Episode Details

Still exhausted even after your labs came back "normal"? You are not imagining it — and this episode is going to explain exactly why.

In part two of our mom fatigue series, sports dietitian, functional medicine practitioner, strength coach, and postpartum wellness expert Val Warner breaks down the four nutrient deficiencies she sees most commonly in postpartum and busy mommas — iron and ferritin, B12, folate, and vitamin D. Val shares her own postpartum ferritin values, explains why standard lab panels miss these depletions, breaks down the difference between microcytic and macrocytic anemia in plain English, and gives you the exact labs to request at your next doctor's appointment — by name.

This is the episode that finally explains why you can have "normal" labs and still feel completely depleted.

What you'll learn:

• What anemia actually means — and why there are different types that require different solutions
• The difference between microcytic anemia (iron deficiency) and megaloblastic anemia (B12 and folate deficiency)
• Why pregnancy dramatically increases iron demands — and why birth leaves most mommas significantly more depleted
• Why postpartum iron assessment at 6–12 weeks after birth is critical — and why most mommas aren't getting it
• Val's own postpartum ferritin values and what they taught her about advocating for yourself
• The exact labs to request by name: CBC, serum iron, TIBC, ferritin, reticulocyte count, B12, folate, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D
• The difference between conventional "normal" lab ranges and functional optimal ranges for each nutrient
• Why iron supplementation dose, timing, and type are completely individualized — and why you should never just grab a high-dose supplement without knowing your levels first
• How other nutrients like B6 and copper also play a role in red blood cell production
• The best food sources for each nutrient and practical ways to optimize absorption
• How to get YOUR labs reviewed through a functional medicine lens

Episodes mentioned:

• Episode 94 — Why You're Always Tired as a Momma: 4 Root Causes of Fatigue That Have Nothing to Do With Sleep
• Episode 77 — Magnesium for Moms: The Secret Mineral for Better Sleep, Less Stress & More Energy

Labs to request at your next appointment: get the FREE guide with the 8 labs I’d order for every postpartum mom, including reference ranges - https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/labshandout 

Ready to Book a Functional Lab Review? Save your spot here: https://wellnessbyval.com/labs

Resources & Links:

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👉 https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/insider

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👉 https://www.instagram.com/wellnessbyval_/

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Quick tips, education, and behind-the-scenes mom life + wellness content.
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