This week, Lauren sits down with reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Julie Brownley to talk about the mental health side of motherhood that we simply aren’t talking about enough.

They unpack the difference between the “baby blues” and postpartum depression and anxiety, why the hormonal shifts around breastfeeding and weaning can hit some women so hard, the immense pressure surrounding breastfeeding and why sleep may be one of the most important pieces of postpartum mental health.

They also get into the identity shift that comes with becoming a mom — especially when adding a second (or third) baby — body image, mom guilt and why wanting to feel strong, capable and at home in your body again isn’t something you should have to apologize for.

And ultimately, they land on a message every mom needs to hear: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. Your kids are watching what it looks like to live a full, healthy life — and when you take care of yourself, you’re building a stronger foundation for your entire family.

An honest, validating conversation about hormones, mental health and finding your way back to yourself in motherhood. 🤍

After years of helping women through pregnancy and postpartum as a pelvic floor physical therapist, she's finally experiencing it herself—and let's just say...it's been humbling.

In this episode, Danielle shares what surprised her most about pregnancy, from debilitating first trimester nausea and scaling workouts to body image, identity shifts and the symptoms nobody warned her about. Lauren and Danielle also dive into how pregnancy changed the way Danielle coaches her own clients, why preparing your body before pregnancy matters and the mindset shifts that every mom experiences long before baby arrives.

Whether you're pregnant, trying to conceive or simply curious about what pregnancy is really like, this conversation is equal parts educational, validating and refreshingly honest.

In this episode:

• Danielle's pregnancy announcement
• What pregnancy has been like as a pelvic floor PT
• Why even fitness professionals struggle during pregnancy
• The biggest physical and mental surprises
• Symptoms nobody talks about
• How pregnancy changed the way Danielle treats patients
• Why preparation starts before pregnancy ever begins

Stay tuned for future episodes where we'll cover labor prep, registry must-haves, postpartum recovery and, of course, Danielle's birth story.

In this episode of The Bump + Thrive Podcast, Lauren Seib, pre/postnatal exercise specialist, and Dr. Danielle Schepisi, pelvic floor physical therapist, break down one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding pelvic health: why "just do more Kegels" isn't always the answer.

Whether you're pregnant, postpartum or years beyond having babies, this conversation will help you better understand how your pelvic floor actually works, why symptoms like leaking, pressure, painful sex and low back pain aren't simply "normal," and how breathing, movement and pressure management all play a role in healing and performance.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What the pelvic floor actually is and why it matters
• The biggest myths about pelvic floor dysfunction
• Why more Kegels aren't always the answer
• Tight vs. weak pelvic floors
• Pregnancy and postpartum changes you should know about
• Why leaking during exercise isn't something you just have to accept
• How breathing impacts your core and pelvic floor
• Simple strategies to start reconnecting with your body

Ready for more support?

⁠🤍 The Comeback Code⁠ An 8-week self-paced strength program designed to help postpartum moms safely rebuild strength, reconnect with their core and pelvic floor, and confidently return to lifting, running and the activities they love.

💻 Learn more about Bump + Thrive

📲 Follow along on Instagram:

Lauren: @lauren_seib

Danielle: @drdanielle.dpt

Bump + Thrive: @bumpandthrive

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with another mom. It helps us reach more women with evidence-based education and support.

Before we dive into pregnancy, postpartum recovery, pelvic floor health and strength training, we wanted to introduce ourselves and share the story behind why this podcast exists.

Lauren Seib, founder of Bump + Thrive and a pre/postnatal exercise specialist, and Dr. Danielle Pasquale, pelvic floor physical therapist, discuss:

• How they met through CrossFit
• Why traditional advice for moms often misses the mark
• Danielle's journey into pelvic floor physical therapy
• Lauren's experience navigating pregnancy during COVID
• How motherhood completely changed their perspective on fitness
• Why women deserve evidence-based support through every stage of motherhood

Whether you're trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum or simply want to feel stronger in your body, this podcast is for you.

New episodes every other week.