What does it actually mean to have a positive pregnancy experience, especially when we know that birth and postpartum don't always go according to plan? In this episode, Kayleigh sits down with Nina Spears, birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and author of Positive Pregnancy, to talk about preparing for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and everything in between. Nina shares her unexpected journey into birth work, explains the difference between a baby planner and a doula, and discusses why preparation isn't about guaranteeing a certain birth outcome, it's about giving you the knowledge, tools, and support to navigate whatever happens. They also explore the invisible load of pregnancy, the importance of preparing partners to share that load, and how Nina's book can support those preparing for a subsequent pregnancy after a traumatic birth. 💛 In this episode, we talk about: 🌱 Nina's unexpected journey from working in sales to becoming a baby planner, birth doula, postpartum doula, and childbirth educator 👶 What a baby planner is and how that role differs from a birth or postpartum doula 🤝 How baby planners can help families navigate everything from choosing classes and providers to preparing relationships, homes, and support systems 📚 Why Nina wrote Positive Pregnancy as an accessible roadmap for pregnancy that families can use week by week 🧠 The invisible load of pregnancy and why partners need to take ownership before the baby arrives ❤️ Why preparing for birth doesn't mean you can prevent complications or guarantee a particular outcome ⛰️ Nina's powerful analogy of birth as climbing a mountain—you can prepare, bring the right gear, and hire a guide, but you can't control the weather ✨ Why there is no single "right" way to give birth and why what feels empowering and supportive will look different for every family 💬 The difference between being informed and trying to control your birth experience 🫶 How preparation can help you understand what's happening, participate in decisions, communicate with your care team, and advocate for yourself 💔 Why a difficult or unexpected birth outcome isn't automatically traumatic—and why how an experience happens and how you feel throughout it matters 🌸 How Nina's book can support people who are considering another pregnancy after a traumatic birth and want to approach their next experience differently 📖 Why Positive Pregnancy isn't about everything going perfectly, but about feeling informed, supported, respected, and heard 🧘♀️ Nina's holistic approach to pregnancy preparation, including mindset, movement, nutrition, relationships, emotional processing, and self-care 🏡 Why building your village before you need it can be such an important part of preparing for pregnancy and postpartum 💛 And the two things Nina believes every pregnant person needs most: education and support Check out Nina's book The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy. You can find and follow Nina through her website HERE or message with her on her Instagram. For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama. Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services. Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.