Postpartum University® Podcast

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If you're a postpartum provider, you know the juggle: supporting new moms while often navigating your own intense motherhood journey, battling burnout, and feeling stretched thin. This episode gets real with midwife Corina Fitch & Maranda who share their deeply personal struggles with postpartum mental health – from depression to bipolar disorder – and how those experiences completely shifted their approach to holistic postpartum care. If you're a doula, midwife, or any birth worker focused on maternal wellness and improving our current system, you'll want to hear this. They explore how understanding and embracing matrescence is cruc...

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As a postpartum provider, functional health practitioner, and perinatal nutritionist, you're likely being asked daily: "What's the best postnatal vitamin?" But here's the uncomfortable truth: the supplement market, especially for postpartum nutrition, is a wild west, riddled with misleading practices and products that could be doing more harm than good. Forget the simple brand recommendations. This episode pulls back the curtain on white labeling in supplements, reveals why so many popular brands are problematic, and empowers you to identify high-quality, bioavailable nutrients your clients actually need. We're challenging the "pill for every ill"...

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Ever had a gut feeling that your client's postpartum depression or anxiety wasn't just about hormones? What if the real root is an unspoken birth experience, a wound that's been hiding in plain sight? This episode is a must-listen for anyone in perinatal mental health, functional health, or holistic postpartum care. Dr. Maya Weir peels back the layers of birth trauma, exploring its deep neurological effects, how it secretly shows up in the postpartum period, and why therapy alone often don't work. Transform how you support your...

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Dad brain is real: Men's brains change after baby arrives too!

Ever wonder what happens to dads when a new baby enters the picture? We all know about the wild ride moms go through, but what about the silent, powerful transformation happening in partners? If you're a postpartum provider, perinatal mental health professional, or advocate for new parents, this episode is an absolute must-listen. We're discussing the biological brain changes in men after childbirth, the paternal identity shift, and why understanding these nuances is crucial for holistic postpartum care...

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As a postpartum provider or professional, it can feel like the standard "bounce back" narrative after birth just doesn't quite capture the profound shifts your clients are experiencing and  you sense a deeper transformation happening beyond postpartum depression and anxiety. Get ready to have your understanding of motherhood completely reframed with Jessie Harrold as she shared the concept of matrescence – the essential and often overlooked developmental transition into motherhood. Forget the outdated idea of simply "recovering"; this conversation unveils how becoming a mother is a radical rewiring on biological, psychological, social, and even spi...

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Providers, let's challenge the standard 6-week checkup and the conversation around "default birth control". 

What if it's not just "standard care" but a MAJOR factor in the rise of postpartum depression and anxiety we're seeing? Is hormonal birth control a silent driver of postpartum depression and anxiety? It's time to connect the dots. New research links hormonal birth control postpartum to increased maternal mental health risks. Understanding the biological reality of postpartum, including postpartum brain rewiring, shows why synthetic hormones disrupt a healing body. This is a call to action for a...

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Think postpartum psychosis is just a scary headline? Think again. This powerful episode pulls back the curtain on a condition too often misunderstood and dangerously dismissed. Join us as we listen to Aaisha Alvi, a postpartum psychosis awareness advocate and survivor, whose raw and compelling story will challenge everything you thought you knew. As postpartum providers and professionals, you'll gain invaluable insight into the lived experience of this psychiatric emergency, the critical warning signs, and the potentially life-saving actions you can take. This isn't just theoretical knowledge; it's essential postpartum education that could...

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What if postpartum depression isn’t the problem itself… but a symptom of something much deeper? 

This episode is going to make you rethink everything you know about postpartum depression.  Something fixable? I'm breaking it all down: the nutrient depletion, trauma, sleep loss, birth medications, toxins, and isolation that are wrecking postpartum health—and why the current system is failing mothers at the root.

If you're a postpartum provider, doula, therapist, midwife, nurse, or birth professional (or anyone passionate about postpartum recovery), this conversation is ESSENTIAL. It's time to...

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Ever wonder if what a new mom is feeling is just "mom worry" or something more like postpartum anxiety? 

Maranda and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and perinatal mental health specialist, Kathryn Lopez, break it down in this episode. We're diving into how to tell the difference between those normal "mama" worries and when it might be postpartum anxiety – think physical feelings, constant unease, and those "what if" thoughts that feel way out of control.

We're tackling those sometimes scary intrusive thoughts that pop into a new mom...

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What happens when a postpartum provider becomes the patient?

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Maranda shares—for the first time ever—her lived experience with postpartum bipolar disorder. This isn’t a conversation wrapped in statistics and clinical jargon. It’s raw, it’s unfiltered, and it’s the story behind why she created the postpartum healing framework that has now supported thousands of women.

If you’ve ever worked with a mother whose emotional shifts feel like more than “just the baby blues,” or if you’re a provid...

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We’ve got to stop telling moms to “just wait six weeks and then you’re good to go. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jena Bradley, a postpartum physical therapist and core restoration expert. Together, we’re unpacking the biggest myths around postpartum movement and Dr. Jena reveals what providers really need to know for effective core and strength recovery.  Learn how to assess readiness for activity, why core health is about so much more than aesthetics and has everything to do with strength, energy, and functional h...

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What if the crushing fatigue, the anxiety, the brain fog, and the constant crying aren’t mental health issues at all—but signs your client’s body is depleted and screaming for help? 

The truth is; Postpartum depression  symptoms mimic postpartum iron deficiencies and postpartum anemia.

This episode takes a bold look at one of the most underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and easily missed causes of postpartum “depression”: anemia. We’re breaking down how iron deficiency, B12, and folate depletion can mimic mental illness in postpartum women, and how so man...

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Postpartum weight loss isn’t what you think it is.

We’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented topics in postpartum health: women’s weight. Dr. Beth Westie is here to set the record straight and blow your mind. If you’re a provider still talking about “getting your body back” or encouraging calorie restriction after birth—stop what you’re doing and listen in.

In this episode, we talk about the difference between healing and shrinking, why the weight loss industry fails postpartum women...

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Here’s the truth: 1 in 3 women will develop an autoimmune condition after giving birth, and hardly anyone in modern medicine is talking about it.

What if the “normal” symptoms of postpartum—fatigue, hair loss, mood swings, brain fog—are actually the earliest signs of autoimmune disease and red flags that your client’s body is waving, begging for help? 

Today we’re busting the myths around postpartum recovery and diving into the root causes of autoimmune disorders in new mothers. If you're a provider still telling clients “this is just post...

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Postpartum care in the U.S. is broken—period. 

Women are left struggling with depletion, hormone imbalances, and autoimmune conditions with little to no real support. What if postpartum care wasn’t just about surviving but actually thriving?

Today I'm chatting with Jane Baecher, co-founder and CEO of Anya, a revolutionary postpartum wellness brand changing the game for new moms. Jane shares her journey, why she felt called to disrupt the space, and how Anya is helping moms heal at the root—through nutrition, holistic care, and real, e...

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Did you know that a mother carries her child's cells inside her body for life? Not just emotionally, but physically.  

In this episode, we’re diving deep into microchimerism, the phenomenon where fetal cells remain inside a mother’s body forever. These cells are found in the heart, brain, bones—everywhere. Some research suggests they aid healing, repair tissues, and may even protect against neurodegenerative diseases. But here’s the kicker: in some cases, they might also contribute to autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s and lupus. 

Motherhood...

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What happens when the doctors caring for postpartum women experience postpartum depression themselves? The truth is shocking—physician mothers are experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety at twice the rate of the general population. 

Dr. Jessica Vernon, OBGYN and perinatal mental health advocate shares about the lack of postpartum education in medical training, the stigma physicians face when they struggle, and why so many provider mothers feel isolated, burned out, and unsupported.

Dr. Vernon gets real about her own postpartum experience—how she didn’t even recognize her anxiety...

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Here’s the truth: Postpartum nutrition is the missing link in maternal health.

The postpartum care system is broken, and we cannot afford to keep ignoring postpartum depletion. In this episode, I’m sharing an exclusive behind-the-scenes sneak peek into snippets of our Postpartum Nutrition Certification Masterclass, where we deep dive into the 4 Stages of Postpartum Depletion.

 If you’re not talking about nutrition with your clients, you’re already behind. The market is shifting, and postpartum professionals who integrate functional nutrition strategies into their care are the ones...

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Postpartum care is seriously failing moms, and if you’re a provider, you probably see it firsthand. Moms are burned out, running on empty, and dealing with hormone imbalances, mental health struggles, and autoimmune issues that no one is talking about. But here’s the thing—nutrition is the missing piece, and it can completely change the game for both your clients and your business. 

Today, I’m chatting with Bryn, a postpartum nutrition specialist who took what she learned from the Postpartum Nutrition Certification and built a thriving pre-natal and postpartu...

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What if your gut instinct and intuition as a provider is the missing piece in truly supporting postpartum mothers?

We’ve been trained to rely on tests, checklists, and data, but what if the most powerful tool we have isn’t something that can be measured? 

In this episode, I share a personal experience that shook me to my core—one that proved how deeply connected emotional wounds are to physical symptoms. We dive into why postpartum care has lost its intuitive roots, how women healers throughout history were dismiss...

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The postpartum body is not designed to “bounce back” without deep, intentional nourishment—and the lack of education around depletion is failing mothers every single day. 

BUT… hardly anyone in mainstream medicine is addressing: nutrient depletion and its long-term consequences. If you've ever wondered why so many postpartum women struggle with autoimmune diseases like hashimoto's, thyroid imbalances, depression, and chronic fatigue, this episode is going to blow your mind.

Maranda is interviewed by Holly Stein of Eat Mama Meals to break down exactly what happens to a postpartu...

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Is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Failing Mothers? What Providers Need to Know

Postpartum depression screenings are essential—but are we actually identifying the mothers who need help? The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the standard tool used in postpartum mental health screenings worldwide. But here’s the hard truth: it’s not catching every mom who’s struggling. 

In this episode, we break down why the EPDS falls short and what providers must do to bridge the gap between a screening tool and real...

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Fascia isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the connective tissue system that supports and communicates with every part of the body. In this episode, Maranda and Anna Rahe, founder of GST Body, uncover why fascia is the missing piece in postpartum healing. We’re not just scratching the surface here. Anna explains why traditional methods like belly binding worked so well when combined with fascia-focused techniques, how fascia is more fluid than solid, and why that matters for healing. 

If your postpartum clients are struggling with issues like pelvic fl...

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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 preser...

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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 ali...

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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 b...

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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...

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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...

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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 over...

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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...

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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 so...

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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 brea...

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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, menta...

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"We live in a culture that pressures us to ‘bounce back,’ but if there’s ever a time to slow down and take care of yourself, it’s now.”  Kate Tietje

If you’ve felt the pressure to “bounce back” postpartum, this episode with Kate Tietje, founder of Earthley, is your wake-up call. We dive into how natural remedies, mindful lifestyle shifts, and intentional healing set the foundation for true postpartum wellness—not quick fixes. 

Kate shares her journey into holistic health, fueled by her experience as a mother, and how Ea...

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"Saying 'no' to things that drain your energy is saying 'yes' to your well-being. And remember; NO ....is a complete sentence."

Alright, providers—let’s talk about something we all know moms desperately need but rarely prioritize: boundaries. If you’re a postpartum provider or professional, this episode is your go-to guide for helping mothers reclaim their energy and well-being by setting boundaries that actually work. 

Setting limits around time, rest, and even family relationships isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the key to preventing postpartum burnout, re...

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If I follow the moon cycles for my menstrual cycles, am I a bad Christian?
If I meditate or practice yoga to calm my body, does that separate me from God?
If my doula practices Reiki, am I inviting in dangerous energy?

In this episode, Maranda and theologian Janelle Lara tackle heavy questions that Christian women wrestle with as they seek holistic wellness and healing in the postpartum years. We explore new mothers' spiritual journeys and how alternative practices such as meditation, energy work & natural cycles can...

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ADHD or Mom Brain? >> Is "Mom Brain" a myth or could it really be ADHD? What really IS the difference? 

Check out the episode on the BLOG:
https://postpartumu.com/adhd-or-mom-brain-the-cognitive-struggles-no-one-talks-about-in-motherhood-ep-187-2/

In this episode of Postpartum University Podcast, we're exploring the surprising cognitive struggles many mothers face, comparing ADHD with "Mom Brain." 

In this episode, we unpack the signs and symptoms, helping you better support your clients and understand their experiences. Join me as we explore these important topics th...

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What if addressing unresolved trauma and nutritional deficiencies could unlock your body's full potential for a successful pregnancy?

In this episode of the Postpartum University Podcast, Maranda is joined by Tenáj Ikner, a certified perinatal doula and expert in perinatal health, to explore how detoxing and nutrient replenishment before conception can significantly boost fertility, minimize the risk of pregnancy loss, and foster a healthier postpartum experience.

Check out this episode on the blog HERE: https://postpartumu.com/how-to-naturally-increase-fertility-through-your-postpartum-recovery-with-tenaj-ikner-ep-186

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