What I Wish I Knew : A Podcast About Pregnancy, Parenting, and Women's Health

Michaeleen Doucleff is an award-winning NPR science correspondent and bestselling author of two of the most talked-about parenting books in recent memory — Hunt, Gather, Parent and her newest, Dopamine Kids.We dig into the world that today's parents are actually navigating: one where apps, games, streaming platforms, and ultra-processed snacks are engineered by billion-dollar companies specifically designed to keep our kids wanting more. Michaeleen breaks down why so much of the common advice around screen time is outdated, why taking things away without replacing them almost always backfires, and what the science actually says about building better habits with our kids.This conversation kept coming back to something simple but easy to lose sight of: one of our most important jobs as parents is making sure our kids experience real joy, real satisfaction, and real contentment. Not the endless wanting that comes from a screen, but the happy, settled feeling of a life lived to the fullest - even as a child.Visit Michaeleen's website: michaeleendoucleff.comFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

Our favorite nutritionist is back! In this conversation with Haley Miskowiec, we dive into pregnancy nutrition and do our best to bust some myths - are you actually eating for two? What nutrients do you need more of during different trimesters? Is there a normal amount of weight gain to expect? We learned the answers to these questions and many more. Haley breaks down the facts around nutrition while pregnant.Follow Haley on Instagram: @prenatal.nutritionistFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

When it comes to feeding your baby, there is no single path that's right for everyone - other than making sure your baby gets the nutrients it needs. This could mean breastfeeding, or pumping, or formula, or any number of combinations of these methods. We spoke with Leah Tribus, a registered nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and Senior Director of Clinical and Strategic Partnerships at The Lactation Network, about the reality of making feeding decisions and all the different factors at play - including some you'll be surprised to hear. Learn why she thinks we should stop calling breastfeeding "natural", when you should consult a lactation consultant, and how to block out all the expectations that society places on women when it comes to feeding their baby. Follow Leah on Instagram: @lactationnetworkVisit their website: lactationnetwork.comFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

As women, we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to recognizing our true worth. We're overly critical of our appearance, we prioritize our family's needs over our own, and we judge ourselves more harshly than anyone else. In part 2 of our series with Dr. Cara Reeves, a clinical psychologist and executive member of Girlology, we discuss ways to combat this negative behavior and model authentic, lasting self-love.Follow Girlology on Instagram: @girlologyVisit their website: girlology.comFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

Staying connected to your partner after having kids can be a real challenge. Between busy schedules, erratic sleep patterns, and the added financial & logistical pressure that comes with children....it's no wonder that many couples fall into a cycle of just making it through the day rather than focusing on their relationship. We spoke with Jocelyn & Aaron Freeman, acclaimed marriage coaches and authors, about realistic ways to re-connect with your partner. From leading with curiosity to understanding how your upbringing affects your behavior, we dig deep into connection after kids.Follow the Freemans on Instagram: @meet_thefreemansVisit their website: meetthefreemans.comFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

Starting solids can feel overwhelming. From fear around choking to pressure about doing baby-led weaning “the right way,” many parents are left confused, anxious, and unsure where to begin.In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, we sit down with Jenny Best, founder and CEO of Solid Starts, to break down the science and reality of feeding babies real food. Jenny shares evidence-based guidance on baby-led weaning, gagging versus choking, oral development, and how babies actually learn to eat.We talk about why gagging is a normal and important part of development, why babies don’t need teeth to eat real food, and how letting babies self-feed can reduce choking risk. Jenny also explains how pressure at the table can backfire, contributing to picky eating and negative food relationships later on.This conversation covers:The difference between gagging and chokingWhy gagging is developmentally normalHow babies learn to map their mouths and chew safelyCommon myths about starting solids and baby foodWhy self-feeding supports long-term feeding skillsHow to approach holiday meals and family food pressureTools and resources that actually help parents feel confidentWhether you’re preparing to introduce solids, already in the thick of feeding a baby, or supporting a new parent, this episode offers practical, reassuring, and science-backed advice to help you feel more confident at the table.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?” — this episode is for you.

