100 | Sleep, Cortisol & Fat Loss: Why Postpartum Moms Can't Out-Train a Stressed Nervous System

We made it to 100 episodes — and we're celebrating with one of the most important conversations this show has ever had. If you've been doing the workouts, eating well, trying to stay consistent — and you're still exhausted, still stuck, still wondering why your body isn't responding — this episode is going to change the way you understand what's happening inside you. Today we're breaking down: Why postpartum is a massive neurological event — not just a hormonal one The two branches of your autonomic nervous system (SNS vs PNS) and why most moms are living in sympathetic dominance How chronically elevated cortisol is blocking your fat loss, wrecking your sleep, and breaking down your muscle — even when you're doing everything right Why the standard "do more" advice is making things worse for moms in the 0–3 year postpartum window The signs your nervous system is dysregulated (count how many land for you) What to actually do — practical, sustainable, and doable Val also shares her personal story of reassessing her own nervous system load at two years postpartum, and a client story that will sound incredibly familiar to moms who feel like they're doing everything right and still not seeing results. This is the episode for the mom who's tired of being told to push harder. Episode 100 Giveaway is OPEN through Wednesday May 20th — details inside and links below! 🎧 Listen, share with a momma friend, and leave a review — it means the world and it helps this show reach more moms who need it. 🎉 EPISODE 100 GIVEAWAY — Open through Wednesday May 20th 🥇 1st place: Free 6-week Playbook Strength Program + 30-min 1:1 coaching call with Val 🥈 2nd place: $50 Amazon gift card 🥉 3rd place: 15% off the Strong, Nourished & Energized Mom Method How to enter: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (screenshot before you submit) DM the screenshot to Val on Instagram (@wellnessbyval_) Bonus entry: follow Val and tag a mom friend on the giveaway post  Open 5/18-5/20 2026 Resources & Links: ✨ Become a Strong & Nourished Momma Insider Weekly wellness tips, podcast updates, and exclusive freebies for busy moms. 👉 https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/insider 📲 Follow Val on Instagram Daily nutrition tips, postpartum support, workouts, and real-life mom wellness. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/wellnessbyval_/ 🎥 Follow on TikTok Quick tips, education, and behind-the-scenes mom life + wellness content. 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@wellnessbyval_?_r=1&_t=ZP-939HwTbMNup  🌐 Website https://wellnessbyval.com ➡️ Loved this episode? Share it with another mom who needs this info and leave a review—it helps more moms find the podcast! 💬 Got a question for the show?! Leave me a voice message here: SpeakPipe voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter for a chance to have your question featured and answered on an episode of the Strong & Nourished Momma Podcast.