The Lady Birds

This episode takes a clear, evidence-informed look at one of the most polarized topics in pelvic health: kegels. We break down what a kegel actually is (a pelvic floor muscle contraction), why the conversation around it has become so confusing, and how both the “always prescribe” and “never prescribe” camps miss the nuance. Drawing from clinical experience, we explain how pelvic floor rehab has evolved, why isolated muscle contractions still matter, and how they fit into a broader, functional, system-based approach to recovery. In This Episode: 🧠 What a kegel actually is (and isn’t)⚖️ The pendulum swing: from overprescribed to overcorrected📱 How social media has distorted pelvic health messaging🏋️‍♀️ Why isolated muscle training still has a (small, initial) role in rehab🔗 The pelvic floor as part of a larger functional system🤯 Why patients feel confused (and sometimes fearful)🏃‍♀️ Progression: from awareness → strength → automatic function💬 Using patient-centered language vs. clinical accuracyThe problem isn’t Kegels—it’s pretending they’re either everything or nothing.Find The Birds: 📧 [email protected]📱 Follow along on Instagram @ladybirdpt🩺 Work with us at Lady Bird PT (in-person or virtual)⭐ Leave a review if this episode helped you cut through the noise

In this solo episode, Jessica breaks down one of the most common (and frustrating) postpartum experiences: feeling like your core just isn’t “back,” despite consistent effort. This episode takes a clinical, evidence-informed look at why core dysfunction persists beyond the early postpartum phase, highlighting issues like poor pressure management, loss of automatic core activation, and mismatched exercise progression. Instead of defaulting to “do more,” Jessica explains why strategy, coordination, and appropriate loading matter more, and how pelvic floor physical therapy can bridge the gap between rehab and real-life demands.In this episode:💭 “I’m doing everything right… so why does it still feel off?”🫁 Breath + core coordination = the foundation most people are missing⚠️ Pressure mismanagement → leakage, heaviness, and stalled progress🧠 Loss of automaticity after pregnancy (your core isn’t reflexive anymore)🧱 Too much tension = overworking, not strengthening🐢 Staying too easy vs. 🐇 progressing too fast🏋️‍♀️ Strength must match real-life demand (not just rehab exercises)🧩 The missing piece is often a clear, progressive planIf your core still feels off, it’s not because you’re not trying hard enough—it’s because your body needs a better roadmap, not more effort.Find us: 📧 [email protected]📱 Instagram: @ladybirdpt🩺 Pelvic floor PT services at www.ladybirdpt.com ⭐️ Leave a review to help more people find the podcast

This episode explores the intersection of sexual dysfunction, pelvic health, and purity culture through a clinical and psychological lens. Jessica and Becky sit down with a licensed psychologist, Dr. Kristy Money, to unpack how early messaging about sex, particularly shame-based or fear-based frameworks found in purity culture, can directly impact arousal, orgasm, and pain with sex. The conversation highlights the complexity of sexual function, emphasizing that while physical contributors like muscle tension and hormones matter, psychological and cultural factors are often deeply intertwined. This episode reinforces the need for a multidisciplinary approach and offers insight into why some patients don’t respond to physical treatment alone.In this episode: 🧠 Sexual function is biopsychosocial — not just physical⚡ Trauma + purity culture are major drivers of dysfunction🪢 Guarding, fear, and anticipation can perpetuate pain cycles👩‍⚕️ Pelvic PT + sex therapy = often the missing link📉 Arousal and orgasm disorders are under-researched and undertreated😶 Shame and messaging get stored in the body (even when you “know better”)🛑 It’s okay to pause sex when it feels like a chore✨ Pleasure is a skill that sometimes has to be relearnedFind Dr. Kristy Money:📱 Follow along on Instagram @drkristymoney🩺 Website: https://www.kristymoney.com/⭐ Pleasure and purity culture survey: https://www.kristymoney.com/survey📉Resources on anorgasmia: https://www.kristymoney.com/anorgasmiaFind the Lady Birds: 📧 [email protected]📱 Follow along on Instagram @ladybirdpt🩺 Book with us at Lady Bird PT⭐ Leave a review to help more people find this info

It’s time for Becky and Jessica to catch up on life! (We really do save some conversations to have them realtime on the podcast!) Today we talk about what it actually looks like to raise 21–22 month olds—chaotic energy, unpredictable eating, early potty training signs, and the ongoing mental load of feeding choices. We also get into a more nuanced, evidence-informed conversation around breastfeeding, pumping, and formula feeding—what we thought going in versus what we see now in practice and in real families. It’s honest, a little messy, and very reflective of this stage of parenting.In this episode: 👶 Toddler personalities: wild child vs chill observer🍓 The “fruit + carbs” toddler diet struggle🥦 Exposure vs control in picky eating🍼 Breastfeeding, pumping, and formula—real tradeoffs😴 Sleep, workload, and equity in parenting🚽 Potty training readiness vs timing stress🐦 A wholesome birdhouse update to close it outFind us:📧 [email protected]📱 Instagram: @ladybirdpt💻 Book a visit: ladybirdpt.com⭐ Leave a review to help more parents find us

In this episode, we sit down with Kim Borchert, birth and postpartum doula and IBCLC intern, to unpack what birth preparation actually looks like. With over a decade of experience and hundreds of births attended, Kim brings a perspective that challenges the belief that preparing for birth is mostly physical. We dig into why birth is largely mental and emotional, how unprocessed expectations can shape birth trauma, and what it really takes to prepare for labor, both medicated and unmedicated. This conversation bridges clinical insight with lived experience, highlighting the gap between how we prepare for birth and what actually matters in the moment.🧠 Birth is 90% mental, 10% physical🔥 How expectations, not outcomes, drive birth trauma🧘‍♀️ Learning to sit in discomfort (instead of avoiding it) and why that is helpful for birth🤝 The real role of a doula💉 Epidurals: timing matters more than you think🚿 Showers, spiky balls, and the “midwife’s epidural”😵‍💫 When pain coping tools work… until they don’t🍼 Postpartum: the part no one prepares forYou can’t control how birth unfolds—but you can prepare for how you meet it.Find The Birds: 📧 [email protected]📲 Follow along on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🩺 Learn more or book with us: ladybirdpt.com⭐️ Leave us a review—it helps more parents find this info🔥 Let’s keep smashing the patriarchy—one pelvic floor at a time.Find Kim:📲 Follow along on Instagram: @austindoulacare ⭐️ If you’re local to Austin - find doulas, classes and more at: https://www.austindoulacare.com/In this episode:

In this episode, we break down De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, aka “mom thumb”, a common and often debilitating wrist condition in pregnancy and postpartum. We walk through what’s actually happening anatomically, why it shows up when it does, and how to treat it effectively (often faster than people expect). This is a very practical, evidence-informed conversation focused on early intervention, realistic treatment strategies, and how to keep caring for your baby without making symptoms worse.In this episode: 🤱 Why “mom thumb” is so common postpartum🦴 Tendon sheath irritation vs. tendon injury (what actually matters)🔁 Overuse, swelling, and the real root causes🦾 Bracing: what kind, how long, and why it works🛏️ Sleep positions + daily habits that quietly make it worse🧠 Early treatment = faster recovery💉 When cortisone injections make sense🏋️‍♀️ Rehab basics: isometrics, load, and what most people don’t needIt might feel scary when your hand suddenly can’t keep up with caring for your baby—but this is one of those things that usually gets better quickly when you know what to do.Find the Lady Birds: 📧 [email protected]📱 Follow along on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🩺 Work with us: www.ladybirdpt.com⭐ Leave us a review — it helps more moms find this info when they need it most

Many of the women we work with are having babies later in life, which means postpartum recovery and the early stages of perimenopause can start to overlap. In this episode, we talk with functional nutrition practitioner Amber about why symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, sleep disruption, mood changes, and cycle irregularities can show up during both phases — and why they can be so confusing to untangle.But more importantly, we talk about what actually helps. Instead of focusing on expensive hormone testing or quick-fix supplements, this conversation centers on the daily habits that support hormone health during one of the busiest and most stressful seasons of life. We dive into why habit change is so hard for exhausted parents, how your brain resists new routines, and why small, realistic shifts in hydration, nutrition, movement, and sleep can make a meaningful difference over time.In this episode:🧠 Why brain fog, fatigue, and sleep issues can happen in both postpartum and perimenopause🔬 Why hormone testing isn’t always as helpful as people think🦋 The often-overlooked role of thyroid and blood sugar in hormone symptoms🕸️ The “hormone web” — how stress, nutrients, gut health, and lifestyle all interact🧂 Small habit shifts that actually support hormone health (hydration, protein, electrolytes)🧠 Why habit change is so hard — and what your brain is doing behind the scenes🏋️‍♀️ Letting go of all-or-nothing thinking in health and fitness💊 What to know about supplements during postpartum and perimenopauseIf you’re wondering whether what you’re experiencing is still “just postpartum,” early perimenopause, or a mix of both — you’re definitely not alone.Find Amber:📱@amberdawn_wellness📧 https://amberdawnwellness.com/Find the Lady Birds: 📧 Email us your questions or episode ideas: [email protected]📱 Follow along on Instagram for pelvic health education and clinic updates @ladybirdpt🩺 Learn more about working with us at www.ladybirdpt.com⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, leave us a review — it helps more people find the podcast

Pelvic floor dysfunction is often framed as a pregnancy or postpartum issue—but that’s far from the full story. In this episode, we talk about an overlooked population we’re seeing more and more in the clinic: teenagers. From urinary urgency and constipation to painful periods and tampon intolerance, pelvic health symptoms can start long before someone ever thinks about pregnancy. We walk through why these issues happen in teens, the physical and behavioral factors that contribute, and what pelvic floor physical therapy actually looks like for this age group. Whether you’re a parent, coach, healthcare provider, or someone who works with adolescents, this conversation sheds light on symptoms that are common, treatable, and far too often dismissed. In this episode: 🧠 Pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t just a postpartum problem—it shows up in teens too🚽 Urinary urgency, leakage, and constipation are some of the most common symptoms😖 Painful periods, tampon intolerance, and pelvic pain often get normalized instead of treated🏃‍♀️ Sports, high-impact activity, stress, and chronic “holding” patterns can contribute🧒 The teen years sit in an awkward middle ground between pediatric and adult care🩺 Pelvic floor PT for teens focuses on movement, breathing, habits, and education👨‍👩‍👧 Parents and teens both need to feel informed and comfortable in the treatment process📣 Early intervention can prevent years of unnecessary symptoms and shameFind us: 📧 Email us: [email protected]📸 Follow along on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🏥 Learn more about our services: www.ladybirdpt.com⭐ Leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know

In this episode, Jessica sits down with Lindsey DiCello, founder of Austin Yoga Lounge, to talk about what prenatal yoga actually does for a pregnant body. They dig into the difference between a typical yoga class and one designed specifically for pregnancy, how pelvic mobility and breathwork influence labor, and why nervous system regulation matters more than most people realize. The conversation also explores the mental side of birth preparation — including pain coping strategies, body awareness, and the role of consistency in movement during pregnancy.In this episode: 🧘‍♀️ What makes prenatal yoga different from a typical yoga class🦴 Why pelvic mobility (not just strength) matters for labor🫁 Breathwork as one of the most effective labor coping strategies🧠 How nervous system regulation can influence the course of labor🌊 Practicing contractions and “riding the wave” of labor👯 The unexpected power of community in prenatal classes💬 Why learning to listen to your body during pregnancy actually prepares you for birthBirth preparation isn’t just about getting stronger — it’s about learning how to stay present, breathe through intensity, and trust your body in the moment it matters most.Lindsey DiCello is the founder of Austin Yoga Lounge, a prenatal and postpartum movement studio in Central Austin dedicated to supporting people through pregnancy, birth preparation, and early motherhood. A prenatal yoga teacher, pre and postnatal fitness specialist, and birth doula, Lindsey specializes in helping pregnant and postpartum parents build strength, prepare for labor, and recover with confidence through intentional movement and community support.📧 Website: https://www.austinyogalounge.com/⭐New Student Trial: https://www.austinyogalounge.com/new-student-trial📱Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinyogalounge/👯TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@austinyogaloungeHow to Find the Lady Birds: 📧 Questions or podcast ideas? Email us at [email protected]📱 Follow along on Instagram for pelvic health education and clinic updates🏥 Learn more about our services at Lady Bird PT (pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic pain care)⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review — it helps more people find the show

Up to 70% of women report bowel changes across their menstrual cycle and yet, no one really talks about it. In this episode, we break down what’s actually happening physiologically during your luteal and menstrual phases, why progesterone slows things down (hello constipation), why prostaglandins speed everything up (cue diarrhea), and how those shifts connect. We cover practical, evidence-informed strategies you can use to manage symptoms—and when pelvic floor PT might play a role.In this episode:🌀 Hormone shifts across the menstrual cycle🐢 Progesterone and slowed gut motility💩 Prostaglandins and diarrhea during bleeding🥣 Soluble vs. insoluble fiber (yes, there’s a difference)💧 Hydration, magnesium, and bowel routines🧘‍♀️ Pelvic floor tension + incomplete emptying💊 NSAIDs and prostaglandin suppression🐦 Stress poops: humans 🤝 birdsConnect with us: 📧 [email protected]📍 Austin, TX — Book a pelvic floor PT visit at www.ladybirdpt.com📲 Follow along on Instagram @ladybirdpt⭐ Leave a review so more women can find real answers

In this week’s episode, we brought on one of our actual patients, Amber, to talk about what pelvic floor physical therapy feels like from the other side of the table.Amber shares how she developed really distressing symptoms postpartum (including arousal and UTI-like symptoms), how alone she felt, what it was like to ask for a referral, and what her first pelvic floor PT visit was actually like. We talk about the awkward questions, the internal work, the pelvic wand, the nervous system connection and most importantly, what changed for her once she realized she wasn’t crazy.If you’ve ever wondered:“Is this normal?”“What even happens at pelvic floor PT?”“Is my problem too weird to bring up?”This episode is for you.Our hope is simple: that hearing one real person’s experience makes it easier for you to take the first step if you need it.In this episode: 🙋‍♀️ A real patient, sharing the real story🧠 “You’re not crazy.” (the words every patient deserves)🪄 What actually happens during treatment💬 Why being heard matters just as much as the exercises🔁 Feeling empowered to manage flares instead of fearing themYou don’t have to fully understand what’s going on to deserve help. You just have to take one step.📧 [email protected]📲 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🌿 Book a visit: www.ladybirdpt.com⭐ If this episode helped demystify pelvic floor PT, leave us a review

In this episode, Becky and Jessica dig into the often-oversimplified advice around breathing and weightlifting — especially for postpartum folks and anyone dealing with prolapse symptoms, stress urinary incontinence, or pelvic pain. Using both anatomy and real clinical scenarios, they break down how breath mechanics actually influence pelvic floor function, why pressure management matters more than “strength” alone, and how different breathing strategies apply at different loads. If you’ve ever been told to “just exhale” or “never hold your breath,” this episode adds nuance — and practicality — back into the conversation.In this episode:🫁 Diaphragm + pelvic floor anatomy🏋️‍♀️ Weightlifting after pregnancy💨 Exhaling on exertion🔒 Valsalva vs bearing down⚖️ Managing intra-abdominal pressure🧠 Re-learning movement patterns🩺 Pelvic floor dysfunction & exercise tolerance📩 Questions or episode ideas? Email us at [email protected]📲 Follow along on Instagram @ladybirdpt🏥 Learn more or book a visit at ladybirdpt.com⭐ If this episode helped you, leave a review — it truly helps more people find pelvic-floor-informed care

In this episode, we sit down with lactation consultant and perinatal mental health coach Heather from The Lactation Expert to unpack the very real, very under-discussed relationship between mental health and feeding. We dive into how anxiety, birth trauma, hypervigilance, and societal pressure directly impact lactation outcomes — and why feeding struggles are often an early warning sign of deeper nervous system stress. This conversation bridges physiology, psychology, and lived postpartum experience to help parents and providers better understand why feeding is never “just mechanical.”In this episode:🧠 Perinatal anxiety + hypervigilance around feeding🍼 The bidirectional relationship between mental health and lactation📊 Tracking culture, freezer stash pressure, and social media myths💔 Birth trauma, cortisol, oxytocin, and delayed milk onset🌈 Supporting queer, neurodivergent, and high-risk parents🛠 Making feeding plans realistic instead of punishing🤍 Why preventative lactation support actually mattersBecause feeding your baby shouldn’t cost you your mental health — and you deserve support, not survival mode.Find Heather: 🖥 Learn more at www.thelactationexpert.com📲 Follow Heather on Instagram @thelactationexpert🧠 For birth & health professionals:Heather’s Lactation Essentials for Birth Professionals course is opening enrollment for its second cohort. This multi-week program includes recorded modules plus live calls, and is designed for pediatricians, midwives, doulas, SLPs, OTs, sleep coaches, and anyone supporting feeding families.🤍 For parents:Heather offers a bi-monthly support group that’s evolving into something special — the Parent Kind Support Circle. This is ongoing, relationship-based support from pregnancy through early postpartum, featuring two live virtual calls each month, expert guest speakers, and an intimate community space to stay connected between calls.Find the Lady Birds: 📩 Questions or episode ideas? Email us at [email protected]📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🩺 Book pelvic floor care with our team: ladybirdpt.com⭐ Love the show? Leave a review — it helps more parents find honest, evidence-based care

In this solo episode, Jessica breaks down how pelvic floor physical therapy has evolved over the past decade — and how that evolution directly impacts postpartum recovery, pelvic pain treatment, and birth preparation. Drawing from updated research, shifting clinical guidelines, and real-world practice changes, this episode covers why outdated “no crunches, only Kegels” thinking no longer holds up, how pregnancy care has expanded, and what truly supports long-term symptom resolution.In this episode: 🧠 Evidence-based postpartum core rehab🤰 Internal pelvic floor work during pregnancy📉 Why biofeedback and isolated Kegels are losing priority🏋️ Strength training for pelvic pain and tension🔄 Pressure management over “perfect” core control🛠 Long-term symptom prevention vs quick fixes🐦 Bonus bird fact energyBecause pelvic health care shouldn’t stay stuck in 2015 — your recovery deserves better science and better systems.Find us: 🎧 Subscribe + leave a review to help more parents find evidence-based pelvic health care📧 Questions or episode ideas? Email us at [email protected]📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🌐 Learn more or book a visit: ladybirdpt.com

Second and subsequent pregnancies often come with earlier symptoms, faster belly changes, and more physical strain — and it’s not “just in your head.” In this episode, Becky and Jessica break down the biomechanical, tissue-level, and lifestyle factors that make later pregnancies feel so different from the first. From connective tissue changes and cumulative load to sleep deprivation and deconditioning, we explore what’s modifiable, what isn’t, and how strategic strength training and pelvic floor rehab can meaningfully improve symptom progression and pregnancy tolerance.In this episode: 🤰 Why bellies show earlier and grow faster the second time around🦴 Tissue stretch, ligament changes, and why bodies “remember” pregnancy💥 Common symptoms: leaking, pelvic pain, heaviness, back pain🏋️ Strength training vs “just staying active”😴 How toddlers, sleep loss, and life load impact pregnancy symptoms🧠 Modifiable vs non-modifiable factors (and letting go of blame)⏱ It’s never “too late” to get stronger, even during pregnancyYour body isn’t broken — it’s adapting under more load, more life stress, and more history. And there’s still a lot you can do to feel stronger this time around.📩 Questions or episode ideas? Email us at [email protected]📱 Follow along on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🧠 Learn more about pelvic floor PT, pregnancy prep, and postpartum care at ladybirdpt.com⭐ Love the show? Leave a review — it helps more parents find evidence-based care

Regulation and co-regulation are increasingly used terms in pediatric and parenting spaces, yet they’re often poorly defined or oversimplified. In this episode, we sit down with neuroaffirming, pediatric occupational therapist Caitlin Sanschagrin, owner of BrightSpOT Pediatric Therapy to break down what nervous system regulation actually means, how co-regulation supports emotional development and functional behavior, and why connection-based, neuro-affirming approaches outperform compliance-driven strategies. We discuss how stress physiology impacts learning and behavior, what co-regulation looks like across developmental stages, and practical ways caregivers can support regulation at home without unrealistic expectations of perfection.In this episode:🧠 Let’s talk regulation and what it actually means🫶 Co-regulation across ages (babies → teens → adults)🔥 Why compliance-based therapy backfires🧸 Meltdowns aren’t teaching moments📚 Predictability & routines as regulation tools💬 Modeling emotional regulation as parents💔 Repair after rupture actually matters🌈 Neuro-affirming parenting + therapyFight Caitlin and her team:Website: https://brightspotpediatrics.comInstagram and TikTok: @brightspotpediatrics Find us: 🎧 Subscribe, follow, and leave us a review — it helps more parents find real support📩 Questions or episode ideas? Email us at [email protected]📲 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🩺 Learn more about pelvic health care with Lady Bird PTResources Mention: @learnplaythrive on IG and https://learnplaythrive.com

In this solo episode, Becky reflects on how pelvic health care has evolved and how her own clinical beliefs have changed over nearly a decade of practice. As patients return for second and third pregnancies, old advice resurfaces… and sometimes we have new research that has shown us that advice should be different. From breath mechanics to postpartum exercise, perineal massage, and prolapse, this episode is a candid look at what newer research (and real-life bodies) have taught us — and why as PT's we never have finally learned everything .In this episode: 🫁 Breath work: Valsalva vs bearing down🏃‍♀️ Postpartum timelines that aren’t one-size-fits-all💪 Core strength beyond “neutral spine only”🌸 Perineal massage as nervous system training⬇️ Prolapse symptoms across multiple pregnancies📚 How evidence + experience actually change practice🧠 Letting go of outdated rules🐦 A truly wild bird fact (as always)Find us: 📧 Email us your thoughts or clinical hot takes: [email protected]📱 Follow along on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🩺 Learn more about pelvic floor PT with us: ladybirdpt.com⭐ Love the show? Subscribe, follow, and leave a review — it helps more than you think

In this episode, we do something a little different — Becky brings her mom (a recently retired clinical psychologist and Becky’s personal parenting coach) onto the podcast to answer the questions we all ask ourselves in the toddler years. Are we traumatizing our kids with diaper changes? Is screen time ruining everything? How do we set boundaries without being assholes? We talk tantrums, timeouts, discipline vs punishment, tech guilt, and why “good enough” parenting is actually the goal. Equal parts validating, educational, and deeply relieving.In this episode:🧠 Toddler brains & emotional development📱 Screen time, guilt, and reality😤 Tantrums, meltdowns & autonomy🛑 Boundaries vs punishment💬 Validation over fixing🧩 “Good enough” parenting🐦 And as always, a bird story! If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re messing up your kid just by existing — this one’s for you. Truly: hang in there.Find us: 📩 Questions or episode ideas? Email us at [email protected]📲 Follow along on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🩺 Work with us in Austin, TX — pelvic floor PT for pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond⭐ Love the show? Leave a review so other tired parents can find us

