Boob to Food - The Podcast
Boob to Food - the podcast, is brought to you by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm. There is so much noise in the parenting space (and we don't mean the tantruming toddler). We understand that it can feel confusing, conflicting and overwhelming. That's why we are bringing our years of experience as a midwife, nutritionist and naturopath - and mothers of 5 children between us, to help other mothers and families confidently navigate the rollercoaster of motherhood, from Boob to Food, and beyond. Each week on the podcast we will be sharing practical wisdom, interviewing experts in all things motherhood, health...
132 - Tongue Ties: What They Are, What They Mean, and What To Do Next with paediatric Speech Pathologist Emily Tyler
Tongue ties are one of the most asked-about topics in the Boob to Food community and also one of the most confusing. From conflicting advice to the debate around diagnosis and treatment, many parents are left wondering: Does my baby have a tongue tie? And if so, what should I do?
In this episode, weâre joined by Emily Tyler, speech pathologist and founder of Chomp & Chat, to unpack the nuance and offer clear, compassionate guidance. Whether your child has been diagnosed, youâre noticing feeding challenges, or youâre simply curious about how tongue ties m...
131 - Gestational Diabetes: What It Is, What to Do, and How to Feel Empowered with Prenatal Dietitian Niki Mohtat
Gestational diabetes (GDM) can feel overwhelming, and for many women, it comes with confusion, fear, or guilt. But a diagnosis doesnât mean youâve done anything wrong, and it certainly doesnât mean youâre powerless.
In this episode, weâre joined by Boob to Food clinic dietitian and nutritionist Niki Mohtat to explore what GDM actually is, why it happens, and how you can manage it with confidence through nourishing food, supportive lifestyle tweaks, and the right guidance.Â
Niki Mohtat is a dietitian and nutritionist with a passion for supporting women through pre...
130 - Understanding Food Sensitivities: Whatâs Normal, Whatâs Not, and When to Seek Support with Luka & Kate
Food sensitivities can feel like a confusing and overwhelming topic, especially when your little one is experiencing symptoms, and youâre trying to work out whatâs going on. Unlike allergies, sensitivities can present in a wide variety of ways, and figuring out the right next step isnât always clear-cut.
In this episode, Lukca picks Kateâs brain about food sensitivities - what they are, how theyâre different to allergies and intolerances, and how to navigate them with confidence. This conversation is full of practical advice to help you understand, support, and advocate for your child (and...
129 - Why Your Toddler Suddenly Hates Everything: Food Rejection & What to Do About It (with OT Rachael Smith)
It can feel frustrating (and confusing!) when your toddler suddenly starts refusing foods they used to love, especially when youâve followed all the advice to raise an adventurous eater.
In this episode, weâre joined by paediatric occupational therapist Rachael Smith to explore the common (and completely normal) reasons for food refusal, as well as signs that it might be time to seek extra support. Whether your child is going through a phase or thereâs something deeper at play, this conversation is full of practical, compassionate advice to help bring more ease to your familyâs mealti...
128 - Your Cycle After Baby - When Will It Return, and Whatâs Normal with Luka and Kate
In this weekâs episode of Boob to Food the Podcast, Luka turns the tables and interviews Kate about a topic that almost every mum wonders about â when will my period come back after having a baby?
From the hormonal shifts after birth, to how breastfeeding and stress play a role, to why some mums get their period six weeks postpartum while others wait over two years â weâre breaking it all down. Kate shares whatâs considered normal, what symptoms might be a sign of imbalance, and what you can do if youâre hoping to conceive aga...
127 - Sick Again? How to Support Your Childâs Immune Health This Winter with Luka and Kate
In this weekâs episode of Boob to Food the Podcast, Luka turns the tables and interviews Kate about everyoneâs favourite parenting hot topic (or cold one?) - how to support your childâs immune system through winter.
