Active Mom Postpartum

Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with Ellen Bryan, a television talk show host with 15 years of experience on major networks in Washington, DC, Dallas, and Lexington. This fall, Ellen is taking a bold step to follow her passion for wellness and lifestyle. In addition to speaking on stages from TEDx to corporate events, she's the author of A Work in Progress, a credentialed health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and a fitness instructor with FIT4MOM.Ellen is also a mom of (soon-to-be) three children under the age of four. With her third baby due in December, she shares candidly about navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the challenges of balancing a career in TV with motherhood. This conversation is full of honesty, resilience, and wisdom for anyone balancing ambition with motherhood.We talk about:-Being pregnant on air during 2020-Returning to TV after postpartum recovery-Healing from birth trauma-Sifting through misinformation as a journalist-Building community and finding strength as a new momTime Stamps1:00 Introduction4:47 initial experience as a mom 7:55 being pregnant on air10:45 changes from first to third pregnancy14:55 being active during pregnancy 18:28 doing too much too soon20:51 becoming a FIT4MOM coach24:30 finding community as a new mom28:18 being more active31:45 adapting to change38:00 talking about perimenopause45:41 plan for baby 356:09 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH ELLEN:IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenbryan/Website: www.ellenbryan.comThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with Laura Fuentes-Aparicio, a physiotherapist who helps women with their pelvic health. She is the Director of the Master's Program in Specialized Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and teaches at the University of Valencia. Laura's mission is simple: to raise awareness, share knowledge, and find the best ways to help women feel and live better.We also dig into her recent research on abdominal and lumbar muscle recovery after pregnancy. Using ultrasound, her team compared women who had never given birth with those six months postpartum. They found the oblique muscles were thinner in postpartum women, but overall contractile function of the core remained intact—an important distinction for clinicians making decisions about exercise progressions and postpartum rehabWhether you're a clinician, a student, or just curious, this episode gives you a closer look at the challenges women face and how science, exercise, and better care can make a difference.We talk about:-The challenges of doing research-How abdominal thickness can change in women-Why exercise during pregnancy matters-Diastasis recti (ab separation)-Different approaches to treatment for pelvic healthTime Stamps1:00 Introduction2:10 conducting research in Spain8:05 working with subject matter experts11:47 discussing the 2024 Journal paper16:50 recommendations in Spain20:00 recluse abdominus exercises25:20 when women see a physio in Spain31:59 expanding on research40:01 using more modalities44:55 favorite part of researchCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH LAURA:IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurafisiosuelopelvico/Email: laura.fuentes@uv.esThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.   This show has been a long time in the making!    You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.    If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!   If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 start rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a text From the clinic to the barbell, Dr. Lamia Zafrani, OBGYN bridges medicine and performance for pregnant and postpartum athletes. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lamia Zafrani, an OBGYN specializing in high-risk pregnancies and elite athlete health. She works closely with athletes and organizations to retain, support, and maximize female athlete performance during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.As both a powerlifter and a recent pregnant athlete, Dr. Zafrani saw firsthand how little guidance exists for pregnant and postpartum lifters. She shares how she blends her medical expertise, athletic background, and personal experience to help athletes train safely while navigating one of the most demanding phases of life.This is a powerful conversation about bridging medicine and athletics, advocating for pregnant athletes, and creating a better standard of care for women in sport.We talk about:-When to say no to an athlete-Being evidence-informed without waiting forever for research-Navigating pregnancy modifications in training-Building a supportive perinatal team-Blending lived experience with science-Understanding and addressing pregnancy lossTime Stamps1:00 Introduction5:39 experience as a new OBG/YN8:30 waiting for the research11:15 influencing other providers12:46 powerlifting while pregnant 17:00 SPD pain22:50 dealing with modern social media28:04 there perinatal team31:29 guidelines from research39:12 sharing her pregnancy and birth46:59 getting back to “normal” workouts52:20 relating to other moms55:58 pearls of wisdom for postnatal61:28 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH LAMIA:IG: https://www.instagram.com/drlamiazafrani/Website: https://drlamiazafrani.com/Linked In: http://linkedin.com/in/dr-lamia-zafrani-73441a352The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm joined by Helene Moser, PhD, a researcher and physiotherapist specializing in pelvic floor muscle activity and displacement during impact. She brings a unique perspective as a senior teacher in the Franklin-Method®, a shiatsu practitioner, and someone who integrates jumping and impact work into pelvic floor rehabilitation.We dive into how the pelvic floor responds during jumping, running, and impact training, the role of imagery and cueing, and why both relaxation and contraction are essential. Dr. Moser also shares insights on slow-twitch vs. fast-twitch fibers, power training for the pelvic floor, and what future research could mean for clinicians and active women.We talk about:-The pelvic floor during impact, jumping, and running-Using imagery for effective cueing-Relaxation and contraction strategies-Power training and the pelvic floor-Slow vs. fast-twitch muscle fibersTime Stamps1:00 Introduction2:48 studying impact and the pelvic floor7:29 displacement of the pelvic