We sat down with Dr. Allison Mell - pediatric physical therapist, founder of Tots on Target, and the internet’s favorite “don’t panic, your kid is fine” voice - to talk about baby milestones in a way that was truly no-stressie. Allison has a gift for helping parents understand what actually matters when your baby rolls, crawls, stands, or… refuses to do any of the above on the timeline you have in your head.We dig into why independent floor time is a superpower, the stages of learning to walk, whether shoes are a go or no-go, and much more. Most importantly, we talk about why watching your kid rather than obsessing over a milestone is the way to go.Follow Dr. Mell on Instagram: @totsontargetFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

We sat down with Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood and author of the upcoming book by the same name, to talk about one of the most misunderstood stages of parenting—the toddler years. Devon makes a convincing case that this stage isn’t just about surviving, but about understanding the brain growth, emotional regulation, and learning how to be a tiny human with biiiiiiig feelings.We dig into the construction zone that is the toddler brain, and how punishment actually works against their development. Finally, we discuss what it means to parent as a confident leader (think: not a pushover, not a drill sergeant.) Are you living with a small, wildly chaotic roommate who calls you Mommy? If so, this episode might tickle your fancy. Follow Devon on Instagram: @transformingtoddlerhoodFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

We sat down with Dr. Corinne Low, economist and author of the new book "Having It All", to unpack what “having it all” actually means for women today and why the BS version society sells us is impossible (and exhausting).Corinne blends data, research, and her own lived experience to show how much of women’s time is squeezed by invisible labor, why men and women aren’t playing by the same rules at work OR at home, and how redefining success can be both liberating and life-changing.We cover everything from why mowing the lawn is not the same as caring for a child, to the economics of “secondary childcare” (yep, doing two jobs at once - sadly, something women are all too familiar with), to how to figure out what you actually value instead of living by someone else’s script.She gives us permission to find our OWN version of joy and helps us figure out how to experience it way more often.Pre-order Corinne's new book on her website: https://www.corinnelow.com/bookFollow Corinne on Instagram: @corinnelow.phdFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

We sat down with parenting expert Dr. Siggie Cohen to talk about what actually helps when your kid is melting down, how to remain calm in the face of chaos, and why kids lash out in the first place. Her approach is calm, thoughtful, and full of real-life strategies that you can use right away. We covered tantrums, boundaries, emotional regulation...plus why it’s not your job to fix every feeling. Cheers to raising emotionally resilient kids! Visit drsiggie.com to learn more.Follow Dr. Siggie on Instagram: @dr.siggieFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

We spoke with Dr. Mona Orady—gynecologic surgeon, women’s health advocate, and total powerhouse—to talk about why so many women are being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and underserved when it comes to their reproductive health. From fibroids and endo to infertility and unnecessary hysterectomies, Dr. Orady breaks down what’s really going on—and how to fight for the care you deserve.Follow Dr. Orady on Instagram: @drmonaorady.careFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

In this episode, we’re joined by registered dietitian Haley Miskowiec who specializes in nutrition for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.We cover:Why your preconception health really matters (and yes, that includes your partner’s health too)The problem with generic nutrition advice (and how to personalize yours)Protein, prenatal gaps, and how to fuel yourself in the first trimester when everything is :vom:How food can actually support your mental health postpartumFollow Haley - @prenatal.nutritionist on Instagram or https://nutritionwithhaley.com/Follow WIWIK - @whatiwishiknew_ on Instagram or https://whatiwishiknew.life

Starting solids can feel exciting and terrifying all at once—because, let’s be real, there’s an overwhelming amount of (often conflicting) advice out there. Do you start with purées? Is baby-led weaning the way to go? What about choking risks? And are you actually ruining your baby’s relationship with food forever if you don’t introduce solids the “right” way?Enter: Jenny Best.Jenny is the founder & CEO of Solid Starts, the go-to resource for parents navigating the wild world of feeding babies. In this episode, she drops some serious knowledge bombs that completely shift the way we think about baby food—like why spoon-feeding isn’t actually necessary, how self-feeding reduces choking risk, and why gagging is a good thing (yes, really).We also get into: 🍽️ The biggest myths about starting solids 🥕 Why babies don’t need teeth to eat real food 🚫 How pressuring kids to eat backfires 📉 The outdated feeding advice still being given by pediatriciansIf you’re ready to stress way less about feeding your baby, this episode is for you. Grab your snack of choice (no purées required) and hit play! 🎧 #WhatIWishIKnew #StartingSolids #ParentingUnfiltered