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Starting solids can mess with your head, even if it’s not your first baby. Scarlette just turned six months, and I’m right back in that place of feeling excited, overwhelmed, and weirdly intimidated by the whole process especially after our past feeding struggles. So I brought on someone I trust: Bridget Levine, a certified child nutritionist and mom of two who’s known for keeping baby nutrition simple, nutrient-dense, and realistic for actual busy parents.  We get into what baby’s first foods can look like when you prioritize iron, zinc, healthy fats, choline, and omegas instead of trying to build a perfect Pinterest plate. Bridget explains why she starts with savory foods like meat stock, liver, bone marrow, and egg yolk, how to think about fruit without making it the foundation, and why tiny portions once or twice a day are plenty at the beginning. We also talk baby-led weaning vs spoon-feeding (and why a flexible mix often works best), plus a practical way to introduce allergens like peanut and egg without spiraling.  If you want a low-stress meal prep strategy, Bridget breaks down her “cook once, freeze into cubes” system and what meals can look like from 6 months to toddlerhood.  If this helped you breathe a little easier, subscribe, share this with a mom who’s about to start solids, and leave a review so more parents can find these conversations. More Of What We Discuss: • starting solids around six months and keeping portions tiny  • why meat stock and bone marrow are essential foods to start with and how to prep them • why building a savory palate is important BEFORE leaning on fruit  • choosing baby-led weaning, spoon-feeding, or a mix based on the baby  • focusing on iron, zinc, healthy fats, choline, and omegas early  • understanding why iron needs change around six months  • introducing allergens with a plan and repeating exposures  • using pouches strategically and picking higher-protein options  • supporting chewing, jaw strength, and oral motor skills  • sharing the reality of major feeding and sensory challenges  • batch cooking once a month and freezing foods into cubes  • what meals can look like at nine months, twelve months, and toddlerhood  Follow Bridget’s account and grab her Baby’s First Foods ebook HERE and free allergy guide on Instagram at @bridgetmlevine Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

You asked, I’m spilling. In this episode of Spill the Milk, I’m answering your questions about everything from surviving two under two and transitioning from one child to two, to postpartum anxiety, mom guilt, toddler sleep, family travel, and all the everyday decisions no one really prepares you for. We start with a little life update—summer chaos, craving routine again, and why the state of my house has an alarming amount of control over my mood. Then we get into the bigger questions: How do you make sure your first child still feels seen when a new baby arrives? What actually helps when you’re pregnant with your second and feel like you’ve forgotten everything? And is balancing self-care with three kids a real thing—or are we all just doing our best? I’m sharing the mindset shifts and practical strategies that have helped me through pregnancy, postpartum, and raising three little ones—including why a postpartum support plan is far more helpful than panic-Googling at 2 a.m., how I separate mom guilt from the kind of guilt that might actually be telling me something, and my honest thoughts on postpartum recovery, fatigue, and the pressure to “bounce back.” We also get into: • Surviving two under two and going from one child to two • Helping your oldest adjust to a new baby • Making time for yourself when traditional “balance” isn’t realistic • Pregnancy fears, postpartum anxiety, and avoiding social media spirals • Returning to movement when you’re exhausted • Bottles and formula feeding on the go • Thumb sucking and starting a consistent bedtime routine • Managing toddler sleep during international travel • ISR, swim safety, and the role of continued swim lessons • Deciding when preschool feels right • How we handle bedtime with multiple kids • Choosing a first home and neighborhood for a growing family As always, these aren’t perfect-parent answers—they’re what has worked, what hasn’t, and what I’ve learned while mostly winging it alongside you. Pour the milk, grab the coffee, and let’s get into it. Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