floor13:43 the Franklin-Method®21:23 incontinence and the pelvic floor29:23 improving pelvic floor relaxation32:58 introducing impact exercises39:18 learning to relax the pelvic floor44:18 reacting to 2019 UK guidelines48:58 research for the futureCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH HELENE:Website: www.helmos.chThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textIn this episode, we dive into the world of information overload—especially when it comes to women's health. With so much advice coming from social media, friends, and even well-meaning strangers, how do you know what's accurate and what actually applies to you?We explore how to cut through the noise, become better critical thinkers, and recognize when it's time to change direction if something isn't working. From handling unsolicited advice to understanding new information about diastasis recti, we talk about what it takes to stay grounded in a sea of health “tips.”Whether you're navigating perimenopause, trying to add more ab work to your routine, or simply curious about how to vet your sources, this conversation will help you feel more confident in your decisions and less overwhelmed by conflicting voices.We talk about:-Where we get our informationThe good and bad of learning on social mediaUnderstanding perimenopause and menopauseKnowing when to change courseAdding in ab work safelyHandling unwanted adviceVetting your sources for credibilityTime Stamps1:00 Introduction2:22 cutting through the noise5:43 simple is best9:18 sharing generalized education11:45 troubleshooting clinical issues18:00 a place for online programs21:50 dealing with misinformation25:50 new information about diastasis recti31:10 becoming better critical thinkersCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm joined by Tina Tang—a former Wall Street trader turned jewelry designer and now strength coach. At age 40, unexpected life changes led her to the gym for the very first time, and by 42 she had completed an intensive personal training course. Since then, Tina has coached over 3,800 sessions, discovered her own love for strength, and created the Return to Strength Mentorship, designed to help women 45+ get stronger, leaner, and more confident.We dive into the role of impact and plyometrics as we age, from where to begin and how to overcome fear, to making jumping feel playful again. Tina shares practical strategies for programming impact and helping women progress safely while navigating perimenopause and menopause.If you've ever wondered how to reclaim agility, strength, and confidence later in life, this conversation is for you.We talk about:-Where to begin with impact trainingLeakage and symptoms with jumpingMaking plyometrics feel like playHow to program impact safelyOvercoming fear around jumpingUsing weighted vests for progressionDeveloping speed and agility as you ageBreaking barriers in midlife strength trainingNavigating perimenopause and menopause in fitnessBuilding sustainable exercise habitsTime Stamps1:00 Introduction6:06 importance of plyometrics10:48 the fear of jumping15:27 developing speed as you age21:57 building up your agility30:25 helping women progress38:10 breaking barriers41:10 the perimenopause and menopause conversation48:45 adding in new exercise habits56:40 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH TINA:IG: https://www.instagram.com/ironstrongfit/Website: IronStrongFitness.netThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Sabine Vesting, a pelvic health physiotherapist and researcher whose work explores how exercise impacts the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles postpartum. Her research dives into common symptoms like urinary incontinence, pelvic girdle pain, and vaginal heaviness, and how they affect daily life for new moms.Now based in Ottawa, Dr. Vesting leads cutting-edge studies at the Motor Function Measurement (MFM) Lab, including research on running-induced urinary incontinence, pelvic floor responses after a single run, and the use of intravaginal devices to reduce leakage in female runners. She's also writing a review on how to best measure intra-abdominal pressure during exercise.We talk about:-Does diastasis actually matter?-Coning and doming explained-Finding exercise you enjoy postpartum-Urinary incontinence and new solutions-Intravaginal devices to understand the pelvic floor in sport and runningTime Stamps1:00 Introduction6:05 work as a PhD10:40 does diastasis even matter?16:24 pelvic girdle pain after pregnancy 21:00 changes over the last 15 years28:58 being comfortable with activity postpartum34:21 looking at pain and causes40:18 getting better measurements 51:42 intra-abdominal pressure55:32 doing what works with patients58:28 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH SABINE:Website: https://mfmlab.caLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabine-vesting-aa4317135/?originalSubdomain=se We are currently recruiting participants for our RCT, aimed at evaluating whether readily available intravaginal devices, such as off-the-shelf pessaries or tampons, can effectively reduce or eliminate urine leakage during running, enabling active women to remain physically engaged. The study offers a remote option and welcomes female runners from all of North America who experience urine leakage while running.https://mfmlab.ca/portfolio-items/running-induced-urinary-incontinence-rct/The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textIn this episode of the Active Mom Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Brooke Winder, physical therapist and Associate Professor at California State University Long Beach, where she leads the Dance Science program and mentors young dancers on optimizing their health, performance, and injury prevention.Brooke specializes in supporting artistic athletes—including dancers, aerialists, and circus performers—through orthopedic rehabilitation, pelvic floor physical therapy, and hypermobility management.We dive into her research on pelvic floor function in performing artists, explore the unique physical demands of dance, aerial work, and circus arts, and unpack how hypermobility, high-tone pelvic floors, and systemic conditions like POTS and MCAS intersect in this population.Brooke also shares strategies for pregnancy and postpartum recovery in hypermobile bodies, plus how to stay strong, stable, and resilient across every stage of life—from peak performance years to parenting and beyond.In this episode, we cover:

