Wild and Well | Motherhood, Postpartum Wellness and Children’s Health

Have you ever found yourself holding your breath at the dinner table? Watching what your child will (or won’t) eat. Worried that your child is a picky eater.  Counting bites. Wondering if you’re doing something wrong. Mealtimes can quietly become one of the most stressful parts of parenting, especially when selective or “picky” eating enters the picture. But what if it’s not just about the food? When we zoom out, we see that eating is connected to emotional safety, nervous system regulation, sensory processing, modelling, and the overall parent–child relationship. Pressure, praise, rewards, and even our own food hang-ups can unintentionally make things harder. The good news? There are practical, compassionate ways to shift the dynamic. This is what we discuss in this episode. This episode is a little different as dietitian Atheana Brown is the one asking the questions and I am answering.  Atheana and I chat about:  Why labeling kids as “picky eaters” can reinforce the behaviour The powerful role of parental modelling and nervous system regulation at mealtimes How pressure, praise, rewards, and punishment can backfire The importance of prioritizing connection over control at the table When selective eating may signal something deeper (sensory challenges, tongue ties, gut health, nutritional deficiencies, ARFID, growth concerns) Red flags that may indicate it’s time to seek professional support Practical ways to reduce stress around food and strengthen your relationship with your child If you’re feeling stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed by your child’s eating, this episode might just get you looking at it from a fresh perspective.  You don’t have to stay stuck and neither does your child.   Episode Links: Say hi to Atheana on Instagram  Listen to Diet Culture Dropout podcast   Come say hi to me on Instagram   Helpful Articles: Read my articles on wellness, motherhood, picky eating, and thriving as a mom. Books to Thrive in Motherhood: Dive into The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama, and Mama Let It Go to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom.  Picky Eating Guide: Learn about common but lesser-known reasons kids are picky eaters and practical strategies to help children enjoy healthy foods.  Resources I Am Loving Squat Seat – Comfortable seat to increase mobility and deep squat. Use code WILD5 for a discount. Green Goo – Natural plant powered first aid and skincare remedies. Get 10% off with code: DRHILARYCLAIRE Ananda Elixirs – Delicious functional mushroom wellness elixirs. Get 20% off Kultured Wellness – Yogurt and kefir cultures and everything you need for optimal gut health. Use code WILDANDWELL The Brain Health Movement – Whole Child Healing Roadmap is a science-backed courses that decode the root causes of your child's struggles. Get £200 off with code WILDANDWELL BON CHARGE – Red light devices. Get 15% off with the code: WILDANDWELL Miindfully Tate – The cutest mindful stuffie. Use code WILD+WELL15 for 15% off Fertility & Beyond – Natural solutions for your fertility struggles I would never recommend anything I don’t regularly use myself or trust completely. Some of the links are affiliate links, and others are special discount codes. Either way, all of these are products and resources I genuinely love and recommend.  Wild and Well is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from functional health for women and gut health to pregnancy and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for new moms, guidance on picky eating and parenting, and strategies to support your family’s natural kids’ health, so you can feel healthy, strong, and vital in motherhood.

As parents, we are all desperate for our babies to sleep.  Yet we’re often unsure how to support our infants to sleep in a way that feels right. Harsh sleep training methods don’t sit well, but neither does chronic exhaustion. The good news is that there is an alternative: one that is attachment-focused, keeps us connected to our babies even during the night, and importantly, supports the whole family. In this episode, I am joined by Gabrielle Ferrara, a nurture neuroscience practitioner, infant sleep coach, and licensed clinical social worker with training in perinatal mental health. Gabrielle shares a neuroscience-informed look at infant and toddler sleep, challenging common myths around independence, self-soothing, and sleep training. Together, we explore what’s developmentally normal for babies, why frequent night waking is protective, and how connection and responsiveness support healthy brain development.   Gabrielle and I chat about:  What biologically normal infant sleep really looks like Why babies need closeness to feel safe – day and night The impact of parental stress on baby sleep Common but overlooked sleep disruptors (reflux, iron, airway issues) Co-sleeping vs. bed sharing and how to do it safely Why sleep is a biological function, not a behavior to be trained   Gabrielle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey and Florida, Certified in Perinatal Mental Health and a Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner trained through The Nurture Revolution by Dr Greer Kirshenbaum. She supports parents using a nurturing, neuroscience-informed approach to infant sleep, emotional regulation, and maternal mental health. Gabrielle’s own transition into motherhood deeply shapes her work. After relocating from New Jersey to Tampa, Florida during her third trimester, she became the primary caregiver to a high-needs baby, navigating reflux, feeding challenges, and significant sleep struggles. This