Held & Heard: Infant potty training, elimination communication & postpartum motherhood

If you’ve ever thought: “It was working… but now I’m missing everything” “My baby was signaling, but now they’re resisting” “I don’t know what to do at this stage” This episode is for you. Because this is the part of elimination communication that almost no one talks about. Not the first catch. Not the highlight reel. But the messy middle—where your baby is learning, growing, changing… and things stop feeling clear. In this episode, I’m sharing a real, unfiltered excerpt from one of my Listening Circle coaching calls—where I talk through what actually happened when: 👉 my baby clearly needed to poop… 👉 I gave him the space to get there on his own… 👉 and he did THIS instead... But that doesn’t mean failure. It means the process is working. We’re talking about: Why misses and messes are part of learning What “progress” actually looks like in EC Why independence comes after awareness and communication And what to do when you’re no longer a beginner—but not fully confident either Because EC isn’t something you learn once and master. It’s something you live with your baby—and it changes constantly. — ✨ This is exactly why I created the Listening Circle. A space for moms who are already practicing EC and need support in the real-life moments: when your baby stops signaling when they resist the potty when you’re thinking about ditching diapers when you’re not sure what to do next Inside, we get on live calls together and work through what’s actually happening with your baby—in real time. Not theory. Not guesswork. Real support, so you can stop second guessing and make this work in your life. You can join us here: 👉 Join the Listening Circle

What if your baby is already showing you exactly when they need to pee or poop… and you’re just missing it? In this episode, I’m walking you through 5 clear, everyday signals that your baby is already communicating—some of which probably happened today without you even realizing what they meant. We’re talking about: The moment your baby suddenly goes quiet (and why it matters) What squirming during feeds is really telling you Why babies lose interest in food mid-meal The truth behind fussiness in the carrier And one of the most overlooked sleep disruptions that’s actually a potty cue These aren’t advanced techniques or complicated routines. These are real-life moments—things you’re already seeing—that can completely change how you approach elimination communication. If you’ve ever felt like: “I don’t know when my baby needs to go” “I think I’m missing the signals” “I don’t want to guess and get it wrong” This episode will give you a whole new lens to see what’s already happening. Because EC isn’t about doing more. It’s about noticing what’s already there. — ✨ Ready to stop guessing and actually understand your baby’s signals? Inside my Born Ready course, I walk you step-by-step through: How to recognize your baby’s unique signals How those signals change by age and stage And how to build a simple, repeatable rhythm that actually works in real life So you can move from “hoping you catch it” to confidently knowing exactly when your baby needs to go. 👉Learn more about Born Ready here — If this episode gave you an “aha” moment, send me a DM on Instagram @readyfrombirth.ec—I’d love to hear what you’re noticing with your baby.

If you’ve been curious about elimination communication (EC) but feel like you don’t have the time, energy, or consistency to do it “right”… this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth no one talks about: EC is not a perfect practice. In this episode, I’m sharing a real, unfiltered look at what infant potty learning actually looks like in a busy, working-mom life—with three kids, early mornings that don’t go as planned, missed cues, messy moments, and yes… poop on the floor. You’ll learn: Why you don’t need to catch every pee or poop for EC to “work” How to practice elimination communication while still using diapers What it looks like to follow your baby’s signals without pressure or perfection Why missed catches still build your baby’s awareness and communication How to approach EC with confidence—even if you work or your baby goes to daycare 💛 Ready to Start (but don’t know how to begin)? If you’re pregnant or newly postpartum and thinking, “I want to do this… I just need a clear, simple way to start…” 👉 Born Ready walks you through exactly how to begin EC from day one (or wherever you’re starting), without overwhelm You’ll learn what to look for, when to offer, and how to make this feel natural in your real life [Explore Born Ready here] 🤍 Already Trying… but It Feels Inconsistent? If you’ve gotten a few catches, but you’re still wondering: “Am I doing this right?” “Why did signals disappear?” “Why does it feel so hit or miss?” 👉 The Listening Circle is where you get real-time support, troubleshooting, and reassurance This is where we take everything from “I think I get it…” to “I feel confident doing this every day” Join us for our next live call + ongoing support: [Join the Listening Circle] 🚽 Ready to Move Toward Independence? If your baby is standing, cruising, or walking—and you’re starting to think about life without diapers… 👉 Ditch the Diapers shows you how to transition from assisted pottying to true independence (without power struggles, pressure, or waiting until age 2+) [Learn more about Ditch the Diapers] If you’ve ever thought: “I love this idea, but I could never do it like that” “I tried EC and it didn’t go perfectly” “I don’t have the capacity for one more thing” I want you to hear this clearly: You can do this imperfectly—and it still matters. Because EC isn’t about being diaper-free. It’s about learning to listen to your baby—and trusting yourself to respond.

What happens after your first “catch”… and how do you actually get to a potty-trained baby? In this episode of Held and Heard, I’m walking you through the exact 3-part framework I used to support my baby in becoming dry, aware, and communicating his need to go by just 10 weeks old. Whether you’re starting elimination communication (EC) from birth or finding this later with an older baby, this episode will show you what actually makes early toilet learning work. Inside, we cover: How to build body awareness from birth (and why this is the foundation of EC) How babies naturally communicate potty needs—even without words How to support your baby in holding, signaling, and initiating potty use Why waiting until age 2–3 often makes potty training harder—not easier And how to begin, even if you feel like you’ve “missed your window” If you’ve ever felt like: “I got a few catches… now what?” “My baby isn’t signaling clearly” “I don’t have time to sit around hoping they’ll go” This episode will give you a clear, simple path forward. And if you’re ready for step-by-step support, you can learn exactly how to apply this framework inside: Born Ready (for newborns and early postpartum) Ditch the Diapers (for mobile babies 10–18 months) Start where you are. It’s not too late—and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

If you’ve ever thought, “This sounds amazing… but I don’t know where to start,” this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m walking you through three simple, natural moments that are already built into your day—where your baby is very likely to pee or poop… and how to respond in a way that feels easy, intuitive, and doable (even in the newborn stage). We’re talking about: Why your baby almost always poops during or after feeding—and how to use that to your advantage The subtle “waking up” cues that actually mean your baby needs to pee What to do right when you take your baby out of the car seat (this one is a game changer) How to start EC without pressure, perfection, or doing it “all day long” This is not about doing more. It’s about noticing more—and responding just a little sooner. You don’t have to wait until things feel easier. You can start right here—with what your baby is already showing you.   Let's do it together: get real time support, encouragement, and troubleshooting inside The Listening Circle , a global community of EC mamas learning to listen to our babies, together. ______________________________ 🐣 Learn more about natural infant toilet learning and elimination communication at readyfrombirth.com 🌱 Check out Hiro Diapers, the healthiest diapers you can buy (for your baby AND the earth) 📲Follow along on Instagram @readyfrombirth.ec

If you’ve ever wondered… “What is elimination communication actually like day-to-day?” “Am I signing up for something stressful or unrealistic?” “Can babies really be potty trained before 1?” This episode answers that—honestly. In this behind-the-scenes, real-life walkthrough, I’m taking you through a full 24 hours of doing elimination communication (EC) with my 11-month-old baby. You’ll hear exactly what it looks like: How babies signal they need to go (and how to recognize it) What nights, mornings, and outings actually feel like How EC works with a nanny, work schedule, and multiple kids What changes as your baby becomes more independent Why EC gets easier, not harder, over time I also break down one of the biggest misconceptions about EC: 👉 That it adds more work to your life In reality, when you understand your baby’s communication, everything becomes simpler, calmer, and more connected. Whether you’re: Pregnant and curious about starting from birth A few months in and unsure if you’re “doing it right” Or starting later and wondering if it’s too late This episode will show you what’s possible—and what to expect. — Your baby (and you!) can do this too - f you want a clear, step-by-step way to: Understand your baby’s signals Know exactly when and how to offer And move toward early potty independence without stress Explore the Born Ready course (best for babies starting EC from 0-12 months) and Ditch the Diapers (best for young toddlers 10-18 months)    🌱 Check out Hiro Diapers, the healthiest diapers you can buy (for your baby AND the earth) 📲Follow along on Instagram @readyfrombirth.ec

If you’ve ever thought: “Elimination communication sounds amazing… but I work.” “What about daycare?” “I can’t be with my baby 24/7…” This episode is for you. Because the truth is—those aren’t actually barriers to elimination communication. They’re just the wrong questions. In this episode, I’m breaking down what it really looks like to practice EC as a working mom, including: Why “daycare” isn’t the real issue (and what is) What to say to caregivers (and what to expect) Why most U.S. daycare settings struggle with EC—and what to do instead Real-life childcare setups that actually support your baby’s learning How to create consistency (even when you’re not the one with your baby all day) The exact system I’ve used with multiple caregivers, nannies, and an au pair How EC can still lead to potty independence by 12–15 months—even with a job I’m also sharing behind-the-scenes of how I made this work as a full-time professional with three kids—so you can see what’s actually possible. Because this isn’t about staying home. It’s about understanding your baby, creating consistency, and choosing a system that works with your life—not against it. If you’re pregnant or newly postpartum and want a clear, step-by-step system to make this simple: Inside Born Ready, I walk you through exactly how to: Start from birth (or wherever you are) Recognize your baby’s signals Create routines that caregivers can follow Stay consistent all the way to early potty independence This is the piece most moms are missing—and it’s what makes this actually work. 👉 Learn more at: readyfrombirth.com

Your baby won't stop crying. Their belly is full and their diaper is dry—but nothing works. Is it gas? Constipation? Your pediatrician says "colic" and tells you to wait it out. But what if your newborn isn't colicky at all? In this episode, I'm revealing the one communication signal that almost every new mother misses—and why understanding it can transform those hours of unexplained crying into 30 seconds to relief. If you've ever felt helpless while your baby screams, convinced there's something wrong but unable to figure out what, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down exactly why the newborn phase (0-8 weeks) is actually the EASIEST time to start understanding your baby—not the hardest—and how tuning into this one overlooked need can help prevent the overwhelm, frustration, and postpartum depression that so many mothers experience. In this episode, you'll discover: The real reason your newborn cries that has nothing to do with gas or colic Why babies communicate most clearly in the first 8 weeks (and what happens when we miss it) The exact body language and facial cues that signal your baby needs help—before they start screaming How I went from hours of unexplained crying with baby #1 to peaceful, confident postpartum with baby #3 Why starting elimination communication from birth makes newborn care EASIER, not harder What a "30-second potty pause" looks like in real life (yes, even one week postpartum after a 4th degree tear) This isn't about adding more to your plate. This is about understanding what your baby has been trying to tell you all along—so you can finally help them, trust yourself, and stop second-guessing every cry. If you're pregnant or in the thick of the newborn phase right now, this episode could change everything. Ready to learn more? Check out the Born Ready course for a step-by-step system to start elimination communication from day one. 🌿Already practicing EC? Join The Listening Circle for real-time support and community ______________________________ 🐣 Learn more about natural infant toilet learning and elimination communication at readyfrombirth.com 🌱 Interested in sustainability and toxin free gear? Check out Hiro Diapers, the healthiest diapers you can buy (for your baby AND the earth) 📲Follow along on Instagram @readyfrombirth.ec

If you're pregnant or in the early postpartum weeks and feel overwhelmed by your baby’s crying, you’re not alone. Many new moms are told that newborn crying is “normal,” mysterious, or something you just have to survive. But what if your baby is actually communicating something specific — and you can learn to understand it? In this episode of Held and Heard, Heather Medlin shares a powerful reframe that can transform the newborn stage: babies don’t cry randomly. They cry because they have a need. You’ll learn the five basic needs every newborn communicates, including one that is almost completely overlooked in modern parenting — your baby’s need to pee or poop. Heather explains how elimination communication (EC) and infant potty learning can help you understand your baby’s signals, reduce unexplained crying, and create a calmer postpartum experience for both of you. This episode is especially helpful if you: Are pregnant and preparing for the newborn stage Have a newborn who seems to cry constantly Feel unsure how to meet your baby’s needs Are curious about elimination communication or natural infant potty learning Want a more connected, responsive approach to parenting Instead of adding more to your plate, this approach helps you listen to what your baby is already communicating. When you understand your baby’s signals, everything begins to feel easier.   Don't have the bandwidth to figure this out alone? Let's do it together: get real time support, encouragement, and troubleshooting inside The Listening Circle , a global community of EC mamas learning to listen to our babies, together. ______________________________ 🐣 Learn more about natural infant toilet learning and elimination communication at readyfrombirth.com 🌱 Check out Hiro Diapers, the healthiest diapers you can buy (for your baby AND the earth) 📲Follow along on Instagram @readyfrombirth.ec

