, everywhere
Full episode transcription and citations: https://taylorraeroman.com/on-the-outside-podcast

Keep In Touch:

Visit taylorraeroman.com
Instagram @taylorraeroman
TikTok @taylorraeroman
YouTube @taylorraeroman
ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/taylorraeroman
Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/taylorraealmonte — includes my baby registry picks and postpartum favorites

Discount Codes:

Natural Cycles: Use code TAYLORRAE for 15% off an annual plan + free thermometer / natural-cycles.sjv.io/xLQLkx

Tinyhood: Use code TAYLORR20 for 20% off up to 12 months of membership / https://tinyhood.sjv.io/c/2688864/957205/12776.

[FROM THE "ON THE OUTSIDE" ARCHIVES]: S2E7: Birth Prep & Delivery: Essential Tips for a Smooth Experience (#42) May 12, 2025

Show notes

Let’s talk birth prep—because labor might be unpredictable, but preparing for it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’m sharing the products, tools, and practices that have been game-changers in my third trimester. From childbirth education to creating a birth plan that actually reflects your values, we’re covering it all. I also break down why pelvic floor strength, core stability, and mobility are key for labor. Whether you’re weeks away from delivery or just starting to plan, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you feel informed, empowered, and ready.

In this episode, we talk about…

Some products and tools I’ve loved using and recommend for birth preparation
What preparation in terms of childbirth education might look like, including online courses, in-person courses and books I’ve learned a lot from
Creating a birth plan
Why Pelvic Floor, Core Strength & Mobility for Labor are important and how you can implement them into your routine
And other useful tools to prepare for childbirth

Resources:

Follow me at @taylorraeroman, everywhere
Full episode transcription and citations: https://taylorraeroman.com/on-the-outside-podcast

Keep In Touch:

Visit taylorraeroman.com
Instagram @taylorraeroman
TikTok @taylorraeroman
YouTube @taylorraeroman
ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/taylorraeroman
Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/taylorraealmonte — includes my baby registry picks and postpartum favorites

Discount Codes:

Natural Cycles: Use code TAYLORRAE for 15% off an annual plan + free thermometer / natural-cycles.sjv.io/xLQLkx

Tinyhood: Use code TAYLORR20 for 20% off up to 12 months of membership / https://tinyhood.sjv.io/c/2688864/957205/12776.

[FROM THE "ON THE OUTSIDE" ARCHIVES]: S2E6: My Pregnancy Update at 32 Weeks (#41) May 05, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode, I’m sharing all the updates from week 32 of pregnancy—what’s feeling good, what’s feeling not so good, and how I’m mentally, physically, and emotionally preparing for birth. From baby kicks to birth plans to third-trimester cravings, come along as I keep it real about this wild, beautiful journey.

Resources:
Follow me at @taylorraeroman, everywhere
Full episode transcription and citations: https://taylorraeroman.com/on-the-outside-podcast

Keep In Touch:
Visit taylorraeroman.com
Instagram @taylorraeroman
TikTok @taylorraeroman
YouTube @taylorraeroman
ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/taylorraeroman
Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/taylorraealmonte — includes my baby registry picks and postpartum favorites

Discount Codes:

Natural Cycles: Use code TAYLORRAE for 15% off an annual plan + free thermometer / natural-cycles.sjv.io/xLQLkx

Tinyhood: Use code TAYLORR20 for 20% off up to 12 months of membership / https://tinyhood.sjv.io/c/2688864/957205/12776.

Disclaimer: The information shared on On the Outside is for informational and educational purposes only. I am not a doctor, medical professional, or licensed healthcare provider. The content of this podcast is based on my personal experiences and research, but it should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions related to your pregnancy, health, or well-being. Every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not be right for another.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Since I Became a Mother

Episode Summary

In This Episode

Guest

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected