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

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 pregnancy
• Why the glucose drink isn’t your only option for testing
• How to build satisfying, nutrient-dense meals that keep your energy stable
• What your numbers really mean — and when (or if) medication is needed
• How to approach gestational diabetes with confidence, not fear

Whether 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 language
• How to communicate with your care team so your plan gets taken seriously
• Formatting 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 confidence

And 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 Wickham
• Allo 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

Are you being told it’s time to induce — just because you’ve hit 39 or 40 weeks?

Induction culture is RAMPANT in our society... but why? Let’s unpack what’s truly medically necessary and what’s just hospital convenience.

We’ll cover the misused ARRIVE trial, natural late-pregnancy blood pressure changes, the truth about “big babies” and “aging placentas,” and the real risks of Pitocin and breaking your water.

If you want to dive deeper into navigating interventions and advocating for yourself, check out my full holistic birth course, Unshakeable 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