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

#379: How Genetic Testing Helps You Personalize Healthcare & Vaccine Support With Natalie Samson

Genetic testing is more than just ancestry results. It can be one of the most powerful tools for supporting your child’s long-term health and making informed medical decisions. In this empowering episode, Dr. Elana is joined by board-certified genetic counselor, Natalie Samson, to explore how DNA testing can help personalize everything from supplements to nutrition, vaccine protocols and emotional well-being. One of the most important parts of this conversation is how genetic insights can help assess vaccine risk. You’ll learn how inflammation markers, methylation, detox pathways and oxidative stress genes can influence how a child responds to vaccines. With this information, parents can feel more confident in their ability to support their child’s unique biology before and after vaccines. Natalie makes complex science feel easy to understand, offering real-life examples for moms who want clarity, not confusion. Dr. Elana also shares how genetic testing helped her tailor supplement plans, prepare for pregnancy and feel more grounded in her family’s health decisions. Whether you are planning for pregnancy, navigating chronic symptoms, or facing vaccine decisions, this episode offers trusted education and encouragement so you feel informed and prepared. Topics Covered In This Episode: Genetic testing for personalized health plans How epigenetics influences chronic disease risk DNA-based vaccine risk assessment and immune support Understanding detox pathways and inflammation markers How genetic insights guide nutrition and supplement choices Supporting children’s emotional health through neurotransmitter genetics Show Notes: Mention this podcast episode, and you can get 15% off an appointment with Natalie Follow @goldengeneticshealth on Instagram Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood. Listen to today’s episode on our website Natalie is a dedicated Board-Certified Genetic Counselor devoted to transforming healthcare through personalized, integrative, and preventative approaches. She established her own practice, Golden Genetics to introduce an integrative and holistic approach to genetic counseling and testing, combining it with nutrition and nutrigenomics. She focuses on cancer, neurology and nutrigenomics and she aims to provide preventative and personalized care in genetic counseling and testing. This Episode’s Sponsors  Enjoy the health benefits of PaleoValley’s products such as their supplements, superfood bars and meat sticks.  Receive 15% off your purchase by heading to paleovalley.com/doctormom  Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women’s health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM20 for 20% off Needed’s Complete Plan! Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order. INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.

#378: The 7 Transformative Tools You Need To Thrive with Elise Loehnen

Women are often praised for being “good” but what if goodness is holding us back from being whole? In this deeply thought-provoking episode, bestselling author Elise Loehnen returns to discuss her new workbook, Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness, a companion to her New York Times bestseller, On Our Best Behavior. They explore how deeply ingrained cultural programming shapes women’s identities, expectations, and stories, often without our awareness. Elise breaks down the seven “sins” that subconsciously govern women’s lives, including the good girl script, perfectionism, and self-sacrifice, and teaches us how to reclaim power by choosing truth and wholeness over performance and fear. You’ll learn tangible tools for self-inquiry including “fact versus story”, how to identify fear responses, naming personas, and how to recognize if you’re caught in a drama triangle.  This episode is rich with insights, tools, and real-life examples that will help you begin to shift your internal stories, access deeper self-compassion, and build stronger, healthier boundaries. It’s not about being a better woman—it’s about being more you. Topics Covered In This Episode: Cultural conditioning and the good girl myth Self-awareness tools you can practice today Understanding your fear response  How the drama triangle keeps you stuck How to name and work with your inner personas Show Notes: Follow @eliseloehnen on Instagram Tweet Elise @eloehnen Check out Elise’s on Linkedin Visit Elise’s website Purchase New York Times bestseller On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good Buy Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness—the official companion guide to On Our Best Behavior, as well as True and False Magic, which Elise wrote with legendary psychiatrist Phil Stutz. Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood. Listen to today’s episode on our website Elise Loehnen is a writer, editor, and podcast host who lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Rob, and their two sons, Max and Sam. She is the host of Pulling the Thread, a podcast focused on pulling apart the stories we tell about who we are—and then putting those threads back together. Ultimately Elise is a seeker and synthesizer, braiding together wisdom traditions, cultural history, and a deep knowledge of healing modalities to unlock new ways to contextualize who we are and why we’re here. She’s also the author of the instant New York Times bestseller On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good (Dial Press/PRH). The book weaves together history, memoir, and cultural criticism to explore the ways patriarchy lands in the bodies of women and embeds itself in our consciousness—and what we then police in ourselves and in each other. Regardless of our religious provenance, the self-denial implicit in each of the Seven Deadly Sins—Sloth, Envy, Pride, Gluttony, Greed, Lust, Anger—reads like a checklist of what it means to be a “good” woman. With awareness, we can begin to recognize these patterns of self-restriction, break the story, and move ourselves and each other toward freedom and balance. Elise is a frequent contributor to Oprah, and has written for The New York Times, Elle Decor, Stylist, and more. This Episode’s Sponsors  Enjoy the health benefits of PaleoValley’s products such as their supplements, superfood bars and meat sticks.  Receive 15% off your purchase by heading to paleovalley.com/doctormom  Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women’s health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM20 for 20% off Needed’s Complete Plan! Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order. INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.

