Wild and Well | Motherhood, Postpartum Wellness and Children’s Health

Dr. Hilary Claire
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A podcast for moms who are ready to thrive in motherhood, have an optimal postpartum, and raise healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr Hilary Claire, clinical psychologist, holistic parenting mentor, and mom of two, Wild and Well explores the realities of modern motherhood and provides practical, evidence-based guidance for maternal wellbeing. Episodes features expert interviews with naturopaths, doctors, psychologists, functional medicine practitioners, doulas, and many others, offering trusted insights on postpartum recovery, overcoming mom burnout, picky eating, and raising healthy, thriving children. The podcast explores fresh perspectives that challenge conventional thinking around health, education, and parenting, helping listeners reframe how they approach family life and self-care. From managing postpartum fatigue and building intentional motherhood habits to nurturing your child’s health and emotional development, this podcast supports moms in creating a fulfilling family life. Listeners will discover strategies for self-care, emotional resilience, and practical parenting tools that help them show up as their best selves, for themselves and their families. Join a community of mothers transforming the challenges of early motherhood into opportunities for growth, joy, and vitality. Listen to Wild and Well and explore ways to nurture yourself, have optimal health, and cultivate a thriving family life.

  1. Episode 89 - Understanding picky eating: A psychological perspective

    1D AGO

    Episode 89 - Understanding picky eating: A psychological perspective

    Picky eating can be frustrating (and exhausting) for parents – but there's often so much more beneath the surface than simply a child being "fussy."  In this episode, I explore some of the psychological factors that can contribute to and maintain selective eating in children.  I chat about:  Why it’s not just psychological – how behavioral, physiological, and environmental factors also play a role How a child’s sense of calm and safety at mealtimes can directly affect their willingness to eat The impact of a parent’s stress and nervous system on a child’s appetite and digestion Why it’s so important to prioritize your connection with your child over the food on their plate The importance of understanding your role as the provider of food and knowing what your child’s role is too  Why pressure, rewards, and labels (like “picky eater”) can actually make things harder How your own eating behaviors and attitudes around food shape your child’s approach to eating If you’ve ever wondered why your child is so selective or how to shift the dynamic at mealtimes without pressure or power struggles, this episode is for you. Episode Links:   Come say hello to me over on Instagram  Read my Picky Eating Guide

    20 min
  2. Episode 88 - Why Mental Fitness Matters for Children with founder of Mindfully Natalie Von Teichman

    4D AGO

    Episode 88 - Why Mental Fitness Matters for Children with founder of Mindfully Natalie Von Teichman

    What if we treated mental health the same way we treat physical fitness? In this episode, we explore the concept of mental fitness and why proactively building emotional strength, regulation, and resilience is one of the most important gifts we can give our children. My guest, Natalie von Teichman, children’s mental fitness coach and founder of Mindfully, shares how mental fitness helps children develop the skills they need before stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm show up. Together, we discuss why simply telling kids to “calm down” doesn’t work, how breathing and co-regulation support nervous system regulation, and why allowing children to experience manageable discomfort actually builds resilience. Natalie and I chat about: What mental fitness is and how it differs from mental health Why kids need to practice emotional regulation before big feelings arise How breathing supports the nervous system and emotional regulation The power of role modelling (and why perfection isn’t required) Why naming emotions is only the first step and what comes next  How imagination, play, and storytelling strengthen emotional resilience Ways to support children’s mental fitness in a digital world Natalie von Teichman is a children’s mental fitness coach, mindfulness educator, mom of four, and the founder of Miindfully, the brand behind the world’s first meditation stuffie for kids (a multisensory, screen-free tool designed to support emotional regulation, sleep, and resilience through play). With a background in health science, mindfulness education, and pediatric mental wellness, Natalie’s work focuses on helping children build mental agility, emotional regulation, and self-compassion using evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate strategies. Her approach integrates breath regulation, cognitive processes, role-play, and neuroscience-based mindfulness practices. Episode Links: Say hi to Natalie on Instagram Learn more about Miindfully or get your own meditate at Miindfully   Come say hello to me on Instagram  Read my books The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama and Mama Let It Go Grab my Picky Eating Guide

    1h 3m
  3. Episode 87 - Nervous System Regulation for Anxiety with Clinical Psychologist Dr Kaitlin Harkess

    MAR 1

    Episode 87 - Nervous System Regulation for Anxiety with Clinical Psychologist Dr Kaitlin Harkess

    In this episode, I am joined by clinical psychologist, yoga instructor, and meditation teacher Dr Kaitlin Harkess to explore how somatic practices, nervous system regulation, and body awareness can support mental health, especially anxiety and overwhelm. Dr Kaitlin and I chat about:  How yoga and somatic practices support the nervous system The role of interoception (listening to internal body signals) Practical tools for managing anxiety and overwhelm Supporting kids in emotional awareness and regulation The importance of values-based living over external expectations Self-compassion, parenting, and realistic approaches to self-care Simple nervous system tools like the dive reflex, movement, and breathwork Dr Kaitlin Harkess, host of the Wisdom for Wellbeing podcast and founder of the holistically oriented therapy practice of the same name, is an award-winning Clinical Psychologist and Senior Yoga Instructor who helps burnt-out individuals develop the psychological skills they need to change their lives for the better.  Kaitlin’s research on the psychoneuroimmunological impact of a yoga practice for chronic stress has been featured in Time, while her expertise on the therapeutic use of mindfulness and meditation has seen her featured in The Holistic Approach television series. As a result of her scientific research and clinical practice, Kaitlin understands how to maximize the healing and performance enhancing benefits of integrating mindful wisdom practices with modern psychological interventions. Episode Links: Say hi to Dr Kaitlin on Instagram Read her book The Somatic Workbook  Find out more about Dr Kaitlin on her website   Come say hello to me on Instagram  Read my books The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama and Mama Let It Go Grab my Picky Eating Guide

    1h 13m
  4. Episode 86 - Breaking Generational Cycles in Motherhood with Clinical Psychologist Dr Angele Close

    FEB 22

    Episode 86 - Breaking Generational Cycles in Motherhood with Clinical Psychologist Dr Angele Close

    Unburdening Motherhood: How Mothers Can Heal Trauma and Become Self-LedWhy Motherhood Triggers Us - and How to Heal Using Parts Work From Perfectionism to Self-Compassion: Healing Motherhood with Dr Angele Close Healing Trauma and Reparenting Yourself Through Motherhood Breaking Generational Cycles in Motherhood with Clinical Psychologist Dr Angele Close. In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist, motherhood coach, and author Dr Angele Close to explore motherhood, self-compassion, and what it really takes to move out of exhaustion and overwhelm in motherhood. Dr. Angele shares how her own journey through motherhood - and the profound challenges of matrescence, led her to shift her work toward supporting mothers’ mental and emotional wellbeing. Together, we explore how unhealed childhood patterns, cultural expectations of “good motherhood,” and internalized perfectionism can leave mothers feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from themselves. We discuss Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work, which provide a compassionate approach that supports mothers in understanding their inner world, easing self-criticism, and responding more calmly and authentically in parenting.   Dr Angele and I chat about:  What matrescence is and why it’s such a vulnerable, transformative time How cultural myths of “good motherhood” shape our inner critic and perfectionism What parts work and Internal Family Systems are (and why they’re so helpful for moms) Common “mom parts” like the perfectionist, inner critic, worrier, and mama bear How to respond more calmly to your child’s big emotions by doing your own inner work What it really means to break generational cycles How self-compassion and reparenting support both mothers and children Practical ways to begin parts work, even with limited time This episode is an invitation to move out of survival mode, reconnect with your inner wisdom, and become more self-led in motherhood. Dr Angele Close is a psychologist, motherhood coach, and author with nearly 20 years of clinical experience. Her work centers on supporting mothers in moving out of exhaustion, depletion, and overwhelm, and reclaiming a healthy, thriving identity in motherhood. Her approach is shaped not only by professional training, but by her own lived experience navigating the challenges of early motherhood. Dr Angele specializes in maternal mental health, Internal Family Systems, and cycle-breaking work for mothers. Her book, Unburdening Motherhood: A Guide to Breaking Cycles, Healing Trauma, and Becoming a Self-Led Mom, offers practical tools, reflections, and guided practices to support mothers in deep inner healing. Episode Links: Say hi to Dr Angele on Instagram Read Unburdening Motherhood  Try out some of Dr Angele’s meditations on Insight Timer  Find out more about Dr Angele on her website   Come say hello to me on Instagram  Read my books The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama and Mama Let It Go Grab my Picky Eating Guide

    1h 8m
  5. Episode 85 - Why Your Child Is a Picky Eater (And What to Do About It)

    FEB 16

    Episode 85 - Why Your Child Is a Picky Eater (And What to Do About It)

