Postpartum University® Podcast

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Celebrating 200 Episodes + Bold Predictions for the Future of Postpartum Care

We’ve reached an incredible milestone—200 episodes of the Postpartum University Podcast! 

This moment is both a celebration of how far postpartum care has come and a vision for what lies ahead. Maranda reflects on her 15-year journey from doula and childbirth educator to a leading advocate for empowering postpartum providers. She shares bold insights into the future of postpartum care, including the rise of “supplements as the new quick fix,” increasing regulation challenges, and the need to preserve real human connection in an increasingly tech-driven world.

This episode isn’t just a milestone—it’s a call to action for providers ready to elevate their impact. Whether you’re a doula, midwife, or professional supporting new moms, you’ll walk away with actionable inspiration to help redefine postpartum care. Together, we’re dismantling harmful narratives, amplifying holistic solutions, and creating a future of compassionate, accessible care.

Check out this episode on the blog: https://postpartumu.com/celebrating-200-episodes-bold-predictions-for-the-future-of-postpartum-care-ep-200

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KEY TIME STAMPS: 

00:02: Celebrating 200 episodes and reflecting on the journey so far.

02:15: The shift from directly supporting moms to empowering postpartum providers.

07:00: Predictions for the future of postpartum care, including supplements, regulation, and AI.

12:31: Why in-person connection is crucial for postpartum support.

15:52: How to advocate for holistic postpartum care and create lasting change.

NEXT STEPS:

• 🎒Download the Postpartum Restoration Method™ Assessment Tool 
• 🧠Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training
• 🔔Sign up for the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Waitlist
• 👍Rate, REVIEW & share the podcast
• 📱Connect on Instagram!
• 📚Get a Copy of the BOOK: Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness
•  Additional Courses for Providers & Postpartum Professionals 

Send us Fan Mail

Postpartum fitness isn’t just about “bouncing back” or crunching your way to a flat stomach.

It’s about honoring the body’s transformation, healing, and regaining strength from the inside out. In this episode, Maranda sits down with fitness expert and prenatal/postnatal specialist Desi Bartlett to discuss what’s missing in traditional postpartum fitness and why so many programs fall short for moms.

From understanding the core's "inner cylinder" to exploring how breath directly impacts the pelvic floor, Desi shares actionable insights for postpartum providers and moms alike. Learn how to create movement practices that heal rather than harm, and why slowing down can lead to faster, more sustainable recovery.

If you’re a postpartum provider or mom ready to rethink fitness and rediscover joy in movement, we know you’ll love this conversation. 

Check out the episode on the blog:
https://postpartumu.com/a-safe-and-healing-approach-to-postpartum-fitness-and-strength-desiree-bartlett-ep-199

KEY TIME STAMPS:

00:02: Introduction to Desi Bartlett and her expertise in postpartum fitness.
02:17: Understanding the “inner cylinder” of the core.
06:48: Pelvic floor health and the importance of breathwork.
11:22: Critical postpartum fitness adaptations for safe recovery.
15:08: Transitioning to perimenopause and menopause movement considerations
20:13: How societal pressures harm postpartum recovery and what to do instead.

Connect with Desi:

Desi Bartlett MS, CPT E-RYT, is passionate about sharing the joy of movement with over 25 years of experience in health and wellness. She holds advanced certifications in yoga, personal training, prenatal and postnatal fitness, and has worked with celebrities like Ashley Tisdale and Kate Hudson. An internationally published author of "Your Strong, Sexy Pregnancy" and co-author of "Total Body Beautiful," Desi brings her expertise to Desibodymind.com, offering transformative content for physical and mental well-being. Desi, originally from Chicago and a proud mother of two, now resides on the picturesque island of Oahu.

Website | Instagram

NEXT STEPS:

• 🎒Download the Postpartum Restoration Method™ Assessment Tool 
• 🧠Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training
• 🔔Sign up for the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Waitlist
• 👍Rate, REVIEW & share the podcast
• 📱Connect on Instagram!
• 📚Get a Copy of the BOOK: Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness
•  Additional Courses for Providers & Postpartum Professionals 

Send us Fan Mail

The Truth About Postpartum Weight Loss & The Dangers of "Bouncing Back"

Society loves to push postpartum weight loss tips and quick-fix solutions like having a “postpartum weight loss meal plan” or postpartum weight loss supplements, and it’s no secret there's postpartum weight loss threads all over Reddit and other online forums. But we believe these approaches often hurt more than they help and can be incredibly damaging to the mental health of moms around the world.. This episode dives deep into the truth about postpartum weight retention—why it’s a biologically protective mechanism and how stress, hormones, and societal pressures can derail recovery. 