Four and a half years engaged, three kids later… WE’RE FINALLY GETTING MARRIED!  Scotty is back on the mic for a very overdue life update, and we’re finally sharing all the details behind our decision to get married, why we waited this long, and why the timing suddenly feels so right. We get into our slightly unconventional timeline of getting engaged, having three babies, surviving pregnancy and postpartum approximately 400 times, and then planning a wedding. For a long time, the idea of adding wedding planning to everything else going on in our lives felt more stressful than exciting—and we always said we wanted to wait until it felt like something we genuinely couldn’t wait to do. Well… we’re finally there. We’re sharing why we chose a destination wedding in Italy, how we want our kids incorporated into the entire experience, and what we’re actually prioritizing when it comes to the wedding. Plus, our introduction to the absolutely unhinged world of wedding pricing because apparently flowers can cost the same as a small car??? Fun! Then, naturally, we spiral into life with three kids. We compare going from zero to one, one to two, and two to three kids (and have some VERY different opinions on which transition was hardest), talk about how important having support has been for us, and catch you up on the latest chaos happening in our house. Including Aspen’s first preschool “boyfriend,” the body spray incident that turned into an elaborate four-year-old cover-up, Bash turning THREE and our ongoing battle to potty train him, Scarlette’s latest baby updates, sleep training, surviving summer break, and the backyard construction project that may or may not ever end. Basically: wedding bells, three kids, preschool drama, potty training, and general parental chaos. Just another day at The Milk. In this episode, we get into: Why we’re finally getting married after 4.5 years engagedWhy having kids before marriage ended up being the right timeline for usOur destination wedding in Italy + why the location is so meaningfulMaking the wedding feel like a celebration of our whole familyGoing from 0→1, 1→2 and 2→3 kids—and which was actually hardestAspen’s body spray incident and subsequent web of liesHer first preschool crush (and our amateur detective work)Bash turning three + why potty training a boy is testing usScarlette’s latest milestones + our sleep training updateSurviving summer with three kids and a backyard still under constructionSubscribe to The Milk wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss what’s coming next! Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

Sleep training might be one of the most controversial topics in motherhood — but does it really mean shutting the door and letting your baby cry until they fall asleep? Spoiler alert: no. This week, I’m sitting down with pediatric sleep consultant Iliana Pineda, who has personally helped our family through multiple stages of baby sleep, to break down everything you actually need to know about sleep training. We’re talking Sleep Training 101: what it really means to teach your baby independent sleep, the biggest misconceptions (including the dreaded “cry it out” debate), how to know when your baby is ready, and the different methods you can use depending on your baby’s temperament and what feels right for your family. Iliana also breaks down the science behind baby sleep in a way that actually makes sense — from wake windows and sleep pressure to circadian rhythm, short naps, early morning wake-ups, and that infamous four-month sleep regression. And because every exhausted parent has found themselves Googling a VERY specific sleep question at 2 a.m., we end with a rapid-fire listener Q&A covering some of the most common baby and toddler sleep struggles. In this episode, we get into: What sleep training actually is — and what it isn’tThe biggest myths and misconceptions surrounding sleep trainingThe four common methods: extinction, check-ins, chair method + pick-up/put-downHow to figure out which approach may work best for your baby and your familyWhen babies are developmentally ready for sleep trainingWake windows, sleep pressure + circadian rhythm explainedWhy sleep can suddenly fall apart around four monthsHow daytime activity and schedules can impact nighttime sleepThe benefits of independent sleep for babies, parents + the entire familyWhy consistency is one of the biggest pieces of successful sleep trainingEarly morning wake-ups, short naps + overnight feedsBabies who only want to sleep while nursing or being heldToddler sleep struggles + needing a parent in the roomTransitioning from the Snoo to a crib and from a swaddle to a sleep sackTeething, regressions + what to do when life inevitably throws off the scheduleWhether you’re considering sleep training, currently in the thick of it, or just trying to understand why the heck your baby won’t sleep longer than 30 minutes, this episode is packed with practical information you can actually use — without the judgment or one-size-fits-all advice. And if you decide to reach out to Iliana for some extra sleep support, make sure to tell her you heard her on The Milk or found her through me! Reach out to Iliana: Email: [email protected] Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

Sleep training sounds great in theory… until you’re sitting outside your baby’s room on night one, realizing just how hard it is to watch them learn a brand-new skill, while the “oh my gosh, what have I signed up for?!” thoughts start creeping in. Spoiler alert: a few days later, I couldn’t believe the difference — and for us, it was SO worth it. In this episode, I’m taking you through our real, unfiltered experience sleep training Scarlette at 15 weeks old — from a brutal first night to the moment everything finally started to click. I’m breaking down exactly what happened night by night and nap by nap: how long she cried, how often she woke up, the methods we used to comfort her, the little schedule changes that made a surprisingly big difference, and the moment we realized she was actually learning how to put herself to sleep. Because even when you feel confident in your decision, sleep training can still be hard. Learning any new skill comes with an adjustment period, and for us, those difficult first few days were worth it when we saw the end result: a happier, more rested baby who had learned a new skill — and a much calmer household because of it. This isn’t a “how-to” guide or me telling you how to sleep train your baby. It’s simply our diary: what worked, what didn’t, what surprised me, and what I wish I knew before night one. In this episode:  • Why we decided to sleep train at 15 weeks  • Our approach to “gentle” sleep training and timed check-ins  • The full play-by-play of nights 1, 2 & 3  • The crying, wake-ups and moments that were the hardest  • Nap training + the tiny schedule tweak that changed everything  • The sleep habits we had to break along the way  • When we first saw Scarlette start to self-soothe  • What her sleep and schedule look like now  • Why those difficult first few days were so worth it for our family If you’re in the thick of baby sleep, considering sleep training, or just wildly curious about what those first few nights actually look like — this one’s for you. Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

Twelve weeks postpartum is supposed to feel like a turning point, but what if it feels… weirder? I’m officially past the “fourth trimester,” and I still don’t feel magically restored. My hormones are doing their own thing, my anxiety flares when I try to control the uncontrollable, and just when I think our routine is set, my baby changes the rules again. If you’ve ever wondered why postpartum recovery doesn’t come with a clear end date, you’re going to feel seen here. I share what’s hard right now, what’s getting better, and the mindset shifts that help me stop racing my own recovery.  I talk honestly about the pressure to bounce back and why I don’t buy the idea that postpartum is a competition. We get into the real factors that shape healing, including birth recovery, mental health, and baby temperament. I also share my decision to stop breastfeeding and pumping at eight weeks, how a cow’s milk protein allergy influenced that choice, and the practical antibody insight that helped me release a ton of feeding guilt. Then we zoom into the day-to-day: inconsistent newborn sleep, developmental leaps, treating reflux, nap refusal, babywearing exhaustion, and the comparison trap when other babies “sleep through the night.” I also tell the story of flying alone with my newborn, what I packed, what surprised me, and why traveling with a baby can actually build confidence. If you’re in the messy middle of postpartum anxiety, body changes, and identity shifts, hit play, then subscribe, share with a mom who needs it, and leave a quick review with your biggest 12-week postpartum surprise. More Of What's Discussed: • redefining postpartum as a long season, not a deadline  • letting go of bounce back pressure and postpartum comparison  • stopping breastfeeding at eight weeks, processing mom guilt, choosing what works  • navigating cow’s milk protein allergy, pumping and storing milk for antibodies, leaning on formula  • newborn sleep reality, leaps, reflux symptoms, and what changed after medication  • crib nap refusal, babywearing fatigue, and why “sleep when the baby sleeps” can feel impossible  • flying solo with a baby, what helped, and how people actually respond  • the 12-week “in between” stage: not survival mode, not fully yourself  • body changes, body indifference, postpartum workouts for strength, and shifting personal style  • healing not being linear, and celebrating the wins you’ve already earned  As always, DM me with any questions, anything you want to hear about on the podcast, any special guest you want to hear from. xo Tayla Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

Two hours of sleep will tell you the truth faster than any journal ever could. At eight weeks postpartum, I’m sharing where I’m actually at: exhausted, deeply in love with my baby, and fully aware that having three kids four and under is stretching me in ways I didn’t expect. If you’re in the newborn trenches, I want you to hear this clearly: struggling can exist right next to gratitude, and you don’t have to pretend you’re fine to be a good mom.  We get into the hard logistics and the emotional weight of postpartum life with a baby who has reflux, fights naps, and prefers contact naps in the carrier. I talk about learning Scarlette has a cow’s milk protein allergy, the trial-and-error of finding a formula that works, and trying reflux medicine while we wait for real relief. I also share the not-talked-about-enough stuff: newborn gas around weeks six to eight, the “newborn bubble” popping after the first month, and why simply getting out of the house can be a mental health lifeline during postpartum recovery.  Then we pivot to two stories that sum up motherhood perfectly: my chaotic attempt at newborn photos in San Diego, and our first family-of-five trip to Mexico, which was going great until Scarlette spiked a 103.8 fever overnight. I walk through the fear, the decisions, and how much more confident my mom instincts feel the third time around. We also touch on the six-week postpartum checkup, pelvic floor weakness after returning to workouts, and the constant anxiety of older siblings bringing home germs from school.  If any of this hits home, listen all the way through and share it with a mom who needs a reality check and a little hope. Subscribe to The Milk, leave a review, and tell me what part of postpartum feels hardest for you right now. Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