lived experience informs her compassionate, non–sleep-training approach to supporting families. She offers 1:1 sleep support for parents of babies ages 0–3, pregnancy and parent circles, and nurturing sleep and parenting workshops. She is passionate about helping parents feel supported, regulated, and less alone in early motherhood. Resources that Gabrielle mentioned: The Nurture Revolution – Dr Greer Kirshenbaum Safe Infant Sleep – Dr James McKenna How Babies Sleep – Dr Helen Ball Instagram: @cosleepy   Episode Links: Say hi to Gabrielle on Instagram Learn more about Gabrielle and how to work with you on her website Grab Tiffany from @cosleepy’s Bedsharing Beginner’s Guide    Come say hi to me on Instagram  Vibrant Mama Quiz: Take the quiz to discover if you are as vibrant as you can be in motherhood and learn practical steps to overcome postnatal exhaustion and burnout.  Helpful Articles: Read my articles on wellness, motherhood, picky eating, and thriving as a mom. Books to Thrive in Motherhood: Dive into The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama, and Mama Let It Go to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom. Motherhood Reset Program: Get in-depth guidance for postpartum recovery, self-care for moms, and energy restoration with this program. Resources I Am Loving The Brain Health Movement – Whole Child Healing Roadmap is a science-backed courses that decode the root causes of your child's struggles. Get £200 off with code WILDANDWELL BON CHARGE – Red light devices. Get 15% off with the code: WILDANDWELL MamaZen App – Become a happier and calmer mom through cognitive hypnotherapy, CBT, and mindfulness. Use code 9c Fertility & Beyond – Natural solutions for your fertility struggles I would never recommend anything I don’t regularly use myself or trust completely. Some of the links are affiliate links, and others are special discount codes. Either way, all of these are products and resources I genuinely love and recommend. Wild and Well is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from functional health for women and gut health to pregnancy and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for new moms, guidance on picky eating and parenting, and strategies to support your family’s natural kids’ health, so you can feel healthy, strong, and vital in motherhood.

It is our responsibility as parents to care for our children’s mental health just as we do their physical health. We nourish them with food, support healthy sleep, and make space for time outdoors in fresh air. Tending to our kids’ mental health matters just as much. This can be as simple as opening up conversation with them.  In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Reid, an entrepreneur, father, and founder of Tell My Story, an organization dedicated to transforming how families, schools, and communities talk about mental health. Jason shares the heartbreaking story that changed his life forever – the loss of his 14-year-old son – and how that experience led him to dedicate his life to helping parents better understand, recognize, and support their children’s mental health. Jason reminds us that mental health is not something to react to once there’s a crisis. It’s something we must actively take responsibility for, just like our kids’ physical health.   Jason and I chat about:  Why mental health struggles often go unseen, even in “happy” kids The difference between fixing vs listening, and why listening matters most How depression and anxiety can begin as early as ages 6–7 Why today’s kids carry far more emotional weight than previous generations Subtle signs that your child may be struggling emotionally How screens, global news, and social pressure impact young nervous systems Creating safe, non-threatening spaces for meaningful conversations Why kids often open up more in the car, on walks, or during shared activities The importance of family dinners and everyday connection How hobbies, passions, and purpose can support mental health at any age Why our own mental health and joy matter deeply as parents and role models   Jason Reid is the founder of TellMyStory.org and a leading advocate for youth mental health. After losing his 14-year-old son to suicide in 2018, Jason made it his mission to help parents have the conversations that can save lives. Through documentaries, school programs, talks, and resources, Tell My Story equips parents to take ownership of their children’s mental health with compassion and awareness. A serial entrepreneur and executive coach, Jason brings a practical, grounded approach to prevention rooted in lived experience. Above all, he is a husband and father of four, committed to turning personal loss into meaningful change. Episode Links: Say hi to Jason on Instagram or Facebook or LinkedIn Learn more about Tell My Story and check out his documentaries and resources     Come say hi to me on Instagram  Helpful Articles: Read my articles on wellness, motherhood, picky eating, and thriving as a mom. Books to Thrive in Motherhood: Dive into The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama, and Mama Let It Go to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom. Picky Eating Guide: Learn about common but lesser-known reasons kids are picky eaters and practical strategies to help children enjoy healthy foods.   Wild and Well is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from functional health for women and gut health to pregnancy and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for new moms, guidance on picky eating and parenting, and strategies to support your family’s natural kids’ health, so you can feel healthy, strong, and vital in motherhood.

Have you ever felt pressure to “bounce back” after having a baby?  When we become mothers, our identity, brain, values, priorities and bodies shift. Yet, there is immense societal pressure to be the same as we were before having children including looking like we never gave birth. This is what we cover in this episode.  I am joined by Dietitian Atheana Brown to talk about mom bod pressure and how to drop out of diet culture.  We dive deep into the concept of ‘mom bod pressure’ – the unrealistic societal expectations placed on mothers to “bounce back” after birth – and unpack how this pressure is rooted in broader systems of oppression, diet culture, and body shaming.  Atheana sheds light on how these harmful ideals manifest in everyday life, the impact they have on mothers’ mental and emotional wellbeing, and how we can begin dismantling these norms both personally and collectively. She explains how harmful body ideals show up in everyday life, how they affect mothers’ wellbeing, and what we can do – both individually and as a society – to start breaking them down. Atheana and I talk about:  What mom bod pressure  How bounce back culture shows up in our day-to-day lives as mothers  How body shame shows up for mothers in both subtle and overt ways The deep ties between body shame, patriarchy, and systemic injustice How to push back against diet culture and reconnect with body trust Raising body-confident children in a world obsessed with appearance Reclaiming the word “fat” and reframing it without stigma Practical tools for moms to resist harmful body narratives Why intuitive eating can be a revolutionary act of selfcare  Atheana Brown is a trauma-informed, fat-positive, and body-inclusive Registered Dietitian who practices through a Health at Every Size lens. As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor, she helps people of all ages heal their relationship with food and body. With over a decade of experience in primary and long-term care, Atheana is passionate about breaking the cycle of dieting and body shame through a compassionate, collaborative approach. Episode Links: Say hi to Atheana on Instagram  Learn more about Atheana and how to work with you on her at Peacefully Nourished  Listen to Diet Culture Dropout podcast  Books Atheana recommended:  Fearing the Black Body  The Body is Not an Apology  Come say hi to me on Instagram  Helpful Articles: Read my articles on wellness, motherhood, picky eating, and thriving as a mom. Books to Thrive in Motherhood: Dive into The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama, and Mama Let It Go to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom. Picky Eating Guide: Learn about common but lesser-known reasons kids are picky eaters and practical strategies to help children enjoy healthy foods.   Wild and Well is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from functional health for women and gut health to pregnancy and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for new moms, guidance on picky eating and parenting, and strategies to support your family’s natural kids’ health, so you can feel healthy, strong, and vital in motherhood.

Do you ever wonder if your money mindset is helping or holding you back?  Our financial health is a big part of our overall wellbeing. Yet many of us carry money beliefs and patterns passed down through generations, often without realizing it. If you want to break unhelpful cycles and model healthy money habits for your kids, this episode is for you. Here, I chat with Certified Financial Counsellor and money expert Jessica Moorhouse about how to let go of unhelpful money stories, reframe limiting beliefs, and build lasting financial confidence.  Jessica explains why awareness alone isn’t enough. Real change comes from continuous practice, self-reflection, and understanding how our environment and upbringing shape our relationship with money.   Jessica and I chat about:  Changing your money beliefs from limiting to helpful  The impact of our family and environment on our behaviour and money habits  Breaking intergenerational money patterns  Why we must learn about ourselves and our beliefs before we can expect to be good with money The very real barriers holding women back from being confident in their careers and finances  The positive impact of understanding your patterns and emotions around money on all areas of your life  How to become truly confident when it comes to finances  Raising kids with healthy money beliefs  Tips for those wanting to start a business or become an entrepreneur  Jessica Moorhouse is a Certified Financial Counsellor, award-winning money expert, and host of the chart-topping More Money Podcast (4+ million downloads). With over 13 years of experience as a personal finance educator, she’s been featured by CBC, CTV, BNN Bloomberg, Forbes, and USA Today. Her debut book, Everything but Money, became a national bestseller and Indigo Staff Pick. Episode Links: Connect with Jessica on Instagram or Facebook Learn more from Jessica at Jessica Moorhouse Listen to the More Money Podcast  Read Everything But Money      Come say hi to me on Instagram Books to Thrive in Motherhood: Dive into The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama, and Mama Let It Go to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom.   Picky Eating Guide: Learn about common but lesser-known reasons kids are picky eaters and practical strategies to help children enjoy healthy foods.  Resources I Am Loving Squat Seat – Comfortable seat to increase mobility and deep squat. Use code WILD5 for a discount. Green Goo – Natural plant powered first aid and skincare remedies. Get 10% off with code: DRHILARYCLAIRE Ananda Elixirs – Delicious functional mushroom wellness elixirs. Get 20% off The Brain Health Movement – Whole Child Healing Roadmap is a science-backed courses that decode the root causes of your child's struggles. Get £200 off with code WILDANDWELL BON CHARGE – Red light devices. Get 15% off with the code: WILDANDWELL   MamaZen App – Become a happier and calmer mom through cognitive hypnotherapy, CBT, and mindfulness. Use code 9c  Fertility & Beyond – Natural solutions for your fertility struggles I would never recommend anything I don’t regularly use myself or trust completely. Some of the links are affiliate links, and others are special discount codes. Either way, all of these are products and resources I genuinely love and recommend. Wild and Well is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from functional health for women and gut health to pregnancy and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for new moms, guidance on picky eating and parenting, and strategies to support your family’s natural kids’ health, so you can feel healthy, strong, and vital in motherhood.

We all want to create the healthiest homes and lives for our kids. Low tox living plays a big part in that, especially when it comes to selfcare products. Getting kids and teens to make low tox choices isn’t always easy, but thankfully, better options are becoming more available. In this episode, I sit down with Farzana Spiro, founder of Ellie’s Earth, to talk about helping our kids build healthy selfcare habits, body confidence, and boundaries, long before they hit the tween years.  Farzana shares her experience as a mom and entrepreneur, and how her mission to create a better deodorant for kids turned into a movement about empowerment, education, and modelling low tox living.   Farzana and I chat about:  How to start early conversations about hygiene, body odor, and selfcare before kids feel embarrassed or ashamed Why modelling the change works better than forcing it. Our kids learn through observation, not pressure How to make low tox living feel doable by taking it slow, swapping one product at a time, and involving kids in the process Teaching healthy boundaries and helping kids recognize when they’re drained, set limits kindly, and express their needs clearly Modelling boundaries as parents: being honest about needing space, turning off work calls during family time, and showing balance in real life. The emotional reality of entrepreneurship The bigger mission of Ellie’s Earth: shifting the conversation around body care and confidence from reactive to proactive Farzana Spiro is a sustainability advocate, innovation leader, and mother of three with over 20 years in financial services and product development. She founded Ellie’s Earth, a Canadian all-natural personal care brand for pre-teens and teens. Beyond products, Ellie’s Earth supports confidence-building and donates $1 from every sale to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. Farzana is passionate about helping kids feel confident through clean products and smart habits. Farzana has offered listeners 20% off purchases at Ellie’s Earth with the coupon code wildwell20.    Episode Links: Connect with Farzana at Ellie’s Earth on Instagram  and Facebook  Check out Ellie’s Earth and the discount code for 20% off use the wildwell20 Come say hi to me on Instagram    Books to Thrive in Motherhood: Dive into The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama, and Mama Let It Go to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom. Picky Eating Guide: Learn about common but lesser-known reasons kids are picky eaters and practical strategies to help children enjoy healthy foods. Resources I Am Loving Squat Seat – Comfortable seat to increase mobility and deep squat. Use code WILD5 for a discount. Ellie’s Earth Use code wildwell20 for 20% off for natural deodorant Green Goo – Natural plant powered first aid and skincare remedies. Get 10% off with code: DRHILARYCLAIRE  BON CHARGE – Red light devices. Get 15% off with the code: WILDANDWELL Miindfully Tate – The cutest mindful stuffie. Use code WILD+WELL15 for 15% off MamaZen App – Become a happier and calmer mom through cognitive hypnotherapy, CBT, and mindfulness. Use code 9c Fertility & Beyond – Natural solutions for your fertility struggles I would never recommend anything I don’t regularly use myself or trust completely. Some of the links are affiliate links, and others are special discount codes. Either way, all of these are products and resources I genuinely love and recommend. Wild and Well is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from functional health for women and gut health to pregnancy and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for new moms, guidance on picky eating and parenting, and strategies to support your family’s natural kids’ health, so you can feel healthy, strong, and vital in motherhood.