Postpartum on Purpose

Postpartum is challenging, yes, but does it have to be overwhelming? What if you could actually love who you become during this time? Here, postpartum meets God's grace and personal development techniques. Let's do postpartum on purpose. A new episode drops every Wednesday at naptime. Not sure when naptime is? Me neither. :) On IG @gritgrowthgrace

43. Vaccine Errors at the Pediatrician's Office 04/17/2025

43. Vaccine Errors at the Pediatrician's Office Hi Lady! I've experienced medication errors at the pediatrician's office with two of my kids. Here's how to help keep your kiddo/s safe when it's time for routine vaccinations. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to RATE the podcast and SUBSCRIBE, then SHARE it with a mom friend. Questions or comments? Find me on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or drop me a line . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/36200515

42. Postpartum When Your Baby Has Colic 04/09/2025

42. Postpartum When Your Baby Has Colic Hi Lady! This week's episode is guest hosted by Zoe Dust. I asked her to address postpartum when your baby has colic because I wanted to know how colic specifically impacts a mom's recovery, her thoughts about her own abilities ("aren't all moms supposed to be able to console their babies?"), her marriage, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you'll SUBSCRIBE and RATE the podcast and SHARE it with a mom friend, especially one currently going through postpartum with a colicky baby. Get in touch on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/36075015

41. When Postpartum Isn't Going Like You Planned 04/03/2025

41. When Postpartum Isn't Going Like You Planned Hi Lady! What can you do, how can you respond when--despite your best preparations--postpartum isn't turning out like you'd planned or hoped? Let's get into it today. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast, RATE it (written reviews help other moms know that this podcast is for them!), and SHARE with a mom friend. Questions? Ideas? Concerns? @postpartumonpurpose on Instagram or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/35985120

40. Postpartum after Stillbirth 03/27/2025

40. Postpartum after Stillbirth Hi Lady! This week's episode was guest hosted by Kathryn Casey, author of What God Had Emptied: How I Found Hope in My Children's Diagnoses . If you appreciated this episode, I invite you to SUBSCRIBE and RATE the podcast and SHARE it with a mom friend. You can find me over on Instagram @postpartumonpurpose or via email . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/35882385

39. What I'm Reading During Postpartum 03/20/2025

39. What I'm Reading During Postpartum Hi lady! My next postpartum is around a couple more corners (third trimester, hello!) and I'm thinking about what to order from Amazon + interlibrary loan. Here's a rundown of what I've read and loved in previous postpartums (and why I like having a theme for each postpartum) and what I've got in my cart this time around. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to RATE the podcast and SUBSCRIBE and then share it with a mom friend. Get in touch @postpartumonpurpose on Instagram or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/35784940

38. Postpartum with a Rainbow Baby 03/13/2025

38. Postpartum with a Rainbow Baby Hi Lady! This week's episode was guest hosted by Kathryn Casey, author of What God Had Emptied: How I Found Hope in My Children's Diagnoses . Here's the story I wrote about her for Live Action News: . And if you're currently pregnant with a rainbow baby and feeling fearful, I hope this encourages you. . I hope you'll save this episode to share with other rainbow baby moms, and I hope you'll RATE the podcast and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss future episodes. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/35665000

37. WTD When You're Home Alone with the Kids 03/06/2025

37. WTD When You're Home Alone with the Kids Hi lady! Today, let's talk about how to respond when your man is out doing something he enjoys or is gone overnight or for the weekend. How might you respond if you're feeling resentful that he gets to go out and you're at home with the kid/s? If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to RATE the podcast, leave a REVIEW, and SHARE it with a mom friend. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/35555330

36. Postpartum When Your Baby is in the NICU 02/26/2025

36. Postpartum When Your Baby is in the NICU Hey lady! Today's episode is guest hosted by veteran NICU mom Stacey Sumereau, who suffered a life-threatening pregnancy complication and whose daughter Honora spent 126 days in the NICU after her early arrival via emergency C-section. Stacey gets the struggles moms face being postpartum (and recovering from a C-section) with a critically ill child and walks listeners through that time with grace and wisdom. Learn more about Stacey https://www.staceysumereau.com/, listen to her Called and Caffeinated podcast https://www.youtube.com/@Seraphicallia, and pre-order her forthcoming book God's Adventure Awaits: How to Interpret Your Desires and Hear God's Voice, https://www.avemariapress.com/products/adventure-awaits?srsltid=AfmBOooLrlVmar_TWe9plZGyeC7QDUV5CmmYntA6tNwp9VzstS8vPuJP. If you enjoyed this episode, RATE it and SUBSCRIBE in your podcast player of choice, and SHARE with a mom friend. Questions, comments? I'm all ears (eyes) @postpartumonpurpose on Instagram and . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/35443095

35. Dads can have postpartum depression too 02/20/2025

35. Dads can have postpartum depression too Hi lady! When I first heard about the concept of dads experiencing postpartum depression, I was skeptical. But the more I thought about it and learned, the more I saw how some of the same things that could predispose a mom (plus a few things unique to dads) to PPD could also predispose a dad. Here's what you need to know about paternal PPD, not because it's your responsibility to "fix" him but so you know if it's time to encourage someone you love (and who loves you and your baby) to get the help they deserve. Learn more at . If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to RATE the podcast, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with a mom friend. You can find me over @PostpartumonPurpose on IG or email me at . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/35359600

34. Postpartum with Twins 02/13/2025

34. Postpartum with Twins Hey lady! My guest host this week, Clare Sharp, graciously shared a glimpse into her life as a postpartum mom of twins! The thought of having twins certainly can bring up many anxieties and questions (do you experience double the sleep deprivation? How does one even feed two babies at a time?), so hearing from a real-life person can help separate fear from reality to show how mothering twins is not only possible. It can be a truly rewarding experience. If you enjoyed this episode, please RATE the podcast, leave a REVIEW, and share with a mom friend. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/35266700

33. Setting Yourself Up for Breastfeeding Success w/ IBCLC Jacqueline Ordner 02/06/2025

33. Setting Yourself Up for Breastfeeding Success w/ IBCLC Jacqueline Ordner Hey lady! Today's episode is guest-hosted by Registered Nurse and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Jacqueline Ordner. Jacque is a mom of 4 and owner of The Milk Guide. You can find her on Facebook at or on Instagram at . The video she references in the episode is here:https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/breastfeeding/hand-expressing-milk.html If you enjoyed today's episode, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE the podcast, and SHARE with a mom friend. As always, you can email me at or message me on Instagram @PostpartumonPurpose. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/35171165

32. How I'm prepping for postpartum during Trimester 2 01/30/2025

32. How I'm prepping for postpartum during Trimester 2 Hi lady! Here's what I'm doing in my second trimester (almost 22 weeks along at time of recording!) to prepare for postpartum. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE. And if you have questions, as always, feel free to get in touch . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/35078135

31. Is babywearing for you? 01/22/2025

31. Is babywearing for you? Hi lady! Recently, a mom in the one Facebook moms group I'm in asked for advice on going from 1 to 2 kids. Mom after mom commented, "Babywearing!" On today's episode, I share my response. If you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love for you to RATE the podcast, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with a mom friend. If you've got a question or comment, let me know at . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/34963470

30. Postpartum preeclampsia: Rebekah's story 01/16/2025

30. Postpartum preeclampsia: Rebekah's story Hey lady! Preeclampsia AFTER baby is born is rarely talked about, and yet it happens. Today's guest, Rebekah, shares her real-life experience so that other women know what to look out for and what to expect if they or a loved one require treatment. I so appreciated Rebekah's candor and straightforward approach. You can now listen to each episode on YouTube ! Wherever you listen, please RATE the podcast (written reviews help other listeners know what to expect and if this is for them :)), SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with a mom friend (whether she's having or had her first or fifth!). /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/34876095

29. Does your doctor do house calls? 01/09/2025

29. Does your doctor do house calls? Hi lady! This week, let's talk what a direct primary care doctor is and why you might want to seek one out during the postpartum period. Fun news! The podcast is now available on YouTube (yep, still in audio format!). . Sign up for monthly emails at postpartumonpurpose.com to get all the links/resources from each episode. Please RATE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with a mom friend! /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/34782890

28. Cycle syncing during postpartum 12/18/2024

28. Cycle syncing during postpartum Hi lady! I'm thrilled to share a guest episode with you, hosted by my friend Megan Faller, founder of The Aligned Cycle. Megan shares the phases of the menstrual cycle, how you might expect to feel during each one, and what that knowledge looks like applied to the postpartum period, both when your hormones are low but fluctuating before your first ovulation and then during your first few cycles as they continue to regulate. Learn more from Megan at her website , on Instagram , or through her new YouTube channel, . As always, please SHARE this episode with a friend and RATE the podcast wherever you're listening to it. Join the email list at to get the link for the article that first introduced me to Megan and cycle syncing. :) /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/34517975

27. Where do you hold your stress? 12/11/2024

27. Where do you hold your stress? Hi lady! Today's episode is guest hosted by Dr. April Ritz, DPT, pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of Effingham Pelvic Health & Wellness. I asked her to talk about holding stress in your pelvic floor since that is where most women hold their stress. She presented an excellent, succinct primer on symptoms that your pelvic floor needs some attention, what can cause pelvic floor issues (emotional stress is far from the only cause), and what to do about it (short and long-term options). After you've listened, go check out her website or follow her on Facebook or Instagram . Be sure you listen to the very end of this update for updates on plans for this podcast in the very near future, including a name change! /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/34402055

26. Holidays with a new baby are... 12/04/2024

26. Holidays with a new baby are... Hi lady! How are your Advent and Christmas seasons shaping up? Calm? Stressful? Something in between? On the one hand, you and I might be tempted to try to keep everything the same, doing everything we would do if we didn't have a new baby. On the other hand, we might consider 'phoning it in' from the couch in our sweats, saying "There's always next year!" Intstead of either approach (since both paths lead to burnout), here's why (and how) I make 'gentleness' and 'responsibility' my themes for navigating the holidays with a new baby. If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you'll share it with a mom friend, plus SUBSCRIBE and RATE the podcast on your player of choice. Sign up for weekly emails (with links to the resources in each episode) over at postpartumonpurpose.com. I'm also on Instagram @gritgrowthgrace. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/34292605

25. How I prep for Postpartum...in Trimester 1! 11/27/2024

25. How I prep for Postpartum...in Trimester 1! Hi lady! Today, I'm sharing the 3 questions I ask myself during Trimester Numero Uno to prep for my best postpartum. Bonus: 2 stories to make you laugh and remember not to take yourself too seriously. If you enjoyed this episode, SHARE with friend, SUBSCRIBE and LEAVE A REVIEW and JOIN the email list at postpartumonpurpose.com. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/34181185

24. Big sibling jealousy 11/20/2024

24. Big sibling jealousy Hi lady! What do you do when you've got a new baby and a jealous older kid or kiddos? Here's what my family of origin did when I was growing up to create a culture of 'unconditional positive regard' about babies, plus what James and I are doing now to help our kids grow in age-appropriate independence and self-soothing. If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you'll SHARE it with a mom friend, RATE the podcast and SUBSCRIBE. Get in touch on Instagram @gritgrowthgrace or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/34055601

23. My honest take: Creighton and Marquette NFP during postpartum 11/14/2024

23. My honest take: Creighton and Marquette NFP during postpartum Hey lady! In this episode, I shared: +The modern, evidence-based methods of fertility awareness/natural family planning and what biomarkers they track (and how those relate to your fertility) +My experience (highs and lows) with the Creighton Method for postpartum charting after 3 births and with the Marquette Method after 1 +What I plan to do next time (!) instead, including utilizing the Lactational Amenorrhea Method Questions? Let me know at . Sign up for my email list at postpartumonpurpose.com to get the resources from each episode. SHARE this episode, RATE the podcast, and SUBSCRIBE. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/33924827

22. Postpartum birth control: why I don't love it 11/07/2024

22. Postpartum birth control: why I don't love it Hey lady! Today, I talked about -the 3 specific concerns I have with hormonal birth control use during postpartum, plus the health benefits you miss out on if you're not ovulating regularly -why I prefer modern, evidence-based methods of natnral family planning or fertility awareness -what you need to know about NFP or FAM use specifically during postpartum, aka Can you actually use them to prevent pregnancy? If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to SHARE it with a friend, RATE the podcast on Apple or Spotify, and SUBSCRIBE. And if you want the pregnancy prevention effectiveness stats from this episode, sign up for emails over at postpartumonpurpose.com. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/33825217

21. Money fights during postpartum 10/30/2024

21. Money fights during postpartum Hi lady! Last week, I talked about stretching your budget during postpartum. This week, let's talk about getting on the same page as your spouse when it comes to money. -Do any of these 4 patterns of negativity show up when it's time to talk about money with your love? -How dreaming with your spouse is an antidote to money struggles -How do you avoid manipulating, nagging, or mothering your spouse about money? If you enjoyed this episode, SHARE it with a mom friend, plus LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the podcast. You can contact me on Instagram @gritgrowthgrace and sign up for the email list at postpartumonpurpose.com. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/33695212

20. Stretching your budget during postpartum 10/23/2024

20. Stretching your budget during postpartum Hi lady! Today was a wild day, involving a gas leak on our property (resolved by the time I'm posting this!) , and the episode reflects that. I hope the spontaneity factor also means higher fun factor. ;) This is part 1 about finances during postpartum. Next episode, part 2, will cover getting on the same page as your spouse re: finances. I talked about the "big rocks" of cutting costs/increasing income during postpartum, lots of misc ways to cut costs, FOOD, and then also FINDING FREE THINGS (which I intend to be the patron of, someday). If you enjoyed this episode, LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. And head on over to postpartumonpurpose.com to join the email list for the resources/recap of each episode. Questions? I'm at @gritgrowthgrace on Instagram. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/33590817

19. Is it time to get back to normal? 10/16/2024

19. Is it time to get back to normal? Hey lady! Is it time to go back to work or resume "regularly scheduled programming" for yourself or your family? How soon is too soon? Here are 4 questions to ask yourself to help you discern what makes sense for your family. If you enjoyed this episode, SHARE it with a friend, RATE the podcast on Apple podcasts or Spotify, and SUBSCRIBE. Join my email list over at postpartumonpurpose.com to get all the resources from each episode. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/33489512

18. "Some minutes" of exercise is better than no minutes 10/09/2024

18. "Some minutes" of exercise is better than no minutes Hey lady! Whether you've never worked out before but are thinking about starting now (yes! Let's GO!) or used to exercise but haven't since baby's birth, this episode is for you. I'll tell you: -a little about what I've found exercising after each baby and how that's looked different as my family has grown -my workout hack to get moving first thing in the morning -how to make exercising so easy that you can't fail If you liked this episode, SHARE it with a mom friend (or 12. Go you, if you have 12 mom friends.), RATE the podcast with stars but especially a written review (written reviews are such a gift to a podcaster's heart) and SUBSCRIBE. Join the email list at postpartumonpurpose.com. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/33395242

17. Leaking pee? See a pelvic floor PT 10/02/2024

17. Leaking pee? See a pelvic floor PT Hey lady! If you've given birth (yes, even if you had a C-section), get yourself to a pelvic floor PT! In today's episode, I cover: -who even needs to see a pelvic floor PT and the types of pregnancy and postpartum-related issues they can help with -why to choose your PFPT as carefully as you would a therapist for counseling -what to expect at your first appointment If you enjoyed this episode, LIKE the podcast, LEAVE a rating, and SHARE it with a friend! And then head on over to postpartumonpurpose.com to hop on my email list to get all the resources from this episode delivered straight to your inbox. Questions? Lmk @gritgrowthgrace on IG. Let's do postpartum on purpose. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/33303597

16. When you can't do it all, get them to help you 09/11/2024

16. When you can't do it all, get them to help you Hey lady! Today, let's talk about: 1) scaling up chores for your older kids during postpartum 2) what to do if your "older kid" or kids are still little 3) enlisting older kids to help when you know they'll fight you tooth and nail. ;) I'd love for you to RATE the podcast, SHARE with a mom friend, and SUBSCRIBE. Over at sign up for my email list to get all the resources I share in this episode. Questions? Comments? I'm @gritgrowthgrace on Instagram. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/33012577

15. When you're just not "in the mood" 09/04/2024

15. When you're just not "in the mood" Hey lady! Let's talk low libido during postpartum. Is this just how things are? Is there anything to do about it? Is anyone to blame? -What can you do when you're physically healing or sex hurts? -What can you do when you're emotionally depleted or touched out? How might being noticed in specific ways help refill your emotional tank? -What about "fake it til you make it?" -What is couple skin-to-skin time all about? And the "most repeated word" award for this episode goes to VULNERABILITY. ;) Sign up for my to get all this episode's resources sent straight to your inbox, including further resources for growing in marital intimacy. Questions? @gritgrowthgrace on Insta or . /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/32899112

14. Eat Like a Mother 08/28/2024

14. Eat Like a Mother Hey lady! Let's talk: -the nutrients specifically connected to mood during postpartum -superfoods that contain many of the nutrients (and in large amounts!) you need to replenish what you lost during pregnancy as well as blood loss during labor, plus speed up wound healing from vaginal tearing or a C-section -the impact diet has on breastmilk Challenge for this episode: how many times do I say the word 'liver'? ;) Please SHARE this episode with a friend, RATE the podcast on your player of choice, and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss an episode. Over at , get on my weekly email list to have every resource I mention in each episode sent straight to your inbox, links and all. /episode/index/show/f3d015cc-4400-4157-8bf6-140859327517/id/32781287

Postpartum on Purpose

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