Send us a textNo lie...one of my favorite episodes of all time.  Sit back and be prepared to learn A LOT  (no matter if you're a mom or pelvic floor professional!)This week I'm joined by Dr. Hedwig Neels, pelvic floor physiotherapist at Antwerp University Hospital, professor at the University of Antwerp, and author of The Pelvic Floor Book. Hedwig specializes in pelvic floor and cyclists and real time ultrasound imaging integration into pelvic health.A mom herself, Hedwig brings clarity, humor, and evidence-based insight to some of the most misunderstood topics in pelvic health.We dive into the real stuff—leaks, prolapse fears, her papers on queefing (yep, vaginal wind), and how we can educate without shame. Whether you're a clinician, cyclist, or just someone trying to figure out what's happening with your own pelvic floor, this one's for you.In this episode, we talk about:Saddle health & preventing saddle sorenessCystocele, urinary incontinence & prolapse expectationsCycling-specific pelvic floor considerationsReal-time ultrasound in treatmentPelvic floor myths that still need bustingAnd how to talk about queefing without cringingGrab your headphones and let's normalize these conversations. Because pelvic health is health—and it shouldn't feel taboo.

Send us a textNervous about a breech baby or C-section? Think again.Planning a VBAC? It deserves more than a footnote in your chart.In this episode, I'm joined (again!) by Dr. Elliot Berlin, DC — prenatal chiropractor, labor doula, and founder of the Informed Pregnancy Podcast & One Way or A Mother serial podcast. With over 50,000 pre- and postnatal patients treated, and more than 450 podcast episodes featuring celebrity moms, birth professionals, and real birth stories, Dr. Berlin is a leading voice in informed birth advocacy and evidence-based pregnancy care.We dive into ACOG guidelines on breech presentation, explore how to support vaginal breech birth, and break down some of the most persistent pregnancy myths still circulating today. Dr. Berlin also shares personal insights from his own fertility journey, and what he's learned from decades of working with families navigating everything from VBACs to cesarean births to home births and everything in between.Whether you're preparing for your first baby or your fifth, hoping for a VBAC, planning a home or hospital birth, or simply want to feel confident in your birth choices—this conversation will help you get clear, grounded, and informed.We talk about:The evolving conversation around vaginal breech birth and what the research says nowWhy storytelling is one of the most underrated tools for birth prepHow to stay informed and flexible—even when your birth plan shiftsThe expanding role of doulas in both hospital and out-of-hospital birthsWhy cesarean birth can be a powerful, empowering choice when it's supported with respect and intention

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm joined once again by Laura Green—comedic content creator, runner, and self-proclaimed queen of self-deprecating humor in the fitness world. Laura's known for her hilarious takes on running culture, her background as a physical therapist, and her ability to make the internet laugh one reel at a time.We dive into Laura's experiences with postpartum running after each of her births, her transition from travel PT to digital storyteller, and the reality of juggling mom life, humor, and hustle. From stroller struggles to health care insights, Laura brings her trademark honesty and humor to it all.If you've ever needed a laugh, a relatable story, or a reminder that motherhood and movement can both be messy and meaningful, this conversation is for you.We talk about:-Returning to run after childbirth-Transitioning out of health care-The mental load of parenting-The reality of running with kids-Storytelling and skits on social media-What it takes to keep creatingTime Stamps1:00 Introduction4:03 shifting from physical therapist to content creator10:12 creating content you love14:30 speaking to new moms18:35 strollers and carrying kids25:33 recovering after having a third child30:21 fielding questions on the internet32:50 deciding what running topics to cover37:09 favorite skits41:17 collabs with other creators45:30 working to get better48:17 what's next52:13 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH LAURA:IG: https://www.instagram.com/lauramcgreen/The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm joined by Kaitlin Goodman, a former professional runner, 4x Olympic Trials Qualifier, and now a mom navigating the world of elite running alongside parenting. As the founder and head coach of Running Joyfully, Kaitlin is building a supportive space for runners of all ages and life stages—including those going through TTC, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause.Whether you're an elite runner, recreational jogger, or simply curious how athletes balance motherhood and movement, Kaitlin's story is both inspiring and informative.We talk about:-The lack of resources for moms at major races-The purchasing power and visibility of mothers in sport-Navigating postpartum returns to elite competition-The evolving conversation around perimenopause in athletics-Why population health and access mattersTime Stamps1:00 Introduction2:29 the journey to becoming a Pro runner7:05 balancing Pro running and motherhood9:45 resources for running moms15:13 running Boston 14 months postpartum 21:00 figuring out how to return to elite running26:43 running Boston a second time32:07 increasing awareness and access35:11 finding the right support42:16 transition to perimenopause46:25 disseminating the research49:30 elite athletes sharing their stories53:11 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH KAITLIN:IG: https://www.instagram.com/runnerkg/Website: runningjoyfully.comThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textWhat if most of what you've been told about fitness, hormones, and nutrition as a woman… isn't actually true?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, PhD aka @drlaurencs1—muscle physiology researcher, science communicator, and co-owner of the MASS Research Review—to set the record straight on what actually matters for women's health and fitness.Whether you're navigating perimenopause, chasing strength goals, or just tired of sorting facts from fads, this conversation will leave you informed, empowered, and ready to ditch the outdated advice.We break down the science on: 

Send us a textEver lost your period, struggled with food, or felt completely misunderstood as a pregnant or postpartum athlete? You are not alone.In this episode, I sit down with Heather Caplan—registered dietitian, running coach, and co-founder of @lane9project—to have a real, unfiltered conversation about REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), amenorrhea, and what recovery actually looks like.We cover:▶ Getting your period back (not just for fertility!)▶ Disordered eating in the nutrition field▶ How Lane 9 Project is helping women find better care▶ The hormonal rollercoaster of postpartum▶ Identity shifts as an athlete through pregnancy and beyondWhether you're a runner, lifter, new mom, or clinician who works with active women, this conversation will hit home. Because you can be strong, athletic, and supported—without sacrificing your health.Time Stamps1:00 Introduction6:30 when your own profession falls short11:25 solving problems that you're also dealing with16:30 starting a private practice20:50 dietitians and disorder eating24:26 starting Lane 927:17 helping people through Lane 930:45 fertility and REDs34:40 getting the care you need40:32 breastfeeding and a returning cycle44:30 realistic postpartum expectations53:14 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH HEATHER:IG: https://www.instagram.com/lane9project/Website: lane9project.orgThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textEver wonder how much impact you're really putting through your body when you do skipping drills, single leg hops, or sprint starts?

Send us a textPelvic floor dysfunction. Diastasis. Returning to sport.There's a lot of noise online about what postpartum women should or shouldn't do—and most of it is confusing, fear-based, or missing the bigger picture.In this episode, I'm joined once again by Gráinne Donnelly—Advanced Practice Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Doctoral Researcher, and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy. She brings a powerhouse combo of clinical and research expertise to the messy, nuanced world of postpartum rehab and performance.This conversation is a must-listen for clinicians, coaches, and postpartum athletes who want evidence-informed guidance with real-world application.We talk about:

Send us a textEver feel like you're constantly switching hats—chauffeur, snack-maker, therapist, work-meeting ninja—while trying to figure out why your body suddenly doesn't feel like yours anymore? Same.In this quick hit solo episode, I'm talking straight to my fellow perimenopausal moms. If you're in that messy middle of shifting from school-year structure to summer chaos—and trying to make sense of all the conflicting wellness advice—you are 1000% not alone.We were raised on “you can have it all.” But no one warned us that “all” might include brain fog, joint pain, sleep gone rogue, and still trying to show up for your people and yourself without falling apart.This episode is your permission slip to stop chasing perfect and start choosing what actually matters.We dive into: 

Send us a textWhat does fitness really look like for moms?It's not matching sets and flawless form. It's stopping mid-workout for a diaper change. It's navigating diastasis, prolapse, leaking, exhaustion, and a brain that hasn't slept in three years. It's figuring out how to move in a body that's been through pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause—without the judgment.In this episode, I sit down with Lindsey Bomgren (@nourishmovelove), certified trainer, mom of three, and absolute powerhouse in the online fitness space. Lindsey brings the real talk about motherhood and movement—and how to keep showing up with strength and compassion through every season.We dive into: 

Send us a textFeel like midlife movement advice is either “just walk more” or “go beast mode or go home”? You're not alone—and you're definitely not doing it wrong.For perimenopausal and menopausal women, movement isn't about shrinking, snapping back, or forcing intensity when your body's screaming for support. It's about learning to move with your body—not against it—when hormones, energy, and life feel like a moving target.This week on the pod, I sit down with the brilliant @physioclairecal—a chartered physio with over 25 years of experience working with elite athletes, postpartum moms, perimenopausal women, and everyone in between.We cover the stuff no one tells you, including: 

Send us a textStill leaking, dealing with pelvic pain, or feeling stuck—even after doing all the “right” exercises? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Flávia Ignácio Antônio, PhD, physiotherapist and clinical researcher at the University of Ottawa, with over 15 years of experience in pelvic health, geriatrics, and cardiac rehab.We unpack the real reasons pelvic floor symptoms persist—and why strengthening alone isn't always the answer. From hormones like estrogen and relaxin to central sensitization and high-tone pelvic floors, Dr. Antônio helps us make sense of the complexity behind chronic pelvic issues.We dive into:The Knack maneuver—how it really worksThe estrogen vs. relaxin conversationWhy incontinence isn't always about weaknessWhat to know about high-tone pelvic floorsChronic pelvic pain and the brain-body connectionHow new research is shaping better treatment strategiesWhether you're a clinician, an active mom, or someone navigating pelvic health challenges, this conversation brings clarity, compassion, and clinical insight.

Send us a textIn this episode, we are trying something new! Friend of the podcast, Dr. Elliot Berlin, is launching a new serial podcast called One Way or Another. Each ten episode season follows one pregnancy and all the decisions, emotions, preparations, and history that goes along with it. Interviews feature the expectant mother along with husbands, parents, doctors, doulas, and surrogates.In season one, listeners meet Arianna, who is pregnant with her second baby. Follow along as we learn about her last pregnancy and how she plans to do reshape her next birth experience to be more affirming and empowering. We talk about:-second pregnancies-“failed” birth plans-unplanned cesarean-generational trauma-returning to California -from friends to spousesTime Stamps1:00 Introduction2:29 One Way or A Mother6:58 meeting Arianna8:54 hearing from Arianna's mom11:55 Arianna's teenage years20:52 finding community at NYU23:23 creating with her husband26:00 hearing from her husbandCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH ELLIOTTStreaming Site: www.informedpregnancy.tvWebsite: informedpregnancy.comInstagram: @doctorberlinTwitter/X: DoctorBerlinLinkedIn: Elliot BerlinPodcast: Informed Pregnancy Podcast on AppleThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

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Send us a textEver feel like your body's betraying you—just when you finally hit your running groove?

