Explore every episode of the podcast THE MILK

Starting solids can mess with your head, even if it’s not your first baby. Scarlette just turned six months, and I’m right back in that place of feeling excited, overwhelmed, and weirdly intimidated by the whole process especially after our past feeding struggles. So I brought on someone I trust: Bridget Levine, a certified child nutritionist and mom of two who’s known for keeping baby nutrition simple, nutrient-dense, and realistic for actual busy parents. 

We get into what baby’s first foods can look like when you prioritize iron, zinc, healthy fats, choline, and omegas instead of trying to build a perfect Pinterest plate. Bridget explains why she starts with savory foods like meat stock, liver, bone marrow, and egg yolk, how to think about fruit without making it the foundation, and why tiny portions once or twice a day are plenty at the beginning. We also talk baby-led weaning vs spoon-feeding (and why a flexible mix often works best), plus a practical way to introduce allergens like peanut and egg without spiraling. 

If you want a low-stress meal prep strategy, Bridget breaks down her “cook once, freeze into cubes” system and what meals can look like from 6 months to toddlerhood. 

If this helped you breathe a little easier, subscribe, share this with a mom who’s about to start solids, and leave a review so more parents can find these conversations.

More Of What We Discuss:
• starting solids around six months and keeping portions tiny 
• why meat stock and bone marrow are essential foods to start with and how to prep them
• why building a savory palate is important BEFORE leaning on fruit 
• choosing baby-led weaning, spoon-feeding, or a mix based on the baby 
• focusing on iron, zinc, healthy fats, choline, and omegas early 
• understanding why iron needs change around six months 
• introducing allergens with a plan and repeating exposures 
• using pouches strategically and picking higher-protein options 
• supporting chewing, jaw strength, and oral motor skills 
• sharing the reality of major feeding and sensory challenges 
• batch cooking once a month and freezing foods into cubes 
• what meals can look like at nine months, twelve months, and toddlerhood 

Follow Bridget’s account and grab her Baby’s First Foods ebook HERE and free allergy guide on Instagram at @bridgetmlevine

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You asked, I’m spilling. In this episode of Spill the Milk, I’m answering your questions about everything from surviving two under two and transitioning from one child to two, to postpartum anxiety, mom guilt, toddler sleep, family travel, and all the everyday decisions no one really prepares you for.

We start with a little life update—summer chaos, craving routine again, and why the state of my house has an alarming amount of control over my mood. Then we get into the bigger questions: How do you make sure your first child still feels seen when a new baby arrives? What actually helps when you’re pregnant with your second and feel like you’ve forgotten everything? And is balancing self-care with three kids a real thing—or are we all just doing our best?

I’m sharing the mindset shifts and practical strategies that have helped me through pregnancy, postpartum, and raising three little ones—including why a postpartum support plan is far more helpful than panic-Googling at 2 a.m., how I separate mom guilt from the kind of guilt that might actually be telling me something, and my honest thoughts on postpartum recovery, fatigue, and the pressure to “bounce back.”

We also get into:

• Surviving two under two and going from one child to two
• Helping your oldest adjust to a new baby
• Making time for yourself when traditional “balance” isn’t realistic
• Pregnancy fears, postpartum anxiety, and avoiding social media spirals
• Returning to movement when you’re exhausted
• Bottles and formula feeding on the go
• Thumb sucking and starting a consistent bedtime routine
• Managing toddler sleep during international travel
• ISR, swim safety, and the role of continued swim lessons
• Deciding when preschool feels right
• How we handle bedtime with multiple kids
• Choosing a first home and neighborhood for a growing family

As always, these aren’t perfect-parent answers—they’re what has worked, what hasn’t, and what I’ve learned while mostly winging it alongside you. Pour the milk, grab the coffee, and let’s get into it.

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Four and a half years engaged, three kids later… WE’RE FINALLY GETTING MARRIED! 

Scotty is back on the mic for a very overdue life update, and we’re finally sharing all the details behind our decision to get married, why we waited this long, and why the timing suddenly feels so right.

We get into our slightly unconventional timeline of getting engaged, having three babies, surviving pregnancy and postpartum approximately 400 times, and then planning a wedding. For a long time, the idea of adding wedding planning to everything else going on in our lives felt more stressful than exciting—and we always said we wanted to wait until it felt like something we genuinely couldn’t wait to do. Well… we’re finally there.

We’re sharing why we chose a destination wedding in Italy, how we want our kids incorporated into the entire experience, and what we’re actually prioritizing when it comes to the wedding. Plus, our introduction to the absolutely unhinged world of wedding pricing because apparently flowers can cost the same as a small car??? Fun!

Then, naturally, we spiral into life with three kids. We compare going from zero to one, one to two, and two to three kids (and have some VERY different opinions on which transition was hardest), talk about how important having support has been for us, and catch you up on the latest chaos happening in our house.

Including Aspen’s first preschool “boyfriend,” the body spray incident that turned into an elaborate four-year-old cover-up, Bash turning THREE and our ongoing battle to potty train him, Scarlette’s latest baby updates, sleep training, surviving summer break, and the backyard construction project that may or may not ever end.

Basically: wedding bells, three kids, preschool drama, potty training, and general parental chaos. Just another day at The Milk.

In this episode, we get into:

• Why we’re finally getting married after 4.5 years engaged
• Why having kids before marriage ended up being the right timeline for us
• Our destination wedding in Italy + why the location is so meaningful
• Making the wedding feel like a celebration of our whole family
• Going from 0→1, 1→2 and 2→3 kids—and which was actually hardest
• Aspen’s body spray incident and subsequent web of lies
• Her first preschool crush (and our amateur detective work)
• Bash turning three + why potty training a boy is testing us
• Scarlette’s latest milestones + our sleep training update
• Surviving summer with three kids and a backyard still under construction

Subscribe to The Milk wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss what’s coming next!

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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Sleep training might be one of the most controversial topics in motherhood — but does it really mean shutting the door and letting your baby cry until they fall asleep? Spoiler alert: no.

This week, I’m sitting down with pediatric sleep consultant Iliana Pineda, who has personally helped our family through multiple stages of baby sleep, to break down everything you actually need to know about sleep training.

We’re talking Sleep Training 101: what it really means to teach your baby independent sleep, the biggest misconceptions (including the dreaded “cry it out” debate), how to know when your baby is ready, and the different methods you can use depending on your baby’s temperament and what feels right for your family.

Iliana also breaks down the science behind baby sleep in a way that actually makes sense — from wake windows and sleep pressure to circadian rhythm, short naps, early morning wake-ups, and that infamous four-month sleep regression.

