The Wise Consumer

Those first few weeks of a newborns life are so challenging, whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding! But when, on top of the “expected” challenges that accompany this newborn phase, you add difficulties with feeding and latching, i.e. tongue-ties, it just takes the stress and uncertainty of the infant phase to a whole new level! Or, at least, that's how it was for me and I imagine I am not alone! Which is why I reached out to Kayla Richardson, a pediatric Speech Language Pathologist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who specializes in Pediatric Feeding Disorders, Myofunctional Disorders, and early intervention. Kayla is the owner of Abeille Speech and Feeding Therapy, a therapy agency and pediatric feeding clinic in St. Louis, MO.  In today’s conversation, Kayla shares why she believes every mother should see a lactation consultant both before and after birth, what symptoms to be on the lookout for if you suspect your child may have an oral dysfunction, why a tongue-tie release shouldn’t be done in isolation from therapy, such as craniosacral therapy or feeding therapy, why she thinks labeling babies as “colicky” is often an inaccurate and unhelpful diagnosis for parents, and more! Honestly, I wish this conversation had existed before my son was born. I feel as though it would have alleviated so many of the stressors I faced during those early days. So, if your child is struggling with an oral dysfunction of some sort, press play now as Kayla is about to drop some major wisdom that will help YOU as you maneuver throughout your own parenting journey! The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/best-ways-to-treat-tongue-ties/ 

Did you know that women supported by a doula during childbirth are less likely to need pain medications or require a c-section? In fact, according to a study published by the Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, women supported by a doula are also more likely to have a positive birth experience and endure shorter labors. While more research needs to be conducted the study concluded that "continuous doula support during labour may improve outcomes for women and infants!" This is especially comforting news when you consider the alarming fact that the United States has one of the highest rate of maternal deaths among high-income countries! A recent study published by the Commonwealth Fund, found that in 2020, the US maternal mortality rate was 23.8 deaths per 100,000, more than triple the rate of any other country studied!  Even more alarming is the fact that Black women in the United States are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women! This, shares The Century Foundation, is primarily due “to systemic racism and discrimination at the individual level, Black women and birthing people face unacceptable (and mostly preventable) risk during childbirth and throughout and after pregnancy.”⁠ ⁠This is unacceptable and, as my guest today, Mabel Bashorun, a certified doula (DONA), Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, and a certified lactation consultant (who also currently happens to be pursuing a career in nurse-midwifery), tells me, "it's a shame, it's a disgrace, and it's a huge stain on the American healthcare system!"⁠ In 2017, Mabel launched Within Her Birth Services with the mission to support and advocate for other women throughout their pregnancy and labor experience. As a Ghanian-American, Mabel takes great pride in serving fellow Black women during pregnancy, with the personal aim to ensure they do not succumb to the maternal mortality crisis that continues to  plague the Black community today. ⁠ ⁠In today's episode Mabel and I chat about the benefits of hiring a doula, the differences between a doula and a midwife, why she thinks all women should have access to a doula (regardless of budget), the importance of education, how to advocate for yourself and your birth preferences, the challenges facing Black mothers in the US today, my birth story and how she supported me (because yes, Mabel also happens to have been my doula! :)), and so much more!  Press play now! The Wise Consumer Shownotes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/benefits-of-a-doula/ 

Struggling with endometriosis? You're not alone. :( Unfortunately, about one in every ten women, if not more, is struggling with this complex and, at times, painfully debilitating inflammatory disease. Personally, I have had so many questions when it comes to this enigmatic disease. What is endometriosis? How is it diagnosed? Is there a specific diet you should follow? Are there options other than birth control to help manage it? If you're struggling with endometriosis and searching for answers you’re in the right place! Today on the podcast, I have the pleasure of chatting with The Endometriosis Dietitian, Cindy Dabrowska, RD. Cindy is a registered dietitian, master of applied nutrition, and an endowarrior herself. Her mission is to support other women who, like herself, are looking to manage and improve their endometriosis symptoms. I invited Cindy onto the podcast to help us unpack some of the myths around endometriosis and to shed light on how dietary and lifestyle changes can benefit someone struggling with this disease. In this episode we talk about whether or not birth control is the best way to manage endometriosis, how diet and lifestyle can help to improve and manage endo symptoms, tips on how endowarriors can support their gut microbiome and why it matters, the importance of insulin, how to metabolize estrogen and why that matters, and so much more! If you or someone you know is struggling with endometriosis, I truly hope you find this conversation helpful and empowering!  The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/struggling-with-endometriosis/ 

