366: Brianna Battles: Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism

On this episode of the Healthy Wealthy and Smart Podcast, Shannon Sepulveda, DPT guest hosts and interviews Brianna Battles on training post­partum athletes. Brianna Battles is the CEO of Everyday Battles LLC. She specializes in coaching pregnant and postpartum athletes, as well as educating coaches on how to help athletes navigate the physical and mental considerations of athleticism during these chapters in a woman's life. Brianna has online courses and resources for both fitness professionals and athletes and is the founder of the movement and online education, Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism. She has built an international team of coaches who are equipped to work with pregnant and postpartum athletes. In this episode, we discuss: -Common diagnoses following pregnancy that impact an athlete's performance -How trainers and physical therapists can collaborate for the postpartum athlete -The good and bad of social media during the postpartum period -Cultural expectations surrounding what postpartum should look like -And so much more!   Adjusting a training regime during pregnancy and postpartum can be a huge psychological hurdle for athlete's to overcome. Brianna has found that, "We have to make the most informed decisions possible without ego getting in the way."   Shifting cultural expectations surrounding what you should look like or be able to do during postpartum is one of Brianna's biggest goals. She stresses, "Birth is a big deal. Pregnancy changes your body. And postpartum is not just a six week timeline it's an ongoing change."   While social media can be full of inspiration, it may also only show us the highlight reel of how someone has been progressing through postpartum. Brianna reminds, "Never compare yourself to who you see on social media and what their story is."   For more information on Brianna: Brianna Battles is the CEO of Everyday Battles LLC. She specializes in coaching pregnant and postpartum athletes, as well as educating coaches on how to help athletes navigate the physical and mental considerations of athleticism during these chapters in a woman's life. Brianna has online courses and resources for both fitness professionals and athletes and is the founder of the movement and online education, Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism. She has built an international team of coaches who are equipped to work with pregnant and postpartum athletes. Brianna is an advocate for women who want train during pregnancy and make a sustainable return to performance, lifestyle, function, career and activity in the postpartum chapter. She has been able to accomplish this not just with her own coaching efforts, but by also educating coaches to do the same in their communities and online. Brianna has a local strength and conditioning program, but has shifted her focus to working online and traveling for seminars in an effort to reach a broader audience. She has experience in coaching in Division 1 collegiate athletics, corporate wellness management, personal training, strength and conditioning, presenting, remote coaching, mentoring and habits. Brianna has her Master's Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration and her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. She is an active member of the NSCA where she is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and a USAW Sports Performance Coach. She has completed multiple continuing education courses and mentorships in the women's health and strength and conditioning realm. She lives in Southern California with her husband, 2 sons (Cade and Chance) and 2 boxers.   For more information on Shannon: Shannon Sepulveda, DPT, M.Ed., CSCS, WCS is the owner and Physical Therapist at Shannon Sepulveda, DPT, PLLC. She is an Orthopedic and Women's Health Physical Therapist and is currently the only Board-Certified Women's Health Physical Therapist (WCS) in Montana. Shannon received her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, Masters in Education from Harvard University (M.Ed.) and Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Montana. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). She has been a practicing Physical Therapist in Bozeman, Montana for over 6 years. In her free time, she enjoys running, biking, skiing, hunting and spending time with her husband, son and daughter.   Resources discussed on this show: Email: [email protected] Brianna Battles Website Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Website Brianna Battles Instagram Brianna Battles Facebook Women's Health APTA Thanks for listening and subscribing to the podcast! Make sure to connect with me on twitter, instagram and facebook to stay updated on all of the latest! Show your support for the show by leaving a rating and review on iTunes!   Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!   Xo Karen