Functional Fourth Trimester

In this episode we talk with guest speaker Laura about how hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum are closely connected to perimenopause, highlighting that these phases are part of a continuous hormonal journey rather than isolated events. We discuss how hormone drops after birth can mirror perimenopause symptoms, and early experiences—such as high blood pressure—may predict future health patterns. By understanding these connections, individuals can take a proactive approach through lifestyle choices, body awareness, and early care to support long-term wellness.Link to blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

On this episode, we talk with guest speaker Abigail about the video resource she created for her capstone project. We discuss the benefits of movement postpartum on your mental health, how the term "movement" is different from "exercise", and ways you can start getting back to movement safely after birth to promote your mental wellbeing. Blog post with more information and resources: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

Have you been discharged from the hospital after a c-section with no idea what to do or expect? On this episode, we talk with mom and occupational therapist Kristy all about her experience having 3 c-sections. We discuss the biggest challenges, the emotional impact, and what you can do to help your body heal. Link to blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

Have you ever been told to "just rest" after having a baby? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Lacy Woods all about pelvic floor recovery. We discuss what the pelvic floor is, how it is impacted by pregnancy and birth, and what you can be doing to help promote recovery. Link to our blog post with more resources and Dr. Wood's contact information below. https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

On this episode we talk with guest speaker Maya about her experience with infant food intolerances and breastfeeding. We discuss how a mom's diet may affect her baby through breastmilk, and what you can do about it. We also introduce an app Maya created to assist mom's in tracking symptoms, called Map My Milk. See our blog post for more information and to access resources. Blog Post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

On this episode, we talk with guest speaker Amy Wise all about her breastfeeding experience. We discuss triple feeding, oral ties, and common breastfeeding challenges. We also provide ways to help support new mom's as they learn the challenging task of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not always an easy and innate experience, and that's ok. Blog post: https://thepostpartumot.com/blog/ 

On today's episode, we talk with guest speakers Christine Hernandez and Haydee Medrano all about infant development. We discuss what developmental milestones are, some key ones to be on the lookout for, red flags of development, and what you can do to help support your baby's development. The link below will take you to our blog post for this episode which has more information, resources, tools, and how to get in touch with our guest speakers. We will also be posting a handout on our social media platforms with more information about developmental milestones.Blog: https://thepostpartumot.com/tummy-time-and-milestones-what-to-expect-in-the-early-months/ 

What is it really like to bring home triplets? In this episode, we sit down with occupational therapist and new mom of triplet boys, Kylie McClellan. She shares the challenges, lessons, and supports that have helped her navigate postpartum life with multiples, along with practical tips for parents of twins, triplets, or more.Link to our blog post with more information and resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/beyond-outnumbered-practical-survival-strategies-for-parents-of-multiple/

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kimberly Day about infant massage. We discuss what it is, why it matters, and how it can support your baby’s development. We explore the benefits for babies, from improved digestion to bonding with caregivers. Dr. Day also shares how parents can learn simple techniques to safely practice infant massage at home. Check out the blog post about this episode to learn more, access resources, and get more information about Dr. Day: https://thepostpartumot.com/the-power-of-touch-how-infant-massage-supports-regulation-and-bonding/ 

In part two of our sleep series, we continue the conversation with occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets to provide practical tools and strategies for better sleep. Building on our discussion about the nervous system’s role in sleep, this episode dives into ways to support regulation for both babies and parents. Kaili shares simple, realistic approaches you can begin using right away to create a more connected and restful sleep experience. If you’re looking for supportive, nervous-system-informed strategies, this episode is full of practical takeaways.Link to blog post about this episode and more resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/

In this first episode of our two-part sleep series, we explore the powerful connection between an infant’s nervous system and sleep. We’re joined by occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets, creator of the Rooted in Regulation Map, a framework that helps parents understand how regulation impacts sleep challenges. Together, we discuss why sleep struggles aren’t just behavioral and how an overwhelmed nervous system can play a key role. This episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective to help parents better understand and support their baby’s sleep from the inside out.Link to blog post about this episode and more resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/ 

Postpartum mental health deserves more open and honest conversation. In this episode, we’re joined by occupational therapist and mom Caitlin Sparks to talk about postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Caitlin shares both professional insights and personal experience as we unpack the realities of navigating stress and anxiety in the postpartum season. We also discuss practical strategies and tools that can help when feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a new mom or supporting one, this episode offers validation, education, and hope. You are not alone, and support is available.Link to the postpartum OT website with a blog post about this episode and with more resources (such as Postpartum Support International): https://thepostpartumot.com/ Caitlin's instagram talking about her program Functional as a mOTher: @functionalasamother  

The fourth trimester is real and many new parents are left to navigate it alone. In this first episode, we introduce ourselves, share the heart behind Functional Fourth Trimester, and explain why we’re passionate about changing the postpartum experience. We’ll walk through the topics we’ll be covering and why the weeks after birth deserve far more support than they currently receive. If you’ve ever felt like postpartum care stops too soon, this podcast is for you.Visit https://thepostpartumot.com/  for more information and blog posts accompanying each episode.