The Barbell Mamas Podcast | Pregnancy, Postpartum, Pelvic Health

Dive into a thoughtful critique of "Floored," the bestselling pelvic floor health book by Dr. Sarah Reardon (The Vagina Whisperer). This episode unpacks both the groundbreaking achievements and potential shortcomings of this influential text that's reshaping how we talk about pelvic health. As a pelvic floor physical therapist and researcher, I offer a balanced assessment of how thi...

Have you ever wondered why certain pregnancy myths refuse to die despite lacking scientific evidence? The answer lies in how our digital ecosystem perpetuates misinformation through well-meaning but often unqualified influencers. The motherhood space on platforms like TikTok has become a breeding ground for myths around labor induction and postpartum recovery. When desperate moms-to-be try curb wa...

Groundbreaking research is reshaping what we know about pelvic health for active women. This episode dives into three significant developments that challenge conventional wisdom about incontinence, pregnancy exercise, and pelvic organ prolapse. The first revelation? Athletes who experience leaking during exercise actually have stronger pelvic floors, not weaker ones as previously thought. Recent s...

Fear nearly kept me from motherhood. Growing up watching my mother battle severe mental health challenges that began in her postpartum period with twins left me terrified that history might repeat itself. That deeply personal story opens our candid exploration of postpartum depression and anxiety—conditions that affect countless women who suffer in silence. What exactly distinguishes normal "...

The boundaries of female athleticism are expanding in thrilling ways, yet the research supporting women's unique physiological journeys lags significantly behind. From my recent experience at the Female Athlete Conference in Boston, I've returned brimming with insights about how we're finally beginning to address this disparity. What makes this biennial gathering extraordinary is th...

Pregnancy doesn't have to mean suffering through pain until delivery day. In this myth-busting episode, pelvic floor physical therapist Christina Prevett tackles one of pregnancy's most common yet misunderstood challenges: pelvic girdle pain. Between 50-75% of pregnant individuals experience muscle aches and pain, particularly around the pelvis. But the common advice to "just wait u...

For active women who've experienced that embarrassing leak during a heavy lift, this episode challenges everything you thought you knew about pelvic floor function. Diving deep into the science of bracing mechanics, Christina Previtt unravels the fascinating relationship between breath, core tension, and pelvic health that revolutionizes how we approach strength training. Forget the simplisti...

The comparison trap is real, and it's especially potent in the pregnancy and postpartum space. As someone who's been both celebrated and criticized for weightlifting through pregnancy and competing just months after giving birth, I've witnessed firsthand how social media creates unrealistic expectations. When that ultramarathon runner went viral for nursing her baby throughout a 100...

Have you been told to wait six weeks before returning to exercise after having your baby? This long-established guideline is being challenged by new research and expert consensus. As a pelvic floor physical therapist, CrossFit athlete, and mom of two, I'm pulling back the curtain on what early postpartum recovery really looks like and why that six-week rule deserves a serious update. The post...

The journey toward understanding diastasis recti has been filled with misconceptions, fear, and outdated advice. As a pelvic floor physical therapist who's witnessed this evolution firsthand, I'm sharing why our approach to core health in pregnancy needs a complete reframe. What exactly is diastasis recti? It's not a tear or split, but rather a normal lengthening of the tissue betwe...

Having a strong brace is important for lifting heavy weights. It is a critical part of CrossFit, powerlifting and weightlifting. Not to mention just life. We use bracing when we move couches, pick up our kiddos etc.    Weightlifting belts are a performance aid that really helps us to create stiffness through our midline to lift more as well.  We did an entire video on it on our YouTube channel.  ...

When you're passionate about Olympic weightlifting, pregnancy doesn't mean you have to abandon the barbell—it means learning to adapt with intelligence and awareness. Christina Prevett breaks down the crucial modifications that keep both mom and baby safe while preserving hard-earned technique. The conversation explores four key considerations every pregnant weightlifter needs to underst...

Over half to as manyas 75% of pregnant individuals will experience some amount of muscular pain. The most common of which is pelvic girdle pain.     So many mamas can go to their providers and be told that there is nothing that they can do and that theyjust need to "wait until the baby comes out"     That is simply not true!    In this episode, Christina breaks down the myths then talks...

Christina Prevett shares powerful insights about pelvic floor issues in the military and advocates for better awareness and support for female service members. She connects her personal experience using exercise as a coping mechanism during difficult times to the importance of movement for pregnant and postpartum women's mental health. • One in three female service members experience pelvic f...

Revolutionary new research is transforming how we approach postpartum exercise, and it's about time we talk about it. The 2025 Canadian guidelines for physical activity throughout the first year postpartum have finally been published, and they're challenging outdated restrictions that have limited new mothers for generations. As a pelvic floor physical therapist and researcher witnessing...

Cesarean birth requires thoughtful rehabilitation, but the old advice of extended bed rest is outdated. As a pelvic floor physical therapist who's competed in CrossFit and weightlifting through pregnancy and postpartum, I'm sharing evidence-based guidance for early C-section recovery and return to movement. Surprisingly, research shows that appropriate movement soon after surgery actuall...

Traditional postpartum exercise guidelines are being dramatically rewritten thanks to groundbreaking new research. As someone who contributed to this international Delphi study, I'm buzzing with excitement about what these findings mean for new mothers everywhere. The study's most revolutionary conclusion? For typical postpartum recovery, there are no absolute contraindications to return...

The shame and fear surrounding postpartum symptoms have gone unchecked for far too long. As a pelvic floor physical therapist and athletic mom, I'm here to dismantle the myth that leaking, coning, or feeling heaviness means you've done something wrong or caused permanent damage. When we rehabilitate any other body part, we deliberately provoke symptoms within reasonable limits to build s...

Get ready to dive into a rich conversation on the Barbell Mamas podcast where we explore the intersection of pregnancy and fitness! Christina Prevett, a dedicated pelvic floor physical therapist and mother, unpacks her own experiences, shedding light on how motherhood impacts our relationship with exercise. This episode touches on crucial themes such as the influence of social media on pregnant wo...

Step into a heartfelt conversation about the challenges and victories faced by mothers who strive to maintain their physical health amidst the overwhelming journey of pregnancy and postpartum experiences. In this episode, Christina Prevett, a pelvic floor physical therapist and devoted mom, opens up about her personal experiences with vulnerability in healthcare. We dive deep into the emotional st...

Rediscover your gymnastics prowess postpartum with insights from Christina Prevett, a seasoned pelvic floor physical therapist and exercise researcher. Imagine confidently tackling handstands and kipping pull-ups after childbirth, without hesitation or fear. Christina combines her personal journey as a mother of two with her professional expertise to offer practical advice on maintaining and rebui...

Ever wondered how pregnancy fatigue and vomiting can challenge the pelvic floor? Tune in to the latest episode of the Barbell Mamas podcast, where we unravel the physical complexities of pregnancy. Christina Prevett, a pelvic floor physical therapist, joins co-host Sheena Berman to explore how the tiredness of pregnancy and frequent vomiting can strain the pelvic floor, leading to symptoms like in...

Discover the transformative journey of cesarean delivery and postpartum recovery with Christina Prevett, a seasoned pelvic floor physical therapist. This episode promises insights into the complexities of C-sections, a topic affecting nearly one-third of births in the U.S. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the reasons behind planned and emergency C-sections, the physiological and emotiona...

Ever wondered how weightlifting and motherhood intersect with evolving pregnancy care guidelines? Christina Previtt takes us on a journey through her own experiences as a national-level weightlifter and a mom, shedding light on the future of pregnancy and postpartum exercise research. Against the backdrop of a turbulent political landscape, Christina shares her optimism for 2025, where evidence-ba...

It is hopefully coming from a good place but no one gives more advice about your body and your cgoices than when you are pregnant.     Don't do this. Watch out for that. You're going to ruin this.   Ick     It's also really harmful and potentially hurtful    We put it out to all of you on "what is the worst advice you got when you were pregnant" and we got SO MANY RESPONSE...