In this solo episode, Jessica breaks down one of the most common postpartum questions: “Is this exercise safe for me right now?” Instead of universal timelines, fear-based rules, or the mythical “six-week clearance means it's time to run a 5k,” she walks you through a simple, framework you can use for literally any movement. Whether you're three months, three years, or a whole decade postpartum, this method helps you tune into your body, progress intentionally, and stop second-guessing every plank, jump, or core exercise.In this episode:💪 How to actually know if an exercise is safe🧠 The difference between symptoms vs. normal effort🫠 Why your early-postpartum core needs more attention⬆️ Easy ways to modify without feeling like you’re “starting over”🔄 When—and how—to reassess and progress⚠️ When it’s time to bring in a pelvic floor PT🤯 The truth about “universal timelines” (they don’t exist!)🐦 A bonus bird fact that Jessica absolutely did not remember in advancePostpartum exercise doesn’t need to feel like guessing in the dark — your body gives you more information than you realize.Find us:📧 [email protected]📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt🌐 Book a visit or join the email list: ladybirdpt.com💬 Love the episode? Leave a review — it helps other parents find us.

In this very off-duty, very unserious holiday episode, Jessica and Becky take a break from pelvic health and wander straight into the chaos of holiday traditions. From fake vs. real trees, to eggnog discourse, to matching pajamas, unpopular holiday opinions, and how Hanukkah and Christmas collide in their households — this one is cozy, a little spicy, and completely rooted in real-life end-of-year exhaustion.In this episode: 🎄 Real vs. fake trees vs the 3rd option you’ll have to listen to find out what it is🥚 Eggnog: delightful? disgusting? only good with whiskey?👚 Matching pajama culture and our thoughts🎶 Strong opinions about Christmas music 📽️ Favorite holiday movies🕯️ Navigating blended family holidays with humor and honesty🦩 Flamingo bird fact, courtesy of Dr. Sam!Whether you’re team real tree, team fake tree, or team “my kid will destroy whatever we put up,” we hope this episode made your holiday season feel a little lighter and a lot more human.Find us: 📬 Email us: [email protected]📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🧘‍♀️ Work with us: Book a visit or join our email list at ladybirdpt.com🎁 Holiday Offer: $199 initial evaluations — purchase now, use later⭐ Leave us a review: It truly helps other parents find the show

This week, we sat down with Moriel Levy of Juniper Babyproofing to talk about something that feels overwhelming for pretty much every parent: safety, stairs, gates, and all the things tiny humans love to climb, chew, or escape through. Instead of fear-based “what could kill my child?” vibes, Moriel walks us through a calmer, more grounded reframe — creating yes spaces that make your home safer and make your life easier.In this episode: 🧗‍♀️ How “yes spaces” reduce stress and constant parent hovering🗂️ What to actually prioritize when babyproofing🚧 Stairs, gates & furniture anchors — what matters and why🧰 Common mistakes people make🐣 The toddler room = the new crib (and how to keep it safe)✨ Aesthetic babyproofing is real and we deserve nice things🐦 A taxidermy crow?? Moriel’s hilarious bird storyIf babyproofing has been living rent-free in your brain, this episode might just give you permission to breathe again.Find Moriel: 💻 https://www.juniperbabyproofing.com📸 Instagram: @juniperbabyproofingFind The Lady Birds: 📧 [email protected]📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt💻 Book a visit or join our email list at ladybirdpt.com🧑‍⚕️ Pelvic PT for pregnancy, postpartum, pelvic pain & beyond⭐ If you loved this episode, leave us a review — it really does help parents find us

In this solo episode, Jessica breaks down one of the most under-talked-about postpartum topics: orgasms. What changes after pregnancy? Why do orgasms feel weaker, different, or sometimes downright painful? And what is the pelvic floor's role in an orgasm in the first place? Jessica walks listeners through the physiology of arousal, the role of pelvic floor tension vs. weakness, how hormones affect clitoral sensitivity, and why diminished orgasm isn’t something you just have to “live with.”In this episode: ✨ Why making sure you're aroused is an important first step🩸 Increased blood flow + tissue changes during arousal💥 What pelvic floor contractions actually do in orgasm💪 Weakness vs. tension — and how both mess with orgasm quality🔥 When orgasm becomes painful and why🧠 Clitoral sensitivity, hormones, and topical estrogen🩺 When it’s a PT issue vs. when it’s a medical team issue💗 You are not alone — diminished orgasm is common and fixableBecause pleasure is part of your health too — and you deserve a body that still feels like yours.Find us: 📧 Reach us at [email protected]📸 Follow along on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🗓️ Book a visit or join the newsletter at ladybirdpt.com⭐ Leave us a review — it truly helps people find the show

In this solo episode (yes, Becky flies completely solo because Jessica lost her voice!), we unpack the confusion around the six-week postpartum visit — the OB/midwife check, the pelvic floor PT check, and why they both matter but for totally different reasons. Becky breaks down what “cleared” really means, why so many people feel blindsided when they jump back into exercise, and how to think about returning to movement without fear, shame, or internet-influencer nonsense. If you’ve ever wondered why your body still feels off after your doctor said you were “good to go,” this episode is your guide.In this episode: ✨ The real goal of the 6-week OB/midwife visit🩺 What pelvic floor PT is actually assessing🏃‍♀️ Why “clearance” is not the same as “prepared”💦 Leakage, heaviness & pain — common but treatable🧠 Fear-based exercise rules vs actual risk💪 How to rebuild confidence in your postpartum body⏳ Why it’s never too late for pelvic floor PT🦃 A surprisingly emotional Turkey fun factPostpartum clearance isn’t a finish line — it’s a starting point! Find us: 📧 [email protected]📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt🌐 Book a visit: ladybirdpt.com🧡 In-person care in Austin + virtual care worldwide⭐️ Leave a review — it helps other parents find us

Bladder emptying isn’t exactly a hot topic — until it starts giving you problems. This week, Jessica and Becky dig into the science and habits behind how to pee effectively, from finding your body’s “relax” mode to specific tricks that help you fully empty. Whether you’re postpartum, managing leakage, or just curious, this episode is proof that pelvic health starts with the basics.In this episode:💧 Why how you pee matters🧘‍♀️ The role of the parasympathetic system (aka chill mode)🚽 Stop hovering — sit your booty down💦 Bladder emptying techniques🍼 Why postpartum stress can mess with bladder habitsTurns out, the way you pee says a lot about your pelvic floor. Slow down, breathe, and trust your body — your bladder will thank you.Find us:📧 Email us at [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt 🌐 Book a in person or virtual PT session at ladybirdpt.com 🪶 Join our newsletter, leave a review, or book a visit 

Ever wonder how long you should be able to wait before peeing? In this episode, Becky and Jessica tackle the not-so-glamorous but oh-so-common world of urinary urgency and frequency. They break down what “normal” actually means, why your bladder might be bossing you around, and how to retrain your body to feel calm and in control again.In this episode:💧 How much water is too much?🚽 What “normal” peeing patterns actually look like🧠 The mind-body connection behind urgency☕ Caffeine, sparkling water & other sneaky bladder irritants🫁 Breathing, Kegels & urge drills that really work⏳ When to wait it out (and when to call your PT)😂 Becky admits Jessica was right about how long they could talk about urinary urgency/frequencyLinks mentioned in this episode:How to drink water blog post: https://www.ladybirdpt.com/post/are-you-drinking-water-correctlyFind us:📧 Email us at [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt 🌐 Book a in person or virtual PT session at ladybirdpt.com 🪶 Join our newsletter, leave a review, or book a visit

