How did postpartum become a performance sport?

Somewhere along the way, we stopped honoring the transformation of motherhood and started racing to “get back” to a body, a life, and a version of ourselves that no longer exists. This week, we’re unpacking all of it—from toxic bounce back culture to body image in preconception care, influencer pressures, postpartum mental health, and how practitioners can help clients navigate this intense season with compassion and realism.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:22 The problem with bounce back culture
• 02:17 Transparency in postpartum fitness
• 03:29 Societal pressures on new mothers
• 07:22 Challenges of breastfeeding and returning to work
• 08:56 Inadequate postpartum support in the U.S.
• 11:44 Why prenatal care needs a radical upgrade
• 15:09 Navigating social media while postpartum
• 15:52 Real talk about body image and postpartum reality
• 16:23 Helping clients embrace body neutrality
• 17:21 Unpacking the pressure to ‘get your body back’
• 19:45 Encouraging nourishment and rest over restriction
• 20:50 Preconception care and body image support
• 25:01 Addressing anxiety in the trying to conceive community
• 28:18 Final thoughts and how we can do better

Links and resources:

• Listen to Episode 13. Postpartum Fitness: Why the Bounce-Back Culture Misses the Point: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/18040501

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified provider with questions about your health and never delay seeking care because of something you heard here.

Nothing shared by Unconventional Collaborative is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, and supplement statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This podcast does not create a doctor–patient, provider–client, or supervisory relationship.

All practitioners are responsible for interpreting and applying information within the legal and ethical scope of their own training and credentials. If unsure what falls within your scope of practice, consult your licensing or certifying body.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility for outcomes resulting from use or misuse of this information.