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Which is harder: a C-section or a vaginal birth? And what about the recovery afterward? It's a question that comes up ALL the time in conversations about childbirth, especially on social media. And as someone who has experienced both a planned C-section and a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean), we have some thoughts. Spoiler alert: Neither one is inherently easier. They're just hard in different ways. In this special 100th episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Megan is taking you behind the scenes of her two very different birth experiences and sharing an honest, unfiltered comparison of what felt easier, what felt harder, and what surprised her most about recovering from each. From the predictability of a scheduled C-section to the physical challenges of recovering from major abdominal surgery, and from the quicker mobility after her VBAC to navigating pelvic floor symptoms and unexpected postpartum complications, we're getting into the realities of childbirth that don't always make it into the conversation. TRIGGER WARNING: mention of postpartum hemmorhage  In this episode, Megan talks about: Planned C-section vs. VBAC: Why she chose each birth experience and how her expectations differedThe benefits of a scheduled C-section: How knowing exactly when her baby would arrive helped ease anxiety and allowed her to feel preparedC-section recovery: The unexpected challenges of getting out of bed, walking, lifting her newborn, and caring for a baby while recovering from major surgeryBreastfeeding after a C-section: Navigating breastfeeding challenges and exclusively pumping while recovering postpartumWhy she chose to attempt a VBAC: How her first postpartum recovery influenced her hopes for her second birthVBAC recovery: Why moving around, getting out of bed, and caring for her toddler felt physically easier after her vaginal birthPelvic floor recovery after vaginal birth: Experiencing a first-degree tear, urinary incontinence, and pelvic heaviness/prolapse symptomsUnexpected postpartum complications: Navigating a postpartum hemorrhage and retained placenta after her second birthThe emotional side of postpartum recovery: Why physical recovery is only one part of the experienceWhy comparing birth methods misses the point: The problem with creating a hierarchy around how women give birthWe need to stop comparing birth experiences as though one is inherently better, harder, or more successful than another. Your medical history matters. Your preferences matter. Your individual circumstances matter. And the way you give birth does not determine your strength, your worth, or how successful you are as a mother. Whether you're currently pregnant and weighing your birth options, preparing for a planned Cesarean, considering a trial of labor after Cesarean (TOLAC), or simply curious about the differences between C-section and vaginal birth recovery, we hope this episode offers a realistic perspective on what postpartum recovery can look like. And finally, THANK YOU for being here for 100 episodes!  Whether you've been listening since day one or you're just discovering The Vibrantly You® Podcast, we're so grateful you're part of this community. If you've been enjoying the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share an episode with a mom friend. Your support helps us continue reaching more women with honest, evidence-informed conversations about pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Tune in weekly for conversations about pregnancy fitness, birth preparation, VBAC, Cesarean recovery, postpartum exercise, pelvic floor health, pregnancy nutrition, and motherhood from a pregnancy and postpartum fitness coach, birth doula, and perinatal nutritionist helping you feel Vibrantly You® through every season of motherhood. Want to hear the full birth stories? Check out these previous episodes: Episode 9: Megan's Birth Story with Baby #1 — Planned C-SectionEpisode 27: Megan's Birth Story with Baby #2 — TOLAC and Successful VBACEpisode 33: 6 Things I Did to Prepare for My VBACDisclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

Let's be honest... some of the postpartum advice floating around the internet is just NOT helpful. "Sleep when the baby sleeps!" "Make sure you have a village!" "You'll feel like yourself again in six weeks!" Sound familiar? In this Coffee Chat episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Meg and Caitlin are talking about the postpartum advice we wish we could delete from the internet—and why some of the most well-intentioned advice can actually leave new moms feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, and like they're doing something wrong. Because recovering from birth, learning how to care for a newborn, navigating changes in your body, and adjusting to an entirely new identity is already A LOT. The last thing you need is another unrealistic expectation about what postpartum recovery should look like. As a postpartum fitness coach, perinatal nutritionist, and two moms who've been through it ourselves, we're sharing our personal experiences, what we've learned from working with hundreds of moms, and why it's so important to approach postpartum advice with a little more nuance. In this episode, we talk about: Why "sleep when the baby sleeps" isn't always realistic (especially if your baby only contact naps!)The pressure to "build your village" and why finding postpartum support isn't always as simple as asking for helpHow social media can