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

Many parents are paying closer attention to what goes into their food, but what about the products they use on their skin, in their homes, and around their children every day? In this episode, I am talking to low tox living educator and author Krissy Ballinger about reducing everyday chemical exposure, simplifying home and personal care products, and making practical low tox changes without striving for perfection. We also discuss simple DIY alternatives, how to approach low tox living without overwhelm, and the importance of focusing on the foundations of health. Krissy and I talk about: How to approach reducing chemical exposure without aiming for perfection Why starting with one simple swap can make low tox living more manageable Why fragrance is one of the first things to reduce Practical ways to improve indoor air quality at home Simple DIY products that can replace multiple household items How to simplify beauty and cleaning routines using fewer products Easy homemade cleaning solutions using ingredients like vinegar and castile soap The importance of reading labels and questioning product marketing claims Teaching children healthy habits through everyday actions and routines Krissy Ballinger is a former health and physical education teacher, author, and educator who helps families simplify low tox living. Through her books, website, recipes, and educational resources, she teaches practical ways to reduce unnecessary chemical exposure using simple, affordable alternatives. Her work focuses on empowering people to make informed choices about the products they use in their homes and on their bodies. Episode Links Connect with Krissy on Instagram Start making your own products with Krissy’s DIY recipes  Get a copy of Krissy’s books  Become a label detective Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Journal: Release Mama, Let Go of Overwhelm, Exhaustion and Depletion in Motherhood  Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation   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 Green Goo – Natural plant powered first aid and skincare remedies. Get 10% off with code: DRHILARYCLAIRE 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 Ellie’s Earth Use code wildwell20 for 20% off for natural deodorant 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 Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness. 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.

Many mothers find themselves reacting to their children in ways that feel bigger than the situation in front of them. These moments can be confusing, especially when your logical mind knows you want to respond differently but your body takes over. In this episode, I am talking to Kelsey Cicci, a registered social worker and psychotherapist, about how past experiences and trauma shape our nervous system, how these patterns show up in parenting, and how EMDR therapy can support healing and emotional regulation. Kelsey and I talk about: How past experiences shape beliefs, reactions, and parenting patterns in everyday life Why nervous system responses like fight, flight, freeze, and fawn can take over during stressful parenting moments How to recognise when you are reacting from an unhealed or younger part of yourself The difference between emotional triggers linked to trauma versus stress, burnout, or physiological factors like sleep and blood sugar What EMDR therapy is and how it helps the brain reprocess distressing memories The difference between traditional “counteractive” therapies and transformative approaches like EMDR Why you do not need to remember specific childhood events for EMDR to be effective How EMDR can shift long-held beliefs such as “I am not good enough” or “I am unsafe” What therapy can look like for parents working through complex trauma or ongoing stress How validating children’s emotions supports emotional regulation and long-term resilience The importance of helping children name feelings without confusing emotions with behaviour Why feeling safe enough to feel emotions is essential for both children and adults Kelsey Cicci is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist who believes that deep healing is entirely possible, no matter what you’ve been through. As a private practice owner specializing in trauma treatment with first responders and survivors of childhood trauma, Kelsey predominantly utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), a transformative tool that helps to alleviate the pain associated with overwhelming past experiences.  Episode Links Follow Kelsey on Instagram Visit Evolve Trauma Therapy  Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Journal: Release Mama, Let Go of Overwhelm, Exhaustion and Depletion in Motherhood  Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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  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 Miindfully Tate – The cutest mindful stuffie. Use code WILD+WELL15 for 15% off Ellie’s Earth Use code wildwell20 for 20% off for natural deodorant Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness.  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. 

Homeschooling is often less about curriculum and more about how children learn to think, engage, and grow through everyday life. In this conversation, we explore what it looks like to raise curious, capable children in a world that often prioritizes convenience over resilience.  In this episode of Wild and Well, I am talking to Jess Drover again, a homeschooler and mother who also runs a children’s book business. We discuss curiosity-led learning, emotional resilience, and how everyday family life becomes the foundation for education when children are given space to explore, participate, and contribute meaningfully. Listen to episode 67 of the podcast to hear more about homeschooling from Jess.  Jess and I talk about:  What homeschooling looks like when learning is integrated into everyday family life How curiosity-led learning replaces rigid curriculum in her homeschooling approach Why children benefit from discomfort, boredom, and doing difficult things How activities like walking, gardening, and chores build resilience and responsibility Why she believes children need space to struggle rather than be constantly accommodated How intrinsic motivation is strengthened through real-world participation Why she avoids over-structuring learning in favour of child-led curiosity How dopamine, screen exposure, and external stimulation impact motivation  How everyday experiences become opportunities for learning and growth Why capability and confidence matter more than comfort or convenience Jess Drover is a homeschooler and children’s book seller who focuses on curiosity-led learning and child development through everyday life. She integrates education into family routines, nature-based experiences, and real-world responsibilities. Jess is passionate about raising intrinsically motivated, resilient children who learn through participation, exploration, and connection. Books that Jess mentioned:  The Anxious Generation  Simplicity Parenting  Hunt Gather Parent     Links:  Connect with Jess over on Instagram Find out more about the books Jess sells at nocobooklady Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Journal: Release Mama, Let Go of Overwhelm, Exhaustion and Depletion in Motherhood  Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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 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 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   Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness. 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.

The weeks after birth can have a profound impact on a mother's physical recovery, mental health, relationship, and long-term wellbeing. Yet many women spend months preparing for birth and very little time preparing for what comes next.  In this episode, I am talking to Melissa Gallagher, co-founder and CEO of AlmaCare, about the realities of postpartum recovery and what mothers need to thrive during the fourth trimester. We discuss sleep deprivation, maternal mental health, recovery, partner communication, and the practical supports that can make a meaningful difference during this life-changing transition.  Melissa and I talk about:  The physical and emotional changes many mothers are unprepared for after birth What a protected fourth trimester can look like in practice The benefits of rest, nourishment, and recovery during the first weeks after birth Why sleep is one of the most important factors for maternal mental health How sleep deprivation can affect mood, resilience, and recovery Why mothers were never meant to navigate postpartum alone How cultural traditions have long prioritized recovery after birth The importance of having clear conversations with your partner before baby arrives Practical ways partners can support recovery and infant feeding goals The role of overnight support, lactation consultants, and in-home care How employers are beginning to support families during the fourth trimester What mothers can do if they are already in postpartum and struggling The three pillars Melissa believes every mother should focus on after birth: feeding baby, recovering physically, and protecting mental health Melissa Gallagher is the Co-Founder and CEO of Alma Care, Canada’s first holistic, in-home postnatal care platform. Alma Care supports families after birth through personalized care delivered by registered nurses, certified doulas, lactation consultants, and maternal health experts. With more than a decade of experience in health, wellness, and consumer brands, Melissa is also a mother who experienced the postpartum care gap firsthand. Inspired by her own journey, she founded Alma Care to help shift postpartum support from an afterthought to a foundation of maternal and family health, with a focus on recovery, prevention, and long-term wellbeing for mothers. 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.   Free Journal: Release Mama, Let Go of Overwhelm, Exhaustion and Depletion in Motherhood  Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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.    Follow Alma Care on Instagram  Find out how you can get support from Alma Care Reach out to Melissa on LinkedIn 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 Fertility & Beyond – Natural solutions for your fertility struggles   Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness. 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.

Social media is shaping how children learn, connect, and spend their time online. For many parents, keeping up with cyberbullying, harmful content, online predators, unrealistic beauty standards, and AI-generated content can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I am talking to Cara Des Granges, Director of Government Relations and Policy at Friends of Canadian Media. We discuss Canada's proposed Safe Social Media Act, what platform accountability could mean for families, the role parents play in online safety, and how we can create a safer digital environment for children and youth.  Cara and I talk about: Why online safety should not rest solely on parents' shoulders What Canada's proposed Safe Social Media Act aims to achieve How cyberbullying, harmful content, misinformation, and AI-generated content affect children Why social media platforms may need greater accountability for user safety How other countries, including Australia, are approaching social media restrictions for youth What platform accountability could look like in practice Why parents often feel overwhelmed trying to keep up with rapidly changing technology The challenges of understanding algorithms and the content being pushed to children What digital sovereignty means and why it matters for Canadian families Concerns around privacy, age verification, and freedom of expression Practical ways parents can start conversations about online experiences with their children How to support children who may be experiencing anxiety, bullying, or harmful online interactions Why creating safer digital spaces requires collaboration between families, governments, and technology companies Cara Des Granges is the Director of Government Relations and Policy at Friends of Canadian Media. She works to support public broadcasting, strengthen Canadian cultural policy, and advocate for greater accountability from digital platforms. Her work focuses on issues including media policy, democracy, online harms, and the protection of Canadian voices in the digital landscape.   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. Visit Friends of Canadian Media Check out Friends on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness.

Parenting burnout often feels like constant overwhelm, reactivity, and exhaustion that sleep alone does not fix. What if the issue is not just stress, but the state of your nervous system itself? In this episode, I am talking to Irin Rubin, CEO and co-founder of MamaZen, about how nervous system regulation shapes parenting, emotional wellbeing, and family dynamics. We discuss mindfulness, hypnotherapy, CBT, and how emotional regulation tools can support both parents and children. Irin and I chat about:  • Why nervous system regulation is foundational to managing parenting stress and burnout• How chronic stress states can affect emotional reactivity, patience, and daily functioning• Why parenting challenges shift with each developmental stage and cannot be solved with “scripts” alone• How emotional regulation impacts both parent behaviour and children’s responses• The importance of modelling calm behaviour for children to learn regulation skills• Why many parents experience burnout, anxiety, or depletion without recognising nervous system dysregulation• How mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and CBT are used together in the MamaZen approach• What hypnosis is and how it naturally occurs in everyday life (such as driving or falling asleep)• How guided sessions can help bring the brain into a calm, regulated state more quickly• Why practising regulation consistently helps retrain stress responses over time (neuroplasticity)• How co-regulation between parent and child can reduce escalation during emotional moments• Why emotional regulation skills are framed as lifelong tools that support both parents and children Irin Rubin is the CEO and co-founder of MamaZen, a digital platform designed to support parents with emotional regulation and nervous system tools. She works in the space of maternal mental health, burnout recovery, and stress management through guided mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and cognitive behavioural techniques.   Episode Links Follow MamaZen on InstagramGet the MamaZen App and use code 9c    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.  Free Journal: Release Mama, Let Go of Overwhelm, Exhaustion and Depletion in Motherhood  Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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 Fertility & Beyond – Natural solutions for your fertility struggles Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness. 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.

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything ‘right’ when it comes to your health, yet still struggling with fatigue, stubborn weight, or low energy? The answer may not be another diet or wellness trend. It may be understanding how your body is uniquely wired. In this episode of Wild and Well, I am talking to genetic nutritionist, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and founder of Juniper Nutrition, Alex Prentice, about nutrigenomics and how genetic testing can help uncover personalized insights related to weight loss, energy, stress, gut health, hormones, and histamine intolerance. We discuss how genetics interact with lifestyle factors and why a personalized approach to health can help women feel their best.   Alex and I talk about: • What nutrigenomics is and how genetic testing differs from blood work• How genetics influence nutrient absorption, metabolism, stress response, and inflammation• The role epigenetics plays in turning genetic tendencies up or down• Why two people can respond very differently to the same diet or wellness plan• How genetics and lifestyle both contribute to weight loss challenges• Common reasons women struggle to lose weight despite eating well and exercising regularly• Why prioritizing overall health often supports sustainable weight management• The connection between fatigue, stress, hormones, gut health, and hydration• The relationship between histamine intolerance, gut health, liver function, and nutrient status• Foods and lifestyle strategies that may help support histamine processing and liver health• Why genetic testing can provide valuable context for symptoms such as fatigue, inflammation, and digestive concerns Alex Prentice is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Board Certified Functional Nutritionist, genetic nutritionist, and founder of Juniper Nutrition. She specializes in nutrigenomics, using genetic testing alongside symptom analysis to create personalized nutrition and wellness plans. Alex works with clients experiencing challenges related to weight loss, fatigue, gut health, hormones, and overall health optimization.   Episode Links • Visit Juniper Nutrition• Follow Alex on Instagram• Email Alex at Juniper Nutrition• Learn more about nutrigenomics testing• Listen to more episodes of Wild and Well   Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Journal: Release Mama, Let Go of Overwhelm, Exhaustion and Depletion in Motherhood  Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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 BON CHARGE – Red light devices. Get 15% off with the code: WILDANDWELL Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness. 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.

Picky eating is often treated as a behaviour problem, but what if it is actually a sign that something deeper is going on?  In this episode, we explore the hidden factors that can influence how children eat, from gut health and nutrient deficiencies to nervous system regulation and sensory processing. I am talking to Lena Livinsky, an integrative paediatric speech language pathologist and holistic feeding specialist. Lena shares how her own experience parenting a child with severe picky eating changed the way she approaches feeding therapy and why she now views picky eating as a symptom, not a diagnosis.   Lena and I talk about: • Why picky eating is often connected to underlying health issues• How gut health and the gut-brain connection can affect cravings, appetite, and food preferences• The role blood sugar regulation plays in mood, energy, and sugar cravings• How nervous system dysregulation can impact mealtimes and feeding behaviours• Why stress at the table can make picky eating worse for both children and parents• How sensory sensitivities influence food texture preferences and eating habits• The connection between nutrient deficiencies and picky eating• Why zinc deficiency may contribute to sensory challenges and food aversions• Practical ways to support gut health and nervous system regulation at home• How outdoor time and sunlight may support the microbiome and overall wellbeing• The importance of oral motor skills and safe chewing when introducing new foods• Why connection and emotional safety matter at the table• How to set realistic and developmentally appropriate mealtime boundaries• The difference between selective eating and true picky eating• What it can look like to support children without pressure, shame, or force around food Lena Livinsky is an integrative paediatric speech language pathologist and holistic feeding specialist who supports families navigating picky eating and feeding challenges. With more than 14 years of experience, Lena combines feeding therapy with a whole-child approach that considers gut health, nervous system regulation, sensory processing, oral motor skills, and nutrition. She works with families through coaching, workshops, and education to help children feel safer, more connected, and more confident around food. Say to ho Lena on Instagram Learn from all the resources Lena has on her website Listen to the Livin’Sky Podcast    Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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. 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 WILDANDWELLBON CHARGE – Red light devices. Get 15% off with the code: WILDANDWELLFertility & Beyond – Natural solutions for your fertility struggles Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness. 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.  