Can a newborn really be potty trained? Or have we misunderstood what “ready” actually means? In today’s episode, I’m unpacking one of the biggest misconceptions around potty training and elimination communication — the idea that children must walk, talk, and fully manage the bathroom independently before they “deserve” to be out of diapers. If you’ve ever Googled: “When is my child ready for potty training?” “Is elimination communication realistic?” “Can newborns control their bladder?” “Infant potty training vs traditional potty training” This conversation is for you. In this episode, I share: Why the cultural definition of potty training may be incomplete The three criteria I use to define “potty trained" for a baby Why your newborn already shows readiness from birth Why elimination communication is about dignity, not pressure The difference between independence and capability This isn’t about adding something new to your already full postpartum plate. It’s about recognizing what your baby is already communicating.   🧭 Learn more about the Born Ready course (0–12 months roadmap) 🌿 Join community support inside The Listening Circle ______________________________ 🐣 Learn more about natural infant toilet learning and elimination communication at readyfrombirth.com 🌱 Check out Hiro Diapers, the healthiest diapers you can buy (for your baby AND the earth) 📲Follow along on Instagram @readyfrombirth.ec

Do babies really have bladder and bowel control — or is that a myth? In this episode of Held & Heard, Heather Medlin shares what actually happens when you begin elimination communication (EC) with a newborn or young baby. Instead of talking about long-term potty training benefits, we focus on what changes right now in the postpartum season. You’ll hear: Real stories of newborns holding and waiting for the potty What “bladder control” actually looks like in babies Why babies don’t immediately eliminate the moment they feel pressure How infant potty training builds body awareness and communication Why elimination communication works even part-time What changes in connection, trust, and confidence when you start listening Many parents are told that babies have no bladder or bowel control until much later. But when you start responding to their signals, something surprising happens. Whether you’re pregnant, in the newborn phase, or starting EC at 6–12 months, this episode will help you understand what’s possible. 🌿 Download the Free Elimination Communication Quick Start Guide 🌿 Learn more about the Born Ready course (0–12 months roadmap) 🌿 Join community support inside The Listening Circle Your baby is aware. Your baby is communicating. And you are capable of listening. ______________________________ 🐣 Learn more about natural infant toilet learning and elimination communication at readyfrombirth.com 🌱 Check out Hiro Diapers, the healthiest diapers you can buy (for your baby AND the earth) 📲Follow along on Instagram @readyfrombirth.ec

What is elimination communication — and is it really about raising your baby without diapers? In this episode of Held & Heard, Heather Medlin — infant potty learning educator and founder of Ready From Birth — explains what elimination communication actually means, what it doesn’t mean, and why every baby is communicating their potty needs from the day they are born. You’ll learn: What elimination communication (EC) really is Why infant potty training isn’t about perfection or going diaper free The history of modern disposable diapers How early toilet learning works in cultures around the world Why listening to your baby’s body language builds confidence and connection How you can practice EC while still using diapers Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, curious about potty training from birth, or wondering if elimination communication works for working moms — this episode will give you clarity. Elimination communication is not about performance. It’s about listening. 🎧 Learn more about the Born Ready course (your complete roadmap to EC from birth to 12 months) 🌱 Check out Hiro Diapers, the healthiest diapers you can buy (for your baby AND the earth) ______________________________ 🐣 Learn more about natural infant toilet learning and elimination communication at readyfrombirth.com 🌿 Explore community support inside The Listening Circle  📬 Grab the free EC Quick Start Guide 📲Follow along on Instagram @readyfrombirth.ec

Discover how elimination communication (EC) can transform your postpartum experience—no perfect conditions required. Learn to understand your baby's natural potty cues, reduce crying, and build deeper connection through responsive caregiving. Perfect for babywearing, cloth diapering, and eco-conscious mamas seeking gentle, intuitive parenting practices. Start with just one offer a day. Show Notes with Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome to Held and Heard - Introduction to elimination communication and infant potty learning [01:01] Why this episode is about practice over perfection  [02:18] What is elimination communication (EC)? Understanding your baby's natural potty cues [03:30] Why EC matters: How humans have cared for babies throughout history [04:37] Your baby is already aware - Understanding infant body awareness from birth [05:53] The truth about "colic" - Why babies cry at 4-6 weeks old [08:15] How ignoring potty cues affects your baby and future potty training [10:27] You don't need to do it perfectly - Starting with awareness and one offer a day [12:00] Heather's personal story - The difference between baby #1 and babies #2 & #3 [13:19] Trusting your maternal instincts - You already know what your baby needs [14:36] The relief and calm that comes from responsive pottying [15:37] Take the next step - Don't wait for perfect conditions ______________________________ 🎧 Learn more about natural infant toilet learning and elimination communication at readyfrombirth.com 🌿 Explore EC courses + The Listening Circle community at Ready From Birth 📬 Grab the free EC Quick Start Guide Follow Heather on Instagram @readyfrombirth.ec