117 - Gagging vs. Choking: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Nicole from Rhythm First Aid

Nutrition plays a powerful role in fertility and the health of both parents and baby—but so many couples feel confused, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start. In this episode, we’re joined by prenatal dietitian and nutritionist (and one of our Boob to Food clinic practitioners!) Niki Mohtat to break down what preconception care actually looks like.We chat about why preconception nutrition matters, what to eat (and what to skip), and how to support both egg and sperm quality before falling pregnant. Niki shares the top nutrients to focus on—think folate, vitamin A, choline, iodine, and more—and the surprising ones many women (and men!) are deficient in. We also talk about the difference between folate and folic acid, how to choose a prenatal supplement, and when a more personalised approach might be needed.Whether you’re planning for your first baby or preparing for a new addition, this episode will leave you feeling empowered with practical, no-pressure tips to nourish your body before pregnancy.In this episode we discuss:Why both partners need to be involved in preconception careThe top nutrients to focus on before trying to conceiveCommon deficiencies in women (and men)The truth about folic acid vs folateWhat to look for in a prenatal supplementThe role of blood sugar, thyroid health and environmental toxinsEasy, realistic dietary changes you can make todayWhen to start (and why it’s never too late to make a difference)Mentioned in this episode:Book a consult with NikiOur blog: Is liver safe during pregnancy?Episode with Alexx Stuart on low-tox livingToday’s episode was brought to you by Mini + Me. Mini and Me, a brand we have loved since they launched just over a year ago. It’s an electrolyte drink that’s designed to support you and your family in pregnancy, postpartum or even if you are a tired mum looking for a pick me up. It is full of electrolytes, magnesium, methylated folate and vitamins and is endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives too.  It’s perfect for breastfeeding mamas too and they taste so good – there are now 6 delicious flavours to choose from. They have just launched 2 brand new Hydramama flavours – Peach Iced Tea and Tropical. They come in convenient single serve sachets, so they are great for on the run, pram walks, park adventures, and even travelling. You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 20% off. Visit miniandme.co to fill your cup today.Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate HolmTo get in touch please email [email protected]

We talk a lot about nutrition—what to feed our kids, how to nourish their growing bodies, and how to make mealtimes feel less like a battleground. But food is so much more than just fuel. It’s also wrapped up in culture, emotion, connection, and often… our own baggage. In today’s episode, we’re shifting the focus to the how of feeding our children—and exploring what it really means to raise intuitive eaters.Alyssa is the founder of Redwood Wellbeing, a health coach, intuitive eating counsellor, and PDHPE teacher. She’s also a mum of two girls and brings both personal and professional experience to her work—after navigating her own eating disorder and seeing firsthand the growing number of teens struggling with body image and disordered eating. Through Redwood Wellbeing, Alyssa now supports parents to foster a positive relationship with food and body for themselves and their children, with practical, empowering strategies that start from day one.In this episode we discuss:What intuitive eating actually meansHow to raise kids who trust themselves with foodThe impact of praise, pressure, and reward on children’s eating habitsWhy labelling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ can be harmful—and what to say insteadHow to handle sweets, desserts and party food without creating guilt or restrictionWhat to do when your child wants foods that don’t align with your family’s valuesNavigating peer pressure and canteen culture at schoolThe importance of boundaries around food—and how to set themSupporting our own relationship with food to break the cycle for our kids…and so much moreYou can connect with Alyssa via Instagram at @redwoodwellbeing or through her website www.redwoodwellbeing.com.auToday’s episode was brought to you by Cell Squared. Cell Squared are a Melbourne based business on a mission to connect people with more traditional ways of eating. If you have been around here for a while, you will know that we are huge fans of liver, and particularly LOVE the Cell Squared liver and spleen capsules as a great way to introduce this iron rich superfood to your whole family. The Organic Spleen & Liver Capsules were recently reformulated to deliver 9.4mg of heme iron per 6 capsule serve. As well as iron (from the spleen), the capsules are unique as they also contain the necessary synergistic nutrients to enhance iron absorption & usability (which come from liver). You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD which will give 10% off storewide, including already discounted 3 month capsule bundles which also have free express shipping. Discount excludes already 15-20% off bundles & double-up ghee bundles. Visit www.cellsquared.com.au Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate HolmTo get in touch please email [email protected]

