Functional Medicine for Moms | Fertility, Pregnancy & Holistic Motherhood

Pregnancy comes with A LOT of changes—but does that mean we’re supposed to just accept the back pain, leaking, pelvic pressure, hip pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms that can come with growing a baby?

Nope! And that’s exactly what we’re talking about today.

I’m joined by Dr. Kelsy Vick, PT, DPT, OCS, a women’s health physical therapist, to talk about supporting our bodies during pregnancy, preparing for birth, and setting ourselves up for postpartum recovery.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• Why you don’t have to wait until something hurts to see a pelvic floor PT
• What your pelvic floor actually does—and why it’s about more than Kegels!
• Why learning to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor matters for birth
• Common pregnancy concerns like back and SI pain, leaking, hip pain, and diastasis recti
• Staying active during pregnancy (even when a full workout is NOT happening)
• How breath work, hip mobility, and core connection can support birth prep and postpartum recovery

Whether you’re trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or thinking ahead to birth and recovery, this episode will help you better understand your body—and why you don’t necessarily have to “just deal with” uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms.

Connect with Dr. Kelsy Vick: @dr.kelsyvickdpt & @wellnessbigsispod

Listen to Wellness Big Sis the Pod

Video links mentioned in the episode

Listen to ME on Dr. Kelsy's podcast (our podcast swap!)

🌿 Preparing for Pregnancy Guide: Take a proactive, functional medicine approach to fertility and preconception. Learn how to optimize your health before pregnancy with practical nutrition, lifestyle, supplement, and testing guidance.

👉 www.molinemethod.com/fertility 💛 Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off.

✨ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor and/or pediatrician regarding your health or your child’s health.

👉 Where to find us:

• Instagram: @functionalmedicineformoms
• YouTube & Podcast Networks: Functional Medicine for Moms
• Email: [email protected]
• Work with me: molinemethod.com — book a free consultation or order professional-grade supplements through Fullscript.

What should you actually be eating when you’re trying to get pregnant?

Nutrition can play an important role in preparing your body for pregnancy—but between fertility “superfoods,” supplements, blood sugar advice, and conflicting diet recommendations, it can get overwhelming fast.

In this episode of Functional Medicine for Moms, I’m joined by registered dietitian nutritionist Kristen Keenan, MPH, RDN, LD, founder of Nourish Fertility, to talk about how nutrition can support fertility, hormones, egg health, and your overall foundation for pregnancy.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Building an anti-inflammatory “fertility plate”
• Protein, healthy fats, and moving away from diet-culture messaging
• Why Kristen recommends aiming for around 30 grams of protein at breakfast
• Blood sugar regulation, hormones, and egg health
• Intermittent fasting while preparing for pregnancy
• Foods that support hormone health and ovulation
• Seed cycling and cruciferous vegetables
• Mineral balance and reproductive health
• Fertility supplements including inositol, NAC, ALA, and CoQ10
• Protein powders and what to look for
• Simple first steps if fertility nutrition feels overwhelming

CONNECT WITH KRISTEN:

Instagram: @nourish.fertility

Facebook: Nourish Fertility

Kristen offers virtual one-on-one nutrition sessions, fertility meal plans, and mineral testing through Nourish Fertility.

Whether you’re actively trying to conceive, preparing for pregnancy in the future, or simply want to better understand how nutrition can support your reproductive health, this episode will give you practical ways to start nourishing your body for pregnancy.

🌿 Preparing for Pregnancy Guide:

Take a proactive, functional medicine approach to fertility and preconception. Learn how to optimize your health before pregnancy with practical nutrition, lifestyle, supplement, and testing guidance.

👉 www.molinemethod.com/fertility 💛 Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off.

🩷 kegg Fertility Tracker: kegg.tech/FUNCTIONALMEDICINEFORMOMS

✨ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor and/or pediatrician regarding your health or your child’s health.

👉 Where to find us:

• Instagram: @functionalmedicineformoms
• YouTube & Podcast Networks: Functional Medicine for Moms
• Email: [email protected]
• Work with me: molinemethod.com — book a free consultation or order professional-grade supplements through Fullscript.

What does your gut have to do with fertility? A LOT more than you might think. 👀

In my FIRST solo episode, I’m breaking down why I believe gut health deserves a seat at the table when we’re talking about preconception health—and this conversation is for BOTH women and men.

We’re getting into nutrient absorption, inflammation, intestinal permeability (aka “leaky gut”), hormone metabolism, the estrobolome, the gut-testis axis, sperm and vaginal microbiomes, and some fascinating emerging research connecting the microbiome with reproductive health.

