Jessica Stadtmauer is a doctor of naturopathic medicine, wife and a mother of two. Several of my friends advised me to see her at the Art of Living Center where she practices in Dilworth. I am so glad I listened to them. She is such a wonderful person and doctor. I was having some crazy headaches for the last couple of years. She recommended a detox program which I did for about 2 ½ weeks. Unfortunately, I didn’t do it for as long as I wanted and I did fall off the wagon a couple of times, as my husband would say… But amazingly, I didn’t have any headaches for months. I have had a couple minor ones recently but probably because I have been eating all sorts of bad things. Anyways, she is wonderful and it is my pleasure to introduce Jessica as Smarty Mom this week!
What sparked your interest in naturopathic medicine?
Even when asked as a child what I would be when I grew up, I’d reply “a doctor…..or a witch”. I guess I wasn’t that far off. My parents were exceedingly healthy, so my career choice comes very naturally. I didn’t know that this discipline even existed until undergrad. I’d completed all my pre-med studies with the intent of applying to “regular” medical school. While I was spending a summer on Maui, I learned about naturopathic medicine. Shortly after that vacation, I ran into my first grade teacher who had just starting seeing a naturopath, and she felt that I needed to meet this doctor. I did, and within my first meeting, knew that I would become a naturopathic doctor. It was a perfect fit for me.
How did becoming a mother influence your practice?
It has made me better at time management since I have so much more to do in one day. More importantly though, it has made me a better doctor of children. Motherhood allows me to put all of my naturopathic principles to practice every day, and I’ve learned first hand what really works.
How do you balance life at work and home?
Somewhat precariously! I’m a huge list-maker, so I try every day to get one or two “chores” done at home and the office. This helps keep me on top of things (just barely), and also allows me to play without guilt.
Any Smarty advice for mothers and children interested in naturopathy?
Nothing beats a mother’s intuition. Even if you’ve been told that your child’s symptom’s or health struggles are a natural part of childhood, if you feel like something is up, it’s worthy of investigation. That’s where naturopathic medicine really shines. One of the philosophical underpinnings of this medicine is to identify the underlying cause. This is what I do with children and their families every day. A classic example is repeated ear infections. Even though they’re common, repeated infections aren’t just a normal part of childhood. They generally signal that something in the body is out of balance. After we know what’s causing your child’s (or your) symptoms, then we can use safe and natural tools to bring your body back into balance.
What is your favorite family activity in Charlotte?
We love going to Discovery Place and when it’s sunny we also like to go to the Whitewater Center. My son, Elliot loves the little rock wall play structure, and watching the boats go by.
What are the funniest things your kids have said to you?
Lucy is 6 months, so she just acts funny. Today, Elliot and I were looking through a book of ocean animals and he said “Wow – look at all the bellydishes!” While the irony was lost on him, I cracked up when he pulled at his ear and said “Hear the stealth bomber?”
What is your favorite place to eat with the whole family?
Right now, Moe’s is our favorite family haunt.
What is your idea of a perfect date night?
My perfect date would be a shopping trip to Crate and Barrel, followed by a long, relaxed dinner at any restaurant with good outdoor seating. Coming home to 2 sleeping babies would be an added bonus.
What is your favorite restaurant, sans kids?
Roosters, Yama, Copper
Favorite parks?
We love Carmel Road Park because we can walk there, and it’s shady in the summer. Another favorite is the lake and trails at the Anne Springs Close Greenway since our dog can go swimming. Freedom Park is always fun too.
Favorite place to pick up deals on kid’s clothes or gear?
I’m a big Old Navy fan – especially since they started carrying a line of organic cotton baby clothing. Nordstrom is my favorite place to buy kid’s shoes and the prices are good during the sales.
Minivan or SUV?
Scion XB (the milk-truck lookalike). It’s great cause it’s small, high off the ground and has a hatch-back for my dog.
I could not live without my….
Book club girls, spill-proof coffee mug, iTunes, my husband and his sense of humor.
I wish someone had told me sooner about…
Imaginon …..it has an amazing collection of books, and the trip Uptown (with free parking, I might add) is always a huge hit with Elliot. Also, don’t spend money on any outing when there is an active construction site nearby. It’s worth hours of free entertainment.
Best kept secret in Charlotte?
Discovery Place has a 25-month membership right now at the same price that you’d normally pay for a 12-month membership. It’s good for both Discovery Place and the Nature Museum.
Thanks, Jessica for your super-Smarty answers! If you have a Smarty mom or Smarty dad you’d like to nominate, please email us here. Happy Saturday!
2 comments
As a parent of a child who gets persistent ear infections, this is very intriguing. Can you say a little more about what natural remedies are and how long treatment might be needed?
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