Mary Ellen Kramp DPT, CLT

The Postpartum Years

Health EN ↓ 32 episodes

Hosted by Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp, The Postpartum Years is a podcast exploring the physical and emotional realities that come after birth—those days, weeks, months and years when women’s bodies, hormones, and identities are transforming. As a doctor of physical therapy and pelvic health specialist, Mary Ellen sits down with fellow clinicians, physicians, lactation consultants, and other women’s health experts to have candid, evidence-based conversations about the challenges nobody talks about enough—from breastfeeding and pelvic recovery to hormones, pain, and postpartum mental health.

Author

Mary Ellen Kramp DPT, CLT

Episodes

Antibiotics: The Good and The Bad 17.12.2025 35:32

In this episode of The Postpartum Years , Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp and her guest, Dr. Matthew Kramp, explore the nuanced role antibiotics play in treating mastitis and other postpartum breast conditions. While antibiotics can be lifesaving in certain situations, they are often prescribed too quickly. This episode helps listeners understand the risks of overuse, what questions to ask their provider, an...

Mastitis, Part 2 10.12.2025 45:56

Continuing the conversation, Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp and Cat Halek dig deeper into the science and care of mastitis. They discuss how over-pumping, over-sterilizing, and “stash culture” can actually contribute to mastitis — and what a truly supportive recovery approach looks like. From practical strategies to heartfelt advocacy, this episode connects clinical insight with real-world compassion for th...

Mastitis, Part 1 03.12.2025 50:58

In this episode of The Postpartum Years, Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp welcomes back lactation consultant Cat Halek for an in-depth look at one of the most misunderstood conditions in postpartum care — mastitis. They explore what truly causes breast inflammation, the difference between plugged ducts, engorgement, and infection, and how modern research is shifting the way clinicians approach treatment. This...

Trauma, Pregnancy, & Postpartum with Lauren Mansell 26.11.2025 41:10

In this powerful episode of The Postpartum Years , Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp sits down with Dr. Lauren Mansell — physical therapist, educator, and trauma specialist — to explore how birth experiences can leave lasting physical and emotional imprints on the body. A must-listen for anyone working with or supporting postpartum women — and for mothers themselves seeking understanding, validation, and hope....

Oversupply 19.11.2025 21:44

In this episode of The Postpartum Years , Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp is joined again by internationally board-certified lactation consultant Catherine Halek to discuss the often-overlooked challenges of breast milk oversupply. Together, they explain what defines oversupply, how it can affect both mother and baby, and why more milk isn’t always better. From forceful letdown and reflux to pain, clogged du...

Undersupply 12.11.2025 53:24

In the debut episode of The Postpartum Years , host Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp sits down with internationally board-certified lactation consultant Catherine Halek to unpack one of the most common — and misunderstood — challenges new mothers face: low milk supply. Together, they explore what truly causes undersupply, from hormonal shifts and birth complications to insufficient glandular tissue and surgic...

Welcome to The Postpartum Years 05.11.2025 2:29

Welcome to The Postpartum Years , a podcast hosted by Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp — physical therapist, pelvic health specialist, and advocate for every woman who’s ever been told to “just live with it. In each episode, Mary Ellen talks with leading experts in women’s health about the challenges that often follow childbirth. Together, they break down what’s happening in the body, what can be done, and wh...