The Barbell Mamas Podcast | Pregnancy, Postpartum, Pelvic Health

Have you been told to wait six weeks before returning to exercise after having your baby? This long-established guideline is being challenged by new research and expert consensus. As a pelvic floor physical therapist, CrossFit athlete, and mom of two, I'm pulling back the curtain on what early postpartum recovery really looks like and why that six-week rule deserves a serious update.
The postpartum period often feels like whiplash—from constant medical attention during pregnancy to suddenly feeling abandoned once baby arrives. While your newborn gets thoroughly examined, your recovery becomes an afterthought, typically reduced to a brief check at six weeks postpartum. But what about those crucial early weeks when everything feels strange and uncertain in your body?
In this deeply personal episode, I share my own Mother's Day reflections (including the moment my child spilled water on my laptop!) before diving into the transformative potential of early pelvic floor physical therapy. Around two weeks postpartum, these appointments provide more than just physical assessment—they offer space to process your birth story without judgment, clarify which sensations are normal versus concerning, and develop a personalized plan for returning to movement.
You'll learn why feeling heaviness around your vagina doesn't necessarily mean prolapse, why your core feels foreign after birth, and why gentle early movement can significantly benefit your mental health without harming your recovery. Drawing from both research and clinical experience, I explain how my own family history of postpartum depression shaped my approach to postpartum exercise and why current evidence supports a more individualized timeline for return to activity.
Whether you're currently navigating the fourth trimester, planning for a future pregnancy, or supporting someone who is, this episode provides crucial information that's often missing from standard postpartum care. Ready to transform how you think about recovery after birth? Listen now, and let's reclaim the postpartum journey together.

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When you're passionate about Olympic weightlifting, pregnancy doesn't mean you have to abandon the barbell—it means learning to adapt with intelligence and awareness. Christina Prevett breaks down the crucial modifications that keep both mom and baby safe while preserving hard-earned technique.
The conversation explores four key considerations every pregnant weightlifter needs to understand. First, contact points and bar path must adapt as your baby bump grows—not because contact is dangerous, but because forcing traditional positioning can develop technical habits that are difficult to break postpartum. Second, the speed and depth of squats require personalized modification based on how your changing body feels in these positions. Third, setup positions from the floor may need elevation or stance adjustments to accommodate your growing belly. Finally, breathing strategies can shift from traditional bracing to continuous exhales that maintain core stability while respecting pregnancy physiology.
What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical postpartum guidance. Christina explains why technique, not strength, becomes the limiting factor after delivery. The dramatic shift from pregnant to non-pregnant happens rapidly, leaving many athletes feeling disconnected from their body awareness. Starting with empty barbell work becomes crucial for proprioceptive retraining before adding load.
Special attention is given to C-section recovery, with innovative modifications like the "no contact snatch" that respect surgical healing while maintaining training consistency. The guidance extends to belt use timelines and core rehabilitation approaches that transfer directly to barbell performance.
Whether you're planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or navigating postpartum return, this episode provides the blueprint for maintaining your weightlifting practice safely through all phases of motherhood. Ready to keep the barbell in your life through pregnancy and beyond? This is your roadmap.

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Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter
You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.
Interested in our programs? Check us out here!

Strength training can be the game-changer runners didn't know they needed, especially when navigating the unique challenges of pregnancy and postpartum. Join me, Christina Prevett, as I embark on an exploration of how fortifying key muscle groups around the hips and knees can prevent common running injuries like shin splints. Feel the Ontario breeze with me as I share my personal journey through running during the seasonal splendor, emphasizing the importance of integrating strength workouts into your routine for longer, faster, and more injury-free runs.
Ever wonder why your legs feel like lead after a good strength session?
Let's unpack the impact of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) on running economy and overall performance. While it might seem counterintuitive, strength training supports long-term fitness goals and reduces injury risk. Sharing stories from my own experiences, we discuss the delicate balance between strength and endurance training, reassuring you that not every run needs to be perfect and that finding joy in the journey is just as important as the destination.
For those wondering how to weave strength sessions into a busy running schedule, especially during pregnancy and postpartum, we've got you covered. Strategically planned workouts, understanding the interference effect, and acknowledging the body's changing needs are all discussed. Early postpartum rehabilitation, far from being a limitation, is an opportunity to rebuild stronger foundations. Discover practical tips for building effective routines that challenge your muscles, support your endurance goals, and empower you on your fitness journey.

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Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter
You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.
Interested in our programs? Check us out here!

Ever wondered how weightlifting and motherhood intersect with evolving pregnancy care guidelines? Christina Previtt takes us on a journey through her own experiences as a national-level weightlifter and a mom, shedding light on the future of pregnancy and postpartum exercise research. Against the backdrop of a turbulent political landscape, Christina shares her optimism for 2025, where evidence-based decisions empower women to confidently navigate their health and fitness during pregnancy. This episode promises insights into the transition from rigid exercise norms to a more dynamic, research-informed approach.
Christina emphasizes the necessity for individualized postpartum care, arguing against the one-size-fits-all protocols that often fall short. She highlights the value of creating personalized care plans that take into account factors like delivery method, pre-existing conditions, and social support systems. Collaboration between physical therapists and medical professionals is key, and Christina passionately advocates for this teamwork to enhance symptom management and adapt to tissue healing timelines. By integrating lifestyle factors and fostering open communication, she envisions a respectful and comprehensive continuum of care.
The episode also tackles the challenges of navigating women's health in 2025, amidst growing skepticism fueled by social media misinformation. Christina advocates for credible voices on these platforms and encourages critical thinking among consumers. She appreciates the beneficial role of doulas while cautioning against unregulated advice. Drawing inspiration from a fantasy novel, the concept of the "thought cage" becomes a metaphor for choosing which ideas to express openly. Christina underscores the importance of respectful dialogue, setting boundaries against negativity, and preparing for meaningful discussions with a positive outlook on the future.

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Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter
You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.
Interested in our programs? Check us out here!

Ever wondered how pregnancy fatigue and vomiting can challenge the pelvic floor? Tune in to the latest episode of the Barbell Mamas podcast, where we unravel the physical complexities of pregnancy. Christina Prevett, a pelvic floor physical therapist, joins co-host Sheena Berman to explore how the tiredness of pregnancy and frequent vomiting can strain the pelvic floor, leading to symptoms like involuntary urine release. With insights from Dr. Jenny LaCrosse, we dive into anatomical variations and the potential hormonal links that might predispose some individuals to pelvic floor issues. This episode promises to shed light on the intricacies of pregnancy that often go unnoticed.
Moving beyond fatigue, we also explore the biomechanical changes that come with pregnancy. As your body adapts to its new passenger, anterior pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis become part of the norm. Christina discusses the critical role of strength training and debunks myths about weakened muscles during pregnancy. Through a candid conversation, we highlight how modifying exercises instead of eliminating them can sustain core strength and manage symptoms like leaking during activities such as running. The emphasis is on understanding your body's evolving needs and fostering resilience through tailored exercise routines.
Pelvic floor health doesn't stop at understanding; it requires action. Our episode continues with a focus on pelvic floor exercises and therapy, challenging the anti-Kegel sentiment with evidence-based support for pelvic floor strengthening. We emphasize the importance of coordination, relaxation, and strengthening, offering strategies for modifying activities that trigger symptoms. By maintaining strength and avoiding deconditioning, expectant mothers can enhance their postpartum recovery. Join us in this comprehensive discussion that empowers you to navigate the physical demands of pregnancy with confidence and care.

___________________________________________________________________________
Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter
You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.
Interested in our programs? Check us out here!