I’m also sharing a study looking at intestinal permeability and recurrent pregnancy loss, why taking more fertility supplements isn’t always the answer, and what I actually want you to do to support your gut BEFORE jumping into expensive testing, probiotics, oregano oil, and parasite cleanses.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why eating a nutrient doesn’t necessarily mean you’re absorbing it
• How gut health may influence inflammation and the reproductive environment
• The connection between your microbiome and estrogen metabolism
• Why constipation matters when we’re talking about hormones
• The gut-testis axis and emerging research on the sperm microbiome
• Why male gut health belongs in the fertility conversation
• The vaginal microbiome and reproductive health
• Signs your gut may need some extra attention
• When I consider functional gut testing
• What you can start doing TODAY to support your microbiome

Most importantly: I don’t want you walking away thinking you need a “perfect” microbiome before having a baby. You don’t.

I want you to understand that fertility is a whole-body process—and preconception is an incredible opportunity to support the health of BOTH partners before baby ever enters the picture.

If you’re trying to conceive now, planning to in the next 6+ months, or wondering what you can do to better prepare your body for pregnancy, this episode is for you. 🤍

🌿 Preparing for Pregnancy Guide: Take a proactive, functional medicine approach to fertility and preconception. Learn how to optimize your health before pregnancy with practical nutrition, lifestyle, supplement, and testing guidance.

👉 www.molinemethod.com/fertility 💛 Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off.

🩷 kegg Fertility Tracker: kegg.tech/FUNCTIONALMEDICINEFORMOMS

✨ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor and/or pediatrician regarding your health or your child’s health.

👉 Where to find us:

• Instagram: @functionalmedicineformoms
• YouTube & Podcast Networks: Functional Medicine for Moms
• Email: [email protected]
• Work with me: molinemethod.com — book a free consultation or order professional-grade supplements through Fullscript.

Your baby’s gut health starts earlier than you might think — even before birth.

In this episode, I’m joined by Cheryl Sew Hoy, founder and CEO of Tiny Health, to talk about the developing infant and toddler gut microbiome and why those first few years of life matter so much.

We unpack how pregnancy, vaginal and C-section birth, antibiotics, breastfeeding and formula feeding, introducing solids, pets, nature, and even Mom AND Dad’s microbiomes can influence a child’s developing gut.

We also talk about:

• Why the first 1,000 days are such an important window
• How a baby’s microbiome differs from an adult’s
• C-sections, antibiotics, NICU stays, and gut health
• The connection between the gut, eczema, allergies, and other childhood symptoms
• Why Dad’s microbiome matters too
• Signs that may warrant a closer look at your baby or toddler’s gut
• How Tiny Health microbiome testing works
• Probiotics, HMOs, food diversity, and other ways to support a healthy microbiome
• Why preconception gut and vaginal health may matter before pregnancy even begins

If you’re pregnant, preparing for pregnancy, or raising a baby or toddler, this conversation will give you a completely different perspective on how we can support our children’s health from the very beginning.

Check out Tiny Health - tinyhealth.com

(Exciting news, I signed up to be a Tiny Health practitioner as well, so I can order testing & recommend support! Contact info is below if you want to work directly with me!)

🌿 Preparing for Pregnancy Guide Take a proactive, functional medicine approach to fertility and preconception. Learn how to optimize your health before pregnancy with practical nutrition, lifestyle, supplement, and testing guidance.

👉 www.molinemethod.com/fertility 💛 Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off.

🩷 kegg Fertility Tracker: kegg.tech/FUNCTIONALMEDICINEFORMOMS

✨ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor and/or pediatrician regarding your health or your child’s health.

👉 Where to find us:

• Instagram: @functionalmedicineformoms
• YouTube & Podcast Networks: Functional Medicine for Moms
• Email: [email protected]
• Work with me: molinemethod.com — book a free consultation or order professional-grade supplements through Fullscript.

Okay moms, this is SUCH a good conversation — especially if you’re pregnant, preparing for a baby, newly postpartum, or honestly just trying to figure out what motherhood is supposed to look like for you.

I’m joined by Dr. Laura Le, chiropractor, author of Postpartum Reimagined, and host of the You’re the Mom podcast, to talk about something I think so many of us need to hear: there really isn’t one “right” way to have a baby or be a mom.

We talk about going into birth informed and prepared without becoming so attached to one specific birth plan, what happens when birth doesn’t go the way you imagined, and why we spend SO much time preparing for pregnancy and birth... only to be completely caught off guard by postpartum. 😅

We also get into the identity shift that happens when you become a mom, balancing motherhood with a career and the things that still make you feel like you, nervous system regulation, and why having the right people and providers around you can make such a difference.