What if postpartum recovery started with food? We sit down with Holly Stein, founder of Restorative Roots, to talk about the part of postpartum care that too many of us never get taught: food that actually supports healing, digestion, hormones, and mood after birth (and the ones that DO NOT). Holly shares how her first postpartum left her depleted and struggling, then explains what changed when she discovered the “First 40 Days” framework rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. We get specific about what warm, easy-to-digest meals do for a postpartum body, why bone broth shows up in so many traditional cultures, and which nutrients moms are commonly low in after delivery, including iron, omega-3s, magnesium, B vitamins, and collagen-building amino acids. We also talk practical postpartum meal prep, comforting freezer-friendly options, and the reality that recovery still matters even if you are months postpartum and feel like it is “too late.” If you’re pregnant, planning a baby shower gift, or craving a postpartum redemption, this conversation will help you build a plan that feeds the mom first, without guilt. More Of What We Cover: • Holly’s first postpartum experience and what felt missing   • Why warm soups and stews matter in early postpartum recovery   • How Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda frame the first 40 days   • Key postpartum nutrients and how depletion can affect mood and energy   • Bone broth, healthy fats, organ meats, and warming spices as recovery staples   • Herbal tea blends for replenishment and daily support   • Meal prep ideas like breakfast burritos and energy balls for the freezer   • How Restorative Roots ships frozen postpartum meals nationwide   • The mental load of motherhood and why planning postpartum changes everything   Check out Restorative Roots for your own postpartum healing or to gift a friend for theirs! www.restorativeroots.com Use discount code: TAYLABURKE10 Subscribe for more honest motherhood conversations, share this with a friend who is pregnant or newly postpartum, and leave a review so more moms can find the support they deserve. Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

Everyone talks about the newborn phase, but no one really talks about what happens at 2 a.m. when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering how you’re possibly going to do it all again tomorrow. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Marianella Mendoza, founder of Laguna Baby Collective, to pull back the curtain on what a night doula actually does and why so many families consider overnight postpartum support one of the most valuable investments they make during those early weeks with a new baby. Before we dive in, I want to acknowledge that hiring a night doula is a luxury and something that isn’t financially accessible for every family. This episode isn’t meant to suggest that anyone needs a night doula to be a great parent or survive the newborn stage. I wanted to have this conversation because I think every mom deserves to know what support options are available when building her village—especially if you don’t live near family or have extra hands to help. Whether your support comes from a partner, friend, family member, postpartum doula, or night doula, my hope is that this episode helps you feel less alone and more informed. Marianella walks us through exactly what overnight support looks like, from feeding and diaper changes to sleep shaping, tracking routines, and helping parents get the rest they desperately need. We talk about how support differs for breastfeeding, pumping, and formula-feeding families, what a typical night actually looks like, and the small things that can make a huge difference when you’re running on very little sleep. We also discuss dream feeds, newborn sleep, safe sleep practices, how to know if a night doula is the right fit for your family, and the questions every parent should ask before inviting someone into their home. Whether you’re currently pregnant, deep in the newborn trenches, or simply curious about what postpartum support can look like, this episode offers an honest, practical look at one of the most talked-about—but often misunderstood—forms of help available to new parents. In this episode, we cover: • What a night doula does (and doesn’t do) • What overnight postpartum support actually looks like • How night doulas support breastfeeding, pumping, and formula-feeding families • The benefits of sleep shaping versus sleep training • Tracking feeds, diapers, and sleep patterns • Dream feeds: when they help and when they don’t • How overnight support benefits moms, partners, newborns, and older siblings • When to book a night doula and how long families typically use one • Budget-friendly ways to make overnight support work • Green flags, red flags, and questions to ask before hiring a night doula • Safe sleep practices and newborn care expectations • Building your postpartum village and asking for help If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a new or expecting parent and leave a review. Your support helps more moms find these conversations and feel empowered during one of the biggest transitions of their lives. MORE FROM MARIANELLA: Laguna Baby Collective Website: HERE Instagram: HERE Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

Scarlette is literally asleep in my carrier while I record this because apparently the sleepy newborn era has officially left the chat. In this solo episode, I’m giving you a real-time update on what life looks like at 4 weeks postpartum — the good, the emotional, the mildly unhinged, and the surprisingly funny. We talk about the end of the super sleepy newborn phase, the loose schedule we’re gently guiding her toward, what postpartum has felt like this time around, and my “Top 5 Horror Movies” of postpartum (because if you know, you know). From D-MER to leap anxiety to the absolute chaos of older siblings coughing directly on your newborn…nothing is off limits. Basically just one tired mom, a baby strapped to her chest, and a postpartum life update straight from the trenches. NEWBORN MUST-HAVES LINKED HERE Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

Three weeks postpartum and I’m finally back on the mic with the honest update I wish existed when I was a first-time mom. I’m sharing what recovery really feels like after baby number three, including the biggest surprise: how much better my body feels this time around. We talk postpartum bleeding, why a vaginal birth recovery can be wildly different from a C-section, and the tug-of-war between feeling “so good” and still needing to heal. We get into the day-to-day reality of going from two kids to three. I unpack the mom guilt I carried into this transition, what’s actually working in our routine, and why support systems matter more than any perfect plan. Childcare help, a temporary night nurse, school schedules, and tag-team bedtime are not just logistics, they’re currently how we are surviving. I share my breastfeeding journey across all three babies, why triple feeding burned me out, how formula supplementation became part of our plan early, and what it’s like navigating possible cow’s milk protein allergy and switching to a hydrolyzed formula. I also talk about D-MER (dysphoric milk ejection reflex), that sudden wave of dread during letdown, plus postpartum anxiety and why staying on a low dose of Lexapro helps me keep a steadier baseline. More On What’s Discussed: • what feels surprisingly easier this time and what still catches us off guard • recovery differences across vaginal birth and C-section healing  • postpartum bleeding timelines and what felt unexpected  • the transition from two kids to three and why it feels smoother  • how support systems change everything, from childcare to a night nurse  • breastfeeding history, low supply, exclusive pumping, and letting go of pressure  • formula choices, cow’s milk protein allergy concerns, and switching formulas  • D-MER symptoms during nursing or pumping and why it feels so intense  • postpartum anxiety signals and why staying on Lexapro helps our baseline  • VBAC prep tips like stretching, walking, acupuncture, and pelvic alignment  • epidural fears, what it actually feels like, and why we choose it  • postpartum vs first trimester and why both can be brutal in different ways  • staying calm while waiting for spontaneous labor and considering a membrane sweep  • baby name ideas and handling nasty social media comments  Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

This week on The Milk, we’re getting into the breastfeeding conversation so many moms wish they had before baby arrives. I’m joined by Shelly Jacobs, a Newport Beach–based board certified lactation consultant, founder of Lolo Baby, and creator of online programs for moms. Shelly breaks down what a lactation consultant actually does, when to reach out for support, and how they can help make breastfeeding feel less overwhelming and more doable. We talk through the basics of breastfeeding, common challenges moms face in those early days, tips for building and protecting your milk supply, what to know about pumping, and the simple things that can make a big difference when you’re trying to feed your baby and keep your sanity. Whether you’re currently breastfeeding, planning to, exclusively pumping, combo feeding, or just trying to understand what support is available, this episode is full of practical, reassuring advice for every mom navigating feeding. In this episode, we cover: • What a lactation consultant actually does and when to call one •  How to set yourself up for breastfeeding success before baby arrives • Common breastfeeding challenges in the early days • Tips for increasing and protecting milk supply • Pumping, latching, and feeding support basics • How to feel more confident and less alone in your feeding journey You can find Shelly on Instagram at @shellyjacobs_iblc and learn more about her online course Early Milk Matters and breastfeeding sling Lolo Baby Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

