In this episode of Delivered, we sit down with Amy Spofford, who is a Prenatal & Postnatal Educator. Amy is a well educated mom of 3 babies who is making it her mission to help you through your 4th trimester. Join Amy & I as we dive deep into the most critical aspects of postpartum recovery that often go unnoticed. While the postpartum period can be overwhelming, knowing where to focus your energy can make all the difference in your healing journey.

We’ll explore the physical, emotional, and mental factors that play a vital role in recovery, offering practical tips and Amy's expert advice to help you prioritize what truly matters. Whether you're a new mom or supporting someone through postpartum, this episode sheds light on the key elements that will support a healthy and balanced recovery. Tune in to discover what really counts in the first few weeks and months after childbirth!

Terms in this episode:

Intrusive thoughts: thoughts that are different from your normal thoughts, can be aggressive, violent, or extremely sad.

Urinary prolapse: a bulging of the bladder into the vagina

To learn more about the book Amy used to help restore her cycle, go to How To Conceive Naturally book

Amy's instagram: @eatwhatfeelsgood

To learn more about Delivered and sign up for my newsletter, go to https://athenaestelle.com/

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In this episode of Delivered, we sit down with Dr. Kayla, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), to explore a topic that’s crucial for postpartum recovery but often overlooked: pelvic floor therapy.

Dr. Kayla breaks down what pelvic floor therapy is, why it's so important for new moms, and how it can address common postpartum issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and core weakness. Whether you’re navigating the early days of motherhood or preparing for postpartum care, this episode offers valuable insights to help you recover and thrive.

Pelvic floor therapy can also treat a vast array of diagnoses including: sexual dysfunction, incontinence, orthopedic conditions, and more. Tune in to learn how pelvic floor therapy can support your postpartum journey to feeling like yourself again!

Terms in this episode:

Hook-lying: lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.

Hypertonic: increased tone (tension) in a muscle

Dr. Kayla's Instagrams: @empowered_physical_therapy and @drkayla_empoweredpt

To contact Dr. Kayla and her team, go to https://empoweredphysicaltherapy.org/

To learn more about Delivered and sign up for my newsletter, go to https://athenaestelle.com/

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In this enlightening episode of Delivered, we delve into the transformative power of EMDR therapy for those navigating the complexities of postpartum healing. Join us as we explore how EMDR can support new parents in addressing trauma and emotional challenges during the postpartum period. Our expert guest, Lauren will uncover this niche type of therapy and how it can benefit any prepartum or postpartum mom. We'll discuss practical strategies for advocating for yourself and your mental health needs, and hear from Lauren who has successfully integrated EMDR into her therapy craft. Whether you're a new parent seeking support or processing prior trauma, this episode offers valuable insights into fostering resilience and self-advocacy during one of life's most profound transitions.

Terms in this episode:

EMDR: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is specialized form of therapy. This method involves moving your eyes a specific way while you process traumatic memories.

ECT: Electroconvulsive therapy is a medical treatment most commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.

Homeostasis: the ability to maintain a relatively stable internal state that remains despite changes in the world outside.

Poly vagal theory: links the evolution of the autonomic nervous system to affective experience, emotional expression, facial gestures, vocal communication and contingent social behavior.

https://www.emdria.org : Learn more about EMDR therapy here or to find a EMDR therapist in your area.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us : To find a therapist in your area

https://www.youtube.com/@sukiebaxter : Sukie Baxter's expertise and explanation of Poly Vagal Theory and Vagal Exercises.

To learn more about Delivered and sign up for my newsletter, go to https://athenaestelle.com

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In this episode of Delivered, join our special guest, Kahla Jurney & I as we explore the vital role that doulas play in one of life's most transformative experiences: childbirth. Join us as we delve into the world of doula support, uncovering the profound impact they have on mothers, partners, and babies during the birthing process.

Kahla will use her expertise through this insightful conversation to share the true function of a doula and how mothers can benefit from doula care. Discover how doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support, ensuring a smoother, more empowered delivery experience.

Whether you're an expectant mama, considering becoming a doula, or simply curious about the birthing process, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for all. If you've ever considered having a doula before, then this episode is for you!

To learn more about Kahla and her doula services, go to https://birth-and-beyond.com/

To join the Birth and Beyond Facebook page, go to https://facebook.com/birthandbeyonddoulaservices/

To learn more about Delivered and sign up for my newsletter, go to https://athenaestelle.com/

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In this special episode of Delivered, we dive into the multi-faceted experience of becoming a parent. We'll explore the emotional and psychological changes that occur during the postpartum period, offering practical advice and expert insights to help you navigate this new chapter with confidence and grace. Our special guest Shari is an experienced parent with 5 children (she is expecting her 6th baby anyday now!), a postpartum doula, and an infant massage instructor. Shari will share her first hand experience as a mother and as a postpartum expert with a focus on managing the unexpected challenges that can arise after childbirth.

Join us as we embark on this journey together, providing you with the knowledge and support needed to thrive in your new role as a parent. Whether you're expecting your first child or adding a new member to your growing family, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you through the postpartum phase.

Terms in this episode:

PMAD: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder: a mental health disorder experienced during pregnancy or after having a new baby.

CST: Craniosacral Therapy: light touch, massage technique to release tension around your body's connective tissue network called fascia.

Frenectomy: a minor surgical procedure to release a lip tie.

To learn more about Shari or to book an appointment, go to https://www.navigatingparenthood.com/

To learn more about Postpartum Support International, go to https://www.postpartum.net/

To learn more about Delivered and sign up for my newsletter, go to https://athenaestelle.com/

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In this special episode of Delivered, we delve into the transformative journey of postpartum recovery, exploring essential tools and techniques that promote healing and well-being. Our special guest Jodi is a well versed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), who is a compassionate therapist with a mission to help all of her patients achieve healing. With Jodi's extensive experience and heartfelt approach, she introduces us to the Neuro Emotional Technique (NET), a cutting-edge therapy that addresses emotional stress and aids in the healing process. Jodi focuses on the power of Grounding and its role in regaining balance and stability during this critical period.

Together, we discuss practical grounding and the FAST technique that can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines, offering immediate relief and fostering long-term emotional resilience. Tune in to discover how these innovative approaches can support your postpartum recovery journey, bringing you closer to your own healing.

To learn more about Jodi, her practice, or to get on her waitlist, go to Colemancounselingjax.com

To learn more about the NET technique, go to NETmindbody.com

For the FREE guide to the FAST technique, go to https://www.firstaidstresstool.com

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In this special episode of Delivered, we continue our exploration of Matrescence and the process of becoming a mother, with our special guest Sarah. Sarah has expertise as a postpartum doula and has helped hundreds of mothers through their postpartum experience. Join us on a journey through the peaks and valleys of Matrescence, where we delve into the unfiltered realities of navigating motherhood. From the exhilarating highs to the challenging lows of postpartum experiences, this episode offers candid conversations, expert insights, and heartfelt stories to support and empower mothers everywhere.

To learn more about Sarah & her postpartum expertise, go to www.thekorujourney.com

To learn more and sign up for my newsletter, go to https://athenaestelle.com/

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In this special episode of Delivered, we delve into the transformative journey of breastfeeding. Join us as we explore the emotional highs and lows, the challenges, and the triumphs that mothers experience on this path. From navigating initial struggles to finding confidence and empowerment, my Lactation Consultant (LC) Anne provides first hand expertise on breastfeeding. Anne offers practical advice and insights, guiding mothers through the complexities of breastfeeding with wisdom and compassion. Whether you're a new mother embarking on this journey for the first time or seeking reassurance and guidance along the way, this episode is a source of support and empowerment for all mothers embracing the beautiful journey of breastfeeding.

Terms in this Episode:

LC: Lactation Consultant

Hypoglycemia: lower than normal glucose (blood sugar) in the bloodstream

Suckling: the drawing of milk into the mouth from the nipple

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