Functional Medicine For Moms | First-Time Parents Navigating Holistic, Healthy Living
Welcome to Functional Medicine for Moms — where faith, family, and practical wellness strategies meet real life.I’m Kelly Moline: pharmacist turned functional medicine consultant, wife, and new mom. Alongside my husband Landon, we share our journey of navigating parenthood while pursuing a holistic, Christ-centered lifestyle. From gut health, hormones, and postpartum wellness to natural parenting, baby health, and crunchy mom debates, we cover it all with honesty, practicality, and a little humor.Whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, surviving the newborn stage, or chasing a busy toddler, you’ll find knowledge, encouragement, and practical tips for living healthier as a mom an...
The Missing Fertility Foundation: Why Your Nervous System Matters Before Pregnancy with Dr. Austin Ray
Could your nervous system be affecting your fertility?
When most women think about preparing for pregnancy, they focus on supplements, nutrition, hormones, and lab testing. But what if the most important place to start is your nervous system?
In this episode, I sit down with neurologically-focused chiropractor Dr. Austin Ray to discuss why nervous system regulation became the very first pillar in my Preparing for Pregnancy Guide.
We cover:
✔️ What the nervous system actually does
✔️ The difference between "fight-or-flight" and "rest-and-digest"
✔️ How chronic stress can impact hormones, ovulation, s...
Male Fertility 101: Half the Fertility Equation
When couples struggle to conceive, the focus often falls entirely on the woman—but did you know that male factors contribute to nearly 50% of infertility cases?
In this episode, I sit down with fertility nurse and male fertility expert Stephanie Sabourin to discuss the often-overlooked role of sperm health in conception, miscarriage risk, pregnancy outcomes, and even the long-term health of future children.
We discuss:
Why male fertility should be evaluated much earlier in the fertility journeyWhat a semen analysis can (and can't) tell youThe importance of DNA fragmentation testingHow sperm health impacts miscarriage ri...Why Kids Get Ear Infections (And What You Can Do Before Antibiotics)
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons children are prescribed antibiotics—but are antibiotics always necessary?
In this episode, I sit down with prenatal and pediatric chiropractor Dr. Erin O'Daniel to discuss why ear infections happen, why some children seem to get them over and over again, and what parents can do to support their child's health from a root-cause perspective.
We cover the anatomy behind ear infections, the role of the nervous system, teething, feeding habits, immune health, and practical ways parents can support comfort and recovery at home. We also discuss wh...
Preparing for Pregnancy, Infertility & Finding Hope: A Conversation with Holly Vehon
In this heartfelt episode of Functional Medicine for Moms, Kelly sits down with Holly Vehon, founder of Crunchy Moms of Flower Mound, to discuss infertility, miscarriage, adoption, faith, and the importance of preparing for pregnancy before trying to conceive.
Holly shares her deeply personal 13-year infertility journey that ultimately led to the beautiful gift of adoption. Together, Kelly and Holly discuss the silent grief that often accompanies infertility, the emotional toll of miscarriage, navigating faith during difficult seasons, and how couples can take a proactive approach to fertility and preconception health.
Kelly also gives a...
Track Ovulation without Obsessing
Trying to conceive can quickly go from exciting to overwhelming — especially when ovulation tracking starts feeling stressful instead of empowering. In this episode of Functional Medicine for Moms, we’re talking all about how to track ovulation without obsessing over every symptom, app notification, or fertility window.
We break down:
The phases of the menstrual cycleWhat ovulation actually isThe difference between ovulation and the fertile windowHow sperm survival impacts fertility timingCervical mucus trackingLH ovulation test stripsBasal body temperature (BBT)Fertility tracking apps and wearable devicesHow stress can impact the trying to conceive (TTC) journeyWhen tracking becomes too...Trying to Conceive? Fertility Labs Every Couple Should Know Before Pregnancy
In this episode of Functional Medicine for Moms, we’re talking about fertility labs worth knowing before trying to conceive and why fertility is often a reflection of overall health. I walk through affordable lab testing options that can help identify imbalances before pregnancy so you can better support conception, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and overall health.
