The Postpartum Years

In part two, Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp and Pilates educator Vanessa Pinkham shift the focus from diagnosis to rebuilding. They discuss why many postpartum women struggle with exercise, how progressive strength training supports connective tissue health, and why fear-based messaging around core work often does more harm than good. Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong so...

In part one of this three-part series, Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp is joined by Pilates educator Vanessa Pinkham to break down what diastasis recti actually is — and what it isn’t. They discuss how abdominal separation is measured, why it’s so common postpartum, and how ultrasound imaging helps assess muscle function beyond what can be seen or felt externally. This episode lays the foundation for underst...

In this episode of The Postpartum Years, Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp and Cat Halek unpack one of the most misidentified causes of severe nipple pain during breastfeeding: Raynaud’s. They discuss the hallmark color changes — white, purple, then red — that differentiate vascular spasms from nipple trauma or yeast, and why the return of blood flow can cause sharp, searing pain that many mothers describe as...

In this episode of The Postpartum Years, Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp sits down with Leah to share an honest, deeply personal look at postpartum recovery across three very different births. From diastasis recti and chronic back pain to mastitis, oversupply, tongue ties, and abrupt weaning, Leah reflects on how each postpartum chapter brought new challenges, and new lessons. Together, they explore the phys...

In the final part of the series, the focus shifts to what happens after a tongue tie diagnosis — whether or not a release is performed. Mary Ellen and Cat explore bodywork, positioning, and alternative feeding strategies that can improve function and reduce stress for both baby and parent. Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to those saying them. This podc...

In part two, the conversation goes deeper into diagnosis and treatment. Mary Ellen and Cat discuss how tongue ties are assessed, why opinions vary so widely across providers, and what families should know before pursuing a release. They unpack common misconceptions, talk through real clinical outcomes, and explain how timing, provider skill, and follow-up care can dramatically affect results. Disc...

In part one of this three-part series, Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp is joined by lactation expert Cat Halek to lay the foundation for understanding tongue ties. They explain what tongue ties are (and aren’t), how they affect an infant’s ability to feed, and why symptoms often show up in both baby and the postpartum parent. Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to th...

In this episode of The Postpartum Years, Dr. Mary Ellen Kramp is joined by internationally board-certified lactation consultant Catherine Halek for a deep dive into one of the most frustrating causes of breastfeeding pain: Yeast. They break down what yeast actually is, how it differs from bacterial infection, and why symptoms like burning, itching, stabbing nipple pain, or pain that worsens after...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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 , 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...