And because every exhausted parent has found themselves Googling a VERY specific sleep question at 2 a.m., we end with a rapid-fire listener Q&A covering some of the most common baby and toddler sleep struggles.

In this episode, we get into:

• What sleep training actually is — and what it isn’t
• The biggest myths and misconceptions surrounding sleep training
• The four common methods: extinction, check-ins, chair method + pick-up/put-down
• How to figure out which approach may work best for your baby and your family
• When babies are developmentally ready for sleep training
• Wake windows, sleep pressure + circadian rhythm explained
• Why sleep can suddenly fall apart around four months
• How daytime activity and schedules can impact nighttime sleep
• The benefits of independent sleep for babies, parents + the entire family
• Why consistency is one of the biggest pieces of successful sleep training
• Early morning wake-ups, short naps + overnight feeds
• Babies who only want to sleep while nursing or being held
• Toddler sleep struggles + needing a parent in the room
• Transitioning from the Snoo to a crib and from a swaddle to a sleep sack
• Teething, regressions + what to do when life inevitably throws off the schedule

Whether you’re considering sleep training, currently in the thick of it, or just trying to understand why the heck your baby won’t sleep longer than 30 minutes, this episode is packed with practical information you can actually use — without the judgment or one-size-fits-all advice.

And if you decide to reach out to Iliana for some extra sleep support, make sure to tell her you heard her on The Milk or found her through me!

Reach out to Iliana:

Email: ncsservices2019@gmail.com

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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Sleep training sounds great in theory… until you’re sitting outside your baby’s room on night one, realizing just how hard it is to watch them learn a brand-new skill, while the “oh my gosh, what have I signed up for?!” thoughts start creeping in. Spoiler alert: a few days later, I couldn’t believe the difference — and for us, it was SO worth it.

In this episode, I’m taking you through our real, unfiltered experience sleep training Scarlette at 15 weeks old — from a brutal first night to the moment everything finally started to click.

I’m breaking down exactly what happened night by night and nap by nap: how long she cried, how often she woke up, the methods we used to comfort her, the little schedule changes that made a surprisingly big difference, and the moment we realized she was actually learning how to put herself to sleep.

Because even when you feel confident in your decision, sleep training can still be hard. Learning any new skill comes with an adjustment period, and for us, those difficult first few days were worth it when we saw the end result: a happier, more rested baby who had learned a new skill — and a much calmer household because of it.

This isn’t a “how-to” guide or me telling you how to sleep train your baby. It’s simply our diary: what worked, what didn’t, what surprised me, and what I wish I knew before night one.

In this episode:
 • Why we decided to sleep train at 15 weeks
 • Our approach to “gentle” sleep training and timed check-ins
 • The full play-by-play of nights 1, 2 & 3
 • The crying, wake-ups and moments that were the hardest
 • Nap training + the tiny schedule tweak that changed everything
 • The sleep habits we had to break along the way
 • When we first saw Scarlette start to self-soothe
 • What her sleep and schedule look like now
 • Why those difficult first few days were so worth it for our family

If you’re in the thick of baby sleep, considering sleep training, or just wildly curious about what those first few nights actually look like — this one’s for you.

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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Twelve weeks postpartum is supposed to feel like a turning point, but what if it feels… weirder? I’m officially past the “fourth trimester,” and I still don’t feel magically restored. My hormones are doing their own thing, my anxiety flares when I try to control the uncontrollable, and just when I think our routine is set, my baby changes the rules again. If you’ve ever wondered why postpartum recovery doesn’t come with a clear end date, you’re going to feel seen here. I share what’s hard right now, what’s getting better, and the mindset shifts that help me stop racing my own recovery. 

I talk honestly about the pressure to bounce back and why I don’t buy the idea that postpartum is a competition. We get into the real factors that shape healing, including birth recovery, mental health, and baby temperament. I also share my decision to stop breastfeeding and pumping at eight weeks, how a cow’s milk protein allergy influenced that choice, and the practical antibody insight that helped me release a ton of feeding guilt.

Then we zoom into the day-to-day: inconsistent newborn sleep, developmental leaps, treating reflux, nap refusal, babywearing exhaustion, and the comparison trap when other babies “sleep through the night.” I also tell the story of flying alone with my newborn, what I packed, what surprised me, and why traveling with a baby can actually build confidence. If you’re in the messy middle of postpartum anxiety, body changes, and identity shifts, hit play, then subscribe, share with a mom who needs it, and leave a quick review with your biggest 12-week postpartum surprise.

More Of What's Discussed:
• redefining postpartum as a long season, not a deadline 
• letting go of bounce back pressure and postpartum comparison 
• stopping breastfeeding at eight weeks, processing mom guilt, choosing what works 
• navigating cow’s milk protein allergy, pumping and storing milk for antibodies, leaning on formula 
• newborn sleep reality, leaps, reflux symptoms, and what changed after medication 
• crib nap refusal, babywearing fatigue, and why “sleep when the baby sleeps” can feel impossible 
• flying solo with a baby, what helped, and how people actually respond 
• the 12-week “in between” stage: not survival mode, not fully yourself 
• body changes, body indifference, postpartum workouts for strength, and shifting personal style 
• healing not being linear, and celebrating the wins you’ve already earned 

As always, DM me with any questions, anything you want to hear about on the podcast, any special guest you want to hear from. xo Tayla

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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Two hours of sleep will tell you the truth faster than any journal ever could. At eight weeks postpartum, I’m sharing where I’m actually at: exhausted, deeply in love with my baby, and fully aware that having three kids four and under is stretching me in ways I didn’t expect. If you’re in the newborn trenches, I want you to hear this clearly: struggling can exist right next to gratitude, and you don’t have to pretend you’re fine to be a good mom. 

We get into the hard logistics and the emotional weight of postpartum life with a baby who has reflux, fights naps, and prefers contact naps in the carrier. I talk about learning Scarlette has a cow’s milk protein allergy, the trial-and-error of finding a formula that works, and trying reflux medicine while we wait for real relief. I also share the not-talked-about-enough stuff: newborn gas around weeks six to eight, the “newborn bubble” popping after the first month, and why simply getting out of the house can be a mental health lifeline during postpartum recovery. 

Then we pivot to two stories that sum up motherhood perfectly: my chaotic attempt at newborn photos in San Diego, and our first family-of-five trip to Mexico, which was going great until Scarlette spiked a 103.8 fever overnight. I walk through the fear, the decisions, and how much more confident my mom instincts feel the third time around. We also touch on the six-week postpartum checkup, pelvic floor weakness after returning to workouts, and the constant anxiety of older siblings bringing home germs from school. 

If any of this hits home, listen all the way through and share it with a mom who needs a reality check and a little hope. Subscribe to The Milk, leave a review, and tell me what part of postpartum feels hardest for you right now.

