[Replay] The Hidden Motherhood Struggle with Catherine Birndorf and Paige Bellenbaum

Could your love relationship use a bit of boost? Some calm in the storm? Or are you looking for love that’s been hard to find? In this On Health for Women episode I’m joined by Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a wonderful couples therapist, professor, author of Love Every Day and the host of the Reimagining Love podcast. Together we explore the real meaning of love and how it can be cultivated through daily practices of self-awareness, self-compassion, and intentional connection. Whether single, in a relationship, or simply seeking a better relationship with yourself, this conversation offers powerful tools to foster a deeper, more resilient connection to yourself and others.Dr. Solomon sheds light on using Relational Self-Awareness (RSA) to build fulfilling partnerships, understand our Family-of-Origin influences, and tackle relationship conflicts as a team. Join us as we unpack the complexities of intimacy and share practical guidance on nurturing love in ways that are both transformative and healing.In this episode we explore: Love as Daily Practice: Why love is more than a feeling—it’s a mindful practice that requires small, intentional actions each day.Understanding Family-of-Origin: How early family dynamics, or our "Original Love Classroom," shape our relationship patterns, and ways to move beyond them.Navigating Attachment Styles: A look at common attachment patterns like anxious and avoidant types, and ways to harmonize different styles in relationships.Relational Self-Awareness (RSA): How RSA can unlock healthier relationships by increasing empathy, self-understanding, and resilience.Turning Conflict into Connection: Practical tools for approaching challenges as a team and transforming conflict into intimacy and personal growth.Self-Compassion and Self-Respect: Balancing self-love with loving others without losing yourself in the relationship.Modern Dating Realities: Dr. Solomon shares insights into why dating can be difficult today and how to embrace a compassionate approach.Long-Term Partnership Wisdom: Dr. Solomon’s advice on nurturing enduring love with the help of daily practices that strengthen connection, respect, and joy.If this episode resonated with you, consider taking action by sharing it with a friend or leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t miss out on future episodes! Make sure to subscribe to On Health for more conversations like this one, bringing you expert insights and empowering you to take control of your health and well-being.Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Feeling the first tickle of a sore throat? Or maybe you’re dealing with a full-blown cold or flu? In this episode, I’m sharing my top natural remedies to help you get through cold and flu season. From immune-boosting herbs to soothing teas, these are the must-haves I trust to keep my family healthy.I’ll walk you through how to use each one, with practical tips on safety, including what’s safe for kids, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. You’ll learn simple recipes you can make at home, like ginger tea, garlic lemonade, and thyme-honey tea, and I’ll share why these remedies have been trusted for generations to help ease symptoms and shorten the length of your illness.Episode Highlights:Echinacea: Immune-boosting benefits for prevention and early symptom relief.Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and warming, perfect for soothing sore throats and congestion.Elderberry: Sweet and antiviral, can help reduce the severity of flu symptoms.Garlic: A natural antimicrobial, with a recipe for a soothing garlic lemonade.Vitamin C: Classic immune support that helps shorten the duration of colds.Zinc: Effective for reducing cold duration, especially when taken early.Thyme-Honey Tea: Combines natural antimicrobials to soothe coughs and clear congestion.Vapor Rub & Herbal Steam: Menthol and eucalyptus-based rubs and steams to ease breathing.Key Takeaways:Simple, safe ways to support your immune system during cold & flu season.Practical recipes for at-home remedies that can bring comfort and relief.Safety guidelines for using these natural remedies effectively, including recommendations for kids, pregnant women, and those with specific health concerns.Tune in and get your natural medicine cabinet ready for this cold & flu season!Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Many of us are aware of the ethical minefield of fast fashion—from the labor issues to the environmental damage. But did you know that the clothes in your closet could be making you sick? In this episode, I’m joined by award-winning investigative journalist Alden Wicker, author of To Die For: How Toxic Fashion is Making Us Sick and How We Can Fight Back. Alden’s deep dive into the world of fashion goes beyond the well-known stories of sweatshops and waste to uncover the hidden impact of unregulated toxic chemicals in our clothing on our personal health.From flame retardants and PFAS to endocrine disruptors, Alden and I explore the unseen dangers lurking in everyday garments and how these chemicals are connected to a myriad of health problems, from skin issues to autoimmune diseases, fertility challenges, and even cancer. We’ll talk about why these chemicals are allowed in the first place, what the fashion industry isn’t telling you, and how you can protect yourself and your family—without breaking the bank.Whether you’re looking for practical tips to detox your wardrobe or want to learn more about the systemic changes needed in the fashion industry, this episode will empower you to make safer, more informed choices when it comes to your clothes.Episode Highlights:How Alden Wicker got into sustainable fashion journalism—starting with a troubling case of Delta flight attendant uniforms making women sick.The toxic truth: What chemicals are lurking in our clothing, and why is no one talking about it?How these chemicals are affecting not just the environment but also our bodies.From rashes to reproductive health issues—how clothing can impact autoimmune diseases and fertility.Why women are disproportionately affected by toxic chemicals in fashion, and the industry’s gender gap in addressing the problem.Practical tips: How to choose safer clothing, avoid harmful chemicals, and shop smarter without spending a fortune.Beyond your wardrobe: How you can join collective actions and advocacy to help push for systemic change.Alden’s advice to her younger self: Simplifying health and happiness.Resources & Links:Alden Wicker’s Website: EcoCult.comSafer States: saferstates.orgToxic-Free Future: toxicfreefuture.orgFollow Alden on Instagram: @ecocultcomConnect with Dr. Aviva Romm: @dr.avivarommIf this episode resonated with you, consider taking action by sharing it with a friend or leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t miss out on future episodes! Make sure to subscribe to On Health for more conversations like this one, bringing you expert insights and empowering you to take control of your health and well-being.Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

I remember when I first started practicing as a midwife—way back in the '80s—there was barely a whisper about how nutrition could impact pregnancy. I taught my first prenatal nutrition class in 1990, and the hunger for information was almost palpable. It’s amazing to me that, fast forward to today, we’re still facing a gap in understanding just how much food and lifestyle choices affect both mom and baby. But here’s the thing—there’s so much hope and possibility when we’re armed with the right information, and today’s guest has dedicated her life to providing just that.I’m beyond excited to introduce you to Lily Nichols. Lily is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and certified diabetes educator who is passionate about making pregnancy health both understandable and achievable. Her journey into this work is rooted in a deeply personal mission: she saw firsthand how powerful nutrition could be in preventing complications like gestational diabetes, and she wanted to share that knowledge with as many women as possible. Her books, Real Food for Gestational Diabetes and Real Food for Pregnancy, have helped countless women take control of their health during such an important time.In today’s episode, Lily and I dive deep into some powerful truths about gestational diabetes—how it’s on the rise but, more importantly, how it can be prevented and even reversed with simple, mindful changes. We’ll talk about why so many women still aren’t given this information, how the right nutrition can truly change the trajectory of your pregnancy, and practical steps anyone can take. We’ll even touch on how blood sugar testing is done differently around the world—and why those differences matter.Whether you’re pregnant, planning to be, or just curious about how your body responds to food, there’s so much to take away from this conversation. It’s about more than just numbers on a blood test; it’s about learning to listen to your body, trust yourself, and make small changes that have a lasting impact on your health—and the health of your baby.So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s get into this empowering and eye-opening conversation with Lily Nichols. I think you’re going to walk away feeling hopeful, informed, and ready to take charge of your health in a whole new way.Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsThe Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn moreMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Of all the stages in life, most women tell me they’d least want to revisit—it's puberty. If you're reading this, you survived it too. And while you likely have some fond memories, you also remember the awkward body changes, the anxiety of getting your mom to buy pads or tampons to avoid the dreaded checkout counter, the stress around your emerging—or non-emerging—breasts, acne, and the confusing wave of new feelings that came with your growing sexual awareness.Our teens today are facing a different kind of puberty—a reality that’s markedly different from what we experienced. While they have more access to information and resources than we did, puberty itself has changed in significant ways. There are new gaps between what we as parents—and even many doctors—know and what our kids are going through. From earlier onset of puberty, which now often starts as young as eight, to prolonged puberty stages and earlier exposure to explicit content online, it’s a whole new world for our children.Understanding these shifts is crucial for guiding your child through this delicate time.In the latest episode of On Health, I’m joined by two incredible experts who are deeply immersed in these changes. Vanessa Kroll Bennett, a puberty expert, writer, and entrepreneur, and Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and the mind behind the New York Times bestselling series The Care and Keeping of You, bring their expertise and warmth to our conversation. Both are moms of teens themselves and co-hosts of The Puberty Podcast. Their new book, This is So Awkward, is a phenomenal guide to understanding the landscape of modern puberty so you can better support your child through this vulnerable and often tumultuous time.In our discussion, we explore key aspects of modern puberty and how you can support your tween or teen:The New Puberty: Why puberty is lasting longer than ever - and how this might impact your daughters - and you, too! The Role of Social Media: How to balance allowing your child to connect with the world while protecting them from the darker sides of online life.Mental Health: Differentiating between normal teenage mood swings and more serious mental health concerns.Building Resilience: Empowering your child to handle the social and sexual pressures they’re facing at increasingly younger ages.Un-Shaming Conversations: Creating a safe space for open, honest talks about body changes, sexuality, and all the things that used to make us blush.Your kid isn't the only one going through puberty: Your kid’s puberty - it's hard on you, too! We talk about how move through it with grace - while not internalizing it when they say they hate you! These insights are more than just tips—they’re lifelines for helping your child navigate this critical stage of development with confidence and resilience.I invite you to listen to this episode—click here to tune in. Let’s make sure we’re raising the next generation with the information and support they need. And if you find this conversation valuable, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and join the conversation online using #OnHealth. Your stories, your questions, and your experiences make our community stronger.Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Despite advancements in medical technology and a growing awareness of maternal health, the emotional and psychological experiences of birthing mothers in the US often go unnoticed. In this eye-opening episode, Aviva Romm, an experienced midwife and MD, delves into a topic that is often overlooked and misunderstood—birth trauma. Aviva shares her personal birth story, other birth stories, and draws from decades of experience to explore the hidden epidemic of birth trauma that is affecting an alarming number of women.In this episode Dr. Aviva discusses:Birth trauma: what it is, how it manifests, and why it’s more common than you might thinkThe profound impact of birth trauma on maternal mental healthReal stories from women who have experienced trauma during labor and birth, highlighting the emotional and mental impact that can linger long after the baby is born.The surprising central factor most women report as the cause of birth trauma: medical mistreatment and lack of informed consent and communication..The critical importance of centering the mother’s well-being in the birthing process for the mother, the baby, and the familyThe actionable steps that can be taken by both healthcare providers and loved ones to support mothers before, during, and after birth to prevent trauma and promote healing.Why This Episode Matters:Birth is one of the most significant events in a woman’s life, yet the emotional and psychological well-being of mothers often takes a back seat to physical outcomes. By bringing this issue to the forefront, Dr. Romm aims to empower women, educate healthcare professionals, and spark a much-needed conversation about the importance of “matrifocal: maternal health care.Tune in to the full episode to understand the true impact of birth trauma and what we can do to support the emotional and psychological well-being of mothers.Share Your Story: Have you or someone you know experienced birth trauma? Please join the conversation on Dr. Aviva’s  Instagram @dr.avivaromm and use #HealingBirthTrauma.Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

If you find yourself feeling chronically overwhelmed, with a to-do list you can’t ever get to the bottom of, and a nagging feeling that you’re never quite doing enough, this episode is for you. Joining me is Jenny Odell, the acclaimed author of zthe books How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy and Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond Productivity Culture. An artist and educator based in Oakland, California, Jenny’s work shines a light on how we can reclaim our attention in an increasingly digital world, while escaping from the clutches of productivity culture.  I also share my personal story of how a recent vacation followed by COVID has caused me to rethink my own attention economy - and how this has been shifting my nervous system - and perspectives - on ‘what’s enough.”Join us as we explore insights on the importance of rest, reflection, and mindful living as part of taking back our lives, power, and mental well-being including: What the attention economy is and how it’s impacting our mental well-beingThe compare and despair impact of social media on women’s healthThe misconception of "doing nothing" and its true meaning.The anxiety and irritability that comes from constantly racing the clockChronodiversity and the power of nature for expanding timeStrategies for reclaiming our attention by focusing on what truly matters.The importance of rest and reflection in maintaining overall well-being.Practical tips for incorporating mindful practices into daily life.How to start making small changes toward a more intentional and fulfilling life.Resources Mentioned:More from Jenny Odell:How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond Productivity CultureJenny's websiteThe Adrenal Thyroid Revolution : Dr. Aviva’s book on taking back your health - while nourishing your adrenals and supporting your thyroidLooking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here:...

