Let's Talk Postpartum

If you're looking for some honest Mom to Mom "real-talk," then this is your episode! Kristin shares her two postpartum experiences. You'll hear about how she went through Postpartum Anxiety as well as Baby Blues. We also talk about the honest truths that come along with motherhood and how to make sure you don't lose yourself in the process. *Note: this episode is explicit so please be mindful of little ears. :) 

Be sure to check out Kristin's clothing brand, Free the Mother:
freethemother.com

You can connect with Kristin here:

Instagram: Instagram.com/freethemother

Melissa shares her experience of having "Placentia Previa" with her first baby and some natural things she did to help her placenta move while she was pregnant. She also shares how she went on to have “Vasa Previa” with her second baby. This is a rare condition where the fetal umbilical cord blood vessels run across or very close to the internal opening of the cervix. She’ll tell her story and how it was medically necessary to have a cesarean with her second baby versus the "intervention free" birth she had hoped for. Melissa will touch on how our expectations and reality can be so very different and how she came out of her experiences feeling positive. 

You can connect with Melissa on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissamor/?hl=en

You can connect with me, Brooke at:
https://www.instagram.com/theempoweringmama/?hl=en

Melissa mentions the following resources in this episode:

Birth Without Fear

The Wonder Weeks App

3-Way Adjustable Baby Swaddle

ARTIPOPPE Baby Carriers

Get ready to be inspired by today's guest, Kristen. She's a mama to twin girls and she quickly learned that postpartum isn't all "sunshine and rainbows." She shares some wonderful tips and personal experiences to encourage parents to make themselves a priority throughout parenthood, speak up for what's important to them and to take all the advice that comes from everyone with a grain of salt. 

You can connect with Kristen at:

Instagram: @kcatfull

Check out the Peanut App to meet other mamas: 
https://www.peanut-app.io/

Here are some websites and resources that Kristen found especially helpful for parents of twins:
https://multiplesofamerica.org/

Jillian joins us on the podcast today to share about her discovery of the "gentle cesarean." Her first labor and birth went nothing like she expected. She found herself devastated when she ended up needing a cesarean. With her second baby, she discovered the practice of a "gentle cesarean" which made for an amazing birth experience and postpartum recovery for her next three babies. 

You can connect with Jillian at:

Instagram:
@totesamom

Jillian's Blog:
Totes a Mom

Check out the children's book Jillian and her father wrote:
Goodnight, Goodnight, Goodnight

Are you ready to plan and prepare for your postpartum journey? Learn about everything you're going to want and need to know at:
https://www.theempoweringmama.com/yes

You're going to hear from Lindsey today who shares her journey to being diagnosed with "Dysthymia" or "Persistent Depressive Disorder." You'll hear how seeking support, self care and therapy helped her overcome her struggles, even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

You can connect with Lindsey at:

Instagram:

https://instagram.com/llinz24?igshid=16xttvabi2dim

Learn more about Dysthymia here:

https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/chronic-depression-dysthymia

Support and resources for Postpartum Depression:

https://www.postpartum.net/

Get a free Postpartum Prep Checklist Here:

https://www.theempoweringmama.com/podcast-free-checklist

You'll hear from Halle in this episode as she shares her honest, real and raw experiences of her two postpartum journeys as well as how she's preparing for her third. Halle had thyroid struggles after the birth of her first and discovered she has Hashimoto's Disease. You'll also hear about her experience through Postpartum Depression and how she found the strength to get support because she realized she "couldn't pour from an empty cup."

You can connect with Halle at:

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hallecamillexo/?hl=en

Grab You Free Postpartum Prep Checklist:
https://www.theempoweringmama.com/podcast-free-checklist

Check out the amazing postpartum products from Frida Mom:
https://frida.com/collections/frida-mom

Helon shares her postpartum experience as she came off of pitocin and an epidural right after birth. You'll hear how she got off to a "rocky start" with breastfeeding which led to her developing mastitis. However, 4 months into her postpartum journey she finds herself feeling great so join us to hear Helon's journey and how she got to where she is today. 

You can connect with Helon at:

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

You can find the Heating/Cooling Breast Therapy Pads here:
Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy

You can find the heating breast pads Brooke used and loved here:
Lillemer Lil'Buds Breast Comfort Packs

This is the nipple cream Helon used and recommends:
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream

Nicole is a Mama of three kids and she is currently newly postpartum with her third baby. She’s going to share her postpartum experiences as well as her journey with exercise postpartum throughout those three postpartum experiences. Nicole found there was a serious lack of knowledge and resources for exercise during postpartum with her first. This actually led her to create her own business to help change that!

You can connect with Nicole at:

Her Website:
https://www.trainermommy.com/

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

Email:
[email protected]

Resources for exercise programming & finding a postpartum coach:
http://www.briannabattles.com/

In this episode, Courtney shares her two very different postpartum experiences as she recovered from her caesarean births. She also opens up about her experience battling postpartum depression and why she learned it was okay to put herself first. This is a longer episode but it's worth every minute. Courtney will leave you feeling inspired and connected to your village that comes with motherhood.

You can connect with Courtney over on Instagram at:
@cd_austin

Kelly shares what her birth and postpartum experiences were like in this episode. You'll hear how an unexpected caesarean led to a rocky postpartum recovery at first. Kelly shares some products she found that did help with that recovery. You'll also hear how and why Kelly and her husband decided to switch from their son from breastfeeding to formula which in turn improved Kelly's mental health. We also touch on overcoming comparison and unrealistic expectations throughout motherhood and postpartum.

Here are some details mentioned in this episode:

This is the Postpartum Belly Binder that Kelly used:

3 in 1 Postpartum Support - Recovery Belly/Waist/Pelvis Belt Shapewear (Found on Amazon)

This is the Skin and Scar Balm Kelly used (and I recommend as well) for Caesarean recovery and stretch marks:

Earth Mama Organics Skin and Scar Balm 

These are the lactation cookies Kelly liked:

Booby Boons Lactation Cookies +Probiotics, Salted Caramel, 6 Ounce Bag – Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Fenugreek-Free Ingredients, 1 Billion Probiotics (CFU) Per Serving (Found on Amazon)

Kelly loved these pants for pregnancy and postpartum caesarean recovery:

Ekouaer Maternity Pajama Pants for Women Pregnancy Long Pants Soft Sweatpants Lounge Trousers (Found on Amazon)

These are a couple make-ahead/freezer recipes Kelly enjoyed for postpartum:

Southwestern Egg Muffins from My Suburban Kitchen 
Baked Oatmeal Cups from Eating Bird Food

You can connect with Kelly over on Instagram at: @mrskellylesko