Plus Mommy Podcast

In this powerful episode, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actress Chrissy Metz opens up about her path from childhood pain to Hollywood success. Best known for her role as Kate Pearson on This Is Us, Chrissy shares her journey with raw honesty, humor, and heart. She reflects on the moments that shaped her, the importance of faith, and what it means to show up as your full, authentic self—even when it's hard. It's a conversation filled with laughter, vulnerability, and the kind of truth that stays with you long after the episode ends. If you've ever struggled to feel seen or wondered if you're enough—this one's for you.

Join us as we delve into the mysteries of perimenopause with Laurel Wilson, an esteemed author, speaker, TEDx presenter, and IBCLC. Discover the hormonal changes, symptoms, and challenges faced during this transitional phase. Laurel provides expert insights and practical advice to help you navigate perimenopause with confidence and support. Whether you're experiencing it firsthand or supporting a loved one, this episode offers valuable information for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura Proud, a registered nurse, lactation consultant, and founder of Beyond the Bump Education based in Canada, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to explore the intricacies of the Canadian maternity care system. In this episode, Laura discusses the challenges of accessing midwifery care, effective strategies for informed consent and advocacy, and the critical role of Health at Every Size® practitioners in supporting positive birth outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Samantha Venn is a certified professional midwife, VBAC mom (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), surrogate, and bereaved parent. She shares her powerful journey from facing fatphobia during her first pregnancy to becoming a home birth midwife dedicated to providing size-inclusive care. Discover the transformative impact of compassionate, evidence-based midwifery care, and gain valuable insights into navigating plus size pregnancy and home birth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sabrina, a nurse, shares her empowering journey through plus size pregnancy. She underscores the importance of self-advocacy and informed decision-making, recounting her experience with using semaglutide and then discovering her pregnancy, navigating healthcare with religious beliefs that impact care, addressing racial biases, and health concerns during pregnancy. Sabrina's story is a powerful reminder of the need for size-inclusive, respectful, and culturally sensitive maternity care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's jump straight into the nitty-gritty of postpartum tips, covering things many people want to know but might be afraid to ask. Shari Stamps, a postpartum educator, doula, certified breastfeeding specialist, and cranial sacral therapist, shares essential tips for navigating the postpartum period. Whether you're a new parent or a birth professional, this episode is packed with practical advice for a smoother, more comfortable postpartum recovery. Tune in to learn how to nurture your body, seek professional support, and maintain healthy relationships during this transformative time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as Lilly Schott, a nurse in reproductive and community health, shares invaluable advice on preparing for labor induction. With nearly 20 years of experience, Lilly provides insights into the induction process, highlighting the importance of informed consent, shared decision-making, and compassionate care. Don't miss this episode filled with essential tips and expert guidance for navigating labor induction in a larger body. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Size-inclusive doula Heidi Snyderburn, with over 20 years experience, addresses often overlooked challenges that plus size families face throughout maternity care. Heidi discusses the use of inclusive language, supporting those with a history of disordered eating, and the importance of size-inclusive equipment. She also emphasizes disclosing past trauma for comprehensive support and a positive birthing experience. We dive deep in this episode, covering important yet sensitive topics with strong content warnings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we hear Karen's queer plus size fertility story—a compelling tale of resilience, advocacy, and finding the right support during a challenging five-year journey. Supported by a loving partner, Karen's story highlights the unique challenges faced by plus size and queer individuals during fertility treatments, emphasizing the biases and obstacles encountered. Through determination and self-advocacy, Karen overcame these challenges and achieved their dream of parenthood. Join us to gain practical advice and hope for overcoming similar obstacles. (Please excuse the audio hiccups during the recording—it's well worth listening!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Abraham, founder of Lemon Lime Adventures and author of Calm the Chaos, has supported thousands of families. She shares transformative strategies for parenting, emphasizing connection, understanding, and empowerment. Discover practical tips to create a harmonious family environment and confidently navigate the most challenging parenting moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During this episode, we explore how to build your birth and postpartum support team with expert insights from author and elite certified birth and postpartum doula Kristen Revere. Discover the benefits of having a doula, the importance of postpartum support, and practical tips for finding and affording essential support services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you wondering how to raise kids to have a healthy relationship with food while repairing your own? Learn from parenting expert Oona Hanson as she shares insights on breaking the cycle of diet culture, fostering body positivity, and supporting your child's intuitive eating journey. Join us for practical tips and empowering advice to help your family thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune into episode 213 for a deep dive with the magnetic Dr. Elliot Berlin on how chiropractic care tailored for all body sizes can enhance pregnancy wellness. Dr. Berlin shares crucial tips on improving comfort and preparing for a smoother delivery, specifically geared towards plus size individuals seeking supportive care.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hi friends! Life threw us a curveball with a medical emergency, so we had to hit pause for a bit. But guess what? We're back! And not just back—we have a solid plan to keep bringing you new weekly episodes. This mini-episode is a cozy catch-up session where I spill the tea on what happened, share the awesome stuff we achieved during our break, and discuss our plans moving forward. I can't wait to be back in your ears weekly! Hit play now, and let's dive back into our journey together—I've missed you all!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back! After a little break, we hit the ground, recording an all-heart, no-holds-barred deep dive. In this super raw episode, my better half and I unpack the wild ride of our 15-year marriage. We're getting real about everything — the heart of our love story, the chaos of parenting, the hurdles we've jumped, and how we're rocking the body changes that come with age — all through the unfiltered lens of our life as a plus size couple. Hit play for real talk, tough truths, a lot of love, and a hefty dose of laughter. 

Join us for a moving and impactful conversation as host Jen McLellan interviews her mother, Kathryn. At 71, Kathryn has turned an encounter with weight bias at the doctor's office into a lesson on self-advocacy. Despite visiting a doctor for an eye infection, Kathryn found herself in an uncomfortable situation where the focus was shifted to her weight, overshadowing her immediate health concern. Determined to change this narrative, Kathryn shares her story. Then, she talks with Jen about strategies for self-advocacy in healthcare settings, inspiring listeners to take control of their health narratives and assert their needs. Join us for this deeply personal and empowering episode.

Are you interested in navigating the path to size-friendly, trauma-informed healthcare? Special guest Mandy Irby is a board-certified labor nurse, educator, and expert in trauma-informed care. Throughout this episode, we share our experiences interacting with healthcare professionals, providing you with beneficial self-advocacy strategies. Mandy also offers insights into her proficient use of peanut balls during labor and birth. By tuning in to this episode, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to seek the compassionate, respectful care you deserve.

Renowned Health At Every Size® and weight stigma expert Ragen Chastain debunks diet myths and exposes the dangers of weight loss medications. We also uncover startling truths about the American Academy of Pediatrics support for weight loss interventions in children. Prepare yourself for a thought-provoking and eye-opening episode that will challenge your perspective on weight loss.

Let's celebrate fitness for all! As a plus size fitness instructor and the founder of Body Positive Barre, Natalie Sanders shares her top tips for starting or continuing your movement journey, connecting with size-friendly fitness instructors, and wholeheartedly embracing body positivity. With Natalie's expertise and warmth, you're all set for a fitness journey that suits your unique body and fills you with joy.

Kasey's donor egg success journey began unexpectedly at 31, following a premature menopause diagnosis. Her story is unforgettable, filled with hope, loss, and love. It reinforces the notion that love, not genetics, establishes the foundation of a family.

Mimi Seriki is a passionate midwife embarking on a remarkable cycling journey. Her mission? To shine a spotlight on the heartbreaking issue of Black infant mortality. Mimi's desire to cycle for change led to the creation of her organization, Womb Cycle. Tune into this thought-provoking episode as we celebrate Mimi's relentless determination and discover how Womb Cycle aims to improve health outcomes for Black infants across the United States.

Maria and Erica's journey to parenthood began with a focus on conception as a queer couple. However, once Maria became pregnant, she faced the challenges of navigating pregnancy, the healthcare system, and societal expectations as a fat and queer person with an emphasis on being fat. Their story is a remarkable blend of joy, advocacy, resilience, and love that is truly unforgettable.

Jessica Wilson, MS., RD, is a dietitian, accomplished author, and dedicated community organizer. As a Black, queer woman, she championed much-needed conversations about racial inequities in the Health At Every Size® and Intuitive Eating communities. Join us as Jessica takes a stand against the American Academy of Pediatrics new guidelines on kids' weight and engages in a compelling discussion about the intricate connections between racism and diet culture.

Plus size romance novels are crucial in shaping a more inclusive and empathetic literary landscape. Dark mafia romance author Meaghan Pierce discusses the need for more plus size heroines and plus size romance novels. In addition, we delve into a conversation about how representation leads to stronger self-advocacy and unpacking of internalized fat-phobia during this engaging episode!

The research conducted by Erin D. Basinger, Ph.D., and Dr. Margaret Quinlan on fat shaming in maternity care serves as validation for individuals who have personally encountered weight bias in healthcare. Listen as we delve into the research and explore how it can transform the treatment plus size individuals receive.

Are you pondering the possibility of an unmedicated birth, particularly in a hospital setting? This episode is for you! With her experience of giving birth without pain medication and professional expertise as a childbirth educator, Jen McLellan offers invaluable advice, helpful tips, and motivation for having an unmedicated childbirth.

By facing fatphobia and advocating for size-inclusive care, expectant parents can feel empowered, supported, and respected throughout their pregnancy journey. Fat-positive coach, doula, educator, and founder of Big Fat Pregnancy, Christina Hughes, shares strategies for families navigating the maternity care system.

Are you ready for an exciting adventure at the happiest place on earth? Well, hold onto your mouse ears because we are thrilled to present the Ultimate Guide to Being Plus Size at Disney World! Our guest, Jess, has over 30 years of experience going to Disney World, and she's here to share her size-friendly tips for the Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Get ready to learn about the best size-friendly rides, attractions, and helpful insights for plus size guests to enjoy a magical Disney World experience. Let's go!

Are you having a B belly pregnancy? Jashina talks about what you need to know when embracing your bump. You'll learn tips for monitoring, maternity clothes, and more for having a B shaped belly! She also shares her birth story. And as a social worker who supports new parents, Jashina has a special message to pass along.

Kaytee Crawford is an educator, lactation consultant, craniosacral therapist, and birth and postpartum doula. She brings her skills and education to social media to help raise awareness and improve outcomes for birthing people. In addition, she's incredibly passionate about supporting Black and plus size individuals.

Long before Instagram and hashtags celebrating postpartum bodies, there was the website "The Shape of a Mother." Founder Bonnianne Ratliff joins the show to discuss body image, feminism, and redefining how we talk about postpartum bodies.

For over twenty years, Dawn Thompson has fought to improve birth. She shares her journey, changes and setbacks she has witnessed over the years, and a new vision for birth support. Listen as we discuss what it will take to reduce the high induction and cesarean birth rates and much more!

Alice Keely, Registered Midwife, MSc, Ph.D., is a plus size-friendly UK midwife who believes guidelines are not rules. She helps people expect the best during pregnancy while providing self-advocacy tips. Learn about supporting plus size pregnancy in the UK and get helpful advice for people worldwide.

It's hard to know where to begin when having the desire to focus on wellness rather than weight. Ashantis Jones takes an intersectional approach to wellness by blending her background in education, counseling, mental health, and fitness. This episode will give you a new view of wellness and inspire you to approach it in a different light.

Let's chat about starting the new year with attainable resolutions by taking tiny steps that make a big impact. First, I open up about slight changes I've made. Of course, I'm talking about embarrassingly simple tasks many do without thinking but I've neglected. Then I dive deeper by discussing setting boundaries and focusing on mental health. So, if you want to start the year with positive intentions that are easy to implement, tune into this episode with yours truly, Jen McLellan.

Cara, known as Pale Ginger Pear on Instagram, shares her lipedema surgery before and after story. She spent years fighting for answers and care for her lymphedema and lipedema. Finally, Cara connected with a compassionate surgeon who changed her life forever. Now, she's telling her story to raise awareness and help others get support.

Camie joins the show to bust plus size pregnancy myths by sharing her three pregnancy experiences. From getting pregnant with ease, having unmedicated births to loving her postpartum body - Camie proves that there shouldn't be stereotypes about what plus size bodies are capable of during pregnancy and well beyond. We also discuss how things are sometimes different as plus size moms and share a reminder that we're not alone!

As of today, December 6th, 2022, I'm still locked out of my Facebook and Instagram accounts. But I now know why - my Facebook cover photo of a plus size mother and daughter was mass reported as inappropriate. Of course, it wasn't, but I'm still at risk of permanently losing the accounts I've built for over a decade. So I'm sharing all I know during this brief episode. And I miss you so much!

As of the morning of November 18th, 2022, I no longer have access to my Plus Mommy and Plus Size Birth Facebook and Instagram pages - large communities I've spent over a decade building. And I sincerely apologize to the community! The loss is devastating, and I'm hopeful I'll be reinstated. I'm learning many lessons quickly and sharing what I know so far during this brief episode. Be sure to subscribe to the Plus Mommy newsletter so we remain in touch and you can be aware of the next steps. And if you're interested in my consulting services, go to jenmclellan.com.  

If you're experiencing a plus size twin pregnancy or enjoy hearing inspiring birth stories, you're in for a treat! Sarah shares her twin pregnancy experience, from watching her belly expand to unpacking her relationship with food. And then you'll hear about her empowering birth experience as she gave birth to her twins vaginally in the operating room!

Fiona Houston, founder of Fat Black Pregnant, didn't find the representation she searched for throughout her pregnancy. So she's on a mission to help other fat Black pregnant womxn feel seen and have their stories told. Fiona joins us from London to tell her heart-wrenching and powerful story.

Jill Smokler, New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur, is speaking up about her issues - and we are here for it! In 2008, during the height of mommy blogging years, Jill launched an authentic voice for millions of moms, Scary Mommy. Now in her 40s, Jill's back with the She's Got Issues podcast! We have a raw conversation about motherhood, body image, and fertility. And, through Jill's vulnerability, she helps us all feel less alone and reminds us that it's okay to be a little scary.

For years, I've wondered when I'd find peace with letting go of the dream of having more children. So, as I did three years prior, during episode 49 (Fat, Forty, And Questioning My Fertility), I turned my recorder on and talked openly about my fertility. And this time, the process of letting go!

Are you searching for fertility tips for PCOS? So many people struggle to find helpful information and providers to support their fertility journey. Katrina Rollins is trying to change that! Katrina Rollins, CNM, ARNP, MPH, is a Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner who shares tips for getting pregnant with PCOS. She has over seven years of experience diagnosing and treating people with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

This is Sara's type 1 diabetes with twins pregnancy and birth story. She had a healthy high-risk pregnancy and wants others to know how to advocate for themselves throughout pregnancy and beyond. Sara also shares helpful tips for people who experience pregnancy with diabetes and wisdom for twin parents.

America's Got Talent Semifinalist, Christina Wells, comes back on the show to share her passion for fashion and sewing knowledge. From daily wear to gowns worn while performing in front of thousands, Christina crafts custom designs. She refuses to allow her size to limit her accessibility to style. And now, she's encouraging others to find the same freedom in fashion by picking up a needle and thread.

Jeannie knew she could develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy or have other complications. But nothing prepared her for an incompetent cervix and giving birth to her daughter Marion at 22 weeks. This story of love and loss raises awareness about having an incompetent cervix and honors Marion.

Learning how to make mom friends is one thing, but finding mom friendships that can last a lifetime is another. Here are five steps for making quality mom friends, and the first one might surprise you!

ShiShi Rose is a writer, doula, postpartum and birth educator, and advocate. Her work centers around supporting Black families. She joins the podcast to discuss how supporting Black families improves care for all families!

Talking about being pregnant and plus size is becoming normalized, as evident by the #plussizeandpregnant hashtag reaching nearly 25 million views on TikTok. Even with access to supportive information becoming readily available, there are some questions people secretly ponder. Jen McLellan, certified childbirth educator, founder of Plus Size Birth, and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast, answers seven questions people mull over but might have trouble openly discussing. From facing internalized fatphobia to having tough conversations with care providers - we're going there!

Lorrie shares her plus size pregnancy with triplets journey! From spending four years trying to conceive to navigating pregnancy while in recovery from an eating disorder – this is a story, you won't soon forget.