#377: Microdosing GLP-1 for Women and Perimenopause: Debunking Myths with McCall McPherson

GLP-1s are stirring up a lot of buzz, but most people only know them as a tool for weight loss. In this episode, we dig deeper with functional medicine expert McCall McPherson to uncover how these peptides can do so much more, especially for women navigating thyroid issues, perimenopause, blood sugar, and chronic inflammation. You’ll hear how microdosing GLP-1 can heal metabolism, support thyroid function, reduce autoimmune markers, and help women finally feel seen and supported in their health journeys. McCall shares real patient stories, busts the "calories in and calories out" myth, and offers insight into her personalized approach to hormone and thyroid care. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still not seeing results, or confused about the mainstream media’s controversial take on this peptide, this conversation will feel like the missing piece you’ve been looking for. Topics Covered In This Episode: GLP-1s for inflammation, weight loss, metabolic and autoimmune support Microdosing for thyroid and perimenopause symptoms Personalized protocols for metabolic healing The truth about calorie restriction and weight loss resistance How to support blood sugar, muscle mass, and metabolism long-term Show Notes: Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s  online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset,an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood. Listen to today’s episode on our website   McCall McPherson is a pioneering physician associate and entrepreneur in thyroid, hormone, and metabolic health. As founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic and Modern Weight Loss, and owner of Thyroid Nation, she combines medical expertise with personal experience to offer innovative solutions as well as a unique and balanced approach to wellness. A TEDx speaker, honored in the top 200 Fastest Growing Health Companies on 2024’s Inc 5000 list, a Top 500 Inc Female Founder and the host of the podcast Modern Thyroid & Wellness. This Episode’s Sponsors  Enjoy the health benefits of PaleoValley’s products such as their supplements, superfood bars and meat sticks.  Receive 15% off your purchase by heading to paleovalley.com/doctormom  Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women’s health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM20 for 20% off Needed’s Complete Plan! Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order. INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.

#376:The Truth About Antibiotics and Gut Health Every Parent Should Know with Nicky Skinner

Antibiotic gut support for kids is a hot topic, and in this empowering episode, we dive in with pediatric emergency nurse turned holistic educator, Nicky Skinner. With her background in both conventional and natural medicine, Nicky shares her step-by-step approach to protecting and restoring gut health before, during and after antibiotics.    From spore-based probiotics to herbal and biofilm support, she offers simple, actionable guidance for even the busiest moms. You’ll also learn how to ask your doctor the right questions, how to avoid unnecessary antibiotics and when it’s absolutely essential to say yes to conventional treatment. If you’ve ever felt unsure about antibiotic use, this conversation is packed with clarity and confidence-building tools. Topics Covered In This Episode: Follow @nourished_and_vibrant on Instagram  Learn more about Nourished and Vibrant Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s  online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset,an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood. Show Notes: Gut healing after antibiotics in children When to use probiotics during antibiotic treatment Herbal and biofilm support for stubborn infections How to talk to your doctor about antibiotics Simple at-home remedies to avoid unnecessary prescriptions Listen to today’s episode on our website   Paediatric emergency nurse, turned holistic health and low-tox educator This Episode’s Sponsors  Skout Organic makes snack time simple and stress-free with their organic bars and cookies made from clean, real ingredients. They are individually wrapped, lunchbox-ready, and loved by even the pickiest eaters. Perfect for school, sports, or keeping by your nursing chair for a quick postpartum pick-me-up. Right now, Skout Organic is offering up to 30% off during their Back to School Sale. Visit SkoutOrganic.com and use code DOCTORMOM at checkout. Sale ends August 25, so stock up while you can. Enjoy the health benefits of PaleoValley’s products such as their supplements, superfood bars and meat sticks.  Receive 15% off your purchase by heading to paleovalley.com/doctormom  Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women’s health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM20 for 20% off Needed’s Complete Plan! Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order. INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.

#375: How to Prepare for Postpartum Like a Pro with Dr. Morgan MacDermott

Pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood are not meant to be navigated alone. In this powerful episode, naturopathic doctor and mom of four Dr. Morgan MacDermott helps us understand why modern motherhood can feel so overwhelming and what we can do about it. From navigating pregnancy and planning for birth to recovering during postpartum and beyond, Dr. Morgan offers a compassionate yet practical roadmap for mothers who want to feel supported, prepared and empowered. We explore the pitfalls of today's fragmented support systems, how to reintroduce time-tested wisdom into your motherhood journey and why building a postpartum care team before birth changes everything. Whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or considering motherhood, this episode is your invitation to slow down, get intentional and reclaim your confidence through community, preparation and self-trust. Topics Covered In This Episode: Postpartum support planning for moms Lactation consultant and newborn care tips Ancient wisdom for modern birth How to reduce birth trauma and anxiety Building a motherhood care team before baby Show Notes: Learn more about Dr. MacDermott Listen to the Healthy as a Mother Podcast Sign up for The Immediate Postpartum Series Follow @morganmacdermot on Instagram Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s  online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset,an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood. Listen to today’s episode on our website Dr. Morgan is a rising leader in women’s reproductive health committed to helping modern mothers transform their daily struggles into stepping stones toward a more supported, balanced, and confident state of being.  As a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and mother of four young children, Dr. Morgan MacDermott blends functional medical expertise, clinical skill, and first-hand experience to help women navigate wellness for themselves and their families. She is the founder of Milk Medicine™, a comprehensive online community of educational resources guiding women through the many transitions of motherhood - from pregnancy, through birth, and throughout postpartum. Dr. Morgan co-hosts the Healthy as a Mother podcast with Dr. Leah Gordon, a weekly educational conversation around becoming and being a mother.  This Episode’s Sponsors  Enjoy the health benefits of PaleoValley’s products such as their supplements, superfood bars and meat sticks.  Receive 15% off your purchase by heading to paleovalley.com/doctormom  Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women’s health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM20 for 20% off Needed’s Complete Plan! Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order.   INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.