#287: Rethinking Prenatal and Postpartum Nutrition with Lily Nichols, RDN

Prenatal and postpartum nutrition is a topic every mama deserves clarity on—and in this episode, we bring back the incredible Lily Nichols to break it down with research-backed wisdom and compassion. Lily is a registered dietitian, diabetes educator, and author of the best-selling books Real Food for Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. Together, we cover the often-overlooked importance of protein, the truth about blood sugar during pregnancy, and why the conventional glucose tolerance test might not be the best fit for everyone. We also dive into the nuances of weight gain in pregnancy and the push for plant-based eating—and what expecting moms should really know. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or planning for baby, this episode is full of insights to help you feel more confident and nourished every step of the way. Topics Covered in This Episode Updated protein recommendations for pregnancy and why most women fall short Common glucose challenges and the benefits of CGMs during pregnancy Why postpartum protein needs may be even higher than in pregnancy Rethinking weight gain guidelines and how to assess it with compassion The pros and cons of plant-based diets during the perinatal season Show Notes: Sign Up for Lily's Webinar: Weight Gain in Preg Sign up for Nutritional Approaches to Metabolic and Reproductive Dysfunction in PCOS (Part 1): An Evidence-Based Analysis Webinar Check out this Continuous Glucose Monitor to see your body's reaction to food and exercise! Protein Recommendations blog Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood. Listen to today’s episode on our website Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based prenatal nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and critical of outdated dietary guidelines. She is co-founder of the Women's Health Nutrition Academy and the author of two books, Real Food for Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. Lily’s bestselling books have helped tens of thousands of mamas (and babies!), are used in university-level maternal nutrition and midwifery courses, and have even influenced prenatal nutrition policy internationally. She writes at https://lilynicholsrdn.com This Episode’s Sponsors  Enjoy the health benefits of PaleoValley’s products such as their supplements, superfood bars and meat sticks.  Receive 15% off your purchase by using code DOCTORMOM at checkout or head to paleovalley.com/doctormom  Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women’s health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM100 for $100 off your first 3 months of Needed’s Complete Plan! Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order. INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.