We discuss:
Why blood sugar and metabolic health matter for fertilityImportant thyroid labs beyond just TSHNutrient testing including vitamin D, B12, folate, magnesium, and ironCholesterol, liver health, and inflammation markersDay 3 hormone testing and AMHWhy semen analysis matters for male fertility to...Coming Off Birth Control: What to Expect
Coming off birth control is often talked about like a simple “stop the pill and get pregnant” process — but for many women, there’s a lot more happening beneath the surface.
In this episode of Functional Medicine for Moms, my husband Landon and I talk through what can happen after stopping hormonal birth control, why symptoms like acne, PMS, irregular cycles, and mood changes may show up, and how I like to support the body naturally during this transition.
I explain how hormonal birth control can affect ovulation, nutrient levels, gut health, and cycle regulation, along wi...
Preparing for Pregnancy: What Most Couples Miss
We're talking about something I think most couples are never truly taught: how to actually prepare for pregnancy.
So often, couples are told to “just try” — but fertility, miscarriage risk, pregnancy symptoms, hormones, gut health, stress, and even male fertility all play a role long before a positive test.
We share parts of our own journey, including our miscarriage experience, what we learned afterward, and why preparing your body before pregnancy matters so much more than most people realize.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why fertility is about more than “just trying”The surpri...GLP-1s: Weight Loss Meds Explained — Benefits, Side Effects & Hidden Truths
Everyone is talking about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound… but what are they actually doing in the body, who are they best for, and what should women know before starting them? In this episode, we’re breaking it all down in a real, balanced, and honest way.
As a pharmacist with training in functional medicine, I wanted to have a conversation that wasn’t fear-based or shame-based. These medications can absolutely be helpful tools for some people—but they’re not the full picture. We talk about how GLP-1s work, why they can help with...
15 Month Toddler Update: Sleep, Nursing, Meals, Walking & Real Mom Life
What is life really like with a 15 month old? In this honest toddler update episode, we’re sharing what’s new with our daughter, what’s been hard lately, and how our daily routine is evolving in this season of parenthood.
We talk about:
✨ 15 month toddler milestones
✨ Not walking yet — should you worry?
✨ Speech, signing, and communication updates
✨ Toddler meals, picky eating, and favorite foods
✨ Breastfeeding / nursing at 15 months
✨ Teething molars + toddler sickness
✨ Our sleep schedule and daily routine
✨ Clinginess, whining, and hard phases of toddl...
Can You Build a Business & Be Present at Home? (Podcast Swap with The Mama Making Podcast)
This episode is a little different—and one I loved recording.
I’m sharing a podcast swap I did with Jessica Lamb on The Mama Making Podcast, and we went way beyond just health…
We talked about what it actually looks like to build a business while being a present mom—and how that vision can shift once you're in it.
In this episode, we get into:
Starting a business right before having a baby (yep… that was me 😅)The reality of balancing motherhood, work, and everything in betweenWhy hustle culture doesn’t always work i...Is Sourdough Actually Good for Your Gut… or Just Hype?
Everyone is talking about sourdough bread lately… but is it actually good for your gut—or just another health trend?
In this episode, I’m breaking down the truth about sourdough from a functional medicine perspective 👇
We’re talking:
What sourdough actually is (and what a starter really does)Yeast, bacteria, and the fermentation process (in simple terms)Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics—what sourdough actually containsWhy sourdough is easier to digest (and who may tolerate it better)The truth about whether sourdough is a “gut healing” foodBlood sugar, gluten breakdown, and how to make it healthierIf...
The REAL Reasons Your Gut Is Off (Stress, Antibiotics & Motherhood)
If you’ve been dealing with bloating, constipation, fatigue, anxiety, or just feeling off—your gut might be at the root of it all.
In this episode of Functional Medicine for Moms, we’re going beyond the basics and breaking down the real root causes of poor gut health—especially during motherhood and postpartum.
