Find the Episode That Fits Where You Are Right Now.

Every conversation on this show is built around a specific challenge. Not a vague topic, but the actual thing you are dealing with today.

Episode 14

Exclusively Pumping: The Reality, the Challenges, and the Wins

Cassidy

25 min

Exclusively pumping is more than just a feeding choice, it is a full time commitment that often presents unexpected challenges. In this episode, occupational therapist and mom Cassidy shares her personal journey, from navigating triple feeds to committing to exclusive pumping, along with the tools, logistics, and systems that helped her along the way. Whether you are in the thick of it or simply want to understand the reality behind the schedule, this conversation offers honest insight, practical tips, and encouragement for every stage of the journey.

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Episode 13

Postpartum and Beyond: The Hormonal Link to Longevity and Future Wellness

Laura Rowan

25 min

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.

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Episode 12

Movement Over Exercise: Small, Daily Shifts for Postpartum Mental Wellness

Abigail Waisner

23 min

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.

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Episode 11

C-Section Recovery: What to Expect Beyond the Hospital

Kristy

25 min

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.

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Episode 10

Pelvic Floor Recovery: Why 'Just Rest' Isn't Enough

Dr. Lacy Woods

29 min

So many women are told to simply rest and heal after birth, but few are actually shown what it takes to truly support and restore their bodies postpartum. In this episode, we dive into pelvic floor health with Dr. Lacy Woods, talking about what your body is really going through after birth and how to support recovery.

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Episode 9

Breastfeeding and Food Intolerances: How Mom's Diet Affects Baby

Maya

28 min

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 moms in tracking symptoms, called Map My Milk.

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Episode 8

Breastfeeding Challenges: Normalizing the Struggle

Amy Wise

25 min

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 moms as they learn the challenging task of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not always an easy and innate experience, and that's ok.

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Episode 7

Tummy Time and Milestones: What to Expect in the Early Months

Christine Hernandez and Haydee Medrano

27 min

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.

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Episode 6

Beyond Outnumbered: Practical Survival Strategies for Parents of Multiples

Kylie McClellan

29 min

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.

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Episode 5

The Power of Touch: How Infant Massage Supports Regulation and Bonding

Dr. Kimberly Day

24 min

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.

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Episode 4

From Chaos to Calm: Simple Sleep Strategies for New Parents

Kaili Ets

19 min

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.

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Episode 3

Wired and Tired: How the Nervous System Shapes Infant Sleep

18 min

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.

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Episode 2

More Than Baby Blues: Understanding Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Caitlin Sparks, OTD

28 min

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.

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Episode 1

Welcome to Functional Fourth Trimester: Rethinking Daily Life After Birth

20 min

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.

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Not Sure Where to Start?

If you are new here, these three episodes are the best place to begin, depending on what is most pressing right now.

For the One Wanting to Learn More

From Chaos to Calm: Simple Sleep Strategies for New Parents

If you are not sure what this show is or whether it is for you, Lauren and Melissa lay out the entire framework in the first episode. It is the right starting point.

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For the Sleep-Deprived

Wired and Tired: How the Nervous System Shapes Infant Sleep

If every night feels impossible and you want to understand what is actually happening, this episode explains the neuroscience without making you feel like you failed.

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For the Parent Who Feels Like a Stranger

Breastfeeding Challenges and Support

This episode addresses the experience of postpartum daily life not working, and the feeling of not recognizing your own routine.

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Want the Free OT Guide to the Fourth Trimester?

The Fourth Trimester Functional Living Guide covers what occupational therapy wants every new parent to know, and it is free.

Educational content only. Not a substitute for professional care.