Postpartum University® Podcast

Maranda Bower, Postpartum Nutrition Specialist

Top-Ranked Podcast for Postpartum Care Providers in Nutrition + Holistic Care

The current postpartum care model is failing—leaving countless mothers facing postpartum depression, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune issues. For providers, the call is clear: advanced, root-cause care is essential to real healing.

The Postpartum University® Podcast is the trusted resource for professionals committed to elevating postpartum support. Hosted by Maranda Bower—a medical researcher, author, mom of 4, and the founder of Postpartum University®—each episode delivers powerful insights into functional nutrition, hormonal health, and holistic practices for treating postpartum issues at the root. This podcast bridges the gaps left by Western medical education, empowering providers to support their clients with individualized, science-backed, and traditional-aligned solutions.

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights, resources, and tools to revolutionize your impact in postpartum wellness and functional nutrition: www.PostpartumU.com/Subscribe.

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Top 10 Postpartum University® Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Postpartum University® Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Postpartum University® Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Postpartum University® Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

The Truth About Postpartum Hair Loss EP 27

Postpartum University® Podcast

09/26/21 • 22 min

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Check out the episode on the blog: https://marandabower.com/the-truth-about-postpartum-hair-loss-ep27/
Postpartum hair loss has been deemed as a “normal” thing to expect after having a baby. Typically chalked up to hormonal changes, but the question remains, is hair loss during postpartum normal?

With so many women experiencing hair loss during postpartum, which leads to so many other questions. We need to know why this is happening, and if there is anything we can be doing to prevent it.

Listen in to learn how to simply heal, and stop the hair loss in postpartum.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

Postpartum hair loss- Is it normal or not? How to stop it
Postpartum hair loss is called postpartum alopecia
Hair loss it's your body way of letting you know that something is happening within that needs to be addressed
Why does postpartum hair loss happen?
Estrogen changes and the effects on your body
Hair loss outside of postpartum is considered a big deal
Automatic adjustment period
Childbirth creates an intense change within the body
Lack of nutrients in your postpartum body & gut
Listening to your body and its needs
How to stop your hair loss
Addressing your nutrition
Herbal teas & benefits of drinking them
Addressing your stress levels, asking for help, practicing self care
Importance of sleep
You have so much control over your experience to heal
Root cause care

NEXT STEPS:
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🎒FREE Provider's Postpartum Nutrition Toolkit
🧠Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training & Additional Courses for Providers & Postpartum Professionals

Part 3: Balancing Hormones EP 22

Postpartum University® Podcast

08/22/21 • 32 min

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For full show notes go to https://marandabower.com/part-3-balancing-hormones-podcast-ep22/
This is Part 3 of a 3 part series in the podcast on Balancing Hormones, Part 4 is shared in my facebook group The Postpartum Circle, so be sure to go join!

These episodes have been released through the month of July and August so if you missed the previous two parts of the series be sure to go back and listen! After that, be sure to go join my Facebook group, The Postpartum Circle.

Why are so many women experiencing imbalances during postpartum? Your hormones are responsible for everything. When you get an adequate amount of sleep and the right nutrition for your postpartum period you will be able to heal and recover so much faster. These are two things that will help in balancing your hormones.

Today I am talking about the remaining two of the four key components that I mentioned in part 2 of balancing hormones. Sleep and nutrition. Without the right nutrition you can’t produce the correct hormones that your body needs. Sleep needs to be the number one priority. Come listen to part 3 of balancing your hormones where I share how to get out of the hormone imbalance.

In this episode, I’m sharing with you:

How to get out of hormone imbalance
Sleep
Sleep is necessary for the development of those feel good hormones
You have to make sleep your number one priority
8 to 10 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period
How many hours of sleep are you actually getting a night?
Sleep regulates your hormones
Nutrition
Your body can't regulate and produce the hormones you need while you sleep if you're not able to create the hormones with the food and the nutrients that you give it
There is a particular way to eat in postpartum.
If that's not supported, then deficiencies creep in really fast, especially after the birth of a baby and with breastfeeding, when most women are already depleted.
Lacking enzymes in the first few weeks postpartum is a normal biological event during this time, and you have to eat a diet that supports that.
Depression and anxiety are an inflammation issue
Postpartum weaning depression
My 1:1 program

Part 2: Balancing Hormones EP 20

Postpartum University® Podcast

08/08/21 • 19 min

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For full show notes go to https://marandabower.com/part-2-balancing-hormones-podcast-ep20/
This is going to be Part 2 of a 3 part series in the podcast on Balancing Hormones, Part 4 is shared in my Facebook group The Postpartum Circle, so be sure to go join!