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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What if postpartum recovery started with food? We sit down with Holly Stein, founder of Restorative Roots, to talk about the part of postpartum care that too many of us never get taught: food that actually supports healing, digestion, hormones, and mood after birth (and the ones that DO NOT).

Holly shares how her first postpartum left her depleted and struggling, then explains what changed when she discovered the “First 40 Days” framework rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. We get specific about what warm, easy-to-digest meals do for a postpartum body, why bone broth shows up in so many traditional cultures, and which nutrients moms are commonly low in after delivery, including iron, omega-3s, magnesium, B vitamins, and collagen-building amino acids.

We also talk practical postpartum meal prep, comforting freezer-friendly options, and the reality that recovery still matters even if you are months postpartum and feel like it is “too late.” If you’re pregnant, planning a baby shower gift, or craving a postpartum redemption, this conversation will help you build a plan that feeds the mom first, without guilt.

More Of What We Cover:

• Holly’s first postpartum experience and what felt missing  

• Why warm soups and stews matter in early postpartum recovery  

• How Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda frame the first 40 days  

• Key postpartum nutrients and how depletion can affect mood and energy  

• Bone broth, healthy fats, organ meats, and warming spices as recovery staples  

• Herbal tea blends for replenishment and daily support  

• Meal prep ideas like breakfast burritos and energy balls for the freezer  

• How Restorative Roots ships frozen postpartum meals nationwide  

• The mental load of motherhood and why planning postpartum changes everything  

Check out Restorative Roots for your own postpartum healing or to gift a friend for theirs!

www.restorativeroots.com

Use discount code: TAYLABURKE10

Subscribe for more honest motherhood conversations, share this with a friend who is pregnant or newly postpartum, and leave a review so more moms can find the support they deserve.

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
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Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke
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Everyone talks about the newborn phase, but no one really talks about what happens at 2 a.m. when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering how you’re possibly going to do it all again tomorrow.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Marianella Mendoza, founder of Laguna Baby Collective, to pull back the curtain on what a night doula actually does and why so many families consider overnight postpartum support one of the most valuable investments they make during those early weeks with a new baby.

Before we dive in, I want to acknowledge that hiring a night doula is a luxury and something that isn’t financially accessible for every family. This episode isn’t meant to suggest that anyone needs a night doula to be a great parent or survive the newborn stage. I wanted to have this conversation because I think every mom deserves to know what support options are available when building her village—especially if you don’t live near family or have extra hands to help. Whether your support comes from a partner, friend, family member, postpartum doula, or night doula, my hope is that this episode helps you feel less alone and more informed.

Marianella walks us through exactly what overnight support looks like, from feeding and diaper changes to sleep shaping, tracking routines, and helping parents get the rest they desperately need. We talk about how support differs for breastfeeding, pumping, and formula-feeding families, what a typical night actually looks like, and the small things that can make a huge difference when you’re running on very little sleep.

We also discuss dream feeds, newborn sleep, safe sleep practices, how to know if a night doula is the right fit for your family, and the questions every parent should ask before inviting someone into their home. Whether you’re currently pregnant, deep in the newborn trenches, or simply curious about what postpartum support can look like, this episode offers an honest, practical look at one of the most talked-about—but often misunderstood—forms of help available to new parents.

In this episode, we cover:

• What a night doula does (and doesn’t do)

• What overnight postpartum support actually looks like

• How night doulas support breastfeeding, pumping, and formula-feeding families

• The benefits of sleep shaping versus sleep training

• Tracking feeds, diapers, and sleep patterns

• Dream feeds: when they help and when they don’t

• How overnight support benefits moms, partners, newborns, and older siblings

• When to book a night doula and how long families typically use one

• Budget-friendly ways to make overnight support work

• Green flags, red flags, and questions to ask before hiring a night doula

• Safe sleep practices and newborn care expectations

• Building your postpartum village and asking for help

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a new or expecting parent and leave a review. Your support helps more moms find these conversations and feel empowered during one of the biggest transitions of their lives.

MORE FROM MARIANELLA:

Laguna Baby Collective

Website: HERE

Instagram: HERE

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Scarlette is literally asleep in my carrier while I record this because apparently the sleepy newborn era has officially left the chat. In this solo episode, I’m giving you a real-time update on what life looks like at 4 weeks postpartum — the good, the emotional, the mildly unhinged, and the surprisingly funny.

We talk about the end of the super sleepy newborn phase, the loose schedule we’re gently guiding her toward, what postpartum has felt like this time around, and my “Top 5 Horror Movies” of postpartum (because if you know, you know). From D-MER to leap anxiety to the absolute chaos of older siblings coughing directly on your newborn…nothing is off limits.

Basically just one tired mom, a baby strapped to her chest, and a postpartum life update straight from the trenches.

NEWBORN MUST-HAVES LINKED HERE

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Three weeks postpartum and I’m finally back on the mic with the honest update I wish existed when I was a first-time mom. I’m sharing what recovery really feels like after baby number three, including the biggest surprise: how much better my body feels this time around. We talk postpartum bleeding, why a vaginal birth recovery can be wildly different from a C-section, and the tug-of-war between feeling “so good” and still needing to heal.

We get into the day-to-day reality of going from two kids to three. I unpack the mom guilt I carried into this transition, what’s actually working in our routine, and why support systems matter more than any perfect plan. Childcare help, a temporary night nurse, school schedules, and tag-team bedtime are not just logistics, they’re currently how we are surviving. I share my breastfeeding journey across all three babies, why triple feeding burned me out, how formula supplementation became part of our plan early, and what it’s like navigating possible cow’s milk protein allergy and switching to a hydrolyzed formula. I also talk about D-MER (dysphoric milk ejection reflex), that sudden wave of dread during letdown, plus postpartum anxiety and why staying on a low dose of Lexapro helps me keep a steadier baseline.

More On What’s Discussed:
• what feels surprisingly easier this time and what still catches us off guard
• recovery differences across vaginal birth and C-section healing 
• postpartum bleeding timelines and what felt unexpected 
• the transition from two kids to three and why it feels smoother 
• how support systems change everything, from childcare to a night nurse 
• breastfeeding history, low supply, exclusive pumping, and letting go of pressure 
• formula choices, cow’s milk protein allergy concerns, and switching formulas 
• D-MER symptoms during nursing or pumping and why it feels so intense 
• postpartum anxiety signals and why staying on Lexapro helps our baseline 
• VBAC prep tips like stretching, walking, acupuncture, and pelvic alignment 
• epidural fears, what it actually feels like, and why we choose it 
• postpartum vs first trimester and why both can be brutal in different ways 
• staying calm while waiting for spontaneous labor and considering a membrane sweep 
• baby name ideas and handling nasty social media comments 

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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This week on The Milk, we’re getting into the breastfeeding conversation so many moms wish they had before baby arrives.

