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🎙️ Coming in hot at #5 on our list of top podcasts for 2024: My solo episode tackling one of the most DEBATED postpartum fitness questions: 

Do you REALLY have to wait 12 weeks to start running after baby? 🏃‍♀️  

After 25 years of experience as a pelvic floor PT working with postpartum moms (& as someone who’s been there postpartum), I've read the research, talked to the experts, & lived the reality. 

Here’s the scoop: the "12-week guideline” might be helpful for SOME, but it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all answer.  

In this episode, I break down:  
✔️ Where the 12-week guideline comes from (& if it applies to you)
✔️ Why pelvic floor education is changing postpartum recovery 
✔️ What we can learn from pro athletes vs. the rest of us mere mortals
✔️ Managing prolapse, leakage, & scaling exercises without losing your mind
✔️ The mental side of running postpartum: motivations, identity, & starting where you are

If you’re a mom trying to navigate the chaos of “when to run,” this episode has your back (& your pelvic floor). 🙌  

👉 Listen now —& let’s keep rewriting the postpartum running playbook together.  

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction 

3:04 recommendations pre-2019 

11:13 the current view 

16:51 remembering mental health 

19:30 where to find information 

24:25 who needs to wait 12 weeks? 

29:50 the symptoms 

37:20 doing the things to help your symptoms 

45:24 what to do when you return to run 

51:06 what to do next 

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.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 text

🚨 She’s back! We’re thrilled to welcome the incredible *Dr. Kimberley Johnson, PhD*, aka @wildmatrescence, back to the show for our Season 3 Finale! 🎉✨  

Kimberley is a psychologist specializing in perinatal and reproductive health concerns, including:  
🌟 Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders  
🌟 Perinatal trauma & loss  
🌟 Pelvic floor conditions  
🌟 Infertility  
🌟 Reproductive transitions  

In Episode 14 (May 2022), she shared her journey navigating postpartum prolapse & a pelvic floor avulsion injury as a pro cyclist & PhD student. And now? SO much has changed! 💪  

This episode dives into:  
➡️ Kimberley’s growing family (hello, 2 kids! 👶👦)  
➡️ Juggling pregnancy, parenting, & professional growth  
➡️ Moving TWICE & staying active with a toddler & kindergartener 🚴‍♀️🎿  

We also get into her groundbreaking research on childbirth-related pelvic floor injuries, mental health, & improving patient-provider communication during pregnancy and postpartum.  

And, of course, Kimberley opens up about her adventures as a mom—mountain biking, hiking, camping, & (hopefully) Nordic skiing her way through New England with her family! 🏔️  

✨ Topics we cover:  
✅ Birth injuries & recovery  
✅ Deciding to have another child after prolapse
✅ Staying active with kids  
✅ Pessaries & prolapse treatment  
✅ Medical gaslighting & finding the right provider  
✅ Prolapse grading, education, & informed consent  

This episode is packed with valuable insights for moms, providers, & anyone passionate about perinatal health. 🎧 Take a listen now & join the conversation!  

💡 Tag a friend who needs this!  

Time Stamps

1:00 introduction

5:11 getting pregnant after prolapse

11:20 treating birth injuries

17:45 pain as physical, mental, and emotional 

24:17 where people are finding information

33:10 exploring what is “normal”

36:55 dealing with compulsions

43:50 anatomical versus symptomatic prolapse

47:10 was it there before birth?

54:45 how providers can support in mental health

65:05 how to find a mental health provider

67:05 developing pelvic health literacy

72:10 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH KIMBERLY

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildmatrescence/

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

💥 *New Episode Alert!* 💥 

Today I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Carey Rothschild, Clinical Associate Professor at @ucf.edu & lead author of the groundbreaking Clinical Commentary: "Maximizing Running Participation and Performance Through Menopause" (published in @jwphptofficial, April/June 2023). 🙌  

With 25+ years in orthopedics & sports medicine, Dr. Rothschild brings expertise in female athlete health, menopause, & running injuries—& she’s recently earned her @menopause_society certification! (Congrats, Carey! 🎉)  

As an avid runner, triathlete, Boston Marathon finisher, & mom of 3 sporty kids, Dr. Rothschild knows firsthand how to balance it all while staying active through every life stage. 💪  

We dive into:  
🔹 Perimenopause awareness for active women  
🔹 Physical therapy’s role in perimenopause & menopause care  
🔹 Frozen shoulder, low estrogen, & tendon health
🔹 Bone health, impact, lifting heavy & running in peri & menopause
🔹 Sleep changes & nutrition needs in perimenopause  
🔹 Low energy availability in peri/menopause & recovery strategies  

…and so much more! Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with tips for thriving through menopause & beyond!  

🎧 Tune in now and level up your menopause knowledge!  

Time Stamps

1:00 introduction

5:50 where providers should broaden their knowledge

8:48 cardiovascular impacts

12:40 changes to training

22:04 lifting weights versus jumping

25:00 what is “lifting heavy”?

33:18 nutrition and endocrine system

37:55 low estrogen states

42:41 top simple tips

51:30 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH CAREY

Website: https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/person/carey-rothschild/

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

What 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:
🔹Doing everything "right" yet still facing complications
🔹Recovering from post-birth injuries
🔹Building a supportive postpartum team
🔹Adding strength training to recovery
🔹Navigating shifts in identity as a mom
🔹Prioritizing rest & recovery
🔹Finding time for yourself
🔹Using vaginal estradiol while breastfeeding
🔹Balancing childcare and active time with kids

Amy’s story is a must-hear for anyone navigating their own postpartum journey & looking for encouragement & real, practical insights.

Time Stamps

1:00 introduction

3:36 journey to returning to run

10:11 navigating a second pregnancy

15:40 being open about her experience

22:39 second pregnancy differences

30:45 getting care postpartum

42:55 postpartum during covid times versus “normal” times

51:50 layers of a mom’s experience

57:57 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH AMY

IG: https://www.instagram.com/amy_the_punisher/

Website: www.amythepunisher.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 text

Today, 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:
🔹 Her experience with a 2nd pregnancy
🔹 Focusing research on perimenopause
🔹 Her background in MMA 
🔹 The importance of protein for women
🔹 How resistance training supports health
🔹 Preventing age-related health issues
🔹 Breaking down myths: no ‘bad’ exercises
🔹 Getting started with resistance training

This episode is packed with insights for women navigating the demands of athleticism, motherhood, & wellness!

Time Stamps

1:00 introduction

4:30 struggling to get treated for perimenopause

8:06 importance of protein in diet

19:20 range of perimenopause in women

23:35 determining what “high protein” means

29:30 exercise to compliment resistance training

34:25 staying strong for grandchildren

38:55 her own postpartum journey

40:00 bioidentical hormone replacement therapy

47:20 first steps to take

51:12 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH PAULINA

IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulina.balboa/

Website: www.pi-physio.de

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

In 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:

🔹Living with fibroids & the journey to motherhood
🔹The decision-making process behind a hysterectomy
🔹Hysterectomy recovery & onset of surgical perimenopause
🔹Key post-surgery care tips
🔹How to manage a missed diagnosis
🔹The challenges of a high-risk pregnancy
🔹Where to find reliable information on fibroids & navigating return to activity after pelvic surgery

Time Stamps

1:00 introduction

4:15 getting a fibroid diagnosis

9:10 choices for treatment early on

13:50 the missed diagnosis

16:40 having a background in strength training

18:17 high-risk pregnancy after fibroids

25:20 having a planned c-section after abdominal surgery

37:08 running with fibroids

42:40 choices surrounding hysterectomies

50:01 providers who play to people’s fears

53:20 differential diagnosis in perimenopause

57:00 recovery after hysterectomy

64:15 resistance training after hysterectomy

70:45 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH JOCELYN

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drjocelynwallace/

Website: drjocelynwallace.com

Free Questionnaire: https://drjocelynwallace.myflodesk.com/free-questionnaire

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

On today’s episode, I chat with Dr. Tricia DeNardis, aka @burpeesandburpcloths  She's a physical therapist, pregnancy & postpartum exercise specialist, & mom of 3! 👶👧👦 (& a zero dark 30 exerciser who shares the ups raising kids while trying to stay fit, strong & sane!) 

Tricia shares her journey to becoming a pelvic floor PT & how motherhood inspired her mission to help other active moms thrive.

Tricia is also a @pregnant.postpartum.athlete certified coach

Exciting news: Since we recorded, Tricia is now a co-host for @mileswithmomspodcast alongside friend of the show, @themotherrunners, as well as @motherhood_running, & @watch_oliviarun! Be sure to support these amazing #motherrunners 

We dive into: 
🔹 A day in the life with 3 kids, training for an ultra & 4:30am workouts
🔹 The myth of “non-compliance” for moms with home exercise programming
🔹 Returning to work as a mom & how to keep exercising
🔹 Conquering mom guilt 
🔹 Why mom-life balance is a myth 
🔹 Adding impact workouts you love

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

7:10 shifting to pelvic health

12:30 exercising around your kids’ schedules

18:45 meeting moms where there are at

23:49 switching “hats”

28:18 finding workouts you love

34:05 setting easy habits and workouts you enjoy

39:30 training for an ultra marathon 

44:30 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH TRICIA

IG: https://www.instagram.com/burpeesandburpcloths/

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

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sara Perelmuter, a medical student and future OBGYN, who is already leading innovations in the field of sexual medicine. As president of the Sexual Medicine Research Team and with over seven peer-reviewed publications, Sara’s latest work, "Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation: A New Perspective on Postpartum and Lactation-Related Genitourinary Symptoms," introduces a new term encompassing genitourinary symptoms related to low estrogen during the postpartum and lactation periods.

Sara’s passion for women’s health is deeply personal—her own struggle with pelvic pain during intercourse led to her diagnosis of hypertonic overactive pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. The medical gaslighting and dismissal she experienced, along with her feminist values and love for physiology, motivated her to pursue a career dedicated to improving women's sexual health. In this episode, Sara discusses the importance of education, accessibility, and awareness in empowering women to take control of their own bodies.

We cover topics including:

🔹Role of estrogen in postpartum & during lactation
🔹Innovative research on reproductive organs and genitourinary symptoms
🔹Addressing painful intercourse & pelvic pain at all stages of life
🔹Need to change med school curricula to better include women’s health issues
🔹Understanding hormone fluctuations throughout a woman’s life
🔹How to effectively communicate with your healthcare provider about sexual/reproductive health in postpartum, before & beyond
🔹Collaborative care approaches for treating pelvic floor dysfunction 

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

3:55 the roll of estrogen

8:23 parallels between different conditions

15:50 innovation in the field

23:37 vaginal estrogen in lactation

31:40 postpartum versus lactation

41:08 signs and symptoms

46:50 muscular versus hormonal

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH SARA

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sara.perelmuter/

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

On today’s episode, I speak with Dr. Todd Davenport, professor and Chair in the Department of Physical Therapy at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He is a scientific advisor to the Workwell Foundation and Chair of Long Covid Physio. 

His research involves why some people don't get better following an illness. 

We dive deep into how chronic fatigue, long COVID, & chronic pain impact the pelvic floor, discussing essential tips for a safe return to exercise after a COVID-19 infection. 

Topics covered include:
🔹Safe exercise for post-COVID recovery  
🔹Recognizing when exercise is doing more harm than good  
🔹How to seek help & advocate for your health  
🔹Understanding chronic fatigue & how it affects exertion  
🔹The connection between ME/CFS & long COVID  
🔹Athlete challenges with healthcare providers  

Listen in to learn how to safely navigate exercise, chronic fatigue, & long-term COVID recovery with current evidence!

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

4:00 explaining ME/CFS

9:15 crossover of symptoms

14:55 starting with treatment

20:00 COVID and Long COVID recovery

27:20 where to start with treatment

32:30 listening to your body

37:49 where to look for help

41:44 hope for the future

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH TODD

Twitter: @sunsopeningband

University (day job): www.pacific.edu/dpt

Workwell Foundation (scientific consulting): https://workwellfoundation.org/

Workwell Health (clinical practice): https://wwhealth.co/

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

On today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Rachel Tinius, an Associate Professor at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to discuss her groundbreaking research on the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. 

Dr. Tinius has dedicated her career to studying the impact of physical activity on maternal & infant health outcomes, developing community-based interventions for pregnant/postpartum women, especially those in marginalized communities. 

Her innovative work identified a critical gap in evidence-based exercise interventions for this demographic, leading her to create the mobile app BumptUp®.

The app is designed to provide trustworthy physical activity guidance for women during & after pregnancy, promoting health & wellness at every stage of motherhood.

We talk about:

-reasons for inactivity in pregnancy

-creating BumptUp

-changing guidelines over the years

-reaching underserved communities

-the power of an app

-activity affecting pregnancy outcomes

-pregnancy as a time for new habits

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

5:35 inactivity in pregnancy

8:17 creating BumptUp

12:45 what makes BumptUp special

16:45 pilot study

20:20 meeting people where they are

23:54 her experiences with pregnancy

27:35 influences of parents on activity

34:00 empowering moms in pregnancy

38:10 thinking ahead to menopause

42:52 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH RACHEL

IG: https://www.instagram.com/bumptuplabs/

Website: bumptupapp.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!!!!)