The Barbell Mamas Podcast | Pregnancy, Postpartum, Pelvic Health

This episode trains listeners on how to safely and effectively run during the winter months while addressing common concerns and practical tips for comfort and safety. With insights on gear, fueling, and navigating postpartum questions, it provides a holistic approach to winter running.

• Discusses winter running preparation and importance of layering 
• Shares practical tips for staying warm and safe 
• Explains how to fuel properly during winter runs 
• Addresses postpartum challenges related to running 
• Discusses incontinence and pelvic floor strength during running 
• Highlights community safety measures for female runners

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Set realistic goals as you journey through motherhood and fitness with on the Barbell Mamas podcast. Discover how hormonal changes might influence joint laxity and tackle pelvic pain during pregnancy, all while considering the role of past injuries in shaping the pain experience. Christina shares her research insights and highlights why understanding pain is complex yet vital for a holistic approach. If you've been searching for answers about exercising safely during pregnancy, this episode provides guidance without the harsh restrictions often associated with New Year's resolutions.

Join us as we address the nuanced journey back to running postpartum, emphasizing the need for personalized recovery plans that account for delivery method, pregnancy history, and individual thresholds. From the challenges of precipitous labor to the decision of using weightlifting belts while pregnant, Christina navigates these topics by blending scientific insights with personal anecdotes. Whether you're an athlete or a recreational exerciser, gain valuable tips on respecting your body's limits and listening to its signals to foster a healthier, more empowered postpartum fitness journey.

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Interested in our programs? Check us out here! 

Unlock the secrets to a smoother postpartum recovery with insights from Christina Prevett, your guide to navigating the complex world of pelvic floor health after childbirth. As both a pelvic floor physical therapist and a fitness enthusiast, Christina shares her expertise on why every mother should prioritize postpartum pelvic floor checks, even if everything seems normal. The episode uncovers the often-overlooked aspects of postpartum care, emphasizing the necessity of consulting specialists to distinguish what's typical from what's not. Despite the hurdles of accessibility and financial constraints in areas like the US, Christina offers guidance on how to manage these challenges and why clear communication is critical for effective recovery.

Join the Barbell Mamas podcast as we venture into the multifaceted landscape of postpartum fitness, blending cultural considerations with cutting-edge research. We discuss the influence of conservative medical guidelines in litigious societies and the evolving landscape of exercise recommendations for pregnant and postpartum individuals. The episode also features a lively Q&A session tackling questions about hormonal impacts on pelvic pain, the potential effects of fast labor, and practical tips for postpartum running and gym recovery. Whether you're curious about the use of belly binders or the role of weightlifting belts during pregnancy, Christina provides thoughtful answers to support your journey back to strength and normalcy, all while wishing you a joyous Christmas season.

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You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here! 

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the holidays, juggling festive joy with personal loss and family chaos? Join me, Christina on the Barbell Mamas podcast as I open up about my own journey through the whirlwind of Christmas with little ones, while navigating the heartache of miscarriage and family grief. Together with my husband, we share how we maintain sanity and health through exercise, even when our schedules are unraveled by holiday events. Discover our strategies for keeping movement a priority, not just for physical fitness but as a crucial anchor for mental well-being during this emotionally charged season.

As a physiotherapist and mother, I know firsthand the challenges of balancing indulgence with wellness. In this episode, we’ll explore how to redefine exercise not as a mere obligation, but as a stress-relief tool amidst holiday temptations. Plus, I’ll extend heartfelt holiday wishes, recognizing both the joy and financial strains of the season. Whether you're feeling festive or frazzled, remember that all emotions are valid. Reach out for support or to discuss pelvic health questions, and let’s support each other in creating magic for ourselves and those we love this holiday season.

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You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here! 

Can traditional pregnancy exercise advice be holding you back? Join me, as we challenge the status quo and redefine what it means to stay fit during pregnancy and motherhood. In our latest episode of the Barbell Mamas podcast, we explore the origins and impact of common phrases like "Just because you can doesn't mean you should" and "Just listen to your body." With a blend of personal experience and professional insight as a pelvic floor physical therapist, we unpack how these sayings, though well-intentioned, might instill unnecessary fear in expectant and new mothers striving to maintain their fitness routines.

Our conversation shifts to the reality of exercising while pregnant and postpartum, shining a light on misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of staying active. We explore how many supposed exercise contraindications during pregnancy are not as restrictive as they seem and argue against the widely accepted notion of a mandatory six-week rest period post-birth. By advocating for gradual and individualized exercise plans, we aim to empower mothers to embrace their unique journeys with confidence, underlining the value of professional guidance while acknowledging accessibility challenges.

Finally, we celebrate the individuality of postpartum recovery, encouraging more nuanced discussions that move away from one-size-fits-all advice. Our excitement for upcoming research that could reshape current exercise narratives adds a hopeful note to our dialogue. As we conclude, we reflect on the warmth of Thanksgiving and express our anticipation for the holiday season, sharing a bit of snowstorm excitement to bring a festive close to this enlightening episode.

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You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here! 

Have you ever wondered how mom influencers can shape our perceptions of health and medicine, even when they lack professional expertise? Join Christina as she unravels the impact of influencer culture on medical misinformation, especially in the sensitive spheres of pregnancy and postpartum care. Through personal reflection and shared vulnerability, Christina highlights her journey and the overwhelming support she received after experiencing loss, reminding us how personal stories can touch lives while cautioning against the dangers of anecdotal evidence when it comes to health advice.

As modern healthcare evolves, the rise of unregulated professionals and holistic approaches adds layers of complexity to how we view traditional and alternative medicine. Christina delves into how the strain on the healthcare system and the spread of misinformation through influencer channels can lead to mistrust in conventional medicine. By examining the Dunning-Kruger effect and its influence in online spaces, she emphasizes the importance of evidence-based public health messages, especially during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Christina's insights serve as a critical reminder to maintain a questioning mindset and adhere to scientifically backed health guidance.

Researchers and medical professionals face a growing challenge in battling misinformation online, and Christina explores their role in fostering constructive dialogue and engaging with influencers in meaningful ways. By advocating for respectful conversations and acknowledging both the strengths and gaps in current research, she calls for a balanced integration of Eastern and Western medicine practices. With the ever-changing landscape of technology, including AI, Christina encourages listeners to discern trustworthy information amidst the noise and highlights the necessity of a holistic approach in overcoming misleading narratives that fuel fear and confusion.

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Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here! 

After experiencing the heartbreak of miscarriage, I am opening my heart to share my deeply personal journey on the Barbell Mamas podcast. From the initial joy of discovering I was pregnant with our third child to the devastation of a chemical pregnancy and miscarriage, this episode offers an intimate look into the emotional highs and lows that many face but rarely discuss openly. As a pelvic floor physical therapist and a mom, I aim to provide both solace to those who have endured similar losses and insights for clinicians and coaches who support them.

The rollercoaster of early pregnancy complications is fraught with uncertainty and emotional upheaval. I recount our struggle with a large subchorionic hematoma and fluctuating HCG levels, which ultimately led to the confirmation of a miscarriage. This journey underlines the critical importance of monitoring, follow-up, and the immense emotional toll such experiences can inflict. The support from healthcare providers and the accessibility of Canadian healthcare became pillars of strength during this difficult time, and I share my gratitude for the compassion and understanding I found in my personal network.

In embracing vulnerability, I invite listeners to engage with this heartfelt discussion and reflect on their own experiences. My commitment to being an open book serves as both a form of self-reflection and an educational opportunity for others navigating similar challenges. Whether you're a mom who enjoys exercising, a healthcare professional, or someone who has faced the emotional terrain of miscarriage, this episode aims to remind you that you are not alone, and healing—though gradual—can be nurtured through shared stories and supportive communities.

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Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here! 

Gymnastics and body weight movements are a big portion of many CrossFit and calisthetics programs. They require you to bring your chin, feet or entire body over a bar.

These movements are also incredibly CORE dominant.

When you are pregnant, there is a lot of advice swirling around the internet. Some is good... some is not.

Then when you have baby and are postpartum, there is big rehab process that many people feel lost navigating.

In this episode, we talk about myths and misconceptions about returning to gymnastics after baby.  This builds on our podcast from last week with Pamela Gagnon.

Have any other questions? Check out our YouTube channel. 

TBM Episode 11

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You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here! 

Join us on the Barbell Mamas podcast as we challenge long-held myths about exercising during pregnancy with a bold statement: Intense workouts are not the enemy. I'm Christina Prevett, your host and guide, here to unpack the realities surrounding physical activity while expecting. Many fear that maintaining a fitness routine could be harmful, but the truth is, there are fewer restrictions than most believe. Excessive heat and activities risking abdominal injury are the primary concerns—not the intensity of the workout itself. We'll explore miscarriage statistics and personal experiences, reassuring you that exercise, when done mindfully, can be part of a healthy pregnancy journey.

We'll also discuss the critical role of autonomy in healthcare decisions, recognizing that each individual must honor their unique path, whether that means sticking with a rigorous exercise regime or adjusting to new expectations. As a clinician and researcher, I believe in empowering you to make the best choices for your health without fear of judgment. We'll touch on the current climate in the United States, offering hope and support to our listeners amidst uncertainties. Take a moment with us to prioritize your well-being and prepare to reconnect after a short break.

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Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here! 

Ever felt the weight of societal expectations to maintain a "fit pregnancy" or achieve a rapid postpartum "bounce back"? You're not alone. Join me, Christina Prevett, as we unravel these pressures and explore the real-life challenges of staying active during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Lean into stories, like that of Shannon Clark, an international strongwoman who defied severe nausea to sustain her workouts. Together, we'll discuss the power of self-compassion and the importance of listening to your body, reassuring you that it's perfectly okay to pause and prioritize self-care when needed.

Discover practical strategies for maintaining fitness amidst the whirlwind of motherhood. We'll talk about the magic of "movement snacks"—short, efficient workouts that fit into even the busiest of schedules—and how ingrained exercise habits can serve as anchors during life's chaotic transitions. Whether you're navigating the fatigue of pregnancy or the demands of a newborn, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement to help you find balance and resilience in your unique journey. Tune in, share your own strategies, and become part of a supportive community embracing motherhood with grace and patience.

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Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here!