I’m joined by Shelly Jacobs, a Newport Beach–based board certified lactation consultant, founder of Lolo Baby, and creator of online programs for moms. Shelly breaks down what a lactation consultant actually does, when to reach out for support, and how they can help make breastfeeding feel less overwhelming and more doable.

We talk through the basics of breastfeeding, common challenges moms face in those early days, tips for building and protecting your milk supply, what to know about pumping, and the simple things that can make a big difference when you’re trying to feed your baby and keep your sanity.

Whether you’re currently breastfeeding, planning to, exclusively pumping, combo feeding, or just trying to understand what support is available, this episode is full of practical, reassuring advice for every mom navigating feeding.

In this episode, we cover:

• What a lactation consultant actually does and when to call one

•  How to set yourself up for breastfeeding success before baby arrives

• Common breastfeeding challenges in the early days

• Tips for increasing and protecting milk supply

• Pumping, latching, and feeding support basics

• How to feel more confident and less alone in your feeding journey

You can find Shelly on Instagram at @shellyjacobs_iblc and learn more about her online course Early Milk Matters and breastfeeding sling Lolo Baby

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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Scarlette is here!! It truly still all feels so surreal. This week, Scotty is back on the mic with me as we finally share Scarlette’s birth story — from my water breaking in the middle of the night, to me somehow still showering and doing skincare before leaving for the hospital, to one very fast, very healing delivery that still feels a little surreal. I'm not sure how but I feel like I manifested the birth I so desperately wanted and somehow got it this time around- they do say 3rd times a charm?!

In this episode, we talk about what went into my decision to try for a VBAC after a previous C-section, how we navigated the risks with my doctor, and everything I did to prepare in hopes of going into labor naturally. We also share the full labor and delivery story — getting to the hospital, realizing things were moving very fast, getting the epidural just in time, and the completely surreal moment Scotty actually got to help deliver Scarlette.

We also get into the real-life aftermath: bringing her home, introducing her to Aspen and Bash, the sibling prep that actually helped, some big feelings that have come up, and what this transition to three kids has really been like so far. And let me just say… the newborn is not the one keeping us on our toes as we thought.

If you love birth stories, postpartum talk, sibling transitions, and hearing the honest, unfiltered version of what this season has looked like for us, this episode is for you.

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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If you’ve ever been acupuncture-curious but had no idea what it’s actually doing in the body, this episode is for you. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Christine San Miquel, a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a medical qigong practitioner, and a research professor. Together we break down how acupuncture can support women through so many major phases of life — from trying to conceive, to pregnancy, labor prep, and postpartum recovery.

We talk about why so many women turn to acupuncture for fertility support, what it may help regulate in the body, and the most common reasons women seek it out during early pregnancy (hint hint it works wonders for 1st trimester symptoms). We also get into what “labor prep” acupuncture really means, whether acupuncture can actually induce labor, and what it can realistically support in those final weeks before birth and into the postpartum phase.

Whether you’re trying to conceive, currently pregnant, newly postpartum, or simply curious about holistic support for women’s health, this episode is full of grounded, helpful insight.

What We Discuss:
• How acupuncture supports balance through individualized patterns and point combinations 
• Why you can feel calmer after a session and how benefits can last 
• What to look for when choosing an acupuncturist for fertility, pregnancy, or postpartum 
• Fertility support for irregular cycles, ovulation, PCOS patterns, and IVF protocols 
• First trimester help for nausea, fatigue, sleep, and miscarriage prevention support 
• The difference between labor induction and an invitational labor prep series 
• Simple labor acupressure points partners can use for pain and progression 
• Postpartum support for healing, mood, digestion, capacity, and long-term hormone health 
• Milk supply regulation and why acupuncture research is hard to standardize 
• When you can start acupuncture after birth and how baby support can work for colic

More from Dr. Christine San Miquel:

Website: www.whitephoenixwellness.com

Instagram: @drchristine.sanmiquel

Podcast: The Dao Of Humaning

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I’m in the final few weeks of pregnancy, and I still find myself trying to process the fact that I’m about to have a teeny tiny newborn in my arms so soon. This week, I thought it would be fun to prep together with one last little pregnancy Q&A. You submitted the questions, and I’m answering them.

And let me tell you… you all sent in such thoughtful, good questions. A few of them even made me pause and reflect on what I want for birth and postpartum, so truly, thank you for your service.

In this episode, we talk through VBAC fears, labor prep routines, sibling transitions, postpartum mental health, and the real-life logistics that make this whole season possible.

Questions We Cover:

• Deciding on a VBAC/TOLAC after a prior C-section and processing birth trauma
• Birth prep strategies, including walking, acupuncture, raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose, curb walking, the Miles Circuit, and colostrum collection
• Whether siblings should meet baby at the hospital or at home
• Anything I want to do differently this birth and postpartum
• Who will be watching the kids while we’re at the hospital
• How I’m mentally and physically preparing for birth in the final two weeks
• What vaccines or medications I’m delaying after birth
• Thoughts on placenta encapsulation
• How to prep older kids for a new baby
• Ways I’m preparing for postpartum
• How we plan to divide kids and responsibilities with my husband
• And more!

Thanks for hanging out with me this week- I'm so grateful you're here 

xo - Tayla

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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Why does postpartum skin suddenly make you look so much more tired than you feel? Buckle up ladies, in this episode Tayla sits down with world-renowned facial plastic surgeon & doctor many of you know from Botched, Dr. Paul Nassif to talk about the real skin changes women experience during pregnancy and postpartum, and that overall “I don’t look like myself” feeling.

Dr. Nassif breaks down what’s actually worth your money when it comes to skincare and treatments, including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin C, niacinamide, lasers, peels, PRP, PRF, Botox, and more. He also shares his honest take on the beauty trends everyone is debating right now, including filler migration, preventative Botox, and even salmon sperm facials.

This is a practical, honest conversation for moms who want real answers on postpartum skincare, melasma treatment, under eye concerns, Botox, and aesthetic procedures without the pressure to "fix everything" 

For more from Dr. Paul Nassif:

Follow him for skincare tips on Instagram @drpaulnassif

Try his skincare product line for yourself www.drpaulnassif.com

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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The scariest parenting moments usually don’t come with a warning. One second your baby is eating, playing, or fighting bedtime, and the next you’re trying to decide if it’s normal gagging, real choking, or something that needs CPR. I sit down with pediatric nurse, mom of three, and expert behind The Medical Mamas, Shayna Babb to get practical, calm, and specific about what to do when seconds matter during a child's medical emergency.

