<![CDATA[Functional Fourth Trimester]]>Functional Fourth Trimester is a postpartum podcast for new and expecting parents, hosted by Melissa O'Neal, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist. Each episode offers practical strategies for the fourth trimester and the realities of daily life after birth.

Topics include postpartum recovery, pelvic floor healing, C-section recovery, breastfeeding challenges, exclusive pumping, infant sleep, tummy time and baby milestones, infant massage and bonding, postpartum depression and anxiety, birth trauma, the NICU, and parenting multiples.

You'll hear conversations with parents and healthcare professionals, plus simple, realistic tools for your body, your baby, and your mental health. Whether you're preparing for birth, newly home with a newborn, or months into parenthood, this show helps you feel supported and less alone.

Learn more at functionalfourthtrimester.com

]]>https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 03 Nov 2026 03:56:01 GMTMon, 19 Oct 2026 23:26:05 GMT60Melissa O'Neal OTR/L<p>Functional Fourth Trimester is a postpartum podcast for new and expecting parents, hosted by Melissa O'Neal, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist. Each episode offers practical strategies for the fourth trimester and the realities of daily life after birth.</p><p>Topics include postpartum recovery, pelvic floor healing, C-section recovery, breastfeeding challenges, exclusive pumping, infant sleep, tummy time and baby milestones, infant massage and bonding, postpartum depression and anxiety, birth trauma, the NICU, and parenting multiples.</p><p>You'll hear conversations with parents and healthcare professionals, plus simple, realistic tools for your body, your baby, and your mental health. Whether you're preparing for birth, newly home with a newborn, or months into parenthood, this show helps you feel supported and less alone.</p><p>Learn more at functionalfourthtrimester.com</p>episodicMelissa O'Neal OTR/Loneal.family09@outlook.comno<![CDATA[You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup: The Power of Postpartum Self-Care]]>Postpartum self-care is more than bubble baths and rest. It is learning to notice and calm your own nervous system. In this episode, we talk with guest speaker Melissa, an occupational therapist with more than 20 years in pediatrics and a mom of four, about self-regulation for new parents. She shares her own isolated first postpartum season and practical strategies: noticing your body's early warning signs, building rhythms of rest and routines of connection, taking small "sensory snacks" through the day, putting the phone down, and asking for and accepting help. Caring for yourself helps your baby too.

Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

]]>71df6c1e-53c2-43a6-867a-a4c0d40dd160Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT<p>Postpartum self-care is more than bubble baths and rest. It is learning to notice and calm your own nervous system. In this episode, we talk with guest speaker Melissa, an occupational therapist with more than 20 years in pediatrics and a mom of four, about self-regulation for new parents. She shares her own isolated first postpartum season and practical strategies: noticing your body's early warning signs, building rhythms of rest and routines of connection, taking small "sensory snacks" through the day, putting the phone down, and asking for and accepting help. Caring for yourself helps your baby too.</p><p>Blog post: <a href="https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog</a></p>no00:26:51121You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup: The Power of Postpartum Self-Carefull<![CDATA[The Return to Work Transition: Creating a Sustainable Pumping Plan]]>Going back to work while you are still pumping can feel overwhelming, especially when your workplace has no plan for where you will pump. In this episode, we talk with guest speaker Tiffany, a pediatric occupational therapist with a business background, about returning to work and pumping after her son was born. She shares what happened when she had no private place to pump, why her car became her best option, and the strategies that helped: learning your state's pumping laws, talking with your supervisor early, freezing milk well before your return, planning your workday around pumping, and taking care of yourself so you can keep feeding your baby.

Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

]]>552d07de-6087-4bbe-84d2-551fc8f5a23aThu, 22 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT<p>Going back to work while you are still pumping can feel overwhelming, especially when your workplace has no plan for where you will pump. In this episode, we talk with guest speaker Tiffany, a pediatric occupational therapist with a business background, about returning to work and pumping after her son was born. She shares what happened when she had no private place to pump, why her car became her best option, and the strategies that helped: learning your state's pumping laws, talking with your supervisor early, freezing milk well before your return, planning your workday around pumping, and taking care of yourself so you can keep feeding your baby.</p><p>Blog post: <a href="https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog</a></p>no00:27:02120The Return to Work Transition: Creating a Sustainable Pumping Planfull<![CDATA[Wired and Tired: How the Nervous System Shapes Infant Sleep]]>In this first episode of our two-part sleep series, we explore the powerful connection between an infant’s nervous system and sleep. We’re joined by occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets, creator of the Rooted in Regulation Map, a framework that helps parents understand how regulation impacts sleep challenges. Together, we discuss why sleep struggles aren’t just behavioral and how an overwhelmed nervous system can play a key role. This episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective to help parents better understand and support their baby’s sleep from the inside out.


Link to blog post about this episode and more resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/ 

]]>Buzzsprout-18762518Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT<p>In this first episode of our two-part sleep series, we explore the powerful connection between an infant’s nervous system and sleep. We’re joined by occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets, creator of the Rooted in Regulation Map, a framework that helps parents understand how regulation impacts sleep challenges. Together, we discuss why sleep struggles aren’t just behavioral and how an overwhelmed nervous system can play a key role. This episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective to help parents better understand and support their baby’s sleep from the inside out.</p><p><br /></p><p>Link to blog post about this episode and more resources: <a href="https://thepostpartumot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://thepostpartumot.com/</a> </p>no00:18:0913Wired and Tired: How the Nervous System Shapes Infant Sleepfull<![CDATA[Breastfeeding & Food Intolerances: How Mom’s Diet Affects Baby]]>On this episode we talk with guest speaker Maya about her experience with infant food intolerances and breastfeeding. We discuss how a mom's diet may affect her baby through breastmilk, and what you can do about it. We also introduce an app Maya created to assist mom's in tracking symptoms, called Map My Milk. See our blog post for more information and to access resources. 


Blog Post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]>Buzzsprout-18958913Sun, 05 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>On this episode we talk with guest speaker Maya about her experience with infant food intolerances and breastfeeding. We discuss how a mom's diet may affect her baby through breastmilk, and what you can do about it. We also introduce an app Maya created to assist mom's in tracking symptoms, called Map My Milk. See our blog post for more information and to access resources. </p><p><br /></p><p>Blog Post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog </p>no00:28:1519Breastfeeding & Food Intolerances: How Mom’s Diet Affects Babyfull<![CDATA[Welcome to Functional Fourth Trimester: Rethinking Daily Life After Birth]]>The fourth trimester is real and many new parents are left to navigate it alone. In this first episode, we introduce ourselves, share the heart behind Functional Fourth Trimester, and explain why we’re passionate about changing the postpartum experience. We’ll walk through the topics we’ll be covering and why the weeks after birth deserve far more support than they currently receive. If you’ve ever felt like postpartum care stops too soon, this podcast is for you.

Visit https://thepostpartumot.com/  for more information and blog posts accompanying each episode. 

]]>Buzzsprout-18741604Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT<p>The fourth trimester is real and many new parents are left to navigate it alone. In this first episode, we introduce ourselves, share the heart behind <em>Functional Fourth Trimester</em>, and explain why we’re passionate about changing the postpartum experience. We’ll walk through the topics we’ll be covering and why the weeks after birth deserve far more support than they currently receive. If you’ve ever felt like postpartum care stops too soon, this podcast is for you.</p><p>Visit <a href="https://thepostpartumot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://thepostpartumot.com/ </a> for more information and blog posts accompanying each episode. </p>no00:06:0311Welcome to Functional Fourth Trimester: Rethinking Daily Life After Birthfull<![CDATA[The Power of Touch: How Infant Massage Supports Regulation and Bonding]]>In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kimberly Day about infant massage. We discuss what it is, why it matters, and how it can support your baby’s development. We explore the benefits for babies, from improved digestion to bonding with caregivers. Dr. Day also shares how parents can learn simple techniques to safely practice infant massage at home. 

