#355: First Trimester Fatigue, Flu Season, and Family Health Challenges with Steph and Dr. Elana
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Release Date: 02/11/2025
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Motherhood can feel like a never-ending cycle of to-dos, emotional burnout, and self-sacrifice. But what if there’s another way? In this heart-centered episode, Steph Greunke sits down with life coach and mom mentor Ciara Burton, who shares how to move from survival mode to a place of soulful fulfillment. Ciara opens up about her own postpartum struggles, the pressure of perfectionism, and how becoming a mother demanded she become a new version of herself. Together, they explore why doing more isn’t the answer and how aligning your actions with your values can help you feel grounded,...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Cooperative parenting may be the key to less stress and more connection in your home. In this fascinating episode, Dr. Elana sits down with New York Times bestselling author and NPR reporter Michaeleen Doucleff to explore what modern American parents can learn from traditional cultures around the world. Michaeleen shares how traveling to the Yucatán, the Arctic, and Tanzania transformed her parenting and helped her navigate power struggles with her strong-willed daughter. You’ll hear how simple shifts like reducing interference, encouraging autonomy, and inviting children into household...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
All-or-nothing thinking around food can leave women stuck in cycles of guilt, bingeing, and starting over every Monday. In this solo episode, registered dietitian Steph Greunke helps you break free from the diet rollercoaster and create a more grounded, sustainable relationship with food. Steph explores how our mindset around nutrition impacts not only our own well-being but also the way we model healthy habits for our kids. You’ll walk away with compassionate tools, mindset shifts, and real-life strategies to approach eating from a place of nourishment—not shame. Whether you’ve...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Fevers are one of the most common reasons parents panic, but they don’t have to be scary. In this solo teaching episode, Dr. Elana guides you through exactly what to do when your child has a fever. You’ll learn why fevers are a sign that the immune system is doing its job, how to know when to intervene and what symptoms to watch for at every age. Dr. Elana also shares the truth about febrile seizures, the difference between Tylenol and Motrin and her favorite natural remedies that often help avoid medication altogether. This episode is designed to help you feel calm, confident and prepared...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Pregnancy, perimenopause and parenting are all seasons of deep transformation. In this heartfelt season finale, Dr. Elana and Steph open up about what’s been unfolding behind the scenes in their lives. Dr. Elana shares vulnerable reflections from her third trimester, including how each of her children’s personalities showed up during pregnancy and the emotional growth she’s experiencing as she prepares for baby number four. She opens up about mindset shifts that are helping her embrace discomfort, reconnect with her purpose, and prepare with intention for postpartum. Her journey offers a...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Starting solids can feel like a confusing milestone but it does not have to be. In this episode, registered dietitian and infant feeding expert Malina Malkani joins us to unpack the latest research and practical strategies around baby led feeding, allergen introduction, and responsive feeding. Whether you are just starting solids or navigating food allergy concerns, this episode offers a reassuring and evidence-informed roadmap to help you feel confident in your feeding decisions. We explore the difference between baby led feeding and traditional purees, when and how to safely introduce top...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Feeling overwhelmed by mom anxiety, panic spirals or health-related fears when your child is sick? You’re not alone and there is a path to peace. In this empowering episode, we explore practical and holistic solutions for anxious moms who want to stay calm, clear and confident, especially when their kids are unwell. Joining me is Dr. Nicole Cain, a naturopathic doctor and mental health expert who turned her own healing journey into a mission to help women break free from anxiety. Together, we unpack the difference between normal mom concern and full-blown panic, how to regulate your nervous...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Postpartum nutrition, breastfeeding, and milk supply concerns are some of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) topics in motherhood. In this episode, registered dietitian and IBCLC Allegra Gast helps you navigate postpartum recovery and breastfeeding with clarity and confidence. Allegra shares her real-life experience as a twin mom and expert insights into how proper nutrition, mineral balance, and intentional habits can transform your postpartum journey. From prepping freezer meals in the third trimester to the power of mineral mocktails, you’ll learn the foundational habits that help...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Puberty can feel overwhelming for both moms and daughters, but what if you had a step-by-step guide to make the transition empowering and stress-free? In this episode, we dive into puberty education with Megan Ziegenfus, a former middle school teacher and creator of Body Talk Basics, a holistic program designed to help moms teach their daughters about puberty with confidence. We explore why traditional puberty education falls short, the essential topics moms should cover (but often miss), and practical strategies for fostering open, shame-free conversations about periods, body changes and...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Feeling overwhelmed by the mental load of motherhood? You are not alone, and there is a better way. In this episode, relationship expert and psychologist Dr. Morgan Cutlip returns to the Doctor Mom Podcast to unpack what is really behind the mental load many moms carry and how it impacts your relationship, emotional health, and even your sex life. You will learn how to lighten the invisible to do list, communicate effectively with your partner without it turning into a blame game, and rebuild connection in a way that feels genuine and natural. Dr. Cutlip shares relatable stories, practical...
info_outlinePregnancy exhaustion, sick kids, and the chaos of flu season—sound familiar? In this raw and relatable episode, Dr. Elana Roumell and Steph Greunke open up about the highs and lows of early pregnancy, navigating family-wide illnesses, and the mindset shifts that helped them power through.
From first-trimester fatigue and unexpected health scares to practical immune-boosting strategies, we dive into real-life challenges moms face daily. Steph shares how she tackled flu and strep in her home, while Dr. Elana reflects on her struggles with energy depletion and the strategies she used to recover. Plus, hear their best tips for prioritizing self-care, managing anxiety around illness, and the simple health hacks that made all the difference.
If you’re in the trenches of motherhood—whether you’re expecting, managing a household of sick kids, or just trying to stay well—this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you feel more prepared, calm, and empowered. Tune in now for an honest, supportive conversation that every mom needs to hear!
Topics Covered In This Episode:
-
First-trimester fatigue & pregnancy exhaustion
-
Flu and strep throat recovery tips
-
Managing illness anxiety as a mom
-
Immune-boosting strategies for families
-
Self-care and stress relief for moms
Show Notes:
- Visit Lifeforce. Get $300+ off with code DOCTORMOM
-
Learn more about Gottman Therapy
-
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 Substack Mindset + Metabolism where women can learn how to nourish their bodies, hit their health and body composition goals, and become the most vibrant version of themselves.
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!
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.