Postpartum on Purpose

What if you could actually love who you become during postpartum? Through bite-sized weekly episodes, I'll show you how postpartum can be a time of grit, growth, and grace. Let's do postpartum on purpose.

90. Have You 'Lost Yourself' in Motherhood? 05/07/2026

90. Have You 'Lost Yourself' in Motherhood? Hi Lady! In this episode, I talk (at length!) about the idea of losing yourself in motherhood or not feeling like yourself after baby. I share how many hours of consecutive sleep I've found I need bare minimum in order to not feel like a zombie. But then I ask you to consider the question: what does it mean to you to 'lose yourself' or 'not feel like yourself' during postpartum? The three themes that have emerged at different times, sometimes all at once, over my various postpartums are: -being needed all*the*time -fear of failing my child or children, failing to meet their needs, "ruining" them by not choosing the right parenting technique, etc. -being unable to do the things I once enjoyed, either due to lack of time or lack of energy/creativity I close with three specific things you can do to feel more like yourself, to regain your sense of self in motherhood. Links to the resources I mentioned in this episode, including Emily Stimpson Chapman's Substack essay, Leah Libresco Sargeant's book, and Emily Wilson Hussem's book, will be in the blogpost for this episode at postpartumonpurpose.com/blog. Get in touch at . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/41199940

89. How It's Going at 10 Months Postpartum 04/30/2026

89. How It's Going at 10 Months Postpartum Hi Lady! I last did a Postpartum State of the Union address ;) at 4 months postpartum, so I thought it was time for another. Here's how things are going with baby's sleep and eating and walking and teething, plus mom's exercise/activity/healing/movement, weight loss, mood, cycles/return of fertility, and more. I hope what comes across in this episode is the idea that, yes, generally improve and progress as you move through postpartum, but at any given time there're usually some area/s that are still in-process. And that's OK. Remember to check out the blog at postpartumonpurpose.com for extra notes (including past episodes you might be interested in plus any related articles I've written on the topic). Per always, I'd love for you to share this episode with a mom friend. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/41070595

88. Postpartum as a Teen Mom 04/22/2026

88. Postpartum as a Teen Mom Hi Lady! When today's guest host reached out to me about hosting an episode on a breastfeeding-related topic, my initial reaction was that I have a fair amount of breastfeeding content already. But when I learned the 'why' behind her decision to become an IBCLC (international board certified lactation consultant), I realized it was my privilege to share her story with you. Here's one woman's experience courageously choosing life and then navigating postpartum as a high school student. After hearing Amber's story, I'm signing us up for the local pregnancy resource center's annual fundraising walk, and emailing their nurse manager about this podcast to share with their clients. What action will you take to support teen moms in your area? Learn more about Amber and Latch Link, the company she founded: , . All podcast episodes can now be played directly through the website, postpartumonpurpose.com, and every blog post has the link to the episode plus past episodes or related articles you might also enjoy. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/40984535

87. Why NFP/FAM can be Less Reliable During Postpartum 04/16/2026

87. Why NFP/FAM can be Less Reliable During Postpartum Hi Lady! You've heard the jokes about what you call people that use natural family planning (though it's often mistakenly equated with 'the rhythm method'): parents. But if you've been in the trenches of postpartum fertility awareness/NFP, you also know it can be particularly tricky deciphering your fertility (don't go it alone!!!), and you're far from the only one who thinks that. In this episode, I'm sharing why postpartum NFP/FAM can be difficult, and the answer isn't just that you're too sleep-deprived or distracted to chart your biomarkers accurately. Postpartum NFP/FAM is far from hitting the 'easy button,' but you and I are big girls and we're able to decide to do things that are worthwhile to us even when they're most definitely not easy. Get in touch and check out postpartumonpurpose.com for all my postpartum-related articles and interviews. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/40894560

86. What to Expect when Your Period Comes Back 04/02/2026

86. What to Expect when Your Period Comes Back Hi Lady! A whole variety of factors play into when your period comes back after baby. But once it does, there are several patterns those first postpartum cycles tend to follow ***if you are breastfeeding and baby latches (as opposed to exclusively or regularly pumping or exclusively formula feeding) in terms of cycle length, follicular phase length (the part of your cycle before your first ovulation) and luteal phase length (the part of your cycle after ovulation and before your next period starts). Here's what to expect in those first few cycles after you were expecting. ;) To find an instructor in an evidence-based fertility awareness method/natural family planning. If you enjoyed this episode, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE. Get in touch at . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/40706925

