THE MILK

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 24 Breastfeeding: WTF Is Normal? With Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Shelly Jacobs Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

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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Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke
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Ep. 23 My Dream VBAC Birth Story + Life As A Fam of 5! Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

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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YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke
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Ep. 22 Acupuncture For Fertility, Pregnancy, Labor Prep & Postpartum With Dr. Christine San Miquel Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

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

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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YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

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Ep. 21 Final Pregnancy Q&A: VBAC, Labor Prep, Sibling Transition, & Postpartum Plans Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

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.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

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

Ep. 20 Dr. Paul Nassif- Postpartum Skincare Secrets & Hot Takes On Beauty Trends Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

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.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

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

Ep. 19 Shayna Babb: How To Act Fast In A Child Choking or CPR Emergency Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

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.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

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

Ep. 18 Free Couples Therapy: Relationship Questions, Answered by Licensed Psychologist Dr. Bahaur Amini (Part 2) Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

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.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke
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Ep. 17 Why Good Relationships Struggle After Kids with Licensed Psychologist Dr. Bahaur Amini (Pt. 1) Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

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.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

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

Ep. 16 Hypnobirthing For A Calm, Confident Labor with Nicolle Kasch Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

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.

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. 15 Sami Spalter: Your Weight Is NOT Your Worth: Choosing Identity Over Aesthetics in Pregnancy & Beyond Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

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.

Follow & Subscribe For More:
YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast

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

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