Why does it feel like no matter how much we do, it’s never enough—Including—and especially—in our mothering? 

It’s no wonder we feel this way! Societal changes have created a culture that ties worth to performance, often at the expense of our health and happiness, while macroeconomic trends that have shifted the way we think about work, education, and success, making it entirely focussed on external standards of achievement.  

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Jennifer Wallace, journalist and author of Never Enough, to dive into the toxic achievement culture that’s shaping our lives—and the lives of our kids.

Together, we explore how this relentless pursuit of external success is leaving us exhausted, disconnected, and questioning our self-worth. We also dig into what really matters—connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging—and how we can reclaim these values for ourselves and our families.

Join us as we go deep into our own personal journeys as women and moms, and along the way talk about: 

• The Cost of Toxic Achievement: Macroeconomic trends—like rising inequality, job instability, and the increasing cost of living—are amplifying the push to achieve at any cost. But the evidence is clear: more external success doesn’t lead to happier or healthier lives.
• What We’ve Lost: The modern obsession with productivity has left less time for the things that truly nourish us—community, hobbies, connection, and learning for its own sake.
• The Power of Mattering: Kids thrive when they feel valued for who they are, not what they accomplish. And it’s up to us as parents to model that sense of worth by healing our own relationship with achievement—including feeling that the our kids’ success is a measure of our own worth, from where they were born to how long they breastfed to what schools they go to and who they are as adults. 
• Healing Generational Wounds: Unexamined beliefs and "ghosts" from our own upbringing often push us toward extrinsic measures of success. By addressing these wounds, we can break the cycle and redefine what matters for ourselves and our kids.
• Reclaiming What Matters:  Research shows that relationships—not status or money—are the strongest predictors of happiness, fulfillment, and resilience. We explore practical ways to prioritize relationships, joy, and intrinsic fulfillment over endless striving and external rewards.

If you’re ready to let go of the pressure to achieve and embrace a more meaningful, connected life, this episode is for you. Share it with a friend who might need the reminder that they’re already enough, and let’s start a movement toward true fulfillment—together.

This episode is a compassionate call to reevaluate what really matters. The relentless push for more isn’t the path to happiness, for ourselves, or for our kiddos. Instead, it’s connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging that truly nourish us.

📖 Never Enough by Jennifer Wallace offers even more insights and is a must-read for parents and caregivers.

💬 Let’s continue this conversation on Instagram: @DrAvivaRomm.

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of unresolved trauma and its psychological, emotional, or even physical effects from one generation to another. This phenomenon can manifest in various ways, impacting individuals' mental health, coping mechanisms, and relational patterns. The cycle of intergenerational trauma underscores the importance of acknowledging, understanding, and actively addressing inherited wounds to break free from its influence on future generations.

On today’s On Health episode, I’m joined by the incredible Mariel Buque, PhD, author of Break the Cycle: who wants us all to learn to unravel the threads of family trauma, and becoming cycle breakers so we can heal the burdens of suffering carried forward by so many families across generations. 

In this powerful episode, we explore: 

• What intergenerational trauma is and how it can affect our physiology, mental health, relationships, economics, and more. 
• The profound connections between our individual experiences and the echoes of our ancestors' pain.
• Resilience and stress tolerance as essential tools for breaking the intergenerational trauma cycle.
• How to expand your window of resilience and respond to life's challenges with greater awareness and purpose."
• How compassion becomes a powerful ally, fostering understanding and acceptance of our shared human struggles."
• How mothers can be preemptive cycle breakers, initiating the healing journey even before conceiving.
• The landscape of family estrangement and tools for reconciliation before resorting to estrangement.
• Mariel's approach centers around the concept of an upward spiral, emphasizing small, consistent mindful actions for reshaping the nervous system.

Resources for those seeking guidance, including Mariel's book, "Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma."

Join us in this episode's transformative conversation on health, healing, and well-being, as we become architects of a future unburdened by the weight of generational pain.

Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation.

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Imagine being told you had a “hostile uterus” and sent home, only to discover later you were on the brink of a life-threatening pregnancy complication.

This isn’t fiction. Terms like “hostile uterus” and “irritable uterus” are still in use, and they’re dangerous. In conventional medicine, language like this often subtly blames women’s bodies for medical events, creating a culture where women who advocate for themselves are frequently dismissed—or even labeled “difficult.” Disturbingly, some women, particularly Black mothers, have faced extreme consequences like social services or even police intervention for simply speaking up during labor.

The stakes are high. Medical and obstetric trauma are a reality for far too many, and symptoms of PTSD are often brushed off as “just part of the experience” instead of being acknowledged as trauma caused by medical mistreatment. This climate of dismissal causes many women to skip important screenings and healthcare visits, increasing their health risks.

In this episode, I sit down with Leah Hazard, a midwife, activist, and author who, like me, has seen firsthand the impact of misleading language and inconsistent protocols on women’s health. We discuss the urgent need for self-advocacy in healthcare, why it often feels like an uphill battle, and the unsettling inconsistencies in obstetrics. Leah explains how synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin)—a drug widely used to induce or speed up labor—is administered with inconsistent protocols across hospitals, affecting labor experiences, breastfeeding success, and postpartum mental health.

• The Hidden Power of Words: We explore how terms like “hostile uterus” subtly place blame on women’s bodies, fueling a culture that sees women as “difficult” when they advocate for themselves.
• The Impact of Medical Dismissal: Leah shares real-life stories of women whose symptoms were dismissed, leading to delayed or inadequate care—even in life-threatening situations.
• Birth Trauma and Mental Health: Medical trauma affects a shocking number of women, with many experiencing PTSD symptoms that are often minimized or overlooked, leaving lasting emotional scars.
• Inconsistent Pitocin Protocols: Leah uncovers how the administration of synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) varies greatly across hospitals, impacting everything from labor experience to breastfeeding outcomes and postpartum mental health.
• The Essential Need for Self-Advocacy: We discuss why knowing your body—and the language around it—is crucial in navigating a system that too often undermines women’s voices.
• A Call to Change the Narrative: This episode isn’t just for those with a womb; it’s a call to examine how society, medicine, and language intersect in women’s health, challenging us to create a more compassionate healthcare experience.

If this episode resonated with you, consider taking action by sharing it with a friend or leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t miss out on future episodes! Make sure to subscribe to On Health for more conversations like this one, bringing you expert insights and empowering you to take control of your health and well-being.

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

The Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn more

Mentioned in this episode:

The Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to https://avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn more

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Could your love relationship use a bit of boost? Some calm in the storm? Or are you looking for love that’s been hard to find? In this On Health for Women episode I’m joined by Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a wonderful couples therapist, professor, author of Love Every Day and the host of the Reimagining Love podcast. Together we explore the real meaning of love and how it can be cultivated through daily practices of self-awareness, self-compassion, and intentional connection. Whether single, in a relationship, or simply seeking a better relationship with yourself, this conversation offers powerful tools to foster a deeper, more resilient connection to yourself and others.

Dr. Solomon sheds light on using Relational Self-Awareness (RSA) to build fulfilling partnerships, understand our Family-of-Origin influences, and tackle relationship conflicts as a team. Join us as we unpack the complexities of intimacy and share practical guidance on nurturing love in ways that are both transformative and healing.

• Love as Daily Practice: Why love is more than a feeling—it’s a mindful practice that requires small, intentional actions each day.
• Understanding Family-of-Origin: How early family dynamics, or our "Original Love Classroom," shape our relationship patterns, and ways to move beyond them.
• Navigating Attachment Styles: A look at common attachment patterns like anxious and avoidant types, and ways to harmonize different styles in relationships.
• Relational Self-Awareness (RSA): How RSA can unlock healthier relationships by increasing empathy, self-understanding, and resilience.
• Turning Conflict into Connection: Practical tools for approaching challenges as a team and transforming conflict into intimacy and personal growth.
• Self-Compassion and Self-Respect: Balancing self-love with loving others without losing yourself in the relationship.
• Modern Dating Realities: Dr. Solomon shares insights into why dating can be difficult today and how to embrace a compassionate approach.
• Long-Term Partnership Wisdom: Dr. Solomon’s advice on nurturing enduring love with the help of daily practices that strengthen connection, respect, and joy.