85. My Mira Monitor Review 03/26/2026

85. My Mira Monitor Review Hey Lady! Here's my review of the Mira monitor for the Marquette Method of natural family planning (NFP)/fertility awareness (FAM). I've used it for 5ish months during this postpartum, and during that time my fertility returned. If you're considering switching to Mira from Clearblue or another method, or tracking your cycle for the first time with an NFP method, here's what you need to know about how Clearblue differs from Mira (though both are options to track LH and estrogen as part of the Marquette Method, Mira is still considered experimental because effectiveness research is ongoing), what surprised me about different lab values from one wand type to the next (the Ultra and Max values matched for estrogen and LH but the Plus wand estrogen readings were much lower, and what's been most helpful (confidently closing out the fertile window). If you enjoyed this episode, SUBSCRIBE, RATE the podcast on Apple/Spotify/wherever, and SHARE it with a mom friend. Get in touch at . Find all my written articles over at postpartumonpurpose.com. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/40632790

84. Stop Throwing Away All That Pumped Milk! 03/19/2026

84. Stop Throwing Away All That Pumped Milk! Hi Lady! Today, Let's break down a new deep dive from ParentData founder + Harvard-trained economist + best-selling author Emily Oster on why the CDC's recommendations for breastmilk storage are overly cautious. Specifically: -how long is it safe to keep freshly pumped milk on the counter and in the fridge? -What about milk that was previously frozen and then thawed? -Can you add freshly pumped milk to a bag/bottle/pitcher of cold milk from the fridge? -And just how long do you have to use up that bottle baby started but didn't finish in one feeding? For more reading: Emily's original article at ParentData (behind a paywall but viewable with free 7-day trial) . My writeup (no paywall!) about it for Live Action. If you enjoyed this episode, SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE, SHARE, SHARE it! Want more? Head over to postpartumonpurpose.com or get in touch . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/40538730

83. 2 Things that Can Make or Break Your Postpartum 03/12/2026

83. 2 Things that Can Make or Break Your Postpartum Hi Lady! Reminder that my new website, postpartumonpurpose.com, is now live!!! Each week, I post the link to the podcast in the blog, ALONG WITH anything I forgot to say, thought of later, OR links to other episodes on similar topic/s. In this episode, I'm sharing the heart or attitude or mindset behind Free Things and One Small Change, the two features I start each episode with. The ideas or attitudes behind Free Things and One Small Change can truly make or break your postpartum experience. If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you'll SUBSCRIBE, RATE the podcast, and SHARE it with a mom friend. Get in touch at or on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/40417155

82. How To Do *Less* Laundry During Postpartum 03/05/2026

82. How To Do *Less* Laundry During Postpartum Lady, listen. I had no idea laundry was something that could be revolutionized...until I learned otherwise. Here, I'm sharing top tips from reading Laundry Love by Patric Richardson that will cut down the time you spend on laundry. Yes, even with the spitup on baby's clothes and your clothes and the burp cloths. If you enjoyed this episode, RATE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with a mom friend. Check out postpartumonpurpose.com for articles on all aspects of postpartum. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/40321800

81. Lent: Postpartum Edition 02/26/2026

81. Lent: Postpartum Edition Hi Lady! Today, I've got 2 updates for you: 1) why I recommend pressing PAUSE on purchasing the Mira monitor if you're trying to avoid pregnancy 2) I have a new website (!!!!!!) postpartumonpurpose.com. And then I've got 3 thoughts for your consideration during Lent: 1) perhaps you've got enough suffering to hold you over for the time being, but maybe your emphasis could be on approaching that suffering more gratefully 2) perhaps the resolution(s) you make of something(s) to add or take away have in mind this goal of becoming more open to the graces He seeks to bestow so that you can handle postpartum better 3) above all and before all else, lead with love, start with love If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you'll SUBSCRIBE, SHARE with a mom friend, and RATE it so that more moms can find it. Get in touch or on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/40237465

80. What's Normal vs. Urgent vs. Emergent during Postpartum 02/19/2026

80. What's Normal vs. Urgent vs. Emergent during Postpartum Hi Lady! This episode is guest hosted by Dr. Manisha Ghemire, founder of North Carolina-based Momkinz directory of postpartum support specialists. Dr. Manisha distinguishes between normal vs. urgent vs. emergent symptoms during postpartum, for both physical symptoms and mental/emotional symptoms. I hope you'll keep this episode in your back pocket, especially during those early weeks home, when the majority of postpartum mental or physical emergencies arise. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE it with a mom friend. Get in touch at , or on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/40159495

79. Are You Eating Enough During Postpartum? 02/12/2026

79. Are You Eating Enough During Postpartum? Hey Lady! A couple months back, I saw an Instagram post from @postpartumuniversity asserting that 500 extra calories per day for breastfeeding moms might be nowhere near enough calories. In today's episode, I'm sharing why new moms might need two or even three times that many calories, especially early on, plus the mindset shift I've had about what reasonable weight loss goals and timeframe might look like (hint: it's much slower than I've historically expected). If you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love for you to SUBCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the podcast with a mom friend. As always, get in touch or @postpartumonpurpose on Instagram. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/40083335

78. When is it safe to start exercising after baby? 02/05/2026

78. When is it safe to start exercising after baby? Hi Lady! How much exercise should you be getting during postpartum, and when is it safe to start? Here's how I'm incorporating the idea that 'movement is medicine', starting in my earliest postpartum days through now, almost 8 months(!) with my fifth baby. For further reading, an article I wrote for Natural Womanhood , plus the guideline I referenced: . If you enjoyed this episode, SUBSCRIBE + RATE + SHARE. As always, get in touch at or on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/40002070

77. How I use the Hinge Health app during Postpartum 01/29/2026

77. How I use the Hinge Health app during Postpartum Hi Lady! You know by now how I feel about free things, so it'll come as no surprise how enthused I was about the free Hinge Health app offered through my husband's employer. Here are all the things I love about the app, including built-in accountability to keep me honest and actually using it, plus how virtual physical therapy (a la Hinge Health) and in-person physical therapy (a la pelvic floor PT) can go hand-in-hand. If you enjoyed this episode, SHARE it with a mom friend, please! I'd also love for you to SUBSCRIBE and leave a REVIEW so other moms can find this, too. Get in touch on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/39919115

76. How to Do C-Section Scar Massage at Home 01/22/2026

76. How to Do C-Section Scar Massage at Home Hi Lady! If you've had a C-section (or known someone who has!), this guest episode is for you. I asked physical therapist assistant Sarah to cover the steps of C-section scar self-massage, and she delivered! Maybe most importantly, you can do C-section scar massage even if your C-section was YEARS ago (she explains early on in her video how a recent client got pain relief working through scar tissue from a surgery 30 years back!). Learn more from Sarah at If you appreciated this episode, SHARE it with a mom friend and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode. Want to get in touch? Try @postpartumonpurpose on Instagram or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/39821955

75. Is a C-section Scar Defect causing your secondary infertility or recurrent miscarriage? 01/14/2026

75. Is a C-section Scar Defect causing your secondary infertility or recurrent miscarriage? Hi Lady! Up until several months ago, I had never heard of a C-section scar defect, Cesearan scar defect, uterine isthmocele, or uterine niche (yep, those are all names for the same thing). But once I learned that between 30 and 70% of C-sections (depending on the research study) may result in C-section scar defect, I realized that every.single.woman who has a C-section should know what to look out for afterward, especially because it is treatable! In the episode, I covered what a C-section scar defect is, signs you might have one, how to know for sure, how it's fixed, and whether or not they are preventable. For more info on diagnosis and treatment options: . For research on C-section scar defects: and . SHARE this episode with a mom friend, and RATE the podacast so other moms can find it, too. Get in touch at . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/39734040

74. Postpartum When Your Baby has an Unknown Diagnosis 01/08/2026

74. Postpartum When Your Baby has an Unknown Diagnosis Hey Lady! This guest episode approaches sacred ground, a taste of the unique complexities, triumphs, and trials that come when a child is born and an unsuspected medical condition is discovered. Elena doesn't overwhelm the listener with particular details of her daughter Maggie's diagnosis, she draws out themes that any mother facing similar uncertainty will recognize. What shines through her testimony is the play of shadow and light on a postpartum impacted by a child's unknown medical diagnosis. I hope you'll return to this episode again and again to glean new bits of wisdom, to exhale with its candor, and that you'll share it with all the new moms you know, especially those faced with a child's unknown medical diagnosis. Learn more about Elena's family's apostolate, Mercy Tree Adventures, As always, you can get in touch at . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/39663110

73. The "Unschooling" Approach to Introducing Solids 12/18/2025

73. The "Unschooling" Approach to Introducing Solids Hi Lady! There's so much noise around how and when you introduce solids to your baby, including a fair amount of maxims about what you must do or must not do. Five babies in, my approach has become progressively more relaxed with each child. Here's what I'd offer for your consideration if you asked me how to ditch the stress about starting solid foods. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE and RATE the podcast, and then SHARE it with a mom friend. Get in touch at . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/39449730

72. Traveling with a Baby for the Holidays 12/11/2025

72. Traveling with a Baby for the Holidays Hey Lady! Let's talk about keeping your sanity and your peace while traveling with a baby (and older sibling/s) over the holidays. Here's what to consider as you decide a) whether you want to travel at all b) how to set reasonable expectations for holiday travel c) how to not be overwhelmed by *all*the*things everyone tells new parents they *must have* for traveling with a baby. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE, leave a REVIEW, and SHARE with a mom friend. Get in touch . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/39364825

71. Save a Step Cooking: The alternative to batch cooking/freezer meal prep 12/03/2025

71. Save a Step Cooking: The alternative to batch cooking/freezer meal prep Hi Lady! If you're pregnant now, everyone and their brother will tell you to prep freezer meals before baby comes. But if you're postpartum and that didn't happen....same. I've got you. Here's an alternative to batch cooking/freezer meal prep that doesn't require you to cook for hours and hours on end or shop for a month's worth of groceries at once. Plus, we know foods that have been thawed tend to be a little...mushy. soft. And maybe you don't want all your postpartum meals to be mushy or soft. So, props if you've got a couple full meals in the freezer. But even if you do, and especially if you don't, here's why Save a Step cooking should have a place in your heart (and your pantry. And fridge. And freezer. ;)). If you enjoyed this episode, will you SUBSCRIBE and RATE the podcast (written reviews are my fave! Please and thank you!) and SHARE it with a mom friend? Get in touch . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/39259470

70. Holiday Prep: Postpartum-Style 11/20/2025

70. Holiday Prep: Postpartum-Style Hi Lady! At this time of year, we're facing increased commitments, increased stressful interactions (with in-laws, family of origin, etc.), AND we want to make meaningful Advent resolutions in order to enter into the "already...not yet" of this season and living it in light of eternity. When it comes to commitments, I'd love for you to ask "What do I really want to happen?" and then to modify what those line items look like (esp if, for ex, the thing you really want to happen is to make someone you love happy, and isn't easy or enjoyable for you). When it comes to stressful personal interactions, how can you spend more time in the Lord's presence to be filled with trust in His mercy so that you can maintain your peace in those tense or painful moments? And as you craft an Advent resolution, not from a place of panic or punishment, but with an eye to opening yourself up to the soul-level ache we each have ("the God-shaped hole in our heart," I've heard it called), I share a couple quotes from the book I'm committing to reread this Advent. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE and RATE the podcast and SHARE it with a mom friend. Get in touch on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/39105515

69. 4 months postpartum as a key transition point 11/13/2025

69. 4 months postpartum as a key transition point Hi Lady! I look at 4 months postpartum as a key transition point: your hormones are still likely pretty low if you're breastfeeding but your daily activities are more or less back to normal (including your 'new normal'). Here's what this key transition time looks like for me in terms of sleep, activitity level, a baby milestone, and the outside support I'm still needing. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE and RATE the podcast and SHARE it with a mom friend. Get in touch or share your free thing of the week or one small change on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/39017520

68. How to Prevent Mommy Meltdowns 11/07/2025

68. How to Prevent Mommy Meltdowns Hi Lady! This week wraps up an informal 3-part miniseries. The first episode (#66) addressed what to do when everyone (thinks they) need you at once, with two movie quotes to make you laugh and help you shift your mindset about (and perhaps during) those moments. The second episode (#67) offered some logistical or practical considerations for triaging the times when your time and attention are in high demand, often from pre-rational people. ;) This episode encourages the use of buffers, breaks, moments of peace and rest and recovery in your day so that one stressful interaction doesn't bleed into (or scribble all over) the rest of your day. First, categorize the activities in your day based on quadrants of an 'energy grid.' Red and yellow deplete you, blue and green build you back up. I shared examples of my own R,Y,B, and G activities. If that metaphor doesn't work for you, you can use The Mindful Catholic book's 'nourishing or depleting' classification (spoiler: some activities will be both!). I shared the first half of my (sample) day and what I consider N, D, or both. If you enjoyed this episode, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE the podcast (this helps other moms find it!) and SHARE with a mom friend. Send me your 'free thing of the week' or 'one small change' to be mentioned (anonymously) in a future episode! Get in touch on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/38946795

67. Which Child Gets Your Attention First? 10/23/2025

67. Which Child Gets Your Attention First? Hi Lady! Last week, I talked about the 2 movie quotes that help keep me sane when everyone (thinks they) need me at once. This week, I'm sharing 3 principles that help me navigate this type of scenario: 1) Safety first 2) Prevention is the Best Medicine (avoid four-alarm everyone-needs-me-at-once scenarios when possible) 3) Build Buffers into Your Day (....and the reason scrolling on your phone doesnt' count as a buffer). If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE, RATE the podcast, and SHARE with a mom friend. Get in touch or on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/38751670

66. When Everyone Needs You at Once 10/16/2025

66. When Everyone Needs You at Once Hi Lady! In this episode, I share 2 quotes from the 1938 Cary Grant/Katharine Hepburn hit Bringing Up Baby that I rely on in those moments when everything seems to be going sideways at once. The baby needs to eat and the little boys are crying and one of the older kids isn't listening and the other needs to know how to spell a word...from the other room. Here's how I get as close as I can to calm, cool, and collected. ;) If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you'll RATE the podcast and SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with a mom friend. Get in touch over on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/38601015

65. Preparing Your Body for a Future Pregnancy 10/09/2025

65. Preparing Your Body for a Future Pregnancy Hi Lady! In this episode, guest host Grace Shepard shares the four pillars for preconception health, and my favorite is the fourth one (hint: it's not all on you, Mama!). Here's what to consider if you're postpartum now and hoping to conceive again in the future. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE and RATE the podcast and share this with a mom friend! Get in touch or over on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/38520675

64. How to Build Your Grandma Tribe 10/02/2025

64. How to Build Your Grandma Tribe Hi Lady! I've been interviewed for 2 different podcasts lately, and each host has asked me to share the one main thing I want women to know about or do during postpartum. My one main thing is: Build a Grandma Tribe. Today I'm talking about why to start one (including why I say you have to 'build' one) and how to do so in a painless way. If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you'll RATE the podcast, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with a mom friend. Get in touch at or on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/38447370

63. My First-Ever Lactation Consultant Appointment 09/25/2025

63. My First-Ever Lactation Consultant Appointment Hi Lady! Here's how things went at my first lactation consultant appointment (and what you can expect if you work with a LC yourself), plus why I sought one out and the exact moment all my stress about feeding/weight gain/pee and poops went away. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE, leave a REVIEW (especially a written review, so other moms know what to expect) and SHARE with a mom friend. Get in touch , or on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/38348510

62. Postpartum Hair Loss and What to Do About It 09/18/2025

62. Postpartum Hair Loss and What to Do About It Hi Lady! Postpartum hair loss is a real deal, and I'm in the thick (or thin!) of it now. Let's talk what causes it, how long it lasts, whether biotin and other over the counter products can slow it down, and then the type of haircut that can help it look fuller. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE, RATE the podcast (and esp to leave a written review, please and thank you!) and SHARE with a mom friend. Get in touch on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/38261795

61. Postpartum Depression 3x: Haley's Story 09/11/2025

61. Postpartum Depression 3x: Haley's Story Hi Lady! This episode is guest hosted by Haley Yeager, Creighton FertilityCare Practitioner and host of the Truth & Fertility Podcast. She openly and honestly shares her experience of postpartum depression after each of her three births, including what did and didn't help her. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE, RATE the podcast, and SHARE it with a mom friend. Get in touch on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/38175435

Postpartum on Purpose

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