Can your gums, hormones, and gut health really be connected, or are we treating the mouth too separately from the rest of the body? For many women, dental issues feel isolated, but this conversation challenges that assumption completely. In this episode, I am talking to biological dental hygienist, holistic health practitioner, and mentor Amber White about how oral health reflects and influences whole-body health. We explore minerals, hormones, gut health, nervous system regulation, and what biological dentistry actually looks like in practice.   Amber and I talk about: • Why biological dentistry focuses on the body as an interconnected system rather than isolated symptoms• Why chronic dental issues often persist despite conventional treatment• How minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc influence teeth, gums, and saliva health• Why saliva plays a key role in remineralisation and oral protection• How hair mineral testing can provide insight into overall health and healing capacity• The connection between thyroid health, hormones, and post-dental procedure healing• How estrogen and progesterone shifts can affect gum health, sensitivity, and recession• Why oral health is deeply connected to gut health through shared bacteria and digestion• How mouth breathing can impact oral pH, inflammation, and cavity risk• Simple daily habits that support oral microbiome balance, including tongue scraping and mineral support• Why nervous system regulation affects saliva production and oral health outcomes• The role of lymphatic drainage, detox pathways, and nutrition in healing and recovery Amber White is a biological dental hygienist, holistic health practitioner, and mentor. She specializes in supporting dental practices and clients through a whole-body, systems-based approach to oral health. Her work focuses on the connection between dental health, hormones, minerals, and overall wellness. She also supports clients preparing for or recovering from dental procedures, with an emphasis on optimising healing and foundational health.   Episode Links Follow Amber White on Instagram Learn more about Amber White’s work and resources Work with Amber   Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Journal: Release Mama, Let Go of Overwhelm, Exhaustion and Depletion in Motherhood  Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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 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    Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness. 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.

Could scoliosis be about more than a curve in the spine? Many parents are told to simply monitor scoliosis and wait for changes over time. In this episode of Wild and Well, I am talking to chiropractic neurologist Dr. Mark Morningstar about why he believes scoliosis should be viewed as a whole-body condition rather than solely a structural issue. Dr. Mark shares his perspective on the connections between spinal health, the nervous system, emotional regulation, posture, growth, bone density, hormones, and overall health. We also discuss early signs parents can watch for, the importance of movement during childhood, and why early intervention may create more opportunities for support. Dr. Mark and I talk about: Why scoliosis may be more than a structural issue of the spine How spinal movement supports brain function and nervous system health What a chiropractic neurologist does and how functional medicine can be applied to scoliosis care The role genetics may play in scoliosis development and progression Potential links between scoliosis, hormones, bone density, neurotransmitters and digestive health Why early intervention may offer more opportunities than a watch and wait approach Signs that may appear before visible spinal changes develop How mood, focus, emotional regulation and posture may be connected The impact of screen time, sedentary lifestyles and postural habits on children's development Why regular movement and physical activity remain important for children with scoliosis Considerations around bone density for adults living with scoliosis What parents can do to support their child's spinal health at home   Dr. Mark Morningstar is a chiropractic neurologist with postgraduate board certifications in functional neurology, clinical nutrition and spine medicine. He focuses exclusively on scoliosis care and combines functional medicine, neurological assessment and spinal rehabilitation in his practice. He also educates healthcare practitioners on scoliosis assessment and management through his consulting and training programs. Episode Links Visit Scoliosis Practice Learn more at Back Genius Subscribe to Scoliosis World on YouTube   Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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.  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 Fertility & Beyond – Natural solutions for your fertility struggles   Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness. 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.