Check out the blog post about this episode to learn more, access resources, and get more information about Dr. Day: https://thepostpartumot.com/the-power-of-touch-how-infant-massage-supports-regulation-and-bonding/ 

]]>Buzzsprout-18802500Sun, 08 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kimberly Day about infant massage. We discuss what it is, why it matters, and how it can support your baby’s development. We explore the benefits for babies, from improved digestion to bonding with caregivers. Dr. Day also shares how parents can learn simple techniques to safely practice infant massage at home. </p><p>Check out the blog post about this episode to learn more, access resources, and get more information about Dr. Day: <a href="https://thepostpartumot.com/the-power-of-touch-how-infant-massage-supports-regulation-and-bonding/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://thepostpartumot.com/the-power-of-touch-how-infant-massage-supports-regulation-and-bonding/ </a></p>no00:23:5315The Power of Touch: How Infant Massage Supports Regulation and Bondingfull<![CDATA[Movement Over Exercise: Small, Daily Shifts for Postpartum Mental Wellness]]>On this episode, we talk with guest speaker Abigail about the video resource she created for her capstone project. We discuss the benefits of movement postpartum on your mental health, how the term "movement" is different from "exercise", and ways you can start getting back to movement safely after birth to promote your mental wellbeing. 


Blog post with more information and resources: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]>Buzzsprout-19066455Sun, 26 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>On this episode, we talk with guest speaker Abigail about the video resource she created for her capstone project. We discuss the benefits of movement postpartum on your mental health, how the term "movement" is different from "exercise", and ways you can start getting back to movement safely after birth to promote your mental wellbeing. </p><p><br /></p><p>Blog post with more information and resources: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog </p>no00:22:36112Movement Over Exercise: Small, Daily Shifts for Postpartum Mental Wellnessfull<![CDATA[From Chaos to Calm: Simple Sleep Strategies for New Parents]]>In part two of our sleep series, we continue the conversation with occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets to provide practical tools and strategies for better sleep. Building on our discussion about the nervous system’s role in sleep, this episode dives into ways to support regulation for both babies and parents. Kaili shares simple, realistic approaches you can begin using right away to create a more connected and restful sleep experience. If you’re looking for supportive, nervous-system-informed strategies, this episode is full of practical takeaways.


Link to blog post about this episode and more resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/

]]>Buzzsprout-18762566Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT<p>In part two of our sleep series, we continue the conversation with occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets to provide practical tools and strategies for better sleep. Building on our discussion about the nervous system’s role in sleep, this episode dives into ways to support regulation for both babies and parents. Kaili shares simple, realistic approaches you can begin using right away to create a more connected and restful sleep experience. If you’re looking for supportive, nervous-system-informed strategies, this episode is full of practical takeaways.</p><p><br /></p><p>Link to blog post about this episode and more resources: <a href="https://thepostpartumot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://thepostpartumot.com/</a></p>no00:18:5014From Chaos to Calm: Simple Sleep Strategies for New Parentsfull<![CDATA[Pelvic Floor Recovery: Why "Just Rest" Isn't Enough]]>Have you ever been told to "just rest" after having a baby? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Lacy Woods all about pelvic floor recovery. We discuss what the pelvic floor is, how it is impacted by pregnancy and birth, and what you can be doing to help promote recovery. Link to our blog post with more resources and Dr. Wood's contact information below. 

https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]>Buzzsprout-18983032Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Have you ever been told to "just rest" after having a baby? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Lacy Woods all about pelvic floor recovery. We discuss what the pelvic floor is, how it is impacted by pregnancy and birth, and what you can be doing to help promote recovery. Link to our blog post with more resources and Dr. Wood's contact information below. </p><p>https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog </p>no00:29:27110Pelvic Floor Recovery: Why "Just Rest" Isn't Enoughfull<![CDATA[Breastfeeding Challenges: Normalizing the Struggle]]>On this episode, we talk with guest speaker Amy Wise all about her breastfeeding experience. We discuss triple feeding, oral ties, and common breastfeeding challenges. We also provide ways to help support new mom's as they learn the challenging task of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not always an easy and innate experience, and that's ok. 