We know how tough it is when the colds and coughs keep circulating, especially when it takes down the whole family one by one. Thatâs why weâre diving into what a healthy immune system actually looks like in kids (spoiler: itâs not never getting sick), the factors that impact immunity, and how to support your little oneâs...
126 - Life Lately: When the Working Mum Juggle Stops Juggling
In true catch-up episode style, weâre chatting all things life, motherhood, expectations vs. reality (hello, Motherâs Day), rain-induced cabin fever, and the juggle of being a working parent. As well as a big update from Kate. Weâre not crying, youâre crying.
We dive into the why behind Kateâs decision, what sheâll still be doing with Boob to Food, and the messy, beautiful reality of honouring your values in motherhood, even when it means making a big change.
For those who are tuning in for the first time, a litt...
125 - Food Throwing: Whatâs Normal, Whatâs Not & How to Respond
Whether youâre in the thick of starting solids or navigating toddler mealtimes, thereâs one behaviour that comes up again and again - food throwing. Itâs messy, frustrating, and often confusing⌠are they full? Bored? Just testing you?
In todayâs episode, Luka and Kate are joined once again by our brilliant in-house occupational therapist Rachael Smith to talk all things food throwing - why it happens, when itâs developmentally normal, and how to set boundaries without creating a power struggle at mealtimes.
This episode is for you if your lovingly prepared meal regular...
124 - Should Kids Eat a Plant-Based Diet with Luka and Kate
Can children thrive on a plant-based diet? From Instagram debates to client consults, this topic stirs up a lot of emotions â and understandably so. Whether youâre fully plant-based, somewhere in between, or just plant-curious, this episode is packed with practical advice, no judgement, and a whole lot of nuance.
Weâre covering the nutritional concerns, what it actually means to be plant-based, how to make it work for little eaters, and why we donât believe in fear-mongering around food.
For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about usâŚ
Luka McC...123 - Does My Toddler Need Supplements?
Between picky eating phases, snack obsessions, and the endless marketing of kidsâ vitamins, itâs no wonder parents are left wondering "does my toddler actually need supplements?" In todayâs episode, Luka and Kate break down the most common myths, the supplements that might help (and the ones that are a waste of money), and what to look for if youâre worried about your toddlerâs nutrition. Spoiler: beige food phases are normal, and you probably donât need to panic.
For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about usâŚ
Luka McCabe â...122 - Prepping for Pregnancy With Prenatal Dietitian Niki Mohtat
Nutrition plays a powerful role in fertility and the health of both parents and babyâbut so many couples feel confused, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start. In this episode, weâre 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 onâthink folate, vitamin A, choline, iodine...
121 - Raising Intuitive Eaters with Alyssa from Redwood Wellbeing
We talk a lot about nutritionâwhat 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. Itâs also wrapped up in culture, emotion, connection, and often⌠our own baggage. In todayâs episode, weâre shifting the focus to the how of feeding our childrenâand 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. Sheâs also a mum of two girls a...
120 â Allergy FAQs and Oral Immunotherapy with Dr Chaitanya Bodapati
Dr Chai is back for a third time on the podcast to help us navigate some of the most frequently asked questions about food allergiesâthis 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 ex...
119 - What to Do if Your Child Has an Allergic Reaction with Dr Chaitanya Bodapati
Weâre back for part two with paediatric allergist and immunologist Dr Chaitanya Bodapati (aka Dr Chai) to continue the conversation about allergiesâthis 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 itâs mild hives or something more serious like anaphylaxis, the path forward can feel overwhelming and unclearâespecially when wait times to see a specialist can be months long.
Dr Chait...
118 - Introducing Allergens with Paediatric Allergist Dr. Chaitanya Bodapati
Allergies are one of the most commonâand nerve-wrackingâconcerns for families starting solids. From knowing when to introduce allergens to understanding how often they should be offered, itâs no wonder so many parents feel overwhelmed.
In this weekâs episode of Boob to Food The Podcast, weâre 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 episo...
