The Barbell Mamas Podcast | Pregnancy, Postpartum, Pelvic Health

Postpartum Surgery Decisions

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You’re cleared for pelvic surgery and then someone hands you a rule that says you can’t lift more than 10 pounds. Meanwhile, your toddler weighs t...

Rethinking Bed Rest In Pregnancy

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Your pregnancy gets labeled “high risk,” and suddenly the default advice can feel like a single blunt command: stop moving. That can be crushing i...

Pregnancy Exercise Modifications

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever been told to “just walk” the moment you get pregnant, you already know how discouraging that can feel when training is part of yo...

Brace Better Lift Heavier

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Half of women report leaking when they lift heavy, and we have somehow decided that’s normal. I’m not interested in telling you to accept it or to...

From Pregnancy Myths To Postpartum Power: What Sarah J. Maas Sparked

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What if the most radical thing a mother can say is also the most honest: I adore my kid, and I hated being pregnant. We open that door and walk throug...

Should You Squeeze Before You Lift? A Clear Guide For Active Moms

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ever been told to “Kegel before you lift” and wondered if it actually helps? We take a clear-eyed look at leaking under heavy loads, how bracing s...

Olympic Mothers Are Rewriting The Rules Of Pregnancy And Postpartum Fitness

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gold medals and car seats can share the same backseat. We reflect on a Winter Games filled with mothers who didn’t just compete—they redefined wha...

From FIFA’s Return-To-Play To GLP-1s: What Active Moms Need To Know

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to trade rigid rules for a smarter return-to-sport plan? We walk through a groundbreaking consensus published in BJSM that maps a postpartum pat...

High-Load Training, Miscarriage Myths, And Pelvic Floor Truths For Active Moms

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Heavy lifting in early pregnancy carries a long shadow of fear—but the data tell a different story. We unpack a newly published study on first-trime...

How Social Media Shapes Women’s Health Choices

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel like every scroll brings a new rule for your body? We sit down with Dr. Emily Fender, a health communication scientist whose research tracks...

How Training, Fueling, And Stress Shape Fertility

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Trying to conceive while training hard can feel like you’re being asked to choose between your identity and your goals. We go straight at the myth t...

Pelvic Floor Truths For Athletes, Soldiers, And New Moms

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Leaks under a heavy deadlift, pressure during a ruck, or a sudden urge mid-sprint can derail training—and confidence. We go straight at the myths an...

Mom 75: Real Fitness For Chaotic Seasons

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The New Year avalanche of challenges and “perfect morning routines” can feel brutal when you’re sleep-deprived, healing, and parenting on a hair...

Why I’m Choosing Intentions Over Resolutions in 2026

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New years can feel loud and demanding, especially when you’re juggling motherhood, training, and a nervous system running hot. We’re choosing a di...

Year-End Reflections On Strength And Motherhood

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the advice you’ve been handed about training through pregnancy and after birth is more fear than fact? We close out a bruising year with hon...

Busting Myths about LIFTING during Pregnancy

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The loudest voices on the internet say “don’t lift heavy when you’re pregnant.” We say: let’s look at what the body does, what the research ...

Moving Before The Six Weeks

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the six-week postpartum rule is more tradition than science? We take you inside a smarter, kinder approach to early recovery—one that blends...

Rethinking Pregnancy Fitness Rules

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most advice about training through pregnancy and postpartum gets boiled down to catchy lines that spark more fear than clarity. We take those mantras ...

Rethinking Pregnancy Fitness And Pelvic Health

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stop earning your workout. We make the case that exercise is the tool for healing during pregnancy and postpartum, not a prize you unlock after perfec...

Early Gains After C-Section

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the “wait six weeks” rule after a C-section is holding you back more than it’s keeping you safe? We unpack a smarter, kinder approach to...

How Active Moms Can Return To Running, Lifting, And Sport Without Fear

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The first sprint after birth can feel like your body forgot the map. We get honest about that moment, then build a smarter route back to running, lift...

From Diastasis To Deadlifts: Evidence, Not Myths

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Think you “caused” your diastasis by breathing wrong or lifting heavy? Let’s retire the blame. We dig into what the research actually says about...

Why Early Hormone Headlines Mislead And How Pregnant Athletes Can Train Smarter

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A wave of excitement hit social media over a perimenopause hormone therapy “study” that hadn’t even cleared peer review. We pull back the curtai...

From Conflicting Advice To Confident Training In Pregnancy

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Conflicting rules about pregnancy exercise can make even seasoned athletes second-guess their training. We cut through the noise with a practical fram...

BONUS Episode: CESP conference day 1 take aways

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine your daily choices in pregnancy quietly shaping your child’s metabolism, stress responses, and emotional regulation for years. That’s the ...

You can lift with prolapse—and here's how

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fear thrives where facts are fuzzy—especially around pelvic organ prolapse. We open the blinds with clear explanations, zero scare tactics, and a pr...

Inside a Missed Miscarriage: Choices, Pain, and Partner Perspectives

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The room got quieter when the number landed: HCG at 5,000—far too low for nearly thirteen weeks. From that moment, everything we’d been planning—...

Rethinking Kegels in Pregnancy: Evidence, Nuance, and What Your Body Actually Needs

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The internet turned pelvic floor training into a turf war—“always Kegels” on one side, “never Kegels” on the other. We cut through the noise...

Cesarean Delivery: What Every Mother Should Know

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cesarean delivery affects one in three births in America, yet many expectant mothers remain unprepared for this possibility. As a pelvic floor physica...

Pregnancy Exercise: Do We Really Need Modifications?

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Exercise during pregnancy has long been shrouded in caution and confusion. What if many of the modifications we've been taught are unnecessary? D...

The Evolution of Prenatal Exercise: Breaking Down Barriers

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pregnancy fitness has undergone a revolution. What was once a landscape of caution and restriction has transformed into one of empowerment and evidenc...

Navigating Exercise in Early Pregnancy

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

That positive pregnancy test changes everything—suddenly you're questioning your exercise routine, wondering if you need to modify, and trying ...

Prepping for Baby #2: What Changes?

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Motherhood transforms our bodies, our fitness routines, and our expectations – especially when we're thinking about adding another baby to the ...

Building Athletes Through Motherhood

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder if all those interrupted workouts and chaotic fitness sessions while raising little ones will ever pay off? In this deeply personal episod...

The Truth About Breastfeeding and Injury Risk

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every active mother has heard the warnings: "Be careful with exercise while breastfeeding." But what does science actually tell us about nur...

Food as Fuel: Navigating Nutrition for Active Moms

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you fueling properly for your active lifestyle through pregnancy and postpartum? The answer might surprise you. In this eye-opening conversation w...

Rethinking Diastasis Recti

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Challenging long-held beliefs about diastasis recti, this episode dives deep into groundbreaking research that's transforming how we understand a...

Breaking Down "Floored": A Critical Analysis of Pelvic Floor Advice

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into a thoughtful critique of "Floored," the bestselling pelvic floor health book by Dr. Sarah Reardon (The Vagina Whisperer). This epi...

When Experience Replaces Expertise: The Influencer Problem in Pregnancy & Fitness

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why certain pregnancy myths refuse to die despite lacking scientific evidence? The answer lies in how our digital ecosystem per...

Reframing Pelvic Floor Research

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Groundbreaking research is reshaping what we know about pelvic health for active women. This episode dives into three significant developments that ch...

Battling the Silence: Postpartum Depression and Exercise

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fear nearly kept me from motherhood. Growing up watching my mother battle severe mental health challenges that began in her postpartum period with twi...

Lessons from the Female Athlete Conference

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The boundaries of female athleticism are expanding in thrilling ways, yet the research supporting women's unique physiological journeys lags sign...

Debunking Myths About Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pregnancy doesn't have to mean suffering through pain until delivery day. In this myth-busting episode, pelvic floor physical therapist Christina...

The Core Connection: Why You Might Be Peeing During Workouts

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For active women who've experienced that embarrassing leak during a heavy lift, this episode challenges everything you thought you knew about pel...

Behind the Highlight Reel: The Truth About Pregnancy and Postpartum Journeys

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The comparison trap is real, and it's especially potent in the pregnancy and postpartum space. As someone who's been both celebrated and cri...

Your Body After Baby: What Nobody Tells You About Early Postpartum

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 r...

The Truth About Coning Won't Destroy Your Core

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The journey toward understanding diastasis recti has been filled with misconceptions, fear, and outdated advice. As a pelvic floor physical therapist ...

Bracing and Belting for Performance and The Pelvic Floor

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Having a strong brace is important for lifting heavy weights. It is a critical part of CrossFit, powerlifting and weightlifting. Not to mention just l...

Olympic Lifting Modifications for Pregnancy and Postpartum Athletes

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you're passionate about Olympic weightlifting, pregnancy doesn't mean you have to abandon the barbell—it means learning to adapt with...

Everything you need to know about Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over half to as manyas 75% of pregnant individuals will experience some amount of muscular pain. The most common of which is pelvic girdle pain.   ...

Beyond the Uniform: Why Pelvic Floor Function Matters for Service Women

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Christina Prevett shares powerful insights about pelvic floor issues in the military and advocates for better awareness and support for female service...

Beyond the 6-Week Checkup: Reimagining Postpartum Fitness

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Revolutionary new research is transforming how we approach postpartum exercise, and it's about time we talk about it. The 2025 Canadian guideline...

The Cesarean Recovery Roadmap: Movement, Healing, and Beyond

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cesarean birth requires thoughtful rehabilitation, but the old advice of extended bed rest is outdated. As a pelvic floor physical therapist who'...

New Research Challenges Old Rules

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Traditional postpartum exercise guidelines are being dramatically rewritten thanks to groundbreaking new research. As someone who contributed to this ...

Stop Fearing Your Body's Feedback Loop

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The shame and fear surrounding postpartum symptoms have gone unchecked for far too long. As a pelvic floor physical therapist and athletic mom, I&apos...

The Truth About Exercise and Pregnancy

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Get ready to dive into a rich conversation on the Barbell Mamas podcast where we explore the intersection of pregnancy and fitness! Christina Prevett,...

Navigating Medical Realities for Active Moms

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Step into a heartfelt conversation about the challenges and victories faced by mothers who strive to maintain their physical health amidst the overwhe...

Reclaiming Gymnastics Confidence Postpartum

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rediscover your gymnastics prowess postpartum with insights from Christina Prevett, a seasoned pelvic floor physical therapist and exercise researcher...

Understanding Pelvic Floor Changes During Pregnancy

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Navigating C-Section Journeys | Empowering Recovery and Strength with Christina Prevett

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the transformative journey of cesarean delivery and postpartum recovery with Christina Prevett, a seasoned pelvic floor physical therapist. T...

The Future of Postpartum Care with Christina Prevett

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how weightlifting and motherhood intersect with evolving pregnancy care guidelines? Christina Previtt takes us on a journey through her ...

The Icks and Cringe Advice Given to Pregnant Mamas

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It is hopefully coming from a good place but no one gives more advice about your body and your cgoices than when you are pregnant.   Don't do ...

Running for Moms | Embracing Safety and Overcoming Challenges with Christina Prevett

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode trains listeners on how to safely and effectively run during the winter months while addressing common concerns and practical tips for co...

Why is Pain so Common in Pregnancy?

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Set realistic goals as you journey through motherhood and fitness with on the Barbell Mamas podcast. Discover how hormonal changes might influence joi...

Answering your Questions About Pregnancy, Postpartum, & Pelvic Health Part 1

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unlock the secrets to a smoother postpartum recovery with insights from Christina Prevett, your guide to navigating the complex world of pelvic floor ...

Balancing Holiday Joy and Personal Grief | Finding Wellness with Christina Prevett

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the holidays, juggling festive joy with personal loss and family chaos? Join me, Christina on the Barbell Mamas podc...

Rethinking Pregnancy Exercise Myths | Empowering Mothers with Christina Prevett

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can traditional pregnancy exercise advice be holding you back? Join me, as we challenge the status quo and redefine what it means to stay fit during p...

Navigating Mom Influencer Culture and Health Misinformation | A Cautionary Tale with Christina Prevett

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how mom influencers can shape our perceptions of health and medicine, even when they lack professional expertise? Join Christin...

Navigating Miscarriage and Healing | Embracing Vulnerability with Christina Prevett

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After experiencing the heartbreak of miscarriage, I am opening my heart to share my deeply personal journey on the Barbell Mamas podcast. From the ini...

Returning to Gymnastics after Baby | Pull-ups, Toes-to-bar, Handstand Pushups

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Gymnastics and body weight movements are a big portion of many CrossFit and calisthetics programs. They require you to bring your chin, feet or entire...

Changing your pregnancy experience with these 3 thoughts

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us on the Barbell Mamas podcast as we challenge long-held myths about exercising during pregnancy with a bold statement: Intense workouts are not...

Staying Active in Pregnancy and Postpartum | Embracing Self-Compassion with Christina Prevett

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt the weight of societal expectations to maintain a "fit pregnancy" or achieve a rapid postpartum "bounce back"? You'...

Strength Training Secrets for Runners During Pregnancy and Postpartum | with Christina Prevett

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Strength training can be the game-changer runners didn't know they needed, especially when navigating the unique challenges of pregnancy and post...

From Birth Plans to Postpartum Success | Strategies for Success with Christina Prevett

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're going to dive into childbirth empowerment, highlighting the significance of understanding childbirth sensations and the benefits of p...

Avoiding these half marathon mistakes | a newbie runners experience

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Trying something new is exciting, challenging and oftentimes a bumpy road Last week, Christina did her first ever half marathon and it didn’t go ex...

Exercise in high risk pregnancy with maternal fetal medicine specialist Dr. Jonathon Rosner

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We know that exercise is recommended when everything is okay in pregnancy … but what about when complications come up? That’s where Dr. Rosner co...

Bracing and Belting for Performance and The Pelvic Floor

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Having a strong brace is important for lifting heavy weights. It is a critical part of CrossFit, powerlifting and weightlifting. Not to mention just l...

10 things all mamas, mamas to be or wannabe mamas should know

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There is SO much going through your mind when thinking about starting a family or expanding it. Many turn to the internet with all the questions they ...

Do we need cycle syncing workouts menstrual cycle and exercise 101

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

TBM Episode 5: Cycle syncing has been a hot topic on Instagram and Tiktok. People are coming out as "cycle syncing fitness providers" helpin...

How midwives help you exercise in pregnancy with Elena

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pregnancy is, for many, the first time you see a medical person on a regular basis.  Many mamas in the CrossFit space feel frustrated when they’re ...

New myths coming into exercise and pregnancy | belly too tight? CrossFit causing c section and all things breech

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As CrossFit and lifting in pregnancy becomes more popular, new thoughts and insights into the effects of these types of exercise are popping up. Rece...

Exercising after Miscarriage or Abortion.

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Advice around exercise and miscarriage is really unclear. Some people say wait a week and then resume. Others say it’s the same as being postpartum....

The 2024 CrossFit Games will be marked in history

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

And not for good reasons Our community has been rocked. People are sad, angry, traumatized and stressed about the events this past weekend. The passin...

Pregnant athletes, breastfeeding villages and misrepresenting and judging women’s/ trans bodies | Paris 2024

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It has been a WILD ride these last couple of weeks with the Olympic games. Female athletes aretaking the games by STORMWe have had not one but TWO pr...

How we prioritize fitness TOGETHER as parents with Nick aka the dad

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Prioritizing fitness in the messy middle of life when you have littles can be really tough. Especially this can be hard if you aren’t sleeping, are ...

How to START exercising in pregnancy

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can you START exercising whether cardio or strength training during pregnancy? YES! There are lots of questions about if and when to start a brand ne...

Is this how my pelvis is supposed to feel?! | What is “normal” after baby

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about all the things that can go “wrong” during pregnancy and postpartum. But what about the normal things we should expect to feel after ...

What happens to your pregnant body | pregnant body changes 101

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You find out you’re pregnant and then your body is feeling weird. You’re always out of breath and swollen and tired. What the heck?! We learn so...

C-section & what I wish they would have told me

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you are pregnant, there are many reasons why you might end up with a C-section. In the United States, almost 1/3 (about 30%) of birth result fro...

All things second trimester | when to start modifying exercise in pregnancy

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Knowing when to modify exercise can be really confusing for pregnant mamas. The hardest part is that the answer is different for everyone. In today’...

Stepping away from training.

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you’re training for a goal there’s a different intensity than when you’re recreationally exercising Having little ones is also in the mess...

Talking butt stuff | gas in the squat, hemorrhoids and constipation

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It can be embarassing talking about pee … but anal issues?! Forget it. It’s so much more common than we think and having an understanding of what...

Getting healthcare to work for YOU

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Trying to get pregnant or becoming a parent are two times in our life where we really stop, pause and reflect on our health. We are motivated not just...

Birth Injuries | Perineal tearing and Episiotomy: What to do about it?

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Injuries can happen after vaginal delivery. People will often talk about grades of tearing and what to expect during a vaginal birth. During today’...

Modifying Box Jumps, Double Unders and Running if you're Peeing

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Impact is a big type of movement that causes people to have pelvic floor issues. In today's episode, Christina breaks down the WHAT, WHY and HOW ...

Debunking Embarrassing Pelvic Issues in the Gym - Queefing, Coregasms and more!

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pelvic health issues can be embarrassing. You can have issues with peeing, pooping, sexual health. Not exactly the topics that come up in every day co...

Competing in the Open 3 days Postpartum?! Talking about the incredible Andrea Nisler

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Andrea Nisleris a decorated 9x CrossFit Games athlete best known as part of Team CrossFit Mayhem. She is a new mama welcoming her first child in the m...

The impact of coughing, sneezing and vomiting on the pelvic floor

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Being sick SUCKS. Being sick with pelvic floor concerns sucks MORE. Many people can feel like their pelvic floor symptoms get WORSE when they’re si...

Stacking the deck on FERTILITY

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

1 in 7 couples struggle with infertility Many couples dream of expanding their family and then can have so much disappointment when they struggle. T...

Gymnastics and kipping in pregnancy and returning postpartum

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Gymnastics is a big part of the CrossFit program. It’s also a really FUN part. People work really hard to get their kipping pull ups, toes to bar a...