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Send us a textIn this solo episode, we're talking directly to the new moms—especially those in the first six weeks postpartum—who are feeling heaviness or pressure in their pelvic floor and wondering what it means. If you've been told to “just wait it out” or felt dismissed by your provider, this conversation is for you. This episode is all about giving you clarity, confidence, and a roadmap to move forward—without fear.We talk about:-Why you might be feeling heaviness early on-Common risk factors for prolapse-Whether prolapse can actually be fixed-Why strengthening isn't always the solution-How to use symptom guardrails to guide your recovery-What you need to know about exercising safely with prolapseTime Stamps1:00 Introduction2:30 what causes prolapse7:15 preventing and fixing prolapse12:10 understanding prolapse grading13:57 common pelvic floor myths16:30 can you make things worse?20:18 what treatment can look like26:45 taking it slowCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Susan Clinton—a clinician, educator, and coach with over 40 years of experience helping women move through complex health transitions with clarity and confidence. Susan brings deep insight into the connections between the gut, hormones, and nervous system, and how those intersections can impact women in midlife and beyond.We explore the nuances of perimenopause and menopause, from autoimmunity shifts to digestive challenges, and the power of small, sustainable changes. Whether you're a healthcare provider or navigating your own health journey, this conversation is packed with clinical pearls and practical takeaways.We talk about:-The link between birth trauma, gut health, and perimenopause-How autoimmunity and digestion shift during midlife-Practical strategies for managing bloating, constipation, and hydration-The benefits of vaginal estrogen and advocating for your own care-How small lifestyle changes can make a big impact on overall healthTime Stamps1:00 Introduction1:51 how the conversation is different for women 5:49 clinical presentations for thyroid issues13:39 struggling with constipation22:15 the importance of chewing your food28:33 different types of fiber36:22 stool consistency 43:10 making small changes for big impact49:15 understanding bloating57:59 good and bad stress58:51 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH SUSANIG: https://www.instagram.com/sclintonpt/Website: https://ltiphysio.com/The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textTold to slow down during pregnancy & postpartum? Not necessarily!

Send us a text"I just need to lose the baby weight." "Maybe I should cut carbs." "Why does eating feel so damn complicated?"If you've ever felt trapped in diet culture, food guilt, or confusion over what's actually healthy, this episode is for you. I sat down with Laura Ligos aka @thesassydietitian, registered dietitian who helps active women fuel their bodies without falling into restrictive traps. She's the founder of The Sassy Dietitian and co-founder of @unconventional.collaborative, a mastermind for health pros looking to elevate their practice.We get real about:

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Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Whitney, Shanna, Tricia, and Olivia—the moms behind the Miles with Moms podcast. These four came together over the conversations that naturally happen while running—everything from mom life to the unique challenges of being a mother runner. Their goal is to create a supportive community where no mom has to run (or navigate motherhood) alone. Whether it's hilarious or heartfelt, these conversations are real, relatable, and a must-listen for every mother runner!We talk about:-starting the podcast-struggling with mom guilt-culture shifts around exercise-finding accurate information -regulating your efforts in workouts-you are the author of your motherhood experience-searching for sustainabilityTime Stamps1:00 Introduction4:50 mom guilt for running moms9:22 culture shift in moms working out13:56 running through pregnant18:02 handling postpartum return to exercise25:01 maintaining your identity after kids33:27 transitioning from survival to thriving40:00 setting goals in chaos45:13 goals for the podcast48:46 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH THE MOMSIG: https://www.instagram.com/mileswithmomspodcast/Whitney: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunners/Shanna: https://www.instagram.com/motherhood_running/Tricia: https://www.instagram.com/burpeesandburpcloths/Olivia: https://www.instagram.com/watch_oliviarun/The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a text"I thought I knew my body—until pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause rewrote the rules.

Send us a textWhat if we could prevent major pelvic floor injuries before they even happen? 

Send us a textThere's SO much advice out there about running postpartum. Some of it's solid, but let's be real—crowdsourcing tips from other moms (or even asking ChatGPT

Send us a textToday, I'm chatting with Kristin Revere, founder of Gold Coast Doulas and host of the Ask the Doulas podcast. Kristin is an Elite certified birth and postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, childbirth educator, and co-author of Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby. We dive into everything doulas—what they do, who they help, and why more people are using them.If you've ever wondered whether a doula could make a difference in your birth or postpartum experience, this one's for you!We talk about:-when your birth doesn't go as planned-you don't know what you don't know-who can use a doula-building your care team-different types of doulas-shift in public awareness -what to look for in a doulaTime Stamps1:00 Introduction8:30 what it means to have a doula12:04 when to find a doula16:25 traits of a doula-friendly facility 18:53 how to find the right doula for you23:09 pregnancy versus postpartum doula27:20 increase in use of doulas33:03 options when access is limited38:24 top tips for working with a doula41:12 Ask the Doulas podcast 42:03 Kristin's book44:31 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH KRISTINIG: https://www.instagram.com/goldcoastdoulas/Website: www.goldcoastdoulas.comPodcast: www.askthedoulas.comBook: www.supportedbook.comThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textToday, I sit down with Dr. Hannah Cabré, PhD, RDN—a researcher, registered dietitian, and exercise physiologist specializing in women's health. From hormonal contraception to protein intake as we age, we break down the science and practical strategies you need to know. If you're an athlete, active mom, or just navigating women's health, this one's for you!We cover:-Protein intake & why it's critical for women-Supplements (creatine, calcium, vitamin D & more)-Hormonal contraception & athletic performance -Perimenopause, menopause & cardiovascular risks-Should you cycle sync your workouts?Time Stamps1:00 Introduction2:50 diving into protein8:03 cardiovascular risk during menopause13:30 supplements in peri/menopause22:21 calcium and vitamin D supplementation 24:40 supplements without data support28:19 getting bloodwork as a baseline31:34 contraception 10139:19 cycle syncing our activity42:50 contraceptives for symptom management 45:40 RED-s, oral contraceptives, and menstrual cycle51:22 research funding for menopauseCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH HANNAHX: @HannahCabreRD LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-e-cabre-phdWebsite:  https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hannah-CabreThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

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Send us a textToday, I speak with Dr. Anietie Ukpe-Wallace, PT, DPT, also known as Tia. She is an orthopedic and pelvic health physical therapist who specializes in providing a continuum of care and support from pregnancy loss to postpartum all while emphasizing the importance of self-care. After her own chronic struggles surrounding her pelvic floor and multiple miscarriages she has grown a love for learning and understanding this part of the body that is rarely talked about and sometimes even misunderstood. She is currently a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Oakland, CA where she offers both telehealth and clinic based services through her practice, Self-Care Physio. In addition, she is the creator of Tending to Your Womb, a soon to be book and online platform and blog offering wisdom around caring for the womb through all stages of life. Tia is an amateur pole artist, rollerskater, and budding herbal student. She is a wife, mother to her 10 year old daughter and a cat mom.We talk about:-pregnancy loss-learning from grief-having conversations about pregnancy loss-the roll of pelvic PT in miscarriage -caring for the body after pregnancy loss-utilizing breath work-finding movement that works -providing support after a loss-different types of grief-emotions surrounding peri/menopauseTime Stamps1:00 Introduction6:30 learning from grief9:33 creating a safe space to talk about miscarriage15:02 physical changed with miscarriages18:50 avoiding the “wrong” thing23:23 return to activity27:51 getting into pole sport and rollerskating32:20 avoiding re-traumatization as a provider35:20 advice for supporting someone after loss44:30 changes in quality of life47:30 the grief with perimenopause and menopause51:01 writing a book55:00 unexpected factors on fertility58:29 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH ANIETIEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfcarephysio/Website: selfcarephysio.comThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textJessica has been a physical therapist in Portland, OR, since 2002, helping elite athletes—including pros and Olympians—get back to peak performance. With a holistic approach combining pelvic health, core strength, gait mechanics, and orthopedic care, Jessica's mission is to empower patients to return to what they love most.When she's not helping others, she's hitting the trails, roads, and tracks herself!

