25: She Had a Baby, Started Running Again…and Ended Up With a Stress Fracture

Returning to running after having a baby isn't as simple as lacing up your shoes.In Episode 25 of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, Dr. Sara Raiser, sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius, and Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards walk through a complex case of a postpartum runner recovering from a femoral neck stress fracture while navigating breastfeeding, RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), infertility history, and the emotional challenge of getting back to the sport she loves.This episode highlights why postpartum runners deserve individualized care and why nutrition, bone health, biomechanics, and mental well-being all play a role in a safe return to running.Whether you're a postpartum athlete, endurance runner, coach, healthcare provider, or simply interested in female athlete health, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed insights that extend far beyond pregnancy.In this episode, you'll learn:Why postpartum runners are at increased risk for bone stress injuriesHow RED-S and low energy availability affect recovery and bone healthThe nutritional demands of breastfeeding while returning to traininWhy femoral neck stress fractures require careful managemenHow individualized return-to-run programs reduce the risk of reinjuryThe importance of repeat imaging and interdisciplinary care during recoveryWhy listening to your body is essential after childbirth and injuryThis conversation explores the intersection of sports medicine, physical therapy, nutrition, and women's health to help runners recover safely, rebuild confidence, and return to doing what they love.Featured ExpertsDr. Sara Raiser MD – Running Medicine PhysicianKelsey Pontius, MS, RD, CSSD – Sports DietitianDr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT – Physical Therapist & Orthopedic Clinical Specialist00:00 Introduction to this postpartum running case02:00 RED-S, infertility history, and postpartum recovery07:15 Breastfeeding nutrition and increased energy demands14:30 Femoral neck stress fractures explained21:00 Bone health, medications, and metabolic risk factors30:15 Returning to running after a high-risk stress fracture39:30 Why repeat imaging can change treatment decisions46:00 Balancing healing, motherhood, and athletic identity52:15 Key takeaways for postpartum runners and healthcare providers Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at [email protected].