Scarlette is here!! It truly still all feels so surreal. This week, Scotty is back on the mic with me as we finally share Scarlette’s birth story — from my water breaking in the middle of the night, to me somehow still showering and doing skincare before leaving for the hospital, to one very fast, very healing delivery that still feels a little surreal. I'm not sure how but I feel like I manifested the birth I so desperately wanted and somehow got it this time around- they do say 3rd times a charm?! In this episode, we talk about what went into my decision to try for a VBAC after a previous C-section, how we navigated the risks with my doctor, and everything I did to prepare in hopes of going into labor naturally. We also share the full labor and delivery story — getting to the hospital, realizing things were moving very fast, getting the epidural just in time, and the completely surreal moment Scotty actually got to help deliver Scarlette. We also get into the real-life aftermath: bringing her home, introducing her to Aspen and Bash, the sibling prep that actually helped, some big feelings that have come up, and what this transition to three kids has really been like so far. And let me just say… the newborn is not the one keeping us on our toes as we thought. If you love birth stories, postpartum talk, sibling transitions, and hearing the honest, unfiltered version of what this season has looked like for us, this episode is for you. Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

If you’ve ever been acupuncture-curious but had no idea what it’s actually doing in the body, this episode is for you. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Christine San Miquel, a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a medical qigong practitioner, and a research professor. Together we break down how acupuncture can support women through so many major phases of life — from trying to conceive, to pregnancy, labor prep, and postpartum recovery. We talk about why so many women turn to acupuncture for fertility support, what it may help regulate in the body, and the most common reasons women seek it out during early pregnancy (hint hint it works wonders for 1st trimester symptoms). We also get into what “labor prep” acupuncture really means, whether acupuncture can actually induce labor, and what it can realistically support in those final weeks before birth and into the postpartum phase. Whether you’re trying to conceive, currently pregnant, newly postpartum, or simply curious about holistic support for women’s health, this episode is full of grounded, helpful insight. What We Discuss: • How acupuncture supports balance through individualized patterns and point combinations  • Why you can feel calmer after a session and how benefits can last  • What to look for when choosing an acupuncturist for fertility, pregnancy, or postpartum  • Fertility support for irregular cycles, ovulation, PCOS patterns, and IVF protocols  • First trimester help for nausea, fatigue, sleep, and miscarriage prevention support  • The difference between labor induction and an invitational labor prep series  • Simple labor acupressure points partners can use for pain and progression  • Postpartum support for healing, mood, digestion, capacity, and long-term hormone health  • Milk supply regulation and why acupuncture research is hard to standardize  • When you can start acupuncture after birth and how baby support can work for colic More from Dr. Christine San Miquel: Website: www.whitephoenixwellness.com Instagram: @drchristine.sanmiquel Podcast: The Dao Of Humaning Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

I’m in the final few weeks of pregnancy, and I still find myself trying to process the fact that I’m about to have a teeny tiny newborn in my arms so soon. This week, I thought it would be fun to prep together with one last little pregnancy Q&A. You submitted the questions, and I’m answering them. And let me tell you… you all sent in such thoughtful, good questions. A few of them even made me pause and reflect on what I want for birth and postpartum, so truly, thank you for your service. In this episode, we talk through VBAC fears, labor prep routines, sibling transitions, postpartum mental health, and the real-life logistics that make this whole season possible. Questions We Cover: Deciding on a VBAC/TOLAC after a prior C-section and processing birth traumaBirth prep strategies, including walking, acupuncture, raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose, curb walking, the Miles Circuit, and colostrum collectionWhether siblings should meet baby at the hospital or at homeAnything I want to do differently this birth and postpartumWho will be watching the kids while we’re at the hospitalHow I’m mentally and physically preparing for birth in the final two weeksWhat vaccines or medications I’m delaying after birthThoughts on placenta encapsulationHow to prep older kids for a new babyWays I’m preparing for postpartumHow we plan to divide kids and responsibilities with my husbandAnd more! Thanks for hanging out with me this week- I'm so grateful you're here  xo - Tayla Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke