The Livin'Sky Podcast

In this episode of the Livin'Sky podcast, I got the honor of interviewing Louise Herbert of Mother Nourish Nurture, who is a renowned Pediatric Sleep and Development Specialist and Lactation Specialist. 

This conversation was extra special to me, because it was Louise who helped me understand Nate's sleep needs from an attachment forward perspective and ultimately saved me from a total burnout and breakdown. She also helped thousands of families do the same. Therefore I couldn't think of a better person to interview on this delicate topic of infant sleep. 

We delved into the complexities of infant sleep, debunking common myths and misconceptions that many new parents face.

Key Points Discussed:

The Reality of Infant Sleep

• Common Misconceptions: Many parents are misled by idealized sleep schedules found online, which can lead to unnecessary guilt and stress.
• Biological Needs: Infants have different sleep needs compared to adults. Frequent waking is normal and essential for their development and safety.

The Problem with Sleep Training

• Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution: Sleep training is often presented as the ultimate fix, but it doesn't work for every family and can sometimes lead to more distress.
• Long-Term Effects: We discussed the potential risks and consequences of sleep training and the importance of informed decision-making.

Attachment and Co-Sleeping

• Attachment First Approach: Louise emphasized the benefits of an attachment-forward method, which supports both the child's and the parent's well-being.
• Co-Regulation: Holding and being close to the baby helps in co-regulating their bodily systems, which is crucial for their growth and development.

Societal Expectations and Pressures

• Cultural Influences: The unrealistic expectations set by society and social media can add to the stress of new parents.
• Historical Context: We explored how past generations were conditioned to view infant independence and how this has shaped current parenting norms.

Practical Advice and Support

• Realistic Expectations: Louise provided insights into what parents can realistically expect regarding their infant's sleep patterns.
• Accredited Support: We discussed the importance of seeking advice from accredited professionals and the need for regulation in the baby sleep industry.

Louise's Accredited Course

• Comprehensive Training: Louise is pioneering an accredited course for sleep consultants that covers a wide range of topics, including sleep science, attachment theory, and infant mental health.
• Global Standards: The course aims to set a new standard in the industry, ensuring that practitioners are well-equipped to support families holistically.

This episode is a must-listen for any parent struggling with their child's sleep. Louise's insights and compassionate approach offer a refreshing perspective that prioritizes the well-being of both the child and the parent.

Louise's Instagram
Louise's Website
Lena's Instagram

[00:01:34] Sleep expectations vs. reality.

[00:03:41] Sleep training and its impact.

[00:09:07] Sleep anxiety.

[00:12:33] Expectations of infant sleep.

[00:17:28] The power of oxytocin.

[00:18:44] Dependency and independence in children.

[00:23:38] Sleep milestones for children.

[00:28:03] Children's sleep misconceptions.

[00:31:28] Behaviorism in parenting advice.

[00:35:09] Unregulated baby sleep industry.

[00:39:03] Infant mental health awareness.

[00:43:02] Accreditation for Sleep Consu

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

Sunlight exposure is crucial for supporting overall health by influencing mitochondrial function and regulating biological processes. 

Today's guest, Dr. Alexis Cowan has a PhD in molecular biology from Princeton and operates at the interface of physiology and metabolism, which basically means she studies how our bodies work and use energy. Her focus areas include circadian biology and how sunlight and toxic artificial light affects our health, microbiome-host interactions which looks at how our gut bacteria interact with us, and how does food and exercise affect our metabolism. 

Dr. Cowan stresses the significance of sunlight exposure in promoting optimal health, emphasizing its role in boosting mitochondrial ATP production and structuring water within the body. Particularly, red and infrared light from the sun directly impact mitochondrial function, leading to enhanced metabolism and energy production.

Dr. Cowan's insights highlight the importance of natural light exposure for health, emphasizing the significance of spending time outdoors and optimizing the light environment. By incorporating these practices into daily life, children can experience improved cognitive function, enhanced critical thinking skills, and overall well-being.

[00:01:12] Psychedelic experience sparking scientific interest.

[00:05:08] Impact of light on biology.

[00:08:29] Sunlight importance for children's health.

[00:12:34] Harmful Effects of Screen Time.

[00:15:19] Blue light's impact on health.

[00:16:37] Sunlight benefits mitochondrial health.

[00:21:22] Melanin's role in sunlight absorption.

[00:24:45] Benefits of Sun Exposure.

[00:27:30] Sun exposure and melanoma rates.

[00:31:31] Red and infrared light benefits.

[00:32:57] Melanin and skin pigmentation.

[00:37:45] Mitochondrial adaptation to climates.

[00:40:47] Ignorance around light and health.

[00:43:36] Optimizing baby's light environment.

[00:48:07] Baby monitor and blue light.

[00:50:42] Rise in childhood diseases.

[00:54:47] Melanin in autism research.

[00:56:19] Benefits of infrared light therapy.

[01:00:30] Spending money on solutions

[01:03:34] Gut microbiome research misconceptions.

[01:07:26] Gut health for children.

[01:11:59] Gut microbiome optimization protocol.

[01:13:01] Researching medical information online.

[01:18:01] Seeking quality information and viewpoints.

[01:21:08] Questioning preventative dentistry practices.