We’re talking about:
How stress and the nervous system impact digestionWhy antibiotics and medications can disrupt your gutThe connection between digestion, the microbiome, and leaky gutHow eating habits (not just food choices!) affect nutrient absorptionSimple, realistic ways to start supporting...What is Gut Health? Bloating, Hormones & Energy Explained for Moms
If you’ve been feeling bloated, tired, anxious, or just off — especially after having a baby — your gut might be at the center of it all.
In this episode, we’re breaking down gut health for moms in a simple, non-overwhelming way. Because let’s be honest… most of us aren’t sitting down to perfectly balanced meals — we’re finishing toddler snacks, drinking coffee to survive, and doing our best.
But your gut plays a HUGE role in how you feel day to day.
We’ll cover:
What gut health actually is (without the conf...Timeouts, Spanking & Toddler Routines… What Actually Works?
Timeouts. Spanking. Strict routines. Family opinions.
Everyone has something to say about how you should raise your toddler… but what actually works?
In this episode, my husband and I are answering parenting questions on the spot—and we don’t exactly see eye to eye on everything.
We get into some of the most debated topics in parenting:
Are timeouts helpful… or harmful?Is spanking ever okay?Do toddlers need structure—or are we overthinking it?Where should boundaries be with extended family?This conversation is honest, a little spicy at times, and...
Weaning Breastfeeding Changed My Hormones More Than I Expected
What happens to your hormones when you start weaning breastfeeding? In this episode, I share the emotional and hormonal shifts I experienced — including getting my first postpartum period back at 13 months.
Landon is BACK for today's episode! Did you miss him and his dad jokes? …because I did. 😄
Today we’re talking about something I was not prepared for: the hormonal and emotional effects of weaning breastfeeding.
It all started with a simple plan to cut just TWO feeds per day. But soon after, I started feeling overwhelmed, anxious, emotional, and crying more often tha...
Fertility Mistakes Couples Make, Ovulation, Sperm Health & What Actually Matters (Part 2) with Dr. Aumatma Simmons
In Part 1 of this conversation, we laid the foundation for holistic fertility — when to start preparing for pregnancy, why sleep and stress matter, and how gut health and inflammation impact both egg and sperm quality.
Now in Part 2, we’re getting practical.
In this episode, I’m joined again by fertility expert Dr. Aumatma Simmons, and we dive into:
The biggest mistakes couples make when trying to conceiveWhether ovulation tracking is actually necessaryThe truth about fertile windows and timing intercourseWhy male fertility is declining — and what men need to focus on firstToxins, nicotine, alcohol, cell pho...Trying to Conceive? Holistic Fertility, Gut Health & Hidden Infertility Causes (Part 1)
If you’re trying to conceive — or thinking about it — and wondering why it’s not happening as quickly as you expected, this episode is for you.
In Part 1 of this holistic fertility conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Aumatma Simmons, naturopathic endocrinologist and fertility expert, to break down what actually impacts conception — beyond just hormones.
We discuss:
• What “holistic fertility” really means
• Why infertility rates are increasing
• The surprising role of sleep and melatonin in egg and sperm quality
• How stress affects IVF outcomes
• The connection between gut...
Nervous System Support Through Chiropractic: Pregnancy, Postpartum, & Babies (Part 2)
In Part 2 of our nervous system series with pediatric and prenatal chiropractor Dr. Morgan Malpass, we shift from “What are the signs?” to “What can I actually do?”
We talk through simple, practical ways moms can support both their baby’s nervous system and their own regulation — without panic or perfection.
In this episode, we cover:
• How to recognize patterns vs. normal fussiness • When it may be time to seek extra support (and why support doesn’t mean something is “wrong”) • How mom’s nervous system regulation directly affects baby • What to look for in a prenatal or pediatr...