We unpack the important of CPR and choking education, and why “I’ll figure it out in the moment” is a dangerous plan. We talk through the most common choking hazards, the biggest mistakes to avoid (like blind finger sweeps), and the exact infant choking steps that could save your child's life. We also dig into her hot take on trendy dechoker devices, when they might help, and why your hands and knowledge should always come first and so much more.

More Of What We Discuss:
• why CPR and choking training matters because we are the first responder as parents
• how pediatric emergencies often start with sick lungs from RSV flu pneumonia and asthma 
• the differences between gagging versus choking 
• what NOT to do when a child is gagging
• a step-by-step demonstration of how to safely and effectively handle a choking emergency 
• why devices like dechokers can delay action if you do not practice  
• febrile seizures basics and the biggest misconception about them

Follow Shayna Babbs on Instagram @themedicalmamas

If you're interested in Shayna Babb's CPR, & Choking or Pediatrics 101 courses, use code MILK when you purchase for a price of $127 (usually $197).

Help do all that you can to educate our community and save children's lives by sharing this episode with your family, friends, and any caretakers in your lives. 

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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We're back with two episodes this week babes! We're here with a Part 2 with licensed psychologist, Dr. Bahaur Amini. A couple of weeks ago you ladies submitted your (anonymous) relationship questions and struggles in hopes of getting some professional insight. So today is the day- Dr. B dishes out some freebie advice and valuable tools to help talk you through the situations so many of us go through yet feel so alone in. 

We dig into high-stakes parenting disagreements like vaccines and medicine, how to stop "keeping score", what to do when resentment is the big elephant in the room, how to rebuild intimacy when you're constantly too tired, & so much more. 

More Of What We Discuss:

• clarifying shared values before making high-stakes parenting decisions like vaccines and medicine 
• the impact of banning “always” and “never,” 
• making invisible labor visible with the Fair Play cards and dividing tasks more objectively 
• a simple boundary rule for dealing with in-laws issues
• date night expectations
•  navigating one partner wanting another baby and making it a true joint decision 
• exploring loss of attraction
•  trying a reset code word to stop escalation and take a break 

If you feel seen by this conversation, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more parents can find the support. We appreciate you! xo - Tayla

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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Today we're getting real about relationships after introducing a new bundle of joy. Having a baby is truly magical- it's a love you've never quite experienced and comes with so many of your highest of highs- but it would be a disservice not to acknowledge some of the lows that can come along with it. A baby can turn a “power couple” into two exhausted teammates who can’t stop bickering and don’t even recognize themselves. It can be one of the loneliest feels because not many people want to admit when their relationship is hitting some road blocks- why is there still so much shame around admitting our struggles when we so freely speak on our wins? Today I'm committed to unearthing all of this by sitting down with licensed psychologist and new mom Dr. Bahaur Amini. In this episode we dig deep discussing WHY conflict arises post-baby, how to navigate these challenges, the reality of disconnection & intimacy changes, & just how normal most of these experiences are. 

More Of What We Discuss:
• why relationship stress spikes after a baby: sleep loss, identity shifts, higher tension and less intimacy 
• how stigma and secrecy make conflict feel heavier than it is 
• the way childhood family models shape parenting expectations and create new friction 
• gender roles, paternity leave realities and the mental load that fuels resentment 
• control struggles and why letting your partner learn matters 
• feeling like strangers and using simple gratitude to rebuild connection 
• hyperfixation, postpartum anxiety and social media comparison spirals 
• communication templates that lower defensiveness and surface the real need 
• signs conflict is stuck and how to take a break without avoiding repair 

You can find Dr. Bahaur Amini at Aminipsychology.com to schedule a free consultation and to explore virtual sessions. (Mention her episode on The Milk!)

If you’ve been wondering whether this hard season will ever end, you’re not alone. Subscribe, share with your partner, and leave a review with your thoughts.

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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Intimated by birth? Hypnobirthing flips fear into calm & confidence with simple mind & body shifts. This week I sit down with hypnobirthing coach and doula Nicolle Kasch (owner of Mind Body Baby OC) to turn a fear-heavy narrative into a grounded plan you can practice ahead of time. We get real about the mechanics of calmer labor: how oxytocin and endorphins help the uterus work, why adrenaline shows up at the wrong time, and what you can do to keep your nervous system in a state that lets birth unfold.

Nicolle breaks down hypnobirthing as intuitive preparation, something any birth plan can include (not just the unmedicated ones!). You’ll learn simple, effective techniques—slow belly breathing with long exhales, relaxing the jaw and hands to soften the pelvis, and using the gate control theory of pain with a comb or spiky ball. We map out the “labor cave” environment that boosts oxytocin: dim lighting, cozy textures, familiar scents, and fewer onlookers. We also tackle different hospital scenarios , why food and electrolytes matter for stamina, and how partners can support you from start to finish: owning the birth plan and communicating with staff to hands-on comfort moves like shoulder anchors, light touch massage, sacral counter pressure, hip squeezes, & more.

More Of What We Discuss:

• defining hypnobirthing as intuitive birth prep

• oxytocin, endorphins, adrenaline, and labor chemistry

• fear–tension–pain cycle and how to break it

• slow belly breathing with long exhales

• face, jaw, and hand relaxation to soften the pelvis

• gate control theory, combs, and spiky tools

• light touch massage, counterpressure, hip squeezes

• sensory anchors using scent, lighting, and texture

• partners as advocates, coaches, and calm keepers

• creating a private, dim, nurse-aligned birth space

• staying flexible when plans change

If you want less fear, more flow, and a birth rooted in trust, this conversation gives you the science, the mindset, and the moves. 

Find Nicolle: mindbodybabyoc.com and @mindbodybabyoc. 

***Subscribe for more real talk on motherhood, share with a friend who’s expecting, and leave a review to show us some love.

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Ever had life hand you a mirror and ask who you’re becoming, not who you’ve been? That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with wellness creator, co-founder of FORM, and soon-to-be first-time mom, Sami Spalter! We go beyond trimester talk to unpack identity, body image, boundaries, and the surprising ways pregnancy turns discipline into surrendering and perfection into presence.

Sami opens up about how the 1st trimester forced her to give up her highly adored pre-pregnancy routine and swap it for whatever her body needed most in that moment, her willingness to ask for help, & how she reminds herself daily that her weight does not define her worth.

 If you’re craving a warm, grounded take on pregnancy, purpose, and becoming, this one will feel like a DEEP exhale and a big hug to all the pregnant, postpartum & new mamas out there.