Dr Chai is back for a third time on the podcast to help us navigate some of the most frequently asked questions about food allergies—this time diving into the grey areas that many families feel confused about, like breastfeeding and allergens, eczema and food introduction, and the difference between allergies and intolerances. We also explore a hot topic in the allergy world right now: oral immunotherapy (or desensitisation).Dr Chaitanya Bodapati is a dual-trained Paediatric Allergy/Immunology Specialist and General Paediatrician. With a holistic and family-centred approach, Dr Chai blends her clinical expertise with her personal experience as a mum of children with food allergies. Her relatable and evidence-based support helps families feel confident and informed at every stage of their allergy journey.In this episode we discuss:Breastfeeding with food allergies The difference between an allergy and an intoleranceHow to manage eczema when introducing solids and allergensIf food-based skincare products (like almond oil or coconut oil) increase the risk of allergiesWhether what you eat in pregnancy or breastfeeding affects your baby’s allergy riskWhy formula-fed babies may already be exposed to some allergensWhat oral immunotherapy is and who it might be suited toWhy food allergy desensitisation is becoming more common in Australia… and so much more!You can connect with Dr Chai via Instagram at @childrensallergyclinic or through her website www.childrensallergyclinic.com.auSome other resources we mention include:ASCIA Allergy Action PlansEp. 118 – Introducing Allergens with Dr Chaitanya BodapatiEp. 119 – What to Do if Your Child Has an Allergic Reaction with Dr Chaitanya BodapatiToday’s episode is brought to you by Haakaa. Haakaa is a family-owned New Zealand brand committed to making motherhood simpler, easier, and greener. From their iconic breast pumps to their fresh food feeders and silicone freezer trays, Haakaa’s range of safe, sustainable and non-toxic baby products are favourites in both of our homes. Whether you’re breastfeeding, introducing solids, or prepping meals for your toddler, Haakaa offers practical solutions that support you every step of the way.You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 10% off your order at www.haakaa.co.nzFollow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate HolmTo get in touch please email [email protected]

We’re back for part two with paediatric allergist and immunologist Dr Chaitanya Bodapati (aka Dr Chai) to continue the conversation about allergies—this time focusing on what to do if your child reacts to a food.Allergies are on the rise, and the process of introducing allergens can be anxiety-inducing for many families. But what happens when your child actually has a reaction? Whether it’s mild hives or something more serious like anaphylaxis, the path forward can feel overwhelming and unclear—especially when wait times to see a specialist can be months long.Dr Chaitanya Bodapati is a dual-trained Paediatric Allergy/Immunology Specialist and General Paediatrician. With a holistic approach to care, she draws from her extensive clinical experience—and her personal experience as a mum to a child with multiple food allergies. She is passionate about helping families navigate the often stressful world of childhood allergies with clarity and compassion.In this episode we discuss:The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction vs a sensitivity or contact rashWhat to do if your child reacts to a foodWhen (and when not) to seek medical helpHow to manage mild, moderate, and severe reactionsWhether you need to stop introducing other allergens after a reactionThe role of skin prick and blood testing—and why they’re often misleadingWhat FPIES is, how it differs from other allergiesWhether your child is likely to outgrow a food allergyWhen an EpiPen is (and isn’t) necessaryWhy the only true way to diagnose an allergy... and so much more!You can connect with Dr Chai via Instagram at @childrensallergyclinic or through her website www.childrensallergyclinic.com.auSome other resources we mention include:ASCIA Allergy Action PlansEp. 118 – Introducing Allergens with Dr Chaitanya BodapatiToday’s episode was brought to you by Part & Parcel. Part & Parcel is our favourite one stop shop for pantry staples – not only do you have the convenience of them being delivered straight to your door (who wants to go shopping with 3 kids!), but they have also curated the most incredible range of organic, ethical and sustainable products so you don’t have to waste your time researching ingredients on labels. They’ve done the work for you. But be warned… you may want to add one of everything to your cart! Thankfully their annual membership allows members to receive extra savings on their shop (so maybe you can add that extra block of chocolate!).You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for $20 off your first order over $99. Visit www.partandparcel.com.au to shop today!Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate HolmTo get in touch please email [email protected]

