Many women experience it during their pregnancies . . . it’s pregnancy cravings. Over the years, I’ve heard from hundreds of my clients about their pregnancy cravings. I’ve had women tell me they craved fruit, a particular flavor of ice cream, cheese, protein, French fries, and even some strange pregnancy cravings. We wanted to learn more about what causes these pregnancy cravings and why they can be so different from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy. Joni Davis is joining us today to help us learn more about this topic and discuss the importance of health before, during, and after pregnancy.
Who is Joni Davis?
Joni Hanson Davis is the female founder of Beli, a Femtech company based in Kirkland, Washington, that modernizes reproductive, prenatal, and fertility health based on the latest nutritional science. The company offers a daily prenatal vitamin for both men and women, marking a small yet significant act. After a long, successful career leading Fortune 500 companies and technology startups to IPO, Davis founded Beli in 2018 with a personal mission to address the growing crisis of infertility and modernize the stagnant prenatal vitamin market.
The fertility market is a $24B market, and yet prenatal vitamins still haven’t caught up with modern nutritional science. 50% of all infertility can be traced to male infertility, and nutrition plays a significant role in successful pregnancy outcomes. Science led Beli to examine nutrition more closely in relation to sperm health, culminating in the launch of the first modern male prenatal supplement in 2019. Today, thousands of men across the country are using Beli, and the company has built a loyal following of customers, including prominent celebrities.
The success of the men’s prenatal vitamin led Beli to launch an exclusive women’s prenatal vitamin in 2021, based on the latest folate and choline research, to address both male and female fertility nutrition needs together. In less than two years, Beli has grown organically to become a profitable company with a multi-million-dollar run rate, backed by a small investment from strategic angel investors in the direct-to-consumer space. Before Beli, Davis held executive positions with Microsoft, InfoSpace, and Tableau Software.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Joni about pregnancy cravings, controlling them, and what nutrients are needed for you and your growing baby. Here are several of the questions that we covered:
- What nutrients are essential for women during the prenatal period?
- What are the best sources of these essential nutrients?
- Many women experience pregnancy cravings at some point in their pregnancy. Is there any science behind these cravings?
- Pregnancy cravings may often be for foods not traditionally considered “healthy.” Is it okay for women to indulge in these cravings?
- What do you suggest for women to help curb their cravings?
- Do you have any favorite “treats” that are also nutritional for pregnant women?
- What is your top tip for moms during the prenatal phase?
Joni’s Resources
- Website: Beli
- Instagram: @beli.baby
Cheers to a healthy and nutritious pregnancy!
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