54: You Are Not Broken — Nourishing Your Body Through Life's Transitions with Courtney Smith

This episode is for the woman who looks like she's holding it all together — but feels very tired in her bones. Diane is joined by Courtney Smith, registered dietitian, exercise specialist, certified lactation counselor, and founder of Maternally Nourished. Courtney supports high-achieving women through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, burnout, menopause, and major life transitions using nutrition, functional movement, nervous system regulation, and sustainable care. This conversation isn't about fixing yourself. It's about remembering how to resource yourself. Courtney brings both the clinical expertise of a double master's-educated, board-certified dietitian and the lived experience of a woman who has navigated grief, identity, and the pressure to do it all. Together, Diane and Courtney explore what the body is really communicating when it starts to break down — and what it looks like to actually listen. In This Episode, We Explore How chronic stress silently impacts fertility, digestion, blood sugar, and metabolism — and why high-functioning women are often the last to recognize it Nourishing yourself through postpartum: what your body actually needs, how to prepare your village before baby arrives, and why cutting calories while breastfeeding works against you Functional movement across life stages — from postpartum reconnection to strength training in midlife and why muscle is one of the most powerful tools women have The long shadow of diet culture: releasing the moral value attached to food and healing the relationship between stress, identity, and eating What to do first when you feel completely depleted — and three small, realistic shifts you can start tomorrow Courtney's Three Shifts to Start Tomorrow Walk more — even 10 minutes at lunch, even in your hallway. It's free, underrated, and supports your lymphatic system and nervous system alike. Cook one meal at home — it doesn't have to be complicated. A quesadilla counts. A crock pot dump counts. An act of feeding yourself is an act of self-love. Journal — pen to paper, notes app, one line, one hour, whatever you have. Try the Rose/Bud/Thorn method: one thing that went well, one area of growth coming, one thing that didn't go as hoped. Reflection for Listeners Where in your body are you feeling the cost of not slowing down — and what is one small thing you could do today to begin listening? Resources & Links Connect with Courtney Smith: Instagram: @MaternallyNourished TikTok: Maternally Nourished Website: MaternallyNourished.com Free 30-Minute Discovery Call: Available through her website Announcing Rebirth Conversations This spring, Diane is launching Rebirth Conversations — small, intimate gatherings for women navigating identity shifts and life transitions. The first event is April 2nd in the East Valley, with space for only 15–20 women. Learn more: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/rebirthconversations