Supporting the Hidden Mental Load in Birth and Postpartum with Nina Spears

In this episode of the Sacred Window Podcast, Christine Eck welcomes Nina Spears, a longtime birth and postpartum doula, educator, author of *The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy*, and founder and CEO of Baby Chick. Together, they explore the hidden mental load that can begin long before a baby arrives and how families can prepare for birth and postpartum with more support, connection, and shared responsibility. Even when expecting parents read the books, take the classes, make the checklists, and do everything they can to prepare, the transition into parenthood can still bring overwhelm, uncertainty, and a profound shift in identity. Christine and Nina reflect on the pressure to stay productive, the practice of slowing down and becoming present, and the importance of listening to what the body, baby, and family truly need in each moment. They also explore why support is often what families wish they had prioritized most. From building a village before it is needed to identifying trusted resources, connecting with other parents, and allowing ourselves to receive care, this conversation is a reminder that parenthood was never meant to be navigated alone. A central part of this conversation is the invisible mental load that many mothers begin carrying during pregnancy. Nina shares how the responsibility of researching providers, planning for birth, preparing the home, arranging childcare, and managing countless decisions can quietly become overwhelming. She offers a powerful invitation to bring partners into the process from the beginning, share responsibilities according to individual strengths, and move away from one person carrying the role of manager for the entire family. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about preparation, surrender, partnership, and the healing power of being supported. Because while we cannot control exactly how birth or postpartum will unfold, we can gather knowledge, create our support systems, and remember that we do not have to walk through this journey blind or alone. **Bio:** **Nina Spears**, also known as “The Baby Chick," is a certified baby planner, birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, newborn care educator, infant massage instructor, perinatal nutrition expert, and the Founder & CEO of Baby Chick®, a trusted digital media resource that has supported millions of expecting and new parents worldwide. For more than 15 years, she has helped over 800 families in person and thousands virtually prepare for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenthood, and has attended more than 350 births. Nina is also the host of Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast and the author of *The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy*. Her mission is to help parents feel informed, supported, and empowered as they navigate one of life's greatest transformations. Links: Baby Chick: Trusted Pregnancy Tips, Birth & Parenting Support Positive Pregnancy Book [nina@baby-chick.com](mailto:nina@baby-chick.com) \- Begin your own journey into nourishment and postpartum wisdom: https://sacredwindowstudies.com/free-cookbook/ \- **Are you feeling the call to know more about Conscious Postpartum Care?** Reach out! ⁠Schedule a time with Christine⁠ to find out how this work can transform your care business or provide a meaningful career path. Here is the ⁠link⁠ to our free class @‌sacredwindowstudies Join our ⁠Facebook Group⁠ Podcast Music is Composed by Sara Emmitt, graduate of the Center for Sacred Window Studies. You can hear more of Sara’s incredible music at www.saraemmitt.com.