In this episode of the Born Wild Podcast, host Sophia Henderson speaks with Sarah Thompson, MAOM, LAc — a licensed acupuncturist, certified functional medicine practitioner, and birth doula with over 20 years of experience in maternal health. Together they explore the importance of nutrition in pregnancy, the role of functional medicine in supporting mothers and babies, and the barriers families face in accessing integrative maternity care.

Sarah shares her journey into functional medicine, her evidence-based approach to clinical care, and how nutrition, herbs, and traditional therapies can transform outcomes for expecting mothers.

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What You’ll Learn:

• How functional medicine identifies the root causes of health challenges.

• Why nutrition is foundational to pregnancy health.

• Understanding iron dynamics and the risk of deficiency or toxicity.

• How herbs and supplements can safely support pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

• The importance of informed consent and individualized care.

• Practical ways collaboration among providers enhances maternity outcomes.

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Sarah Thompson, MAOM, LAc is a licensed acupuncturist, certified functional medicine practitioner, and birth doula with more than two decades of experience in maternal health. She specializes in integrating functional medicine, nutrition, and traditional therapies to optimize pregnancy and childbirth outcomes.

Sarah is the author of Functional Maternity and Beyond Results, and she offers MEAC-accredited continuing education through her Functional Maternity Academy and Kolibri International Birth Institute, empowering healthcare professionals with evidence-based tools for clinical practice.

🌐 www.functionalmaternity.com

📸 Instagram: @functional.maternity

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Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Functional Maternity by Sarah Thompson

• Functional Maternity Academy (MEAC-approved CE)

• Kolibri International Birth Institute

• www.functionalmaternity.com

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If you loved this conversation, please rate and review the Born Wild Podcast — it helps more families and birth workers find us! 🌿

Share this episode with a friend or colleague who’s passionate about holistic maternity care.

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Connect with Us:

@sophiabirth @bayareahomebirth @bornwildmidwifery

Stay Wild 🌳