#365: Puberty Made Simple: How to Guide Your Daughter Through Body Changes with Confidence with Megan Ziegenfus
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Release Date: 05/06/2025
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Keeping kids nourished can feel overwhelming, especially with picky eating, changing appetites, and nonstop schedules, yet a real food foundation can transform everything from immunity to mood. In this episode, registered dietitians Ali Miller and Becki Yoo share science backed strategies for supporting your child’s gut health, regulating blood sugar, boosting immune resilience, and making nutrient dense meals doable in any home. We explore how stress impacts digestion, how to decode behavioral cues tied to nutrition, and what families can focus on when time and energy are limited. You will...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Every mom deserves to know the truth about what her body actually needs for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum, and most of us have never been told the full story. In this powerful conversation, Needed co-founder Ryan Woodbury shares the surprising gaps in conventional prenatal care, how evidence-based nutrient protocols can radically shift outcomes and why moms deserve better support at every stage of the motherhood journey. We talk about fertility prep for both partners, postpartum recovery, immune health for the whole family and how Needed’s research-backed formulations are changing...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
When motherhood feels chaotic and overstimulating, learning to stay centered can change how you show up for your children. In this deeply relatable conversation, Ciara Burton breaks down her Silent Parenting method, a gentle and self-reflective approach that helps moms navigate triggers, reduce reactivity, and guide their children from a grounded emotional space. She shares practical tools for staying connected during challenging moments, encouraging decision making skills, creating healthier family dynamics, and shifting the internal patterns that shape how we parent. Throughout this episode,...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
With medical costs rising faster than ever, families are searching for better options and many do not realize there is an alternative that can save thousands while giving them more choice. In this eye-opening episode, Danielle Drori breaks down exactly how healthshares work, how they differ from insurance and why they can give families more choice and financial freedom. We explore maternity coverage, emergency care, alternative treatments, telehealth access, catastrophic events and real examples of families who saved thousands. This conversation is packed with clarity and reassurance so you...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Motherhood is always evolving and this season opener gives you a heart-centered look into how we are both navigating big transitions, shifting priorities and finding new rhythms in work, marriage, health and parenting. We talk about slowing down, creating space for joy, building community and the unexpected practices that are nourishing us in this chapter. You’ll hear about postpartum life with baby Revi, reflections on moving homes, school changes, relationship growth and what we are each doing to feel more grounded as busy moms. This episode invites you to exhale, feel seen and step into...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Rethinking childhood education is more important than ever. In this inspiring episode, educator Ana Fabrega shares why traditional schooling is outdated and how parents can nurture creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills at home. She explains how systems like Synthesis are changing the future of learning through games and simulations, why failure is one of the most important gifts we can give our kids, and how parents can support curiosity outside of the classroom. You’ll walk away with practical tips for fostering independence, cultivating a love of reading, and encouraging kids...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Medical emergencies with kids can feel overwhelming, but what if you knew exactly what to do? In this powerful and practical episode, pediatric ER nurse and mom of four, Shannon Tripp, joins us to share her real-world wisdom on how to handle scary moments with calm and clarity. You’ll learn how to differentiate between urgent care and ER visits, how to stay composed during a choking episode, when to worry about head injuries or broken bones and what symptoms matter most with fevers. We also dive into how to prevent three of the most common emergencies she sees in the ER, the one thing she...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Ear infections are one of the most common pediatric concerns, but treating them doesn’t always require antibiotics. In this solo episode, Dr. Elana walks you through natural ear infection remedies that support healing gently and effectively. She explains why the wait and see approach is often safer, when to see a provider, and how to know if ear tubes are really necessary. You’ll learn her favorite homeopathic remedies for fast relief, how to advocate for your child at the doctor’s office and what to do if infections keep coming back. If you’re ready to feel confident and...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Puberty often begins earlier than most parents expect and shows up in subtle, easily missed ways. In this episode, we speak with bestselling author and pediatrician Dr. Cara Natterson to demystify the emotional, social, and physical changes boys go through during puberty. We discuss what early signs to watch for, why silence is often mistaken for disconnection, and how to keep communication open even when your child begins pulling away. You’ll learn what puberty really looks like (hint: it doesn’t start with facial hair), how hormones affect boys differently than girls, and what parents...
info_outline"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive Parent
Postpartum recovery brings unique challenges and Elana opens up about the real-life adjustments of being a mom of four while nourishing a newborn. In this episode, she shares how she balances sleep deprivation, homeschooling and work while protecting her energy and finding joy in the newborn season. You’ll also hear her top tips for creating an empowered birth and recovery experience that leaves you feeling strong and supported. This is Part 2 of a two-part series. and the mindset lessons that set the stage for her postpartum journey. Topics Covered In This Episode: Navigating...
info_outlinePuberty 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 self-care. Megan shares how nutrition, lifestyle and even light exposure can impact early puberty as well as what moms can do to support a smoother transition.
Plus, you’ll discover how to create a mother-daughter connection that lasts beyond puberty, including a unique "hidden journal" technique to encourage open communication. Whether your daughter is approaching puberty or already navigating these changes, this episode gives you the tools to guide her with clarity, confidence and care. Don't miss this powerful conversation. Your daughter and future generations will thank you!
Topics Covered In This Episode:
-
How to Teach Puberty with Confidence
-
Essential Topics for Puberty Education
-
Holistic Approaches to Menstrual Health
-
Preventing Early Puberty Naturally
-
Building Mother-Daughter Connection Through Puberty
Show Notes:
-
Follow @bodytalkbasics on Instagram
-
Check out BodyBasics Digital Version Program - Be sure to use code DOCTORMOM for 10% off
-
For US SHIPPING
-
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.
Megan Ziegenfus is a former middle school teacher, a women’s health enthusiast, and the creator of the course Body Talk Basics: Conversations About Puberty for Moms & Daughters. This course is designed to help both moms and daughters understand the changes that happen during puberty and bring them closer together in the process!
This Episode’s Sponsors
Levels helps you see how food impacts your health with AI-powered food logging, habit tracking, and smarter insights. Add tools like continuous glucose monitors and lab tests for a complete picture of your health. If you’ve been curious about your own metabolic health, now’s the time to start! Levels is offering “Doctor Mom” listeners 2 free months of their annual membership—just head to levels.link/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