To Birth and Beyond

In today’s episode of To Birth and Beyond, Jessie’s answering another round of listener questions - this time, all about coaching pregnant and postpartum clients. This one is for the coaches, fitness professionals, health practitioners who are seeking answers about exercise and pelvic floor health. 

If you’re working with pregnant or postpartum people - or anyone with a pelvic floor - just know that these situations ARE going to come up, so this episode is for you!

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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!

Resources and References 

• Jessie’s free, live, online 3 Step System to Stop Exercise-Induced Leaking with your Pregnant or Postpartum Clients

Show Notes 

0:55 - Jessie is teaching a free, live, online class on October 8th - and you’re invited!

2:24 - Jessie introduces us to today’s topic!

3:00 - Question 1: I have a client who is 20 weeks pregnant and wants to continue CrossFit. How do I know which movements to modify or scale, and at what point should certain exercises be completely off the table?

5:51 - Question 2: I’m a personal trainer without pelvic floor specialization. When should I refer a pregnant or postpartum client to a pelvic floor physiotherapist, and how do I have that conversation without having them feel scared about what’s happening in their body?

9:55 - Question 3: I have a client who is 8 months postpartum and wants to get back to running, but she is still experiencing some leaking. What’s my scope of practice here, and what return to running progressions are actually evidence-based?

13:42 - Question 4: How do I coach breathing and core engagement differently for pregnant clients vs. postpartum clients?

16:56 - Question 5: I’ve got a client with severe diastasis recti (about 3 fingers wide). What does the current evidence say about training with diastasis?

21:02 - Jessie wraps up the episode

In today’s episode of To Birth and Beyond, Anita is speaking directly to you, physiotherapists (!!). She addresses a question she receives frequently from her mentorship coaching clients, as well as in her Instagram DMs: Should i add pelvic health physiotherapy to my orthopedic physiotherapy practice? Today, we are breaking down the choices, pros and cons.

If you’ve ever been thinking about creating a more dynamic practice? This episode might just be for you!

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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!

Resources and References 

• For information about mentorship coaching calls with Anita – email [email protected] or DM @holistichealthphysio
• Birth Prep for Clinical Practice - Oct 2025
• Birth Prep for Clinical Practice for after Oct 2025 – search Birth Prep for Clinical Practice on course website
• Non-Internal Introductory Pelvic Health Course - Pelvic Health Solutions: Online

Show Notes 

0:55 - Anita introduces us to today’s topic

1:46 - You don’t have to choose between pelvic health and orthopedic!

2:15 - Anita shares her story, back when she had this particular question for herself!

9:23 - Physiotherapists have so many areas they could go into!

10:50 - An argument for mentorship

11:48 - A question to ask yourself: What drew you to the idea of adding pelvic health in the first place?

12:57 - Anita goes through some considerations around adding pelvic health specialization

18:54 - Anita reassures you that you don’t have to ditch your MSK or your ortho (and you can treat whole body)

26:34 - We hope this serves as a nudge to look into pelvic health!

28:49 - Anita wraps up the episode

In today’s episode of To Birth and Beyond, Jessie is answering YOUR listener questions all about exercise and the pelvic floor! Spanning from pregnancy to postpartum to perimenopause, you should find something that fits where you are at right now. And if you are a coach, fitness professional, or health practitioner? We might have some of the answers your clients are looking for!

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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!

Show Notes 

0:55 - Jessie tells us what we are up to on the podcast today!

1:30 - Question #1: What exercises are safe and helpful in my third trimester as someone who lifted prior to being pregnant? Can I still do squats and deadlifts?

5:00 - Question #2: I think I might have a pelvic organ prolapse. What should I do?

12:30 - Question #3: I’m 8 months postpartum and am still leaking urine when I laugh, cough, or exercise. My doctor said to check back in in 3 months of it’s still happening. Should I wait it out, or start doing something now?

15:28 - Question #4: I’m in perimenopause and my joints ache constantly. Is this hormone related, and what exercises can help?

17:19 - Question #5: During pregnancy, I stop lifting weights. When and how can I safely return to strength training postpartum?

20:24 - Episode wrap up!

Did you know that birth stories are one of the most requested subjects for To Birth and Beyond? In today’s episode, Anita talks with Katelyn, a dental hygienist, all about preparing for her first birth, and her positive, unmedicated birth experience that unfolded! Katelyn shares plenty of advice along the way!

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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, and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• Anita’s Bump to Birth Method self-paced course: bumptobirthmethod.com

Show Notes 

0:55 - Anita’s Bump to Birth Method self-paced course

2:38 - Anita introduces today’s episode and special guest!

4:19 - Katelyn shares a little more about herself

5:31 - Mentally, physically, emotionally…how was Katelyn’s pregnancy?

7:17 - What stories around pregnancy did Katelyn hear from family and friends?

7:58 - How Katelyn found Anita - her pelvic health physiotherapist

9:01 - In terms of exercise and activity, what did Katelyn find helpful and enjoy?

10:38 - How were aches and pains throughout Katelyn’s pregnancy?

11:37 - How did Katelyn prepare for birth?

13:02 - How did her preparations play a role in her birth?

15:51 - How did Katelyn’s husband prepare?

17:17 - Going over birthing options - and getting excited to give birth

19:17 - Did Katelyn listen to a variety of birth stories throughout her pregnancy?

21:20 - How Katelyn chose her type of care provider and where she gave birth

23:44 - Katelyn describes the birth center she chose

24:56 - Finn’s birth experience!

36:21 - Katelyn shares her experience with her doula

38:11 - Katelyn shares about her postpartum recovery

40:34 - What advice would Katelyn give first time birthing people?

41:41 - Wrap up!

In today’s episode, Anita talks about something that she goes through with her prenatal physio clients as well as her students in Bump to Birth: PRACTICING! Looking for tips and strategies for labor, pushing, and support (for partner/birthing support persons)? Now you will have them! Even if your birthing experience takes twists and turns, you will be informed and feel confident in asking questions to navigate those situations for a positive birth experience.

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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 and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• TBAB Episode 248: Preparing for an Unmedicated Birth – Katelyn’s Birth Story
• TBAB Episode 104: Birth Stories and Preparing for Labour with Jen Kuenzel
• Bump to Birth Method on-demand course: bumptobirthmethod.com
• FREE Prenatal Pelvic Floor Guide: anitalambert.click/guide-1

Show Notes 

0:55 - Bump to Birth on-demand course

2:47 - Anita introduces today’s episode

4:15 - What we are talking about today!

7:40 - Why it’s important to discover and consider multiple options and resources!

9:57 - Practice #1: Hands on strategies (with partner)

12:20 - Practice #2: Deep breathing strategies

14:28 - Practice #3: Things to listen to for focus during labour

19:42 - Practice #4: Asking questions in prenatal appointments prior to the end of pregnancy

24:15 - Episode wrap up!

In this episode of the To Birth and Beyond podcast, Anita and Jessie talk belly band support garments: the myths, the expectations, and how they could benefit you postpartum.

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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!

Show Notes 

0:55 - What we are talking about today!

1:47 - What we have heard from our clients regarding wearing abdominal support to help “pull abs back together” or “get waist back”

3:06 - Where did this idea of abdominal wrapping come from?

6:55 - Why are we thinking we need to bring our abs “back together”, anyways?

8:29 - How abdominal support - as well as how we talk about it - has changed

13:57 - On listening to yourself and what is working for you at any given moment

15:59 - Picturing your abdomen/core canister, and what you want to be looking for in support, or a support garment

16:41 - Anita’s brand recommendations for wraps and other abdominal support garments

27:52 - How abdominal support could help with mental health

29:33 - Wrap up

In this episode of the To Birth and Beyond podcast, Anita talks with special guest physiotherapist, Liz Frey, to talk all about using red light therapy for pelvic health. If you are like us, you are seeing red light therapy all over your social media feeds - but what is it, and can it benefit you and your pelvic health, no matter your stage in life?

Liz Frey is a pelvic health and orthopedic physical therapist, and clinic owner with her practice that focuses on helping women navigate pregnancy, menopause, and everything in between.

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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!

Resources and References 

• https://fringeheals.com - use code ANITA10 for 10% off
• @fringeheals on Instagram
• [email protected]

Show Notes 

0:55 - Anita introduces today’s special guest and topic

1:48 - What even IS red light therapy?

3:26 - Liz describes the red light pelvic wand, its features, and how it came about

7:57 - Liz runs down the benefits and symptoms the wand can help relieve

15:11 - Liz shares a bit about the blue light benefits!

16:52 - Anita inquires about the risks that might be associated with use of the red light therapy wand, as well as how to use it!

23:22 - Why it’s good to think of a red light therapy wand as an investment

24:23 - Additional red light therapy options for general pelvic health 

26:24 - A little more on the benefits of red light therapy on folks with endometriosis

27:40 - Anita brings the episode to a close

In this episode of the To Birth and Beyond podcast, Jessie discusses why her signature online program, “To Pregnancy and Beyond” is getting a rebrand after 10 years on the market! 

Bodies are complex. Life is complex. If you are a woman who wants evidence-based strength training with pelvic floor focus, delivered by a coach who has seen the things, who understands the unique challenges of your physiology - this episode (and program) is for you.

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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!

Resources and References 

• programs.jessiemundell.com/strong-supported

Show Notes 

0:55 - Jessie welcomes us back to another episode!

1:44 - Jessie’s program, “To Pregnancy and Beyond,” is getting a new name!

2:20 - Why this rebrand was necessary!

7:18 - BIG program rename reveal!

9:06 - Jessie dives into what is changing about the program

10:03 - Who this program serves

11:45 - Applications are open TODAY - and for a limited time (and some program logistics)

14:03 - Special pricing for our Canadian friends - and time-sensitive bonuses

15:32 - Jessie shares why she is so excited to get started with you

17:21 - Jessie brings the episode to a close

In this episode of the To Birth and Beyond podcast, Anita discuss the significance of birth preparation in clinical practice, particularly for physiotherapists. She explores various aspects of birth prep, including understanding labor stages, relaxation strategies, informed decision-making, and the importance of partner involvement. The conversation emphasizes the need for physiotherapists to integrate birth prep into their sessions, providing clients with the tools and knowledge to navigate their birthing experience confidently. The episode also highlights resources available for further learning and mentorship opportunities for professionals in the field.

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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 and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• Bump to Birth Method - online program: bumptobirthmethod.com
• Click here if you are searching for Labour & Birth Prep for Clinical Practice Course: courses.pelvichealthsolutions.ca/collections/online/course-recording-available
• Email Anita - [email protected] - or DM Anita - @holistichealthphysio - to find out more about 1:1 mentorship coaching sessions

Show Notes 

0:55 - Anita introduces today’s episode as one of our most popular episodes for professionals

2:31 - What we are talking about today!

4:49 - Anita’s experience with birth prep in her practice

5:18 - Birth Prep Inclusion #1: Understanding the stages of labour

6:02 - Birth Prep Inclusion #2: Comfort measures/relaxation strategies

8:25 - Birth Prep Inclusion #3: Labour positions

10:19 - Birth Prep Inclusion #4: Self-advocacy, and how to make informed decisions

13:19 - Birth Prep Inclusion #5: Pushing (positions, timing, breathing, etc)

14:52 - Birth Prep Inclusion #6: Birth partner involvement

15:19 - How does this all fit into clinical practice?

20:22 - If you’re excited to learn more: Labour and Birth Prep for Clinical Practice live online course

22:32 - Episode wrap up

Power Quotes:

"Birth is a physical and emotional event."

"Relaxation strategies are key for labor."

"Self-advocacy is essential during birth."

"Informed decision-making empowers clients."

In today’s episode, Jessie and Anita talk all about cardiovascular training in pregnancy. Is it safe for pregnant women to do cardiovascular exercise or interval training in pregnancy? We will break it down in an evidence-based fashion - what CAN you do? What’s safe? What does the evidence say? Tune in to today’s episode to find out!

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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!

Resources and References 

• Join Jessie’s free, LIVE, Build Beta Test

Show Notes 

0:55 - Join Jessie’s Build Beta Test!

2:28 - Jessie and Anita introduce today’s episode

3:19 - What we know for sure…

5:15 - The benefits of cardiovascular exercise in pregnancy

8:04 - What kind of exercise “counts” as cardio?

10:49 - Let’s talk about heart rate!

15:21 - If you are coming back to cardiovascular activity in pregnancy after a break, or starting from scratch…

18:25 - Key safety points when talking about cardiovascular and interval training work in pregnancy

22:22 - Episode wrap up