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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