Episode 59 - Why Your Gut Health Matters Before, During, and After Pregnancy with Dr. Kelsey Stang

The Inner Rhythms Podcast

🐚Topics covered

• Dr. Kelsey's journey from studying the history of motherhood to becoming a naturopathic doctor
• Her personal experience with SIBO, hormone imbalances, and how addressing gut health transformed her cycles
• What the microbiome is and why we need bacteria to survive and thrive
• The role of the microbiome in preconception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
• How gut health impacts nutrient absorption, immune function, and fertility
• The connection between maternal microbiome and preventing childhood conditions like asthma and allergies
• How babies get inoculated with beneficial bacteria during vaginal birth
• The importance of oral health and gum disease in pregnancy outcomes
• Signs that your microbiome may need attention (beyond just digestive symptoms)
• Practical, accessible recommendations for supporting microbiome health

About Dr. Kelsey Stang

Dr. Kelsey Stang is a licensed naturopathic doctor specializing in women's health, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum support. After studying history and ethnic studies in her undergrad, she was inspired by a class on the history of motherhood to pursue naturopathic medicine. Her journey with SIBO, hormone imbalances, and the discovery of the connection between gut health and overall wellness led her to focus professionally on the microbiome's role in reproductive health. Dr. Kelsey believes in finding the root causes of disease and supporting the body's natural healing processes, particularly through optimizing gut health for hormone balance and fertility.

Where to find Dr. Kelsey

Instagram: @drkelseystang

Website: www.drkelseystang.com

Program: Fertile Future (6-week or 12-week individualized fertility optimization program)

About the Host

I’m Iris Josephina—functional hormone specialist, orthomolecular hormone coach, and entrepreneur. Through Cycle Seeds and The Inner Rhythms Podcast, I support people in reconnecting with their cyclical nature, deepening body literacy, and reclaiming hormonal harmony from a place of sovereignty and embodied knowledge. Most people know me from Instagram, where I share stories, tools, and inspiration on cyclical living, menstrual cycles, fertility, hormones and more.

Let’s stay connected:

📸 Instagram: @cycleseeds

📧 Join my newsletter: https://www.cycleseeds.com/

💻 Visit the Cycle Seeds website: https://www.cycleseeds.com/

📝 Check out the blog: https://www.cycleseeds.com/blog

🎓 Holistic Hormone & Cycle Coaching Certification Training: https://www.cycleseeds.com/hhcc-training-2025-selfstudy-vip

📚Join my courses: https://www.cycleseeds.com/courses-masterclasses

📊 Chart Your Cycle Masterclass: https://cycleseeds.plugandpay.nl/checkout/chart-your-cycle-97

Chapters

1. Signs that your microbiome may need attention (00:00:00)

2. Dr. Kelsey introduces herself and her background in naturopathic medicine (00:01:05)

3. How studying the history of motherhood changed her life direction (00:02:11)

4. Dr. Kelsey's personal health journey with birth control and mysterious symptoms (00:04:09)

5. Discovering SIBO and the root causes behind her hormone imbalances (00:05:08)

6. How optimal preconception health impacts pregnancy and postpartum (00:06:25)

7. Connection to Iris's background in medical anthropology and birth work (00:07:43)

8. What sparked Dr. Kelsey's professional interest in the microbiome (00:09:39)

9. Explaining what the microbiome actually is and why we need bacteria (00:11:08)

10. The microbiome's role during preconception phase (00:13:42)

11. How maternal microbiome affects fetal development and pregnancy complications (00:16:14)

12. How babies get inoculated with beneficial bacteria during vaginal birth (00:17:24)

13. Microbiome changes and challenges during postpartum (00:19:30)

14. The importance of oral health and gum disease in pregnancy outcomes (00:22:27)

15. Practical recommendations for supporting microbiome health (00:28:17)

16. Final wisdom about nurturing your body during preconception (00:32:13)

17. Where to find Dr. Kelsey and her Fertile Future program (00:33:27)