If this episode resonated with you, consider taking action by sharing it with a friend or leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t miss out on future episodes! Make sure to subscribe to On Health for more conversations like this one, bringing you expert insights and empowering you to take control of your health and well-being.

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Feeling the first tickle of a sore throat? Or maybe you’re dealing with a full-blown cold or flu? In this episode, I’m sharing my top natural remedies to help you get through cold and flu season. From immune-boosting herbs to soothing teas, these are the must-haves I trust to keep my family healthy.

I’ll walk you through how to use each one, with practical tips on safety, including what’s safe for kids, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. You’ll learn simple recipes you can make at home, like ginger tea, garlic lemonade, and thyme-honey tea, and I’ll share why these remedies have been trusted for generations to help ease symptoms and shorten the length of your illness.

• Echinacea: Immune-boosting benefits for prevention and early symptom relief.
• Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and warming, perfect for soothing sore throats and congestion.
• Elderberry: Sweet and antiviral, can help reduce the severity of flu symptoms.
• Garlic: A natural antimicrobial, with a recipe for a soothing garlic lemonade.
• Vitamin C: Classic immune support that helps shorten the duration of colds.
• Zinc: Effective for reducing cold duration, especially when taken early.
• Thyme-Honey Tea: Combines natural antimicrobials to soothe coughs and clear congestion.
• Vapor Rub & Herbal Steam: Menthol and eucalyptus-based rubs and steams to ease breathing.

• Simple, safe ways to support your immune system during cold & flu season.
• Practical recipes for at-home remedies that can bring comfort and relief.
• Safety guidelines for using these natural remedies effectively, including recommendations for kids, pregnant women, and those with specific health concerns.

Tune in and get your natural medicine cabinet ready for this cold & flu season!

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Many of us are aware of the ethical minefield of fast fashion—from the labor issues to the environmental damage. But did you know that the clothes in your closet could be making you sick? In this episode, I’m joined by award-winning investigative journalist Alden Wicker, author of To Die For: How Toxic Fashion is Making Us Sick and How We Can Fight Back. Alden’s deep dive into the world of fashion goes beyond the well-known stories of sweatshops and waste to uncover the hidden impact of unregulated toxic chemicals in our clothing on our personal health.

From flame retardants and PFAS to endocrine disruptors, Alden and I explore the unseen dangers lurking in everyday garments and how these chemicals are connected to a myriad of health problems, from skin issues to autoimmune diseases, fertility challenges, and even cancer. We’ll talk about why these chemicals are allowed in the first place, what the fashion industry isn’t telling you, and how you can protect yourself and your family—without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re looking for practical tips to detox your wardrobe or want to learn more about the systemic changes needed in the fashion industry, this episode will empower you to make safer, more informed choices when it comes to your clothes.

Episode Highlights:

• How Alden Wicker got into sustainable fashion journalism—starting with a troubling case of Delta flight attendant uniforms making women sick.
• The toxic truth: What chemicals are lurking in our clothing, and why is no one talking about it?
• How these chemicals are affecting not just the environment but also our bodies.
• From rashes to reproductive health issues—how clothing can impact autoimmune diseases and fertility.
• Why women are disproportionately affected by toxic chemicals in fashion, and the industry’s gender gap in addressing the problem.
• Practical tips: How to choose safer clothing, avoid harmful chemicals, and shop smarter without spending a fortune.
• Beyond your wardrobe: How you can join collective actions and advocacy to help push for systemic change.
• Alden’s advice to her younger self: Simplifying health and happiness.

Resources & Links:

• Alden Wicker’s Website: EcoCult.com
• Safer States: saferstates.org
• Toxic-Free Future: toxicfreefuture.org
• Follow Alden on Instagram: @ecocultcom
• Connect with Dr. Aviva Romm: @dr.avivaromm

If this episode resonated with you, consider taking action by sharing it with a friend or leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t miss out on future episodes! Make sure to subscribe to On Health for more conversations like this one, bringing you expert insights and empowering you to take control of your health and well-being.

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

I remember when I first started practicing as a midwife—way back in the '80s—there was barely a whisper about how nutrition could impact pregnancy. I taught my first prenatal nutrition class in 1990, and the hunger for information was almost palpable. It’s amazing to me that, fast forward to today, we’re still facing a gap in understanding just how much food and lifestyle choices affect both mom and baby. But here’s the thing—there’s so much hope and possibility when we’re armed with the right information, and today’s guest has dedicated her life to providing just that.

I’m beyond excited to introduce you to Lily Nichols. Lily is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and certified diabetes educator who is passionate about making pregnancy health both understandable and achievable. Her journey into this work is rooted in a deeply personal mission: she saw firsthand how powerful nutrition could be in preventing complications like gestational diabetes, and she wanted to share that knowledge with as many women as possible. Her books, Real Food for Gestational Diabetes and Real Food for Pregnancy, have helped countless women take control of their health during such an important time.

In today’s episode, Lily and I dive deep into some powerful truths about gestational diabetes—how it’s on the rise but, more importantly, how it can be prevented and even reversed with simple, mindful changes. We’ll talk about why so many women still aren’t given this information, how the right nutrition can truly change the trajectory of your pregnancy, and practical steps anyone can take. We’ll even touch on how blood sugar testing is done differently around the world—and why those differences matter.

Whether you’re pregnant, planning to be, or just curious about how your body responds to food, there’s so much to take away from this conversation. It’s about more than just numbers on a blood test; it’s about learning to listen to your body, trust yourself, and make small changes that have a lasting impact on your health—and the health of your baby.

So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s get into this empowering and eye-opening conversation with Lily Nichols. I think you’re going to walk away feeling hopeful, informed, and ready to take charge of your health in a whole new way.

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

The Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn more

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Of all the stages in life, most women tell me they’d least want to revisit—it's puberty. If you're reading this, you survived it too. And while you likely have some fond memories, you also remember the awkward body changes, the anxiety of getting your mom to buy pads or tampons to avoid the dreaded checkout counter, the stress around your emerging—or non-emerging—breasts, acne, and the confusing wave of new feelings that came with your growing sexual awareness.

Our teens today are facing a different kind of puberty—a reality that’s markedly different from what we experienced. While they have more access to information and resources than we did, puberty itself has changed in significant ways. There are new gaps between what we as parents—and even many doctors—know and what our kids are going through. From earlier onset of puberty, which now often starts as young as eight, to prolonged puberty stages and earlier exposure to explicit content online, it’s a whole new world for our children.

Understanding these shifts is crucial for guiding your child through this delicate time.

In the latest episode of On Health, I’m joined by two incredible experts who are deeply immersed in these changes. Vanessa Kroll Bennett, a puberty expert, writer, and entrepreneur, and Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and the mind behind the New York Times bestselling series The Care and Keeping of You, bring their expertise and warmth to our conversation. Both are moms of teens themselves and co-hosts of The Puberty Podcast. Their new book, This is So Awkward, is a phenomenal guide to understanding the landscape of modern puberty so you can better support your child through this vulnerable and often tumultuous time.