If you’ve encountered moms frustrated by this narrative and you’re ready for a new more holistic and healthy approach to the conversation around postpartum weight, postpartum body , this episode will be a breath of fresh air for you with tons of clarity, and science backed strategies and perspective shifts. This isn’t about dress sizes—it’s about creating a postpartum care culture that values nourishment, rest, and true health. 

If you’re a provider ready to ditch harmful weight-centric narratives and shift the conversation toward holistic postpartum healing, this episode is a must-listen.

Check out this episode on the blog:


KEY TIME STAMPS:

00:02: Exploring the societal pressures around postpartum weight and weight loss timelines. 

04:39: The science behind weight retention as a protective biological mechanism.

 06:46: Why dieting, calorie-cutting, fasting and intense exercise can backfire for postpartum moms during postpartum recovery. 

10:59: The power of language in reframing postpartum health narratives and how providers can replace outdated "postpartum weight loss tips" with more supportive, empowering language.

12:31: Practical ways providers can support holistic postpartum healing. 

16:33: Understanding the links between stress, hormones, weight retention and postpartum healing. 

21:08: Advocacy tips for dismantling harmful societal norms like the “bounce back culture”  in postpartum care and focusing on healthier postpartum care.

Let’s rewrite the narrative—leave a review, connect with us on Instagram, and continue the conversation!

NEXT STEPS:

• 🎒Download the Postpartum Restoration Method™ Assessment Tool 
• 🧠Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training
• 🔔Sign up for the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Waitlist
• 👍Rate, REVIEW & share the podcast
• 📱Connect on Instagram!
• 📚Get a Copy of the BOOK: Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness
•  Additional Courses for Providers & Postpartum Professionals 

Send us Fan Mail

Are you feeling the pressure to set massive New Year's resolutions?

I know I always do! But this year, I'm ditching the grind and embracing a "less is more" approach. In this episode, we're talking all about simplicity, from prioritizing rest and play to deepening existing relationships and cultivating sustainable wellness habits. We'll explore why big goals can actually burn you out and how to find joy in the everyday. Whether you're a busy mom or a postpartum professional, this episode is for you! Let's ditch the stress and unlock a happier, more fulfilling life together.

Check out the episode on the blog: https://postpartumu.com/ditch-the-big-goals-how-to-embrace-simplicity-for-a-happier-new-year-ep-197


KEY TIME STAMPS: 

1:26: Time and Energy Constraints

3:15: Avoiding the "More, More, More" Trap

4:15: Prioritizing Play and Rest

6:57: Simplifying To-Do Lists

8:10: Identifying "Self-Inflicted" Projects

9:46: Eliminating Unnecessary Tasks

10:35: Deepening Existing Relationships

11:53: Intentionality in Relationships

13:36: Bringing Back Community and Togetherness

15:49: Nourishing Yourself and Your Body

16:35: Sustainable Wellness Practices

17:35: Prioritizing Play and Rest

19:09: Creating Meaningful Memories

20:16: The Importance of Little Moments

21:06: Focusing on What Matters Most

21:54: Setting Small, Achievable Intentions

22:44: Giving Yourself Permission to Say No

NEXT STEPS:

• 🎒Download the Postpartum Restoration Method™ Assessment Tool 
• 🧠Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training
• 🔔Sign up for the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Waitlist
• 👍Rate, REVIEW & share the podcast
• 📱Connect on Instagram!
• 📚Get a Copy of the BOOK: Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness
•  Additional Courses for Providers & Postpartum Professionals 

Send us Fan Mail

Postpartum recovery is a sacred opportunity for deep healing and transformation, not just “bouncing back.”

Kristin Hauser, an acupuncturist and herbalist, dives into the transformative power of Chinese medicine in postpartum care, breaking down the 'three golden opportunities' women have during their reproductive years—menarche, postpartum, and menopause. 

We talk about how simple yet profound practices like resting more, eating nourishing ancestral foods like bone broth, and limiting screen time during these phases can reset a woman’s health on a cellular level. It’s all about empowering providers to guide moms through these critical times with holistic tools that nurture the nervous system, balance hormones, replenish nutrients, and honor the body’s natural rhythms for deep healing and long-term well-being.

Check out this episode on the blog: https://postpartumu.com/the-power-of-traditional-chinese-medicine-in-postpartum-recovery-kristin-hauser-ep-196

KEY TIME STAMPS:

00:02: Introduction to Kristin Hauser and her work in Chinese medicine.
01:30: The three golden opportunities: menarche, postpartum, and menopause.
07:07: Key practices for postpartum recovery—rest, nourishment, and slowing down.
10:31: Technology’s impact on postpartum health and how to minimize its effects.
18:09: Debunking the myth of motherhood as inherently depleting.
22:40: Building resilience and embracing the joys of motherhood.
25:02: Leveraging the body’s innate intelligence for postpartum recovery.
31:08: Where to find more of Kristin’s work and connect with her resources.

Connect with Kristin:

Kristin Hauser is a mother, acupuncturist, herbalist and somatic sex educator supporting women to create lasting hormonal resilience, fertility through postpartum. Her work is inspired by the ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine, the modern understanding of hormonal physiology and a deep reverence for the innate intelligence of the body. As the founder of Womb Medicine, she offers online consultations, courses and workshops, as well as TCM inspired herbal medicinals. Kristin is also the co-facilitator of The Blood Mysteries School, a journey through the menstrual cycle as a path of nourishment, agency and healing for every woman.
Website | Instagram

NEXT STEPS:

• 🎒Download the Postpartum Restoration Method™ Assessment Tool 
• 🧠Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training
• 🔔Sign up for the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Waitlist
• 👍Rate, REVIEW & share the podcast
• 📱Connect on Instagram!
• 📚Get a Copy of the BOOK: Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness
•  Additional Courses for Providers & Postpartum Professionals 

Send us Fan Mail

Motherhood is exhausting, but it's not just about sleepless nights.

In this episode of Postpartum University, we dig into the hidden causes behind postpartum chronic exhaustion that go beyond the obvious. From mineral depletion and deficiencies to unprocessed trauma and societal pressures of being a mom, you'll uncover the real culprits draining your energy—and learn actionable strategies to heal from the inside out.

Whether you’re a mom navigating this journey or a provider supporting postpartum wellness, this episode is packed with insights to help you overcome postpartum chronic exhaustion and reclaim your energy and vitality.

 Check out this episode on the blog:  https://postpartumu.com/how-to-overcome-postpartum-chronic-exhaustion-ep-195

KEY TIME STAMPS:
1:21 - Introduction: Chronic exhaustion in motherhood is more than just sleepless nights.

3:20 - Nutrient depletion: Magnesium, iron, and their critical roles in energy and recovery.

5:26 - How nutrient deficiencies impact hormone production and sleep quality.

6:39 -The impact of unprocessed trauma on mental and physical health.

8:03 - Societal pressure and lack of postpartum support exacerbate trauma.

9:12 - Fight-or-flight response: How trauma keeps the nervous system in overdrive.

12:38 - Cyclical rest: Honoring your body’s rhythms for better energy.

14:37 - Cultural traditions of postpartum rest vs. Western "bounce back" expectations.

18:40 - Overexhaustion: Why being overtired makes it harder to rest and recover.

20:52 - Overcoming societal pressures and redefining success as a mom.

22:43 - Tools for nervous system regulation to combat stress and fatigue.

26:53 - Simple practices like breathing exercises, body scans, and mindful movement.

29:45 - Full body scan: A guided relaxation tool for releasing physical tension.

32:16 - Final reflections: Becoming your children's example of balance and rest.

NEXT STEPS:

• 🎒Download the Postpartum Restoration Method™ Assessment Tool 
• 🧠Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training
• 🔔Sign up for the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Waitlist
• 👍Rate, REVIEW & share the podcast
• 📱Connect on Instagram!
• 📚Get a Copy of the BOOK: Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness
•  Additional Courses for Providers & Postpartum Professionals 

Send us Fan Mail

Could Meditation Be the Key to Easing Postpartum Anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety can be relentless and exhausting, leaving countless mothers feeling overwhelmed and sleep-deprived. Maranda sits down with Kelly Smith, global yoga & meditation teacher, founder of Yoga For You, to explore  meditation as a practical tool for postpartum mental health. Kelly shares her personal journey through postpartum anxiety and dives deep into the science of how meditation calms the brain, helping us manage the endless cycle of “what if” thoughts. 

Kelly and Maranda  bust myths around traditional meditation, proving that mothers can find peace without needing a totally “clear mind.” Kelly uses relatable analogies and science-backed insights to explain how meditative practices can ease maternal stress and help moms navigate the demands of early motherhood. Plus, she shares realistic ways to bring meditation into your life, even if you're pressed for time. Small, consistent meditation practices can reshape the postpartum journey and make lasting impacts on mental health.

Check out this episode on the blog:
 https://postpartumu.com/mindfulness-tools-to-help-moms-with-postpartum-anxiety-kelly-smith-ep-194/


KEY TIME STAMPS: 

04:01 — Meditation as a tool for postpartum anxiety relief & how it affects the brain’s stress response system

07:45 — Practical ways meditation changes the postpartum brain

10:22 — Meditation as a daily “micro habit” for mental resilience

12:06 — The trap of “meditating on fears” vs. meditating for calm

18:39 — Addressing the myth that meditation requires a blank mind

20:49 — Accessible meditation practices for busy moms

24:59 — Techniques like body scans and guided sessions

33:32 — Final words: Trusting yourself as the perfect mother for your child

Connect with Kelly:

Kelly Smith is a global yoga and meditation teacher, author, E-RYT 500/ YACEP, founder of Yoga For You, and the host of the iTunes chart-topping podcasts Mindful in Minutes and Meditation Mama. Kelly believes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to yoga and meditation and encourages her students to find their own personal practice, listen to their bodies, and find inner joy by accessing their most authentic selves.

Website | Youtube| Instagram

NEXT STEPS:

• 🎒Download the Postpartum Restoration Method™ Assessment Tool 
• 🧠Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training
• 🔔Sign up for the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Waitlist
• 👍Rate, REVIEW & share the podcast
• 📱Connect on Instagram!
• 📚Get a Copy of the BOOK: Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness
•  Additional Courses for Providers & Postpartum Professionals 

Send us Fan Mail

The days of just trying to make it to "wine o'clock" to survive the stress of motherhood are over. There's a better way to thrive as a mom- without alcohol altogether.
 
Today we're diving into an issue that's become so normalized in our society that we hardly question it anymore -  the culture of drinking for moms. It's this joke, this reoccurring meme that says you're a mom, you must need a glass or three of wine to survive. But it is really harmless humor at some times, at some points or and oftentimes, we're brushing aside something that's far more serious. 

So today we're going to explore what this culture narrative comes from, where it comes from, why it's so pervasive and the real impact it has on mothers and what we can do about it as moms, as friends, as providers. So if you're curious about navigating motherhood without the crutch of wine o'clock, you're in the right place.

Check out the episode on the blog:
https://postpartumu.com/sober-motherhood-thriving-without-wine-in-a-culture-that-tells-you-to-drink-ep193/


KEY TIME STAMPS:

2:46 - The origin and rise of the wine mom culture.

6:05 - Historical parallels between cigarette marketing and modern alcohol advertising.

8:00 -Shocking stats: The rise of alcohol use and alcohol abuse in women.

10:41 - The problem with short-term fixes like alcohol.

15:29 - Healthy alternatives: Building support systems and practicing mindfulness.

19:35 - Professional support: Finding the right therapist and addressing nutrition.

23:24 - Health Providers’ role in supporting mothers with substance use concerns.

NEXT STEPS:

• 🎒Download the Postpartum Restoration Method™ Assessment Tool 
• 🧠Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training
• 🔔Sign up for the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Waitlist
• 👍Rate, REVIEW & share the podcast
• 📱Connect on Instagram!
• 📚Get a Copy of the BOOK: Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness
•  Additional Courses for Providers & Postpartum Professionals 

Send us Fan Mail

Ever feel like the postpartum care we’re offering falls short of what new moms really need? Maranda chats with Kristin Revere, founder of Gold Coast Doulas, to explore a whole new standard for postpartum support—one that goes beyond baby prep and hospital bags. They’re here to talk about what it means to provide genuinely holistic, personalized care that truly meets each mother’s unique needs and helps her thrive.

If you're a provider looking to build a “postpartum dream team” approach for your clients, Maranda and Kristin break down the essential roles—from doulas and lactation consultants to sleep coaches and meal planners—and why every aspect of support matters. This isn’t just about basic care; it’s about creating a deeply nurturing plan that supports real mental health, physical recovery, and emotional resilience for mothers. 

Check out the episode on the blog: https://postpartumu.com/beyond-baby-prep-how-providers-can-build-the-perfect-postpartum-support-team-kristin-revere-ep-192/


KEY TIME STAMPS:

1:30 — How birth professionals view postpartum preparation vs. what most parents plan for.
3:17 — The individualized approach Kristin takes with clients in childbirth classes and postpartum care.
7:55 — The essential role of doulas in providing education, resources, and emotional support.
11:11 — How to build your “dream team” of postpartum professionals.
13:28 — Assessing provider compatibility and ensuring you’re supported at every step.
18:29 — The importance of a well-rounded dream team including nutrition, mental health, and physical recovery support.
22:09 — Realities and gaps in traditional meal trains; the value of nutrient-dense postpartum meal planning.
24:37 — Kristin’s approach to holistic postpartum recovery, addressing overlooked areas like mental health and pelvic floor health.

Connect with Kristin:

Kristin Revere is the founder and CEO of Gold Coast Doulas. She is an elite certified birth doula, newborn care specialist. elite certified postpartum doula and a certified baby registry consultant. Kristin is the co-host of the Ask the Doulas podcast and co-author of Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband and  children. 

Website | Book | Instagram 

NEXT STEPS:

• 🎒Download the Postpartum Restoration Method™ Assessment Tool 
• 🧠Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training
• 🔔Sign up for the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Waitlist
• 👍Rate, REVIEW & share the podcast
• 📱Connect on Instagram!
• 📚Get a Copy of the BOOK: Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness
•  Additional Courses for Providers & Postpartum Professionals 

Send us Fan Mail

Struggling with postpartum fatigue, mood swings, or lingering hair loss? This episode dives into Maranda Bower’s Postpartum Nutrition Plan—a transformative, nutrient-rich approach designed to help mothers recover fully and thrive, not just survive. Maranda reveals core elements like nutrient-dense foods, balanced blood sugar, and high-quality fats along with practical strategies for incorporating these nutritional powerhouses into your daily routine. 

From the vitality-boosting power of grass-fed meats and omega-rich salmon to the soothing benefits of herbs like nettle and red raspberry leaf, this episode provides insights to restore lasting energy, mental health, postpartum hormonal balance, and overall postpartum wellness. Forget calorie counts; this episode is all about whole-food nourishment for true healing. 

Here’s the big news: The Postpartum Nutrition Plan will no longer be available to the public after December 31, 2024. Starting in 2025, it will be exclusively accessible through licensed Postpartum Nutrition Certified (PNC) providers, ensuring mothers receive targeted support from professionals trained in postpartum nutrition. Whether you're a mom ready to reclaim your health or a provider eager to make a deeper impact, this episode delivers powerful, actionable steps for long-term wellness and the future of postpartum care. Don’t miss this life-changing information while it’s still available!

Check out this episode on the blog:
https://postpartumu.com/the-postpartum-nutrition-plan-that-will-change-your-life-ep-191

KEY TIME STAMPS: 

00:02 — Introduction to postpartum nutrition and why it’s critical
2:02 — Announcement: transitioning the Postpartum Nutrition Plan to providers
5:38 — Key nutrients in postpartum: Iron, magnesium, B vitamins, and more
7:36 — Why postpartum nutrition goes beyond calorie counting
9:48 — Maranda’s four nutrition pillars for postpartum health
11:52 — Importance of healthy fats like avocado oil, ghee, and omega-3s
15:31 — Managing blood sugar levels to avoid crashes and anxiety
18:36 — Preparing meals in advance and tips for real-life postpartum application
22:19 — Reframing breakfast as high-fat, high-protein, nutrient-dense meals
26:32 — The impact of whole-body nourishment on energy and mental clarity
27:39 — Final thoughts on embracing postpartum nutrition as a journey to thrive

NEXT STEPS:

• 🎒Download the Postpartum Restoration Method™ Assessment Tool 
• 🧠Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training
• 🔔Sign up for the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Waitlist
• 👍Rate, REVIEW & share the podcast
• 📱Connect on Instagram!
• 📚Get a Copy of the BOOK: Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness
•  Additional Courses for Providers & Postpartum Professionals