117 - Gagging vs. Choking: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Nicole from Rhythm First Aid
Is there anything more terrifying than the thought of your baby choking? If youâve ever hesitated to serve finger foods because youâre scared of choking, youâre not alone.
In this weekâs 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, andâmost importantlyâwhat to do in an emergency.
For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about usâŚ
Luka McCabe â founder of Boob to Food...116 - Life Lately: Freezer Fails, Kate's Audition & Will Strikes Again!
Welcome back to another catch-up episode of Boob to Food, the Podcast. This week, itâs 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 chaoticâjust like mum life itself!
For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about usâŚ
Luka McCabe â founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Todd...115 - Everything You Need to Know About Cup Drinking for Babies with Speech Pathologist Emily Meagher
When it comes to introducing your little one to cup drinking, thereâs no shortage of opinionsâespecially 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, weâre 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 drinkingâwhatâs best, whatâs unn...
114 - Does My Child Need Cowâs Milk or Toddler Formula?
When it comes to feeding little ones after 12 months, one of the most common questions we get is: Does my child need cowâs 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 whatâs truly best for your child.
In this episode, Luka and Kate break it all downâwhat the recommendations actually are, why milk drinks arenât necessary for toddlers, and how to ensure your little one is getting the nutrition they need as they transition to a whole food die...
113 - Constipation in Babies: Why Itâs Not âNormalâ and What to Do About It
When it comes to starting solids, one of the biggest concerns for parents is constipation. If youâve ever been told that constipation is ânormalâ for babies, weâre here to set the record straightâitâs common, but itâs 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, weâre covering it all to help your baby get back to comforta...
112 - Navigating the 9 - 12 Month Starting Solids Stage
In this episode of Boob to Food the Podcast, Luka and Kate continue the starting solids journey, diving into what to expect as your baby approaches the 9â12 month mark. By now, youâve probably navigated the messy beginnings, introduced some allergens, and discovered what your baby loves (and throws on the floor!). But what comes next?
Weâll cover how to transition from those early purees to family meals, when to introduce more structured mealtimes, and how to handle the inevitable phases of food refusal. Spoiler: itâs all normal, and youâre doing great!
111 - Highchair 101: What to Look for and Why It Matters with Paediatric Occupational Therapist Rachael Smith
When it comes to starting solids, one of the most important pieces of equipment is the high chair. With so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one - especially when it comes to posture, safety, and mealtime success. In this episode, Luka and Kate are joined by our paediatric occupational therapist Rachael Smith to break down exactly what to look for in a high chair and why getting it right from the start can set your baby up for a positive feeding journey.
For those who...
110 - Life Lately with Luka & Kate: Summer Wrap-Up & A Surprise Reveal
Weâre back with our first non-educational episode of the year, and itâs a good one! After months of keeping things strictly informative, we decided it was time for a catch-up chatâbecause letâs be honest, sometimes we all just need a bit of lighthearted chaos.
So, what have we been up to over the summer holidays? Well, Luka went camping (cue the inevitable camping curse đŹ), Kate has been keeping a few things from Luka, and we chat about all the thingsâturning 40, surviving school holidays, Christmas feasts, and whatâs next for the year ahead.
Fo...
109 - Safe food sizes and textures for babies
If your baby is starting solids, youâve likely wondered: How do I safely offer finger foods? Itâs one of the biggest concerns for parents embarking on their solids journey, and understandably so. This week, Luka and Kate break down everything you need to know about safely introducing finger foods. From the right size, shape, and texture to practical tips on reducing the risk of choking.
For those who are new here, a little about usâŚ
â˘Luka McCabe â founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, and mum of...
108 - Moving from One Meal to Two â Starting Solids for 7â9 Month Olds
If your baby is past the initial stage of starting solids, you might be wonderingâwhatâs next (and WTF is going on!)? In this episode of Boob to Food the Podcast, Luka and Kate dive into the 7â9 month stage of your babyâs feeding journey. How do you know when to move from one meal to two? What should these meals look like? And how can you keep milk feeds as the nutritional priority while introducing more foods?