Allergies are one of the most common—and nerve-wracking—concerns for families starting solids. From knowing when to introduce allergens to understanding how often they should be offered, it’s no wonder so many parents feel overwhelmed.In this week’s episode of Boob to Food The Podcast, we’re joined by the brilliant (and relatable) Dr. Chaitanya Bodapati, a dual-trained paediatric allergist/immunologist and general paediatrician. Not only does she bring a wealth of clinical experience, but she also shares her perspective as a mum navigating food allergies firsthand.In this episode we discuss:When and how to start introducing allergensWhy timing matters (but also why you don’t need to panic)How often allergens should be offered and in what quantityWhat to do if your baby spits the food out (again!)How to approach allergens when you have dietary restrictions or food avoidance in your familyWhether it’s necessary to introduce every single tree nut individuallyWhat to do if your baby is unwell, or if there’s a family history of allergyWhat reactions to look out for and when to seek help... and so much more!You can connect with Dr Chai via Instagram or through her website www.childrensallergyclinic.com.au.Today’s episode is brought to you by Harris Farm. Harris Farm is a family-owned Aussie business and one of our favourite places to shop - both for everyday staples and those special little extras that make meals feel exciting and extra delicious. They’re passionate about supporting local growers, reducing food waste, and making good food more accessible.If you’re a fan of vibrant produce, pantry staples without the nasties, and delicious snacks your kids will actually eat (without the additives), Harris Farm is the place to go. We especially love their Imperfect Picks range (hello, sustainable savings!) and their Colour by Nature initiative that removes artificial colours from their products.Visit www.harrisfarm.com.au to find your nearest store.Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate HolmTo get in touch please email [email protected]

Is there anything more terrifying than the thought of your baby choking? If you’ve ever hesitated to serve finger foods because you’re scared of choking, you’re not alone.In this week’s episode, we chat with Nicole from Rhythm First Aid, a paediatric emergency nurse and first aid educator, to break down the difference between gagging and choking, how to prevent choking, and—most importantly—what to do in an emergency.For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, as well as mum of 3Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist,  General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food and mum of 3In this episode, we discuss:The key differences between gagging and choking Why gagging is a normal (and protective!) reflexThe physical signs of choking and what to do if it happensCommon choking hazards and how to modify foods safelyPractical ways to reduce choking risks at homeThe step-by-step approach to choking first aidWant to feel confident in first aid for your little one? Nicole and her team at Rhythm First Aid run in-person courses in Victoria and offer online masterclasses to help parents and caregivers feel prepared—not panicked in an emergency.Check out her resources, courses, and more on her WEBSITE or INSTAGRAMHere are some other episodes and resources you might find helpful:PODCAST: Safe food sizes and textures for babiesPODCAST: Choosing the right feeding approach for your babyToday’s episode is brought to you by Sun & Daughter. Finding a mineral sunscreen that actually rubs in and doesn’t leave little ones looking like ghosts? Nearly impossible. That’s why we love Sun & Daughter—it’s nourishing, non-greasy, and no white cast in sight! Their SPF50+ Mineral Sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection and is water-resistant for two hours. Fragrance-free, preservative-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and reef-friendly, it’s safe for sensitive skin too. Plus, Sun & Daughter is proudly Australian-made, with 100% recyclable packaging and ocean clean-up initiatives.Use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 10% off. Head to www.sunanddaughter.com.au to check it out today.Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate HolmTo get in touch please email [email protected]

Welcome back to another catch-up episode of Boob to Food, the Podcast. This week, it’s just Luka and Kate chatting all things life, motherhood, and the unpredictable rollercoaster that is raising little humans. From a catastrophic freezer meltdown to a toddler crashing the family car (yes, really!), plus big reflections on closing the chapter on having more babies, this episode is a little chaotic—just like mum life itself!For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, as well as mum of 3Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist,  General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food and mum of 3In this episode, we cover:Luka’s freezer meltdown – Literally. $1,000 worth of carefully stocked meat and broth… goneWill vs. the family car...2025, the year of the vasectomy!How Kate went in her dance auditionWill's renewed bedtime battlesWhat we are reading and watching... and so much more!Resources Mentioned in This Episode:The Let Them Theory by Mel RobbinsApple Cider Vinegar (Netflix) Ethical Farmers (use the code BOOBTOFOOD)Episode 45 with Lael Stone on Attachment and Separation AnxietyToday’s episode is brought to you by Ergopouch.Every mum knows the stress of figuring out whether their child is warm or cool enough at night—especially when you’re trying to recreate that one magical night of sleep that you’ll probably never experience again. That’s why we love Ergopouch! Their natural fibre, TOG-rated sleepwear takes the guesswork out of dressing your little one for sleep, so you can at least eliminate one source of mum worry. The range covers newborns through to six-year-olds, and their new Breakfast Club collection is absolutely adorable.Use code BOOBTOFOOD for 20% off storewide until 26th March 2025 at www.ergopouch.com.au - excluding: Lyra Cot, Deluxe Mattress, Gift Cards, Gift Packs, Multibuys and Sale items.Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate HolmTo get in touch please email [email protected]

When it comes to introducing your little one to cup drinking, there’s no shortage of opinions—especially about sippy cups. Are they bad for oral development? Will they delay speech? Should you skip straight to an open cup?To clear up the confusion, we’re joined by Emily Tyler, a speech pathologist (and mum of twins!) who has recently joined the Boob to Food team. With over a decade of experience supporting children in their feeding journeys, Emily is here to break down everything parents need to know about cup drinking—what’s best, what’s unnecessary, and how to make the transition easier for your little one.In This Episode We Cover:The role of speech pathologists in feedingSippy cups and whether the fear around them justified?The best first cup for your baby – open cup, straw cup, or something else?Practical strategies to help your baby learn to drink from a cup.Troubleshooting common challenges like spitting water, struggling with a straw, or making a mess.When to transition away from bottles... and so much more!Whether you’re just getting started or feeling stuck in the transition, this episode is packed with evidence-based insights to help you feel confident about your baby’s cup-drinking journey.Resources Mentioned:Boob to Food Starting Solids Equipment Guide – our favourite cups, bibs, and everything else to make mealtimes easier.More on cup drinking – our in-depth blog post covering all things cup and straw drinking.Today’s episode is brought to you by BioFirst. Bio-First is an Australian Family brand, who wanted better options for their family and to help as many people as possible. All products are manufactured locally within Australia. Their products are genuinely natural with no nasties like phthalates, petrochemicals, synthetics or chemical solvents, as well as being free of irritants and designed for little, hypersensitive skin and dermatologist certifiedWhether it’s pregnancy, postpartum, or just that time of the month, breakouts always seem to pop up when you least expect them. That’s why we’re loving BioFirst’s new Blemish Ban Range—a completely natural, pregnancy-safe solution designed to calm, clear, and soothe hormonal breakouts without irritation.The range includes a Blemish Ban Toner and Blemish Ban Gel, formulated with powerful ingredients like manuka honey, tea tree, and eucalyptus myrtle to help reduce redness, balance oil production, and speed up healing—without the harsh chemicals.You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 15% OFF the entire range. Visit www.bio-first.com.auFollow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate HolmTo get in touch please email [email protected]