In this episode, we sit down with pediatric physical therapist and certified breastfeeding specialist Kristi Hammerle, PT, DPT, founder of Year One Wellness. They dive into everything parents (and PTs!) should know about torticollis, head shape, and infant development — from what causes those early asymmetries to why early intervention matters so much. Kristi breaks down the connection between tight neck muscles, feeding challenges, and movement milestones, sharing clear, compassionate advice for helping babies move and grow with comfort and symmetry.🍼 What torticollis really is (and why it’s not just about the neck) 🧠 The link between in-utero positioning and early tension 😴 How sleep position and swaddling play into head shape 👶 Why early intervention beats “waiting it out” every time 💪 The magic combo of lengthening + strengthening (yes, even for babies!) 💆‍♀️ What to expect in an infant PT session 🤍 No shame in helmets — what they do and when they help 🔄 The one word Kristi says every parent should remember: symmetryFor every parent wondering if that “head tilt” is normal — this one’s for you. A grounded, hopeful conversation that’ll leave you feeling informed and empowered (and maybe ready to stretch your baby’s neck, gently and with PT guidance!)Find us:📧 Email us at [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt 🌐 Book a in person or virtual PT session at ladybirdpt.com 🪶 Join our newsletter, leave a review, or book a visit — and check out our prenatal movement series while you’re there!

In this personal update episode, Becky and Jessica talk about what it actually means to feel “back to normal” after having a baby — physically, mentally, and emotionally. They discuss their experiences with identity shifts, alone time (or lack thereof), tantrums, toddler chaos, and redefining what “normal” even means in motherhood. In this episode: 🧠 redefining “normal” postpartum 💪 feeling strong again - physically and mentally 😵‍💫Toddler tantrums ❤️‍🔥 the loss (and rediscovery) of self 🌙 carving out alone time in motherhood 🏃‍♀️ returning to running, movement, and confidenceFind us! 📧 [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt 🌐 Join our email list or book a visit: ladybirdpt.com 💬 Leave us a review — it means the world! 💪 We have 2 more spots left in the last class of the Fall Prenatal Series - Pelvic Floor Relaxation & Birth Prep on Dec 5th! Register here: https://www.ladybirdpt.com/fall-movement/p/relax-and-prep-class

Hey y’all, and welcome back to The Lady Birds Podcast! This week, Becky and Jessica are back with part two of our support garment series! In part one, we covered belly bands — what they’re good for, when to use them, and how they differ from SI belts. Now we’re diving into SI belts: what they are, who actually benefits from them, and how to tell the difference between a soft “hug” of support and a belt that gives real mechanical stability. From fitting tips to how long to wear them (and when not to), this episode is packed with grounded, evidence-based insights that make pelvic pain feel a little less mysterious and a lot more manageable.✨ Here’s what we cover: 🩺 The difference between an SI belt and a belly band — and why structure matters 🤰 Diagnoses that benefit most (SI joint pain, low back pain, and some pelvic girdle pain) 🧣 How to test if a belt might help 📏 Fitting tips: where it should actually sit and how tight to wear it 💪 Why SI belts are tools, not fixes and how they can bridge you to strength work 🧠 Why relaxin isn’t the real cause of pelvic painWhether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or just trying to make sense of pelvic pain, this one’s a quick but practical listen that’ll help you understand your body — and maybe laugh along the way.Episodes we reference:Belly bands: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6UyEnYP6PyLXpgWvejEoHL?si=Wqkqz4pRQTitoA63y5Ts_wSIJ pain in pregnancy and postpartum: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5JtzgLsEyhA1Qp0CwNuXUq?si=_-s6wFToSpivCgTjRIQevQFind us:📩 [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt 🌐 Book a visit or join our email list at ladybirdpt.com 📝 Leave us a review so more parents can find us 🗓 Check out our upcoming events prenatal fall series (https://www.ladybirdpt.com/events-in-austin-tx) and birth prep class with Oak + Lotus Yoga (https://www.oakandlotusyoga.com/laborprep)

Ever wonder why your SI joint suddenly starts screaming during pregnancy? In this episode, Becky and Jessica break down why sacroiliac joint pain happens, how to tell if it’s actually your SI joint, and what you can do to feel better both during and after pregnancy. From posture tweaks to smart strengthening and pelvic floor PT insights, if you only take one thing away from this podcast, let it be to uncross your legs if you have SI pain. ✨ Here’s what we cover:🦴 What the SI joint actually is— and why it gets blamed for so much 🤰 Why “it’s just the relaxin” isn’t the full story for pain 💪 How strength work during pregnancy sets you up for smoother recovery 🚫 Movements and habits that secretly irritate your SI joint 🏋️‍♀️ Safe, pain-friendly strength exercises to start with (and ones to consider avoiding) 💆‍♀️ What manual therapy can (and can’t) doWhether you’re dealing with SI pain for the first time or it’s followed you into postpartum, this one’s for you — simple, evidence-based, and judgment-free.Find us:📧 [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt 🌐 Book a visit or join our email list at ladybirdpt.com 🗓 Check out our upcoming events prenatal fall series (https://www.ladybirdpt.com/events-in-austin-tx) and birth prep class with Oak + Lotus Yoga (https://www.oakandlotusyoga.com/laborprep)

This week, we sat down with Maggie Brewer and Laura Burton, licensed speech-language pathologists and co-founders of Nest Infant and Caregiver Support, to tackle one of the messiest, most confusing parts of parenting: starting solids. From baby-led weaning to purees, choking vs. gagging, and why responsive feeding matters more than the method, this conversation is packed with real-life wisdom (and reassurance that you’re not doing it “wrong”).In this episode you’ll find: 🥑 What developmental readiness for solids really looks like 🥄 Baby-led weaning vs. purees — pros, cons, and blending both 😳 Choking vs. gagging: how to tell the difference and respond🥤 Sippy cups, straws, and open cups explained 🍼 Why responsive feeding is the thread through every approach 😅 Managing the anxiety (and the mess!) of mealtimes (although this could've been an episode on it's own! Whether your baby’s first bite is avocado strips or mashed sweet potato, the “right” way is the one that feels safe and doable for your family.Find us: 📧 [email protected] 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt 🌐 Learn more at ladybirdpt.com ⭐ Leave us a review so more parents can find support✨ Connect with Maggie & Laura from Nest Infant Support:🌐 nestinfantsupport.com📸 Instagram: @nestinfantsupport👍 Facebook: Nest Infant Support, PLLCAnd don’t miss their virtual Solids Class on October 22nd with Dr. Alex Florence of Happy Trails Pediatrics — combining feeding therapy expertise with pediatric insight.Find it here: https://buy.stripe.com/cNi7sM5Tx0l40cv8klbZe04

In this catch-up episode, we’re talking all about life with our girls (who still babies in our minds, but really toddlers). From breastfeeding and pumping highs and lows, to picky eating battles, nap transitions, and the bittersweet feelings about leaving the baby stage behind — we would love to say we left nothing out, but true to ourselves we still have so much to catch up on! Don't miss our next personal update episode in a few weeks!In this episode: 🍼 Breastfeeding vs. weaning🥦 Toddler food wins (and fails)😴 Nap transitions & sleep regressions👶 Missing the itty-bitty baby stage💪 Parenting through phases & finding perspectiveWhether your toddler is eating blueberries for dinner or refusing to nap, we hope this episode makes you feel a little more seen in the chaos.Connect with us: 📧 [email protected]📸 Follow us on Instagram @ladybirdpt🌐 Learn more about our services at ladybirdpt.com⭐️ Leave us a review — it helps other parents find us!Announcements!We've been nominated for 2 categories for Best In Birth and we are THRILLED! Please vote for us for Best Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists and Best Podcast. You don't have to be local to vote, just scroll through to categories 19 and 21 and vote for Lady Bird! We appreciate your support so, so much!Vote HEREIf you’re local to Austin, check out our events page to see if you can make our Fall Prenatal Series. This three-part series at Lady Bird PT is designed to help you feel strong, supported and ready for birth and recovery. Each session will give you practical tools you can use right away, whether you’re looking to prepare your body for labor, keep moving safely during pregnancy, or learn strategies to reduce tearing and push confidently.

