Let’s be real—raising kids is already a full-time job. But when your child feels everything deeply and reacts like the world is ending over spilled juice or a bedtime delay, it can feel like you’re walking on eggshells all day long. On this week’s episode of Wellness with Vanda, I sat down with parenting expert and clinical psychologist Rachel Bailey, and WOW—this one’s a must-listen if your home has been feeling like an emotional rollercoaster. We talked all about how to raise kids with big emotions (without losing your own), why some children are more sensitive or strong-willed than others, and how you can parent with more confidence and less…

Motherhood is beautiful, but let’s be real—it’s also a lot.If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, stretched thin, or like your brain is juggling 50,000 tabs at once… you’re not imagining it. The mental load of motherhood is real—and it’s doing more than just making you tired. It’s affecting your hormones, your minerals, and your long-term health. Let’s dive into how, and more importantly, what you can start doing today to protect your energy, balance your hormones, and show up as the mom (and woman) you want to be. What Is the Mental Load of Motherhood? The mental load includes all the invisible tasks you manage daily: Even if you have a…

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the supplement aisle at Target or scrolling through Instagram wondering which trending powder or capsule is going to finally fix your energy, your mood, or your cycles—you’re not alone. I hear from moms all the time who are overwhelmed by the supplement options and frustrated that they’re still not feeling better after trying “all the things.” If that’s you too, this post is going to give you some clarity. Let’s talk about what you really need to know before you spend another dollar on a supplement. Why Random Supplements Aren’t the Answer Here’s the truth: Most of us are guessing. We hear about…

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I don’t feel like me anymore”—this episode is for you. This week on the podcast, I’m sharing a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Richelle Clayton, childbirth educator, doula, and founder of From Pregnant to Parent. This episode originally aired as part of The Mama’s Advice Vault audio event (and yes—VIP access is still available if you want to listen to all 28+ interviews!). Richelle walks us through what’s really going on when moms feel disconnected from themselves—and why this is such a common experience. She explains the difference between instinct and intuition, and how we often go into motherhood expecting to “just know” what…

Movement should be joyful, empowering, and sustainable—not a punishment or a chore. In this episode of the Wellness with Vanda podcast, Vanda is joined by Stacy Smith, the founder of Sascy Cycling, a movement empowering women to ditch diet culture and reconnect with their bodies through joyful cycling. Stacy shares her personal journey, her approach to movement and weight loss, and how biking became the spark that changed everything for her and the women she now supports. From Self-Doubt to Self-Compassion: Stacy’s story begins like so many of ours: internalizing body shame from a young age and navigating years of “exercise as punishment.” Her turning point came not from counting…

Hormones play a huge role in how you feel day to day—from your energy levels to your mood, metabolism, and overall health. But if you’re struggling with fatigue, irregular cycles, or unexplained symptoms, getting clear answers can be frustrating. This is where DUTCH testing comes in. DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is one of the most advanced hormone tests available and can provide deeper insights than standard blood work. But is it the right next step for you? In today’s post, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about who should (and shouldn’t) get a DUTCH test, what it measures, and when it’s truly worth the investment.…

Feeling exhausted no matter how much sleep you get? Your nutrition could be playing a major role in your energy levels. In this post, we’ll cover simple, actionable strategies to fuel your body properly so you can avoid energy crashes, stay focused, and feel your best all day long. 3 Common Nutrition Mistakes That Lead to Fatigue Most moms don’t realize that their eating habits could be making their fatigue worse. Here are three energy-draining mistakes to avoid: 1. Skipping Meals Mornings can be chaotic, and it’s easy to skip breakfast or go long stretches without eating. But when you do this, your body goes into survival mode, slows your…

How often do you put yourself last? As moms, we’re constantly taking care of everyone else, but when we do something for ourselves, guilt creeps in. The truth? Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how you show up as your best self for your family, your work, and your well-being. In today’s post, I’m breaking down why self-care isn’t a luxury and how to prioritize yourself—even if you feel like there’s no time. What Does Self-Care Really Mean? When you hear the phrase “self-care,” you might picture spa days, massages, or solo coffee dates. And while those are great, true self-care is much deeper than that. 🚫 Self-care isn’t:❌ Something that only happens…