I also share some of my own experience with my first birth, postpartum, and figuring out over the last 18 months what I actually want motherhood + work to look like for me.

Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or you’re already in the thick of motherhood, I think you’re going to feel SO seen in this one. 🤍

Find Dr. Laura's book, course, podcast, and more on her website: https://drlaurale.com/

🌿 Preparing for Pregnancy Guide Take a proactive, functional medicine approach to fertility and preconception. Learn how to optimize your health before pregnancy with practical nutrition, lifestyle, supplement, and testing guidance.

👉 www.molinemethod.com/fertility 💛 Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off.

🩷 kegg Fertility Tracker: kegg.tech/FUNCTIONALMEDICINEFORMOMS

✨ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor and/or pediatrician regarding your health or your child’s health.

👉 Where to find us:

• Instagram: @functionalmedicineformoms
• YouTube & Podcast Networks: Functional Medicine for Moms
• Email: [email protected]
• Work with me: molinemethod.com — book a free consultation or order professional-grade supplements through Fullscript.

Back-to-school season means new routines, new environments… and a whole lot of new germs. 😅

As Danielle gets ready to start school for the first time, Kelly and Landon are talking about what they’re doing at home to support her immune system (and hopefully keep the whole family feeling their best!).

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why kids tend to get sick when school starts
• The connection between gut health and immunity
• How sleep, stress, blood sugar, and nutrition impact immune health
• Foods and supplements that can support the immune system
• Why getting sick isn't necessarily a sign that you're doing something wrong
• Simple immune-supportive habits you can start at home
• A little immune health myth-busting!

Because the goal isn't to keep our kids in a bubble—it's to give their bodies the support they need to handle what they're exposed to.

🎧 Listen in before the back-to-school germs hit your house!

🌿 Preparing for Pregnancy Guide Take a proactive, functional medicine approach to fertility and preconception. Learn how to optimize your health before pregnancy with practical nutrition, lifestyle, supplement, and testing guidance.

👉 www.molinemethod.com/fertility 💛 Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off.

🩷 kegg Fertility Tracker: kegg.tech/FUNCTIONALMEDICINEFORMOMS

✨ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor and/or pediatrician regarding your health or your child’s health.

👉 Where to find us:

• Instagram: @functionalmedicineformoms
• YouTube & Podcast Networks: Functional Medicine for Moms
• Email: [email protected]
• Work with me: molinemethod.com — book a free consultation or order professional-grade supplements through Fullscript.

Is pregnancy different the second time around? I’m officially 17 weeks pregnant with baby #2, so Landon and I are sitting down for a pregnancy and life update!

We’re talking about how this pregnancy compares with my first pregnancy, second-trimester symptoms, fatigue, food cravings, being pregnant while raising a toddler, and why this pregnancy seems to be going SO much faster.

We also catch you up on:

• Our month-long Minnesota trip + road-tripping with a toddler and two dogs
• Weaning Danielle after 18 months of breastfeeding
• Preparing our toddler to become a big sister
• Moving rooms and deciding when to transition out of the crib
• Danielle starting a two-day-a-week school program
• What’s happening with Moline Method Functional Medicine
• How we’re preparing the podcast and business for baby #2

If you’re pregnant with your second baby, preparing your toddler for a new sibling, or just want to catch up on what’s happening with our family, come hang out with us!

🌿 Preparing for Pregnancy Guide: Take a proactive, functional medicine approach to fertility and preconception. Learn how to optimize your health before pregnancy with practical nutrition, lifestyle, supplement, and testing guidance.

👉 www.molinemethod.com/fertility

💛 Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off.

🩷 kegg Fertility Tracker: kegg.tech/FUNCTIONALMEDICINEFORMOMS

✨ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor and/or pediatrician regarding your health or your child’s health.

👉 Where to find us:

• Instagram: @functionalmedicineformoms
• YouTube & Podcast Networks: Functional Medicine for Moms
• Email: [email protected]
• Work with me: molinemethod.com — book a free consultation or order professional-grade supplements through Fullscript.

Most people think pelvic floor physical therapy is only for women after they've had a baby.

But what if your pelvic floor actually plays an important role before pregnancy—even while trying to conceive?

In this episode, I'm joined again by pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Danyell Russell to discuss how pelvic floor health can impact fertility, pregnancy, and overall reproductive wellness.

We cover:

• What the pelvic floor actually is (for both women and men)
• Signs your pelvic floor may need attention
• Pain with intercourse and fertility
• Why leaking is common—but not normal
• Low back and hip pain as possible pelvic floor symptoms
• Secondary infertility after having your first child
• Why pelvic floor therapy should begin before pregnancy
• Why pelvic floor PT can help throughout pregnancy—not just postpartum
• The surprising stages of life when every woman should consider seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist

Whether you're preparing for your first baby, trying for another pregnancy, or simply want to better understand your body, this episode is packed with practical education that can help you advocate for your health.

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🌿 Preparing for Pregnancy Guide

• Take a proactive, functional medicine approach to fertility and preconception. Learn how to optimize your health before pregnancy with practical nutrition, lifestyle, supplement, and testing guidance.

👉 www.molinemethod.com/fertility

💛 Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off.

🩷 kegg Fertility Tracker: kegg.tech/FUNCTIONALMEDICINEFORMOMS

✨ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor and/or pediatrician regarding your health or your child’s health.

👉 Where to find us:

• Instagram: @functionalmedicineformoms
• YouTube & Podcast Networks: Functional Medicine for Moms
• Email: [email protected]
• Work with me: molinemethod.com — book a free consultation or order professional-grade supplements through Fullscript.

Trying to conceive while breastfeeding can bring up a lot of questions. Do you have to wean? Can breastfeeding delay ovulation? Is it even possible to get pregnant while still nursing?

In this episode, Kelly and Landon share their personal journey conceiving baby #2 while breastfeeding their toddler. They talk about when Kelly's cycle returned postpartum, how breastfeeding affected ovulation, whether they chose to wean, and the functional medicine strategies they focused on to support fertility.

You'll also learn:

• How prolactin affects fertility and ovulation
• Why breastfeeding doesn't always prevent pregnancy
• What happened when Kelly's cycle returned at 13 months postpartum
• Their relaxed approach to trying for baby #2
• Tips for supporting fertility while continuing to breastfeed
• Ways partners can support moms during this season

If you're breastfeeding and wondering when—or how—you'll conceive again, we hope our story encourages you while helping you better understand what's happening in your body.

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🌿 Preparing for Pregnancy Guide

• Take a proactive, functional medicine approach to fertility and preconception. Learn how to optimize your health before pregnancy with practical nutrition, lifestyle, supplement, and testing guidance.

👉 www.molinemethod.com/fertility

💛 Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off.

🩷 kegg Fertility Tracker: kegg.tech/FUNCTIONALMEDICINEFORMOMS

✨ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor and/or pediatrician regarding your health or your child’s health.

👉 Where to find us:

• Instagram: @functionalmedicineformoms
• YouTube & Podcast Networks: Functional Medicine for Moms
• Email: [email protected]
• Work with me: molinemethod.com — book a free consultation or order professional-grade supplements through Fullscript.

What really happens when you go from one child to two?

In this episode, Kelly is joined again by her friend Abby to have an honest conversation about preparing for baby number two. Recorded early in Kelly's pregnancy, they discuss the emotions of expanding your family, what surprised them most about postpartum, how marriages shift, sibling relationships, breastfeeding while pregnant, and why many parents say your heart truly does grow.

They also compare the transition from 0→1 versus 1→2 children, share practical advice for supporting your first child, and talk about the importance of giving yourself grace during pregnancy and postpartum.

Whether you're expecting your second baby, thinking about growing your family, or simply curious about what comes next, this episode offers encouragement, realistic expectations, and plenty of laughs.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Is going from one child to two harder than becoming a parent?
• The emotions of loving another child
• Helping your first child adjust to a new sibling
• Breastfeeding while pregnant and weaning decisions
• Why postpartum feels different the second time
• Supporting your marriage through another baby
• Dad's role during postpartum
• The beauty of sibling relationships
• Giving yourself grace during pregnancy and motherhood

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🌿 Preparing for Pregnancy Guide

• Take a proactive, functional medicine approach to fertility and preconception. Learn how to optimize your health before pregnancy with practical nutrition, lifestyle, supplement, and testing guidance.

👉 www.molinemethod.com/fertility

💛 Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off.

🩷 kegg Fertility Tracker: kegg.tech/FUNCTIONALMEDICINEFORMOMS

✨ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor and/or pediatrician regarding your health or your child’s health.

👉 Where to find us:

• Instagram: @functionalmedicineformoms
• YouTube & Podcast Networks: Functional Medicine for Moms
• Email: [email protected]
• Work with me: molinemethod.com — book a free consultation or order professional-grade supplements through Fullscript.