Holistic Pregnancy

40 Episodes
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By: Holistic Pregnancy Co.

Do you self-identify as "crunchy" or holistic? Are you into all things natural wellness, nutrition, pregnancy and birth? Do you like hearing the controversial, unpopular and sometimes "woo-woo" perspectives on these topics? If so, this is the show for you.The Holistic Pregnancy podcast is your go-to resource for all things natural pregnancy, birth, motherhood and beyond. This is not your average, cookie-cutter "what to expect" type of advice. This show offers a raw and real, unfiltered perspective on taking responsibility for your health and your family. Join your host, Taylor, and her guests as they dive deep into some...

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Building Your Village with Nina Spears, The Baby Chick
Today at 5:00 AM

Nina Spears, aka The Baby Chick, has spent over a decade supporting moms as a birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and massage therapist. She's also the founder of Baby Chick, a digital resource with close to 3,000 free articles for expecting and new parents, and the author of The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy.

In this episode, we talk about the two things that actually move the needle in pregnancy prep: education and support, and why neither one works well without the other. You can fnd Nina at https://www.baby-chick.com/ or connect with her...


Placenta Encapsulation, Protein Intake, GBS & Bacterial Vaginosis, Breastfeeding In Public and more (Q&A with Sarah Marie Bilger)
10/27/2026

This month we’re answering your questions with guest cohost Sarah Marie Bilger. We cover everything from protein needs and prolapse to placenta encapsulation, BV options, and what we’d tell our first-time-pregnant selves.

In this episode, we cover:

How much protein you need during pregnancy, and whether that changes postpartumWhen the umbilical cord around baby’s neck is a concern, and why so many doulas say it’s usually normalWhether a fast birth or a fast pushing stage can contribute to prolapseWhether placenta encapsulation is worth itYour options for treating BV during pregnancy: antibiotics, herbs, or other...


Understanding Informed Consent & Refusal
10/20/2026

Informed consent isn't a form you sign at intake, it's an ongoing conversation that should happen before every intervention. This episode is a framework, not a fear tactic, walking through what informed consent actually means and the questions worth asking before you agree to anything in labor.

In this episode:

What informed consent actually is, beyond signing a formThe four components: risks, benefits, alternatives, and your right to refuseWhat a real informed consent conversation should sound like from a providerA simple framework of questions to use in the momentWhy true emergencies work differently, and why that...


Safer Childbirth with Gina Mundy, Birth Injury Attorney
10/13/2026

Gina Mundy has spent over 23 years as a birth injury attorney, analyzing labor and delivery cases to understand why things go wrong, and how families can prepare before they ever step into a delivery room. She's the author of A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth and host of The Childbirth Attorney Podcast.

In this episode, we talk about the patterns Gina sees over and over in birth injury cases, starting with Pitocin and artificial rupture of membranes. Gina walks through what "slow and steady" actually means with an induction, what the drug manufacturer's own guidelines say...


Do You Need All These Prenatal Supplements?
10/06/2026

Supplement aisles are overwhelming, and "just take a prenatal" only gets you so far. This episode breaks down what matters when building your prenatal supplement stack, from methylated folate and choline to iron, magnesium, and the difference between a quality label and marketing noise.

In this episode, we cover:

Why food comes first, and supplements are there to fill the gaps, not replace real foodWhat to actually look for in a prenatal multivitamin, including why Needed is the brand I trust and use myselfCholine, the most under-discussed prenatal nutrientVitamin D, omega-3, iron, magnesium, and probiotics, and...


Conscious Conception with Dr. Laura Brayton
09/29/2026

Dr. Laura Brayton is a holistic chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner with more than 20 years of experience helping women optimize fertility, pregnancy, and maternal health through root-cause medicine and holistic lifestyle practices. She's the host of the Well-Adjusted Mama podcast and creator of the documentary Conscious Conception: An Empowered Pregnancy + Birthing Story.

In this episode, we talk about what conscious conception actually means and why it starts well before a positive pregnancy test. Dr. Brayton breaks down how the nervous system affects fertility, why stress can signal the body that it isn't safe to conceive, and how...


Third Trimester Checklist
09/22/2026

Third trimester comes with a lot of decisions, all at once. This episode is a full, evidence-based rundown of everything worth doing before baby arrives — GBS testing, pelvic floor prep beyond kegels, finalizing your birth preferences, choosing a pediatrician, and lining up your support team, so nothing gets missed.

In this episode:

The 12 things to focus on this trimester, and the "why" behind each onePelvic floor prep that goes beyond kegelsThe questions to ask your pediatrician and birth providerBuilding your birth preferences as a decision frameworkSetting up your support team and preparing emotionally, not just physically

...


5-5-5 Rule for Postpartum
09/15/2026

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 fromWhat's physically happening in each phase — bleeding, healing, hormones, feedingNormal vs. concerning signs at each stageWhy protecting this time matters more than anything else

đź’ˇ Want more holistic postpartum prep resources? Check out our postpartum prep course!<...


The Evidence-Based Hospital Bag Checklist
09/08/2026

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 comfortCoping tools that support labor, and why a doula is worth consideringWhat you need for postpartum recovery, baby, and your support person in the first day or two after birthPaperwork and documents to have readyWhat to leave at home (aka things you do not actually need)

📚 Dow...


I'm Back! What's New for Holistic Pregnancy
09/01/2026

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 showNEW! Topic suggestion form NEW! Guest application formA 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

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*As always, this podcast is for educational purposes o...


My Top 3 Pregnancy "Must-Do" Items
04/28/2026

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...


Yoni Steaming for Postpartum & Fertility
04/14/2026

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...


Folate, MTHFR & Prenatal Health | with Dr. Eric Ciappio & Lauren Eisen
04/07/2026

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 Neede...


Where Should I Give Birth?
03/31/2026

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...


Unmedicated Hospital Birth & Advocating for Yourself | with Lizzie Bolliger
03/17/2026

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 duri...


What To Eat During Pregnancy
03/10/2026

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 o...


Strengthening Intuition Through Embodied Movement | with Rachael Robertson
03/03/2026

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 intuitionThe link between nervous system safety and physiological birthWhy pelvic stabil...


Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Prevention + Holistic Root-Cause Support | with Jes Reynolds
02/24/2026

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 isWhy the “it’s just hormones” explanation falls shortThe role of mineral s...


The Truth About Due Dates
02/17/2026

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 rangeHow the label “overdue” shifts decision-makingAbsolute vs. relative risk at 39–41+ weeksPractical questions to ask your providerMindset shifts to move from a due date to a due windowGrounded ways to navigate the final weeks without anxiety

If your due date...


Optimal Health, Fertility & Preconception Prep | with Illie Balaj
02/10/2026

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...


How Pain Actually Works in Labor & Birth
02/03/2026

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 ma...


Avoiding Birth Trauma & Healing Afterwards | with Moran Liviani
01/27/2026

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 pre...


Are "Low-Risk" & "Hands Off" Synonomous?
01/20/2026

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 ris...


Minerals & HTMA | with Brooke Gonseth
01/13/2026

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 t...


Natural Birth vs Informed Birth
01/06/2026

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 strategyHo...


The Birth You’ll Regret
12/30/2025

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 d...


Storytelling & Healing Birth Trauma | with Katelyn Fusco
12/23/2025

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...


Dealing with Opinions & Judgement
12/16/2025

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 ch...


What to Do During Weeks 37-42 (Preparing for Homebirth!)
12/09/2025

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...


Ayurvedic Postpartum Care | with Christine Eck
12/02/2025

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 car...


The Crunchy Mom's Holiday Gift Guide
11/25/2025

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 TH...


Holistic Nutrition Basics for Pregnancy
11/18/2025

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...


Real Food for Gestational Diabetes | with Lily Nichols, RDN
11/11/2025

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) medic...


Creating a Birth Plan
11/04/2025

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 backu...


Rhogam, Anti-D, and the Rh Factor | with Rachael Nalley
10/28/2025

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...


Labor Inductions: Medical Necessity vs. Convenience
10/21/2025

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.

Got a topic yo...


Preparing Your Body for Birth | with Kate Hopkins
10/14/2025

In this episode, I’m joined by Body Ready Method (BRM) Pro Kate Hopkins to talk about how movement and alignment can help you prepare your body for birth. We cover what “functional movement” really means during pregnancy, why strength and mobility matter for labor, and simple ways to start feeling more connected and confident in your body as you get closer to birth. You can find Kate on Instagram at @katehopkins_holistic or learn more about her Prenatal Playground movement program at katehopkins.co!

Get 15% off of your Kindred Bravely order using code NESTED...


Managing "Morning Sickness" Naturally
10/07/2025

Feeling like you’ve been hit by a wave of nausea from the moment you wake up? You’re not alone—and you don’t just have to suffer through it. In this episode, we’re breaking down what causes morning sickness (aka all-day pregnancy nausea), how to naturally lessen the severity, and exactly what to do when it hits.

We’re also diving into the difference between typical nausea and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)—and what kind of support you really need if things feel beyond manageable.

Whether you’re newly pregnant or deep in the firs...


5 Breastfeeding Myths | with Jaimie Zaki
09/30/2025

Today I'm chatting with Jaimie Zaki about common breastfeeding myths we've been sold as a modern society. Jaimie is an IBCLC, mom of 5, and hostess of the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast where she teaches pregnant & new moms to overcome unexpected breastfeeding challenges. Grab your copy of the Breastfeeding Success Guide Bundle at www.littlebearlactation.com/bundle!

Got a topic you want covered? Fill out this form
Want to be a guest? Apply here

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*As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for...


How to Trust Your Intuition | with Lisa Vee
09/23/2025

Today I'm chatting with Lisa Vee (aka Loudmouth Lisa) about finding your voice and moving from people-pleaser to powerful mother. Lisa is a mom, birth advocate, and former booked-out doula who helps women trust themselves through every season of motherhood. She believes birth and motherhood aren’t about perfection or politeness—they’re about power, self-trust, and finding your own voice. I just know you're going to loooove this conversation!

Where to find Lisa:

Instagram: @thelisaveeLoudmouth Lisa Podcast: www.thelisavee.com/loudmouthlisaWebsite: www.thelisavee.com3 Must-Ask Consult Questions to Book Yourself Out: www.thelisavee.com/to...