To Birth and Beyond

Episode 462: Why Pelvic Floor PTs Aren't Referring to You (Yet)

In today's episode, Jessie is talking to coaches and clinicians (or anyone curious about pregnancy and postpartum health) about a major gap in how fitness and health professionals are trained. Jessie breaks down the four pillars she uses in every client assessment and explains why guesswork-based coaching is holding both clients and practitioners back.

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

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Resources and References

• Oct 14th 2026. - Free Live Webinar: Stop Coaching Pregnant And Postpartum Clients By Guesswork: jessiemundell.com/stop-coaching-guesswork
• Prenatal and Postnatal Fitness Specialist Academy Waitlist Enrollment: programs.jessiemundell.com/cert-waitlist

Show Notes 

01:06 – Intro & what today's episode is about

03:40 – Free live training announcement: "Stop Coaching Pregnant and Postpartum Clients by Guesswork" (Oct 14, 2026)

04:45 – Why "avoid this list of exercises" isn't a real framework

07:18 – Why this matters for your business: referrals, trust, and being seen as an expert

11:03 – Pillar 1: Breath & intra-abdominal pressure management

11:52 – Pillar 2: Symptom screening

12:35 – Pillar 3: Load readiness

13:18 – Pillar 4: Pelvic floor coordination

13:59 – What to expect at the live class (two time slots, 48-hour replay, live client demo)

15:42 – PFSA certification cohort enrollment opens after class

Episode 461: Birth Prep for Physios - What to Ask Your Prenatal Clients

In today's episode, Anita is talking to physiotherapists who work with pregnant clients, or want to, and are ready to make their assessments more efficient and confident by asking the right questions from day one. Starting the birth prep conversation early, right from that very first session, sets you up with huge insight into how to support your client's birth prep, wherever they are in their pregnancy.

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

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Resources and References

• Anita’s 1:1 virtual mentorship for physiotherapists
• Labour and Birth Preparation for Clinical Practice — Live Online Course co-taught by Anita
• Clinic Birth Prep Resource Package for Physiotherapists to use with Clients

Show Notes 

00:00 - Anita introduces us to today’s topic!

02:13 - Questions to ask if your client has given birth before (birth history)

04:55 - Questions to ask everyone exploring their awareness around birth, and where they are in their birth prep journey, this time (birth prep)

08:37 - Questions to ask about birth preferences (birth preferences)

12:50 - Clearly explain your own role in the birth prep of your clients, and all the things you can do if they choose

14:27 - Share physical and mental prep around the client birthing goals

17:10 - Birthing partner preparation!

18:54 - Where does all of this fit in the overall assessment?

19:39 - Anita summarizes and wraps up the episode (with a couple of offers)

Episode 460:  5 Things You've Been Told About Perimenopause Exercise (That Are Wrong)

In today's episode, Jessie and Anita break down five perimenopause exercise myths they're hearing online and from their clients. They cover everything from strength training misconceptions to cardio, body composition, pelvic floor symptoms, and the age-old myth that it's "too late" to start. Tune in for some clarity, encouragement, and a little fire to help you feel confident in how you move your body in perimenopause.

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

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Resources and References

• Strong & Supported (renamed from: To Pregnancy & Beyond): https://programs.jessiemundell.com/to-pregnancy-and-beyond/

Show Notes 

00:56 - Introduction to todays topic

01:46 - Myth #1: You need to lift heavy weights to get benefits in perimenopause

04:59 - Myth #2: Avoid intense cardio

08:29 - Myth #3: Eat less and exercise more to address body changes

10:41 - Myth #4: New or revived Pelvic Floor Symptoms are due to hormone changes

12:11 - Myth #5: It's too late to start strength training or address symptoms at this age

12:31 - Episode wrap up

Episode 459: Squat Better in Pregnancy & Postpartum. Position, Pain, Pelvic Floor

In today’s episode, Jessie and Anita discuss squatting in pregnancy and postpartum. They emphasize that squats are a daily-life movement and should feel comfortable in the knees, hips, back, and pelvic floor. They bust common myths and offer key cues to help your squats feel more comfortable and give you more confidence.

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

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Show Notes

00:00 – What we’re talking about today

02:33 – Myth #1: You should only squat with feet hip-width apart, toes facing forward, and weight in your heels.

07:50 – Myth #2: Only squat in the final weeks of pregnancy to prepare for birth.

10:53 – Myth #3: Use a “perfect” squat to pick things up.

15:31 – Myth #4: Avoid squatting if you have pelvic floor symptoms.

20:20 – Cue #1: Using your breath in the moment

22:50 – Cue #2: The W.A.I.T. acronym

24:04 – Cue #3: Spread the load

24:46 – Cue #4: Test and retest

25:08 – Wrapping up

Episode 458: GLP-1s, Diet Culture, and Your Relationship with Food and Body

In today’s episode, Jessie closes out her GLP-1 series by discussing how using or considering a GLP-1 medication can impact your relationship with food, exercise, and body image, especially for those who’ve done body neutrality work or have a history of disordered eating. 

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

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Resources and References

• Part 1: Episode 454: Your Pelvic Floor on a GLP-1. What You Need to Know.
• Part 2: Episode 456: Strength Training on a GLP-1 – Why Lifting Matters More Than Ever

Show Notes 

03:50 – Understanding the nuances of deciding to start a GLP-1

08:58 – The relief of starting a GLP-1 and the fear that can come with it

11:55 – Can you trust your hunger cues?

13:47 – Navigating external praise about your body while holding your own personal history

15:51 – Questions to ask yourself when external praise becomes difficult to hear

16:23 – Navigating this topic during pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause

17:52 – Why we need to be talking about the complexities of GLP-1s

18:11 – Jessie’s encouragement for navigating the voices that can become part of your day-to-day life on a GLP-1

20:24 – Wrapping up with some final thoughts

22:44 – Jessie’s personal words of encouragement

Episode 457: 3 Ways to Get Rid of Hip, Pelvic, Back & Neck Pain When You Sleep During Pregnancy

In today’s episode, Anita shares 3 simple strategies to help promote more comfortable and supportive sleep while pregnant. You don’t have to settle for poor sleep or invest in an expensive pregnancy pillow! Anita has practical and easy to implement tips so you can be getting that much needed rest tonight.

If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

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Resources and References

• Bump to Birth Method on-demand course: bumptobirthmethod.com
• Instagram Videos:
• Strategy 1: Turn in bed with less pain in pregnancy
• Strategy 2: Sleep Position with 2 pillows
• Strategy 3: Towel roll for neck pain when sleeping
• Anita Instagram: @holistichealhphysio

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Show Notes 

01:10 - Introduction to the episode

02:52 - Strategy #1 - How to get into bed and how to roll over once you’re in it

06:02 - Strategy #2 - Placing 2 pillows between the knees can be more supportive than 1

09:04 - Strategy #3 - For those with neck pain or numbness and tingling going down their arm

10:13 - Wrapping up the episode

11:17 - Bonus advice from Anita

Episode 456: Strength Training on a GLP-1 - Why Lifting Matters More Than Ever

In today’s episode, Jessie provides evidence based information on why strength training is so important while on a GLP-1 and how it doesn’t erase what the medication is doing, but rather helps build healthier musculoskeletal, pelvic floor, bone mass and cardiovascular systems in your body.

If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References

• Strong & Supported Online Training Program: jessiemundell.com/coaching-fitness
• Episode 454: Your Pelvic Floor on a GLP-1. What You Need to Know.

Show Notes 

00:08 - Introduction of todays episode

02:52 - Why is strength training so important, especially on a GLP-1

04:25 - Why you need to think about your musculoskeletal, pelvic, bone, cardiovascular health

08:17 - What is your body also rapidly losing beyond the weight

11:55 - How do I strength train?

Episode 455: Early Labour: What to Expect, What to Do & How to Know It's Started

In today’s episode, Anita is talking all about early labour. One of the most common questions she gets from expecting moms is: how do I know if labour started? What does it feel like? When should I call my provider or go to the hospital or birth center? So listen in as Anita shares her early birth stories, and covers the topic of early labour so you feel confident, prepared, and less anxious around labour starting and what it could look like.

If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References

• Episode 379: Navigating the Transition Phase of Labour
• Bump to Birth Method on-demand course: bumptobirthmethod.com
• Miles Circuit: www.milescircuit.com

Show Notes 

01:23 - Bump to Birth On Demand Prenatal Education Course

03:21 - Introduction into today’s episode

04:31 - A note for those who are being induced and a little advice

5:47 - Anita’s experience with early labour

7:27 - So what is “early labour”?

9:58 - Tips on what to do during early labour

15:40 - Signs that you’re moving into active labour. What to do and common misconceptions

18:27 - Prodromal labour and positions that could help

21:48 - Some helpful things your partners can do

22:40 - Wrapping up the episode

Your pelvic floor on a GLP-1 does feel the changes in muscle mass and gut motility. In today’s episode, Jessie dives into 2 side effects she’s seeing in clients. She will provide you with simple yet helpful solutions to guide you through while on GLP-1s. 

If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References

• Bristol Stool Chart: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/bristol-stool-chart

Show Notes 

00:00 - Intro to today’s episode

02:50 - What symptoms Jessie is seeing in her clients and the connection she seeing with GLP-1s

03:31 - Constipation. Why is this ramping up and what Jessie hopes you can achieve with your bowel movements

08:26 - Lack of exercise and why Jessie wants to keep exercise in your routine

10:51 - Concerns with muscle mass on GLP-1s

12:06 - Let’s talk about nutrition basics to help these symptoms

14:03 - Wrapping up

Episode 453:  Just Found Out You're Pregnant? Start With These 5 Things

Just found out you're pregnant? In today’s episode, Anita shares the first five things she wishes every expecting mom knew in those early weeks. Instead of another overwhelming to-do list, you'll walk away with practical guidance to help you feel more calm and confident about what actually matters over the months ahead.

If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

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Resources and References

• Anita’s Bump to Birth Method online course 
• Anita’s Prepare Your Pelvic Floor for Pregnancy & Birth Workshop 
• Anita’s Free Prenatal Pelvic Floor Guide 
• Anita’s Instagram: @holistichealthphysio

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Show Notes 

00:00 - Bump to Birth Online Course

01:53 - Intro

04:06 - Tip 1: You don’t need to figure everything out overnight

05:24 - Tip 2: Don’t just put up with pregnancy pain or pelvic floor symptoms

06:54 - Tip 3: Kegels aren’t always the answer

09:07 - Tip 4: How to keep doing the movement you love as your body changes.

10:28 - Tip 5: Birth Prep isn’t something to squeeze in at the end of your pregnancy

12:48 - Additional pregnancy resources from Anita