In our discussion, we explore key aspects of modern puberty and how you can support your tween or teen:

1. The New Puberty: Why puberty is lasting longer than ever - and how this might impact your daughters - and you, too!
2. The Role of Social Media: How to balance allowing your child to connect with the world while protecting them from the darker sides of online life.
3. Mental Health: Differentiating between normal teenage mood swings and more serious mental health concerns.
4. Building Resilience: Empowering your child to handle the social and sexual pressures they’re facing at increasingly younger ages.
5. Un-Shaming Conversations: Creating a safe space for open, honest talks about body changes, sexuality, and all the things that used to make us blush.
6. Your kid isn't the only one going through puberty: Your kid’s puberty - it's hard on you, too! We talk about how move through it with grace - while not internalizing it when they say they hate you! 

These insights are more than just tips—they’re lifelines for helping your child navigate this critical stage of development with confidence and resilience.

I invite you to listen to this episode—click here to tune in. Let’s make sure we’re raising the next generation with the information and support they need. And if you find this conversation valuable, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and join the conversation online using #OnHealth. Your stories, your questions, and your experiences make our community stronger.

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Despite advancements in medical technology and a growing awareness of maternal health, the emotional and psychological experiences of birthing mothers in the US often go unnoticed. In this eye-opening episode, Aviva Romm, an experienced midwife and MD, delves into a topic that is often overlooked and misunderstood—birth trauma. Aviva shares her personal birth story, other birth stories, and draws from decades of experience to explore the hidden epidemic of birth trauma that is affecting an alarming number of women.

In this episode Dr. Aviva discusses:

• Birth trauma: what it is, how it manifests, and why it’s more common than you might think
• The profound impact of birth trauma on maternal mental health
• Real stories from women who have experienced trauma during labor and birth, highlighting the emotional and mental impact that can linger long after the baby is born.
• The surprising central factor most women report as the cause of birth trauma: medical mistreatment and lack of informed consent and communication..
• The critical importance of centering the mother’s well-being in the birthing process for the mother, the baby, and the family
• The actionable steps that can be taken by both healthcare providers and loved ones to support mothers before, during, and after birth to prevent trauma and promote healing.

Why This Episode Matters:

Birth is one of the most significant events in a woman’s life, yet the emotional and psychological well-being of mothers often takes a back seat to physical outcomes. By bringing this issue to the forefront, Dr. Romm aims to empower women, educate healthcare professionals, and spark a much-needed conversation about the importance of “matrifocal: maternal health care.

Tune in to the full episode to understand the true impact of birth trauma and what we can do to support the emotional and psychological well-being of mothers.

Share Your Story: Have you or someone you know experienced birth trauma? Please join the conversation on Dr. Aviva’s  Instagram @dr.avivaromm and use #HealingBirthTrauma.

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

If you find yourself feeling chronically overwhelmed, with a to-do list you can’t ever get to the bottom of, and a nagging feeling that you’re never quite doing enough, this episode is for you. Joining me is Jenny Odell, the acclaimed author of zthe books How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy and Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond Productivity Culture. An artist and educator based in Oakland, California, Jenny’s work shines a light on how we can reclaim our attention in an increasingly digital world, while escaping from the clutches of productivity culture.  I also share my personal story of how a recent vacation followed by COVID has caused me to rethink my own attention economy - and how this has been shifting my nervous system - and perspectives - on ‘what’s enough.”

Join us as we explore insights on the importance of rest, reflection, and mindful living as part of taking back our lives, power, and mental well-being including: 

• What the attention economy is and how it’s impacting our mental well-being
• The compare and despair impact of social media on women’s health
• The misconception of "doing nothing" and its true meaning.
• The anxiety and irritability that comes from constantly racing the clock
• Chronodiversity and the power of nature for expanding time
• Strategies for reclaiming our attention by focusing on what truly matters.
• The importance of rest and reflection in maintaining overall well-being.
• Practical tips for incorporating mindful practices into daily life.
• How to start making small changes toward a more intentional and fulfilling life.

Resources Mentioned:

More from Jenny Odell:

• How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy 
• Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond Productivity Culture
• Jenny's website

The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution : Dr. Aviva’s book on taking back your health - while nourishing your adrenals and supporting your thyroid

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements