Functional Fourth Trimester
Functional fourth trimester is a podcast series for new parents- covering common postpartum challenges, practical strategies, and featuring conversations with parents and healthcare professionals.
Episodes
14 episodes
Exclusively Pumping: The Reality, the Challenges, and the Wins
Exclusively pumping isn’t just a feeding method, it’s a demanding routine filled with unexpected challenges. In this episode, occupational therapist and mom Cassidy shares her personal journey, from navigating triple feeds to committing to excl...
Postpartum & Beyond: The Hormonal Link to Longevity and Future Wellness
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 ev...
Movement Over Exercise: Small, Daily Shifts for Postpartum Mental Wellness
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 w...
C-Section Recovery: What to Expect Beyond the Hospital
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,...
Pelvic Floor Recovery: Why "Just Rest" Isn't Enough
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 ...
Breastfeeding & Food Intolerances: How Mom’s Diet Affects Baby
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 May...
Breastfeeding Challenges: Normalizing the Struggle
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...
Tummy Time and Milestones: What to Expect in the Early Months
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 ca...
Beyond Outnumbered: Practical Survival Strategies for Parents of Multiple
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...
The Power of Touch: How Infant Massage Supports Regulation and Bonding
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. ...
From Chaos to Calm: Simple Sleep Strategies for New Parents
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 ep...
Wired and Tired: How the Nervous System Shapes Infant Sleep
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 ...
More Than Baby Blues: Understanding Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders
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 in...
Welcome to Functional Fourth Trimester: Rethinking Daily Life After Birth
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 pos...