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Selfishly when I started this podcast, I did it for myself. I did it because I had so many questions and didn't know where to begin, I did it because I felt alone and needed community, and I did it because I love podcasting and needed to do something for myself. 

Along the way I have been fortunate to not only have incredibly informative conversations but I have also met some inspiring women. Our conversations have ranged from what foods to eat to nourish our bodies after babies, how to navigate postpartum depression, to pelvic floor issues, fertility and coparenting - among  many other topics. 

This episode in particular touches on Women's Health and the gamut of issues we face. We discuss PCOS, menstrual cycles, hysterectomies, the cost of motherhood & abortion ... In addition, we touch on the lack of information and guidance available. 

If there is one thing I have learned especially since becoming a mom is that we don't know anything about our own health. What is considered normal, is actually not. If we don't ask, no one will tell us. If we don't speak up, no one will. 

So my ask is that everyone, including the men in my family & community, listen to this episode. Inform yourself so that when you see us angry, scared, saddened and/or disappointed about how we are treated, you can better understand us.

And instead of calling us dramatic or "too much" when we may be going through our cycles or navigating PPD or frustrated because we aren't feeling well and no one is giving us answers, you learn to stand by us and with us. We need you now more than ever and we simply want to be heard. 

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My first repeat guest and I couldn’t be more excited! Dr. Morgan is BACK and this time to share some exciting news … she’s pregnant! In this convo we deep dive into her fertility and pregnancy journey.

We discuss the challenges, the process, the wins, the unknown and … there may or may not be a gender reveal 🐣

To know more about what Dr. Morgan focuses on you can go back to episode 5 where we discuss ALL things pelvic floor and you can also follow her @dr.morgan.pelvicpt

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In this episode Jennifer shared what inspired her to start her business, navigating life as a single mother while co-parenting, and the day to day challenges we as moms share but don’t often talk about. It was such a great conversation and a reminder that we are better when we are together. It takes a village and some really cool mom friends to help us get through it all!

Jennifer Eklund is owner of Maternal Counseling Collaborative PLLC, a virtual mental health practice serving teens and women across the state of Texas.

Jennifer is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Texas & Kansas. She is also certified in Perinatal Mental Health. Her passion is to empower women during their journey to and through motherhood.

She believes in a holistic approach that expands beyond just mental health. Jennifer addresses challenges such as postpartum anxiety and depression, relational challenges, parent coaching, mom guilt, and the mental load of motherhood.

Outside of her private practice, you can find Jennifer chasing her busy three year old daughter, getting outside in nature, or spending time with family and friends. Her commitment to holistic health keeps her busy learning about all the latest health and wellness practices as well, so she can best serve her clients on their path to mental wellness.

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It’s not everyday you find yourself having incredibly touching conversations and I am so glad I was able to have this chat with Chasity. I can wholeheartedly say this has been one that has marked my heart forever. Her story, her strength, and her purpose are nothing short of inspiring. GET YOUR TISSUES READY!

Chasity Short, PT is a pediatric physical therapist, mother, wife, podcast host, and disability advocate who shares her personal journey of life and death to empower other women in their mothering journey. She has 5 children ranging from 9-18 years, including one child who passed away in 2020 from a severe genetic disorder. Chasity uses the lessons learned with her own son to serve families who have a child with a disability or who are medically complex and fragile.

Chasity is the owner of a private practice called Blue Bee Collective which provides high quality, individualized physical therapy to children in the DFW metroplex. She also hosts a podcast called “Complex Conversations,’ which aims to provide empowerment and education to family’s living with a disabled or medically complex child.

She can be reached for pediatric physical therapy services at bluebeecollective.com, or by email at [email protected]

Her podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Podcasts.

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I am thrilled to kick us off again with an important conversation surrounding our gut and hormonal health! We covered so much from our periods to 💩 and how we can treat our bodies better to not only feel better physically but mentally as well.

This is especially important for postpartum mommas as our bodies start to regulate after literally creating life, but applies to all women and men. A must listen for the whole family!

Jade is a Functional Nutritionist that specializes in hormone and gut health. She helps women get to the root cause of their low energy, bloat and irregular periods. After struggling with PCOS, adrenal dysfunction and gut issues herself, she now helps clients one on one in her personal practice. She uses functional lab testing, dietary changes and personalized protocols to help her clients heal and meet their goals.

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

Website: https://www.jadeswellness.com/

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You can find out more about Stephanie and her work on her website: www.riseandrestcoaching.com or on her Instagram page: @riseandrestsleepcoach

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This conversation truly opened up a whole new perspective not only on motherhood but the challenges children in the foster care system face. There are many ways to help regardless if you’re looking to adopt/foster or not. I hope this episode inspires you to support and spread the word.

About our guest:
Caitlyn is a mom of two and passionate about being an advocate in the foster care and adoption space. She has spent most of her career in the non profit sector with a background in working at a global anti-human trafficking organization and now currently serving at Buckner International which serves vulnerable children and families.

Caitlyn values ethical storytelling, creating safe spaces to learn about trauma, and engaging in authentic conversations.

For more information on the organizations that Caitlyn highlights visit: A21.org and Buckner.org.  Her Instagram inbox is always open to answer questions that might arise after this conversation.

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Andrea sits down with Dr. Morgan Klette to learn all about pelvic floor issues, how it impacts women’s lives, signs we can look out for (and often ignore), treatment options and more …

Suffering from incontinence? Having trouble during intercourse? Having back pains?... All normal after birth, right? Wrong! None of this is normal and we deep dive into why and how you can prevent and/or heal, what are signs you can look out for, and when to reach out for help.

Dr. Morgan Klette @dr.morgan.pelvicpt is a highly skilled physical therapist, serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area, who completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. Morgan started her career in orthopedic physical therapy but shortly moved into pelvic floor physical therapy once she realized her passion to help those heal from symptoms that affect the most intimate part of their life. Morgan is dedicated to treating the whole person, addressing root causes to build resilience and improve overall well-being. Morgan is a certified myofascial trigger point therapist using techniques of dry needling and functional retraining to help her patients return to their desired level of fitness. She specializes in treating infertility but enjoys treating a wide variety of pelvic floor diagnoses from pregnancy/postpartum symptoms to chronic pelvic pain. Her patients benefit from her comprehensive approach, personalized care, and warm personality.

Outside of her practice, Morgan enjoys traveling and is actively involved in her church community. She prioritizes her own health and fitness journey, which complements her commitment to promoting wellness in others.

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TW: This episode contains mentions of suicide

Dr. Olivia Wedel joins Andrea as they discuss all things postpartum struggles: Mood swings, sleep, the importance of postpartum planning & education, healing and beyond.
It's eye opening & educational. If there’s one episode I recommend you tune into, it’s this one.

Whether you’re going through postpartum depression, have experienced it or have been impacted in any way this episode is a must. No one is immune from it, it IS real and should be paid attention to. May this also be an opportunity to remind you that you shouldn’t suffer in silence and you’re not alone.

About Dr. Olivia Wedel: I’m Dr. Olivia Wedel, and I am a believer in the mind and body’s ability to heal with the right tools and support. As a survivor of debilitating postpartum depression, anxiety, and rage, I found my calling - after 14 years in the counseling field - following the miracle birth of my son at the onset of the pandemic in 2020.
I knew that if I survived what I was going through that I wanted to help other women heal.

I want mothers to know that you do not have to struggle alone, and it is possible to feel hopeful during hard moments. I have experienced firsthand how negative stigma permeates maternal mental health and prevents many from reaching out for help that is needed. I want everyone to know that perinatal mood & anxiety disorders are treatable, and recovery happens every day. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C).

I have trained extensively in postpartum depression, anxiety, and rage; I also engage in two perinatal consulting groups to stay up to date on current trends, research, and treatment interventions. I serve on the Board of Directors for the Texas Mental Health Counselors Association. My favorite title is Mama, and spending time with my son and our family is my greatest joy! When I’m not working, you’ll find me in my kitchen, baking or cooking; traveling to see family, and spending time outdoors as much as possible.

RESOURCES: 

• Book Mentioned in Episode: “This Isn’t What I Expected” by Karen Kleiman
• Hotline mentioned in Episode: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (non-crisis; support, education, and resources in real time with perinatal-trained providers)
  • 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) Call or text 24/7, 365 days per year to reach perinatal specialists for information, support, and resources
• Additional resources found here

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