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

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.