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

Holistic Psychiatry and Mental Wellness with Dr Hector Rodriguez

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 [https://www.instagram.com/doctor_hector/] or LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/drhectorrodriguez] Find out more about Dr Hector [http://www.doctorhector.com/] Check out The White Butterfly Clinic  [https://www.whitebutterflyclinic.com/] Come say hi to me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drhilaryclaire/] Books to Thrive in Motherhood: [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/books] Dive into The Motherhood Reset [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/the-motherhood-reset-book], Nourished Mama [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/nourished-mama], and Mama Let It Go [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/mamaletitgo] to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom.  Picky Eating Guide [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/offers/AU5Sf56A/checkout]: 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.

How Sensory Processing Affects Picky Eating with Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Parent Coach Effie Pomaki | Episode 101

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 [https://www.instagram.com/upliftedparenting/] Grab Effie’s Sensory Decoder Kit [https://upliftedparenting.com/c/sdk?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnoS45ojGi6m80VPd5-thoYa6nA5nuCBYdfNpf3wayNyVZDb9TXbVeBSSOxY0_aem_KS-shIxxejfSedGNIZ-aYA] Come say hi to me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drhilaryclaire/] Books to Thrive in Motherhood: [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/books] Dive into The Motherhood Reset [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/the-motherhood-reset-book], Nourished Mama [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/nourished-mama], and Mama Let It Go [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/mamaletitgo] to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom.  Picky Eating Guide [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/offers/AU5Sf56A/checkout]: 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 in Kids: Causes and Practical Solutions | Episode 100

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 [https://thelifestyleherbalists.podbean.com/]   Say hi to Sabrina on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brewja_blends/]   Say hi to Dabney on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dabneytheherbalhygienist/]     Come say hi to me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drhilaryclaire/] Picky Eating Guide [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/offers/AU5Sf56A/checkout]: 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: [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/books] Dive into The Motherhood Reset [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/the-motherhood-reset-book], Nourished Mama [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/nourished-mama], and Mama Let It Go [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/mamaletitgo] to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom.  Resources I Am Loving Squat Seat [https://shopsquatseat.com/?aff=10] – Comfortable seat to increase mobility and deep squat. Use code WILD5 for a discount.  Green Goo [http://www.greengoo.com/DRHILARYCLAIRE] – Natural plant powered first aid and skincare remedies. Get 10% off with code: DRHILARYCLAIRE n Health Movement [https://www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/complete-course-registration?am_id=hilary8751] – 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 [https://www.fertilityandbeyond.co/a/2148253281/oQzgyipC] – 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, Ulcerative Colitis, and Fecal Transplant with Holistic Nutritionist Nicole Inwentash | Episode 99

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 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nutritiouslynicole/]Learn more about Nicole and try her delicious recipes at Nutritiously Nicole [https://www.nutritiouslynicole.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnRD_qo8RwfSzDKVWKoP0hmysNJFNV4J8Y9UOWsL4RmswkNCcj9jqhzXSvZVY_aem_HXSsvES5xdd_OqAwfHYsaA]    Come say hi to me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drhilaryclaire/]   Free Motherhood Manifestation [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/your-vibrant-life-meditation]: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  Books to thrive in Motherhood: [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/books] Dive into The Motherhood Reset [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/the-motherhood-reset-book], Nourished Mama [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/nourished-mama], and Mama Let It Go [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/mamaletitgo] to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom.  Picky Eating Guide [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/offers/AU5Sf56A/checkout]: 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 [https://shopsquatseat.com/?aff=10] – Comfortable seat to increase mobility and deep squat. Use code WILD5 for a discount.  Ananda Elixirs [https://www.anandaelixirs.com/HILARYCLAI92043] – Delicious functional mushroom wellness elixirs. Get 20% off  BON CHARGE [https://boncharge.com/?rfsn=8894419.53fcb1] – Red light devices. Get 15% off with the code: WILDANDWELL Fertility & Beyond [https://www.fertilityandbeyond.co/a/2148253281/oQzgyipC] – 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.

Parenting Through Play: Practical Tips with Licensed Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist Dr Kim Van Dusen | Episode 98

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 [https://www.instagram.com/theparentologist/] on Instagram  * Read her book Parenting Through Play [https://theparentologist.com/book/]  * Check out The Parentologist [https://theparentologist.com/] website * Listen to The Parentologist Podcast [https://theparentologist.com/podcast/] Come say hi to me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drhilaryclaire/] Free Motherhood Manifestation [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/your-vibrant-life-meditation]: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  Books to Thrive in Motherhood: [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/books] Dive into The Motherhood Reset [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/the-motherhood-reset-book], Nourished Mama [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/nourished-mama], and Mama Let It Go [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/mamaletitgo] to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom.  Picky Eating Guide [https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/offers/AU5Sf56A/checkout]: 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 [https://shopsquatseat.com/?aff=10] – Comfortable seat to increase mobility and deep squat. Use code WILD5 for a discount.  The Brain Health Movement [https://www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/complete-course-registration?am_id=hilary8751] – 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 [https://app.mamazen.com/?afmc=9c] – Become a happier and calmer mom through cognitive hypnotherapy, CBT, and mindfulness. Use code 9c  Fertility & Beyond [https://www.fertilityandbeyond.co/a/2148253281/oQzgyipC] – 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.