In this episode of Matrescence in Wellness, host Brittany unpacks the harsh reality of "Pregism" (the subtle discrimination, microaggressions, and anxiety pregnant workers face in corporate spaces). As a Black woman currently in her third trimester, Brittany shares her perspective on shifting from corporate burnout to entrepreneurship, utilizing legal protections like the Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act (PWFA), and setting boundaries to protect your mental and physical health.

In this episode, we also cover:

• Maternal Health in the News: Unpacking the racial disparities in maternal mental health crises, contrasting the public narrative around the Lindsay Clancy trial with the criminalization of Black mamas facing postpartum psychosis.

  -https://postpartum.net/why-postpartum-psychosis-needs-our-attention/

• Culturally Competent Care: The importance of universal screening, Black maternal mental health data, and follow-up care for postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).

  - https://policycentermmh.org/black-maternal-mental-health-issue-brief/

• Reproductive Autonomy & Career Timing: Analyzing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s decision to freeze her eggs and treating fertility preservation as a legitimate form of occupational strategy and self-care.

  - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ocasio-cortez-says-shes-freezing-her-eggs-as-she-considers-her-political-career

• Media Tropes vs. Reality: Debunking the media extremes of pregnant workers—from the "hyper-capable robot" to the "trad-wife" narrative—and finding your middle ground.

  -https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/16/politics/karoline-leavitt-maternity-leave-briefing

  -https://www.npr.org/2024/12/17/nx-s1-5206673/tradwives-have-taken-over-tiktok-now-ex-tradwives-want-their-moment

Whether you're navigating workplace accommodations, building your postpartum safety net, or seeking evidence-based advocacy, this episode offers a supportive space to honor your whole self.

Enjoying the show? Please leave a 5-star rating, subscribe, and review!

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• 🧘‍♀️ Free Prenatal Yoga for Nausea: Check out our new class on YouTube!

• 🏋️‍♀️ ProNatal Fitness Group Fitness Course: Level up your coaching for pregnant and postpartum clients using our affiliate link in the show notes.

• 📧 Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Join Bump to Beyond on Substack for bi-weekly health law breakdowns and fitness tips.

  
  

Additional Resources:

• Preeclampsia Support Line: 1-800-665-9341
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
• Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773

Follow Brittany Biggett-Heeren:

• Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prismatic Venus Fitness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PVF_Tribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PVF Tribe ⁠

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational discussions and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider.

Please Note: We experienced a few brief audio dips during this international recording from Italy. Thank you for your understanding—the wisdom and heart in this conversation are well worth it, and we know you will still deeply enjoy the episode!

What happens when the dream of an Italian "slow life" meets the raw, isolating reality of postpartum depression? In this episode, Brittany sits down with writer and content strategist Stephanie Rubinato to unpack the profound identity shift of matrescence while living abroad. Stephanie shares her vulnerable journey of navigating a foreign healthcare system as a woman of color, the physical toll of repressed stress (culminating in a severe battle with shingles), and the life-saving necessity of finding a culturally safe community. Together, they challenge the exhausting "Strong Black Woman" archetype and discuss why breaking intergenerational cycles of silence is a matter of survival. This conversation is a gentle reminder that putting down the heavy cloak of resilience isn't a failure—it is the first step toward true healing.

If you found comfort or insight in this episode, please rate, review, and follow the show to help expand our village!

Resources:

📢 Want to keep up with us in your email inbox? We created Bump to Beyond to ensure that every mother has access to professional healthcare insights and safe, empowering fitness routines. Our newsletter bridges the gap between our podcast episodes with deep dives into maternal wellness that you can read in five minutes or less. 

Visit our Substack link to subscribe and start building a stronger, healthier foundation for your family today. Check out link below:

Link: https://substack.com/@bumptobeyond?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

Additional Resources: 

📞Preeclampsia Support Line: 1-800-665-9341

📞National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

📞Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773

Follow Stephanie Rubianto (Guest) 

⁠🖥️Website⁠⁠: https://www.movedwithpeace.com/

🖥️Website⁠⁠: https://www.theitalianreset.com/ 

▶︎Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/theitalianresetretreat/ 

⁠▶︎Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movedwithpeace/ 

⁠⁠▶︎Website: 40catering.com

Follow Brittany Biggett-Heeren (Host)

⁠⁠🖥️ Website: https://www.prismaticvenusfitness.com/

⁠⁠⁠⁠▶︎Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/pvf_tribe/

⁠⁠⁠▶︎TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pvf_tribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠▶︎YouTube⁠⁠: https://www.youtube.com/@UCN1lbzeCKmwWHdNF_eal7dw 

For more inspiring episodes about wellness, self-care, and expert insights, be sure to subscribe to our channel wherever you listen to podcasts!

Motherhood is a birth of its own. Welcome to Matrescence in Wellness (formerly Wednesday Wellness Debrief), a supportive space designed to nurture your mind, body, and rights as you transition into parenthood. Hosted by Brittany—a Maternal Health Advocate & Pre- & Postnatal Fitness Specialist—this podcast is your bi-weekly companion through the deep "identity shift" known as Matrescence. We believe that every parent deserves quality over convenience. Brittany leads with heart and expertise as a Black woman navigating her own first pregnancy while managing a chronic illness. She provides a roadmap for those who often feel unheard in our healthcare system.

Each episode offers a blend of education and advocacy:

• Expert Interviews: Deep dives with the "architects of birth"—from OB-GYNs to Doulas—to help you build your ultimate support team.

• Track That Bill: An educational breakdown of maternal health policy in Washington D.C., making complex laws accessible and relevant to your delivery room.

• Maternal Health in the News: A nurturing reality check where we peel back the layers of Hollywood headlines to reveal the truth about postpartum recovery.

Whether you are navigating a high-risk pregnancy, pivoting your career, or simply looking for a community that honors your whole self, we are here to help you stay grounded.

Join our community and never miss a deep dive into your wellness journey. Hit the "Follow" button to subscribe to Matrescence in Wellness. 

Motherhood is a powerful role, but it is not the only identity you were meant to carry. In this episode, Brittany interviews Arnice Foster to discuss how high-achieving women can remain multifaceted by honoring their passions for business, fitness, and creativity alongside parenting. We dive into the "Foster Fit Method" to break the internal cycle of self-suppression and give you permission to take up space in every area of your life. Learn how to enlist support and shift your mindset so you can thrive as a whole, vibrant woman without sacrificing your maternal heart.

Takeaways:

• It's essential to carve out time for self-care and personal interests.
• Embracing multifaceted passions can lead to greater fulfillment.
• Community support is vital for maintaining wellness and balance.
• Finding joy in creative outlets can enhance overall well-being.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Wellness & Empowerment

2:57 Balancing Law & Fitness Coaching

9:05 Embracing Creativity in Professional Life

16:20 Redefining Success & Prioritizing Well-Being

22:46 The Nine Pillars of Wellness & their Importance

26:29 Balancing Parenthood & Career

32:03 Embracing Personal Responsibility

35:01 Rediscovering Passion & Purpose

41:54 Overcoming Mental Blocks & Self-Sabotage

Resources:

Are you on your journey to start a small business and want to know more about Google Workspace?

Click Here

Want to keep up with us in your email inbox? We created Bump to Beyond newsletter to ensure that every mother has access to professional healthcare insights and safe, empowering fitness routines. Our newsletter bridges the gap between our podcast episodes with deep dives into maternal wellness that you can read in five minutes or less. Visit our Substack link to subscribe and start building a stronger, healthier foundation for your family today.

Click Here

Additional Resources:

• Preeclampsia Support Line: 1-800-665-9341
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
• Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773

Follow Arnice Foster (Guest)

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Book (Amazon)

Follow Brittany Biggett-Heeren (Host)

• ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

For more inspiring episodes about wellness, self-care, and expert insights, be sure to subscribe to our channel wherever you listen to podcasts!

Did a French King dictate how you deliver? We dive into the persistent, wild rumor about King Louis XIV and the alleged influence of his preferences on the modern supine (lying on your back) delivery position.

Then, we transition from history to actionable maternal health and fitness! Learn the science behind gravity-friendly birth positions (like deep squats and all-fours—the quadruped position) and how they naturally open the pelvis for an easier delivery. Your host, Brittany, breaks down the foundational prenatal preparation you need:

• Neutral Alignment: Stacking your body (ears, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles) to reduce soft tissue stress.

• Core Canister Activation: Mastering 360 breathing for pelvic floor strength and nervous system calming.

• Hip Mobility vs. Flexibility: Why joint mobility is key to preparing for a dynamic birth.

Plus, in Maternal Health in the News: We cover the conversations around Cardi B's postpartum workout journey and the alarming findings of the 2025 March of Dimes Report Card on maternal health in the US, with a deep dive into local funding cuts affecting care in Florida.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Birth Position Debate

1:28 Maternal Health in the News - Celebrity News & Postpartum Fitness

3:52 Maternal Health in the News - The March of Dimes Report Card: A National Crisis

11:16 Resources for Running During Pregnancy & Postpartum

12:17 Understanding Birth Positions: Gravity and Anatomy

16:51 Core Activation and Alignment: Foundation for Delivery

17:31 Mind-Body Connection: Managing Pain During Delivery

20:48 Advocacy in Birth Plans

21:09 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Resources:

Maternal Health in The News

• Cardi B Gives Birth to 4th Child with Stefon Diggs
• Postpartum Return to Running and High-Impact

• 2025 March of Dimes Report Card

• Infant mortality efforts in Jacksonville face local funding cut, federal policy changes
• What to know about congenital syphilis after 3 infants die in New York

Pronatal Fitness Running Guide

⁠Pronatal Fitness - Your Guide to Running During Pregnancy & Returning Postpartum

Want more information on pregnancy & postpartum fitness and health coaching, fitness classes, and possible newsletter?

Click Here

Additional Resources:

• Preeclampsia Support Line: 1-800-665-9341
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
• Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773

Love what you heard? Don't miss out on more episodes like this! Follow Wednesday Wellness Debrief | Your Journey to Wellness and Maternal Health on your favorite podcast platform to stay tuned.

Follow Brittany Biggett-Heeren:

• Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Prismatic Venus Fitness⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠PVF_Tribe⁠⁠⁠⁠
• TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠PVF_Tribe⁠⁠⁠⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠PVF Tribe ⁠

In this must-listen, deeply compassionate episode, we feature Tenisha Hill, a certified holistic nutritionist, discussing her journey into perinatal nutrition, the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, and the importance of cultural foods in modern dietary practices. The discussion also covers systemic barriers in healthcare, inclusive care, and making nutritional advice accessible and equitable.

Takeaways:

• Postpartum is a nutritionally demanding phase often overlooked.
• Cultural foods play a vital role in modern nutrition.
• Systemic barriers in healthcare affect cultural sensitivity.
• Inclusive care requires listening and co-creating solutions.
• Nutritional advice should be accessible and equitable.
• Food first approach is essential, supplements fill gaps.
• Cultural foods can be more affordable and nutritious.
• Representation in healthcare is crucial for inclusive care.
• Challenging stereotypes about cultural foods is necessary.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Holistic Nutrition

3:36 Nutritional Needs in Postpartum Care

7:39 Cultural Influence on Nutrition

11:48 Food as Medicine Across Cultures

15:10 Barriers to Culturally Sensitive Care

18:03 Integrating Cultural Wellness in Healthcare

21:10 Challenging Bias in Nutritional Practices

25:15 Accessibility of Clean Eating

28:22 The Role of Nutrition vs Supplements

34:07 Conclusion and Resources

Follow Tenisha Hill (Guest)

• Website
• Instagram

Follow Brittany Biggett-Heeren (Host)

• ⁠Website⁠
• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠TikTok⁠
• ⁠YouTube⁠

For more inspiring episodes about wellness, self-care, and expert insights, be sure to subscribe to our channel wherever you listen to podcasts!

Pelvic floor activation is the secret to your core foundation. Join Brittany to demystify the "Soda Can Core" and learn the correct diaphragm breathing technique for stability. We break down the four key attachment points of the pelvic floor and explain why this 360-degree method is more effective than standard Kegels. Discover the gentle "lift and let go" practice perfect for pregnancy and postpartum wellness. Plus, stay informed with our Maternal Health in the News segment covering preeclampsia awareness and the monumental New Mexico universal childcare policy win!

Takeaways

• Breathing techniques are essential for accessing the pelvic floor.
• Understanding the diaphragm's role is crucial for pelvic health.
• Practicing these techniques can improve overall wellness.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Pelvic Floor Awareness

1:23 Maternal Health in the News

7:21 Understanding the Pelvic Floor

10:02 Pelvic Floor Activation Techniques

13:08 Resources for C-Section Recovery

13:51 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Resources:

Maternal Health in The News

Love is Blind Alums Lauren and Cameron Hamilton Welcome Their First Baby Together

New Mexico becomes 1st state to offer universal child care

Childcare Access: An Important Link to Maternal Mental Health

Resources for C-Section Guide

Pronatal Fitness - Your Guide to Cesarean Birth Preparation and Recovery (Affiliate Link)

Additional Resources:

• Preeclampsia Support Line: 1-800-665-9341
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
• Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773
• 
  

Love what you heard? Don't miss out on more episodes like this! Follow Wednesday Wellness Debrief | Your Journey to Wellness and Maternal Health on your favorite podcast platform to stay tuned.

Follow Brittany Biggett-Heeren:

• Website: ⁠⁠⁠Prismatic Venus Fitness⁠⁠⁠
• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠PVF_Tribe⁠⁠⁠
• TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠PVF_Tribe⁠⁠⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠PVF Tribe ⁠

Are you hiding in your closet? In this vital episode of Wednesday Wellness Debrief, we challenge the idea that style is shallow. Host Brittany talks with Style Coach Kyla about reclaiming your style post-motherhood or during major transitions. Kyla champions body positive style, redefining body types as educational tools rather than restrictions. Get expert advice on developing an authentic style signature that supports your wellness goals. This is a must-listen for every woman ready to feel seen and confident every day.

Takeaways

• Personal style is deeply intertwined with well-being.
• Getting dressed can be a daily practice of identity work.
• Women should give themselves permission to change their style as their bodies change.
• Style archetypes can help women tap into their internal power.
• Feeling good in clothes is more important than following trends.
• Every woman deserves to feel amazing inside and out.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women's Wellness and Personal Style

02:08 Kyla's Journey as an Image Consultant

04:12 The Importance of Style in Women's Lives

04:14 Addressing the Superficiality of Style

07:49 Finding Authentic Style in a Trend-Driven World

11:41 Empowering Clients Through Body Types

15:35 Navigating Body Changes and Style

17:38 Success Stories and Transformations

22:43 Practical Advice for Busy Moms

26:17 Conclusion and Resources

Follow Kyla Brown (Guest)

• Website
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• Instagram

Follow Brittany Biggett-Heeren (Host)

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube

For more inspiring episodes about wellness, self-care, and expert insights, be sure to subscribe to our channel wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this episode, Brittany Biggett-Heeren discusses the significance of community in wellness and maternal health, reflecting on her experience hosting The CLIMB event. She emphasizes the importance of support systems during the journey of parenthood. Brittany encourages listeners to build their own communities and highlights the upcoming episodes focused on wellness and maternal health.

Takeaways

• Community is essential for mental health during parenthood.
• The CLIMB event highlighted the need for mental health awareness.
• Personal journeys can inspire others to seek support.
• It's important to acknowledge and thank those who support us.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wellness and Maternal Health

02:58 The Importance of Community in Parenthood

05:21 Hosting The CLIMB: A Personal Journey

08:02 Encouragement for Building Support Systems

10:42 Resources for C-Section Recovery

12:48 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Resources:

• Pronatal Fitness - Your Guide to Cesarean Birth Preparation and Recovery (Affiliate Link)

• Preeclampsia Support Line: 1-800-665-9341
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
• Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773

Love what you heard? Don't miss out on more episodes like this! Follow Wednesday Wellness Debrief | Your Journey to Wellness and Maternal Health on your favorite podcast platform to stay tuned.

Follow Brittany Biggett-Heeren:

• Website: ⁠⁠Prismatic Venus Fitness⁠⁠
• Instagram: ⁠⁠PVF_Tribe⁠⁠
• TikTok: ⁠⁠PVF_Tribe⁠⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠PVF Tribe ⁠

Wednesday Wellness Debrief | Your Journey to Wellness and Maternal Health:

In this episode of Wednesday Wellness, host Brittany Biggett-Heeren emphasizes the need for intentional rest and preparation. She highlights Signal Award Winning Podcast. Grad School Femtoring that focuses on productivity tips for those with Chronic Illness, Autism, ADHD. And the announcement of podcast schedule a shift.

Connect with PVF Tribe:

• Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.prismaticvenusfitness.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pvf_tribe/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@pvf_tribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@pvfitness_yt⁠⁠

Grad School Femtoring:

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, Dra. Yvette Martínez-Vu shares her top five productivity tips for chronic illness, autism, and ADHD. Inspired by the many shortcomings of conventional productivity advice, particularly its lack of inclusivity for disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill individuals, she offers strategies that can be adaptable for those who are autistic, ADHD, or spoonies. These tips range from energy management techniques to setting flexible goals and organizing your space effectively. Dra. Yvette also provides practical examples and emphasizes the importance of customizing these tools to your needs while addressing the broader challenges posed by systemic issues and capitalism.

If you liked what you heard, check out her episode on the ABC method of productivity and blog post on ways to consistently meet deadlines with chronic illness.

Access a copy of her GSF Productivity resource bundle here.

Get your free copy of her Sustainable Productivity Playbook here.

Support her free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

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