How clean is your drinking water really? From chlorine and PFAS to microplastics and heavy metals, understanding what may be in your water is an important part of supporting your family's health. In this episode, I am talking to water treatment specialist Cydian Kaufman about common water contaminants, water filtration systems, well water testing, reverse osmosis, fluoride, microplastics, and practical steps families can take to make informed decisions about their drinking water.   Cydian and I talk about: The difference between legal drinking water and healthy drinking water Common contaminants that may be found in tap water What PFAS and forever chemicals are and why they are receiving increased attention How reverse osmosis works and what it can remove from drinking water Whether fluoride should be removed from drinking water Why microplastics are becoming a growing concern The hidden downsides of bottled water How pesticides and chemical runoff can affect well water Why well water should be comprehensively tested rather than assumed to be safe What to look for when choosing a water filtration system Why testing your water is more important than guessing Practical steps families can take to improve the quality of their drinking water   Cydian Kaufman is a water treatment specialist and owner of Pure Water Northwest. He works with homeowners to identify contaminants in their water and develop customized water treatment solutions based on comprehensive water testing. Cydian is passionate about helping people better understand water quality and make informed decisions about the water they drink every day. Episode Links Visit Pure Water NorthWest Follow Pure Water NorthWest on Facebook   Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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.  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 Fertility & Beyond – Natural solutions for your fertility struggles   Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness.   I would never recommend anything I don’t ruse 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.

Parenting can feel overwhelming when you are trying to support your child’s behaviour, emotional development, and mental health while also managing your own stress and anxiety. This episode breaks down practical parenting strategies that help children build emotional intelligence, resilience, and confidence without relying on punishment or shame. I am talking to pediatrician and child behaviour expert Dr Kristen Cook about effective discipline, strength-based parenting, anxiety in children, picky eating, emotional regulation, and why understanding your child’s temperament changes the way you parent. We also talk about mom guilt, selfcare, communication, and how to create stronger family connection through everyday habits.   Dr Kristen and I talk about: Why punishment often does not change behaviour long term How to teach children empathy and emotional awareness  Age-appropriate ways to support emotional intelligence Why consistency matters more than perfection in parenting Strength-based parenting and meeting your child where they are Helping anxious children regulate their nervous systems A simple five-finger breathing exercise for kids and parents Why work-life balance is unrealistic for many mothers Practical ways to support picky eaters without pressure or shame How comparison affects mothers and parenting confidence Strategies to manage mom guilt and anxious self-talk Dr Kristen Cook is a pediatrician, child behaviour expert, author, and podcast host with more than 15 years of experience supporting children and families. She helps parents better understand child development, temperament, emotional health, and effective discipline strategies. Dr Kristen is also the author of Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child’s Behaviour to Help Them Thrive. Episode Links Follow Dr Kristen Cook on Instagram • Listen to the Mom Doc Talk podcast• Learn more about Dr Kristen Cook• Purchase Parenting Redefined Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Journal: Release Mama, Let Go of Overwhelm, Exhaustion and Depletion in Motherhood  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 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   Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness. 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.

Mouth breathing, soft diets, poor sleep, picky eating, and crowded teeth are often treated as separate issues. But many of them are connected through oral function and airway development in early childhood. In this episode, I am talking to registered dental practitioner, oral health therapist, orofacial myofunctional therapist, and founder of The Face Place, Mel Van Schelven, about toddler oral function and why it matters far beyond teeth. We discuss mouth breathing, sleep quality, chewing, facial growth, picky eating, convenience feeding products, and the practical ways parents can support healthy oral development at home.   Mel and I talk about: Why the toddler years are a critical window for jaw and airway development How modern diets and ultra processed foods reduce chewing and impact oral development Why chewing is essential for jaw strength, tongue posture, swallowing, and airway health How pouches, smoothie bottles, sippy cups, and soft foods can prolong immature oral patterns The connection between mouth breathing, nervous system regulation, sleep quality, and behaviour Common signs of mouth breathing, including restless sleep, snoring, drooling, dark circles, and open mouth posture Why picky eating and soft food preferences are often linked to oral function challenges Simple ways parents can support oral development through food choices, chewing opportunities, and daily habits How oral function assessments can help identify challenges before they become bigger issues Mel Van Schelven is a registered dental practitioner, oral health therapist, orofacial myofunctional therapist, and founder of The Face Place. She supports families in understanding how oral function, breathing, sleep, and airway health influence childhood development. Mel works with parents to identify early signs of dysfunction and provide practical strategies that support healthier oral and facial development in children. Episode Links: Say hi to Mel on Instagram  Watch Mel’s masterclass Foundations for Growing Faces  Grab one of Mel’s free guides  Listen to The Face Place Podcast  Work with Mel virtually    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 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 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 with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness.

Early communication and oral development play a critical role in a child’s ability to learn, connect, and thrive. When challenges are identified early, families can better support speech, feeding, and overall development in ways that reduce stress and improve long-term outcomes. In this episode, I am talking to pediatric speech pathologist Rita Shamoun about how children develop communication skills, what early red flags parents should look for, and how feeding and oral habits impact speech, sleep, and behaviour. We also discuss early intervention, attachment, and how everyday parenting choices shape long-term development.   Rita and I chat about: How speech and language development actually differ and why both matter for communication• The role of early intervention and why supporting development before age three is critical• How feeding practices like baby-led weaning and cup drinking support oral strength and speech development• Why pouches, soft foods, and convenience feeding tools may impact jaw and swallowing development• The connection between oral development, sleep quality, attention, and behavioural regulation• How tongue ties, jaw development, and airway health can influence feeding and speech outcomes• Why play-based learning is essential for communication development and brain growth• How parents can support children who are older and may have missed early intervention windows• The importance of attachment, connection, and reducing pressure in supporting communication development Rita Shamoun is a paediatric speech pathologist who specializes in early intervention and communication development for children under seven. She supports families with language, speech, feeding, and developmental concerns in clinical practice. She is also the host of the podcast Wine with Rita, where she shares lived experiences from families raising children with additional needs and explores the emotional and practical realities of parenting.   Episode Links: Follow Rita Shamoun on Instagram Follow Wine with Wita on Instagram Listen to Wine with Rita Visit RS Speech Pathology   Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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 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 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 with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness.

Functional mushrooms are gaining attention for their potential to support energy, focus, immunity and overall wellbeing, but beyond the science, they are also shaping how people think about health, mindset and daily habits. In this episode, I am talking to entrepreneur, author and co-founder of Ananda Elixirs, Sammi Dreiling. We explore her personal journey with burnout, postpartum fatigue and rebuilding her life through wellness, mindset work and functional mushrooms. We also dive into entrepreneurship, self-love, and how she built a wellness brand rooted in lived experience.   Sammi and I chat about:  • HowThe shift from burnout and exhaustion to discovering functional mushrooms• How lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps and turkey tail may support energy, focus and immunity• The real-life story behind creating Ananda Elixirs and “Shroom Soda”• The connection between mindset, self-worth and creating meaningful success• How self-love practices like mirror work can shift emotional wellbeing• The role of gratitude in regulating mood and improving family dynamics• How functional mushrooms affect people differently and why consistency matters more than instant results• Teaching children emotional regulation through gratitude and affirmations• Why believing in yourself is often the first step to changing your life   Sammi Dreiling is an entrepreneur, author and co-founder of Ananda Elixirs. She has guided her work through personal experience with burnout, postpartum recovery and mindset transformation, eventually building a wellness brand centred on functional mushrooms. She has worked closely with attachment and relationship experts and translates wellness and personal development principles into practical tools for everyday life. Sammi also supports parents and individuals in building self-awareness, emotional regulation and healthier daily habits. Episode Links  Follow Sammi on InstagramFollow Ananda Elixirs on InstagramTry Ananda Elixirs and get 20% off Read Samantha’s book Awaken Your Inner Goddess Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Journal: Release Mama, Let Go of Overwhelm, Exhaustion and Depletion in Motherhood  Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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. 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 with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness.  

Parenting doesn’t need to swing between being overly strict and overly permissive. When you understand what’s driving your child’s behaviour, everything becomes clearer, calmer, and more manageable. I am talking to psychotherapist and parenting coach Todd Sarner about transformative parenting and how to raise resilient, emotionally secure children. We cover attachment, boundaries, emotional regulation, and how small shifts in your approach can reduce daily struggles and create more connection at home. Todd and I talk about: • Why behaviour is often a symptom of unmet emotional needs, not defiance• How to move away from reactive parenting and become more proactive• What “attachment-first parenting” actually looks like in everyday life• How to set firm, calm boundaries without yelling or being harsh• What to do when your child is pushing limits, melting down, or acting out• Why emotional outbursts are a sign your child needs support, not control• How to support your child through big emotions without escalating the situation• Practical strategies to help your child build resilience and emotional regulation• Simple self-care tools to help you stay calm and respond instead of react Todd Sarner is a licensed psychotherapist, a parenting coach and the director of Transformative Parenting. Mentored by Dr. Gordon Neufeld and trained by leading relationship experts Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Stan Tatkin, Todd helps parents strengthen connection, improve emotional regulation, and address behaviour challenges using practical, attachment-based strategies. His signature Transformative Parenting Process Intensive (TPPI) has become a lifeline for thoughtful parents who’ve “tried everything” but still find themselves stuck in daily battles. Todd is the author of The Calm & Connected Parent: An Attachment-First Guide to Raising Resilient Kids in the Age of Screens and AI. Episode Links Follow Todd on Instagram Learn more about Todd’s work and book at Transformative Parenting 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 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 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 with Dr Hilary Claire 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.  

Mental health isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about understanding the root cause, building resilience, and supporting the whole person so you can actually move forward in life. I am talking to integrative psychiatrist and brain health expert Dr Hector Rodriguez about his holistic approach to mental wellness.   We cover how to regulate your nervous system, build resilience through everyday habits, and why addressing the root cause of stress, trauma, and burnout is key to long-term healing. Dr Hector and I talk about: How to move beyond diagnoses and understand what you are actually struggling with at the root level Why building resilience matters more than avoiding discomfort in motherhood and life How your nervous system responds to stress and how to regulate it daily Practical ways to reduce inflammation through nutrition to support mental clarity and energy Why slowing down improves focus, decision-making, and emotional regulation How to use small daily habits to create long-term change in your mental health The connection between hormones, energy, and mood and why this matters for busy moms How to shift from feeling stuck in stress or burnout to taking ownership of your healing Why connection and community are essential for true emotional healing How to approach discipline in a realistic way that actually works in a busy life Dr Hector Rodriguez is an integrative psychiatrist and brain health expert who focuses on a holistic approach to mental wellness. He works with individuals experiencing chronic stress, life transitions, and burnout by addressing root causes and supporting the nervous system, hormones, and overall health. His approach combines medical treatment with lifestyle, nutrition, and mindset strategies to help patients build long-term resilience.  Episode Links Follow Dr Hector on Instagram or LinkedIn Find out more about Dr Hector Check out The White Butterfly Clinic  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. Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire 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.  

Picky eating, big emotions, and constant mealtime battles can leave even the most patient moms feeling overwhelmed. When nothing seems to work, it’s easy to assume it’s behavioural, but often there’s something deeper going on. I am talking to paediatric occupational therapist and parent coach Effie Pomaki about how sensory processing and nervous system regulation impact how kids eat, behave, and respond to daily routines. We cover practical, realistic strategies to reduce mealtime stress, support emotional regulation, and help your child feel more comfortable in their body. Effie and I talk about: How sensory processing affects your child’s ability to eat, focus, and regulate emotions Why picky eating is often linked to texture, smell, and visual sensitivities How to identify patterns in your child’s preferred foods to expand variety How to introduce sensory play in a low-pressure, child-led way Why food play outside of mealtimes reduces anxiety and increases exposure How to support kids who feel anxious about trying new foods How to use play and silliness to reduce power struggles and increase cooperation Why connection and safety are essential for learning and behaviour Effie Pomaki is a paediatric occupational therapist and parent coach specializing in sensory processing, emotional regulation, and child development. She helps parents understand their child’s behaviour through a nervous system lens and provides practical strategies to support daily routines. Effie works with families one-on-one and shares tools and resources to help children feel more regulated, confident, and capable. Episode Links Follow Effie on Instagram at Uplifted Parenting Grab Effie’s Sensory Decoder Kit 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. Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire 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.

Picky eating is one of the most common and frustrating challenges for parents. It can turn meals into daily stress, leaving many of us feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and unsure what to do next. In this episode, I am talking to herbalists Sabrina Cooper and Dabney Vaccaro about the root causes of picky eating and how to shift mealtimes from chaos to connection. The roles have been reversed and they are interviewing me! This is originally from their podcast The Lifestyle Herbalists Podcast. We cover practical strategies, nervous system regulation, gut health, and how your behaviour directly shapes your child’s relationship with food.   We chat about:    • Simple ways to make mealtimes calmer, safer, and more connected• Why making separate meals reinforces picky eating long term• How to use repeated exposure to help children accept new foods• How to reduce mealtime pressure so kids are more open to eating• How a parent’s nervous system directly affects her child’s eating behaviour• Why modelling healthy eating matters more than what you say• How small portions of disliked foods can build confidence and identity• The connection between gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and picky eating• Why zinc deficiency and microbiome imbalance can drive food refusal• How boundaries around food actually reduce anxiety in children• What to pack for school lunches so your child actually eats• Why giving kids ownership over food choices improves outcomes• How to transition away from ultra-processed foods without resistance• The long-term impact of ignoring underlying causes of picky eating Listen to The Lifestyle Herbalists Podcast   Say hi to Sabrina on Instagram   Say hi to Dabney on Instagram     Come say hi to me on Instagram Picky Eating Guide: Learn about common but lesser-known reasons kids are picky eaters and practical strategies to help children enjoy healthy foods. 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.  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: DRHILARYCLAIREn 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 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 with Dr Hilary Claire 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.

Gut health is at the centre of so many health concerns, yet most women are still told to “eat more fibre” and move on. When symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and inflammation persist, it’s often a sign there’s more going on. I am talking to holistic nutritionist Nicole Inwentash about her personal journey with ulcerative colitis, the role of food sensitivities, and her experience with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We also cover simple ways to support gut health, reduce overwhelm in the kitchen, and make realistic nutrition changes that actually stick.   Nicole and I talk about: How early digestive symptoms like bloating and low energy can signal deeper gut issues• Why food sensitivities like gluten and dairy can significantly impact inflammation• What fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is and how it works in real life• Nicole’s experience healing ulcerative colitis through FMT after conventional treatments failed• Why chronic stress and antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome• How to recognize when bloating is not normal and what to look for instead• Simple daily habits that support gut health including hydration, sleep, and movement• How to reduce processed foods without overhauling your entire lifestyle• Easy, realistic ways to make healthier swaps when cooking and baking at home• How to simplify meals by focusing on protein to reduce overwhelm for busy moms• Practical tips for feeding picky eaters while increasing nutrient density• How to make cooking feel easier and more enjoyable with simple recipes and batch prep Nicole Inwentash is a Toronto-based holistic nutritionist with over a decade of experience working with clients on digestion, weight loss, and overall health. She works in both clinical and private practice settings and is also a recipe creator focused on simple, gluten-free and dairy-free meals. Nicole shares practical nutrition strategies to help people feel better without overwhelm.   Episode Links Follow Nicole on InstagramLearn more about Nicole and try her delicious recipes at Nutritiously Nicole    Come say hi to me on Instagram   Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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.  Ananda Elixirs – Delicious functional mushroom wellness elixirs. Get 20% off  BON CHARGE – Red light devices. Get 15% off with the code: WILDANDWELL 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 with Dr Hilary Claire 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.

Play is often overlooked in parenting, yet it can be one of the most effective ways to reduce power struggles, improve behaviour, and build a strong connection with your child. When you understand how children communicate, parenting becomes less exhausting and more cooperative. In this episode, I am talking to Dr Kim Van Dusen, licensed family therapist, registered play therapist, and author of Parenting Through Play. We discuss why play is essential, how to use it in everyday moments, and simple ways to make parenting feel easier, even when you are tired or overwhelmed.   Dr Kim and I talk about: • how play acts as your child’s primary language and improves connection• why children resist when we communicate only through adult logic• how to use short, simple play moments to reduce daily power struggles• why moms resist play even when they know it works• how play supports emotional regulation for both you and your child• how to handle picky eating using playful, low-effort strategies• why saying yes more often can improve behaviour and reduce conflict• how to balance boundaries with connection without becoming permissive• how playful parenting supports better transitions like bedtime and getting out the door• how to support your child’s development using evidence-based techniques at home Dr Kim Van Dusen is a mom of two, a licensed marriage and family therapist and a registered play therapist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience. She works with children and families, specializing in play-based approaches to improve behaviour, communication, and connection. She is also the founder of The Parentologist and author of Parenting Through Play: Creative Strategies for Building Better Behavior, Deeper Connection, and Positive Communication.  Episode Links Follow Dr Kim on Instagram  Read her book Parenting Through Play  Check out The Parentologist website Listen to The Parentologist Podcast Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  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.  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 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 with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness.

Many people focus on strength and fitness while overlooking a foundational piece of long-term health: mobility. Over time, limited movement patterns and prolonged sitting can reduce joint function, increase discomfort, and impact how the body performs in everyday life. In this episode, I am talking to movement specialist and co-founder of Squat Seat and creator of The Movement Journey, John Lindsey, about what mobility actually means, why it matters, and how to build it into daily life in a realistic way. We explore the difference between flexibility and mobility, the impact of modern sitting culture, and simple strategies to improve movement capacity over time. John and I chat about:  • The difference between mobility and flexibility and why it matters for daily function• Why prolonged sitting can reduce joint range of motion and control• How limited movement patterns over time contribute to stiffness and discomfort• Practical ways to integrate mobility into a busy routine without overwhelm• Simple daily mobility drills that build joint strength and control• How to introduce more floor-based sitting and alternative resting positions at home• The role of consistency and proper execution in mobility training• How small daily “movement snacks” can support long-term joint health• How to approach mobility as a lifestyle habit rather than a short-term fix• How tools like the Squat Seat can support more natural sitting positions John Lindsey is a movement specialist and co-founder of Squat Seat, as well as the creator of The Movement Journey. With a background in personal training and a Master’s degree in sports medicine, he focuses on helping people improve mobility, build joint capacity, and move more effectively in daily life. Through his app, content, and educational resources, he teaches practical strategies for integrating movement into everyday routines.   Episode Links Follow Squat Seat on Instagram  Say hi to John at The Movement Journey on Instagram Start using a Squat Seat and use the code WILD5 for 5% off   Workout alongside John at The Movement Journey YouTube Channel 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. Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women 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 while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness.