Postpartum on Purpose

What if you could actually love who you become during postpartum? Through bite-sized weekly episodes, I explore what happens when postpartum meets God's grace and personal development techniques. Let's do postpartum on purpose.

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

60. Why I Let Strangers Hold My Baby 09/04/2025

60. Why I Let Strangers Hold My Baby Hi Lady! Social media drives a narrative that other people (even family members) are a threat to our baby's immune system. But does that viewpoint unnecessarily isolate new moms, especially firsttime moms? I weigh in with the experience I've gained as a mom of five. If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you'll 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/38081155

59. My Postpartum Nutrition Consult through Fay 08/28/2025

59. My Postpartum Nutrition Consult through Fay Hi Lady! Here's my honest review (not a sponsored post! I'm not that fancy. :)) on a postpartum nutritionist consult I had through the Fay platform. I hope it helps you decide whether you'd like to try something similar. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE and RATE the podcast and share the episode with a friend. As always, get in touch on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/37992125

58. Weeks 5 and 6 as a Mom of 5 08/21/2025

58. Weeks 5 and 6 as a Mom of 5 Hi Lady! Let's talk weeks 5 and 6 both from a postpartum recovery perspective and then also what our family schedule and dynamics looked like. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE it with a mom friend. Get in touch on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/37899220

57. How a mom of 11 uses the 5-5-5 Rule during Postpartum 08/07/2025

57. How a mom of 11 uses the 5-5-5 Rule during Postpartum Hi Lady! This week I'm sharing another guest episode, hosted by my friend Caitlin Lasnoski, who recently gave birth to baby #11. As I texted her to check in during her first week postpartum, she told me she was observing the 5-5-5 Rule. I was intrigued. The more I learned, the more I wanted others to know about it too, and she graciously agreed to share her experience. ***Head's up that there will be no new episode next week as I take a week off after Cecilia's Baptism + celebration. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to SUBSCRIBE and RATE the podcast, and SHARE with a mom friend. Get in touch via Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/37714035

56. Weeks 3 and 4 as a Mom of 5 07/31/2025

56. Weeks 3 and 4 as a Mom of 5 Hey Lady! Here's the good and the bad from my third and fourth weeks as a mom of 5, including why I call this time the 'adrenaline detox' phase, especially when it comes to big siblings. ;) If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you'll SUBCSCRIBE and RATE the podcast on your player of choice, and SHARE it with a mom friend. Get in touch on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/37616690

55. Virtual Lactation Care for Rural Moms 07/24/2025

55. Virtual Lactation Care for Rural Moms Hey Lady! I'm so pleased to share a guest episode with you today, hosted by mom of 5 Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC. Jaimie is the owner of Little Bear Lactation, based out of Abilene, TX. She offers virtual-yes, virtual-lactation care to moms across the country. By the end of the episode, she made a believer out of me that virtual lactation care can indeed be a thing, most especially for rural moms (or military moms living abroad!). Learn more about Jaimie over at or . If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to SUBSCRIBE, RATE the podcast, and SHARE with a mom friend. Get in touch at or on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/37529115

54. My First 2 Weeks as a Mom of 5 07/17/2025

54. My First 2 Weeks as a Mom of 5 Hey Lady! Here's a rundown of my first two weeks as a mom of five (plus one miscarried baby), including what was unexpected, especially compared to previous postpartum experiences. If you enjoyed this episode, please SUBSCRIBE, leave a starred REVIEW, and SHARE with a mom friend. Get in touch or @postpartumonpurpose on Instagram. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/37435555

53. Do's and Don'ts of Nighttime Feeds 07/10/2025

53. Do's and Don'ts of Nighttime Feeds Hi Lady! As a mom of five, here are the things I do and don't do during middle-of-the-night feeds to help baby (and myself!) go back to sleep ASAP. If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you'll SUBSCRIBE, leave a starred REVIEW, and SHARE it with a mom friend. Get in touch on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/37355770

52. Does your doctor's office stock miscarriage kits? 07/03/2025

52. Does your doctor's office stock miscarriage kits? Hi Lady, Does your doctor's office stock kits for women who suffer miscarriage? In today's guest episode, Maria Servold of the Early Pregnancy Loss Association talks about being postpartum after miscarriage, and how the EPLA helps support women who've suffered a loss before 20 weeks. Learn more about the EPLA at and learn more about miscarriage treatment options by gestational age I hope you'll never need this episode, but it's here for you or a friend or family member. If you appreciated this episode, I hope you'll RATE + SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and SHARE it with a friend. Get in touch at or on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/37272835

51. My Positive Hospital Birth Story 06/26/2025

51. My Positive Hospital Birth Story Hi Lady! Here's birth story #5, my positive hospital birth. Enjoy!!!! If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you'll SUBSCRIBE, leave a REVIEW so other moms can find the podcast, and SHARE it with a friend. Get in touch on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/37156945

50. How to Afford a Lactation Consultant 06/18/2025

50. How to Afford a Lactation Consultant Hi Lady! Today's episode is chock full of tips on how to afford a lactation consultant (tip #1: don't overlook the obvious! Does your insurance cover it? Here's how to find out). This guest episode is hosted by Jacque Ordner of The Milk Guide, and she previously guest hosted Episode 33 If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you'll RATE and REVIEW the podcast and SHARE it with a mom friend. You can get in touch on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or annemarie@postpartumonpurpose.com. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/37064415

49. When Progesterone Doesn't Cure Your PPD/PPA 06/04/2025

49. When Progesterone Doesn't Cure Your PPD/PPA Hi Lady! If you've tried progesterone injections (or any other thing you were absolutely counting on) to cure your postpartum depression and/or anxiety and they just...haven't...this episode is for you. If you enjoyed today's episode, I hope you'll SUBSCRIBE and RATE the podcast (so other moms know what to expect and whether it'll be a good fit for them) and then SHARE with a mom friend who could use it. You can reach out on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/36853235

Postpartum on Purpose

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