More On What We Discuss:
• pregnancy as identity shift and boundary builder
• reframing weight gain as intentional and purposeful
• dressing for comfort to protect mental health
• releasing perfection and people-pleasing
• practical prep for birth and the fourth trimester
• direction over speed in postpartum healing
• modeling self-respect and joy for our kids
• healing family patterns and reparenting ourselves
• surrendering to birth as initiation and choosing presence

Make sure to follow along Sami's pregnancy and motherhood story by following her on Instagram @samispalter

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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Ready to rethink “post-baby body” without punishment or perfection? I sat down with friend, creator and mom of two, Alec Treffers, to map out the simple systems that helped her lose 18 pounds (in 4 months) after breastfeeding and—more importantly—maintain it while running a household and a growing brand. No extremes here: just clear goals, macro literacy, and a training split that builds strength and confidence.

Alec breaks macros down to earth: why protein should match your body weight in grams, how an excess of healthy fats can silently stall progress, and the reason carbs actually helped her get leaner. She shares realistic ways to track macros, her eating out hacks, cooking for her entire family while maintaining her goals, & creating meals that taste great without feeling like "diet food". 

More Of What We Discuss:

• the moment after baby two that made her want to make changes
• macros explained simply and the power of protein
• limiting fats and letting carbs fuel training
• ordering smart when eating out and the kids’ menu hack
• simple family dinners with three-minute measuring
• breakfast swaps, lunch shortcuts & realistic meal prep 
• alcohol tradeoffs and macro-friendly desserts
• her training breakdown & rest days
• how reaching goals has led to identity shifts & confidence boosts
• avoiding comparison and finding your own lane

Follow Alec on Instagram HERE

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It's baby registry building time!! I can't believe I'm already at the point of seriously prepping for this baby but here we are. This might be my 3rd rodeo, but planning for this episode was the perfect refresher for me. I feel like with everything we see on social media and all of the targeted ads that come our way, we start to believe we need all of the latest and greatest baby items we come across... I've come to realize that less is truly more. 

I wanted to find a way to make the 'building a baby registry' experience a simple, problem-solving game plan and share what actually earns space in your nursery and home. No more panic purchasing, buyers remorse, built up clutter, and things that end up in donation pile sooner than expected. 

In this episode, I whipped together 5 practical "zones" for building a registry" sleep, feeding, diapering, out-and-about gear, and soothing/play. I also share some questions I always ask myself before clicking purchase. We play a little game of Registry Court, where I vote Yes, No, or Maybe on types of baby products you've asked about (giving my honest opinion & experience!) I end the episode by sharing specific things I'll be doing to feel more prepared and at ease before we leave for the hospital (ie. the logistics & planning ahead for when we get home!). 

We turn the baby registry into a simple, problem-solving plan and share what actually earns space in your home. Clear rules, five practical zones, honest verdicts on trending gear, and a calm 72-hour homecoming plan make preparation feel doable and sane.

More Of What I Discuss:
• less-is-more rules to stop panic buys
• buy for your life, not social media
• five zones: sleep, feeding, diapering, out-and-about, soothing and play
• where to invest and where to save
• monitors, bouncers, warmers and pumps judged 
• smart dupes for carriers and play kits
• a 72-hour plan for food, help and home setup
• partner roles, visitor boundaries and tiny daily self-care

LINKS!:

Tayla's Baby Registry Link: CLICK HERE

Mabe Baby Carrier 10%+ off with code TAYLAB CLICK HERE

If you’re creating a baby registry from scratch or adding for baby number two or three, this guide helps you spend less, carry less, and feel more ready. Tap play, steal the checklist, and share this with a friend who’s building their list. 

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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If the trying-to-conceive aisle has ever made you feel overwhelmed or alone, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. We sit down with Samantha Diamond—founder and CEO of Bird & Be—to unpack what it really takes to make fertility care clear, kind, and a shared journey between partners.

Samantha opens up about an early PCOS diagnosis, a later miscarriage, and the isolation that followed—even with a fertility specialist at home. That lived experience led to a mission: bring the approachable clarity of beauty marketing to reproductive health without losing scientific rigor. We talk about the education gaps that leave women scrambling when it's time to "try", how integrative care blends medicine with lifestyle, and the specific red flags—like day-3 FSH and ovarian reserve changes—that should prompt a faster trip to the doctor.

We also place men squarely in the frame. Sperm quality affects placental development, pregnancy health, and even childhood outcomes. Samantha shares clinical results from Bird & Be’s male supplement showing meaningful improvements in motility and morphology within three months, plus why sperm’s quick regeneration opens a powerful window for change. For the ladies, we dig into egg quality, oxidative stress, and the three-month folliculogenesis timeline, highlighting CoQ10, Mediterranean-style nutrition, sleep, and strength training—especially heavy lifting for PCOS—as key levers.

If you’re ready to replace confusion with clarity and carry the load together, press play. If the conversation resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more listeners can find support.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Bird&Be GIVEAWAY!!

The Prize: Sperm +Egg Bundle + Power Play Lube (Value: $125)

How to Enter: Reshare this episode or IG reel of episode on your story telling us why you loved the episode & tag both @themilkpodcast_ and @birdbeco so we can see it :) 

More Details: Giveaway ends Friday, Feb. 13th at 5pm pst (winner will be notified over the weekend via direct message on IG).

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Bird&Be Discount Code: TAYLABURKE10

SHOP BIRD&BE HERE 

FOLLOW BIRD&BE HERE

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
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Sorry, but I definitely did not sign any approval form for my second trimester flying by that fast?! It’s funny- with your first, you’re counting down every single day until birth. By the third, you’re begging time to slow down… or is that just me??

Either way, I’m grateful to officially check off my second tri—it’s always been the easiest one in my book. I thought it’d be fun to bring you along for a little recap of the past few months: second-trimester milestones, tug-of-war emotions, some “controversial” choices I’m making this time around, a cervix update, and a Q&A submitted by you lovely ladies. Let’s get into it.

What I cover:
• Wild fatigue caused by vitamin D and iron deficiencies (and how I fixed it)
• Glucose testing options + my Fresh Test experience
• Managing anxiety while staying on low-dose Lexapro
• Early bump, round ligament pain, and body acceptance
• Ditching the scale and sizing up for confidence
• What my workout routine looks like these days
• Yes, I’m eating sushi, deli meats and taking a damn bubble bath
• A non-maternity wardrobe that actually fits
• Am I doing a “sprinkle”… or a babymoon??

