The Limitless Pregnancy

If you're looking for the ultimate maternity gift look no further! Today we're talking with Maria Berglund, founder of the not for profit gift box company In-Kind Boxes. She shares her experiences giving birth in two different countries and how that led her on a mission to provide better support for the postpartum experience. She has expertly curated her gift boxes with everything you need in the first days, weeks and months of postpartum with really thoughtful, quality, eco-friendly products for both parents and babies. And the best part- for every box purchased one is donated!

Grab a box (or two) with a 10% discount courtesy of TLP: LP10

If you would like to purchase a gift box:

Kicking off our holiday gift guide series we revisit the clean skincare conversation with Allie Eagan, Founder & CEO of Veracity Skincare. In our first episode she shared about the importance of knowing what you put on and in your body and the direct correlation to overall health. This time, I tried out Veracity's skincare test and we discuss the results and what they mean not just for my skincare but for my hormones and overall health. We also go a little deeper into why clean skincare is exceptionally important in pregnancy and how your skincare needs shift throughout pregnancy and postpartum and Allie shares a ton more information in general about toxic ingredients in our every day products, how to spot them, and what you can do to clean up your care routine. 

Get your own customized skincare test with a 20% discount courtesy of TLP: Limitless20 (this code is good for all products as well)

In the final episode of our grief series we speak with Joanne Zerdy, educator and co-founder of Inviting Abundance. We discuss the many paths to healing after loss, not just pertaining to loss of a child but the losses we experience both alone and collectively as we move through life. Joanne and her husband began Inviting Abundance after the loss of their son Finlay, and focus on the spectrum of loss from loss of a loved one to chronic illness, heartbreak and countless other painful life experiences. They work with individuals as well as medical providers and birth workers through education as well as various other tools and methods. 

Connect with Joanne here:

In our third episode on Pregnancy & Infant Loss we hear from Michelle Valiukenas, Founder of The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation. In this two part episode we spend the first half hearing Michelle's story of her journey to parenting, from her struggles with pregnancy loss and infertility to finally becoming pregnant with Colette, being admitted to the hospital half way through her pregnancy, Colette's early arrival and her stay in the NICU for her nine days of life. In the second half of the episode we get into the very real operational challenges for parents who experience high risk pregnancies, births and babies. From issues like how to keep your job when you've been admitted to the hospital indefinitely to managing compounding hospital bills to daily hospital commutes when your baby is in the NICU but you have been sent home, Michelle experienced first hand the many unfair challenges parents face every day and set out to create a support system with her foundation. (TW: miscarriage, infertility, pregnancy trauma, infant loss)

Resources from Michelle:

For the next two weeks of our series on pregnancy and infant loss we hear real stories of loss and grief from parents in the community. Today's episode is shared with us by Lindsey, a mom of two who experienced loss at 36 weeks gestation. Her story is raw and difficult and she shares with us in a beautifully authentic way. In sharing this story today we are able to honor Louella Mae's life, Lindsey's grief and widen the doorway to allow for more stories to be shared. Loss should never be dealt with alone and if we can reach even one person with the sharing of this story it will be worth it. (TW: pregnancy loss, infant loss)

Resources from Lindsey:

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness month and we are starting off our grief series with Michaelene Fredenberg, Founder and CEO of Life Perspectives. Michaelene and I discuss pregnancy loss, how to cope and how to support. She shares many practical tools for parents, family members and support people, health care providers and more on how to navigate the complicated layers of the loss of a pregnancy. It's commonly known that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, we're just here to normalize talking about it. (TW: miscarriage, pregnancy loss, infant loss)

You can connect with Michaelene here:

Have you ever had a skincare regiment that didn't live up to it's standards? Or worse, have you ever had skincare products that have negatively impacted your health? In this episode we chat with Allie Egan, CEO & Founder of Veracity Custom Skincare, on the importance of clean, transparent skincare ingredients and how they contribute to overall health. So many sneaky ingredients in brands we know and love can affect your health from fertility through pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Allie share with us her motivation for founding Veracity and her overall mission to provide a better, more individualized, healthier skincare experience for all of us!

You can connect with Allie here:

Hello and welcome back to The Limitless Pregnancy! We are kicking off our new season with Meredyth Willits, life coach and host of the podcast Meredyth With a Why. We had a great conversation around keeping fear out of parenting and what that means (and how it differs) for each person. If you are already a parent this episode will ring true in many ways, and if you're not a parent yet it will give you some great food for thought! Either way I'm sure you're going to learn something and enjoy Meredyth's nuggets of wisdom.