These episodes will be spaced out and released through the month of July and August so make sure you are following the podcast so you don’t miss out!

Why are so many women experiencing imbalances during postpartum? Your hormones are responsible for everything. Healing from the inside out will help you regulate your hormones and allow you to heal faster and fully after having a baby.

There are four key components to hormone imbalances. Nutrients, sleep, support, and stress. Each one affects the next and when you are not taking care of yourself these can be exacerbated. Come listen to part 2 of balancing your hormones where I dive in a little bit deeper on this journey inward to healing your body and your hormones no matter where you are in your postpartum journey.

In this episode, I’m sharing with you:

Inward to healing your body and your hormones
Hormones are greatly responsible for how we live our life
How you healed and what balances or imbalances you had in postpartum will affect the experiences you have during menopause
Depression, anxiety, feeling constantly overwhelmed is not a place to live
You should be thriving, not drowning
Hormone imbalance is a symptom, not a problem
The four main reasons why your hormones are out of balance
Nutrients, sleep, support, and stress/trauma
Lack of nutrients, lack of sleep, this lack is causing the imbalance
In postpartum your brain changes immensely
The postpartum hormone cycle
Investigate how you are feeling
Assess where you are

Overwhelmed and Depleted to Thriving & Pregnant: A Healing Story from Danielle Gagnon EP 19

Postpartum University® Podcast

08/01/21 • 15 min

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For full show notes go to https://marandabower.com/overwhelmed-and-depleted-to-thriving-podcast-ep19/
From completely depleted and overwhelmed to thriving and pregnant! My guest, Danielle is going to be sharing her story of this journey going from being overwhelmed and depleted in postpartum to finally thriving and pregnant. She owns her own business and has two kids with baby number three on the way.

Danielle was having issues with feeling tired, overwhelmed, lack of nutrition, and the stress of running a business with not having daycare for her kids anymore due to COVID. She came to me looking for support and guidance to feel better. Her biggest takeaway from the experience is to make it a priority to take better care of yourself. Come listen to Danielle’s testimony of working with me in this episode, and be sure to share it with all your friends and family.

In this episode, I’m sharing with you:

Introducing Danielle
The overwhelm of life prior to working with Maranda
Not feeling well physically
Exhausted all the time
Not being in the best physical shape
Not eating the right foods for my body
Periods being much more painful and uncomfortable than previously
Having the six-week meal plan was hugely beneficial
Conversations with someone who understands and gets it
What feels good for you and your life
There needs to be so much more attention on postpartum
Taking better care of yourself & making it a priority

Connecting with Your Postpartum Culture EP 73

Postpartum University® Podcast

08/16/22 • 12 min

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“Bounce back” culture has failed us terribly.

Although the signs that this isn’t working are everywhere, where do we look when stepping outside of the modern norm?
It is this crossroads where we’re given the opportunity to come home to the traditions and cultural practices that have been lost across generations.

The secret to a better way of experiencing motherhood rests in this wisdom.

The way back, however, requires a deep process of discovery and digging back to our roots. Today, we’re here to share our best advice and what we’ve been working on at Postpartum University to help you get started.

Go to https://postpartumu.com/postpartum-university-podcast-ep73/ for more!
In this episode, I am sharing:

Digging back into our own culture for information can be difficult
Conversations with our elders usually include many hardships that shifted the way we had to show up as mother
For traditional practices and wisdom, we have to go back deeper
Why we desperately need to move away from the modern “bounce back” culture
Using tradition to get back to the root of who we are
Where can we go to find this information
Finding community and asking questions

*BRAND NEW - 18 Pages of Free Postpartum Nutrition Handouts*

Download the free collection HERE!

Are your symptoms being caused by postpartum depletion, or something else?

Take The Postpartum Assessment HERE!

Postpartum University® Training for Professionals:

-Holistic Postpartum Nutrition Training

-Postpartum Nutrition Certification
- If you are in need of support, or have questions you can send an email to [email protected] OR you can reach out in The Postpartum Circle Facebook group.
Where to find me: postpartumu.com

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Creating a Postpartum Wellness Toolkit with The Mama Thrive Method EP 148

Postpartum University® Podcast

01/23/24 • 41 min

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We need to talk more about postpartum wellness.

Information and resources for thriving during the postpartum period (which is way longer than most people think, by the way), are severely lacking in our culture.

Creating a postpartum wellness toolkit, covering essentials like self-care practices, mental health support, and nutrition guidelines is essential to long-lasting well-being in motherhood, and even can affect the way your body experiences menopause.

In this episode, we're sharing:

The five components of the Postpartum University Mama Thrive Method at Postpartum University that support healing.
How the components of whole-body support, nutrition and detoxification, better sleep, nervous system care, and cyclical living, are all interconnected.
Practical steps to take to put these pieces into place.
The benefits of preparing this postpartum wellness toolkit.
Real-life examples of how I put these components into practice in my life with four kids.

Rather than focusing on buying tools to make life easier, this episode emphasizes honoring basic needs and making lifestyle changes for a beautiful life in motherhood.

Mindfulness Tools to Help Moms with Postpartum Anxiety | Kelly Smith EP 194

Postpartum University® Podcast

12/10/24 • 33 min

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Could Meditation Be the Key to Easing Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety can be relentless and exhausting, leaving countless mothers feeling overwhelmed and sleep-deprived. Maranda sits down with Kelly Smith, global yoga & meditation teacher, founder of Yoga For You, to explore meditation as a practical tool for postpartum mental health. Kelly shares her personal journey through postpartum anxiety and dives deep into the science of how meditation calms the brain, helping us manage the endless cycle of “what if” thoughts.

Kelly and Maranda bust myths around traditional meditation, proving that mothers can find peace without needing a totally “clear mind.” Kelly uses relatable analogies and science-backed insights to explain how meditative practices can ease maternal stress and help moms navigate the demands of early motherhood. Plus, she shares realistic ways to bring meditation into your life, even if you're pressed for time. Small, consistent meditation practices can reshape the postpartum journey and make lasting impacts on mental health.

Check out this episode on the blog:
https://postpartumu.com/mindfulness-tools-to-help-moms-with-postpartum-anxiety-kelly-smith-ep-194/

KEY TIME STAMPS:

04:01 — Meditation as a tool for postpartum anxiety relief & how it affects the brain’s stress response system

07:45 — Practical ways meditation changes the postpartum brain

10:22 — Meditation as a daily “micro habit” for mental resilience

12:06 — The trap of “meditating on fears” vs. meditating for calm

18:39 — Addressing the myth that meditation requires a blank mind

20:49 — Accessible meditation practices for busy moms

24:59 — Techniques like body scans and guided sessions

33:32 — Final words: Trusting yourself as the perfect mother for your child

Connect with Kelly:

Kelly Smith is a global yoga and meditation teacher, author, E-RYT 500/ YACEP, founder of Yoga For You, and the host of the iTunes chart-topping podcasts Mindful in Minutes and Meditation Mama. Kelly believes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to yoga and meditation and encourages her students to find their own personal practice, listen

Does the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Really Work? EP 202

Postpartum University® Podcast

02/11/25 • 25 min

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Is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Failing Mothers? What Providers Need to Know

Postpartum depression screenings are essential—but are we actually identifying the mothers who need help? The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the standard tool used in postpartum mental health screenings worldwide. But here’s the hard truth: it’s not catching every mom who’s struggling.

In this episode, we break down why the EPDS falls short and what providers must do to bridge the gap between a screening tool and real, effective postpartum mental health care. We dive into why mothers feel unseen and unheard in postpartum appointments, the danger of reducing depression screenings to a checklist, and most importantly, how we as providers can do better. Let’s Change the Way We Support Postpartum Mental Health, Moms deserve more than a checklist.

Check out this episode on the blog: https://postpartumu.com/does-the-edinburgh-postnatal-depression-scale-really-work-ep-202
KEY TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – Why postpartum depression screening is missing the mark
02:29 – The truth about the EPDS and why it’s not enough
06:18 – When moms do report depression, but nothing changes
10:45 – The lack of postpartum mental health training for providers
14:25 – The missing tools for real postpartum support
18:07 – The danger of using checklists instead of real conversations
22:33 – Why trauma often goes undiagnosed in postpartum women
24:17 – The big takeaway: How providers can take real action

When Your Postpartum Health is Failing: Essential Tips for Holistic Postpartum Recovery EP 181

Postpartum University® Podcast

09/10/24 • 16 min

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Are you struggling with fatigue, hair loss, mood swings, thyroid issues, or other major health concerns in the years after birth?