Pregnancy Wardrobe HERE

Make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss an episode.
As always, my DMs are always open 🤍
xo,
Tayla

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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We know it can feel like it...but desire didn’t disappear after having a baby—it just changed shape. I invited intimacy and relationship coach Karly Ryan to unpack why postpartum libido shifts, how maternal brain plasticity and hormones like prolactin reroute attention, and what it really takes to feel sensual again when you’re tired, touched out, and navigating a new identity. Using the lens of the maiden and mother archetypes, we talk about honoring both energies without pitting them against each other, and how small rituals can help you reclaim the parts of you that felt lost in the fog.

What We Discuss:

• maiden and mother archetypes explained (so relatable!)
• postpartum brain changes and hormones affecting libido 
• surrendering the void and reframing identity 
• sensuality as daily practice and pilot light 
• gentle self-pleasure without toys to reconnect 
• practical ways couples can reconnect without forcing sex
• intimacy beyond sex through touchpoints and timing 
• midday windows for desire and reducing pressure 
• tantric options and fantasy play
• simple rituals to call your energy back
  
  

If you’ve wondered “Who am I now?” or felt guilty that old rituals no longer work, this conversation offers science-backed reassurance and compassionate tools. Expect clear takeaways you can try today to reduce pressure, create safety, and let desire rise at your pace.

More From Karly:

Follow her on Instagram

Her Offerings on her website Ritual Return

Subscribe, share with a friend who needs this reframe, and leave a review telling us which small practice you’re going to try this week xo

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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Ladies, it's time we look at "fertility" as a life long discussion, not just one around the "trying to conceive" phase. Your period is a vital sign—and it’s time we treated it like one. So I invited double board‑certified reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Sasha Hackman on the pod this week to map the full arc of fertility and a women's reproductive health before thinking about kids, during the "trying" phase, & why it matters most even after having kids. We deep dive into what to track before "trying", when to seek fertility intervention if it's just not happening naturally, why freezing your eggs is an insurance plan if kids aren't in the near future, and why postpartum hormones can both help and hinder the path to baby number two or three (we talk secondary infertility too).

We trace fertility across a woman’s life with Dr. Sasha Hackman, from first period to postpartum, with clear steps to measure, plan, and protect your options. She shares real odds, practical testing, and how to choose treatments that fit your age, goals, and timeline.

MORE OF WHAT WE DISCUSS:

• reframing fertility as lifelong reproductive health

• IVF strategy, IUI limits and realistic success rates

• embryo banking to match bigger family goals

• postpartum hormone shifts and surprise conception

• secondary infertility drivers and endometriosis impact

• male factor basics and the three‑month sperm reset

• cycle tracking tools and luteal phase support

• why your period is a vital sign for long‑term health

• PCOS vs NCCAH and how pills can mask issues

More on Dr. Sasha Hackman:

Website: HERE

Instagram: HERE

Podcast: Trying To Conceive HERE

 If you loved Sasha’s episode, would love for you to leave a comment or share this ep. with a friend. Ratings and reviews for the podcast are always greatly appreciated! xx Tayla

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Happy 2026! If you felt like you hit a wall on January 1st instead of hitting the ground running, this episode is for you. I am planting my flag for the new year -- not with a list of aesthetic resolutions or pressure-filled goals, but with 10 Personal Non-Negotiables designed for a calmer, clearer, and more aligned year. 

In this solo episode, we ease into 2026 by ditching the "New Year, New Me" panic. I break down my personal standards for motherhood, partnerships, and ambition - including why I'm done "keeping score" in my relationship, the specific chore systems that saved my mental load, and why "Inner Peace is the New Productivity." 

Whether you need permission to lower your daily standards (hello, the "2 out of 3" rule), a strategy to time-block your chaos, or just a reminder that "No" is a complete sentence, grab your notebook (or just listen while you drive) and let's build a year that actually feels good. 

In this episode, we cover:

• The "Soft Launch": Why I ignored the January 1st pressure and how to use the "Camera Roll Method" to find your joy.
• Motherhood: My "Two Out of Three" Rule for feeling put together and why 10 minutes of presence beats a perfect schedule. 
• Relationship: Why we don't keep score, we keep systems (and the weekly check-in that prevents resentment). 
• The Chore Audit: Explicitly dividing household tasks (like the trash vs. the groceries) to eliminate the "Mental Load." 
• Ambition: How I time-block my actual priorities and conducting a "High Effort, Low Return" audit on my work. 
• Energy & Boundaries: Why "That doesn't work for us" is a full sentence and quitting one-sided friendships. 

Connect with The Milk:

• Subscribe on your favorite audio platform for your weekly dose of unfiltered motherhood.
• Review the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review to help us grow!

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – A Softer Start to 2026: Letting go of Jan 1st Pressure 

06:45 – Reflection: The "Camera Roll" Exercise & Finding Joy 

17:00 – Bucket 1: Motherhood. The "Two Out of Three" Rule & Presence over Perfection 

23:30 – Bucket 2: Partnership. Systems vs. Scorekeeping & The Weekly Check-In 

29:00 – The Chore Audit: Reducing the Mental Load 

34:00 – Bucket 3: Ambition. Time Blocking & The "High Effort, Low Return" Audit 

45:30 – Bucket 4: Me + Energy. 20-Minute Movement & Friendship Boundaries 

55:00 – Rapid Fire: "That doesn't work for us" & Scheduling Joy

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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This week I’m sitting down with a very special (and pregnant!) friend — Sami Brooks — and this one felt like the kind of conversation that makes you exhale and go, okay… I’m not alone.

We talk about what it really looks like to grow a family fast: deciding to go for babies close in age, a long labor that ended in a C-section, and the dream that had her convinced she was having a little girl. Sami shares how the hardest nights can either pull you apart or weld you together — and what it looks like to choose “us vs. the problem” when you’re both running on fumes. If you’ve ever wondered how couples stay close between night feeds and nap schedules, this episode is basically a love letter to teamwork (with plenty of humor).

And yes, we get into the real pregnancy stuff — the nausea that won’t quit, the fatigue that makes your bones feel heavy, hormonal surprises like rashes and acne, and the old wives’ tales that are weirdly accurate… until they’re not. Sami also tells the most iconic gender reveal story (it involves sumo suits), plus we talk intuition vs. tracking apps and how postpartum can change what you trust most.

We also get super practical for anyone navigating close-in-age siblings: strollers, car seats, third-row cars, travel/airport logistics, and little ways to include your toddler so jealousy turns into belonging.

And of course, body image gets honest. The unglamorous first trimester, carb-only survival days, jeans that won’t button, and the shift from body perfection to body neutrality. We share simple ways to rebuild strength postpartum — breath work, deep core + pelvic floor basics, and finding trainers/programs that actually understand postpartum bodies.

If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, a seasoned mom in the chaos, or just trying to feel more normal in this season — this one’s for you.