Pregnancy belly bands get recommended everywhere — but are they really worth it? In this episode, Becky and Jessica dig into what the research says, who actually benefits, and how these compressive bands differ from other support garments. We cover belly bands in pregnancy (think back pain, belly heaviness, and everyday discomfort) as well as the real role they play after birth, especially after a C-section. It’s a short, no-BS conversation with the evidence, clinical insight, and lived experience you’ve come to expect from us.✨ General belly discomfort vs. true pelvic girdle pain 🔎 What the research actually supports (and what it doesn’t)🙅🏽‍♀️ Diastasis prevention myths we can officially let go of 👶🏽 The one postpartum scenario where bands are clearly helpful ⚖️ Can a compression garment actually be too tight? (Spoiler - yes!) 🩺 Why a belly band is a “bandaid” — not a long-term fix (and why that’s not always a bad thing)At the end of the day? Try it. If it feels good, amazing. If not, there are plenty of other options.📧 [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt 💻 Services & booking: ladybirdpt.com ⭐ Leave us a review so more parents can find this info

We’re back with Dr. Amanda Horton for part two of our high risk pregnancy management deep dive — this time focusing on gestational diabetes. From how it develops (spoiler: the placenta) to diet, exercise, insulin, and what it means for labor and delivery, Dr. Horton walks us through practical management and long-term considerations.✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:🍬 Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes explained simply🥦 Nutrition counseling and carb counting basics🏃 Why movement after meals is a powerful tool💊 Insulin, metformin, and when medication makes sense👶 How gestational diabetes impacts delivery planning🔄 The lifelong health implications after pregnancyCall to Action:📧 [email protected]📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt and @amandahortonmd🌐 Services: ladybirdpt.com⭐ Leave us a review — it helps other parents find this resource!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Amanda Horton, a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist, to dig into what MFMs actually do and why their expertise matters in complex pregnancies. We focus on hypertension in pregnancy, from preexisting high blood pressure to gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. Dr. Horton shares clinical insights, patient stories, and practical takeaways for providers and parents alike.✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:✨👩‍⚕️ What maternal-fetal medicine is💉 The most common conditions MFMs manage🩺 Why blood pressure control in pregnancy matters for lifelong health⚡ How hypertension impacts both parent and baby🧠 The challenge of educating without fear-mongering❤️ Patient-centered ways to support health literacy and complianceHypertension may sound scary, but with the right care and education, pregnancy can be managed safely — and knowledge really is power.Find us! 📧 [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt and @amandahortonmd🌐 See us in person or virtually: ladybirdpt.com ⭐ Leave us a review — it helps other parents find this resource!

Today, we're sharing Jessica’s birth story — a positive, hospital induction that brought baby Colleen into the world to the soundtrack of Taylor Swift. From burnt eggs,  to pitocin contractions, nitrous regrets, and that sweet epidural bliss, this one’s real, funny, and full of heart.In this Episode: 🗞️ Big feelings about SCOTUS and queer rights 💧 Foley bulb, Pitocin, and all the juicy labor details 🚿 Shower coping + Greta’s adductor power 🙃 Nitrous oxide (spoiler: she hated it) 💉 Top 5 naps - thank you epidural! 👶 What Jess talks about with every patient - pushing and tearing! 🍼 Early breastfeeding + Tamagotchi parenting 🎶 Colleen’s birth to “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor SwiftResources and Episodes Mentioned: 🎧 Episode 21: Induction of Labor, an Interview with Dr. Romy Ghosh🎧 Episode 27: Becky’s Birth Story🎧 Episode 29: An interview with Sunayna Weber, IBCLC for information about breastfeeding, feeding your baby and more !🌈 Connecting Rainbows — Legal resources for LGBTQ+ families @connectingrainbowsorg on InstagramHave a question? 📧 Reach out at [email protected] 📸 Follow us on Instagram @ladybirdpt 🌐 Book a session or join our email list at ladybirdpt.com ⭐ Leave us a review - it helps people find us!

In this episode, we’re joined by our own lactation consultant, Sunayna Weber, IBCLC and founder of It’s More Than Milk. Sunayna brings an empathetic and practical perspective on preparing for, navigating, and sometimes struggling through your baby-feeding journey. We talk about what to do during pregnancy to set yourself up for feeding success, how to tell when something’s off, and finish the conversation talking about common myths and problems that she hears on a day to day basis. Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, combo-feeding, or figuring it out in real time—this episode is full of validation, real answers, and zero judgment.In this episode: 🍼 What to do during pregnancy to prep for feeding 🤱 Why "breastfeeding is natural" is misleading ⚠️ Red flags to look out for in the early days 🌙 Hormonal shifts at 6 and 12 weeks 🍪 The truth about lactation cookies 💗 How she handles hard discussions on sensitive situations (like deciding to no longer breastfeed) 🔥 If you're feeding your baby, you’re a badass bitch Feeding your baby can be hard, emotional, empowering, messy—and you don’t have to do it alone.To find Sunayna and her amazing team: 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @itsmorethanmilk 🌐 Book a visit: www.itsmorethanmilk.comLinks Mentioned today regarding medication and breastmilkInfant Risk CenterE-lactancia - for resources in SpanishTo talk to your Lady Bird’s: 📩 Email us: [email protected] 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt 🌐 Book a visit or join our email list: ladybirdpt.com 💬 Leave a review — it helps others find the show!

Let’s talk about everybody’s favorite taboo topic: poop. In this clinical episode, we break down what normal bowel function actually looks like, why constipation is so common in pregnancy and postpartum, and what you can do about it. We share practical tips for that dreaded first postpartum poop, how your pelvic floor plays a role in all of it, and what to do if you’re struggling with gas leakage weeks after delivery. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or just curious — this episode is full of surprisingly helpful bowel talk.In this episode:💩 What counts as normal poop (yes, there's a chart) 🍌 Why pregnancy slows things down 🤰 Pelvic floor tension + pooping = a bad combo 🧻 Tips to prep for your first postpartum bowel movement 🥤 Hydration, magnesium, and the power of a squatty potty 👃 Gas leakage (why it happens + what to do) 🫧 Why chewing gum might help post-cesarean recoverySome episodes are just full of sh*t — and this is one of them (in the best way).Stay connected with us! 📧 [email protected] 📸 Follow us on instagram: @ladybirdpt 🌐 www.ladybirdpt.com 💻 Book in-person or virtual visits 💬 Leave us a review to help others find us