Blog post: https://thepostpartumot.com/blog/ 

]]>Buzzsprout-18922813Sun, 29 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>On this episode, we talk with guest speaker Amy Wise all about her breastfeeding experience. We discuss triple feeding, oral ties, and common breastfeeding challenges. We also provide ways to help support new mom's as they learn the challenging task of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not always an easy and innate experience, and that's ok. </p><p><br /></p><p>Blog post: https://thepostpartumot.com/blog/ </p>no00:25:1118Breastfeeding Challenges: Normalizing the Strugglefull<![CDATA[The Postpartum Gap: Building Support and Connection for New Parents]]>In this episode, we talk with guest speaker Maria about the challenges new parents face postpartum, including isolation, lack of support, and the need for community during the transition into parenthood. We also explore how her business, In Kind Boxes, is helping families feel seen and supported through thoughtfully curated postpartum care boxes designed to nurture parents after birth.

Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

]]>Buzzsprout-19256039Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, we talk with guest speaker Maria about the challenges new parents face postpartum, including isolation, lack of support, and the need for community during the transition into parenthood. We also explore how her business, In Kind Boxes, is helping families feel seen and supported through thoughtfully curated postpartum care boxes designed to nurture parents after birth.</p><p>Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog</p>no00:25:40117The Postpartum Gap: Building Support and Connection for New Parentsfull<![CDATA[When Birth Doesn't Go As Planned: Grieving the Vision and Trusting Your Body]]>In this episode, we talk with guest speaker, Sarah, to hear the story of her two very different birth experiences. She shares the grief of an unexpected hospital transfer during her first planned home birth, the healing that followed, and the joy of welcoming her second baby through the peaceful home birth she had long hoped for. 

Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

]]>Buzzsprout-19411798Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, we talk with guest speaker, Sarah, to hear the story of her two very different birth experiences. She shares the grief of an unexpected hospital transfer during her first planned home birth, the healing that followed, and the joy of welcoming her second baby through the peaceful home birth she had long hoped for. </p><p>Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog</p>no00:21:40119When Birth Doesn't Go As Planned: Grieving the Vision and Trusting Your Bodyfull<![CDATA[C-Section Recovery: What to Expect Beyond the Hospital]]>Have you been discharged from the hospital after a c-section with no idea what to do or expect? On this episode, we talk with mom and occupational therapist Kristy all about her experience having 3 c-sections. We discuss the biggest challenges, the emotional impact, and what you can do to help your body heal. 

Link to blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]>Buzzsprout-19021619Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Have you been discharged from the hospital after a c-section with no idea what to do or expect? On this episode, we talk with mom and occupational therapist Kristy all about her experience having 3 c-sections. We discuss the biggest challenges, the emotional impact, and what you can do to help your body heal. </p><p>Link to blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog </p>no00:25:19111C-Section Recovery: What to Expect Beyond the Hospitalfull<![CDATA[Tummy Time and Milestones: What to Expect in the Early Months]]>On today's episode, we talk with guest speakers Christine Hernandez and Haydee Medrano all about infant development. We discuss what developmental milestones are, some key ones to be on the lookout for, red flags of development, and what you can do to help support your baby's development. The link below will take you to our blog post for this episode which has more information, resources, tools, and how to get in touch with our guest speakers. We will also be posting a handout on our social media platforms with more information about developmental milestones.


Blog: https://thepostpartumot.com/tummy-time-and-milestones-what-to-expect-in-the-early-months/ 


]]>Buzzsprout-18874912Sun, 22 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>On today's episode, we talk with guest speakers Christine Hernandez and Haydee Medrano all about infant development. We discuss what developmental milestones are, some key ones to be on the lookout for, red flags of development, and what you can do to help support your baby's development. The link below will take you to our blog post for this episode which has more information, resources, tools, and how to get in touch with our guest speakers. We will also be posting a handout on our social media platforms with more information about developmental milestones.</p><p><br /></p><p>Blog: <a href="https://thepostpartumot.com/tummy-time-and-milestones-what-to-expect-in-the-early-months/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://thepostpartumot.com/tummy-time-and-milestones-what-to-expect-in-the-early-months/ </a></p><p><br /></p>no00:26:4117Tummy Time and Milestones: What to Expect in the Early Monthsfull<![CDATA[Postpartum & Beyond: The Hormonal Link to Longevity and Future Wellness]]>In this episode we talk with guest speaker Laura about how hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum are closely connected to perimenopause, highlighting that these phases are part of a continuous hormonal journey rather than isolated events. We discuss how hormone drops after birth can mirror perimenopause symptoms, and early experiences—such as high blood pressure—may predict future health patterns. By understanding these connections, individuals can take a proactive approach through lifestyle choices, body awareness, and early care to support long-term wellness.

Link to blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]>Buzzsprout-19114078Sun, 03 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode we talk with guest speaker Laura about how hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum are closely connected to perimenopause, highlighting that these phases are part of a continuous hormonal journey rather than isolated events. We discuss how hormone drops after birth can mirror perimenopause symptoms, and early experiences—such as high blood pressure—may predict future health patterns. By understanding these connections, individuals can take a proactive approach through lifestyle choices, body awareness, and early care to support long-term wellness.</p><p>Link to blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog </p>no00:27:07113Postpartum & Beyond: The Hormonal Link to Longevity and Future Wellnessfull<![CDATA[Navigating the NICU: A Nurse's Guide for Parents]]>What is the NICU, and what can parents expect when their baby needs specialized care? In this episode, we sit down with a NICU nurse to discuss the NICU environment, common challenges families may face, and the medical equipment and care teams parents are likely to encounter. We also share practical ways parents can support their baby, participate in care, and navigate the NICU journey with greater confidence.


Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]>Buzzsprout-19350048Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>What is the NICU, and what can parents expect when their baby needs specialized care? In this episode, we sit down with a NICU nurse to discuss the NICU environment, common challenges families may face, and the medical equipment and care teams parents are likely to encounter. We also share practical ways parents can support their baby, participate in care, and navigate the NICU journey with greater confidence.</p><p><br /></p><p>Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog </p>no00:23:40118Navigating the NICU: A Nurse's Guide for Parentsfull<![CDATA[When Birth Doesn’t Go as Planned: Navigating Trauma and Healing After the Unexpected]]>In this episode we talked with guest speaker Rachel about her traumatic birth experience due to preeclampsia. We talk about what it is like to navigate a traumatic birth and provide recommendations on how to cope and heal afterwards. If you are struggling to process an unexpected or traumatic birth, this episode is for you.

Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

]]>Buzzsprout-19165579Sun, 17 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode we talked with guest speaker Rachel about her traumatic birth experience due to preeclampsia. We talk about what it is like to navigate a traumatic birth and provide recommendations on how to cope and heal afterwards. If you are struggling to process an unexpected or traumatic birth, this episode is for you.</p><p>Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog</p>no00:23:16115When Birth Doesn’t Go as Planned: Navigating Trauma and Healing After the Unexpectedfull<![CDATA[More Than Baby Blues: Understanding Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders]]>Postpartum mental health deserves more open and honest conversation. In this episode, we’re joined by occupational therapist and mom Caitlin Sparks to talk about postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Caitlin shares both professional insights and personal experience as we unpack the realities of navigating stress and anxiety in the postpartum season. We also discuss practical strategies and tools that can help when feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a new mom or supporting one, this episode offers validation, education, and hope. You are not alone, and support is available.


Link to the postpartum OT website with a blog post about this episode and with more resources (such as Postpartum Support International): https://thepostpartumot.com/ 

Caitlin's instagram talking about her program Functional as a mOTher: @functionalasamother  

]]>Buzzsprout-18762343Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT<p>Postpartum mental health deserves more open and honest conversation. In this episode, we’re joined by occupational therapist and mom Caitlin Sparks to talk about postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Caitlin shares both professional insights and personal experience as we unpack the realities of navigating stress and anxiety in the postpartum season. We also discuss practical strategies and tools that can help when feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a new mom or supporting one, this episode offers validation, education, and hope. You are not alone, and support is available.</p><p><br /></p><p>Link to the postpartum OT website with a blog post about this episode and with more resources (such as Postpartum Support International): <a href="https://thepostpartumot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://thepostpartumot.com/</a> </p><p>Caitlin's instagram talking about her program Functional as a mOTher: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/functionalasamother?igsh=MWgxMGZiejNvbzQyeg==" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">@functionalasamother</a>  </p>no00:27:4312More Than Baby Blues: Understanding Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disordersfull<![CDATA[Beyond Outnumbered: Practical Survival Strategies for Parents of Multiple]]>What is it really like to bring home triplets? In this episode, we sit down with occupational therapist and new mom of triplet boys, Kylie McClellan. She shares the challenges, lessons, and supports that have helped her navigate postpartum life with multiples, along with practical tips for parents of twins, triplets, or more.


Link to our blog post with more information and resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/beyond-outnumbered-practical-survival-strategies-for-parents-of-multiple/

]]>Buzzsprout-18842974Sun, 15 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>What is it really like to bring home triplets? In this episode, we sit down with occupational therapist and new mom of triplet boys, Kylie McClellan. She shares the challenges, lessons, and supports that have helped her navigate postpartum life with multiples, along with practical tips for parents of twins, triplets, or more.</p><p><br /></p><p>Link to our blog post with more information and resources: <a href="https://thepostpartumot.com/beyond-outnumbered-practical-survival-strategies-for-parents-of-multiple/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://thepostpartumot.com/beyond-outnumbered-practical-survival-strategies-for-parents-of-multiple/</a></p>no00:28:3616Beyond Outnumbered: Practical Survival Strategies for Parents of Multiplefull<![CDATA[Exclusively Pumping: The Reality, the Challenges, and the Wins]]>Exclusively pumping isn’t just a feeding method, it’s a demanding routine filled with unexpected challenges. In this episode, occupational therapist and mom Cassidy shares her personal journey, from navigating triple feeds to committing to exclusive pumping, along with the tools, logistics, and systems that helped her along the way. Whether you’re in the thick of it or simply want to understand the reality behind the schedule, this conversation offers honest insight, practical tips, and encouragement for every stage of the journey.


Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

]]>Buzzsprout-19140814Sun, 10 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Exclusively pumping isn’t just a feeding method, it’s a demanding routine filled with unexpected challenges. In this episode, occupational therapist and mom Cassidy shares her personal journey, from navigating triple feeds to committing to exclusive pumping, along with the tools, logistics, and systems that helped her along the way. Whether you’re in the thick of it or simply want to understand the reality behind the schedule, this conversation offers honest insight, practical tips, and encouragement for every stage of the journey.</p><p><br /></p><p>Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog</p>no00:29:35114Exclusively Pumping: The Reality, the Challenges, and the Winsfull<![CDATA[The Best Toy Is You: Simple Ways to Support Infant Development]]>On today's episode we talked with guest speaker Sarah all about how to actually play with your infant in a way that supports their overall development. We talk about tummy time, toy recommendations, and specific ways you can interact with your infant at different months. 


Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]>Buzzsprout-19218693Sun, 24 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>On today's episode we talked with guest speaker Sarah all about how to actually play with your infant in a way that supports their overall development. We talk about tummy time, toy recommendations, and specific ways you can interact with your infant at different months. </p><p><br /></p><p>Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog </p>no00:22:42116The Best Toy Is You: Simple Ways to Support Infant Developmentfull