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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.  

Feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, or just plain anxious all the time? You’re not alone - and this brand new She Found Motherhood Podcast episode is for you. Dr. Sarah Lea sits down with the incredible Rachel Mark - Registered Acupuncturist, Integrative Health Coach, and self-proclaimed body-nerd with degrees in Kinesiology, Acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. What do these fields all have in common? They have formed Rachel's journey to deepening her understanding of the nervous system and the body's incredible interconnectedness in its ability to heal. Dr. Lea and Rachel unpack the trickle-down effect of constant stress and overwhelm, especially in motherhood, and share relatable, real-life insights alongside practical tools to help you shift from “always on” to more ease and balance between your sympathetic and parasympathetic states. For a deeper dive, be sure to check out Radiant Effect, an online somatic coaching community, and Rachel's Instagram, at RachelMark.ca and website!

Today Dr. Alicia and Dr. Pip Houghton discuss a topic that is near and dear to their hearts - how to babyproof your relationship. The arrival of a newborn will undoubtedly create a new dynamic within your family unit, and while it brings great joy, we also run the risk of being blindsided by the challenges of this shift while also experiencing heightened stress due to increased responsibilities and lack of sleep. The best remedy is to have a discussion with your partner and lay out a plan before the arrival of baby - but it’s never too late! Listen to this podcast for four tips on how to go about it and what to address! Fair Play by Eve Rodsky Audiobook on Audible Buy on Amazon 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! 

Why do we even bother with car seats? Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of preventable death in children ages one through nine in Canada. Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do, and most of us do it on a daily basis with our children in the mix. The good news is, child safety seats have been shown to reduce fatal injury by 71% for infants under 1 year, 54% for toddlers ages 1-4 years, and 45% for children ages 4-8 years - but they are only effective if used properly, and studies have shown that up to 90% of child restraints are installed or used improperly! Sean Linnenbruegger is the owner of Safe Seats, a Nationally CPSAC-Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician-Instructor (CPST-I), and the proud mum of two very busy boys, ages 6 and 10. Tune into today’s podcast with Sean and Dr. Alicia as they discuss many tips in detail, providing you with the skills and confidence to install and use your seats properly 100% of the time, and the peace of mind that you’re doing everything you can to keep your children as safe as possible in their car seat! Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada (CPSAC): Find a Tech Winter Safety & Car Seats - a helpful guide to winter attire that passes the (pinch) test! www.safeseatsottawa.com  FB: fb.com/SafeSeatsOttawa IG: @safeseatsottawa  Learn about tips & tricks for newborn sleep with She Found Health’s Newborn Sleep 101 Course!

How does your blood type affect your pregnancy? Join Drs. Sarah and Alicia on today’s podcast as they break down how your blood type may put your baby at risk - but don’t worry! This only occurs in a very specific circumstance that is found in a percentually low number of people. And with proper screening and treatment, the risks of any complications to your, your baby, and any future pregnancies is basically eliminated. Thanks for letting us geek out and share our love of the physiology of pregnancy with you - we hope you enjoy and learn something too! 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!

Staying active during pregnancy isn't just for your overall health - it can also play a big role in how you experience labour. Evidence shows that regular physical activity can help shorten labour and better prepare your body for the physical demands of childbirth. After baby arrives, it’s all about rebuilding your strength, starting slow and steady, and adding new movements as your body heals. In today’s episode, we’re chatting with Robyn Rayner, a Registered Massage Therapist, CrossFit Level 2 Coach, and Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coach, about how to stay strong through pregnancy and the postpartum journey. Robyn offers actionable tips on how to approach fitness during these pivotal times, plus a deep dive into the importance of rehab and recovery after birth. Bonus: Robyn is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% discount on her virtual pregnancy and postpartum exercise program! To claim it, simply DM her on Instagram and let her know you heard about the deal on the She Found Motherhood Podcast! Find out more at: www.robynrayner.ca Follow Robyn on Instagram: @taranis.mom.strong