Throwback: Breaking the Postpartum Mold

What happens to a woman's body after pregnancy goes far beyond what most fitness professionals understand. Dr. Carly, a sports chiropractor specializing in postpartum care, joins us to reveal the hidden complexities of the postpartum journey and why traditional approaches to "bouncing back" often miss the mark.

"You're not the same person anymore," Dr. Carly explains, describing how she performs complete re-evaluations on patients after childbirth. This fundamental truth sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of postpartum recovery that challenges conventional wisdom. While diastasis recti (the separation of abdominal muscles) affects nearly all pregnant women, Dr. Carly dispels the fear surrounding this condition while providing practical guidance for rehabilitation that can begin within days of delivery – far earlier than the standard six-week checkup.

Did you know that the hormone relaxin, which loosens your joints for childbirth, remains in your system until you finish breastfeeding? This explains why joint instability can persist for a year or more after delivery, affecting everything from workout performance to everyday activities. The conversation takes a surprising turn when Dr. Carly introduces her company's motto: "Every mom is an athlete." She paints a vivid picture of the athletic demands of motherhood – from the deadlift-like motion of picking up a toddler to the postural challenges of nursing – and explains why posterior chain strengthening becomes crucial for preventing pain and injury.

Whether you're a fitness professional working with postpartum clients, a pregnant woman preparing for birth, or someone supporting a new mother, this episode delivers invaluable insights into the profound physical transformations of motherhood and the thoughtful approaches needed for true recovery. Subscribe now to join our growing community dedicated to redefining health and fitness through evidence-based, holistic approaches.