On today’s episode Dr. Elana interviews Lopa van der Mersch, owner and founder of Rasa. A mama herself, Lopa created a line of adaptogenic coffee alternatives that give you regenerative energy that won’t cause you to crash and burn. This episode discusses the pitfalls of relying on caffeine for energy and how to feel energized without resorting to caffeine and instead using adaptogenic herbs.  All moms and moms-to-be can benefit from listening to this episode!  This episode is sponsored by RASA. Try RASA using discount code WHOLEMAMAS for 20% off (new customers only) Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook. Topics Discussed: Why Lopa created Rasa and how it has been supporting mamas Details about the herbs chosen for each blend What adaptogens are and why they benefit moms  Pitfalls of relying on caffeine for energy  How to feel energized without resorting to caffeine  Show Notes: Learn more about Whole Mamas Pregnancy Program Get Our Weekly Pregnancy Emails Dr. Elana’s Med School For Moms Schedule an appointment with Dr. Elana Follow Steph and Elana on Instagram Whole Mamas Podcast Archive Lopa is the founder and CEO of Rasa, a brand making adaptogens accessible through holistically-balanced tonic adaptogenic coffee alternatives…while bringing some much-needed humor and realness to wellness. Growing a start-up from launch to breakeven in 8 months, while attachment-parenting two tiny humans (3 & 1), is no easy feat, and Lopa credits a steady diet of adaptogens, integrity, and playfulness as being key to Rasa’s success (and her not going completely insane in the process). Lopa’s past is a wild ride that includes: dropping out of college to caretake a wildlife refuge, a short stint as a British dancing lady, cremating dead bodies, being the Biochar Queen who worked with Richard Branson’s Carbon War Room and spoke at TEDx, joining two cults (which offered both real spiritual value and real trauma), traveling the world, and finally, starting Rasa. Her love of business and adaptogens is only matched by her passion for tea ceremony and her knack for often-inappropriate humor, thanks to the sarcastic 12-year-old that lives inside her. Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information, content, and material presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Consult with your qualified physician or healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding pregnancy or your prenatal treatment plan.