"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent

Latest Episodes:

#125: Improving Birth Outcomes for Black Moms and Babies with Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess Mar 19, 2019

Show notes

On today's episode, Steph interviews Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess about improving birth outcomes for Black moms and babies. In the United States today, Black women are four times more likely to die from childbirth than white mothers, and Black mothers experience twice the rate of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. As clinically trained social worker, Alex works to improve the Black maternal health crisis by empowering Black women through education and advocacy on pregnancy and postpartum health. She provides holistic pregnancy and postpartum support for Black mothers, ensuring that Black mothers understand their birthing options and feel empowered to make healthy lifestyle choices. Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook.

Topics Discussed:

Alexandra's personal and professional connection to the topic
Black maternal health crisis: What is it?
What studies show are the reasons for Black birth disparities
How to choose and work with providers
What to do if you experience discrimination
The need for more Black-centered care
Resources to help empower Black mothers

Show Notes

Spirited by Truth, Alex's private practice
Follow Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess on Instagram
Resources for Black mothers shared by Alex:
- California Department of Public Health
- The Leap Frog Group - provides mortality rating for hospitals
- Blackdoulas.org
- #inlandempiredoula on IG
- The Association for Wholistic Maternal and Newborn Health (AWMNH)
- Black Women Birthing Justice
- Sister Song
- Black Mamas Matter Alliance
- California Department of Health–Black Infant Health
- Therapy for Black Girls
Postpartum Support International–Get Help
Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate!
Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 16 years of mental health experience. Alexandra is passionate about creating solutions to empower black women when it comes to better health care and birth outcomes. Alexandra is the founder of Spirited by Truth, a private practice located in Ontario, CA, and she specializes in perinatal mental health. Alexandra creates a safe space in her practice for black women to focus on their healing. Spirited by Truth came to fruition due to the overwhelming need to provide holistic pregnancy and postpartum mental health services catered to the needs of black women. Alexandra is passionate about prenatal and postpartum education and providing culturally responsive treatment for black women seeking mental health services. Alexandra is the Postpartum Support International Coordinator for San Bernardino County and is a Black Maternal Mental Health Advocate. At Spirited by Truth, she provides education, a sense of community, and support for expecting black mothers to assist in the fight toward healthier birth outcomes for black women and infants.

Please remember that the views on this podcast and website are not meant to be substituted for medical advice, shouldn't be used to diagnose, treat or cure any conditions, and are intended for general information purposes only.

#124: Podcast Recap–Lead Education, Treatment, and Prevention with Dr. Kulveen Virdee Mar 12, 2019

Show notes

Steph and Dr. Elana recap the interview on lead education, prevention, and treatment with Dr. Virdee. They share their personal experiences with lead testing, discuss risk factors and treatment, share nutritional considerations and natural approaches, and highlight the importance of using a team approach to address this concern.

Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook.

Topics Discussed:

Steph and Dr. Elana's personal experience with lead testing
Pros/cons of lead test strips
Testing and treating adults
Nutritional considerations for lead exposure
Using homeopathy for lead exposure
The importance of using a team approach
Encouragement and support for you if you find yourself in this situation

Show Notes:

Thrive Market: 25% off your first order and a free one-month membership
Dr. Virdee's website
CDC Info on Lead Toxicity and state programs
Trouble in Toyland
Lead Home Test Kit
Nutritional Considerations
The HMHB Weekly Email Series
Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate!
Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

The Whole Mamas podcast is led by Stephanie Greunke, a registered dietitian, and Dr. Elana Roumell, a naturopathic doctor, both trained in functional medicine and passionate about pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatrics. They invite experts on the show, answer burning questions, highlight key points, and make sure you feel empowered to take action. Find Whole Mamas and the Whole Mamas hosts on Instagram @wholemamasclub, @stephgreunke, @drelanaroumell, and at www.wholemamasclub.com.

#123: Lead Education, Prevention and Treatment with Dr. Kulveen Virdee Mar 05, 2019

Show notes

Dr. Elana interviews Dr. Virdee on a very important topic that many parents may not be aware of– lead exposure in children. Most pediatricians test lead levels in the blood between 12-24 months, while some pediatricians don't routinely offer this test. This episode aims to support you in knowing what to do if your child's lead levels come back elevated! This interview is packed full of educational insights, prevention strategies and treatment options if you are in this situation.

Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook.

Topics Discussed:

How lead can affect your child's development
Where lead is found in our environment
What common items may be contaminated with lead
Different ways to easily test for lead exposure
How to get your child's blood lead levels tested
Treatment options to help lower elevated lead levels
Resources available to help you understand more

Show Notes:

Dr. Virdee's website
CDC Info on Lead Toxicity and state programs
Trouble in Toyland - Updated list of toy recalls
Lead Home Test Kit
The HMHB Weekly Email Series
Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate!
Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

Dr. Virdee practices naturopathic medicine in Easton, Maryland. She graduated with high honors from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM), where she also completed her general medicine residency. She is often described as the missing link in her patients healthcare and focuses on empowering her patients to improve their health by educating them about their bodies and evidence based natural solutions. She has been published for her fieldwork in the fields of transplant medicine, asthma and allergy support, natural blood pressure management, and hormone balancing. When she's not practicing medicine, you'll find her enjoying the great outdoors, playing the drums and spending time with her family. To learn more or contact visit www.drkvirdee.com.

#122: Meal Prep with Steph Greunke, RD Feb 26, 2019

Show notes

On today's episode, Steph walks you through how she meal preps. Her approach is different than Dr. Elana's in that she meal preps throughout the week depending on her schedule, instead of having a dedicated meal prep day.

Similar to episode #120 with Dr. Elana, Steph shares her three tips for before, during, and after meal prep to help you be consistent week after week. She answers commonly asked questions and highlights key takeaways to help you start meal prepping or to level up, if you're already in the practice.

Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook.

Topics Discussed:

What to do if you start dreading meal prep
How to navigate meal prep during different seasons of motherhood
A "three-day" approach to meal prep
Transitioning from recipes to simple meals
Ways to keep things fresh and fun while keeping things simple

Show Notes

The HMHB Weekly Email Series
Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate!
Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

Stephanie Greunke, MS, RDN, PMH-C, CPT, is a registered dietitian, pre & postnatal corrective exercise specialist, maternal mental health expert, military wife, and mama of two boys. Currently residing in San Diego, Stephanie helps mamas navigate the entire journey to motherhood.

After experiencing postpartum anxiety, Stephanie is passionate about maternal/paternal mental health, helping families set themselves up for success before baby comes and navigating the transition to parenthood. She's the program director for Whole30's Whole Mamas Club and is committed to building a community of moms who encourage each other and share their own experiences so moms know they're not alone and have resources to feel empowered.

To learn more about her, follow her on Instagram where she shares postpartum mindset tips, information on nutrition for mental health, and her simple #ingredientmeal strategy for healthy eating.

#121: Goat Milk Formula with Dr. Annie Salsberg, ND Feb 19, 2019

Show notes

On today's episode, Steph interviews Dr. Annie Salsberg, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in pediatric nutrition. There are a lot of different ways to feed your baby and there is no one perfect formula for all babies. On this episode, we'll decode the ingredients label on your baby formula (protein, carbohydrate and fat sources, micronutrients and any other 'optional extras') and answer your questions about goat milk formula.

Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook.

Topics Discussed:

Reasons why parents are choosing goat milk formula
The safety of goat milk formula
Why infant goat milk formula isn't sold in the US
How Kabrita's formula is inspired by breastmilk
What to look for on your formula label

Show Notes

Kabrita's website
Blog: Understanding the Fat in Breastmilk
Follow Kabrita on Instagram
The HMHB Weekly Email Series
Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate!
Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

Dr. Annie Salsberg, ND, is the Director of Content and Medical Marketing at Kabrita USA. Annie has a passion for working with value-based companies. She combines over fifteen years of medical experience with a decade of working in the field of education & training, along with eight years in the Organic/Natural consumer packaged goods industry.

Prior to joining Kabrita USA, she was part time faculty at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and held research positions at several hospitals in Toronto. Annie has been published in print and online publications, and has been featured on radio and television programs as an expert on child nutrition. Please remember that the views on this podcast and website are not meant to be substituted for medical advice, shouldn't be used to diagnose, treat or cure any conditions, and are intended for general information purposes only.

#120: Meal Prep Tips with Dr. Elana Roumell Feb 12, 2019

Show notes

On today's episode, Dr. Elana takes you through how she meal preps. She shares three tips for before, during, and after meal prep to help you be consistent week after week. She answers commonly asked questions and highlights key takeaways to help you start meal prepping or to level up, if you're already in the practice.

Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook.

Topics Discussed:

How to efficiently grocery shop
How to schedule time for meal prep with kids involved
Strategies for cooking ahead of time
Dr. Elana's favorite cookware and recipes
How to store, reheat and give life to your leftovers
How to make this workable in your life

Show Notes

From February 14-16, 2019, use code EBOOKLOVE for 50% off Dr. Elana's Nourish Kids Ebook.
Check out #mealprepmamas on IG for a sneak peak into every week of Dr. Elana's "Meal Prep Mondays"
The HMHB Weekly Email Series
Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate!
Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

Dr. Elana Roumell is a Naturopathic Doctor with a passion for pediatrics. She founded Nourish Medical Center in San Diego, CA in 2014 where she currently practices alongside a team of other Naturopathic and Medical Doctors, providing holistic care to the whole family.

If she weren't a doctor she would have become a teacher, which is why she joined Stephanie on Whole Mamas Podcast because she gets to do just that – EDUCATE! The weekly episodes give her the opportunity to share her knowledge, stay up to date with new health topics, and interview experts in the health field. Her intention is to empower parents with knowledge so they are well informed to make the best decisions for the health of their children.

With a love for teaching, she created the Nourish Kids Guidebook and Medicine Kit which gives parents step-by-step instructions on how to use natural medicines for the most common pediatric ailments. She loves to teach parents how to care for their children at home and equip them with the most effective, tried and true natural remedies available. For more information, visit www.NourishMyKids.com

To learn more about her, follow her on Instagram @DrElanaRoumell where she shares her journey as a mother and doctor, from her kitchen to her medical office!

#119: Probiotic Supplements for Mom and Baby with Dr. Leah Linder Feb 05, 2019

Show notes

On today's episode, Dr. Elana interviews probiotic expert, Dr. Leah Linder. Dr. Linder is the science and education manager for Klaire Labs, one of the leading probiotic manufacturers in the world. This episode covers common questions about probiotic types and usage. We discuss how to evaluate the quality of a probiotic and how to choose the best one for various ages and health concerns for mama and baby.

Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook.

Topics Discussed:

What to look for in a high quality probiotic
The best time to take probiotics
How to choose probiotics for our infants and children
Which probiotics to take while on antibiotics
New probiotic to prevent and treat mastitis
The link between probiotics and allergies/immune support
Difference between spore based probiotics and prebiotics
Probiotics to support depression and anxiety

Show Notes:

Klaire Labs products mentioned in today's episode
- Target B2, to support nursing mamas
- Ther-Biotic Infant Powder, to support infants
- Abx Support, to support those taking antibiotics
- Target GBX, to support mood
- Biospora, to support yeast and bacterial overgrowth
- Biotagen, to support bowel and immune function
Dr. Leah Linder's Naturopathic Medical Clinic
Follow Dr. Leah Linder on Instagram
The HMHB Weekly Email Series
Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate!
Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

Leah Linder, ND received her Cell and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry dual-BS from Fort Lewis College and her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from Bastyr University. Clinician, author, educator and speaker, Dr. Linder has a true passion for the effective use and application of natural medicine. She currently serves as Science and Education Manager for Klaire Labs, and is the owner of a naturopathic functional medicine clinic that focuses on restoring and re-balancing the body to treat chronic ailments. You may learn more about Dr Linder and her work at www.anuhealth.org

#118: Podcast Recap–Transitioning to Motherhood with Alexandra Sacks, M.D. Jan 29, 2019

Show notes

Stephanie and Dr. Elana expand on key points from last episode with Dr. Alexandra Sacks. They discuss their own transitions into motherhood and share with vulnerability about their lowest moments. They discuss how important a support system is during difficult seasons and leave you with takeaways of what you can do support yourself or other mamas during challenging times.

Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook.

Topics Discussed:

Various transitions in a woman's life; motherhood is just one of many
How important your village is during difficult seasons
Steph and Elana's lowest moments
Their take on the "Push and Pull" analogy
Balancing motherhood with passions
Setting yourself up for success during Matresence

Show Notes:

Follow Alexandra Sacks, M.D. on Instagram
Alexandra Sacks, M.D. website
Alexandra Sacks, M.D. TEDTalk
Pre-order her book: What No One Tells You
Division of Labor Article
Postpartum Support International
The HMHB Weekly Email Series
Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate!
Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

#117: Transitioning to Motherhood with Alexandra Sacks, M.D. Jan 22, 2019

Show notes

Alexandra Sacks, M.D discusses the transition to motherhood like you've never heard it before. We openly explore topics around parenthood that are typically not discussed in an extremely relatable way. We also share practical steps that you can implement today in your transition to motherhood.

Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook.

Topics Discussed:

Reproductive psychiatry: what it is and how Dr. Sacks got started in the field
Matrescence: what it is and what it feels like
Why discomfort doesn't always mean disorder
How social media and talk therapy can help this transition
How to hold onto your identity during the motherhood transition
Advice to support you and your partner during the pregnancy/parenthood transition

Show Notes:

Follow Alexandra Sacks, M.D. on Instagram
Alexandra Sacks, M.D. website
Alexandra Sacks, M.D. TEDTalk
Pre-order her book: What No One Tells You
Division of Labor Article
Postpartum Support International
The HMHB Weekly Email Series
Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate!
Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

Alexandra Sacks, M.D. is widely recognized as the leading clinical expert on matrescence: the developmental transition into motherhood, and her TED talk on this topic has over one million views worldwide. She has spent the last decade of her career helping women navigate their emotional lives as a reproductive psychiatrist. She is a regular contributor to the New York Times, and her work has been featured in TIME, NPR and throughout Asia, Europe and Latin America. In April 2019, Dr. Sacks will publish her first co-authored book, What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood (Simon and Schuster).

#116: Podcast Recap–Hashimoto's and Postpartum Thyroiditis with Dr. Becky Campbell Jan 15, 2019

Show notes

Steph and Elana expand on key points that were shared in episode 115 with Dr. Becky Campbell about common thyroid issues for mamas. We discuss how to advocate for yourself by asking the right questions, trusting your gut, and possibly ordering your own labs to review with your healthcare provider. We discuss how to optimize your health if you have a thyroid condition during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. We share action items to help you create a solid plan!

Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook.

Topics Discussed:

Why it's important to be your own health advocate
Why doctors may dismiss the concerns of new moms
How Dr. Elana navigated preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum with a thyroid condition
How to order labs if your provider isn't on board
Our top 3 action items from this episode

Show Notes:

Download Dr. Campbell's Ultimate Thyroid Guide
Dr. Becky Campbell's website
Dr. Becky Campbell on IG
DirectLabs.com
The HMHB Weekly Email Series
Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate!
Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

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