In this episode, I chat with Abbie Bradford, a registered nurse, functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, restorative wellness practitioner, and clinical herbalist specializing in gut health and eczema in children. We discuss how the health (emphasizing gut health) of both moms and dads can dramatically influence their children’s health outcomes, especially in relation to root causes of eczema. They cover critical factors from preconception to breastfeeding that affect a baby's microbiome and offer practical advice on gut health improvement. Additionally, Abbie shares insights on the impact of diet, probiotics, environmental factors, and specific strategies for both parents to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
DM “VIP” at @the_wellness_pharmacist if interested in learning more and applying for 1:1 support✨
Understanding Eczema and Its Underlying Causes
Eczema is often seen as a persistent skin issue affecting adults and children alike. In the podcast, Abbie Bradford reveals it as a symptom, rather than a disease itself. Outward signs, like red, itchy rashes, are merely a sign of underlying issues with the gut. Nutritional deficiencies, gut imbalances, and allergies are frequently at the root of eczema, indicating broader health concerns like allergies, asthma, and even hormonal imbalances. Addressing these internal factors can lead to true relief rather than just temporary fixes from typical topical treatments like creams and steroids.
Preconception and Pregnancy: Laying the Groundwork for Health
For those planning a family, addressing gut health is crucial. Abbie emphasizes the importance of preconception health for both parents. During pregnancy, the focus shifts to supporting gut health through gentle means such as probiotics and a balanced diet rich in proteins and healthy fats, while avoiding processed foods. Both mothers and fathers play pivotal roles in this process. While the mother's microbiome directly influences the baby's, new research highlights the significant impact of the father's microbiome as well.
Practical Steps for Improving Gut Health
-
Probiotics and Diet: Introducing probiotics, particularly Saccharomyces boulardii, can be beneficial. A balanced diet, rich in fresh foods and low in processed items, supports healthy gut flora.
-
Digestive Support: Consider digestive enzymes to assist in the proper breakdown of food, reducing gut stress and potential inflammation.
-
Environmental Considerations: Reducing toxins in personal items, cooking materials, and air and water quality can significantly impact overall family health.
Natural Childbirth and Infant Microbiome
Abbie discusses C-sections and the concept of 'seeding'—the process of mimicking the bacteria transmission of vaginal birth. While beneficial, it’s crucial to first assess the health of the mother’s microbiome. Newborns can benefit from infant probiotics to bolster their developing immune systems, promoting a healthy gut foundation from the start.
Breastfeeding: Nature’s Nutritional Marvel
Breastfeeding offers a wealth of benefits, providing vital HMOs that nourish a baby’s gut bacteria. Direct nursing offers feedback loops where a baby's saliva informs breast milk composition, ensuring the delivery of beneficial bacteria and nutrients. Abbie encourages breastfeeding where possible, while acknowledging other feeding methods when needed.
Empowering Both Parents in the Health Journey
Abbie reminds us of the importance of including fathers in the conversation about family health. Fathers contribute genetically and can bring about positive health outcomes when they are proactive about their gut health prior to conception. Here’s what to watch for:
Signs to Improve Gut Health
Persistent gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, and chronic health complaints are indicators that gut health might need attention. By taking control of their health, parents can alter family outcomes, limit reliance on medications, and potentially eliminate conditions like eczema for good.
Final Thoughts
The podcast concludes with a mutual encouragement: trust in the body’s inherent ability to heal, empower yourselves with knowledge, and seek real answers that address root causes. Abbie offers a free resource titled "Step By Step Guide To Address Your Child's Eczema Naturally” for those eager to dive deeper into their wellness journey. Connect with her on Instagram for more insights and personalized guidance. Join us in embracing holistic health for future generations, and let’s cultivate a world where every family thrives from the inside out.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:57 Meet Our Guest: Abbie Bradford
01:54 Understanding Eczema: Symptoms and Causes
03:10 Gut Health and Its Impact on Eczema
09:39 Preconception Health: Tips for Moms
10:59 Probiotics and Diet During Pregnancy
19:42 The Role of Dads in Preconception Health
22:29 Signs You Need Gut Health Attention
26:43 Final Thoughts and Free Resources
Connect with Abbie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_abbiebradford/
Step By Step Guide To Address Your Child's Eczema Naturally: https://abbiebradford.lpages.co/step-by-step-eczema-guide/
Are you currently on your TTC or fertility journey?
✅Register for the Four Steps To FINALLY Get Pregnant Masterclass HERE!✨
Email - katiewood@happynourishedmotherhood.com
Discover how to work with me here. (P.S. Follow + leave a review of the podcast, screenshot and DM/email me to save $250 on one of my high-level fertility programs)
Happy Nourished Motherhood Website
Connect on Social:
Fertility & Hormone Facebook Group
Feminine Formula Etsy Shop: use code MINDFULMOTHERHOOD10 for 10% off
Dr. Katie Wood is a pharmacist and integrative fertility consultant certified in Integrative Nutrition, Fertile Foundations and Womb Embodiment with over a decade of experience. She helps couples to restore their fertility so they can finally *get and stay* pregnant.
DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Pharm to Wellness LLC, any guests or contributors to the Rising into Mindful Motherhood podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Pharm to Wellness LLC be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hi, I'm Katie
Host of Rising into Mindful Motherhood Podcast
Listen now on
SPOTIFY APPLE IHEART RADIO AMAZON MUSIC
.png "Get Pregnant Now Masterclass")