Connect with Meredyth here:

This week we're hearing from Dr. Christina Burns, L.Ac, FABORM on the intersection of integrative wellness and fertility. Dr. Christina shares with us about her journey through reproductive health issues, finding naturopathic healing and eventually having three successful pregnancies. Her motivation to start her own practice spawned from her deep understanding of the intricacies of reproductive health and fertility and her desire to improve outcomes for her patients. Dr. Christina's approach to individualized care helps not only to support positive outcomes for her patients but strategic lifestyle care in order to sustain and prolong health over time. She also shares about healthy fertility and some of the commonly missed in-between steps that work naturally with a birthing person's body to increase positive outcomes. Whether you're planning/trying to conceive, pregnant or postpartum this is a powerful and incredibly informative episode!

Connect with Christina here:

Mommy wine culture is one of the more common representations of parenting we see in modern media and society. Stressed after a long day of arguing with a toddler? Have a glass of wine (and believe me I do). But what happens when it goes too far? Kiola Raines, wellness, nutrition and lifestyle coach is flipping the script on how we cope with the stresses of modern day parenting. She shares her story of alcoholism and realizing she was in over her head, and how easily that can manifest in the lives of parents in a culture where we are taught to reward a hard day's work with alcohol. Kiola uses her background in Kinesiology and Exercise Psychology to facilitate a well rounded, science-backed approach to educate and empower parents everywhere on the effects of alcohol on an emotional as well as cellular level. While she acknowledges that many people can drink responsibly, we also must have clearer and smarter conversations around what "drinking responsibly" means and how to spot the difference. 

Connect with Kiola here:

June 27th marked the 365th day of our pandemic postpartum experience. After a quiet day of celebrating (we had to cancel our backyard party due to triple digit weather) we sit down to rehash cliff notes of the last year. Postpartum is not easy. Postpartum in a pandemic is not easy. You can hear the exhaustion in our voices and our stories but our position remains strong- though this has been one of the hardest years of each of our lives is been 100% worth it.

This week we hear from Sara Barbosa, integrative mental and sexual health entrepreneur, on birth ritual and cultural traditions throughout Latin America. She shares about her work with indigenous peoples and restoring the sanctity of reproductive care for all people of all ethnicities. A self-described "Women's Sexual Reproductive Rights and Decolonization Advocate", Sara shares some incredible perspective on safeguarding the power of the birthing person. 

Connect with Sara here:

So much of Health & Wellness is focused on what you put in your body and what you do with your body. But what about the things you use on and around your body? We know that it has become increasingly common for brands to use hot words like "natural" and "eco" but what does that actually mean, and is it enough? Health and fitness coach Tai Taitt joins us for a conversation about what it means to live a non-toxic life, how to start and how to spot greenwashing when you're picking brands. This episode is a great jumping off point for how to implement simple changes into your daily life and habits to make lasting change without having to do a complete overhaul!

Connect with Tai here:

This week we're chatting with Alison Greenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of Ruth Health on addressing the many layers of challenges in traditional maternal health care as we know it. Alison shares with us about her motivation for starting Ruth Health (and a little sneak peek into a patent-pending invention to make the gynecological exam less invasive!) as well as their plans for at home pregnancy care in the coming year and many other insights into what it's like to start a business for women run by women. We can't wait for all of you to get to witness Ruth Health first hand!

Connect with Alison here:

In this week's #realparents episode we chat with Jasmine about their process of self discovery through pregnancy and postpartum. Maternal Identity is becoming a more commonly discussed topic but no two birthing people go through the same journey. We know we learn more about ourselves than we ever knew we would, but what happens when gender identity gets added to the mix? Jasmine's story gives us some great insight into a parenting journey that winds up answering so many questions they never knew they needed answers to!

Connect with Jasmine here:

We know what a toll pregnancy and postpartum hormone changes can take on the body, and this week we're getting even deeper with Sophie Shepherd, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and Holistic Health Coach. We attempt to tackle quite a lot in this episode from overall health and nutrition to gut issues, hormonal chaos, how these issues can contribute to anxiety and so much more. Sophie opens right up about her own experiences that led her down this path of providing healing for other women and gives us a ton of practical tools to use in each of our lives.

TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode Sophie briefly shares with us about her struggles with suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Connect with Sophie here:

We have a very important conversation this week with Joshua Zawadi, Founder of Melanated Daddy and Dad Doula on the necessity of partner support. Joshua shares with us the experience of struggling to get his wife truly supportive care during her pregnancy, and as a result discovering that not only is pregnancy support lacking, but pregnancy partner support is nearly non-existent. Out of this need his businesses were born. Joshua shares with us all about the tangible support tools, mental health support and practical application of birthing partner support and how they can prepare themselves and their birthing partners for pregnancy, birth and parenting. This episode is a must listen for everyone!

Connect with Joshua here:

This week we sit down with Susie Fields Delmar, board certified Family Physician & dual trained Obstetrician on all things birth from the structure of medical education and the birthing industry to shared decision making to birthing environments and so much more. She also shares with us about her company DELIVERED, a live event concept built around sharing reproductive health stories. Susie is a wealth of knowledge with a fascinating perspective on the business of childbirth!

Connect with Susie here:

On the heels of two episodes all about body image, mental and hormonal health, we hear from Kaitlin Soule, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. We know that every single person's experience with birth and postpartum is different and we get into the many layers that cover the spectrum of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. This episode goes beyond the perinatal period and even explores the many outside influences that can contribute to our mental health and wellbeing. No matter where you are in your journey this one is for you!

Connect with Kaitlin here:

Today we're speaking with certified health coach Ally Bouchard on the many ways fitness and body image are confused for overall health, and how we can reframe our thinking to accommodate health for our individual needs. Gone are the days of only one desired body type existing, but somehow perinatal body images are still playing catch up. If you're struggling to love your pregnant or postpartum body (or just your daily existing body even without children) this one's for you.

Connect with Ally here:

From movement to nutrition to fertility to recovery our needs are constantly changing based on the phases of our cycle (or lack thereof). This week we hear from Omega Zumpano on the various considerations of the infradian rhythm and how to live a happier more balanced life with this knowledge. If you've ever wondered why working out isn't doing the trick or maybe your nutrition plan is leaving you fatigued and moody, or why postpartum recovery doesn't feel like recovery, chances are it has something to do with your hormones. Listen to this episode for an immediate level-up in getting to know your body's needs!

Connect with Omega here:

This, after a long weekend of moving, we are pressing pause on regular programming to get settled in. Instead, here's a quick note from Kimberly. Looking forward to getting back to it next week!

Connect with us here:

A year into the pandemic we still have a wide variety of rules around who can and cannot be in the room for births. This episode we sit down with Tara Brooke, Co-Founder of Doula Trainings International and Born Into This on the important need for birth workers and what that means for birthing people in a pandemic. From the push toward virtual doulas and the future of doula work we discuss all things past present and future doula!

Connect with Tara here:

Elina Furman, founder of Kahlmi and Certified Infant Massage Instructor, joins us today to talk about infant and child massage. She shares the lasting benefits for both parent and baby as well as tools to implement it into your routine. Whether you use it to ease discomfort, help with circulation and relaxation or just for bonding you'll be happy you added this to your tool kit!

Connect with Elina here:

This week we finish up our conversation with Speech Language Pathologist Ashley FitzSimmons-Olsen on all things communication and foundations of speech. As we move the conversation into baby's attempt at reciprocating communication we get into the psychology behind peekaboo, patty cake and the infamous baby voice that comes out when we talk to little ones. We also discuss how to continue to support communication development and create an ecosystem at home to give them foundational tools to last a lifetime!

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This week #realmom Whitney shares her story of planning for baby number two and instead getting babies number two and three! But that's not even the crazy part of the story. From postpartum neglect to a baby in the NICU she shares with us the trauma of her most recent birth experience. We'd like to warn you that some parts of the story can be triggering, but we are happy to report that everyone involved is happy and healthy today! 

I also use a slew of four letter words in this episode, and if that's not your thing... I'm sorry. DM me and I'll make a clean edit just for you (who am I kidding my husband does the editing)

This week we learn all about the power of music! Vered Benhorin, music therapist, songwriter and psychologist shares with us all about the simple joys of teaching your baby through song. Not only can you show a baby how to begin to anticipate the day's schedule, but also give them a feeling of security and protection as they begin to familiarize themselves with the outside world. This sweet episode gives us a window into the life of a mom while at the same time sharing valuable tools in how to connect and communicate with your baby in those pre-verbal months. And Vered even sings for us a bit! It will put a smile on your face and leave you wanting to sing with your baby asap, even if you're not a singer!

You can connect with Vered here:

On the heels of the previous episode discussing all things lactation we speak with Ashley FitzSimmons-Olsen, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in early intervention and birth-5 speech and language development. We get Ashley's expert opinion on oral behaviors from birth through the first months of life including latching/feeding, sound and movement patterns, early speech patterns, what to look out for and more. It's another super informative episode here on The Limitless Pregnancy!