As a first time mom and - let's be honest - an over thinker, I wanted a step-by-step guide to help me understand how to introduce solid foods to my baby. What foods should I start with, how many servings, could I add spices, what about allergens, should I spoon feed, etc.?  Anyone else?  Well, if you’re raising your hand yes, you’re in luck! Today on the podcast I have the honor of chatting with one of the nation’s premier childhood nutrition experts, Jill Castle, MS, RDN, CDN.  Jill is the founder and CEO of The Nourished Child®, a parent nutrition education website and podcast. She also serves as an expert reviewer for Parents.com, and has been featured as a guest expert in CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Forbes, Newsweek, Time, and many other outlets. She is also the author of numerous books, including, “The Smart Mom’s Guide To starting Solids – How to introduce, advance, and nourish your baby with first foods (and avoid the most common mistakes)," amongst others.  In this episode we cover a lot of ground – best practices when it comes to introducing solids, baby led weaning vs spoon feeding, when and how to expose your child to allergens, the pros and cons of baby pouches, the importance of flavor, and so much more! If you’re a parent, new or seasoned (no pun intended), this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/introduce-solid-foods-to-your-baby/ 

Ok, I know what you're thinking: "Ugh! Balance...Here we go again." Me too friend, me too! I've never believed in this idea of finding 'balance.' What does it even mean? The idea that we can and must "find balance" makes no sense to me. First of all, it implies that we ‘lost’ balance and second, it sets us up for failure, especially as women. For many of us, this concept of "finding balance" amidst the chaos of motherhood, is often inconceivable. So, why are we talking about balance? Because, as parents, especially as mothers, I think it's about high time we reclaim the word 'balance,' redefine what balance actually means to us. Today I have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Amber Thorton, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Motherhood Wellness Consultant and the Founder of Balanced Working Mama. Dr. Amber is on a mission to redefine balance in motherhood, to redefine this notion that burnout and overwhelm go hand in hand with motherhood. She's on a mission to change the narrative of what is possible for working mothers by helping them to better balance work, motherhood, and wellness. In this episode Dr. Amber shares why she initially hesitated to become a mother herself, why redefining balance in motherhood is so important to her, how she defines balance in her own mothering journey, the importance of setting boundaries (i.e. learning to say "No!") and how to set them, why self care isn’t selfish, how to ask for help, and the power of community. Mama, if you are seeking to find more peace and less overwhelm in your life, then press play now!  The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/redefining-balance-in-motherhood/

Are you peeing your pants when you sneeze? Is intercourse painful? Do you suffer from constipation? If you've answered yes to any or all of these symptoms, you could be suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction. To be completely transparent, I knew close to nothing about my pelvic floor till after having a baby. Like most, I’d heard about kegels but...that was about it! I had no real concept of how our pelvic floor muscles functioned, the benefits of pelvic floor therapy, or how to strengthen or release muscles deep within the pelvic floor, let alone that you could strengthen or release tension in that part of your body.  If you're someone who struggles with pelvic floor issues or you're just looking to gain a better awareness of how your pelvic floor muscles function, you're in the right place! Today on the podcast I have the honor of chatting with Dr. Amanda Olson, a pelvic floor specialist and president and chief clinical officer of Intimate Rose. In this episode we talk about the importance of our pelvic floor muscles and how they function, how pelvic floor therapy can help with incontinence and constipation as well as improve your sex life, the difference between hypertonic and hypotonic pelvic floor muscles, what a dilator is and how to use it, how she went about designing the pelvic wand and how to use it, why going to the bathroom “just in case” can be problematic, and so much more! Trust me, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Happy listening! The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/pelvic-floor-therapy/