create unrealistic expectations around motherhood, postpartum recovery, and what having a support system should look likeWhy comparing your postpartum experience to someone else's can leave you feeling like you're falling behindThe expectation that you should feel "back to normal" by six weeks or three months postpartumWhy postpartum recovery takes time—physically, mentally, and emotionally—and looks different for everyoneHow your identity, routines, relationships, and capacity continue to evolve long after having a babyWhy postpartum depression and anxiety don't always show up immediately after birth and can develop months laterLearning how to recognize helpful, evidence-based postpartum advice versus blanket recommendations that don't account for your circumstancesWhy we need to stop making moms feel like they're failing when generic advice doesn't work for themOne of the biggest things we want you to take away from this conversation is that there is no universal timeline for feeling like yourself again after having a baby. Some people feel amazing a few weeks postpartum. Others take months or even years to feel more comfortable in their bodies, routines, and identities. And neither experience is a reflection of how well you're doing at motherhood. We also talk about the double-edged sword of social media. While it can be an incredible resource for education, connection, and learning about things like pelvic floor physical therapy or postpartum mental health support, it can also create a constant cycle of comparison and self-doubt. So if you've ever wondered why you can't seem to follow all the advice you're given, why postpartum feels harder than you expected, or why you don't feel like yourself yet, grab your coffee and join us for this conversation. You don't need to follow every piece of postpartum advice on the internet. You need support, realistic expectations, and the freedom to figure out what works for you and your family.  Tune in weekly for honest conversations about postpartum recovery, postpartum mental health, postpartum fitness, pregnancy nutrition, birth preparation, and navigating motherhood from a pregnancy and postpartum fitness coach, birth doula, and perinatal nutritionist helping you feel Vibrantly You® through every season of motherhood. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of birth trauma, a traumatic forceps-assisted delivery, and difficult childbirth experiences. Please take care while listening and skip this episode if these topics feel too difficult right now. 💗 Can you have a positive, empowering birth experience after a traumatic first birth? And what does it actually mean to have a redemptive birth? For many women who have experienced birth trauma, the thought of giving birth again can bring up a complicated mix of emotions. You might feel excited about growing your family while simultaneously feeling anxious, fearful, or unsure about navigating labor and delivery again. But what if preparing for your next birth could look different? In this episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Meg and Caitlin are joined by Eden Overaker, birth doula, former school counselor, and mom of two, to talk about her personal experience with birth trauma, her journey toward a redemptive birth, and how those experiences ultimately inspired her to become a doula supporting other expecting moms. We're talking about what it means to heal from a difficult birth experience, why a redemptive birth looks different for everyone, and how intentional preparation, education, and the right support team can help you feel more confident heading into labor. Because a positive birth experience isn't necessarily about having an unmedicated birth, avoiding interventions, or having everything go according to plan. It's about feeling safe, heard, supported, and involved in your care—regardless of how your birth unfolds. In this episode, we talk about: Eden's birth story: Her experience with a traumatic forceps delivery, her subsequent redemptive birth, and how those experiences led her to birth doula workWhat a redemptive birth actually means: Why it looks different for everyone and doesn't have to involve a particular type of deliveryHealing from birth trauma: How working with a perinatal mental health therapist can help you process a previous birth experience before giving birth againBuilding a birth team you trust: Why choosing supportive medical providers and considering doula support can make such a differencePreparing for an unmedicated birth: Practicing breathing, movement, and other labor coping techniques to build confidence in navigating physical intensityMovement and fetal positioning: How intentional prenatal movement and labor positions may support comfort and create opportunities for baby to move through the pelvisUnderstanding your birth options: Why comprehensive childbirth education should include common interventions, inductions, epidurals, assisted deliveries, and Cesarean birthsPreparing for all possible outcomes: Why having a flexible birth plan can be more helpful than preparing exclusively for your ideal scenarioThe role of a birth doula: How prenatal education, emotional support, advocacy, and physical birth preparation can help you feel more supportedLooking beyond labor: Why understanding postpartum recovery is an important part of preparing for your next birthOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that we cannot guarantee a particular birth outcome, no matter how much preparation we do. You can practice every breathing technique, work on your pelvic floor, prepare your body for labor, hire a doula, and create a thoughtful birth plan—and things may still unfold differently than you hoped. That doesn't mean you failed. And while no amount of preparation can guarantee that birth won't be traumatic, having access to supportive providers, evidence-based education, emotional support, and coping tools can help you approach your next birth feeling more informed and supported. Whether you're currently pregnant after a traumatic birth, considering having another baby, or simply want to learn how to prepare for a more positive birth experience, we hope Eden's story reminds you that your previous birth experience does not have to define your next one. And that you deserve to feel safe, supported, and heard throughout the entire process.  