Q&A: Postpartum Depression, Training in Pregnancy, & More

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a deeply personal and highly requested topic in today’s episode: strength training and pregnancy - what actually changed for Iris, what didn’t, and why so much of what we hear about prenatal fitness is flat-out wrong. We get honest about fatigue, nausea, modifying lifts as the bump grows, why resistance training is not only safe but incredibly beneficial, and how mindset plays a huge role in staying active through every trimester.We also move into a raw and compassionate conversation around postpartum depression - what it felt like when it hit me hard, how my husband helped me recognize I wasn’t okay, and why getting support (including medication) changed everything. We talk about the emotional roller coaster of postpartum life, the importance of advocacy and support systems, and why moms deserve care, strength, and joy - not martyrdom.If you're pregnant, postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode is equal parts education, validation, and encouragement.“Pregnancy and birth are hard work - why wouldn’t we want to strengthen our bodies to prepare for something that demanding?”- Amy Rudolph“More is not better. Better is better. It’s not about the length of the workout - it’s the intention, intensity, and progression you bring to it.”- Iris DeadliftsThis week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:Evidence-based truth about resistance training during pregnancyWhat actually changed in my workouts across trimesters (and what didn’t)How nausea, fatigue, and fueling influenced training decisionsSmart modifications for lifting with a growing bellyCore training that supports pregnancy instead of scaring you away from itThe reality of coning, diastasis, and what “listening to your body” really meansA very real conversation about postpartum depression and getting helpEncouragement, compassion, and support for moms in every phase of the journeyConnect with Us:Iris Deadlifts on InstagramAmy Rudolph on InstagramWork with us at Beth Feraco FitnessThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.