Holistic Pregnancy

The 5-5-5 rule — 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, 5 days around the bed — is one of the better postpartum recovery frameworks out there. This episode walks through what's physiologically happening in your body and mind during each phase, what's normal, and what's not. In this episode: What the 5-5-5 rule is and where it comes from What's physically happening in each phase — bleeding, healing, hormones, feeding Normal vs. concerning signs at each stage Why protecting this time matters more than anything else 💡 Want more holistic postpartum prep resources? Check out our postpartum prep course ! Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

Most hospital bag lists are overpacked with things you'll never open. This episode breaks down what's truly worth bringing and organized in helpful categories! In this episode, we cover: What you need for labor (and what hospitals already provide) Creating a physiologic birth environment: lighting, sound, scent, and comfort Coping tools that support labor, and why a doula is worth considering What you need for postpartum recovery, baby, and your support person in the first day or two after birth Paperwork and documents to have ready What to leave at home (aka things you do not actually need) 📚 Download the free hospital bag checklist 💡 Check out Unshakeable Birth for holistic resources and birth prep! Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

After a summer away, I'm back and using this episode to catch you up on where I've been, what's changing about the show, and where it's headed this season! In this episode: Recap of my summer (I left Instagram!) The shifts I'm making for the show NEW! Topic suggestion form NEW! Guest application form A few sneak peeks at what's coming this season Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

Hey, welcome! We're talking about my top 3 pregnancy MUST DO's today.. but first, we've got a few announcements! FIRST..... We're taking a little break! We'll be back in August with fresh content, new guests and plenty of education to go around! In the meantime, this is a great opportunity to binge previous episodes AND/OR join the course community and get to work! Use code PODCAST for an extra 10% off. Holistic Doula School : If you've been feeling a pull to support mothers through pregnancy, birth and postpartum but aren't sure how or where to start.. send me an email at taylor@holisticpregnancyco.com or join the waitlist here . Needed : Get high quality prenatal supplements and vitamins using code HOLISTICPREGNANCY for 20% off! Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

Today, we are talking with Liz Kohut, a certified peristeam specialist. Liz stumbled upon Vaginal Steaming following a miscarriage in 2018 after her doctor suggested a D&C and she declined. Liz knew there had to be a more natural and non-invasive option. After she saw the positive effects of regular Vaginal Steaming (also known as peri, womb or yoni steaming), she decided to take the Peristeam Facilitator course offered by The Steamy Chick Institute. Her goal is to bring more awareness to this long-standing practice throughout countries all over the world in order to help educate women through the use of Vaginal Steaming with a focus on uterine health for fertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, postpartum as well as navigating every stage of life - maiden, mother, crone! You can find Liz on Instagram @wildwood_wellness_ Shop all of my favorite supplements, electrolytes and protein powders from Just Ingredients ! Use code TAYLORSHAFFER for an extra 10% off your order! Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

Folate is one of the most talked about nutrients in pregnancy, but also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we break down what folate actually does, why the form matters, and how it impacts methylation and your baby’s development. I’m joined by Dr. Eric Ciappio and Lauren Eisen from Balchem, the company behind Optifolin+®. We talk through folate vs. folic acid, what MTHFR actually means, and why so many women feel confused when choosing a prenatal. We also cover how to think about bioavailable nutrients in real life, including options like Needed , which uses methylated folate and choline in forms your body can actually use. You can check them out in the show notes and use code HOLISTICPREGNANCY for 20% off. If you’ve ever questioned your prenatal or felt overwhelmed by conflicting information, this episode will give you a more grounded way to approach it. As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

Choosing where to give birth is about more than picking a location. In this episode, we walk through how hospital, birth center, and homebirth settings differ, what each one is designed for, and how to think through this decision in a way that aligns with your body, your values, and your pregnancy. We talk about how to think about safety beyond just emergency access, how the hospital model of care influences labor and decision-making, what makes birth centers different, and how homebirth works. We also cover why your provider, preparation, and support system matter just as much as location, along with practical questions to help you decide what is the best fit for you. Kindred Bravely : Use code NESTEDANDNOURISHED15 for a discount. If you want deeper support as you prepare for birth, our holistic birth courses walk you through how to understand your options, navigate decisions in real time, and approach your birth feeling grounded and informed. Use code PODCAST for 10% off. Connect with me on Instagram @holisticpregnancy.co! Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