    Have you ever found yourself holding your breath at the dinner table? Watching what your child will (or won’t) eat. Counting bites. Wondering if you’re doing something wrong. Mealtimes can quietly become one of the most stressful parts of parenting, especially when selective or “picky” eating enters the picture. But what if it’s not just about the food? When we zoom out, we see that eating is connected to emotional safety, nervous system regulation, sensory processing, modelling, and the overall parent–child relationship. Pressure, praise, rewards, and even our own food hang-ups can unintentionally make things harder. The good news? There are practical, compassionate ways to shift the dynamic. This is what we discuss in this episode. This episode is a little different as dietitian Atheana Brown is the one asking the questions and I am answering.  Atheana and I chat about:  Why labeling kids as “picky eaters” can reinforce the behaviour The powerful role of parental modelling and nervous system regulation at mealtimes How pressure, praise, rewards, and punishment can backfire The importance of prioritizing connection over control at the table When selective eating may signal something deeper (sensory challenges, tongue ties, gut health, nutritional deficiencies, ARFID, growth concerns) Red flags that may indicate it’s time to seek professional support Practical ways to reduce stress around food and strengthen your relationship with your child If you’re feeling stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed by your child’s eating, this episode might just get you looking at it from a fresh perspective.  You don’t have to stay stuck and neither does your child.   Episode Links: Come say hello to me on Instagram  Read my books The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama and Mama Let It Go Grab my Picky Eating Guide Say hi to Atheana on Instagram  Listen to Diet Culture Dropout podcast

    36 min
  6. Episode 84 - Motherhood, Money, and Entrepreneurship with Co-Founder and CEO of Willful Erin Bury

    FEB 12

    Episode 84 - Motherhood, Money, and Entrepreneurship with Co-Founder and CEO of Willful Erin Bury

    In this episode, I chat with Erin Bury, Co-Founder and CEO of Willful, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and financial wellbeing. Erin shares her unconventional path into entrepreneurship, from journalism to tech startups, and what she’s learned about taking risks, validating ideas, and building a business without being a “born entrepreneur.”  She opens up about the realities of running a company while raising two young children, including time constraints, invisible labour, and the importance of supportive partnerships, all while rejecting the myth of perfection.   Erin and I chat about:  Balancing leadership, parenting, and personal wellbeing Why modeling values matters more than doing it “all” The mental and emotional load mothers carry, even in supportive households Teaching kids about money, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship Practical steps parents can take to support their children’s financial futures Why estate planning is an act of care, and how it can bring peace of mind, not fear This episode is a conversation for parents who are building careers, raising children, and trying to navigate it all with intention, without burning out. Named one of The Globe & Mail’s Changemakers in 2025, Erin Bury is an entrepreneur, startup advisor. and a former marketer and technology journalist. Erin is the co-founder and CEO at online estate planning platform Willful, where she drives the company’s mission to ensure every Canadian has a will. Erin secured a deal for the company on TV’s Dragons’ Den in December 2021 Erin is also a columnist at The Globe and Mail, where she writes about parenting and personal finance. She is also a board member for Save the Children Canada. She lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario with her husband and two young daughters. Episode Links: Say hi to Erin on Instagram Check out Willful on Instagram and on their website    Come say hello to me on Instagram  Read my books The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama and Mama Let It Go Grab my Picky Eating Guide

    55 min
  7. Episode 83 - Attachment Focused Infant Sleep Solutions with Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner and Infant Sleep Coach Gabrielle Ferrara

    FEB 5

    Episode 83 - Attachment Focused Infant Sleep Solutions with Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner and Infant Sleep Coach Gabrielle Ferrara

    As parents, we are all desperate for our babies to sleep.  Yet we’re often unsure how to support our infants to sleep in a way that feels right. Harsh sleep training methods don’t sit well, but neither does chronic exhaustion. The good news is that there is an alternative: one that is attachment-focused, keeps us connected to our babies even during the night, and importantly, supports the whole family. In this episode, I am joined by Gabrielle Ferrara, a nurture neuroscience practitioner, infant sleep coach, and licensed clinical social worker with training in perinatal mental health. Gabrielle shares a neuroscience-informed look at infant and toddler sleep, challenging common myths around independence, self-soothing, and sleep training. Together, we explore what’s developmentally normal for babies, why frequent night waking is protective, and how connection and responsiveness support healthy brain development.   Gabrielle and I chat about:  What biologically normal infant sleep really looks like Why babies need closeness to feel safe – day and night The impact of parental stress on baby sleep Common but overlooked sleep disruptors (reflux, iron, airway issues) Co-sleeping vs. bed sharing and how to do it safely Why sleep is a biological function, not a behavior to be trained   Gabrielle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey and Florida, Certified in Perinatal Mental Health and a Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner trained through The Nurture Revolution by Dr Greer Kirshenbaum. She supports parents using a nurturing, neuroscience-informed approach to infant sleep, emotional regulation, and maternal mental health. Gabrielle’s own transition into motherhood deeply shapes her work. After relocating from New Jersey to Tampa, Florida during her third trimester, she became the primary caregiver to a high-needs baby, navigating reflux, feeding challenges, and significant sleep struggles. This lived experience informs her compassionate, non–sleep-training approach to supporting families. She offers 1:1 sleep support for parents of babies ages 0–3, pregnancy and parent circles, and nurturing sleep and parenting workshops. She is passionate about helping parents feel supported, regulated, and less alone in early motherhood. Resources that Gabrielle mentioned: The Nurture Revolution – Dr Greer Kirshenbaum Safe Infant Sleep – Dr James McKenna How Babies Sleep – Dr Helen Ball Instagram: @cosleepy   Episode Links: Say hi to Gabrielle on Instagram Learn more about Gabrielle and how to work with you on her website Grab Tiffany from @cosleepy’s Bedsharing Beginner’s Guide    Come say hello to me on Instagram  Read my books The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama and Mama Let It Go Grab my Picky Eating Guide

    1h 2m
  8. Episode 82 - Nervous System Support for Mothers with Clinical Psychologist and Yoga Instructor Dr Lauren Tober

    FEB 1

    Episode 82 - Nervous System Support for Mothers with Clinical Psychologist and Yoga Instructor Dr Lauren Tober

    How can yoga and psychology support our nervous system and our mental health in everyday life? In this episode of Wild & Well, I’m joined by Dr Lauren Tober, a clinical psychologist, yoga teacher, and founder of the Yoga Psychology Institute, to explore how yoga and psychology can work together to support mental health, nervous system regulation, and emotional wellbeing. We discuss accessible, practical tools for navigating stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, especially during motherhood and busy seasons of life.   Dr Lauren and I talk about: How yoga and psychology complement one another in mental health care The role of breathwork in nervous system regulation Understanding the window of tolerance How body awareness supports emotional wellbeing What “mental health–aware yoga” means Simple grounding practices for overwhelm Supporting kids’ emotional regulation through breath and play How to anchor nervous system practices into everyday life as a parent The importance of self-compassion and checking in with yourself Dr Lauren Tober is a clinical psychologist, yoga teacher, and author of Mental Health Aware Yoga, who bridges psychology and yoga to support mental health and nervous system regulation. Her work is evidence-based yet soulful, grounded in the belief that happiness is our true nature and can be cultivated through practices like breath, compassion, creativity, and community.   Episode Links: Say hi to Dr Lauren on Instagram  Learn more about the Yoga Psychology Institute or on Instagram  Grab her book Mental Health Aware Yoga  Listen to Dr Lauren’s podcast A Grateful Life Podcast  Get her free Yoga Nidra   Come say hello to me on Instagram  Read my books The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama and Mama Let It Go Grab my Picky Eating Guide

    54 min
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About

A podcast for moms who are ready to thrive in motherhood, have an optimal postpartum, and raise healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr Hilary Claire, clinical psychologist, holistic parenting mentor, and mom of two, Wild and Well explores the realities of modern motherhood and provides practical, evidence-based guidance for maternal wellbeing. Episodes features expert interviews with naturopaths, doctors, psychologists, functional medicine practitioners, doulas, and many others, offering trusted insights on postpartum recovery, overcoming mom burnout, picky eating, and raising healthy, thriving children. The podcast explores fresh perspectives that challenge conventional thinking around health, education, and parenting, helping listeners reframe how they approach family life and self-care. From managing postpartum fatigue and building intentional motherhood habits to nurturing your child’s health and emotional development, this podcast supports moms in creating a fulfilling family life. Listeners will discover strategies for self-care, emotional resilience, and practical parenting tools that help them show up as their best selves, for themselves and their families. Join a community of mothers transforming the challenges of early motherhood into opportunities for growth, joy, and vitality. Listen to Wild and Well and explore ways to nurture yourself, have optimal health, and cultivate a thriving family life.

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