She Found Motherhood Podcast

Let’s Get Pregnant! Many of us spend years focusing on how not to get pregnant, so shifting into trying to conceive can feel surprisingly disorienting. Today, Dr. Sarah chats with Dr. Beth Taylor, infertility specialist and co-founder of Olive Fertility Centre in Vancouver, to walk us through the true basics of getting pregnant. This episode focuses on the heteronormative paradigm of a cis woman a...

In this episode of the She Found Motherhood podcast, Dr. Alicia sits down with registered midwife Heidi  Machnee for a deep, evidence-based conversation about water birth and water immersion during labour. Whether you’re planning a home birth, curious about using a tub for labour comfort, or simply want to understand your options, this episode is packed with practical, research-backed insight...

Babywearing is the timeless practice of holding your baby close using a sling, wrap, or structured carrier - and it offers far more than convenience. In this episode, Dr. Alicia breaks down the science behind babywearing, the physical and emotional benefits for both parent and baby, and how to position your newborn safely and comfortably. We’re joined by Megan Tennant and Sam Bright, Physioth...

The transition into new parenthood can feel… a lot. We spend months prepping for labour and delivery, only to be completely blindsided by the postpartum roller coaster 0 the hormones, the relationship shifts, the sleep (or lack thereof), the identity shake-ups - all of it. In this episode, Dr. Alicia sits down with Dr. Pip Houghton to unpack the realities of perinatal mental health and why a littl...

Pregnancy is undeniably a time of rapid physical change, and for women with a history of avoiding their bodies or engaging in behaviours that reinforce negative body image, that avoidance suddenly becomes impossible. While this can feel incredibly challenging, it can also open the door to meaningful healing around your relationship with food and your body. Join Dr. Sarah and Shannon Smith, a Regis...

Today’s podcast starts and ends with a BANG! We’re diving into a topic that bridges neuroscience, hormones, human connection, the physical body, and even the societal body. Yet sex and libido in pregnancy and postpartum remain topics so rarely discussed - leaving many couples to struggle in silence. Enter Dr. Kelly Casperson! Originally a urologist with advanced training in pelvic medicine and sur...

In today's episode, Drs. Sarah and Alicia dive into what low iron and anemia in pregnancy really mean, and how they can affect both childbirth and your newborn. They break down how to test your iron levels and share practical recommendations for treating low iron or anemia during pregnancy. We’re also highlighting a trusted resource we love: Kidstar Nutrients, who make an great iron supplement cal...

The experience of pain in labour is shaped by many factors - previous experiences, as well as emotional, physical, motivational, cognitive, social, and cultural circumstances. In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Sarah explore both medicinal and non-medicinal strategies for managing pain, with a special focus on epidurals (a topic we’re often asked about!). Understanding your options is key to making...

Have you ever scrolled past those dreamy photos of a glowing mama-to-be strolling through a field, toddlers trailing happily behind, or a newborn swaddled and sleeping like an angel - and thought, there’s no way my kids would sit still for that? Or maybe, “I’d love newborn photos, but right now just making it to the doctor feels like a win.” In this episode, Amanda from Island Roots Photography -...

You’ve probably had plenty of people give you advice on what to pack in your hospital bag - or maybe you haven’t even started thinking about it yet. Either way, this episode is for you! Drs. Sarah and Alicia have supported thousands of pregnant people through labour and delivery, and with five hospital births of their own, they’re sharing their Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed in Your Hosp...

You asked, and we answered all of your burning questions about Cesarean Sections! In this episode, Dr. Sarah and Alicia cover the ideal spacing between pregnancies after a C-section, what determines the type of wound closure used, and why some people might choose an elective C-section even when it isn’t medically required. Be sure to download our Birth Preferences Guide or sign up for our  Bi...

If you're a regular listener and follower of our Instagram account @She. Found. Motherhood , you know that every Sunday we do a Q&A with our community where we try to answer as many of your burning questions as we can—but we often don’t have the capacity to get through all of them! So we decided to answer your most frequently asked, crucial questions here on the podcast in what is part one of...

Today on the She Found Motherhood podcast, we’re joined by one of our favourite returning guests - Melissa Dessaulles (BScPT, BScKin), pelvic physiotherapist, founder of The Pelvic Floor Project Space, and mom of two! Dr. Alicia and Mel dive into what pelvic physio actually is, breaking down common misconceptions and shedding light on what happens during both prenatal and postpartum care. From bac...

Let’s get straight to it - Drs. Alicia and Sarah have put together a list of 6 things nobody tells you about postpartum! Tune in to discover what to expect from the unexpected (yet completely normal). Be sure to check out the links they mention below for more helpful resources, guides, and tips. For more on some of the topics discussed, listen to our podcast episodes on Diastasis Recti in Pregnanc...

Pregnancy can sometimes feel like a long nine months - but the arrival of baby (and all the planning that comes with it) often sneaks up faster than expected! One area that can catch many off guard is preparing for maternity leave. It’s a major pause in a person’s career, often at a pivotal moment, and transitioning into - and out of - it can be more complex than it appears. That’s exactly why tod...

Maintaining some movement and exercise during pregnancy can help decrease aches & pains, prepares you for the physical act of labour, and can aid in postpartum recovery. But what about more intense work-out regimens or strength training? Dr. Alicia chats with Rebecca Tranter, registered massage therapist, Level 1 certified CrossFit trainer, and expectant mama-to-be about her pregnancy journey...

Feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, or just plain  anxious all the time? You’re not alone - and this brand new She Found Motherhood Podcast episode is for you. Dr. Sarah Lea sits down with the incredible Rachel Mark - Registered Acupuncturist, Integrative Health Coach, and self-proclaimed body-nerd with degrees in Kinesiology, Acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. What do these fields all...

As we've often said, education is a form of healthcare. When it comes to your pelvic health, the more you understand about the physiology of the area and the changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, the more empowered you’ll feel. Today, we’re speaking with Aliya Dhalla, a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, about the basic structure of the pelvic floor, how it changes during pregnancy, and...

Today Dr. Alicia and Dr. Pip Houghton discuss a topic that is near and dear to their hearts - how to babyproof your relationship. The arrival of a newborn will undoubtedly create a new dynamic within your family unit, and while it brings great joy, we also run the risk of being blindsided by the challenges of this shift while also experiencing heightened stress due to increased responsibilities an...

There is a lot doctors and scientists still don’t fully understand about what includes labour, both pre and at term. But we do know that there are treatments that can reduce your chance of having a preterm birth, especially if you have had one in the past. Preterm birth can be especially traumatic for those living in remote communities which is why in our guests on today’s podcast, Drs. Kirsten Du...

Why do we even bother with car seats? Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of preventable death in children ages one through nine in Canada. Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do, and most of us do it on a daily basis with our children in the mix. The good news is, child safety seats have been shown to reduce fatal injury by 71% for infants under 1 year, 54% for toddlers...

When is the best time to start introducing my baby to solid foods? How will I know they are ready? What kind of foods should I give them? Is it better to offer whole foods, or purées? How long do I wait between introducing them to new foods? What about allergens!? HELP! If any of these questions have crossed your mind, today’s podcast is necessary listening! Dr. Alicia and Nita Sharda, BSc, a Regi...

How does your blood type affect your pregnancy? Join Drs. Sarah and Alicia on today’s podcast as they break down how your blood type may put your baby at risk - but don’t worry! This only occurs in a very specific circumstance that is found in a percentually low number of people. And with proper screening and treatment, the risks of any complications to your, your baby, and any future pregnancies...

Here’s the big secret we’re revealing at the start of today’s episode - every baby is unique! When it comes to sleep, what works for one baby might not work for another, even within the same family. Our guest, Valerie Groysman, a Registered Social Worker, M.S.W., R.S.W., and Infant + Child Mental Health Specialist, learned this firsthand with her own two babies and through counseling hundreds of f...

Staying active during pregnancy isn't just for your overall health - it can also play a big role in how you experience labour. Evidence shows that regular physical activity can help shorten labour and better prepare your body for the physical demands of childbirth. After baby arrives, it’s all about rebuilding your strength, starting slow and steady, and adding new movements as your body heals. In...