I’m joined by Lizzie Bolliger (known online as @fiercelizzie) for a conversation about what advocacy during labor actually looks like in real life. We talk about why birth education alone isn’t always enough, how institutional momentum shows up during labor, and how preparation before labor can dramatically change the experience in the room. If you’ve ever wondered how advocacy really works when labor is unfolding in real time, this episode will give you a much clearer picture. In this episode, we cover: Why “just advocate for yourself” often falls apart during labor The difference between knowing information and being able to use it in the moment How subtle provider pressure shows up in birth settings Why saying “no” is rarely as simple as it sounds The role of partners in protecting the birth space How birth preparation changes the dynamic in the room What real advocacy actually looks like during labor ____________________________________________________________________________________ Kindred Bravely — maternity and postpartum essentials designed for pregnancy, recovery, and breastfeeding. Get 15% off your order with code NESTEDANDNOURISHED15. For deeper education on birth decisions, advocacy, and preparing for labor conversations, explore Unshakeable Birth inside Holistic Pregnancy School. Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

In this episode, we’re breaking down pregnancy nutrition in simple, practical terms. Instead of focusing on restriction, we’re looking at pregnancy like a construction project — because your body is literally building a baby, a placenta, new blood volume, and preparing for postpartum recovery. All of that requires raw materials, and food is where those materials come from! We’re also talking about why babies can still be born healthy even when nutrition isn’t ideal — and why that often means the mother’s body absorbs the cost. This episode walks through the five pillars of pregnancy nutrition and how to apply them in real life so you can support both your baby’s development and your own long-term health. In this episode, we cover: Where the “materials” for building a baby actually come from What affects baby directly vs. what affects mom (and why both matter) Why many women feel depleted after pregnancy The 5 pillars of pregnancy nutrition Simple ways to support nourishment even if things feel overwhelming Mentioned in the episode: ☕️ If you’re going to drink coffee during pregnancy, quality matters. Purity Coffee tests for mold, mycotoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals, and uses organic specialty-grade beans roasted to preserve antioxidants. Use code NESTEDANDNOURISHED for 20% off your purchase! 📚 If you want a clear, food-first plan for nourishing yourself during pregnancy — including protein targets, mineral support, trimester adjustments, and practical meal frameworks — that’s exactly what I teach inside Real Food Prenatal. Enroll now to start optimizing your nutrition today! Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

We talk a lot about intuition in the pregnancy and birth space. But intuition isn’t something you magically access when labor starts . It’s something you strengthen — and it starts in the body. In this episode, I sit down with kinesiologist and Pilates specialist Rachael Robertson to explore how embodied movement builds trust, awareness, and nervous system regulation. We discuss: What embodiment actually means (and why so many women feel disconnected) How chronic tension, old injuries, and overtraining impact intuition The link between nervous system safety and physiological birth Why pelvic stability and breathwork matter long before labor begins Movement as preparation for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum How to stop overriding your body and start listening to it This conversation is about rebuilding strength without force — and developing the kind of body awareness that carries into labor, motherhood, and everyday life. Grab my favorite clean, grass-fed beef protein powders from Equip Foods and use code TAYLORSHAFFER for 15% off of your order! Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

In this episode, I am sitting down with Jes Reynolds, founder of Born From Her and the world’s only Holistic Root-Cause Hyperemesis Gravidarum Practitioner, to explore hyperemesis gravidarum from a completely different angle. Rather than accepting HG as random or unavoidable, Jes explains how mineral depletion, nervous system stress, nutritional gaps, and preconception preparation may all play a role. This conversation covers both prevention and management — without minimizing the very real severity of HG. You’ll learn: What hyperemesis gravidarum actually is Why the “it’s just hormones” explanation falls short The role of mineral status and depletion Nervous system regulation and stress load Preconception preparation strategies Holistic support tools during pregnancy How to think about root cause while still honoring symptom management Connect with Jes on Instgram at @born_from_her _______________________________________________________________________________________ Resources mentioned in the episode: 📲 Schedule an HG Prevention & Relief Strategy Call HERE 🌿 For high-quality, bioavailable prenatal support — including powder prenatal options and electrolyte support — visit Needed and use code HOLISTICPREGNANCY for 20% off your order. Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

The Estimated Due Date (EDD) is based on Naegele’s Rule — a 200-year-old formula that assumes a 28-day cycle and ovulation on day 14. In this episode, we unpack why that’s overly simplistic, how ultrasound “dating” plays into it, and how a single date creates unnecessary urgency around induction. We also cover: What’s actually considered a normal gestation range How the label “overdue” shifts decision-making Absolute vs. relative risk at 39–41+ weeks Practical questions to ask your provider Mindset shifts to move from a due date to a due window Grounded ways to navigate the final weeks without anxiety If your due date is approaching — or has passed — this episode will help you zoom out, think critically, and prepare for birth based on physiology, not external pressures. Kindred Bravely — Use this link for 15% off and grab a few comfortable, functional maternity and postpartum essentials! Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

