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 Kirkland, Washington Femtech company Beli, modernizing reproductive, prenatal, and fertility health based on the latest nutritional science with one small yet significant act of a daily prenatal vitamin for both men and women. 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 look deeper at how nutrition plays a vital role in sperm health, launching the first modern male prenatal in 2019. Today, thousands of men across the country are using Beli, and the company has built a following of loyal customers, including heavy-hitter celebrity customers.
The success of the men’s prenatal vitamin led Beli to launch an exclusive women’s prenatal in 2021 based on the latest folate and choline research to address both male and female fertility nutrition together. Beli has grown organically to become a profitable company with a multi-million dollar run rate with a small investment from strategic angel investors in the direct-to-consumer space in less than two years. Prior to 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
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