Welcome to the second half of our alcohol miniseries! In part one, I focused on how alcohol metabolizes differently in women than men and how this increases women's alcohol-related health risks. I also talked about how alcohol can effect puberty, our hormones, and menstrual cycles. If you haven’t already listened, it's a perfect prequel to today's episode, where I talk about how alcohol may impact fertility, PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, and breast cancer, giving you food for thought on whether and if so how much drinking is okay for YOU, and also tools for smarter alcohol intake. You’ll walk away from series feeling empowered and equipped with the tools and information necessary to approach alcohol in a way that best matches your lifestyle. In this episode, I dish on: How alcohol may impact fertility and how to approach drinking while trying to conceive How inflammation caused by alcohol consumption can enhance symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis The role of alcohol in menopause, hot flashes, and sleep struggles Alcohol and breast cancer: risks, susceptibility, genetics, and more How alcohol may impact methylation and DNA The top tips for drinking in a way that mitigates the risks of alcohol, while still being able to enjoy light intake should you want to Whether you're trying to conceive, are currently pregnant, going through menopause, struggling with PCOS or endometriosis, or simply want to learn more about the potential long-term effects of alcohol on your health, - even just light drinking - this series as a must-refer-back-to one for various cycles of your life. So listen, save and share it! Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm and go to avivaromm.com to join the conversation. Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Alcohol. It's the kind of frenemy that many women have a love-hate relationship with. It may make us feel good in the moment—relaxed, more social, less anxious—but many women find that after a drink or several, they’re moody, irritable, don’t sleep as well, and feel overall kind of not-so-great. Are there reasons for this that are unique to women? And can alcohol have hidden effects on our estrogen? Progesterone? Menstrual cycles? What about your gut? Circadian rhythm? Thyroid?  That’s exactly what we’ll explore together in this two part series on women, alcohol, and our hormones. Whether you’re having a dry July 4th or just hitting the brakes a little now, what better time of year is there to do a little self-check-in on this anyway? It can be a perfect time to revaluate your relationship with alcohol altogether.  We’ll be diving straight into the research and discussing the direct impact alcohol has on women’s hormonal and long-term health, so you can make the most informed decisions when it comes to alcohol consumption that best fit your lifestyle. In the first of this two part series on women, alcohol, and our hormones, we'll deep dive into... Why we need to know how much a "drink" really is in terms of alcohol content The differences between how men and women metabolize alcohol and why this is so important The differences between light, moderate, heavy, and binge drinking and why it matters How your personal background can play a role in the way you react to alcohol The truth about red wine consumption and the French Paradox  The dynamic between alcohol, inflammation, leaky gut, blood sugar, and thyroid health How alcohol impacts estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and our menstrual cycles This episode will give you food for thought and some important information to consider as you intentionally reflect on whether and how much to include alcohol in your lifestyle with zero judgment. Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm and go to avivaromm.com to join the conversation. Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

I’m so excited to share an encore interview with the brilliant, hilarious, and incredibly insightful Emily Nagoski, author of Come As You Are, Come Together, and Burnout (co-written with her sister). Emily is a renowned sex educator who brings a blend of scientific rigor and relatable storytelling to the conversation about women's sexual health and pleasure. Get ready for a foxy (you’ll have to listen to hear why this is literally true!)conversation full of laughter, wisdom, and relatable experiences. Today we talk about her latest book: Come Together (she does come up the most perfect titles!). Note we talk about SEX and get real. So perhaps not an episode with littles in the car unless you want to do a lot of explaining while you listen. In this episode we dive deep into:High Expectations and Reality Checks: Emily shares the unexpected challenges of writing Come As You Are and the personal journey that inspired Come Together. Discover how stress and exhaustion can impact desire, even for a sex educator.The Emotional Floor Plan: Learn about the emotional floor plan concept that Emily developed to understand her journey from stress to pleasure. This framework is a game-changer for navigating intimacy in long-term relationships.Say the Words: Emily and Aviva discuss the importance of desensitizing yourself to sexual language. Get ready to laugh and learn as they share exercises for getting comfortable talking about sex - starting with getting comfortable talking about body parts. The Patriarchy and Pleasure: Emily dives into the complex impact of the patriarchy on sexual relationships. Discover how societal norms and expectations shape our desires and how to break free from them.Unleashing Your Inner Wild: Aviva and Emily explore how women can reconnect with their deep feminine energy and inner wise woman. Learn about the power of rewilding and embracing your authentic self.Navigating Change: Practical tips for couples on how to navigate change and maintain a strong sexual connection. From creating safe conversations to understanding each other’s needs, this segment is packed with actionable advice.The Four Questions: Emily shares four essential questions to help couples understand and improve their sexual relationship. These questions are a roadmap to deeper connection and pleasure.The Power of Love: Emily’s profound realization about the impermanence of life and the importance of kindness, compassion, and play in relationships. Aviva reflects on her own 40-year marriage and the lessons she’s learned.We hope this episode helps you feel seen, heard, and empowered. If you enjoy it - and On Health in general - please share this with a friend and leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget to follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes on the regular.Resources Mentioned:Emily Nagoski’s books: Come As You Are, Come Together, and Burnout (co-written with her sister).Aviva Romm’s courses and blog: AvivaRomm.comLooking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in...