We are so excited to welcome back our favorite registered dietician and bestselling author, Lily Nichols! Lily is here to chat with us about her third book, Real Food for Fertility. She explains how while the title focuses on fertility, this book goes far beyond that, diving into how nutrition supports hormone health and overall well-being at every stage of life.

Meagan and Lily talk about nutrition before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and even how diet can sometimes (but not always!) affect a baby’s size. Lily also shares her hopes for future research on nutrition recommendations and the important reminder that even small, consistent changes in how we eat can make a meaningful difference. It’s truly never too late to start.

Is it Too Late to Make Nutrition Changes in Pregnancy?

Needed Website: Code VBAC for 20% Off

Is it Too Late to Make Nutrition Changes in Pregnancy?

Institute for Prenatal Nutrition Website

Lily’s Books

Lily’s Freebies

Lily’s Instagram

Needed Website: Code VBAC for 20% Off

The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents

Online VBAC Doula Training

Kari joins us today from Huntsville, Alabama sharing her story of two induced but very different births. Her first was an unplanned Cesarean after a 39-week induction and the second was a medically induced VBAC due to preeclampsia.

With her second baby, Kari saw a new provider who was VBAC supportive, hired a doula, and went to a chiropractor. She also found out that she had a velamentous cord insertion and signs of preeclampsia. Although she was planning for a spontaneous, unmedicated labor, Kari was able to have an empowering experience with Pitocin, an epidural, a delivery, magnesium, a 3rd-degree tear, and a blood transfusion, Kari found deep healing and pride in her VBAC experience.

She and Meagan talk about blood pressure numbers, preeclampsia, the ARRIVE study, how epidurals can help or hinder progress, and navigating the emotions that come when birth unfolds differently than planned. Kari reminds us that birth can be beautiful and healing no matter what twists and turns come about!

The VBAC Link Blog: VBAC With Preeclampsia

ACOG Article: Preeclampsia and Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Needed Website: Code VBAC for 20% Off

The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents

Online VBAC Doula Training

“I want to be the light I wish I’d had in my darkest moments.”

As we close out Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we are sharing Abbie’s two birth stories and honoring the memory of her firstborn, Rowan. Rowan was born prematurely via emergency Cesarean at 29 weeks during the height of COVID and passed several weeks later in the NICU. Abbie shares what it was like to come home from the hospital without a baby, the weight of overwhelming grief, and how self-care has helped her find healing.

Her second pregnancy was labeled advanced maternal age and considered high risk. With the support of her care team, Abbie went on to have a healthy and empowering VBAC birth at 41 weeks that was filled with joy and deep healing.

Professionally, Abbie is a massage therapist. She shares her tips around things like herbal support, massage therapy, and acupuncture.

Abbie wants Women of Strength to know that acknowledging fear doesn’t mean we have to act on it. “Be afraid when you’re afraid, but do it anyway— whatever it is. Different baby, different birth.”

Needed Website: Code VBAC for 20% Off

The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents

Online VBAC Doula Training