Episode 420: The Latest In Pregnancy And Postpartum Exercise Research Updates, with Dr. Margie Davenport

In today’s episode of the To Birth and Beyond podcast, Jessie sits down with special guest, Dr. Margie Davenport, to discuss updates and new information regarding perinatal exercise. Together, they discuss recent studies, and a myth or two, to determine their validity and gain insight into the findings. This one’s a special one - for practitioners, fitness professionals, and pregnant people, alike!- - - - - - - - -If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!Resources and References Jessie’s FREE, on-demand Exercise and Leaking Class@drmargiedavenport on InstagramExercise and Pregnancy websiteShow Notes 0:55 - Jessie’s FREE Exercise and Leaking Class is now available on-demand - tune in now!1:50 - Jessie introduces our special guest and what we will be talking about today5:35 - Dr. Davenport updates us on the current recommendations for volume of exercise in pregnancy7:38 - Dr. Davenport addresses High risk pregnancy folks - where research is leading exercise recommendations for the high risk pregnancies at this time10:20 - Dr. Davenport shares recent findings in her study about the safety of heavier loads in pregnancy 14:33 - Dr. Davenport digs into the claim that postpartum folks with a previous or current history of ED had a significantly increased risk of injury18:22 - Jessie inquires how “pelvic floor muscle training” is being defined in the studies showing that it reduced the odds of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse21:55 - Dr. Davenport shares what is recommended to coaches and clinicians when their clients and patients are getting incorrect information from someone else24:54 - Dr. Davenport divulges what the team is most excited about regarding studies they are currently running26:10 - Jessie brings the episode to a close

Did you know that using a birth ball is one of the easiest ways to help relieve common pregnancy pains? In today’s episode of the To Birth and Beyond podcast, Anita is going to provide practical tips for incorporating a pregnancy ball into your daily routine to alleviate common pregnancy pains and improve pelvic mobility. The episode emphasizes the importance of starting early and using the birth ball as a supportive tool throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery. You will be so surprised when you can mitigate back pain, hip pain, pelvic pain and so much more with a birth ball! - - - - - - - - -If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!Resources and References Bump to Birth Method - self-paced online program from Anita LambertFREE Prenatal Birth Ball Training Guidehttps://www.instagram.com/holistichealthphysioShow Notes 0:55 - Bump to Birth Method - self-paced online program from Anita Lambert2:41 - Anita shares what today’s episode is all about3:44 - Anita lists the different pregnancy pains that a birth ball can help relieve4:47 - Anita explains why the term “birth ball” is a tad incorrect6:15 - Anita explains how to choose the correct size of birth ball for your needs7:52 - Anita runs through some irth ball positions and exercises for each7:56 - Birth ball position #1: Sitting on the ball10:15 - Birth ball position #2: Kneeling on floor and leaning upper body on the ball12:30 - Birth ball position #3: Child’s pose, ball close, lean forward and place hands, head, and neck on the ball15:39 - Birth ball position #4: Lunge17:35 - Anita describes how long to do each of the exercises outlined in this episode19:04 - It’s never too early to start using a birth ball!19:51 - Anita shares about her bonus Birth Ball Training inside of Bump to Birth!20:11 - Anita brings the episode to a close!

On today’s episode of To Birth and Beyond, Jessie interviews colleague and friend, Catherine. She gives us an update on her business, and talks about her time in Jessie’s 6 months business mentorship program for fitness and health professionals: Coach Collective 2025. Together, they discuss where Catherine was struggling when she applied for the program a year ago, how she has grown her business past her own expectations in the last year while raising 3 kiddos, and what Catherine would tell folks who are considering joining the program. If you are ready to level up in your business, this episode is for you!- - - - - - - - -If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!Resources and References Jessie’s Coach Collective applications are open NOW (and ONLY open once per year)!Fitness Evolution Sherwood ParkFacebookInstagramShow Notes 0:55 - Jessie’s 2026 Coach Collective applications are open now!2:53 - Jessie introduces us to special guest Catherine Englestad and what we are talking about today!3:46 - Catherine describes where she is at in her business and motherhood journey5:42 - Catherine shares what it’s been like to build a business while mothering young kids9:24 - Catherine explains what she was struggling with in her business to prompt her to apply for the Coach Collective one year ago12:20 - Catherine shares how her marketing and sales have shifted since joining the Coach Collective 202515:13 - Catherine discusses the major changes she made this year in the delivery of her services, and how she’s feeling about that now19:15 - Jessie and Catherine celebrate Catherine surpassing her income goals in 2025 with the Coach Collective21:00 - Catherine recalls her nervousness in applying to the Coach Collective, and shares what she wants people who are considering applying to know28:35 - Jessie brings the episode to a close

On today’s episode of To Birth and Beyond, Anita and Jessie do a Q&A all about prenatal exercise. If you are pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, and/or work with pregnant clients, this episode is for you!- - - - - - - - -If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!Resources and References Jessie’s Coach Collective waitlist is open now!Anita’s Bump to Birth Method (self study)Jessie’s To Pregnancy and Beyond programShow Notes 0:55 - Jessie’s 2026 Coach Collective waitlist is open NOW!2:52 - Anita introduces what we are chatting about today3:18 - Question #1: I’ve always lifted heavy. How do I know when I need to modify or dial it back in pregnancy?7:26 - Question #2: I keep hearing I need to add pelvic floor work into my workouts, but what does that mean?10:50 - Question #3: What’s the best way to train my core in pregnancy without making diastasis worse, especially if I want to stay strong for postpartum?13:17 - Question #4: I’ve heard on social media don’t stretch too much in pregnancy. Is that true if I like yoga?15:30 - Question #5: If I only have time for a short workout, should I focus on mobility, strength, or pelvic floor?17:16 - Question #6: I have a birth ball at home, but honestly I just sit on it. Are there actual stretches or movements I should be doing with it in pregnancy?19:15 - Anita brings the episode to a close

Today’s episode is fun, because Jessie and Anita just get to talk business (one of our favorite subjects to discuss together)! We see a pressing need to diversify income streams, so we are discussing how we pivot in our businesses, our best advice after over a decade in business, and how we see our industries growing. Revenue is going to be a problem at some point in your business, so learning how to pivot and adjust is is important, now more than ever!- - - - - - - - -If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!Resources and References 1:1 Mentorship for Physiotherapists with AnitaBirth Prep for Clinical Practice – Professional Online Course with AnitaHow to Structure a Partner Labour Prep Session in Clinic – Professional Workshop with AnitaJessie’s Coach Collective waitlist is open now!Show Notes 0:55 - Jessie’s 2026 Coach Collective waitlist is open NOW!2:52 - Jessie introduces what we are chatting about today3:44 - Anita and Jessie take turns giving us a high level overview of how their businesses make money9:58 - Jessie shares her biggest lesson from 13 years of entrepreneurship11:01 - The ladies divulge what their favorite part of their businesses are right now12:55 - Jessie gives the low down on all the different ways you could be working with folks, highlighting hybrid models17:25 - Jessie lists how people can engage with your services18:56 - Anita shares the importance of change in her work20:55 - Anita and Jessie talk through the ability to create more “passive” or on-demand-type income23:57 - Jessie strongly recommends how to offer mentorship in your business25:36 -Jessie brings the episode to a close

In today’s episode of To Birth and Beyond, Anita sits down with Bump to Birth Method graduate Claire Wolfer to talk all about her birth story - a positive birth experience via induction. Together, Claire and Anita discuss everything from how Claire chose her care team, to her full birth story and advice she would give listeners - as a mom AND a Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist. Birth stories are some of our most popular episodes for a reason - so this one is not to miss!Claire Wolfer is a first time mom and a Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist at Hartford Health Care - East Region in Waterford, Connecticut.- - - - - - - - -If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!Resources and References Anita’s Bump to Birth Method - on-demand!Resource: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/Show Notes 0:55 - Bump to Birth Method - Anita’s self-study program for birthing folks - is available now!2:40 - Anita introduces what we are chatting about today, and welcomes Claire Wolfer to the podcast4:36 - Claire recalls how she felt during pregnancy - physically, mentally, and emotionally - and what was going on that caused additional stress11:04 - Claire recounts how her care providers were during her pregnancy14:07 - Claire shares how she decided on her provider group16:52 - Claire lists the different steps she took to prepare for birth - including Bump to Birth!21:58 - Claire divulges what pieces in Bump to Birth that stood out to her that she took into her very first birth prep23:32 - Claire details her birth story and how she felt supported by her care providers32:33 - Claire describes what it was like spending time with her baby in the hospital just following birth34:37 - Claire shares what her recovery and postpartum experience was like37:23 - Claire identifies what recovery items and rehab-focused movements she recommends people have for their initial birth recovery 42:52 - Claire shares advice for expecting parents46:33 - Anita brings the episode to a close

In today’s episode of To Birth and Beyond, Jessie sits down with PFSA graduate Megan Donovan to talk all about her work training pre- and postnatal for military members. Megan shares how she got into this work, what considerations she makes working with military parents, and what makes her so passionate in her pursuit of this work. Together, Jessie and Megan discuss the state of conversation around body image, as well as general pelvic health for all military members.- - - - - - - - -If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!Resources and References Prenatal & Postnatal Fitness Specialist Academy OPEN NOW - Save $500 Until October 16thPre/postnatal military programming detailsEmail Megan: [email protected] Notes 0:55 - Enrolment is open for Jessie’s Prenatal & Postnatal Fitness Specialist Academy!2:27 - Jessie introduces what we are chatting about today and welcomes Megan Donovan to the podcast3:21 - Megan describes what she does and how she got into this work10:58 - Megan shares her top goal to create a safe community for military women to come to and be in12:51 - Megan identifies what women in the military are struggling with when it comes to body, work, life, etc14:48 - Megan details what the robust CFMWS pre and postnatal programming looks like16:51 - Megan describes how her work with pregnant military members is specific to them in her coaching and training20:15 - Jessie gets curious and asks: Are there fitness requirements that pregnant military members need to sustain throughout a pregnancy?24:06 - Jessie takes a pause to recognize what Megan and her team have built!25:16 - Megan and Jessie talk maternity leave and postpartum clearance in the military27:40 - Jessie and Megan discuss the conversation around body image and the pressures these folks are feeling postpartum to “bounce back”34:42 - Megan shares what the state of the conversation around pelvic health is in the military among men and nonbinary folks36:49 - Megan shares what she wishes fitness/health professionals working with military members knew about working with pregnant and postpartum populations39:08 - Jessie brings the episode to a close

In today’s episode of To Birth and Beyond, Anita answers the question that might be on your mind as a physiotherapist: do I need to have given birth to work with pregnant and postpartum populations? Tune in to hear Anita discuss why she started to work with the perinatal population prior to having her own kids (it IS possible!), advice she received(and mindset shifts she made), and why she is grateful to have niched down as she did!- - - - - - - - -If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!Resources and References Anita’s course: Birth Prep for Clinical PracticeEpisode 411: Thinking About Adding Pelvic Floor Health as an Ortho Physiotherapist? I’ll Help You DecideFor information about mentorship coaching calls with Anita – email [email protected] or DM @holistichealthphysio on InstagramShow Notes 0:55 - Anita shares what she is talking about today, and offers a bit of a reframe of perspective as we enter the conversation3:05 - Anita explains what her focus was prior to pelvic health, and how she pivoted to a perinatal focus7:24 - Anita dives into client goals and their overlaps in other areas of focus/niches9:22 - Anita shares two things that will help your confidence and competency in perinatal work if you haven’t personally given birth11:08 - If you are thinking of diving into perinatal care, Anita shares about her Birth Prep for Clinical Practice course14:02 - Regardless of what clients come to you for, Anita shares that they are ACTUALLY coming to you for…16:46 - Anita urges us to focus on the positives, and what clients CAN do18:30 - Anita suggest what to do if you are considering working with the perinatal population, and why she is so passionate about working with them!21:52 - Anita brings the episode to a close

In today’s episode of To Birth and Beyond, Jessie’s answering another round of listener questions - this time, all about coaching pregnant and postpartum clients. This one is for the coaches, fitness professionals, health practitioners who are seeking answers about exercise and pelvic floor health. If you’re working with pregnant or postpartum people - or anyone with a pelvic floor - just know that these situations ARE going to come up, so this episode is for you!- - - - - - - - -If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!Resources and References Jessie’s free, live, online 3 Step System to Stop Exercise-Induced Leaking with your Pregnant or Postpartum ClientsShow Notes 0:55 - Jessie is teaching a free, live, online class on October 8th - and you’re invited!2:24 - Jessie introduces us to today’s topic!3:00 - Question 1: I have a client who is 20 weeks pregnant and wants to continue CrossFit. How do I know which movements to modify or scale, and at what point should certain exercises be completely off the table?5:51 - Question 2: I’m a personal trainer without pelvic floor specialization. When should I refer a pregnant or postpartum client to a pelvic floor physiotherapist, and how do I have that conversation without having them feel scared about what’s happening in their body?9:55 - Question 3: I have a client who is 8 months postpartum and wants to get back to running, but she is still experiencing some leaking. What’s my scope of practice here, and what return to running progressions are actually evidence-based?13:42 - Question 4: How do I coach breathing and core engagement differently for pregnant clients vs. postpartum clients?16:56 - Question 5: I’ve got a client with severe diastasis recti (about 3 fingers wide). What does the current evidence say about training with diastasis?21:02 - Jessie wraps up the episode

In today’s episode of To Birth and Beyond, Anita is speaking directly to you, physiotherapists (!!). She addresses a question she receives frequently from her mentorship coaching clients, as well as in her Instagram DMs: Should i add pelvic health physiotherapy to my orthopedic physiotherapy practice? Today, we are breaking down the choices, pros and cons.If you’ve ever been thinking about creating a more dynamic practice? This episode might just be for you!- - - - - - - - -If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!Resources and References For information about mentorship coaching calls with Anita – email [email protected] or DM @holistichealthphysioBirth Prep for Clinical Practice - Oct 2025Birth Prep for Clinical Practice for after Oct 2025 – search Birth Prep for Clinical Practice on course websiteNon-Internal Introductory Pelvic Health Course - Pelvic Health Solutions: OnlineShow Notes 0:55 - Anita introduces us to today’s topic1:46 - You don’t have to choose between pelvic health and orthopedic!2:15 - Anita shares her story, back when she had this particular question for herself!9:23 - Physiotherapists have so many areas they could go into!10:50 - An argument for mentorship11:48 - A question to ask yourself: What drew you to the idea of adding pelvic health in the first place?12:57 - Anita goes through some considerations around adding pelvic health specialization18:54 - Anita reassures you that you don’t have to ditch your MSK or your ortho (and you can treat whole body)26:34 - We hope this serves as a nudge to look into pelvic health!28:49 - Anita wraps up the episode