Melinated pregnant mama in a red gown out in nature. Photograph by Orange County birth photographer Alaina Nunez

La Mirada Certified Perinatal Nutrition Expert 

Nutrition has become an important aspect and focus in my life. It started in high school when I realized that my body did not do well with bovine protein and then again when my son would have coughing asthma flare ups. I would feed him carrots and cuties to assist his body in recovery and it worked!

One big lifestyle change was when I chose to do the Whole 30 before becoming pregnant with our 6th child. This required that I stop consuming bread (a huge food group in my life) and dairy (cheese was one of my main proteins!) as well as cane sugar. You know what I discovered? That my brain fog went away, my feet didn’t hurt in the morning when I woke up, my stomach wasn’t bloated, and my daily headaches went away (that was from the cane sugar). I do not eat strict paleo, I eat what I know my body needs and try to avoid the things I know my body doesn’t do well with.

I do not believe strict diet plans should be a long term lifestyle but they can be used as a tool in finding triggers and nutritional gaps. I also believe it is not healthy to obsess over food, whether it’s “good” or “bad”. The Lord provided all the nutrients our bodies, our babies, and our families need. We just need to be observant and aware of what He has placed before us, to intentionally nourish ourselves and our families well.

Trying to do the best with what we have and what we’re given. No shame, no guilt, just the next best thing.

Balance is key and looking at food through the lens of nourishment while keeping things doable and simple are my goals for you.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19

THe Nourished Mama Gathering

  • Expecting mamas who know that they would like to prepare wholesome nourishing meals to help during their recovery after birth, but the thought of all the prep is overwhelming to them. When you have free time, working in the kitchen doesn’t sound appealing.

    Prep days typically take place between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. Advanced booking required.

  • You will work with Alaina who will assist in creating a personalized menu of meals for your postpartum recovery.

    We will set a date and time for your Meal Prep Party (sometime between 32-36 weeks typically) and send out an invite to your friends and family.

    It’s always more fun to cook with those you love and those that love you right back.

    Gather your friends and let’s get that postpartum meal prep done!

  • Your home is the perfect place, the meals can go right into your freezer when we’re done!

  • Alaina lives an on-call life as a birth worker so there will be a limited number of parties scheduled each month. What does that mean? Try to plan ahead but reach out when in doubt.

    We try to schedule your prep time for when you’re between 32-36 weeks pregnant.

  • Friends and family are always willing to bring your family a meal after you’ve had your baby, but a lot of times it’s hard on mamas digestive system (pizza or fast food have a place, just not immediate postpartum on the regular).

    I’m sure they would much rather help you prepare hearty nourishing meals (and snacks!) that you can heat up whenever you need and want.

    Our bodies get depleted due to growing a baby and then giving birth and now breastfeeding. We want to ensure you are well nourished so that you can thrive in your recovery and baby can get the most nutrient dense breast milk possible.

    And for those who can’t make it to your meal prep party, they are still able to contribute towards your nourishing meals.

  • There are Three Tiers to fit your individual needs

    Each includes:

    Personalized assessment, tangible goals, meal planning and recipes

    Then choose either the Intimate, Personal, or It’s a Party package.

    Packages start at $450

  • If you have a lot of items on hand already or prefer to do your own shopping, this is a nice package for you.

    Included:

    Personalized assessment, tangible goals, meal planning and recipes

    Alaina will come and help prepare all of the meals and snacks.

    Maybe your mom or sister want to join but if not, we’ll still get it done.

    Many hands make light work!

  • If you’re just too busy or shopping is not your thing, Alaina will take care of that for you!

    You give her a budget (we can even discuss how family and friends can contribute toward your meals).

    Included:

    Personalized assessment, tangible goals, meal planning and recipes

    Just like in the intimate package, Alaina will come over and help prepare all your meals, snacks and sweets so your freezer is stocked and ready to go.

    Feel free to invite your husband, mom or best friend to help!

  • Includes:

    Personalized assessment, tangible goals, meal planning and recipes

    All the shopping done for you.

    Grocery expenses taken care of (your friends and family will contribute $ when they RSVP).

    Alaina bringing everything to prepare food at your home and walk everyone through each step as we go.

    • A great time with those you love and who love you right back.

    • Snacks and Drinks to enjoy during the Meal Prep Party.

    • A freezer stocked with breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack items.

    A mama with a full freezer and a filled up love tank.

Creating Personalized Meal Plans for Mama’s and Baby’s Individual Needs

These meal plans are great throughout the different stages of pregnancy as well as preconception and postpartum. Alaina takes into consideration what your body and baby need during specific developmental growth periods while pregnant as well as nutrients during breastfeeding.

The Heart Behind The Nourished Mama Gathering

The Heart Behind The Nourished Mama Gathering ✳

Alaina Nunez, photographer, doula and educator

Alaina Nunez
Professional Photographer , Doula, Mentor & Certified Perinatal Nutrition Expert

I am a big proponent of sharing the knowledge and wisdom that I am given. What is the point of hording our gifts, right? It is so much better to be able to share them and see how they bless others.

The Nourished Mama Gathering is something that I believe will fill some of the gaps in maternal care of moms and their babies and ultimately change the outlook of the family culture in our homes.

Preparing food for my family is something that blesses me, and I love to experiment in the kitchen and learn new techniques and tips. I have my kids, even when they’re little, right alongside me, mixing, cracking, peeling, chopping, rolling and most importantly taste testing, while we’re experimenting in the kitchen together. I love hearing their opinions as their palates become more sensitive to various tastes and textures.

Good for you foods should taste good too!

The goal of The Nourished Mama Gathering is multifaceted. It will help the expecting mama plan meals for herself and her family that her body will need with all the nutrients vital for recovery and breastmilk production. It will get the “to-do” of meal prepping checked off her list. And it will also give family and friends an opportunity to gather and bless mama.

Meal trains are great, but a blessed, productive gathering with some of your favorite people, is a lot more fulfilling and fun!