Is My Baby’s Nervous System Off? Signs of Dysregulation in Babies, Toddlers & Moms
Is your baby struggling with sleep, digestion, or constant fussiness — and you’re not sure why? Feeling anxious, overstimulated, or burnt out postpartum even when things “should” be better? The nervous system might be the missing piece.
In part one of this conversation, Kelly sits down with Dr. Morgan, a nervous-system-focused chiropractor specializing in pregnancy, postpartum, babies, and families, to break down what the nervous system actually does and why it plays such a huge role in early motherhood.
In this episode, we cover:
• What is the nervous system?
• How pregnancy and birth im...
Parenting a 1 Year Old: Tantrums, Nap Schedules, Picky Eating & Mom Guilt
This week Landon and I did something a little different — instead of our usual format, he came in with a list of parenting lifestyle questions and we answered them on the spot. 😅 And let’s just say… our answers today look very different than what we thought before we had kids… and even from the newborn stage!
If you have a 1-year-old (or are heading there soon), this episode is for you.
We talk through questions like:
Should you let your 1-year-old decide when they’re done eating or encourage “one more bite”? Is snack grazing oka...Small Swaps, Big Impact: How Real Moms Live Holistically
You don’t need a medical degree—or a perfect pantry—to be a holistic mom.
In this episode of Functional Medicine for Moms, I sit down with Malerie from Momming with Mal for a relaxed, coffee-style conversation about holistic living, faith, and real-life motherhood. We talk honestly about how we’ve made healthier choices for our families over time—without pressure, guilt, or perfection.
One thing I love about this episode is how practical it is. We share the actual products and brands we use and love, from food swaps and ingredient label tips to mushroo...
Weaning Breastfeeding, 1st Birthday Recap & How to Build a Healthier Pantry for Your Family
In this episode, Kelly and Landon recap Danielle’s first birthday, share what life feels like now that she’s officially a toddler, and talk openly about starting to wean breastfeeding after 12 months.
They also dive into building a better pantry — how to read ingredient labels, which foods to prioritize swapping first, and how to make healthier choices without aiming for perfection.
If you’re a mom navigating toddlerhood, hormones, and feeding your family well in real life, this episode is for you.
✨ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medica...
Built for This: From Retail Pharmacist to Functional Medicine for Moms
In this special episode, I’m stepping into the guest seat instead of hosting.
I’m joining Built for This with Brian Briscoe — a podcast I had the honor of being featured on — to share my journey into pharmacy, my transition into functional medicine, and how motherhood ultimately shaped the work I do today.
Brian is actually a former patient of mine, which makes this conversation especially meaningful. We talk about what led me away from conventional pharmacy, why I became so passionate about root-cause healing, how Functional Medicine for Moms came to life, and why this...
Christmas Traditions, First Birthdays & Gratitude in Parenthood
This week, Landon and I are reflecting on our Christmas in Minnesota and what it’s been like creating new holiday traditions with our baby — especially ones that feel more aligned with our values.
We talk about planning our baby’s first birthday (how is that coming so fast?!) including decisions around cake, added sugar, and navigating expectations around a 1-year-old party. Landon also shares a powerful reminder about having an attitude of gratitude, especially in parenthood when the work can feel exhausting and thankless. We challenge you to reach out to someone today and let them know y...
5 New Year Resets for Exhausted Moms with Kim Garrett, Certified Holistic Health Coach
New Year’s resolutions don’t fail because moms lack motivation — they fail because exhausted, overwhelmed moms are trying to do too much without the right support.
In this episode of Functional Medicine for Moms, host Kelly Moline, PharmD, is joined by holistic health coach Kim Garrett to share a more sustainable approach to New Year’s resolutions for moms. Together, they break down 5 smarter New Year resets designed to support hormones, energy, and mental health — without adding overwhelm.
This episode explores why nervous system regulation, blood sugar balance, and supportive habits are essential before making big...
Building Your Own Supplement Stack
In this episode, I’m sharing how to build a simple, foundational supplement stack to support your health as a mom and a dad — without overwhelm and without medical advice.
After recently moving through sickness in our home, my husband and I talk about:
How to think about supplements instead of copying someone else’s routineThe key categories that make up a foundational supplement stack for women and menWhat we focus on for day-to-day maintenanceWhat we add short-term for immune support when sickness hits (and what we stop)How we personally apply this framework to our own he...Healing the Mom for the Family to Heal with Dr. Jordan Stafford, Holistic Chiropractor
What if healing your body isn’t about doing more — but about removing what’s standing in the way?
In this episode of Functional Medicine for Moms, Kelly sits down with Dr. Jordan, a holistic chiropractor and fellow mom, to explore how true healing goes far beyond back pain or symptom management. Together, they unpack how the body is designed to heal itself when physical, emotional, and chemical stressors are addressed at the root.
Dr. Jordan explains the philosophy behind holistic chiropractic care, including the triad of health — structural alignment, emotional wellbeing, and chemical/nutritional balance...
Our 5 Holiday Non-Negotiables (and 5 Things We’re Letting Go Of)
We’re sharing something we wish we had heard before entering the holiday season as new parents: our five non-negotiable boundaries — and also the five things we’re intentionally staying flexible with.
As first-time parents with a 10-month-old, plus holiday travel, multiple family gatherings, and lots of different expectations in the mix, we knew we needed a plan that protected peace — not perfection.
We talk about:
• Protecting baby regulation without feeling guilty
• Navigating sugar, food culture, and well-meaning family offers
• Managing travel sleep, overstimulation, and new environments
• Keeping our marr...
The First-Year After Baby: Mental Health, Relationship Changes & Support with Dr. Powell
Navigating the postpartum season can feel like a whirlwind — the hormones, the emotions, the expectations, the lack of sleep… it’s a lot. In today’s episode, Dr. Kelly Moline sits down with Dr. Abigail Powell, PhD, LP — a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in perinatal and postpartum mental health — for a real, grounded conversation every new mom (and partner) needs to hear.
We talk about what’s normal, what’s not, and why you don’t have to “power through” this season alone. Dr. Powell brings both her clinical background and her honest experience as a mom to break down what’s a...
Fire Ant Attack, Chicken Costumes, & What I Actually Do In Functional Medicine
It’s our Thanksgiving episode, and we showed up in full festive chaos. I'm in a Friends sweatshirt and Landon… is in a chicken costume because he didn’t have a turkey costume. 😂
In this episode, we:
Share what happened when our baby Danielle was attacked by fire ants (so sad 😫)Walk through the natural remedies and steps we took to help her healBreak down what a functional medicine pharmacist actually does and what that looks like inside my own practiceTalk about navigating parenthood, natural living, and faith while running a functional medicine businessI'm also sharing...
Vaccines, Risks & Real Informed Consent with Katie Collins, PA-C — A Conventionally Trained, Holistically Minded PA
Vaccines are one of the biggest decisions parents face — and for many moms, the information feels overwhelming, confusing, and often incomplete. In today’s episode, Kelly sits down with Board-Certified Physician Assistant Katie Collins, PA-C, to talk about what real informed consent looks like and how parents can navigate these choices with confidence instead of fear.
Together, we break down how vaccines are studied, what’s included (and not included) in clinical trials, and how to approach this topic from a functional, holistic lens that honors both science and intuition.
Katie also walks through one specif...
How We Navigated Baby Sleep (Without Losing Our Minds)
In this episode, we’re talking all about sleep — baby sleep, our sleep, and what we’ve learned along the way. Our baby Danielle actually woke up right before we hit record (of course she did!), which felt perfectly fitting for this season of life.
We share what’s worked best for our family over time, the gentle sleep strategies that have helped us all get more rest, and the lessons we’ve learned through the process — especially when things didn’t go as planned.
This isn’t a “how-to” or a strict sleep training guide. It’s an hones...
Breastfeeding Beyond 6 Months: Mom's Nutrition, Tips for Working Moms, and Introducing Solids with a Lactation Counselor
In this episode, Kelly sits down with certified lactation counselor Amber McNally to unpack what really happens to your milk — and your body — during the 6–12 month stage of breastfeeding.
They explore how breast milk adapts in real time to your baby’s needs, the key differences between breast milk and formula, and how maternal nutrition and stress impact supply and quality. Amber shares practical tips for balancing work and pumping, introducing solids while maintaining milk supply, and letting go of the pressure to wean too soon.
Together, they dive into the science, the emotional connection, and the...
Life Lately: 9-Month Baby Milestones, Vaccines & When to Plan for Baby #2
It’s a cozy nighttime chat — comfy clothes, a glass of wine, and the baby monitor nearby! In this episode, we’re catching up on life lately with our 9-month-old and diving into some real-life topics we know other parents will relate to:
👶 Baby Updates: What our 9-month-old is doing now — milestones, routines, and personality changes that keep us laughing (and on our toes).
💉 Pediatrician & Vaccines: What our recent pediatrician visit looked like, and how we’re approaching vaccine decisions for our family in a balanced, informed way.
💼 Parent Roles & Pressure: Landon shares what it’s been like...
Pelvic Floor Recovery After Birth: What’s Normal, What’s Not & How to Heal Naturally with Dr. Danyell Russell
Leaking when you sneeze or laugh? Feeling heaviness “down there”? Pain with intimacy, core weakness, or constipation that just won’t go away? These are all signs your pelvic floor might need more attention — no matter how long it’s been since you gave birth.
In this empowering episode, Kelly sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Danyell Russell to break down what’s really happening with your body during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. You’ll learn:
What the pelvic floor actually is — and why it matters beyond birth recoveryWhat’s happening in the first few weeks postpart...Postpartum Hair Loss Explained: Why It Happens and How to Regrow It Naturally
Are you noticing extra hair in your brush or shower drain lately? You’re not alone. Postpartum hair loss affects nearly every mom — but the good news is, it’s temporary and manageable.
In this episode of Functional Medicine for Moms, pharmacist and functional medicine practitioner Kelly Moline and her husband Landon talk all things postpartum hair loss and regrowth — what’s normal, why it happens, and what you can do to support healthy hair naturally.
Kelly shares her own 8-month postpartum experience, how she prepared during pregnancy, and the steps she took to minimize shedding w...
A Naturopath’s Take on Tylenol, Autism & Natural Relief in Pregnancy
In this episode of Functional Medicine for Moms, pharmacist Kelly Moline sits down with Dr. Carolyn Rachaner, a naturopath and nutrition expert, to unpack the potential connection between Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism, and explore safer, more natural options for supporting moms during pregnancy.
Together, they dive into how toxins, genetics, and environment interact to affect both maternal and baby health — and why no two bodies respond the same way. Dr. Carolyn shares her insights on detoxification before conception, managing pregnancy discomfort naturally, and creating a healthier foundation for motherhood.
You’ll learn about:
What the...Pharmacist Explains Tylenol in Pregnancy: Autism Risk & Baby’s Brain
As a licensed pharmacist and functional medicine consultant, I’ve had countless conversations with moms about Tylenol (acetaminophen) — one of the most common medications used during pregnancy. But after a recent press conference from President Trump’s administration raised concerns about a link between Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism, many women are left wondering: Is it really safe?
In this episode, I break down the science in plain language so you can feel confident and informed. You’ll learn:
How Tylenol works in the brain to reduce pain and feverHow the liver processes it (and why glut...Natural Cold & Flu Season Hacks for Moms & Kids
Cold and flu season is here — but as moms, we don’t just want to survive, we want to keep our families healthy in the most natural way possible. In this episode, we share our favorite immune-boosting tips and crunchy remedies for moms, babies, and kids. From gut health foundations and nutrient-rich foods to simple home remedies like elderberry, bone broth, humidifiers, and saline sprays — we’ve got practical tools to help your household thrive through germ season.
We’ll also talk about how we’re approaching prevention in our own home, what really makes a difference, and why grac...