In this episode of the Holistic Pregnancy Podcast, I’m joined by Illie Balaj, CEO and Founder of Live Healthillie, for a grounded and practical conversation about what optimal health really looks like before pregnancy. You can find her on Instagram at @healthillie! We dive into why true preconception health goes far beyond “just taking a prenatal” and why fertility isn’t only about your cycle. Ili shares her common-sense approach to wellness, focusing on nutrient-dense eating, non-toxic living, and building health from the inside out to support the entire body long before you ever see a positive pregnancy test. Throughout this conversation, we explore what foundational health actually means, how preconception preparation supports hormones, fertility, and overall well-being, and why starting now , even if pregnancy feels far off, can make a meaningful difference. You’ll walk away with practical, realistic tips you can begin implementing today to support your health, fertility, and future pregnancy more intentionally. This episode is for anyone who wants to feel empowered and informed about preconception health, fertility, and what it truly means to prepare the body for pregnancy in a holistic, sustainable way. Just Ingredients - use the code TAYLORSHAFFER to get 10% off your order! Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

In this episode of the Holistic Pregnancy Podcast, I’m breaking down one of the most common fears around birth: pain . Instead of talking about how to avoid it, I explain how pain actually works in labor, and why understanding it can completely change the way you experience birth. I share why labor pain is different from injury pain, how the brain interprets pain through fear and expectation, and why labor pain is actually productive and purposeful. We talk about the role of the nervous system, hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, and why feeling safe matters so much during labor. This episode is for you if: You feel anxious or afraid of labor pain You want to understand what your body is actually doing during birth You’re planning a medicated or unmedicated birth and want an informed choice You want to break the fear–tension–pain cycle before labor begins This episode is brought to you by Kindred Bravely , maternity and nursing essentials designed for real bodies and real life. Use the code NESTEDANDNOURISHED to get 15% off your order. Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

In this episode of the Holistic Pregnancy Podcast, Taylor is joined by Moran Liviani, a doula and childbirth educator with nearly 14 years of experience, to explore how trauma, both birth-related and non-birth-related, can shape a woman’s labor, birth, and transition into motherhood. Moran shares her own journey through a traumatic first birth, followed by two deeply healing experiences that transformed her relationship with birth and her body. Together, Taylor and Moran discuss how unprocessed trauma, fear, and subconscious patterns often surface during labor, why birth is largely a mental and emotional experience, and how women can prepare holistically for birth, not just physically. This conversation is for anyone who: Has experienced a traumatic or disappointing birth Feels fear or anxiety around giving birth again Wants to understand how trauma lives in the body Is preparing for birth and wants to do the deeper emotional work Supports birthing women and wants a trauma-informed lens 🌿 Connect with Moran : Instagram: @2lifedoula Website: www.2life.com.au Book (US Version): Before You Give Birth: Know More During Pregnancy. Feel Ready for Birth ✨ Mentioned in this episode: Grab my favorite protein powder + use code TAYLORSHAFFER for 10% off Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most misleading labels in modern maternity care: “low risk.” We talk about why this label often creates a false sense of safety, how it can actually lead to less support instead of more, and why being low risk doesn’t automatically protect you from unnecessary intervention. This conversation is about shifting from complacency to curiosity—so you’re not outsourcing your birth experience to a checkbox on a chart. In this episode, we cover: What “low risk” actually means in obstetrics—and what it doesn’t Why low risk is a statistical category, not a promise of hands-off care The difference between surveillance and support in birth How monitoring-heavy systems quietly increase intervention The subtle ways interventions stack without obvious emergencies What truly protects physiological birth (hint: it’s not labels) Why education and preparation still matter—even when everything looks “normal” How curiosity helps prevent complacency in pregnancy and birth This episode is sponsored by Pique Life . I share why I’ve been enjoying their Sun Goddess Matcha, including its gentle energy, L-theanine content, antioxidant support, and third-party testing for heavy metals and toxins. You can grab it here (along with any of their other amazing products) up to 20% off for life with code TAYLORSHAFFER. And if you want to learn how real decision points unfold during pregnancy and birth, so you’re not relying on labels to protect your experience, you need to enroll in the Unshakeable Birth course TODAY. Trust me on this one! Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