Tune in weekly for honest conversations about birth preparation, healing from birth trauma, pregnancy fitness, prenatal nutrition, pelvic floor health, postpartum recovery, and motherhood from a pregnancy personal trainer, birth doula, and perinatal nutritionist helping you feel Vibrantly You® through every season of motherhood. To connect with Eden: Instagram: @thatdoula_eden Work with Eden: www.carolinabirthandwellness.com , https://vibrantmamawellness.com/raleighbirthprepdoula Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

Have you ever caught yourself thinking… I need to be more disciplined. Why can't I stick to anything? I should be eating more protein. I need to meal prep. I need to stop snacking. I just need to try harder. When taking care of yourself feels impossible, it's easy to assume you're the problem. But what if you're not failing at your health goals? What if the strategy you're trying to follow simply doesn't account for the reality of motherhood? In this solo episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Caitlin — perinatal nutritionist and mom of two — is reframing the conversation around healthy eating, nutrition, and wellness in motherhood. Because motherhood changes your time, capacity, priorities, sleep, body, and responsibilities. Trying to maintain the exact same wellness routines you had before kids—and blaming yourself when you can't—isn't necessarily a discipline problem. Sometimes, the plan needs to change. In this episode, Caitlin talks about: Why struggling to follow a nutrition plan doesn't automatically mean you lack discipline or willpowerHow motherhood changes your capacity—and why your nutrition strategy needs to account for thatWhy starting the day with a balanced breakfast can make such a difference in energy, hunger, and satisfactionBuilding meals with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and carbohydrates to support blood sugar, hormones, muscle, and overall nourishmentWhy you may feel ravenous by 3 PM or find yourself thinking about food all eveningSimple meal planning and meal prep strategies for busy momsUsing convenience foods like rotisserie chicken, frozen vegetables, microwaveable grains, and other shortcuts without guiltWhy the Pinterest-worthy meal isn't necessarily the meal that's going to work for your current seasonHow to create “low-capacity” meals for the days when everything goes sidewaysWhy sustainable nutrition is a skill set—not a perfect meal planPaying attention to micronutrients in addition to protein, fiber, and other macronutrientsGetting curious about cravings, fatigue, hunger, digestion, and other signals from your body instead of immediately labeling them as problemsAsking where you may be undernourished, under-supported, or simply stretched too thinIf you've been trying to force yourself into a health routine that requires more time, energy, or capacity than you currently have, this episode is your invitation to approach things differently. Instead of asking, “Why can't I stick to this?” Try asking, “What would actually support me in the life I'm living right now?” Because taking care of yourself shouldn't feel like another job you're failing at. The goal isn't a perfect nutrition plan that works beautifully on your easiest days. It's building the tools and skills to nourish yourself on the random Wednesday when your toddler is melting down, someone is sick, you forgot to defrost the chicken, and dinner looks nothing like what you wrote on the meal plan. That's what sustainable nutrition in motherhood actually looks like. Tune in weekly for realistic conversations about nutrition for moms, pregnancy nutrition, postpartum nutrition, healthy eating for busy moms, postpartum recovery, pregnancy fitness, and motherhood from a perinatal nutritionist, pregnancy and postpartum fitness coach, and birth doula helping you feel Vibrantly You® through every season of motherhood. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

“Do these 5 exercises and your baby will practically slip right out!” “Do this every day to prevent tearing!” “Try these moves at 37 weeks for an easier labor!” If you've spent any time on pregnancy social media, you've probably seen videos making promises like these. And while many of the exercises being demonstrated may actually be useful for birth preparation, there's a LOT of nuance missing from a 30-second Reel. In this solo episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Megan — pregnancy personal trainer, prenatal fitness coach, and birth doula — is talking about social media literacy when it comes to pregnancy fitness and birth prep and why we need to be careful about confusing helpful tools with guaranteed outcomes. Because you can do all the “right” exercises and still tear. You can prepare your pelvic floor and still have an unexpected birth. And if that happens, it does not mean you didn't prepare well enough or that you did something wrong. In this episode, Megan talks about: Why no exercise can guarantee that you won't experience perineal tearing during birthThe problem with “do these 5 exercises for an easier birth” messagingWhy many popular birth prep exercises are actually valuable—even when the claims surrounding them aren'tWhy waiting until 37 weeks to start working on mobility may not give your body much time to adaptThe benefit of incorporating intentional prenatal mobility and strength training earlier in pregnancyWhy understanding when to use different movements and positions during early labor, active labor, and pushing mattersHow different positions may be used to support the body and baby's movement through the pelvisWhy a social media post can rarely capture the nuance of pregnancy, pelvic floor function, labor, and birthHow to consume pregnancy and birth content without turning every recommendation into another item on your “do everything perfectly” checklistUltimately, birth preparation isn't a formula. There isn't a magical combination of stretches, pelvic floor exercises, breathing techniques, supplements, or labor positions that can guarantee you'll have the exact birth you envisioned. That's not the point of preparing. The goal is to spend pregnancy building strength, mobility, body awareness, pelvic floor coordination, and an understanding of your options so that you walk into labor with more tools in your toolbox. We can't control birth. But we can prepare for it. And if your birth doesn't unfold the way you hoped—even after doing “all the right things”—that is not evidence that you failed. Tune in weekly for conversations about birth preparation, pregnancy workout plans, prenatal fitness, pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy, preparing for labor, postpartum recovery, and pregnancy fitness from a pregnancy personal trainer, prenatal fitness coach, birth doula, and perinatal nutritionist helping you feel Vibrantly You® through pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Episode 57: Strength vs Stretching During Pregnancy: What Your Body Actually Needs Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

Have you ever brought up a pregnancy symptom to your provider only to hear, “Yep, that's normal!”…even though it's significantly impacting your everyday life? Here's the thing: common doesn't always mean something you simply have to live with. In this Coffee Chat episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Meg and Caitlin are talking about how to advocate for yourself during pregnancy—and why becoming an informed participant in your own care is a skill that can serve you through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and well beyond the childbearing years. We're not talking about walking into your doctor's office assuming you know more than your medical provider. We're talking about educating yourself enough to ask thoughtful questions, understand your options, recognize when something deserves more attention, and know when it's time to seek additional support. In this episode, we talk about: Why “common in pregnancy” doesn't necessarily mean you have to accept a symptom that's interfering with your daily lifeEducating yourself so you can ask your prenatal provider more specific, informed questionsWhat to do when something doesn't feel right—even if you've initially been told it's “normal”Feeling comfortable asking for additional resources, referrals, or a second opinionWhy it's okay to switch prenatal providers if you don't feel safe, heard, or supportedHow a birth doula can help you prepare for prenatal appointments, understand your options, and formulate questions for your care teamPracticing self-advocacy during pregnancy and how those skills can continue serving you as your health needs change throughout motherhood and eventually perimenopause and menopauseHow birth education, informed decision-making, and understanding your options can help you feel more prepared for birth and may reduce experiences of birth-related traumaThe goal isn't to become your own doctor or spend your entire pregnancy Googling every symptom. It's to feel like an active participant in your own care. Because pregnancy and birth can come with a lot of unknowns, and we can't control every outcome. But understanding your body, knowing your options, asking questions, and surrounding yourself with providers who make you feel heard can help you navigate those unknowns with more confidence. Grab your coffee and join us for an honest conversation about trusting yourself, asking better questions, and learning how to speak up for what you need. Tune in weekly for conversations about pregnancy education, birth preparation, prenatal fitness, pregnancy nutrition, postpartum recovery, birth doula support, and free resources for new moms from a pregnancy personal trainer, birth doula, and perinatal nutritionist helping you feel Vibrantly You® through every season of motherhood. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

As your kids get older and become a little more independent, something interesting starts to happen: you may finally have a tiny bit more capacity to think about yourself again. In this Coffee Chat episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Meg and Caitlin are talking about how they're showing up for themselves in this season of motherhood—and how their approach to fitness, nutrition, sleep, and self-care has evolved as the kids have gotten older. Because taking care of yourself as a mom doesn't always mean finding hours of uninterrupted “me time.” Sometimes it's letting your kids play beside you while you work out. Sometimes it's choosing a fitness class because childcare is included. Sometimes it's getting the whole family outside together instead of trying to squeeze in a separate workout. And sometimes it's recognizing that you finally have more capacity to prioritize things that felt nearly impossible during the baby years. In this episode, Megan and Caitlin talk about: How they're making exercise as busy moms work in this stage of lifeWorking out at home with kids around instead of waiting for perfect conditionsBringing kids to workouts and taking advantage of gyms and fitness classes with built-in childcareIncorporating more walks, outdoor adventures, and active family timeWhy sleep has become a bigger priority as kids' sleep has become more predictableThe routines and sleep hygiene habits they're working on to improve their own sleep qualityHaving more capacity to think about nutrition beyond simply getting food on the tableMaking sure they're actually eating enough to support their energy, workouts, hormones, and everyday livesPrioritizing variety and getting enough macro and micronutrientsHow their definition of “taking care of yourself” continues to change throughout motherhoodThis isn't a conversation about suddenly having endless free time or perfectly optimized routines. Moms with kids still have work, households, schedules, and approximately 700 things competing for their attention. It's about recognizing that motherhood changes—and our needs and capacity can change with it. If you've spent the baby and toddler years in survival mode and are starting to wonder how to prioritize your health again, grab your coffee and listen in for an honest conversation about finding sustainable ways to take care of you, too. Tune in weekly for conversations about fitness for moms, postpartum fitness, nutrition for busy moms, healthy habits for moms, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, and motherhood wellness from a postpartum fitness coach, pregnancy personal trainer, birth doula, and perinatal nutritionist helping you feel Vibrantly You® through every season of motherhood. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

What if you could practice how you'll respond to the intensity of a contraction…before you're actually in labor? No, we can't recreate contractions during a pregnancy workout (and we don't want to!). But we can intentionally practice experiencing physical intensity, using our labor coping strategies, and then fully releasing tension when the intensity is over. In this solo episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Megan is breaking down one of her favorite birth preparation exercises: Labor Intensity Interval Training. The idea is simple: we use short intervals of strength exercises to create physical intensity and, instead of focusing on how much your muscles are burning, practice the tools you may eventually use to cope with contractions during labor. Then comes an equally important skill: learning how to actually rest. Because preparing for labor isn't only about building strength and endurance. It's also about learning how your body responds to intensity, recognizing where you hold tension, staying present when something feels hard, and practicing how to soften and recover when you get a break. In this episode, Megan talks about: What Labor Intensity Interval Training (LIIT) is and how she uses it for birth preparationWhy physical preparation for labor goes beyond simply staying active during pregnancyHow exercises like squats, deadlifts, or wall sits can be used to practice coping with short periods of physical intensityUsing breathing, movement, sound, visualization, and other labor coping techniques during your intervalsWhy relaxing your jaw, slowing your breathing, and releasing unnecessary tension mattersThe importance of practicing true rest and recovery between periods of intensityHow this type of prenatal strength training can build strength, stamina, and endurance for laborWhy practicing these skills throughout pregnancy can help them feel more familiar when labor actually beginsBirth is unpredictable, and no pregnancy workout can guarantee how your labor will unfold. The goal isn't to train yourself to tolerate the most pain or prove how “tough” you are. It's to give yourself opportunities during pregnancy to practice working with your body through intensity rather than waiting until your first contraction to figure out how. Because we can't control birth—but we can intentionally prepare for it. Tune in weekly for conversations about birth preparation, preparing for labor, pregnancy workouts, prenatal strength training, pelvic floor health, postpartum recovery, and pregnancy fitness from a pregnancy personal trainer, prenatal fitness coach, birth doula, and perinatal nutritionist helping you feel Vibrantly You® through pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. To get on the interest list for Vibrantly You®: The Birth Prep Experience, click HERE.  Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

You fed the baby. You packed your toddler's lunch. You remembered everyone's snacks. And then suddenly it's 2 PM and you realize... you haven't actually eaten a meal yourself. Sound familiar? In this solo episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Caitlin, perinatal nutritionist and mom of two, is talking about something that is incredibly common in postpartum and motherhood but rarely gets the attention it deserves: unintentional undernourishment. Postpartum nutrition is so often talked about through the lens of losing weight or “getting your body back.” But before we worry about calories, macros, weight loss, or creating the perfect diet, we need to ask a much simpler question: Are you actually eating enough? Skipping breakfast because the baby needs you, surviving on coffee and snacks, forgetting lunch, or finally sitting down to your first substantial meal at dinner can start to feel like a normal part of motherhood. But your body is still recovering from pregnancy and birth—and if you're breastfeeding, caring for a newborn, and functioning on interrupted sleep, you're asking a LOT of it. And adequate nourishment matters. In this episode, Caitlin talks about: The surprisingly common ways moms become unintentionally undernourished postpartumWhy skipping meals and forgetting to eat can become so normalized in motherhoodWhy adequate energy should come before worrying about weight loss, perfect macros, or “optimizing” your dietWhy you might feel ravenous at night after barely feeling hungry during the dayWhat to do when you're too busy to eat, don't feel hungry, or genuinely forgetSimple, realistic postpartum meal and breakfast ideasHow to build balanced meals around protein, healthy fats, fiber, and carbohydratesCreating default breakfasts and lunches to make feeding yourself require less thoughtWhy “I don't have time to eat” may actually be a systems and support problem—not a willpower problemMaking postpartum nutrition easier without adding yet another thing to your mental loadBut this conversation goes beyond food. Because when you're constantly taking care of everyone else, it can become incredibly easy to stop noticing your own needs altogether. Postpartum isn't a season where your body needs you to eat less, shrink yourself, or immediately start working toward your pre-baby body. It's a season of recovery, healing, nourishment, and enormous physical and emotional demand. You deserve to be fed, too. Tune in weekly for realistic conversations about postpartum nutrition, pregnancy nutrition, postpartum recovery, pregnancy fitness, birth preparation, and motherhood from a perinatal nutritionist, pregnancy and postpartum fitness coach, and birth doula helping you feel Vibrantly You® through every season of motherhood. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

Being pregnant in the summer is not for the faint of heart. Between the heat, the sweating, and trying to stay hydrated while already feeling uncomfortable in your changing body, sometimes the goal is simply to make it through the day without melting. In this Coffee Chat episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Meg and Caitlin are talking about how to survive a summer pregnancy with simple, realistic ways to stay cool, hydrated, nourished, and as comfortable as possible. As a pregnancy personal trainer and perinatal nutritionist, we're combining practical pregnancy fitness and nutrition tips with the things that helped us survive our own pregnancies during the warmer months. In this episode, we talk about: Why hydration during pregnancy becomes even more important in hot weatherWhen and how to incorporate electrolytes during pregnancyHydrating foods and fruits and vegetables with a high water contentAdjusting your expectations around movement and exercise when it's HOTTaking advantage of pools and other bodies of water to cool down and move comfortablyOur favorite ways to beat the heat with air conditioning, fans, misters, and moreGiving yourself permission to slow down when your pregnant body is asking for itWhether you're navigating your first trimester in August or spending your third trimester wondering how it's humanly possible to feel this hot, consider this your casual summer pregnancy survival guide. Pregnancy fitness and nutrition don't have to look perfect—especially when you're dealing with heat, fatigue, and an ever-growing belly. Sometimes supporting your body means staying hydrated, modifying your pregnancy workout plans, finding movement that feels good, and parking yourself directly in front of the air conditioner. 😉 Grab a cold drink, find the nearest fan, and join us for this summer Coffee Chat! Tune in weekly for conversations about pregnancy nutrition, prenatal fitness, pregnancy workout plans, birth preparation, postpartum recovery, and free resources for new moms from a pregnancy personal trainer, birth doula, and perinatal nutritionist helping you feel Vibrantly You® throughout motherhood. Check out Ultima Electrolytes HERE.  Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

In this solo episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Megan — postpartum fitness coach, pregnancy personal trainer, birth doula, and mom of two — is sharing five things she wishes someone had told her about postpartum recovery before having her first baby. We spend so much time preparing for pregnancy, labor, and taking care of a newborn, but the realities of recovering from birth can catch a lot of new moms completely off guard. So we're talking about some of the weird, uncomfortable, and surprisingly normal parts of those first weeks and months postpartum. In this episode, Megan talks about: What postpartum bleeding can actually look like in the weeks after birthThe surprising pain of breast engorgement — and why doing more isn't always the answerPostpartum night sweats, body odor, and some of the less glamorous hormonal changes after pregnancyWhy your 6-week postpartum clearance is not the same thing as being ready to return to your pre-pregnancy workoutsHow pregnancy itself impacts your core and pelvic floor, even if you didn't have a vaginal birthWe also talk about why postpartum fitness needs to be approached as a gradual rebuilding process rather than a race to “bounce back.” Whether you're preparing for your first baby, newly postpartum, or wondering how to safely return to exercise after birth, this episode will help you better understand what's happening in your body and what postpartum recovery can actually look like. Because getting cleared for exercise isn't the finish line — it's often just the beginning of rebuilding. Tune in for more conversations about postpartum recovery, postpartum fitness, online postpartum workouts, pelvic floor recovery, pregnancy fitness, and free resources for new moms from a postpartum fitness coach, pregnancy personal trainer, birth doula, and perinatal nutritionist helping you feel Vibrantly You® through every season of motherhood. Episodes referenced in this episode: 5. Do I have to wait for my 6 week postpartum clearance to workout? 9. Megan's Birth Story with baby #1 (planned c-section) 72. Rebuilding Your Relationship with Food Postpartum: Healing Beyond Bounce-Back CultureDisclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

Replay Episode: We’re bringing back an early episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast about a postpartum recovery topic that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough: constipation after birth. Postpartum constipation is incredibly common, but when you’re newly postpartum and already navigating soreness, pelvic floor recovery, hormonal changes, and healing from birth, having a bowel movement can feel surprisingly intimidating. In this solo episode, Caitlin breaks down practical postpartum nutrition strategies that can support digestion, promote more comfortable bowel movements, and help you feel better during those early weeks after baby. You’ll learn about Caitlin’s 3 F’s for postpartum constipation: fluids, fiber, and fats, including why each one matters and simple ways to incorporate them into your day when caring for a newborn already takes most of your time and energy. Caitlin also discusses: Why constipation is so common after giving birthHow hydration supports digestion and postpartum recoveryWays to gradually incorporate more fiber into your meals and snacksWhy dietary fats matter for digestion and overall nourishmentAbdominal massage and other strategies that may support bowel regularityWhen supplementation may be worth discussing with your healthcare providerWhether you had a vaginal birth or C-section, this episode offers realistic strategies to help you nourish and support your body through early postpartum recovery—without adding another overwhelming task to your list. Because postpartum care shouldn’t only be about caring for your new baby. Your recovery, nourishment, and comfort matter, too. Tune in for more conversations on postpartum nutrition, postpartum recovery, postpartum fitness, pregnancy nutrition, and free resources for new moms from a perinatal nutritionist and postpartum fitness coach helping you feel Vibrantly You® throughout motherhood. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

It's Breastfeeding Awareness Week, and while so much of the conversation focuses on feeding the baby, this episode is all about supporting the person doing the feeding. In this solo episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Caitlin, certified perinatal nutritionist, shares how to nourish your body during breastfeeding using her Balanced Mama Method—a simple, flexible approach to building satisfying meals that support postpartum recovery, milk production, energy, and overall well-being. If you've ever found yourself eating your toddler's leftovers, forgetting to drink water, or wondering if you're getting enough nutrients while breastfeeding, you're not alone. This episode offers practical, realistic strategies that fit into real motherhood—without adding more pressure. In this episode, Caitlin covers: Why postpartum nutrition deserves just as much attention as pregnancy nutrition The Balanced Mama Method and how to build nourishing meals using the PHFF approach (protein, healthy fats, fiber, and carbohydrates) Why hydration is essential for breastfeeding moms and simple ways to stay on top of it How balanced meals can support energy, recovery, mood, and overall health during the postpartum period Practical nutrition strategies for busy moms who don't have hours to meal prep Why supporting the mother is one of the best ways to support breastfeeding Whether you're exclusively breastfeeding, pumping, combination feeding, or simply navigating life with a newborn, this episode is packed with realistic nutrition advice that prioritizes your health, too. Because a nourished mom is better equipped to care for her baby—and she deserves that care just as much. Tune in every week for conversations on pregnancy nutrition, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, pregnancy fitness, and free resources for new moms from a pregnancy personal trainer and perinatal nutritionist dedicated to helping you feel Vibrantly You® through every stage of motherhood. Other breastfeeding episodes: Ep. 23: Breastfeeding and Hydration Ep 36: Nourishing Your Body While Breastfeeding: What You Actually Need to Know  Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

When most people think about hiring a birth doula, they picture someone supporting them during labor. But what if we told you that the most valuable part of working with a doula actually happens before contractions ever begin? In this solo episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Megan—a certified birth doula, pregnancy personal trainer, and prenatal fitness coach—breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions about doula care and explains why the prenatal preparation is where the real transformation happens. Because while labor support is incredibly important, confidence isn't built in the delivery room—it's built in the weeks and months leading up to birth. If you've ever wondered whether hiring a doula is worth it or what doulas actually do, this episode will give you an inside look at what comprehensive birth support really looks like. In this episode, you'll learn: What a birth doula actually does  Understanding a doula's scope of practice  The difference between your medical team and your support team  Why doulas provide education, advocacy, emotional support, and physical support—not medical care Why prenatal appointments are the heart of doula support  Creating a birth plan that reflects your values and preferences  Preparing for all possible birth scenarios—not just your ideal one  Understanding common labor interventions so you can make informed decisions  Learning how to advocate for yourself while remaining flexible Preparing Your Body for Birth  Movement and positioning strategies to support labor progression  Practicing pushing techniques before labor begins  Pelvic floor relaxation and breath mechanics  Comfort measures you can use throughout labor Supporting Your Birth Partner  How partners can confidently support you during labor  Hands-on comfort techniques  Knowing what to say—and when  Helping your partner feel like an active member of the birth team Looking Beyond Birth  Planning for postpartum recovery before baby arrives  Setting realistic expectations for the fourth trimester  Building your postpartum support system One of the greatest gifts a doula provides isn't simply being present during labor. It's helping you walk into birth informed, prepared, physically ready, emotionally supported, and confident in your ability to navigate whatever birth brings. Because birth preparation isn't just about writing a birth plan. It's about preparing your mind, your body, your partner, and your support system. Whether you're planning an unmedicated birth, hoping for an epidural, preparing for an induction, or scheduling a Cesarean birth, this episode will help you understand how a birth doula can support you every step of the way—not just on your baby's birthday. If you're interested in learning more about working together, check out the links to Megan's doula services and other ways she supports expecting families below. Vibrant Start: Birth Prep Intensive 1:1 Prenatal Vibrantly You Fitness Coaching In-Person Birth Doula Support (Raleigh, NC area) Virtual Birth Doula Support (anywhere in the US) Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition

Most expecting parents spend hours creating a birth plan—but what if the most important part of birth preparation has nothing to do with your hospital preferences? In this episode of The Vibrantly You® Podcast, Megan and Caitlin explore what it means to prepare for birth beyond the birth plan. While discussing your preferences with your provider is important, there's so much more that contributes to feeling confident, informed, and supported as you head into labor. As a birth doula, pregnancy personal trainer, and perinatal nutritionist, we believe the best birth preparation isn't about creating the "perfect" plan—it's about building the knowledge, support, and confidence to navigate whatever birth brings. In this episode, we cover:  How to build a birth team that helps you feel safe and supported  Why your emotional environment matters just as much as your physical environment  Questions to ask yourself about your ideal birthing space  Why educating yourself on all possible birth outcomes can help you feel more confident and adaptable  The difference between having birth preferences and having rigid expectations  How flexibility can lead to a more empowered birth experience  Why postpartum planning deserves just as much attention as birth planning  The postpartum support systems to consider before your baby arrives, including pelvic floor physical therapy, lactation support, mental health resources, and community One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself during pregnancy isn't a perfectly written birth plan—it's the confidence that comes from knowing you've prepared your mind, body, and support system for the journey ahead. Because while we can't control birth, we can prepare for it. Tune in every week for conversations on pregnancy fitness, birth preparation, postpartum recovery, perinatal nutrition, and free resources for new moms from a pregnancy personal trainer, birth doula, and perinatal nutritionist dedicated to helping you feel Vibrantly You® through every stage of motherhood. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any conditions. Before beginning any type of fitness or nutrition program, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional. Connect with us!  Instagram @vibrantlyyoupodcastMeg's Instagram @vibrantmamawellnessCaitlin's Instagram @wholesomehuntressnutrition