Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I’m from Franklin, TN. Shout out to all the natives! I lived in Birmingham, AL during school and my early career days but Nashville has always been home.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have two kiddos, Ruthie Rose is almost 5 and Samson is 2. They inspire me every day!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I am a pretty open book! I don’t surprise those who know me often, haha. But for those who don’t—I learned about the field of nutrition on a college visit and never looked back, I married my high school sweetheart, I am a twin, I have a weird fear of birds, I love reading hard copies of books, and I love anything made with peanut butter.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of Baby and Me Nutrition. I offer virtual nutrition consults for all things women’s health and babies…fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, hormone health, and more. I also teach a Baby-Led Weaning workshop bi-monthly at Blooma Nashville and have on-demand webinars available on my website. . People can connect with me on Instagram @babyandme.nutrition or my website www.babyandmenutrition.com
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
The Nashville mom community is amazing and hungry for empowering information. Referrals from this community keeps my business running! Getting plugged into the Nashville mom and baby world was the best thing I have done to support my business.
How have you managed work/mom balance thus far?
Well…some days I don’t manage it well J. My work will go on the back burner if there is a lot going on personally, but that kind of flexibility is why I love entrepreneurship during this season of motherhood. I have found it is hard for me to multitask these days! I am more productive and less stressed if I reserve work for when my kids are at school or with a sitter. They are in “parent’s day out” 2x/week so I take advantage of that time.
Most common question moms ask you as a nutritionist? Your response?
The most common question is without a doubt, “What is your favorite prenatal?”
A good supplement is essential because we are learning more how deficiencies can impair fertility, healthy fetal development, and contribute to nutrient depletion in moms. There are many great ones but some of my favorites are Seeking Health, Pink Stork, and Ritual. For women who want more info on prenatal nutrition and supplements, I offer private consults of have a prenatal nutrition workshop available on my website.
One piece of advice you would give all moms alike when it comes to food?
I see a common theme with my mom clients- they often eat last and don’t prioritize their own health. I am at fault with this too! I see so many women depleted, exhausted, and burning the candle at both ends. Due to this, my advice for all moms is to “eat real foods with lots of color, take time to prioritize your nutrition, and don’t underestimate the power of planning ahead.”
Any surprising nutritious food out there you find a lot of kids respond to positively? If so, please share.
One of my favorite nutritious foods for kids is EGGS. They are packed with brain boosters like choline, omega-3’s, iron, high quality protein, and fat. I also like them for kids because you can cook them many ways. If they don’t like scrambled eggs, you can try something different like hard boiled, quiche, egg muffins and more. In general, kids respond positively to familiar foods, so continued exposure is key!
