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!

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 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]

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 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.

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 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.

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.

You can find Katlyn on Instagram @happyhomebirthpodcast

Learn more about EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) here!

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 facts
• How to recognize fear-based comments before they shake your confidence
• Boundary-setting that doesn’t require over-explaining
• Scripts for common conversations around birth choices
• Simple ways to redirect uncomfortable discussions
• Staying 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 system
• The 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 ways
• Ideas for creating simple postpartum rhythms and rituals that feel nurturing, not rigid
• Encouragement 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 Sale
• BOGO FREE! -- Nested & Nourished: The Course Collection (Send me an email after purchase at [email protected])
• Just Ingredients - use code TAYLORSHAFFER for 10% off
• Kindred Bravely - use code NESTEDANDNOURISHED15 for 15% off

See ya next week! <3

__________________________________________________________________________________

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 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