If you’ve been searching for answers on “How do I feel like myself again after having a baby?” or “What’s the first step in taking control of my postpartum health?”—this is for you. Maranda’s no-nonsense, five-step roadmap tackles the real issues: fatigue, mental health struggles, physical recovery, and how to get back to feeling whole again.

We’re talking practical, whole-body healing here—simple but powerful actions to help you reclaim your health while supporting your mental wellness and the needs of your baby. Forget the quick-fix advice you’ve seen online—this is real, doable, and designed for the actual life of a new mom.

Blog Link: https://postpartumu.com/when-your-postpartum-health-is-failing-essential-tips-for-holistic-postpartum-recovery-ep-181/

KEY TIME STAMPS:

00:04 – Introduction to holistic postpartum healing and this week’s topic.
01:34 – Why conflicting postpartum advice overwhelms new moms.
04:03 – Step 1: Start by taking a deep breath—you’re not alone.
05:48 – Step 2: Assess your physical and mental state.
07:40 – Importance of addressing physical health to support mental wellness.
08:47 – Step 3: Discover actionable knowledge with Maranda’s free course.
10:35 – Why practical, supportive info is key to real postpartum healing.
11:56 – Step 4: Build a support network that champions your healing.
13:03 – Shifting mindset: making self-care a priority without guilt.
15:42 – Step 5: Heal for yourself, past generations, and future ones.

Exciting Announcement
We are thrilled to announce the 10th launch of the Postpartum University Certification Program! We provide in-depth training and certification for postpartum professionals, enhancing their ability to support new mothers effectively. Click here on how you can become a certified postpartum specialist and make a significant impact in the field.

Is It Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anemia? EP 212

Postpartum University® Podcast

04/22/25 • 18 min

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What if the crushing fatigue, the anxiety, the brain fog, and the constant crying aren’t mental health issues at all—but signs your client’s body is depleted and screaming for help?

The truth is; Postpartum depression symptoms mimic postpartum iron deficiencies and postpartum anemia.

This episode takes a bold look at one of the most underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and easily missed causes of postpartum “depression”: anemia. We’re breaking down how iron deficiency, B12, and folate depletion can mimic mental illness in postpartum women, and how so many providers are missing the signs. If you're a postpartum provider, doula, midwife, nurse, or any practitioner supporting postpartum women—you cannot afford to overlook this conversation. We’re talking labs, clinical clues, testing gaps, and holistic strategies to support deep, root-cause healing.

Check out the episode on the blog: https://postpartumu.com/podcast/is-it-postpartum-depression-or-postpartum-anemia-ep-212/

Key Time Stamps:

00:00 – The misdiagnosis of postpartum depression
01:40 – What is anemia, and how is it connected to postpartum?
03:19 – Overlapping symptoms of anemia and depression
06:05 – Ferritin levels and common signs of deficiency
07:27 – Maranda’s personal story of missed anemia
09:23 – Why most checkups aren’t helping moms
10:43 – What labs to run + strategies for healing
13:09 – Iron absorption + practical supplementation tools
15:00 – Signs to look for when “depression” isn’t depression
15:35 – MTHFR, genetics, and what really matters
16:36 – Empowering providers to support real postpartum healing

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FAQ

How many episodes does Postpartum University® Podcast have?

Postpartum University® Podcast currently has 214 episodes available.

What topics does Postpartum University® Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Breastfeeding, Health & Fitness, Natural Birth, Alternative Health, Mental Health and Podcasts.

What is the most popular episode on Postpartum University® Podcast?

The episode title 'Telling the Truth and Calling Out the System EP 87' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Postpartum University® Podcast?

The average episode length on Postpartum University® Podcast is 26 minutes.

How often are episodes of Postpartum University® Podcast released?

Episodes of Postpartum University® Podcast are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Postpartum University® Podcast?

The first episode of Postpartum University® Podcast was released on Apr 12, 2021.

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Postpartum University® Podcast

Maranda Bower, Postpartum Nutrition Specialist

Top 10 Postpartum University® Podcast Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Postpartum University® Podcast have?

What topics does Postpartum University® Podcast cover?

What is the most popular episode on Postpartum University® Podcast?

What is the average episode length on Postpartum University® Podcast?

How often are episodes of Postpartum University® Podcast released?

When was the first episode of Postpartum University® Podcast?

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