In this episode of the Holistic Pregnancy Podcast , we sit down with Brooke Gonseth for a grounded, no-fluff conversation about minerals, stress, and HTMA testing—and why this matters so much in pregnancy and postpartum. Brooke shares her personal journey into the holistic space after navigating her own health challenges, what led her to mineral nutritional balancing, and how HTMA testing became such a powerful tool in her work. From there, we dig into how mineral depletion actually happens, why pregnancy and postpartum are uniquely demanding seasons, and what most women are missing when they’re told everything looks “normal.” In this episode, we cover: What HTMA testing is and what it can reveal that standard labs often miss Why minerals are foundational for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery How stress impacts mineral absorption and nervous system regulation Why nutrient-dense food matters just as much (if not more) than supplements How mineral status can influence resilience in labor and long-term recovery When HTMA testing can be especially helpful—and who it’s best suited for Why addressing root causes changes the entire health picture 👉🏻 GET YOUR HTMA TEST : Use code NESTEDANDNOURISHED at checkout to get an exclusive discount on your HTMA test! All testing comes with a results call and custom protocol from Brooke. Questions before you buy a test? Book a free discovery call with Brooke first! 👉🏻 You can grab my favorite beef liver capsules, gelatin, and collagen from Perfect Supplements —these are staples I personally use and recommend for supporting mineral intake and overall nourishment. 👉🏻 For a clear, practical plan for how to actually nourish yourself during pregnancy—without diet culture or overwhelm— check out Real Food Prenatal. This course walks you through what to eat, how to support minerals through food first, and how to build a pregnancy nutrition plan that actually feels doable. [add link] Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

In this episode of the Holistic Pregnancy Podcast, I unpack a distinction that doesn’t get talked about enough: the difference between wanting a natural birth and being prepared for birth. We talk about how labels and aesthetics don’t actually protect birth—and how true preparedness has far less to do with identity and far more to do with education, decision-making skills, and flexibility. This episode is an invitation to step out of birth labels and into informed readiness. What we cover: Why “natural birth” is an intention—not a strategy How birth identity can quietly replace real preparation The risks of outsourcing knowledge to providers, plans, or social media What informed birth actually requires in real time Why education supports adaptability instead of rigidity The difference between preference-driven birth and skill-based preparedness Unshakeable Birth Course — If you want to learn about your options in pregnancy and birth, understand common interventions, and build real decision-making skills so you’re not relying on labels or luck, you can check out Unshakeable Birth . It’s a self-paced course focused on informed, grounded preparation—not rigid birth plans. Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

In this episode, we explore how indecision — not emergencies or complications — shapes birth outcomes more than most people realize. We talk about the difference between passive and intentional pregnancy, how “we’ll see” often defaults to institutional momentum, and why decisions are still being made even when we think we’re postponing them. We break down how small, early choices quietly compound, why regret after birth is usually about misalignment rather than pain, and how to approach decision-making with gentle urgency — without pressure or panic. We close with a reflection to help you notice where you may be delaying choices that deserve your attention now. In this episode, we cover: Passive vs intentional pregnancy How default systems shape birth when we don’t decide Why “we’ll see” often isn’t neutral The role of timing in birth decisions Gentle urgency without fear or rigidity A closing reflection on postponed decisions Sponsor: Purity Coffee — tested for mold and toxins and gentle on the nervous system. Get 20% off your first order using code NESTEDANDNOURISHED . Mentioned: Nested & Nourished: The Course Collection — long-term pregnancy, birth, and postpartum education designed to support intentional decision-making over time. Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)

In this episode of the Holistic Pregnancy Podcast, I am joined by Katelyn Fusco, host of the Happy Homebirth Podcast. Katelyn and I dive into the power of storytelling in birth and motherhood; we talk about how storytelling has always been one of the primary ways women have shared wisdom, processed experiences, and passed down knowledge—especially when it comes to birth. We explore how the stories we tell ourselves about our births shape our identity as mothers, and how consciously revisiting and reframing those stories can reconnect us to our intuition instead of keeping us stuck in fear, guilt, or doubt. We also discuss what it looks like to process birth experiences that feel heavy or unresolved, why unprocessed birth trauma matters, and how tools like EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) can support emotional healing. This conversation is for anyone who feels called to understand their birth story more deeply—not to rewrite it, but to integrate it in a way that feels grounded, honest, and empowering. Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form Want to be a guest? Apply here ____________________________________________________________________________ *As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. ____________________________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS: >> Courses >> Email list >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks Please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! :)