Belly to Baby Podcast

Pregnancy and childbirth can change your body in ways you may not expect, but you don’t have to navigate those changes alone. In this episode of the Belly to Baby Podcast, I’m joined by Kelsey Fuller, pelvic floor physical therapist, for an honest and practical conversation about the pelvic floor during pregnancy and postpartum. We’re talking about what every first-time mom should know about pelvic floor health, including common changes during pregnancy, preparing your body for birth, what’s normal after delivery, and when symptoms are a sign that you should reach out for help. Kelsey and I also discuss topics many women are afraid or embarrassed to ask about—from leaking and pelvic pressure to pain, recovery after birth, and getting your body the support it deserves. Whether you're pregnant, preparing for birth, or already in the postpartum period, this episode will help you feel more informed, empowered, and confident in understanding your body. ✨ You don't have to just "push through" pregnancy and postpartum. You deserve support, education, and a team in your corner. Want personalized support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and your first year postpartum? Visit Belly to Baby Coaching to learn more about nurse coaching, education, and personalized support designed specifically for moms navigating the journey from belly to baby. Educate. Embrace. Empower.

TRIGGER WARNING: If you have experienced pregnancy loss or are a loss mom, please check in with yourself to see if you are ready for this episode. While we don't dive into a particular loss story, we do talk about pregnancy loss and the needs surrounding women who have experienced these incredibly intimate and difficult times. The conversation covers the work of Gathering Hope, support for lost moms, and advocacy for women's healthcare. It also delves into the importance of community and understanding pregnancy and infant loss. The conversation explores the diverse ways in which grief can manifest after birth, the importance of community and support for mothers who have experienced loss, and the impact of vulnerability and shared experiences in healing and empowerment. Takeaways Support for lost moms Advocacy for women's healthcare Importance of community and understanding pregnancy and infant loss Grief after birth can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a need for control. Community and support play a crucial role in helping mothers process their grief and find healing and empowerment. Vulnerability and shared experiences create a safe space for mothers to honor their babies and find connection and understanding. Chapters 02:22 The Work of Gathering Hope 03:27 Support for Lost Moms 20:52 Advocacy for Women's Healthcare 27:30 Importance of Community and Understanding Pregnancy and Infant Loss 29:34 Diverse Manifestations of Grief 30:41 The Power of Community and Support 37:22 Empowerment through Vulnerability and Shared Experiences If you want to reach out directly to Peyton and Carol you can find contact info on Gathering Hope website as well as information about events and how to become part of their community. If you want more personalized pregnancy support please raech out to me at Belly to Baby Coaching and I wll set up a FREE consultation to chat with you. Can't wait to hear from you!

Today we chat about heart health in pregnancy. February is heart health awareness month so it's important to look at the fact that cardiac disease or events impact so many pregnancies. Look, I'm not here to scare you, I am providing you information to empower you and encourage you to know your body. We will chat about the basics including symptoms and risk factors. Pay attention when your body is trying to tell you something. Know that cardiac disease more often than not goes undiagnosed. So woman like yourselves have studied it and also created support groups to lift up those that are impacted. Below is the article citation that I discuss as well as a few support groups for women. Please like us and follow us on FB and Instagram. Take a second to give me a five star rating on your platform so other women can find this podcast. It is a lot of work to put together this podcast while working full time with three kids but I do it because I care, I want you to have information and feel heard! Reach out with any questions or topics you want covered! Email me at [email protected]. Thank you for listening! Hutchens, J., Frawley, J., & Sullivan, E. A. (2022). Cardiac disease in pregnancy and the first year postpartum: A story of mental health, identity and connection. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (22) 382. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-022-04614-1 Support groups: Lets Talk PPCM https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwij8JiAvpWEAxVvg4kEHTh-BAoQFnoECAgQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fletstalkppcm.org%2F&usg=AOvVaw0e8f4tGSwSajX8Op4Ox2Pf&opi=89978449 Peripartum cardiomyopathy online support group https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj9iZ7svZWEAxV7jokEHXJXDyYQFnoECBoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cardiomyopathy.org%2Fppcm-online&usg=AOvVaw3dLn_q-BYVAxnI4IlVYkM0&opi=89978449 Support the show

Today we will continue to chat about induction of labor, but more specifically about what questions you can ask your provider to be better prepared to make an informed decision and birth plan. If you want a FREE list of questions to ask your provider when you visit with them please email me at [email protected] If you feel like you would like to support the show please find and like us on FB/Instagram and there is now an option to financially support the podcast. It is just me, myself, and I running this - writing, editing, and producing as well as paying for the services to create the podcast. All monies will go towards the production costs. TIA. See you all next week! Support the show

If you have never listened to guided meditation then this is your opportunity to try something new. This is a short 7 1/2 min of guided meditation to relax you during your lunch break or while in the car waiting for curbside. During this time I ask that you get comfortable in your seat and close your eyes. Listen and do calm breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Then I will give you statements to hear, feel, and take in. Meditation and mantras are powerful and repetitive use helps to get the body ready for relaxation and empowers you to know what your body is capable of. I hope you enjoy this meditation. If so be sure to write a review and let us know on FB or Insta. If you want more of these please email me at [email protected]. Support the show