Advertise on podcast: She Found Motherhood Podcast

Let’s Get Pregnant! Many of us spend years focusing on how not to get pregnant, so shifting into trying to conceive can feel surprisingly disorienting. Today, Dr. Sarah chats with Dr. Beth Taylor, infertility specialist and co-founder of Olive Fertility Centre in Vancouver, to walk us through the true basics of getting pregnant. This episode focuses on the heteronormative paradigm of a cis woman and cis man trying to conceive through intercourse - and we’ll explore many other paths to conception in future episodes. You’ll learn: How to time intercourse for the best chance of pregnancy Simple lifestyle choices that boost fertility (including the truth about cannabis + hot tubs) Why sperm health matters just as much as egg health When it’s time to seek help and what tests/treatments are available Dr. Taylor breaks down what really matters, what doesn’t, and how small changes can make a meaningful difference on your conception journey. Find Dr. Taylor: @bethtaylormd | @olivefertility | And check our our FREE Preparing for Pregnancy Guide. Pregnancy to Parenthood Masterclass: www.shefoundhealth.ca/masterclass *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: July 28, 2021.

In this episode of the She Found Motherhood podcast, Dr. Alicia sits down with registered midwife Heidi Machnee for a deep, evidence-based conversation about water birth and water immersion during labour. Whether you’re planning a home birth, curious about using a tub for labour comfort, or simply want to understand your options, this episode is packed with practical, research-backed insights. Heidi brings both her experience as a midwife and her background as a pediatric RN to break down what the evidence actually says - the benefits, the risks, and who is (and isn’t) an ideal candidate for labour or birth in water. Sign up for our Free Birth Preferences Course to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your big day! *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: July 28, 2021.

Babywearing is the timeless practice of holding your baby close using a sling, wrap, or structured carrier - and it offers far more than convenience. In this episode, Dr. Alicia breaks down the science behind babywearing, the physical and emotional benefits for both parent and baby, and how to position your newborn safely and comfortably. We’re joined by Megan Tennant and Sam Bright, Physiotherapists at Island Kids Physio, who share expert insights into optimal alignment, developmental considerations, and how to choose the right carrier for your family. Together, they explore the pros, cons, and key features of ring slings, wraps, soft-structured carriers, and more. You’ll also hear practical tips for getting started, red flags to watch for, and trusted resources for selecting a professionally recommended baby carrier that supports healthy development - and keeps your baby snug, secure, and close to your heart. For further reading, tips & tricks, check out: T.I.C.K.S. Rules for Safe Babywearing Hip Healthy Carriers from The International Hip Dysplasia Institute  www.kidsphysio.ca  IG: @islandkidsphysio  With the holidays coming up, check out our She Found Motherhood Amazon Page, and Our Favourite Gifts, for the perfect gift for those expecting parents in your life - including this amazing Boba Wrap! *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: August 25, 2021.

The transition into new parenthood can feel… a lot. We spend months prepping for labour and delivery, only to be completely blindsided by the postpartum roller coaster 0 the hormones, the relationship shifts, the sleep (or lack thereof), the identity shake-ups - all of it. In this episode, Dr. Alicia sits down with Dr. Pip Houghton to unpack the realities of perinatal mental health and why a little anticipatory guidance goes a long way. They dive into the most common challenges new parents face, why sleep is non-negotiable, how expectations (societal and self-imposed) shape our experience, and what a truly supportive postpartum setup can look like. They also get real about maternal guilt - why it shows up, how to recognize it, and what you can actually do about it. If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode is equal parts grounding, practical, and “oh thank goodness, it’s not just me." Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood! *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: June 9, 2021.

Pregnancy is undeniably a time of rapid physical change, and for women with a history of avoiding their bodies or engaging in behaviours that reinforce negative body image, that avoidance suddenly becomes impossible. While this can feel incredibly challenging, it can also open the door to meaningful healing around your relationship with food and your body. Join Dr. Sarah and Shannon Smith, a Registered Nurse with over 14 years of experience in mental health and a specialty in eating disorders, as they explore the foundations of negative body image, practical steps toward cultivating a healthier one, the impact of diet culture, and the principles of intuitive eating. This episode is grounded, compassionate, and deeply needed - especially if you’ve ever struggled with how you see or care for your body. It’s one you won’t want to miss! For more great resources on Body Image, Diet Culture and Intuitive Eating, check out: Evelyn Tribole, author of Intuitive Eating Every Day-365 Practices & Inspirations IG: evelyntribole Kristi Harrison, author of Anti-Diet  IG: chr1styharrison Shannon Smith, today’s guest IG: shannon.the.therapist  *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: September 15, 2021.

Today’s podcast starts and ends with a BANG! We’re diving into a topic that bridges neuroscience, hormones, human connection, the physical body, and even the societal body. Yet sex and libido in pregnancy and postpartum remain topics so rarely discussed - leaving many couples to struggle in silence. Enter Dr. Kelly Casperson! Originally a urologist with advanced training in pelvic medicine and surgery, Dr. Casperson shifted her practice toward sexual health and intimacy after realizing how many women - especially postpartum - felt lost, broken, and helpless. The truth? You are not broken. In fact, data shows that 70% of people struggle with sex after having a baby. And there IS something you can do about it - starting with tuning into this candid, illuminating, and empowering conversation. Dr. Casperson's book is now out! You can find it here, along with the other resources mentioned, for a deeper dive: www.kellycaspersonmd.com You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over Your Sex Life Rekindling Desire by Barry & Emily McCarthy Magnificent Sex: Lessons from Extraordinary Lovers by Peggy Kleinplatz Better Sex through Mindfulness by Lori A. Brotto

In today's episode, Drs. Sarah and Alicia dive into what low iron and anemia in pregnancy really mean, and how they can affect both childbirth and your newborn. They break down how to test your iron levels and share practical recommendations for treating low iron or anemia during pregnancy. We’re also highlighting a trusted resource we love: Kidstar Nutrients, who make an great iron supplement called BioFe. Use promo code SFH15 for 15% off at kidstarnutrients.com! Sign up for our FREE Birth Preferences Mini-Course to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your big day! *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: March 3, 2021.

The experience of pain in labour is shaped by many factors - previous experiences, as well as emotional, physical, motivational, cognitive, social, and cultural circumstances. In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Sarah explore both medicinal and non-medicinal strategies for managing pain, with a special focus on epidurals (a topic we’re often asked about!). Understanding your options is key to making decisions that feel right for you, even when labour doesn’t go entirely according to plan. To support you, we’ve put together a free handout on the Risks and Benefits of Epidurals and How to Support Your Partner in Labour, along with related episodes on Hypnobirthing and Waterbirths. Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood! *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: April 19, 2023.

Have you ever scrolled past those dreamy photos of a glowing mama-to-be strolling through a field, toddlers trailing happily behind, or a newborn swaddled and sleeping like an angel - and thought, there’s no way my kids would sit still for that? Or maybe, “I’d love newborn photos, but right now just making it to the doctor feels like a win.” In this episode, Amanda from Island Roots Photography - who specializes in motherhood and family photography - pulls back the curtain and shares her perspective from behind the lens. She offers practical tips to take the stress out of maternity and family shoots, plus her best advice for capturing the kinds of images you and your children will treasure for a lifetime. Head over to Amanda's Island Roots Photography Instagram or website to book a session! Taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience: Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass. *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: March 22, 2023.

You’ve probably had plenty of people give you advice on what to pack in your hospital bag - or maybe you haven’t even started thinking about it yet. Either way, this episode is for you! Drs. Sarah and Alicia have supported thousands of pregnant people through labour and delivery, and with five hospital births of their own, they’re sharing their Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed in Your Hospital Bag, all based on real, first-hand experience both as doctors and labouring mothers! Tune in to today’s episode and grab our FREE Essential Packing List! For any other must-have items mentioned - like an extra-long charging cable for Apple or Android - head over to our She Found Motherhood Amazon Store. Newborn Sleep 101 Online Course: Newborns are sweet little packages who tend to not like their parents to sleep! But we can help them sleep better and as a result parents can sleep better as well! *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: March 8, 2023.

You asked, and we answered all of your burning questions about Cesarean Sections! In this episode, Dr. Sarah and Alicia cover the ideal spacing between pregnancies after a C-section, what determines the type of wound closure used, and why some people might choose an elective C-section even when it isn’t medically required. Be sure to download our Birth Preferences Guide or sign up for our Birth Preferences Mini Course! For a deeper dive into everything from pregnancy and labor to postpartum and newborn care, check out our Pregnancy to Parenthood Masterclass, which includes five modules, expert interviews, a look inside birthing spaces, and so much more. And if you’re looking for more, here are some of the helpful episodes and resources we reference throughout the conversation: To TOLAC or not to TOLAC… That is the question! Twin Pregnancies C-Section Scar Recovery with Janette Yee Top 5 Reasons for Cesarean Birth Silicone Scar Sheets Download our FREE Perineal Massage Guide *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: February 22, 2023.

If you're a regular listener and follower of our Instagram account @She.Found.Motherhood, you know that every Sunday we do a Q&A with our community where we try to answer as many of your burning questions as we can—but we often don’t have the capacity to get through all of them! So we decided to answer your most frequently asked, crucial questions here on the podcast in what is part one of many in the series over the coming months. Enjoy! Check out the following for a bit of extra knowledge: Morning Sickness: The low down on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy Constipation & hemorrhoids in pregnancy | How to Treat Naturally at Home Download our Free Guide on Perineal Massage! Sign up for our FREE Birth Preferences Mini-Course to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your big day! *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: October 5, 2022.  

Today on the She Found Motherhood podcast, we’re joined by one of our favourite returning guests - Melissa Dessaulles (BScPT, BScKin), pelvic physiotherapist, founder of The Pelvic Floor Project Space, and mom of two! Dr. Alicia and Mel dive into what pelvic physio actually is, breaking down common misconceptions and shedding light on what happens during both prenatal and postpartum care. From back pain and hemorrhoids to the role of rest and early intervention, they explore why you don’t have to wait until six weeks postpartum to start healing - and how virtual sessions can make recovery more accessible than ever. Whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode is a must-listen. It’s not as scary (or invasive!) as you might think. Listen now and explore Mel’s work: Podcast: The Pelvic Floor Project Website: pelvicfloorprojectspace.com Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood! *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: August 24, 2022.

Let’s get straight to it - Drs. Alicia and Sarah have put together a list of 6 things nobody tells you about postpartum! Tune in to discover what to expect from the unexpected (yet completely normal). Be sure to check out the links they mention below for more helpful resources, guides, and tips. For more on some of the topics discussed, listen to our podcast episodes on Diastasis Recti in Pregnancy with Kim Vopni (The Vagina Coach) and Postpartum Pelvic Floor Recovery with Mel Desaulles from MommyBerries. And don’t miss our FREE Postpartum Checklist - packed with must-have products and practical essentials for the postpartum period. Plus, visit our She Found Motherhood Amazon Store for links to many of these great items! Ready to go from feeling anxious and overwhelmed to confident and prepared for your childbirth experience? Join our Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass. *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: June 15, 2022.

Pregnancy can sometimes feel like a long nine months - but the arrival of baby (and all the planning that comes with it) often sneaks up faster than expected! One area that can catch many off guard is preparing for maternity leave. It’s a major pause in a person’s career, often at a pivotal moment, and transitioning into - and out of - it can be more complex than it appears. That’s exactly why today’s guest, Sonja Baikogli Foley, co-founded Maturn, Canada’s first comprehensive program designed to support self-identifying women through the full arc of maternity leave. Born from a desire to help women make this time intentional and empowering, Maturn offers guidance, tools, and community for a smoother transition. Join Sonja and Dr. Alicia as they explore how to prepare for maternity leave and reclaim this significant chapter with confidence and clarity. Consider becoming a Maturn Member! Canada’s first comprehensive program supporting mothers throughout their entire maternity leave with the *exact* tools, connections and compassionate resources required so you can transition back to work with greater ease and less self-doubt. Newborn Sleep 101: Newborns are sweet little packages who tend to not like their parents to sleep! But we can help them sleep better and as a result parents can sleep better as well!  *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: March 2, 2022.