How do you get a "picky" eater to try and explore new foods?  What is food neophobia? Why is structured eating so beneficial? And is it OK to use food as a parenting tool? Here to help explore and answer some of these questions with us today is Maryann Jacobsen, MS RD. Maryann is a registered dietician and family nutrition expert who empowers families to create a healthy relationship with food for optimal health and well being. She is the author of multiple books including, "How to Raise a Mindful Eater," "The Family Dinner Solution," and the co-author of "Fearless Feeding: how to raise healthy eaters from high chair to High School."  In this conversation we explore: The difference between picky eating and problem feeding What food neophobia is and how it can impact children The difference between grazing and structured eating How to introduce new foods to your toddler How to end meal time battles Why we shouldn't be using food as a parenting tool And so much more! Connect with Maryann online, Instagram, and Facebook. The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/tips-to-help-you-raise-a-healthy-eater/ 

After her mother and sister were both diagnosed with breast cancer, Gabriela Navejas, the co-founder of Madame Gabriela lipsticks, made the commitment to reduce her exposure to potentially harmful chemicals — including those that might be lurking in her cosmetic products. While she was able to relatively easily replace her skincare products, finding a “clean” luxury lipstick brand that effectively performed was, unfortunately, not as simple. Frustrated by the lack of options for "clean" luxury lip care that exceeded her standards of quality, efficacy, and sustainability, Gabriela, along with her co-founder Geoffrey Christiansen, decided to create her own brand of eco-friendly, luxury lipsticks. After two challenging years of trial and error the team’s female chemist finally achieved a "clean" beauty coup d'etat: Mānuka honey rich goodness synthesized with a tsunami of non-toxic and sustainably-sourced ingredients. Today, Madame Gabriela is an award-winning, fully transparent, "clean" luxury lipstick brand that is both high performing and planet-friendly. In this episode, Gabriela and I chat about: The journey that led her to launching a low-waste, "clean" luxury lipstick brand Why using non-toxic ingredients was, and still is, so important to her The health benefits of Mānuka Honey, one of the key ingredients in Madame Gabriela’s lipsticks The entrepreneurial challenges she faced while launching a new brand during a global pandemic How she defines beauty, and so much more! I am so eager for Gabriela to share her journey, mission, and story with you today. Press play to tune-in now! Connect with Madame Gabriela online, Instagram, and Facebook.  The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/madame-gabriela-luxury-lipstick/

Do you ever look at your trash at the end of the week and feel a bit guilty because of all the plastic packaging and food waste you created (if you do, please don't!)? Looking for simple tricks, tips, and ideas on how you might be able to reduce your food waste and single-use packaging without feeling overwhelmed or like a total failure? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you'll absolutely want to tune-in to my conversation with cookbook author, blogger, fermenter and sourdough baker Anne-Marie Bonneau, The Zero-Waste Chef. Anne-Marie went plastic-free in 2011 after learning about plastic's devastating impacts on our oceans and their inhabitants. But, as can be expected, this new lifestyle change wasn’t an easy one and certainly didn’t happen overnight. In fact, Anne-Marie shares, in the beginning, it felt nearly impossible! But, “step-by-step, swap-by-swap, we implemented the necessary changes to eliminate the plastic waste.”  I’ve been a fan of Anne-Marie’s work since the beginning of my "zero-waste" journey. And, seeing that I am extremely passionate about all things nutrition and reducing food waste, I thought chatting with the Zero-Waste Chef would be a great way to explore new and alternative ways to help us all reduce food waste. In our conversation today, Anne-Marie and I chat about: The challenges she faced at the beginning of her “zero-waste” living journey  Why zero-waste living isn’t an all or nothing proposition + how she defines the term “zero-waste” Simple tips on how reduce food waste in the kitchen (which believe it or not is not all about bulk food shopping) How to cook à la “zero-waste” The benefits of cutting down on food and packaging waste in the kitchen The importance of supporting your local farmers Her thoughts on the climate crisis and how we can all get involved to make a positive difference Her new cookbook And so much more! This is such a fun and insightful conversation packed with simple tips, tricks, and encouragement for anyone looking to reduce food waste from their lives and to live, as Anne-Marie puts it, “a little bit zero-waste.” Connect with Anne-Marie Bonneau on Instagram, Facebook, and online. The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/5-simple-ways-to-reduce-food-waste/