[01:24:24] Sunlight exposure and fertility.

[01:26:46] Tracking Hormones for Birth Control.

[01:29:44] Fertility and mitochondrial health.

[01:33:43] Sunlight and mental health benefits.

[01:38:37] Children's health and environmental impact.

Dr. Cowan's Instagram:
DrAlexisJazmyn

Lena's Instagram:
lena.livinsky

Grab your SIGNALS shake at 10% off with code Lena10

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

In this episode of The Livin'Sky Podcast, we delve into the crucial topic of the gut-brain connection and microbiome health, particularly focusing on children's health. Drawing insights from Dr. Elisa Song's book, "Healthy Kids, Happy Kids," I discuss how a resilient gut microbiome established in childhood can lead to a healthier and happier life.

I highlight the alarming rise in chronic diseases among children and the projection that today's kids may have shorter lifespans than their parents due to these health issues. The episode emphasizes the importance of the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to the second birthday, as a critical window for developing a healthy gut microbiome. Factors such as diet, environment, mode of delivery, and breastfeeding play significant roles in shaping a child's gut health.

I also touch on the detrimental effects of over-prescribed antibiotics and other medications on the gut microbiome, stressing the need for a balanced approach to children's health that includes proper nutrition, stress management, good sleep, hydration, and physical activity. Additionally, I discuss the benefits of sun exposure and the importance of a nurturing home environment.

The episode concludes with practical tips for parents to support their children's gut health, including the importance of fermented foods, phytonutrients, and fiber. I encourage listeners to join the conversation on Instagram and stay tuned for future episodes where we will explore these topics in greater depth.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to better understand and improve our children's health through the power of the gut-brain connection. Stay curious and take care!

[00:00:23] Intro to microbiome health.

[00:07:16] The importance of gut health.

[00:11:56] Gut-brain connection.

[00:15:45] Gut microbiome imbalances in children.

[00:19:40] Supporting children's sleep habits.

[00:23:57] Sun exposure for gut health.

[00:25:02] Microbiome health and nutrition.

[00:28:36] Children's health and wellness.

Grab your SIGNALS shake at 10% off with code Lena10

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

In this episode, Lena has a fascinating discussion with Nina Passero, FDN-P, who shares her background as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and her transition into the world of holistic wellness. Nina and Lena discuss topics such as the root cause of disease, nutrient deficiencies, preparing your body for pregnancy, postpartum care and traditions bonding with your child, children's emotions and how they play a role in development, generational trauma and parenting and so much more. 

[00:02:13] Leaving the speech pathology profession.

[00:06:39] Root cause of health issues.

[00:10:23] Whole foods and nutrient density.

[00:14:49] Pregnancy and food choices.

[00:17:01] Depleted nutrients during pregnancy.

[00:21:14] Preparation for conception.

[00:26:53] Postpartum care and traditions.

[00:31:23] Gut health and nutrient absorption.

[00:33:52] Postpartum depression.

[00:38:01] Bonding with your child.

[00:42:20] Babies' big emotions.

[00:46:19] Children's emotional expression.

[00:51:04] Generational trauma and parenting.

[00:56:06] Managing the nervous system.

[01:01:18] Impact of sugar on the body

[01:03:39] Veganism 

Grab your SIGNALS shake at 10% off with code Lena10

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Livin'Sky podcast! I'm your host, Lena Livinsky, a speech language pathologist specializing in feeding. 

Today, we're diving into how to nurture your child into becoming an adventurous eater, a topic that's both a professional passion and a personal journey for me as a mother.

Key Takeaways:

1. Connection During Feeding

• Establishing a bond during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding is crucial. It sets the stage for a positive relationship with food.

2. Readiness for Solids

• Look for signs like sitting with minimal support, keeping the head steady, reaching for and bringing food to the mouth, and showing interest in food.

3. Starting Solids

• Introduce a mix of baby-led weaning and purees to expose your child to different textures. Remember, gagging is normal and part of learning.

4. Exposure to Flavors

• Utilize the flavor window between starting solids and 18 months to introduce a variety of tastes, reducing the likelihood of pickiness later on.

5. Healthy Foods

• Prioritize high-quality, nutrient-rich foods. Be cautious of store-bought options that may contain high sugar or heavy metals.

6. Family Connection

• Share meals as a family without distractions. This fosters a social and enjoyable eating environment.

Important Notes:

• Feeding Disorder Statistics: 1 in 4 children has a feeding disorder, and up to 80% of children with developmental delays may develop one.
• Advocacy: Trust your instincts as a parent and seek evaluations if you suspect feeding issues.

Conclusion:

Feeding is a journey, and it's about more than just nutrition—it's about happiness, social connection, and developing a healthy relationship with food. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram at lina.Livinsky.

Thank you for joining me on this episode, and I look forward to continuing this conversation and supporting you in your parenting journey.

[00:00:33] Foundations of feeding for kids.

[00:05:08] Signs of readiness for solids.

[00:11:00] Baby's first solid foods.

[00:13:39] Babies' gag reflexes.

[00:18:21] Exposure to different flavors.

[00:19:55] Adventurous eating

[00:25:39] Picky eater behaviors and statistics.

[00:27:15] Feeding disorders in children

Grab your SIGNALS shake at 10% off with code Lena10

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.