When it comes to feeding little ones after 12 months, one of the most common questions we get is: Does my child need cow’s milk or toddler formula? With so much conflicting advice from health professionals, formula companies, and well-meaning family members, it can feel overwhelming to know what’s truly best for your child.In this episode, Luka and Kate break it all down—what the recommendations actually are, why milk drinks aren’t necessary for toddlers, and how to ensure your little one is getting the nutrition they need as they transition to a whole food diet.For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, as well as mum of 3Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist,  General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food and mum of 3In this episode, we cover:Do toddlers need to ‘wean onto’ another milk drink after 12 months?Cow’s milk as a drink – is it necessary?The potential downsides of too much milk consumption Toddler formula and why we don’t recommend it Calcium-rich foods beyond dairy … and so much more!Resources MentionedOur books Milk to Meals and Toddler to TableEpisode 77 with Dr. Staci Whitman – On baby and toddler dental healthEpisode 86 all about fussy toddlers – Learn how to encourage variety and reduce stress around foodBlog: Swaps on a Dairy Free Diet – Alternatives to dairy for meeting calcium needsToday's Episode is brought to you by Chief Nutrition. At Boob to Food, we’re always looking for ways to pack in extra nutrition for ourselves and our little ones—especially when it comes to protein. That’s why we love Chief Nutrition’s Collagen Powder. It’s a high-quality protein source that’s flavourless (or flavoured if you prefer!) and so easy to mix into smoothies, yogurt, or even baked goods for a nutrient boost. Bonus that it tastes like dessert without the added sugar so even the fussiest of toddlers will enjoy it too.If you’d like to try it for yourself (or sneak some extra protein into your toddler’s diet), you can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 15% off sitewide at wearechief.com.Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate HolmTo get in touch please email [email protected]

When it comes to starting solids, one of the biggest concerns for parents is constipation. If you’ve ever been told that constipation is ‘normal’ for babies, we’re here to set the record straight—it’s common, but it’s not normal.In this episode, Luka and Kate dive deep into constipation: what causes it, why it happens around the time of starting solids, and what you can do to support your little one. From dietary changes and hydration to gut health and possible food sensitivities, we’re covering it all to help your baby get back to comfortable, regular bowel movements (without relying on prunes forever!).For those tuning in for the first time, a little about us…Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, and mum of 3Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist, General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food, and mum of 3In this episode, we cover:What actually defines constipation in babies and toddlersThe biggest causes of constipation when starting solidsWhy some babies are more prone to constipation than othersHow hydration and milk feeds impact gut healthThe role of fibre (and why too much or too little can be a problem)Foods that can help or hinder digestionWhy laxatives shouldn’t be the first solution (and what to do instead)The link between gut health, allergies, and constipation…and so much more!Resources Mentioned:Constipation Masterclass – A deep dive into gut health, constipation causes, and practical solutionsBoob to Food Online Clinic – Work with our team of experts for tailored advice and supportBoob to Food Blog – Understanding Constipation – Our evidence-based guide to managing constipation in babies and toddlersMilk to Meals – Our starting solids book, packed with recipes and nutritional guidanceToday’s episode is brought to you by Cell Squared. We often talk about Cell Squared and our love for their whole food, nutrient-dense products when it comes to supporting babies and mums. But did you know they also have an incredible Men’s Innate Energy blend? This beef multi-organ supplement (including liver, spleen, and kidney) is formulated specifically to support men’s energy, vitality, and reproductive health—perfect for the dads in your life. Packed with B vitamins, iron, selenium, and more, it’s an easy way to boost nutrition.You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 10% off storewide. Visit Cell Squared to shop today.Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate HolmTo get in touch please email [email protected]