Social media has changed pregnancy in a big way. Between picture-perfect bumps, “effortless” births and endless advice, it’s easy to feel like you’re not measuring up. But it’s also made space for more honest and authentic conversations—the parts of pregnancy that aren’t camera-ready.
In this episode, we talk with journalist Fortesa Latifi, author of Like, Follow, Subscribe, and Ayla Woodruff, an influencer and mom with millions of followers, about the realities of sharing your pregnancy and motherhood online, from deciding what to share to curating your feed to protect your mental health.
Birth with Babylist brings together trusted experts and parents who’ve lived it to break down what happens before, during, and after birth—without fear-mongering or shaming. Hosted by journalist, author and mom of three Jo Piazza. Follow so you never miss an episode.
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What You'll Learn
Why it’s important to keep in mind that the “flawless” mom influencer is actually just a carefully curated brand, and that there’s always a lot more reality happening behind the scenes.
Protecting your algorithm (and mental health)
Why constant exposure to picture-perfect pregnancies can lead to feelings of shame or inadequacy, and how to curate your feed to protect your mental health and find more honest experiences.
If you’re posting about your pregnancy journey on social media, internet strangers can often feel entitled to make judgements or unsolicited comments. But you can still protect your peace by choosing what to engage with (and what not to).
Deciding what to share online (and what not to share)
How to navigate your family's digital footprint, and why the "creepy Starbucks stranger" test may be the ultimate guideline for what feels okay to post.
Handling unrealistic standards of pregnancy & birth
It's totally normal to not feel like you had the “perfect” pregnancy or birth experience—and now social media is finally making room for more honest and authentic birth stories.
Featured Guests
Fortesa Latifi is a journalist known for her reporting on family vloggers, mom influencers and the effects of children’s lives being shared on social media. You can find her writing in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan and in her book Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online. Follow her on Instagram (@hifortesa), TikTok (@hifortesa) and X/Twitter (@hifortesa).
Ayla Woodruff is a mom and lifestyle influencer focusing on family, fashion, and home content. You can keep up with her second pregnancy journey on Instagram (@ayla_woodruff), TikTok (@aylawoodruff_) and YouTube (@AylaWoodruff).
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