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Send us a textComing in at #1 on our list of top podcasts for 2024 is my conversation with Dr. Ashley Winter.Today, I speak with Dr. Ashley Winter, Board certified urologist who specializes in sexual medicine and postpartum hormones. After realizing that many of the common concerns that patients were brining to her clinic were not being addressed by the information she was being taught, she decided to do a fellowship in sexual disfunction. After working in managed health for five years following her fellowship, she decided to branch out into the tech side of medicine to help improve sexual health care for everyone.-foray into parenthood-normal hormone levels-failures in postpartum care-impacts of estrogen -knowing when it's something else-topical estrogen and breastfeeding-finding the right provider-the benefits of TelehealthTime Stamps1:00 Introduction7:33 parallels of hormones levels in pregnancy and postpartum16:00 after the baby comes22:30 genitourinary symptoms in lactation25:24 barriers to obtaining vaginal estrogen34:50 finding the right provider45:02 listening to patients50:33 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH ASHLEYInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleygwinter/Twitter at @ashleygwinterThe Active Mom Postpartum Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to Postpartum for active moms & the postpartum professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and postpartum professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 start rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a textComing in at #2 on our list of top podcasts for 2024 is my conversation with Munira Hudani.Today I speak with Munira Hudani,  a Pre- and Post-Natal physiotherapist in Canada, and an emerging leader for the management of Diastasis Rectus Abdominis. After years of frustration in landing inconsistent results with her clients, and the dissatisfaction in having to say “we just don't have enough research right now,” Munira began to challenge the conventional method to managing DRA. She realized that part of the inconsistent results came down to how DRA was being conceptualized. She started practicing with a different set of principles which improved outcomes. She has now compiled all of her knowledge and experience into a new framework that revolutionizes how we conceptualize, assess, and manage DRA. She is passionately committed to transferring this knowledge to both professionals and patients so they can finally make sense of the steps to take when navigating this condition. We talk about:-learning about diastasis recti -separating DR from back pain and other dysfunctions -DR is not preventable -factors that lead to long-term issues -management of DR -problems with the research -Is the gap bad? -feeling at home in your body -targeting the transverse abdominis -experiencing pregnancy and motherhood -letting go of expectationsTime Stamps1:00 introduction 7:05 defining diastasis recti 10:50 prevention of DR 13:45 fear mongering in pelvic health 17:30 predicting long-term issues 22:00 what the research says 27:00 explaining distortion 31:20 Is the gap bad? 40:05 creating personalized care 41:00 being a new mom 48:33 rapid fire questions CONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH MUNIRAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/munirahudanipt/ Website: https://www.munirahudanipt.com/ The Active Mom Postpartum Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to Postpartum for active moms & the postpartum professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and postpartum professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 start rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

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Send us a textComing in at #4 on our list of top podcasts for 2024 is my solo episode discussing how soon you can get back to workouts after delivery.

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Send us a textWhat if your postpartum wasn't the picture of straight-forward perfection?Today, we welcome back Amy Leedham, aka @amy_the_punisher former pro trail runner, a sustainability consultant, who recently welcomed her 2nd child! Amy joined us in Season 1 to talk about “The Postpartum Experience No One Wants to Read About but Should,” a piece she wrote in 2021 after the birth of her 1st child, highlighting the physical complications she faced attempting to return to trail running & activity.We chat about the real challenges of pregnancy & postpartum recovery.For over 5 years, Amy's journey with two pregnancies & her return to running has been filled with ups, downs, & unexpected lessons. Her story shows a very different side of postpartum recovery, far from the idealized images we often see.We cover:

Send us a textToday, we're thrilled to welcome back @paulina.balboa to the show! A former MMA athlete, PhD student based in Cologne, Germany, owner of @pi.physio, & mom of 2, Paulina just welcomed her second child a few weeks ago! (Don't miss Paulina's first appearance on the podcast, Season 2, August 18, 2023.)Paulina brings a wealth of knowledge on female athletes & cultural differences surrounding pregnant & postpartum athletes. Her quest for information on staying active during pregnancy sparked a journey into researching how different cultures approach athletic pregnancies. Recently, she published groundbreaking research on resistance training during menopause & the benefits of a high-protein diet.Here's what we dive into:

Send us a textIn today's episode, I sit down with @drjocelynwallace, a physical therapist, Level 2 @CrossFit Trainer, & toddler mom, to discuss her personal & professional journey through fibroids, high-risk pregnancy, & hysterectomy.Having undergone 2 open myomectomies, a C-section, & ultimately a total hysterectomy, Dr. Wallace shares invaluable insights on healing after major surgery, managing fibroids as a young mom, & navigating early perimenopause.In this episode, we cover:

Send us a textOn today's episode, I chat with Dr. Tricia DeNardis, aka @burpeesandburpcloths  She's a physical therapist, pregnancy & postpartum exercise specialist, & mom of 3!