Jenna Dewan, the actress and dancer known for roles in films like Step Up, is now focusing on a different kind of performance: motherhood. With three children – Everly (born 2013), Callum (born 2020), and Rhiannon (born 2024) – Dewan has partnered with Happy Baby Formula to advocate for infant gut health, a topic she discovered through personal experience.
The collaboration includes co-authoring Happy Babies Poop, a book detailing the importance of early gut development. The timing is strategic; parents who buy Happy Baby Formula online receive a signed copy of Dewan’s book while supplies last, linking product sales to educational content.
The Science Behind Gut Health
Dewan’s interest in gut health stems from her own wellness journey and a realization about the critical first thousand days of life. During this period, a baby’s gut microbiome forms, establishing 70% of their immune system. Happy Baby Formula stands out because it’s the only USDA-approved formula containing both pre- and probiotics, which Dewan noticed made her youngest daughter’s digestion smoother. This connection between gut health and overall well-being drove her to share this knowledge with other parents.
Tailoring Wellness to Each Child
Raising three children of different ages – a preteen, a five-year-old, and a toddler – requires individualized approaches. Dewan emphasizes that each child is unique and requires different interactions, diets, and support. Her primary focus is ensuring all three get enough protein, but ultimately, she adapts to their specific needs.
Fostering Open Communication
Dewan prioritizes creating an environment where her children feel safe discussing anything, including uncomfortable or unsettling experiences. She encourages open dialogue, assuring her kids they won’t be punished for sharing their feelings. This approach builds trust and helps them develop self-awareness, a crucial part of overall wellness.
The Quiet Part: Why Gut Health Matters
Dewan stresses the need for greater awareness of the first thousand days of life and the lasting impact of early gut development. New parents often face overwhelming information, making informed decisions stressful. She hopes this collaboration will simplify the process, helping them choose options that support their baby’s immune system.
Wellness Advice for Overwhelmed Parents
Dewan’s advice to new parents is simple: take even just a few minutes each day to check in with yourself. This self-awareness, even in small doses, can make a significant difference in managing stress and prioritizing mental well-being.
Navigating the Tween Years
As her eldest daughter approaches her teens, Dewan feels lucky that she still enjoys a close relationship. While acknowledging that this may change, she’s enjoying the current dynamic where her daughter still considers her “cool.” This reflects a common parental anxiety – the inevitable shift in dynamics as children mature.
Dewan’s advocacy for gut health and mindful parenting offers a practical, relatable approach to wellness. By combining scientific insight with personal experience, she aims to empower parents with knowledge, making the early years of parenthood less daunting.