In this episode, Becky shares the full story of her daughter’s birth — from a stretch of decreased fetal movement leading to an earlier than planned induction, to navigating a rare clotting disorder and deciding whether to get the epidural she wasn’t sure she could have. We get into what labor actually felt like, how clinical anxiety shows up in real time, and the small but unforgettable details — like a postpartum nurse who wouldn’t step aside and a placenta the size of a snack plate. It’s honest, nuanced, and exactly the kind of story we wish we heard more often.In this episode: 🧠 Medical anxiety meets real birth decisions 🧳 Guess who didn’t bring a hospital bag 💉 When the epidural brings more questions than relief 📟 Cytocec, contractions, and cervical checks 🪞Pushing with mirrors, tug-of-war, and perineal massage 🧻 A memorable first pee - and not for why you would think🍼 The beautiful blur of those first moments Whether you’re prepping for birth or processing your own story, this one’s for you — and we hope it helps you feel a little less alone.Talk to us! 📧 Email with questions: [email protected] 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt 🌐 Book in-person, virtual, or home visits: ladybirdpt.com 📝 Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Nichelle Haynes, a reproductive psychiatrist and co-owner of Reproductive Psychiatry and Counseling based in Austin, Texas. She walks us through the nuances of mental health care during pregnancy and postpartum, from medication safety and identity shifts to postpartum anxiety and baby blues. If you’re navigating mental health during pregnancy or postpartum, this one’s for you—and anyone supporting someone through it.In this episode: 🧠 Identity loss and matrescence 😰 Postpartum anxiety vs. baby blues 🍼 Medication during pregnancy & breastfeeding 💬 Are intrusive thoughts normal? 🧪 Missteps in the recent FDA panel on SSRIs 💡 Nuance over fear-mongering in psychiatry 📈 Monitoring meds throughout pregnancy 🤱 The difference between “baby blues” and postpartum depression If you’ve ever felt alone in your mental health journey through motherhood—you’re not. And you deserve care that’s just as thoughtful and personalized as the love you give every day. 📧 Reach out: [email protected] 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt 🎙️ Book a pelvic floor PT visit with us: www.ladybirdpt.com 💬 Leave a review & help more parents find this support 🎙️Listen to Dr. Nichelle Hayne’s podcast More Than Mom With Dr. Nichelle Haynes  Designed to help people find themselves in motherhood! 📧If you’re local to Austin, visit their website to schedule an in person visit or if you’re in Texas, reach out to schedule a virtual appointment  📲Follow her on Instagram: @dr.nichellehaynes

This episode dives into one of our favorite birth topics: VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean). Jessica and Becky open with a heartfelt check-in about the recent Hill Country floods before shifting into all things VBAC. They walk through the history, break down the real (and rare) risks like uterine rupture, and talk candidly about what pelvic floor PTs actually do to help. From hip mobility to scar tissue myths to provider dynamics—this one’s all about helping you feel informed, supported, and ready to advocate for the birth you want.In this episode: 📚 A mini history lesson on VBACs and changing medical norms🧠 Repeatable and non repeatable factors for a VBAC and what that means ⚠️ Uterine rupture: real risk, rare event 🧘‍♀️ The PT angle: hip mobility, fetal positioning, and what we don’t do (Which might surprise you!) 🧍 Why asymmetry in your body matters and how we assess it🧑‍⚕️ The make-or-break role of your provider and the magic of doulas Whether you’re team VBAC or scheduled cesarean, you deserve informed, individualized care—and we’re here for it.🎧 Want to go deeper into birth prep? We’ve got two episodes just for you! One dives into perineal massage and how it can help reduce tearing, while the other covers push prep—how to coordinate your breath, core, and pelvic floor for an efficient second stage. These episodes are packed with practical tips for anyone preparing for a vaginal birth (VBAC or otherwise). You’ll find them both linked below!Episode 6: Birth Preparation: Perineal Tear Risk ReductionEpisode 8: Birth Preparation - Push Prep 101📧 Have questions or want to work with us? Email us at [email protected]📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🌐 Explore our services and events: ladybirdpt.com⭐ Leave us a review—seriously, it helps other parents find us!

 In this follow-up to Becky’s pregnancy story, we flip the mic and hear all about Jessica’s experience being pregnant at the same time as Becky. From instant joy to pubic symphysis pain, insomnia, compression socks, and body image shifts, we talk about it all, capturing the contradictions, the surprises, and the stuff no one tells you. We reflect on what it was like to go through pregnancy side-by-side, how our experiences were wildly different (despite similar lifestyles), and why there’s no such thing as doing pregnancy “right.” This episode is for anyone who’s navigated the physical and emotional roller coaster of pregnancy—and for those who know the rage of being 41 weeks and still pregnant.In this episode you’ll find: 🤰 Pregnant together: the highs, the weirds, the wildly different 💉 Who saw the positive pregnancy test first? Spoiler, it wasn’t Jessica 😴 First-trimester insomnia and pubic symphysis pain 🥤 Diet Coke, nausea, and modifying exercises 🧦 Compression sock obsession vs. compression sock regret🧠 Mental load: fear of induction and body image in pregnancy📸 Maternity photos in Mexico (and not sucking it in!) 😡 The emotional chaos of weeks 40–42 Pregnancy is never one-size-fits-all, even when you’re doing it side by side.💌 Got questions or episode ideas? Email us at [email protected]📱 Follow us on Instagram @ladybirdpt🌐 Learn more about our services at ladybirdpt.com⭐ Love the podcast? Leave us a review—it helps other parents find us!

Tailbone pain, or coccydynia, is a condition we treat frequently, but it’s often overlooked or misdiagnosed. In this episode, Jessica and Becky take a closer look at what true tailbone pain is (and isn’t), how it presents in pregnancy and postpartum populations, and why pelvic floor physical therapists are uniquely positioned to help. They discuss common contributing factors, treatment strategies, including internal exams and dry needling, as well as practical advice for managing symptoms at home. Whether you’re newly experiencing tailbone pain or have been dealing with it for years, this episode offers clarity and direction for real relief.In this episode: 💥 What exactly is the tailbone and how do you know it’s what’s hurting? 🍑 The pelvic floor–tailbone connection explained 🧠Do you need to work on strengthening or relaxing?🪑 Cushions: helpful relief or just a Band-Aid? 🛠️ Manual therapy, dry needling, and how PTs actually treat tailbone pain 🧘‍♀️ At-home relief options like foam rolling and glute stretches Tailbone pain can be a literal pain in the ass, but it doesn’t have to be forever! 📧 Email us: [email protected] 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt 🌐 Learn more about our pelvic floor services: www.ladybirdpt.com ⭐️ Rate and review the podcast if you love the show

In this episode, Becky opens up about her pregnancy journey — one that was medically complex, emotionally draining, and often left out of the typical pregnancy narrative. From gestational diabetes and chronic itching to fetal heart defects and ovarian cysts, this is the story of Becky's pregnancy. Jess and Becky initially meant to talk about both her pregnancy AND her birth but ended up not having time! Stay tuned for Becky's birth story. In this episode: 🦟 Dealing with full-body eczema at just 7 weeks pregnant 🤢 Navigating persistent nausea that lasted the entire pregnancy 💊 Managing preexisting hypertension during pregnancy 🫀 Discovering a ventricular septal defect in the baby’s heart at 20 weeks 🍭 The emotional weight of a gestational diabetes diagnosis 🩻 Handling the unexpected: an ovarian cyst that kept growing 🧠 The mental load of constant monitoring, MFM visits, and late-night triageWant to know more? 📧 Email us: [email protected]📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt🌐 Learn about our pelvic floor services: www.ladybirdpt.com⭐️ Rate and review if you love the show!

In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most debated and often feared topics in the birth world: inductions. We’re joined by our own OBGYN and friend, Dr. Romy Ghosh, to talk through the myths, facts, nuances, and personal experiences behind needing (or choosing) an induction. From medical to elective reasons, relative risk to actual outcomes, we unpack it all! Whether you’re prepping for birth, supporting someone who is, or just curious about what real, evidence-informed care looks like, this one’s for you.*Trigger warning - Stillbirth mentioned*In this episode you’ll find: 🧠 What an induction of labor really is💊 The most common medical and elective reasons for induction🤰 Why shame around elective inductions doesn’t belong in the birth space📊 Relative risk vs. absolute risk, and how they actually shape care🗣️ How to ask your provider the right questions to feel confident in your decision⚖️ Cascade of interventions: fear vs. actual outcomes🛠️ A breakdown of methods: cervical ripening, balloons, Pitocin & moreBirth is full of surprises — but the decision to induce doesn’t have to be one of them. Let’s replace fear with knowledge and shame with support.💌 Questions or thoughts? Email us at [email protected]📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt💻 Learn more about our services at www.ladybirdpt.com⭐ If you liked this episode, leave us a review and share it with a friend!

In this episode, Becky and Jessica tackle one of the most requested (and under-discussed) topics in postpartum care: painful sex. Whether you're weeks, months, or even years postpartum, pain during intimacy is common — but not something you have to just live with. They break down the most common causes, what it actually feels like, and what you can do about it. 🧠 Your brain matters as much as your body Fear, stress, and feeling "touched out" all impact sex. You're not broken — you're exhausted, and that’s valid.  Sometimes, sex hurts because it’s the last thing you want. Lack of sleep, stress, and feeling disconnected can all tank libido.🩹 Scar tissue should be assessed Pain from perineal or C-section scars is real — and often pinpointed, burning, or tight. PT can help reduce that stiffness and sensitivity.💧 Estrogen takes a dive postpartum Whether you’re making milk or not, low estrogen means dry, irritated tissue. This can feel like sandpaper or tearing — and even tons of lube may not fix it (but still use it anyways!)🧴 Topical estrogen is effective — and safeTopical, low-dose vaginal estrogen is considered safe in lactation and we are BIG FANS!🧘 Muscle guarding is very, very common Tension in the pelvic floor (and hips, glutes, adductors) can lead to that “hitting a wall” feeling. Your body may be protecting itself — for good reason.🛑 C-section parents: this could still apply to you Cesarean births doesn’t always exempt you from pelvic floor issues. Scar tension and deep pain are real and treatable! 🔁 It’s not linear — and it’s not forever Pain should improve over time. If it’s not, a pelvic floor PT can help untangle the why.📧 Email us: [email protected]📱 Follow us: @ladybirdpt on Instagram and Facebook🏡 Work with us: In-office, virtual, and home visits available⭐ Like what you hear? Leave us a review and share with a friend.

In this episode, Becky and Jessica dive into the messy beauty of postpartum routines — or lack thereof. From tracking every diaper to full-on bath poops and unpredictable nap schedules, they reflect on how parenting expectations meet the real-world chaos. It’s a conversation filled with relatable moments, unexpected wins, and the sweet spot between over-preparing and letting go.In this episode you'll find: 🍼 Navigating the chaos of postpartum work-life balance and hybrid childcare🛏️ The highs and lows of baby nap consistency — and what really throws it off🎉 Birthday wins: a solo workout, a massage, and the simple joy of no time constraints🧼 The bath poop saga: a parenting rite of passage?🥛 Dairy reintroduction drama — Noomi's Chobani review📱 Baby-tracking apps: essential tool or emotional support crutch?🧺 A very real discussion on laundry, wardrobe purging, and clothing overwhelm🦜 Colleen’s first big bird moment — and why feeding birds in public is banned (by us)📧 Email us: [email protected]📱 Follow us: @ladybirdpt on Instagram and Facebook🏡 Work with us: In-office, virtual, and home visits available⭐ Like what you hear? Leave us a review and share with a friend.

In part 2, Becky and Jessica take a deeper dive into diastasis recti. They unpack what doming and coning really mean, when to worry (and when not to), and why strength — not fear — is the answer. It’s part clinical breakdown, part real-life mom chat, and 100% designed to bust the myths we’ve all been fed about postpartum bodies.We cover:🧠 What doming and coning actually look like — and why it’s not one-size-fits-all💥 Hard vs. soft coning: how tissue quality changes your approach📚 Why TA activation isn’t the holy grail (and what muscles matter)🏋️‍♀️ Yes, you can do crunches — listen for why!🙃 Why the “don’t do this with diastasis” lists are outdated and unhelpful💬 A study on diastasis possibly protecting against a certain pelvic health condition🔥 The truth about getting stronger: it’s not sexy, but it is the fix The truth about getting stronger: it’s not sexy, but it is the fix Turns out, the best thing you can do for your core postpartum isn’t avoiding movement — it’s learning to trust your body again. 📧 Questions? Reach out at [email protected]📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @ladybirdpt💻 Want to work with us? We offer in-office, virtual, and home visits.⭐️ If you loved this episode, leave us a review — it helps us reach more listeners!

In this episode, the Lady Birds 🐦✨ have an honest conversation about the day-to-day realities of postpartum life: the overwhelm, the constant juggle between work and parenting, and the guilt that sneaks in no matter what you choose. From laundry piles and late-night scrolling to how we divide household tasks and protect the time we have with our babies — we’re talking through it all.💬 Why “doing it all” is a lie (and why we stopped trying) 🍼 The beautiful + exhausting mess of new motherhood 👕 Living out of clean and dirty laundry piles (just us?) 📱 Guilt over doomscrolling 🧼 Splitting chores vs. savoring family time 💪 What we’ve actually managed to keep doing for ourselves 🧠 The hormonal rollercoaster of breastfeeding (even when you don’t love it) 🤯 Why bathtime requires two adults minimum for the first child at least Basically, if you’ve ever cried while looking at baby photos two minutes after bedtime…this one’s for you. 😭🧡💌 Connect with us!Email your questions or chaos to: [email protected] us on Instagram & Facebook: @ladybirdptWant to work with us? We offer in-office, virtual, and home visits in Austin, TX.🎧 If you loved this episode, please leave us a review! It helps others find the pod 💕

In this episode, we’re breaking down diastasis recti—yep, that thing everyone on Instagram is talking about—and what it actually means for your body. We cover:🤰🏼What diastasis recti is (and how to pronounce it without panicking) 👶🏻 Why it happens in every pregnancy🔍 What we’re looking for when we assess it (spoiler: the gap is not the whole story)🤸🏼‍♀️ Why function > aesthetics when it comes to core recovery🧠 What helps, what doesn’t, and what to stop stressing aboutWe also chat about our babies growing up too fast (walking already?!) and the rollercoaster of being working moms in the thick of it.Stay tuned for next week’s episode where we’ll get into doming, coning, and movement tips during pregnancy and postpartum! 💌Questions? Email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@ladybirdpt⁠Work with us: Office visits, virtual visits, and home visits in Austin, TX

This week, The Lady Birds 🐦✨ dive into Jess’s personal journey with fertility and IUI (intrauterine insemination). We talk about navigating fertility as a queer couple, choosing a sperm donor, and all the emotional (and logistical) highs and lows that came with it.We also chat about her experience choosing a sperm donor, hilarious donor profiles, and the real impact of stress on fertility (spoiler: it’s not easy to just “relax”). Whether you’re TTC, supporting someone who is, or just curious about the process, we hope this episode feels like a supportive convo with friends who’ve been there.What You’ll Hear:🤰🏼Why Jess chose IUI and how the process works🤰🏼The emotional rollercoaster of the fertility process and the two-week wait🤰🏼Navigate sperm donor selection as a queer couple🤰🏼The importance of asking what someone needs when they’re going through fertility treatment💌 Stay Connected:Email us: [email protected] us on Instagram & Facebook: @ladybirdptWork with us: in-office, virtual, or home visits available in Austin, TXLove the pod? Please leave a review—it helps more listeners find us!