For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about usâŚ
107 - Choosing the Right Feeding Approach for Your Baby with Luka and Kate
When it comes to starting solids, one of the most common questions we receive at Boob to Food is, âWhatâs the best feeding method for my baby?â In this episode, Luka and Kate dive into the options, sharing their insights on baby-led weaning (finger foods) and spoon-feeding (purees) to help you find the approach thatâs right for your family. Spoiler alert: thereâs no one-size-fits-all solution, and your baby might just decide for you!
For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about usâŚ
106 - Navigating Christmas and our final episode of 2024 with Luka and Kate
As the year comes to a close, the festive season brings with it an abundance of joy, traditions, and cherished family moments. However, it can also come with its fair share of challenges, especially for parents of young children. In our final episode of Boob to Food The Podcast for 2024, Kate and Luka dive into a candid conversation about how to navigate the holiday season with little ones in tow.
For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about usâŚ
Luka McCabe - founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Me...105 - Parenting Outside the Box: A Guide to Neurodivergence with Madonna King and Bec Sparrow
Parenting is full of challenges, but when your child doesnât quite âfit the box,â it can leave you with more questions than answers. This week on Boob to Food the podcast, weâre joined by two incredible guests, Madonna King and Bec Sparrow, to explore the topic of neurodivergence. In their new book, Out of the Box, Madonna and Bec unpack the complexities of raising and supporting neurodivergent children, offering practical guidance and hope for families navigating this journey.
Madonna King is an award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and speaker...
104 - Toddler to Table - Live at the Byron Bay Book Launch
To wrap up our book tour and celebration of Toddler to Table, join us for a special live recording of Boob to Food the podcast from our Byron Bay event. This event was such a beautiful conclusion to the tour, and we are glad to share a small part of it with you - we wish we could have shared the amazing breakfast spread with you too, but hey, technology isn't quite there yet!
We dive into all things Toddler to Tableâfrom navigating the unique nutritional needs (and wants!) of growing toddlers to creating joyful, stress-free me...
103 - Getting Ready to Start Solids for Babies 4â6 Months with Luka and Kate
Is your baby showing signs theyâre ready to start solids or are you wanting to be prepared with the latest evidence around this exciting milestone? In this episode, Luka and Kate dive into all the foundations you need to feel prepared and confident to begin your journey.
For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about usâŚ
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 Fo...102 - Nourishing Connection and Family Meal Times with Dr. Deborah MacNamara
How would you feel if you knew that the type of food you served your kids was not the most important thing for their health? Nor is the amount they eat either. Well, today's guest is will definitely have you breathing a sigh of relief. Dr. MacNamaraâs wisdom is deeply reassuring, helping parents let go of feeding anxieties and embrace a more trusting, playful, and connected approach to family meals. Whether youâre navigating picky eating, sensitive kiddos, or mealtime chaos, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical strategies to bring more ease and joy to the...
101 - All about body image and motherhood with Revie Jane
Becoming a mother brings incredible joy and love, but it also introduces new challenges â especially when it comes to how we feel about our bodies. Body image can feel like an overwhelming part of the motherhood journey - not just observing changes within ourselves, but also being mindful of the messages we are passing on to our kids. On today's episode we are joined by Revie Jane, whose candid insights are refreshing and relatable, and her advice will resonate with anyone looking to prioritise self-acceptance and redefine their relationship with their body.
Revie Jane is a mother, en...
100 - Celebrating 100 episode and 1million downloads + Q&A with Luka and Kate
Happy 100 episodes and 1million downloads to us! We feel so excited, grateful and privileged to reach this huge milestone, and it wouldn't have been possible without all of our incredibly listeners. To celebrate we wanted to answer some of your questions about us and the podcast, as well as give you a little update about how things will look in 2025...
For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about usâŚ
Luka McCabe - founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, as well as mum of 3Ka...99 - Navigating Infertility and Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Conversation with Keira Rumble
In this special episode in honour of World Fertility Day, weâre joined by Keira Rumble, entrepreneur, mother, and advocate, as she opens up about her deeply personal journey with infertility and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Keira shares the highs, lows, and everything in between â from enduring multiple fertility treatments to facing the debilitating symptoms of HG while parenting a toddler. Her story is one of strength, vulnerability, and the unwavering determination to build a family (and THREE incredible businesses), no matter the obstacles.
Keira Rumble is an Australian mother, entrepreneur and the founder of Krumbled Foods, Habitual Beau...
98 - Toddler to Table - Live at the Sydney Book Launch
Can't attend our events in person? We've got you covered! Join us for a special live recording of Boob to Food the podcast from our Sydney Toddler to Table book launch event in collaboration with our friends at Le Puree! This episode brings the energy, excitement, and heartfelt connections from our incredible community of parents and caregivers, with the whole Boob to Food team, hosted by the beautiful Renee Bargh.
We dive into all things Toddler to Tableâfrom navigating the unique nutritional needs (and wants!) of growing toddlers to creating joyful, stress-free mealtimes. We explore common fe...
97 - Mothering on my own with Jessica Dover
Today on Boob to Food the podcast we dive into the realities of single motherhood with Jessica Dover. We discuss the emotional, physical, and mental toll that single parenting can take, and how Jessica has learned to navigate the ups and downs while raising her child on her own. If you are a single parent or know someone who is, this episode will offer support, validation, and practical tips for navigating parenthood on your own. Jessicaâs story reminds us that, while the journey may be different, the love, strength, and joy of motherhood remain the same.
Jes...
96 - The Post-Baby Bedroom: Bringing Sexy Back after kids with Melody Thomas from The Good Sex Project
Feeling like your sex life has gone the way of uninterrupted sleep? Youâre not alone! In this episode of Boob to Food the podcast Melody Thomas, creator of The Good Sex Project, explores how to reignite intimacy after kidsâand why itâs okay if things are a little⌠different these days.
Melody Thomas is a New Zealand-based podcast creator, writer, and co-founder of Popsock Media. She is best known for hosting The Good Sex Project, a podcast that explores candid conversations around sex and relationships, released through Stuff in 2023. Prior to that, she created and hosted B...
95 - Navigating the depths: a conversation on grief and losing a child with Gina Chick
In this deeply moving episode of Boob to Food The Podcast, we were fortunate enough to explore one of the most heart-wrenching experiences a parent can faceâthe loss of a child with the incredible Gina Chick. Through her own powerful story and her work with others, Gina offers such compassionate and open-hearted wisdom on the complexities of grief, healing, and how to navigate life after such profound loss.
Gina Chick is a rewilding facilitator, adventurer, writer, and speaker with a deep passion for the natural world. She gained national recognition as the winner of the first se...
94 - Soothing the skin - eczema insights with nutritionist & naturopath Ash Yates
October is Eczema Awareness Month, so weâre bringing in nutritionist and naturopath Ash Yates from the Boob to Food clinic to help you navigate the minefield that is managing childhood eczema. From identifying triggers to finding relief through holistic care, Ash shares her wisdom on whatâs really going on with your little one's skin. Whether you're dealing with flare-ups, itching, or just looking for a deeper understanding, this episode is for you.
Having always had an interest in health, Ash first began her university studies in nutrition and dietetics. Partway through her dietetics degree a pers...
93 - Toilet training tips with paediatric Occupational Therapist Rachael Smith
Ready to say goodbye to nappies? Aren't we all! In this episode of Boob to Food the podcast, we dive into the world of toilet training with paediatric occupational therapist Rachael Smith. Whether you're wondering when to start, how to deal with accidents, or what signs to look for that your child is ready, Rachael brings practical advice to guide you through every stage of the process.
For those who donât know Rach, she is a mum to her daughter Olive and son Teddy, a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, and the owner of Therapy Time, a private pr...