MORE FROM SAMI BROOKS:

Follow her on Instagram HERE

Follow her on TikTok HERE

Subscribe to her Youtube HERE

If you loved it, follow the show, send it to a mom friend, and leave a quick review so more women can find us. 🤍

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

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The news is finally out, we’re having a baby girl & we are on cloud9! In this episode, I share the backstory behind our donut-box gender reveal and how an unexpected ultrasound slip changed our plan to wait until birth. Sometimes it’s the most simple, unplanned moments that bring the most joy, excitement & forever memories to our lives. 

• why we nixed our plan to wait to find out the gender until birth 
• how Scotty chose a simple, kid-centered reveal at home to surprise me
• Aspen’s strong intuition and big-sister energy
• preparing Bash for change and easing separation anxiety
• managing high-risk care and frequent ultrasounds
• my pros and cons list of when to find out the gender 
• telling our families and the Mexico golf reveal plan for my parents
 

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Ep. 5 

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Happy Holidays ladies!! I thought it would be fun to ring in the pre-holiday cheer by talking all things "traditions"- ones our family did when I was young, ones I've done since having kids & new traditions I'm starting this year to hopefully last decades to come.

I talk about starting small and staying flexible—my goal of picking three to five traditions that travel well through busy seasons- because we do NOT need to try to do it all (us moms are superheroes regardless). I've learned it's the simple, repeatable traditions that build real connection without the stress spiral.

I also felt it was necessary to touch on holiday anxiety. As joyous as this time of year can be, it can also be shared with sadness, loneliness, & loss. So if this year doesn't feel as you were hoping- I'm sending you a big hug through this episode. 

More On What I Cover:

• reflecting on childhood traditions and identity
• naming anxiety and loneliness during the holidays
• replacing pressure with presence and intention
• yearly ornament ritual and tree decorating night
• mini-tree hack for kids and core memory moments
• matching pajamas, signature breakfast, baking night
• sponsoring a family and blending cultural recipes
• light walks, markets, donations, and gratitude circles
• choosing three to five traditions and staying flexible

If you're still looking for last-minute holiday gift ideas, HERE is a link to my gift guides to help you find something for your friends, family, partner, kids, or yourself! 

If this resonated, I'd be so grateful for you subscribing to The Milk, leaving a simple review, or passing the podcast along to a friend. 

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke
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My inbox and dm's are ALWAYS open for any questions or support. I love hearing from you xx Tayla

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke
TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

Ladies, this week I'm dropping TWO mini episodes diving into my first trimester, week by week- pfew I'm so glad those days are now just a distant memory. 

The earliest weeks can feel like a secret storm, so I'm opening my personal diary to show the weather. From the moment the test turned positive at four weeks, the symptoms arrived FAST—nausea out of nowhere, insomnia that almost nothing could solve, and a burst of anxiety fueled by dreams of twins (?!) I recall each week with honesty and humor, using those fruit-size milestones for grounding while sharing the small hacks that kept me moving minute by minute.

Nausea kicked in on schedule at week six as we flew to Europe, then stacked with boat motion and jet lag. Hormonal bloat challenged body image, so we reframed: you’ve been here, it peaks and passes. Gentle movement, sun on the face, and getting dressed turned out to be medicine. I also walk through the medical backstory—shortening cervix, one past cerclage, and why I started progesterone early this time. The update is good: solid cervical length, less fear, more data. Mood swings showed up too, including a short burst of pregnancy rage, the kind you laugh about later but are terrified of in the moment...

Food aversions collided with relentless hunger in week seven, making crackers and chips an essential survival mechanism. By week eight, coffee turned into a hard no just as exhaustion peaked, forcing a return to basics: protein, hydration, pacing, and permission to rest (A LOT). The payoff arrived in a dark ultrasound room when we heard the heartbeat and watched a raspberry-sized baby wiggle like a jelly bean. That sound recentered everything, turning symptoms into signs of progress and replacing dread with gratitude.

We’re keeping this mini-series focused—weeks 4-8 now, with weeks 9-13 coming Thursday!—so you can follow the real changes without the fluff. If you’re navigating early pregnancy or supporting someone who is, you’ll find practical tips, candid stories, and the reassurance that even the wildest weeks won’t last forever. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and drop your questions so I can weave them into the next chapter.

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke
TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

Ep. 1: They say "never say never," but I really meant it when I said I was done at two kids. In the very first episode of The Milk, I’m spilling the biggest secret I’ve been keeping: I’m pregnant with Baby #3!

Join me as I take you through the absolute chaos of the last few months. We are talking about a vasectomy appointment that was canceled due to a "system error" (you literally cannot make this up), why I thought my pregnancy symptoms were a reaction to margarita mix, and the genuine shock of seeing that positive pregnancy test after finally getting our lives back in order.

I also get real about the fear of postpartum depression, the guilt of adding another seat to the table, and how we went from "absolutely not" to "one more." If you’re a mom in the thick of it, debating another baby, or just here for the tea - let’s get into it.

In this episode, we cover:

• The "Heat Rash" that turned out to be a baby.
• The story of Scotty’s vasectomy that almost happened.
• Navigating the transition from 2 kids to 3.
• Dealing with previous postpartum depression and the fear of starting over.
• How we told our family (and the "Don't Kill Mommy and Daddy" sign).

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Welcome to The Milk: Spilling the tea on motherhood.

01:50 – The Disclaimer: Why I swore I was done having kids.

04:30 – The Vasectomy Story: The hospital gown, the jockstrap, and the "System Error."

08:15 – The "Itch": When the cloud lifted and life got easier.

12:10 – The Symptoms: Margaritas, heat rash, or pregnancy?

14:30 – The Test: Verbal diarrhea and total shock.

18:00 – Telling the Husband: "Momma has a baby in her belly."

23:15 – The Europe Trip: Traveling with morning sickness and secrets.

26:00 – Telling the Family: The "Don't Kill Us" sign.

30:00 – Q&A: Are we done-done?

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke
TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke

Welcome to The Milk — the podcast that pours it all out. Hosted by Tayla Burke, mom of (almost) three, The Milk is your new go-to space for the messy, magical, and mildly unhinged moments of motherhood and womanhood.

This trailer gives you a taste of what to expect: real talk, honest stories, zero judgment, and a reminder that none of us really know what we're doing - and that’s kind of the best part.

If you’re a mom looking for:
 • relatable motherhood stories
 • raw conversations
 • postpartum truth
 • pregnancy journeys
 • parenting humor
 • mental load survival
 • community, comfort, and connection

…you’ve found your new home.

Subscribe now for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

Follow for more:
IG: @TaylaBurke @TheMilkPodcast_
YouTube: @TheMilkPod
TikTok: @TheMilkPod @Tayla_Burke

Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke
TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke