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

Kumiko Love — known as The Budget Mom — paid off nearly $80,000 in debt as a single mom and built a multi-million dollar community helping others do the same, but this conversation goes far deeper than budgets and spreadsheets. Kumiko gets honest about her own story and why she believes your finances are deeply personal — that knowing who you are and what you value is the real foundation of financial freedom. This one is equal parts money wisdom and self-discovery, and we're warning you now: have a tissue nearby.Follow Kumiko on Instagram: @thebudgetmomFollow 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

TW: contains content about miscarriagesThis episode features Dr. Liz Grill, a reproductive health expert who holds many, many titles: Director of Psychological Services at the Ronald O.Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Professor of Clinical Psychology at Weill Cornell Medicine, Assistant Attending Psychologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and the current Chair of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. In short, she knows her stuff. We picked her brain about what infertility actually feels like, why so many people suffer in silence, and how to support someone going through it. Follow Dr. Grill on Instagram: @dr.lizgrillFollow 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

Attention, women in your 30's and 40's: have you ever looked at your body in the mirror and thought, “What...is....happening?” If so, we'd like to cordially welcome to perimenopause. But don't worry - it's not the beginning of the end. Think of it as a recalibration, a years-long hormonal shuffle that can make your workouts feel weird and your sleep impossible (even without little kids to blame.)In this episode, Christina sits down with CrossFit champion, coach, and mom of four Michaela North — someone who has lived high-intensity sport, multiple babies, and now a totally different relationship with strength, protein, and recovery — to break down what’s actually happening (fr fr), and what you can do about it.Follow Michaela on Instagram: @hungryfitnessVisit their website: hungryfitness.coFollow 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

This episode is dedicated to all those who are (or will be!) raising girls. With all the pressure and societal expectations placed on our collective shoulders about what a girl "should" be and how a girl "should" behave, how do we move forward confidently in the direction we know to be right? How do we model self-confidence, self-love, independence, strength, and respect? We spoke with Dr. Cara Reeves, a clinical psychologist and executive member of Girlology - a fact-based, physician-designed health education resource for girls and their parents - about these questions and more.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

TW: Breast cancerWe're kicking off 2026 by talking about BOOBS! We chatted with Dr. Dana Bonaminio, a world-class radiologist, mom of 2, and breast cancer survivor, about all things breast-related. We cover basic breast health must-knows, what mammograms do & why they're so important, and factors that increase your risk of breast cancer.Plus, we may have coined the term "jiggle-ometer"...Follow Dr. Bonaminio on Instagram: @danabonaminioFollow 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.

TW: Pregnancy loss & infertilityWe sat down with Dr. Jessica Zucker—psychologist, author, and creator of the #IHadaMiscarriage movement—for a conversation about the silence surrounding pregnancy loss, infertility, and grief, among many other experiences that women share. We learned about how deeply conditioned that silence is, and the true cost of carrying these feelings alone.Jessica shares why speaking your truth matters, how story-sharing can be healing (without necessarily being performative), and what it can look like to finally break the silence.This episode gets a little heavy at times, and it's deeply human. Follow Dr. Zucker on Instagram: @ihadamiscarriageFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

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 chat with the co-hosts of The C-Section Experience podcast, Dr. Jen Wagner and Bethany Scott, and dig into what c-sections are really like, why they don't have to be as traumatic as people think, and how to mentally prepare for the experience. Follow The C-Section Experience on Instagram: @thecsectionexperienceFollow 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 for our second session with Dr. Sarah Oreck - reproductive psychiatrist, medical advisor for Natural Cycles fertility tracking app, and mom of three. We tackled the mystical "6-week check-up" for postpartum moms and why it can feel overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time. We discussed how to handle conversations about intimacy during the fourth trimester, and what Dr. Oreck would change about how our country supports moms. We get a little salty, we get a little riled up, and we lay out the facts. This conversation is equal parts validation (once again - no, you're not crazy) and action plan for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re carrying it all.Follow Dr. Sarah Oreck on Instagram: @sarahoreckmdFollow 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 Jessica Rolph, co-founder and CEO of Lovevery, to talk about one of her favorite topics: play. Jessica has spent years digging into the science of early learning, and we yapped about how the simplest moments—turning on lights, banging pots, dropping a ball down a tube—are actually building your child’s brain in big ways. She’s a passionate advocate for making play accessible, meaningful, and less overwhelming for parents (because who needs MORE on their plate?). We walk through all the different stages of development and how they translate to spending quality time with your kids that actually fosters connection and growth. Visit www.lovevery.com to learn more.Follow Lovevery on Instagram: @loveveryFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

Christina & Amy do a solo episode to discuss why they started What I Wish I Knew, their favorite moments from the season, and what to expect in season 2.Visit whatiwishiknew.life to learn more.Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben Scott

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

Egg freezing is no longer a whispered secret or a last-ditch backup plan—and Lauren Makler, co-founder and CEO of Cofertility, is leading the charge in changing that narrative. In this episode, Lauren shares her personal fertility journey, how her sister’s egg donation inspired Cofertility’s unique Split and Keep programs, and what every woman should know about their options. We talk about accessibility, ethics in egg donation, secondary infertility, and why planning your family isn’t just about getting pregnant.Visit cofertility.com to learn more.Follow Lauren & Cofertility on Instagram: @laurenmakler and @cofertilityFollow 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

We sat down with Human Design expert Erin Claire Jones to talk about how this personality-meets-energy system can actually make parenting easier.From understanding your own needs as a parent to better supporting your kids' unique personalities (yes, even the wildly independent, nap-fighting toddler), Erin shares practical ways to use human design in everyday life.Here's what we learned in this episode:* How knowing your design helps you parent YOUR way (not social media's way)* The surprising connection between energy types and burnout* Why your kiddo's design might explain their EPIC bedtime procrastination* Why words of affirmation hit different for some of usWhether you've never heard of Human Design (like Amy) or already deep in the charts (like Christina), this one will have you rethinking how you show up—for yourself AND your little ones.Follow Erin on Instagram: @erinclairejones and @humandesignblueprintPurchase her new book, "How Do You Choose?" at erinclairejones.com/bookFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_

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

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Oreck—reproductive psychiatrist, postpartum expert, and mom of three—to talk about what really happens to your brain, body, and mental health after giving birth. From the massive hormonal crash no one warns you about to the very real experience of postpartum rage, Dr. Oreck breaks it all down with empathy, expertise, and zero judgment.We cover:The difference between baby blues and postpartum depressionWhy the “bounce back” culture is setting moms up to failThe importance of asking for help—early and oftenIf you’ve ever felt like motherhood is an absolute cluster, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not doing it wrong.Follow Sarah - @sarahoreckmd on Instagram or https://www.sarahoreckmd.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

Postpartum recovery can feel overwhelming, confusing, and, let’s be honest, a little lonely. From navigating physical changes to learning how to care for a newborn, it’s a lot—and one area that often gets overlooked is pelvic floor health. That’s why we were so thrilled to have Jessica London, a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health (and mom herself!), join us on What I Wish I Knew. In this episode, Jessica shared her expertise and her personal journey to shed light on postpartum recovery, pelvic floor basics, and how to advocate for your own care. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation.To learn more about Jessica or to work with her, head to her website or follow her on Instagram.

Sleep and newborns—two words that don’t always go hand in hand. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, we sit down with Ashli Daley, a NICU nurse turned baby coach, who shares her journey from bedside nursing to supporting families through the chaos of early parenthood.Ashli’s approach is all about meeting parents where they are—no rigid schedules, no guilt, just practical, science-backed advice to help you navigate those exhausting early days. From understanding newborn sleep cycles to creating gentle routines that actually work, Ashli breaks it all down with warmth, wisdom, and a deep understanding of what new parents really need.If you’ve ever wondered, Is this normal?, Why won’t my baby sleep?, or Am I doing this right?—this episode is for you. Tune in for real talk, actionable tips, and the reassurance that you’re not alone in this wild, wonderful season of life.🎧 Listen now and take a deep breath—you got this.

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, we’re joined by Amita, Ayurvedic practitioner and registered nurse, to explore the intersection of Ayurveda, science, and modern parenting. Amita shares her journey of reconnecting with this 5,000-year-old practice and how it supports fertility, pregnancy, and parenting in today’s world.We dive into topics like:How balancing digestion (Agni) impacts hormonal health and fertility.Practical Ayurvedic tips for nourishing your body during pregnancy.The role of stress and mindfulness in creating harmony for both parents and children.Whether you’re trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy, or deep in the trenches of parenting, this episode is packed with actionable insights blending ancient wisdom with science-backed strategies. Tune in for a fresh perspective on how small changes can lead to big transformations in your family’s health. 🌿#WhatIWishIKnew #AyurvedaAndParenting #HolisticHealth

Parenthood is life-changing—messy, beautiful, and full of unexpected challenges. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, Amy sits down with Heather Mayone, a therapist and mom, to dive deep into the realities of parenting.Heather opens up about why disruption is inevitable, how parenting mirrors our own childhoods, and why we need to break the myth that parenting should come naturally.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the highs, lows, and messy in-betweens of parenthood.Heather is a licensed and board certified art therapist and psychotherapist. You can find more information about her practice and how to work with her at www.heathermayone.com.

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, Christina chats with Jennifer Hanway—holistic nutritionist, metabolic health expert, and all-around wellness powerhouse. Jennifer dives into the intricacies of hormonal health, breaking down topics like insulin and cortisol optimization, the truth about perimenopause, and why strength training and protein are non-negotiables for women. Her practical, no-nonsense advice empowers women to thrive at every stage of life, from postpartum to post-menopause. If you’ve ever wondered, what the heck is going on with my body?, this episode is for you!For more information about Jennifer, head to her website here or give her a follow on Instagram!

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, Amy and Christina sit down with Dr. Rebekah Diamond, a pediatrician, author, and mom, to discuss the real, often messy side of parenting. Dr. Diamond shares her journey from being a confident pediatric resident to facing the overwhelming realities of new motherhood. We talk about the need for balanced parenting advice that blends science with intuition, how to navigate the noise of social media, and why trusting yourself is key. Dr. Diamond also reveals what she wishes she’d known about safe sleep practices and breastfeeding, and how her experiences shaped her books, Parent Like a Pediatrician and her latest on toddler years, Eat Sleep Tantrum Repeat. Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned one, this episode is full of practical insights and heartfelt moments that remind us we’re all learning as we go. Tune in for a conversation that’s real, supportive, and empowering.If you want to keep the conversation going, give Dr. Diamond a follow on Instagram here and make sure to give us a follow as well! Catch you next time!