The foods we eat are the literal building blocks of our expectant babies.
Why isn’t more attention paid to it?
I started Flora & Fauna because every woman navigating preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, or her baby's first 1,000 days deserves to understand how profoundly her gut health shapes that journey — and have a clear, personalized plan to support it.
My approach is rooted in science but built for real life. I translate complex microbiome research into practical guidance that fits seamlessly into your life — not a textbook version of it. I believe there's a unique wisdom within each of us, and together we'll uncover yours.
Hi!— I’m Allison. I'm a microbiologist-turned-nutrition coach with nearly a decade of research experience — and a mom who saw a huge gap in my own prenatal care.
When I got pregnant with my first child, I was SHOCKED by the lack of nutrition information given to expectant parents.
And from there Flora & Fauna was born.
Before becoming a nutrition coach, I completed my M.S. in Microbiology and spent 10+ years as a research scientist — 6 of them as Lead R&D Microbiologist and developer for a major probiotics brand, working closely with research on products designed to protect the most vulnerable gut microbiomes, including premature infants.
Immersing myself in that science — understanding just how early and how profoundly the microbiome shapes human health — changed the way I saw everything.
I learned how fundamental the food we eat is for our microbiome and overall health—including immunity, skin, mood and hormone balance.
And then I got pregnant. And I was shocked.
Despite everything I knew, I couldn't find real, evidence-based nutrition guidance in my routine prenatal care. The connection between gut health, what we eat, and the health of a developing baby was barely mentioned.
I knew how much it mattered. And I knew most mothers had no idea.
If you've ever felt like your prenatal care left you with more questions than answers — you're in the right place.
That is where Flora & Fauna comes in.
A decade of microbiome research. Six years developing probiotics at the leading edge of gut health science. Certification in pregnancy, postpartum, and baby nutrition. And the lived experience of navigating pregnancy without the guidance I needed.
Science-backed. Mom-tested. Built for this season of life.
The Flora & Fauna Approach
Whether you are just looking to ensure adequate nutrition to support your growing belly or are navigating a pregnancy- or postpartum-related condition, a whole-foods approach is your best tool to nourish your body, your baby and your gut microbiome.
My personalized approach centers on full-spectrum whole foods, supporting your gut and digestive health, as well as balancing blood sugar to support optimal pregnancy, postpartum and baby health
Mother earth has provided an excellent starting point to finding deep nourishment during pregnancy and postpartum. My whole-foods approach utilizes this goodness from nature to provide all the critical nutrients you and your baby need.
But it also incorporates the latest evidence-backed insights to make sure we’re doing everything to ensure proper development and thriving for both you and your baby.
A modern & ancestral approach
For optimal preconception and prenatal wellness, my whole foods philosophy is that both plant and high-quality animal foods play a key role. There are nutrients that are critical for both mother and the developing baby found in their most bioavailable forms in animal foods. I also understand there are many reasons one chooses to be plant-based, and I can absolutely help you to achieve your pregnancy nutrition goals whatever your dietary preferences are.
And obviously we’re going going to be focusing on the other flora—your gut flora. My approach focuses on balancing the microbiome and helping strengthen the gut lining as a way to support whole body wellness.
Flora and Fauna for optimal health
Balance is a key foundation of my approach, from both a physical and emotional standpoint.
The importance of balanced blood sugar cannot be emphasized enough, and I will help you to employ strategies to maintain better control of it. Whether you are navigating a diagnosis of gestational diabetes or just want to optimize blood sugar for ideal hormonal functioning, I will provide the support you need to help you find your balance.
Beyond physical balance, I will champion you to find balance in your everyday life, including when it comes to implementing the recommendations provided in our consultations. As Oscar Wilde wisely said "everything in moderation, including moderation"
Living a life of balance
This is not a quick fix/lose weight fast/magic bullet type of scheme here. This will take commitment and making impactful changes on your end, but I will support you every step of the way. And with that effort, you will feel the benefits of those changes.
I want you to know upfront…
Not sure where to start?
Take the free 2-minute gut health quiz to find out where you stand and get personalized resources for your stage of the journey.
FAQs
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Absolutely. Even if you are having a so-called "easy" pregnancy, your nutrient status during pregnancy affects your baby's health and your post-partum recovery. Many women think being so depleted post-partum is just par for the course, but it doesn't have to be that way. Starting to prioritize your diet and lifestyle in pregnancy with a pregnancy nutrition coach will do wonders to help support your optimal postpartum recovery.
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Think of a nutrition coach as your advocate, teacher and cheerleader for every step of your nutrition journey, whatever stage you may be in.
I think we all have learned things that we know would be beneficial to implement, but the HOW can be the most elusive part. That is where I come in.
From the discovery phase to figure out where your body may be needing a bit more support, what nutrients you may be limited in, to implementing lifestyle changes and even providing simple and delicious recipes to help you carry out your nutrition plans with ease—and everything in between—I will be by your side with 1:1 support.
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100%. While I am specifically certified for pregnancy and babies, I specialize in nutrition for gut health, which majorly impact everyone's well-being. So if you are from 6 months through 60 years, I can help support you on your nutrition journey.
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Not always! Imbalances can fly under the radar, showing up as fatigue, brain fog, sugar cravings, or even irritability.
Your digestion being out of whack is a huge sign your gut needs some love, but your gut is a powerhouse!
Beyond digestion, it plays a huge role in immunity (have you heard 80% of your immune system resides in your gut?), mood, hormone balance, and even skin health.
A happy gut = a healthier you, inside and out.
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Of course! I specialize in nutrition for fertility, where the male partner’s input is such an important factor! Beyond fertility, I can help men with improving gut health and any general nutrition concerns.
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I hold a B.S. and M.S. in Cell Biology with an emphasis in Microbiology, 10+ years as a research scientist including 6 years in the probiotics and gut health industry serving as R&D Lead for a major probiotics brand, and am certified in pregnancy, postpartum and baby nutrition through Oh Baby School of Holistic Nutrition.
NPI (No. 1417732793)
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Absolutely! I am able to provide nutrition coaching support all over the world, so as long as we can find a match in our timezones, I will be able to help you.
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Yes, I am available for in home visits in the North Carolina Triangle region (Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Cary, Morrisville). Please connect with me at support@florafaunanutrition.com
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Because I am a nutrition coach, I do not provide medical nutrition therapy, and am not able to offer my services through insurance. I know that can be a bigger initial investment, but putting in the time and money with nutrition coaching now will pay dividends down the road in better health and well-being for you and your family's future.
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***Update: I have started an Instagram account, so please follow along @florafaunanutrition for tons of helpful content and to reach out to me directly via DM.
As of now, I am not on social media (I swear I am a real person, though!) The best way to keep in touch with me is to subscribe to my newsletter and keep up with the blog. I also have gathered a plethora of helpful content on Pinterest. It's possible I will venture onto social media in the near future, so be on the lookout for Flora & Fauna Nutrition!