Here’s a question for you -- How often do you stop to think about your brain? I mean really stop to think about it!? I know over the years I’ve, unfortunately, taken my brain for granted. Rarely, do I ever think about how amazing this 3lb organ actually is or how much I depend on it. But, your brain controls everything -- your thoughts, memories, emotions, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger…basically, every process that regulates your body and helps to keep you alive! If you’re curious about how best to nourish, fuel, and support your brain and/or want to better understand why it really matters then you’re absolutely going to love this conversation with Dr. Annie Fenn, the founder of The Brain Health Kitchen. Dr. Annie Fenn is a physician, chef, and founder of the Brain Health Kitchen, the only culinary school of its kind focused specifically on fending off age-related cognitive decline. Her mission? To help you take better care of your brain all whilst eating delicious food. In this conversation Annie and I explore: why brain health matters the importance and benefits of sleep and exercise for your brain how what we eat can help protect and delay our brains from developing Alzheimers which foods are most neuroprotective and why the pros and cons of drinking alcohol brain-friendly cooking techniques, and why it’s never too early to start making lifestyle and nutrition changes to support our brains. It was such an honor and pleasure chatting with Annie and I am really eager for you to tune in as this is a conversation that I know you'll not only enjoy but also benefit from! Connect with Annie on Instagram, Facebook, and online. The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/brain-health-101/ 

According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the calories that children and adolescents consumed from ultra processed foods, i.e. foods the study defines as ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat dishes which often contain more sugar and salt, and less fiber than unprocessed and minimally processed foods, jumped from 61% to 67% of total caloric intake from 1999 to 2018. In other words, two-thirds of calories consumed by children and adolescents today are coming from ultra-processed foods! Why is this? As I started exploring this complex issue in more depth — because yes, this is a very complex, multi-layered issue with no simple solution — I came across a fascinating book by children’s food advocate and nationally recognized writer, Bettina Siegel, called Kid Food: The Challenges of Feeding Children in a Highly Processed World. You guys…I was hooked! This book, for me, was a page turner and opened my eyes to just how broken and, I hate saying this, but manipulative the food industry is when it comes to advertising to our children. If you’re a parent or soon-to-be parent looking for tools, insight, and tips on how to feed your kids more healthfully in this highly processed world or simply interested in food policy and nutrition, then you’re going to love this conversation with Bettina Siegel. We’re digging into the difference between highly processed vs. minimally processed foods and why this matters, the history of kid food, the complexities of the food advertising industry, how immersive and aggressive kid food marketing is impacting our children’s nutritional choices (and, ultimately, their health), how brands depend on the “pester power” of children to wear down their parents, greenwashing, food insecurity, and so much more! I have been following Bettina’s work for quite some time now and am so eager to dive into all of this with you today. Connect with Bettina on Instagram, Facebook, and online. The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/bettina-siegel-kid-food/ 

Jenn Harper woke up in the middle of the night in 2015 after having, as she shares, a “crazy dream.” A dream where Native girls were playing with lip gloss, making a mess but, above all else, filled with JOY! She jumped out of bed, reached for pen and paper and proceeded to write down everything she had witnessed throughout her dream. Little did she know that this vision, this dream, this calling, however you want to define it, would be the beginnings of a healing journey that would change not only Jenn’s life but countless others as well.  Meet Jenn Harper, an Anishinaabe-Canadian and the founder of Cheekbone Beauty, a socially conscious cosmetic brand that empowers and brings hope to Indigenous youth.  In this episode Jenn and I chat about: Jenn’s battle with alcoholism and how learning about her family's past helped her overcome her addiction Her grandmother's traumatic experience in the Residential School System and the impact this trauma has had on her family throughout generations The importance of healing and creating new pathways Jenn's mission to use Cheekbone Beauty as a tool to help empower and bring hope to the next generation of Indigenous youth How Jenn overcame the entrepreneurial challenges of launching a business with only $500 in her bank account Why creating an eco-friendly and socially conscious brand is so important to Jenn The importance of showing up and never giving up  Shannen’s Dream + other organizations Cheekbone Beauty donates to in order to support Indigenous youth And more! I am honored to share Jenn's personal and entrepreneurial journey with all of you today. She truly is a beacon of light for so many and leading a movement that we can all fully support and get behind. Connect with Cheekbone Beauty on Instagram, Facebook, and online at www.cheekbonebeauy.com The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/cheekbone_beauty/   

My journey into conscious living began due to a misdiagnosed auto-immune condition that affected my skin. One, that if not resolved I was told, could lead to cancer—words no one ever wants to hear their doctor repeat! But, it was this diagnosis (which is primarily attributed to endocrine disrupting chemicals, etc.) that led me to explore, research, and want to gain a better understanding of the ingredients and chemicals being used in my products. One of the class of chemicals I kept coming across were per-and polyfluoro-alkyl substances, aka PFAS. I was curious: what are PFAS? Are they actually harmful? And, if so, how and what actions can we take to reduce our exposure to theses “forever” chemicals? Here to answer some of these questions is Mike Schade, the Campaign Director for Mind the Store. Mind the store, a program of Toxic-Free Future, challenges the nation's leading retailers to transform the marketplace away from hazardous chemicals, such as PFAS, toxic flame retardants, phthalates, and others, towards safer alternatives. In this episode we’re also chatting about Mind The Store’s “Retailer Report Card,” a report that recently evaluated more than fifty major companies on how well they were reducing toxic chemicals or plastics or improving their chemical policies. And, good news! It’s not all doom and gloom! Curious to find out which brands are failing the ‘Retailer Report Card’, how brands are evaluated, and how to reduce your exposure to PFAS? Click the play button now! Happy listening! Connect with Mind The Store on Instagram, Facebook, and online.  The Wise Consumer Shownotes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/what-are-pfas/ 

Over the last few years I’ve learned more about hormone health than I have in my entire life. Truth be told, I wish I knew then what I know now about my hormones and menstrual cycle! Many of the unpleasant hormonal symptoms I experienced, i.e. painful periods, mood swings, fatigue, etc. could have been avoided, or at least managed with more ease had I been more aware of how my hormones impacted my overall health. Here to help us break down a few things and to explore the ins and out of hormone health is The Period Guru herself, Jenna Longoria. Jenna is a board certified functional nutrition practitioner who specializes in women's hormones. Having herself experienced severe hormonal imbalances throughout most of her life, today Jenna is on a mission to help other women reclaim their hormone and digestive health. If you’ve ever wondered what your period blood color means or why it matters, how to cycle sync, the importance of ovulation, or struggle with hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), then this is an episode you don’t want to miss. I should also share that while Jenna and I, of course, chat about all things hormones, we also take time to explore the winding journey that led her here and the unfortunate hardships she faced over the last year after the tragic passing of her husband. Jenna is truly an inspiration. It's an honor for me to share her work, story, and knowledge with you. Happy listening! Connect with Jenna Longoria on Instagram, Facebook, and online at www.jennalongoria.com The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/how-to-optimize-hormone-health-period-blood-color/

Kathryn Kellogg’s career began on the stage. As a child she shares, she knew she wanted to be an actress. She loved storytelling, performing, singing, it was just a part of who she was. Today, although she’s no longer performing full-time on the stage, her passion for storytelling and creativity are still at the forefront of everything she does. But, these days rather than performing Shakespeare, Kathryn uses her talents and passions in her work as an environmentalist and zero-waste activist. Kathryn is the founder of Going Zero-Waste, a lifestyle website dedicated to helping others live a healthier and more sustainable life. She’s also a spokesperson for plastic-free living for National Geographic, the Chief Sustainability Officer at the One Movement, and author of the book 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste. She is a creative and inspiring voice in the zero-waste living movement who has not only influenced my life but countless others as well. I  am so excited and honored to share her story, mission, and work with you today. More importantly, I know you’re going to walk away from this conversation feeling uplifted, inspired, and ready to make simple guilt-free zero-waste changes in your own life as well.  In this episode we explore: Kathryn’s journey from acting to becoming an environmentalist How living an eco-friendly lifestyle benefits both the planet and our health Defining “zero-waste” + debunking zero-waste lifestyle myths The importance of reframing our mindset and attitude around zero-waste living + why striving for perfection isn't necessary Simple and practical zero-waste living tips from pet care to menstrual hygiene, and more! Connect with Kathryn on Instagram, Facebook, and online at www.goingzerowaste.com The Wise Consumer Show Notes: https://thewiseconsumer.com/zero-waste-living-tips-with-kathryn-kellogg/