Ashley is a magical unicorn who does not use social media or self promotion, but you can be in touch with her via email with any questions: ashleyfitzsimmons@hotmail.com

Find a SLP in your area:

This week we are joined by Joy MacTavish, founder of Sound Beginnings. Joy is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (among many other things) who shares with us a wealth of knowledge on breastfeeding, latching, tongue ties and more. This episode has a TON of valuable information for how to anticipate planning for breastfeeding as well as what to do if you are experiencing breastfeeding challenges. We recommend taking some notes with this one!

You can connect with Joy here:

We're starting something new this week: real conversations with real moms, because we are determined to bring our Mama community together in one way or another! Every first Tuesday of the month we will feature a real mom (or dad) story for you to laugh, gasp and commiserate with. We need connectivity and camaraderie now more than ever, so these stories will be here to remind you that you are not alone on your journey. This week we chat with Elizabeth who's first birth didn't go nearly as planned... which lead to postpartum challenges and as a result postpartum anxiety. The good news is-- she learned a lot about herself to help prepare for baby #2! Hope you're staying sane, mamas. 

Be sure to follow us!

In our final episode of our January fitness series we are joined by Antony Lo, APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. Antony works with pre and postnatal patients as well as educating fitness trainers in the pre and postnatal field. We talk about how the industry has created an environment of limiting beliefs and fear-based movement, and discuss the grassroots movement to empower women (and their trainers!) to take charge of their wellness journey.

You can connect with Antony here:

This week we discuss an old pastime for most of us- the hula hoop! Listen in as we hear from hula healing practitioner Lauren Danielle on all of the ways this childhood activity can promote change, from blood flow and improved circulation to better mobility to self esteem and inner child work to balancing hormones and chakras. A great activity for the whole family, and best of all it requires much less time than a fitness class!

**Please note! We had some technical difficulties that clear up around the 7 minute mark

You can connect with Lauren here:

Did you know the large majority of research done in the fitness industry is focused on the male body? This leaves much to be desired when trying to find the right fit for our pregnant and postpartum bodies (or just our cycling bodies in general)! In this episode we chat with Whitney Mack, Founder of MacksMO, about what it means to incorporate a nutrition and fitness plan into the ever evolving and changing female body, and how much more benefit there is from it! This is a must listen for all women.

You can connect with Whitney here:

As we dive head first into January Challenges and New Year's Resolutions we sit down with Joanie Johnson, Pre & Postnatal Corrective Exercise Specialist and founder of Strong Mom Society. We get right into what's not serving moms in the industry both physically and psychologically, and what can be done about it.  Because mamas deserve the best!

You can connect with Joanie here:

As we wrap 2020 we sit down with Saba Harouni Lurie, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board Certified Art Therapist on coping with the past year. In our final self care series episode we discuss ways to process the chaos and complete unpredictability this year has brought, and some great ways to head into 2021. Whether you're a parent or not this episode is a must.

You can connect with Saba here:

This week in our self care series, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Marina Castellanos joins us to talk pelvic floor in daily life, pregnancy, birth and postpartum. We get into the little things that can have a big effect on the pelvic floor (as well as the big things) some simple practices that can have lasting benefits, and why the kegels we always knew are more than likely not what we need!

You can connect with Marina here:

Kamala, Certified Breathwork Therapist and founder of Breathe With Kamala, kicks off our self care series by talking with us about utilizing breathwork as quality of life tool. She shares her first hand experiences with providing breathwork for pregnancy and postpartum and discusses many of the different ways it can be used. From a simple daily practice for improved quality of life to a full session to dive into some deeper healing we are along for the ride with this episode! 

You can connect with Kamala here:

This week we talk with Shari Stamps, postpartum doula, breastfeeding educator, infant massage instructor and so much more. Shari is the founder of Navigating Parenthood, a concept built around providing full spectrum support and education for parents beginning before birth and spanning parenthood. We dive deep into looking at the bigger picture and why it is so important for true health and success in life with baby, both for baby and parents.

You can connect with Shari here:

In our last episode of this season, this week on The Limitless Pregnancy we are joined by Andrea Orvieta, DACM. Andrea is the owner of SoFla Acupuncture & Wellness and specializes in women’s care including fertility, cosmetic and skincare. We discuss eastern medicine + acupuncture during fertility, throughout pregnancy, and the 4th trimester. 

You can connect with Dr Andrea here: