Advertise on podcast: Holistic Pregnancy

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 painYou want to understand what your body is actually doing during birthYou’re planning a medicated or unmedicated birth and want an informed choiceYou want to break the fear–tension–pain cycle before labor beginsThis 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.  NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

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 birthFeels fear or anxiety around giving birth againWants to understand how trauma lives in the bodyIs preparing for birth and wants to do the deeper emotional workSupports birthing women and wants a trauma-informed lens🌿 Connect with Moran: Instagram: @2lifedoulaWebsite: www.2life.com.auBook: Birthing with Trauma and Fear: A Guide to an Empowering Birth Experience✨ Mentioned in this episode: Grab my favorite protein powder + use code TAYLORSHAFFER for 10% offNEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

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’tWhy low risk is a statistical category, not a promise of hands-off careThe difference between surveillance and support in birthHow monitoring-heavy systems quietly increase interventionThe subtle ways interventions stack without obvious emergenciesWhat 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 birthThis 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! NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

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 missWhy minerals are foundational for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recoveryHow stress impacts mineral absorption and nervous system regulationWhy nutrient-dense food matters just as much (if not more) than supplementsHow mineral status can influence resilience in labor and long-term recoveryWhen HTMA testing can be especially helpful—and who it’s best suited forWhy 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] NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

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 strategyHow birth identity can quietly replace real preparationThe risks of outsourcing knowledge to providers, plans, or social mediaWhat informed birth actually requires in real timeWhy education supports adaptability instead of rigidityThe difference between preference-driven birth and skill-based preparednessUnshakeable 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. NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

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 pregnancyHow default systems shape birth when we don’t decideWhy “we’ll see” often isn’t neutralThe role of timing in birth decisionsGentle urgency without fear or rigidityA 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. NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

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. NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

In this episode, we talk about how to handle judgment, concern, and unsolicited opinions during pregnancy and birth. We break down why fear-based reactions happen, how to spot them quickly, and how to stop taking them personally. You’ll learn how to set firm but kind boundaries, protect your energy, and stay rooted in self-trust — even when the people around you don’t understand your choices. What We Cover Why family and friends react from fear, not factsHow to recognize fear-based comments before they shake your confidenceBoundary-setting that doesn’t require over-explainingScripts for common conversations around birth choicesSimple ways to redirect uncomfortable discussionsStaying grounded in your decisions when no one else “gets it”This episode is for any woman navigating pregnancy or birth choices that fall outside the mainstream — and learning how to hold her ground without burning bridges. NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

This interview is from episode 217 of the Entering Motherhood podcast where I had the opportunity to chat with Sarah Marie Bilger about preparing for the final weeks of pregnancy, especially for home birth. We cover the hormonal progression before labor, shifting your mindset from doing to allowing, boosting oxytocin through rest and connection, and simple physical practices (gentle movement, Spinning Babies, prenatal bodywork). I also share concrete home-birth logistics: organizing birth supplies, prepping your birth and postpartum space, clear partner instructions, nourishment plans, and essential items to have on hand for the first few days after birth. The episode blends emotional support with actionable advice to help you feel calm, supported, and ready! NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Christine Eck, founder of the Center for Sacred Window Studies, to unpack what Ayurvedic-informed postpartum care can actually look like in real life. We talk about why the first 40 days matter so much, how warmth, rest, and nourishment support deep healing, and simple ways to bring these ancient principles into a modern home. If you're looking to bulk up your postpartum nourishment, be sure to grab my postpartum cookbooks while they are on sale!  In the episode, we cover: What Ayurvedic postpartum care is and why it’s so focused on the nervous systemThe core pillars of a supported “sacred window” (food, rest, warmth, touch, and emotional care)How partners, friends, and doulas can show up in practical, non-overwhelming waysIdeas for creating simple postpartum rhythms and rituals that feel nurturing, not rigidEncouragement for rewriting your postpartum expectations in a culture that glorifies “bouncing back”Perfect for anyone planning postpartum or wanting a more intentional, held experience after birth. NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

In this episode, we walk through a holistic holiday gifting guide for pregnancy, postpartum, and crunchy living. We cover three main categories of meaningful, non-clutter gifts: nourishment (freezer meals, broth, herbal blends, homemade staples), self-care (comfort items, bodywork, experiences), and education (books, classes, and the Nested & Nourished holiday BOGO). We also touch on holistic home gifts, simple baby essentials, and a few underrated but incredibly supportive ideas that make a real impact during pregnancy and postpartum. Whether you’re gifting yourself or someone you love, this guide focuses on support, nourishment, and intentional living. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Holiday Gift Guide (Amazon List)Holiday Cookbook SaleBOGO FREE! -- Nested & Nourished: The Course Collection (Send me an email after purchase at [email protected])Just Ingredients - use code TAYLORSHAFFER for 10% offKindred Bravely - use code NESTEDANDNOURISHED15 for 15% off See ya next week! > Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

In this episode, we are talking about the importance of holistic prenatal nutrition, emphasizing that traditional dietary advice is often outdated and insufficient for pregnant women. You'll learn about why balanced blood sugar matters, the significance of animal-based foods and the importance of minerals during pregnancy. We are also debunking common myths surrounding weight gain and cravings, providing practical tips for real food swaps and essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy! Grab your free holistic nutrition guide HERE And for a deeper dive, grab the Real Food Prenatal course while it's on sale! Use code "TAYLORSHAFFER" for 10% off at Just Ingredients NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

Gestational diabetes doesn’t have to be scary or confusing — especially when you understand how food and physiology actually work together. In this episode, I’m joined by Lily Nichols, RDN, a leading voice in prenatal nutrition and author of Real Food for Gestational Diabetes, Real Food for Pregnancy, and Real Food for Fertility. We’re talking about: What real food blood sugar balance looks like in pregnancyWhy the glucose drink isn’t your only option for testingHow to build satisfying, nutrient-dense meals that keep your energy stableWhat your numbers really mean — and when (or if) medication is neededHow to approach gestational diabetes with confidence, not fearWhether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’re aiming to prevent GD, this episode gives you the clarity and reassurance you need to nourish yourself and your baby — the real food way. 🌿 Connect with Lily: Instagram: @lilynicholsrdn Website: https://lilynicholsrdn.com Book & Course: realfoodforgd.com ✨ Mentioned in this episode: → Download my FREE Holistic Nutrition Guide → Grab my favorite protein powder + use code TAYLORSHAFFER for 10% off NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to create a birth plan that’s clear, confident, and actually respected in the birth room. We’ll talk about what to include (and what to skip), how to use language that gets your team on board, and why tone, formatting, and teamwork matter just as much as your actual preferences. You’ll learn: The psychology behind short, confident birth languageHow to communicate with your care team so your plan gets taken seriouslyFormatting tips that make your plan easy to read (and impossible to ignore)The importance of backup plans, alignment with your partner and doula, and real informed confidenceAnd if you’ve ever thought, “I’m not even sure what to put on my birth plan,” or you’re ready to go deeper into building the confidence and knowledge that make your plan work... 👉 Join the Unshakeable Birth Course — the go-to guide for autonomy-driven, informed decision-making from pregnancy through postpartum. Because the most powerful birth plan isn’t just written — it’s understood. NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram

In this week’s episode, we’re diving deep into the topic of Rhogam (also known as Anti-D) and the Rh factor—what it means, when it’s offered, and how to make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you. This is one of those topics that’s often brushed over in prenatal care, but understanding it can make a huge difference in how you approach your pregnancy from a place of awareness and autonomy. I’m joined by Rachael Nalley, a believer, wife, mom of four, homebirth doula, and creator of The Labor Comb. Rachael’s passion for birth began in 2017 when she was pregnant with her first and became fascinated by the beauty of natural, physiological birth. She loves coming alongside couples as they prepare for homebirth in Greenville, South Carolina. You can find her on Instagram at @maternabirthco. Resources mentioned in the episode: Anti-D Explained by Sara WickhamAllo Hope Foundation website🎉 Birthday Sale Announcement: In honor of my birthday this week, all Nested & Nourished courses are half off—this week only. If you’ve been waiting to dive into birth education, this is your moment. Each course is designed to help you feel clear, confident, and deeply prepared for every stage of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Head to nestedandnourished.com and use the promo code "BIRTHDAY' to grab yours before the sale ends. NEXT STEPS: >> Explore our courses >> Jump on the email list >> Access the Facebook community >> FREE nutrition guide >> Postpartum cookbooks ...And as always, please consider leaving a rating and review to share the love! *Follow along on Instagram