In this episode, we do something a little different — Becky brings her mom (a recently retired clinical psychologist and Becky’s personal parenting coach) onto the podcast to answer the questions we all ask ourselves in the toddler years. Are we traumatizing our kids with diaper changes? Is screen time ruining everything? How do we set boundaries without being assholes? We talk tantrums, timeouts, discipline vs punishment, tech guilt, and why “good enough” parenting is actually the goal. Equal parts validating, educational, and deeply relieving.
In this episode:
🧠 Toddler brains & emotional development
📱 Screen time, guilt, and reality
😤 Tantrums, meltdowns & autonomy
🛑 Boundaries vs punishment
💬 Validation over fixing
🧩 “Good enough” parenting
🐦 And as always, a bird story!
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re messing up your kid just by existing — this one’s for you. Truly: hang in there.
Find us:
📩 Questions or episode ideas? Email us at podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @ladybirdpt
🩺 Work with us in Austin, TX — pelvic floor PT for pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond
⭐ Love the show? Leave a review so other tired parents can find us
In this solo episode, Jessica breaks down one of the most common postpartum questions: “Is this exercise safe for me right now?” Instead of universal timelines, fear-based rules, or the mythical “six-week clearance means it's time to run a 5k,” she walks you through a simple, framework you can use for literally any movement. Whether you're three months, three years, or a whole decade postpartum, this method helps you tune into your body, progress intentionally, and stop second-guessing every plank, jump, or core exercise.
In this episode:
💪 How to actually know if an exercise is safe
🧠 The difference between symptoms vs. normal effort
🫠 Why your early-postpartum core needs more attention
⬆️ Easy ways to modify without feeling like you’re “starting over”
🔄 When—and how—to reassess and progress
⚠️ When it’s time to bring in a pelvic floor PT
🤯 The truth about “universal timelines” (they don’t exist!)
🐦 A bonus bird fact that Jessica absolutely did not remember in advance
Postpartum exercise doesn’t need to feel like guessing in the dark — your body gives you more information than you realize.
Find us:
📧 podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt
🌐 Book a visit or join the email list: ladybirdpt.com
💬 Love the episode? Leave a review — it helps other parents find us.
In this very off-duty, very unserious holiday episode, Jessica and Becky take a break from pelvic health and wander straight into the chaos of holiday traditions. From fake vs. real trees, to eggnog discourse, to matching pajamas, unpopular holiday opinions, and how Hanukkah and Christmas collide in their households — this one is cozy, a little spicy, and completely rooted in real-life end-of-year exhaustion.
In this episode:
🎄 Real vs. fake trees vs the 3rd option you’ll have to listen to find out what it is
🥚 Eggnog: delightful? disgusting? only good with whiskey?
👚 Matching pajama culture and our thoughts
🎶 Strong opinions about Christmas music
📽️ Favorite holiday movies
🕯️ Navigating blended family holidays with humor and honesty
🦩 Flamingo bird fact, courtesy of Dr. Sam!
Whether you’re team real tree, team fake tree, or team “my kid will destroy whatever we put up,” we hope this episode made your holiday season feel a little lighter and a lot more human.
Find us:
📬 Email us: podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt
🧘♀️ Work with us: Book a visit or join our email list at ladybirdpt.com
🎁 Holiday Offer: $199 initial evaluations — purchase now, use later
⭐ Leave us a review: It truly helps other parents find the show
This week, we sat down with Moriel Levy of Juniper Babyproofing to talk about something that feels overwhelming for pretty much every parent: safety, stairs, gates, and all the things tiny humans love to climb, chew, or escape through. Instead of fear-based “what could kill my child?” vibes, Moriel walks us through a calmer, more grounded reframe — creating yes spaces that make your home safer and make your life easier.
In this episode:
🧗♀️ How “yes spaces” reduce stress and constant parent hovering
🗂️ What to actually prioritize when babyproofing
🚧 Stairs, gates & furniture anchors — what matters and why
🧰 Common mistakes people make
🐣 The toddler room = the new crib (and how to keep it safe)
✨ Aesthetic babyproofing is real and we deserve nice things
🐦 A taxidermy crow?? Moriel’s hilarious bird story
If babyproofing has been living rent-free in your brain, this episode might just give you permission to breathe again.
Find Moriel:
💻 https://www.juniperbabyproofing.com
📸 Instagram: @juniperbabyproofing
Find The Lady Birds:
📧 podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt
💻 Book a visit or join our email list at ladybirdpt.com
🧑⚕️ Pelvic PT for pregnancy, postpartum, pelvic pain & beyond
⭐ If you loved this episode, leave us a review — it really does help parents find us
In this solo episode, Jessica breaks down one of the most under-talked-about postpartum topics: orgasms. What changes after pregnancy? Why do orgasms feel weaker, different, or sometimes downright painful? And what is the pelvic floor's role in an orgasm in the first place? Jessica walks listeners through the physiology of arousal, the role of pelvic floor tension vs. weakness, how hormones affect clitoral sensitivity, and why diminished orgasm isn’t something you just have to “live with.”
In this episode:
✨ Why making sure you're aroused is an important first step
🩸 Increased blood flow + tissue changes during arousal
💥 What pelvic floor contractions actually do in orgasm
💪 Weakness vs. tension — and how both mess with orgasm quality
🔥 When orgasm becomes painful and why
🧠 Clitoral sensitivity, hormones, and topical estrogen
🩺 When it’s a PT issue vs. when it’s a medical team issue
💗 You are not alone — diminished orgasm is common and fixable
Because pleasure is part of your health too — and you deserve a body that still feels like yours.
Find us:
📧 Reach us at podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📸 Follow along on Instagram: @ladybirdpt
🗓️ Book a visit or join the newsletter at ladybirdpt.com
⭐ Leave us a review — it truly helps people find the show
In this solo episode (yes, Becky flies completely solo because Jessica lost her voice!), we unpack the confusion around the six-week postpartum visit — the OB/midwife check, the pelvic floor PT check, and why they both matter but for totally different reasons. Becky breaks down what “cleared” really means, why so many people feel blindsided when they jump back into exercise, and how to think about returning to movement without fear, shame, or internet-influencer nonsense. If you’ve ever wondered why your body still feels off after your doctor said you were “good to go,” this episode is your guide.
In this episode:
✨ The real goal of the 6-week OB/midwife visit
🩺 What pelvic floor PT is actually assessing
🏃♀️ Why “clearance” is not the same as “prepared”
💦 Leakage, heaviness & pain — common but treatable
🧠 Fear-based exercise rules vs actual risk
💪 How to rebuild confidence in your postpartum body
⏳ Why it’s never too late for pelvic floor PT
🦃 A surprisingly emotional Turkey fun fact
Postpartum clearance isn’t a finish line — it’s a starting point!
Find us:
📧 podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt
🌐 Book a visit: ladybirdpt.com
🧡 In-person care in Austin + virtual care worldwide
⭐️ Leave a review — it helps other parents find us
Bladder emptying isn’t exactly a hot topic — until it starts giving you problems. This week, Jessica and Becky dig into the science and habits behind how to pee effectively, from finding your body’s “relax” mode to specific tricks that help you fully empty. Whether you’re postpartum, managing leakage, or just curious, this episode is proof that pelvic health starts with the basics.
In this episode:
💧 Why how you pee matters
🧘♀️ The role of the parasympathetic system (aka chill mode)🚽 Stop hovering — sit your booty down
💦 Bladder emptying techniques
🍼 Why postpartum stress can mess with bladder habits
Turns out, the way you pee says a lot about your pelvic floor. Slow down, breathe, and trust your body — your bladder will thank you.
Find us:
📧 Email us at podcast@ladybirdpt.com
🌐 Book a in person or virtual PT session at ladybirdpt.com
🪶 Join our newsletter, leave a review, or book a visit
Ever wonder how long you should be able to wait before peeing? In this episode, Becky and Jessica tackle the not-so-glamorous but oh-so-common world of urinary urgency and frequency. They break down what “normal” actually means, why your bladder might be bossing you around, and how to retrain your body to feel calm and in control again.
In this episode:
💧 How much water is too much?
🚽 What “normal” peeing patterns actually look like
🧠 The mind-body connection behind urgency
☕ Caffeine, sparkling water & other sneaky bladder irritants
🫁 Breathing, Kegels & urge drills that really work
⏳ When to wait it out (and when to call your PT)
😂 Becky admits Jessica was right about how long they could talk about urinary urgency/frequency
Links mentioned in this episode:
How to drink water blog post: https://www.ladybirdpt.com/post/are-you-drinking-water-correctly
Find us:
📧 Email us at podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt
🌐 Book a in person or virtual PT session at ladybirdpt.com
🪶 Join our newsletter, leave a review, or book a visit
In this episode, we sit down with pediatric physical therapist and certified breastfeeding specialist Kristi Hammerle, PT, DPT, founder of Year One Wellness. They dive into everything parents (and PTs!) should know about torticollis, head shape, and infant development — from what causes those early asymmetries to why early intervention matters so much. Kristi breaks down the connection between tight neck muscles, feeding challenges, and movement milestones, sharing clear, compassionate advice for helping babies move and grow with comfort and symmetry.
🍼 What torticollis really is (and why it’s not just about the neck)
🧠 The link between in-utero positioning and early tension
😴 How sleep position and swaddling play into head shape
👶 Why early intervention beats “waiting it out” every time
💪 The magic combo of lengthening + strengthening (yes, even for babies!)
💆♀️ What to expect in an infant PT session
🤍 No shame in helmets — what they do and when they help
🔄 The one word Kristi says every parent should remember: symmetry
For every parent wondering if that “head tilt” is normal — this one’s for you. A grounded, hopeful conversation that’ll leave you feeling informed and empowered (and maybe ready to stretch your baby’s neck, gently and with PT guidance!)
Find us:
📧 Email us at podcast@ladybirdpt.com
🌐 Book a in person or virtual PT session at ladybirdpt.com
🪶 Join our newsletter, leave a review, or book a visit — and check out our prenatal movement series while you’re there!
In this personal update episode, Becky and Jessica talk about what it actually means to feel “back to normal” after having a baby — physically, mentally, and emotionally. They discuss their experiences with identity shifts, alone time (or lack thereof), tantrums, toddler chaos, and redefining what “normal” even means in motherhood.
In this episode:
🧠 redefining “normal” postpartum
💪 feeling strong again - physically and mentally
😵💫Toddler tantrums
❤️🔥 the loss (and rediscovery) of self
🌙 carving out alone time in motherhood
🏃♀️ returning to running, movement, and confidence
Find us!
📧 podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt
🌐 Join our email list or book a visit: ladybirdpt.com
💬 Leave us a review — it means the world!
💪 We have 2 more spots left in the last class of the Fall Prenatal Series - Pelvic Floor Relaxation & Birth Prep on Dec 5th! Register here: https://www.ladybirdpt.com/fall-movement/p/relax-and-prep-class
Hey y’all, and welcome back to The Lady Birds Podcast! This week, Becky and Jessica are back with part two of our support garment series! In part one, we covered belly bands — what they’re good for, when to use them, and how they differ from SI belts.
Now we’re diving into SI belts: what they are, who actually benefits from them, and how to tell the difference between a soft “hug” of support and a belt that gives real mechanical stability. From fitting tips to how long to wear them (and when not to), this episode is packed with grounded, evidence-based insights that make pelvic pain feel a little less mysterious and a lot more manageable.
✨ Here’s what we cover: 🩺 The difference between an SI belt and a belly band — and why structure matters 🤰 Diagnoses that benefit most (SI joint pain, low back pain, and some pelvic girdle pain) 🧣 How to test if a belt might help 📏 Fitting tips: where it should actually sit and how tight to wear it 💪 Why SI belts are tools, not fixes and how they can bridge you to strength work 🧠 Why relaxin isn’t the real cause of pelvic pain
Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or just trying to make sense of pelvic pain, this one’s a quick but practical listen that’ll help you understand your body — and maybe laugh along the way.
Episodes we reference:Belly bands: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6UyEnYP6PyLXpgWvejEoHL?si=Wqkqz4pRQTitoA63y5Ts_wSIJ pain in pregnancy and postpartum: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5JtzgLsEyhA1Qp0CwNuXUq?si=_-s6wFToSpivCgTjRIQevQ
Find us:📩 podcast@ladybirdpt.com 📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt 🌐 Book a visit or join our email list at ladybirdpt.com 📝 Leave us a review so more parents can find us 🗓 Check out our upcoming events prenatal fall series (https://www.ladybirdpt.com/events-in-austin-tx) and birth prep class with Oak + Lotus Yoga (https://www.oakandlotusyoga.com/laborprep)
Ever wonder why your SI joint suddenly starts screaming during pregnancy? In this episode, Becky and Jessica break down why sacroiliac joint pain happens, how to tell if it’s actually your SI joint, and what you can do to feel better both during and after pregnancy. From posture tweaks to smart strengthening and pelvic floor PT insights, if you only take one thing away from this podcast, let it be to uncross your legs if you have SI pain.
✨ Here’s what we cover:
🦴 What the SI joint actually is— and why it gets blamed for so much
🤰 Why “it’s just the relaxin” isn’t the full story for pain
💪 How strength work during pregnancy sets you up for smoother recovery
🚫 Movements and habits that secretly irritate your SI joint
🏋️♀️ Safe, pain-friendly strength exercises to start with (and ones to consider avoiding)
💆♀️ What manual therapy can (and can’t) do
Whether you’re dealing with SI pain for the first time or it’s followed you into postpartum, this one’s for you — simple, evidence-based, and judgment-free.
Find us:
📧 podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt
🌐 Book a visit or join our email list at ladybirdpt.com
🗓 Check out our upcoming events prenatal fall series (https://www.ladybirdpt.com/events-in-austin-tx) and birth prep class with Oak + Lotus Yoga (https://www.oakandlotusyoga.com/laborprep)
This week, we sat down with Maggie Brewer and Laura Burton, licensed speech-language pathologists and co-founders of Nest Infant and Caregiver Support, to tackle one of the messiest, most confusing parts of parenting: starting solids. From baby-led weaning to purees, choking vs. gagging, and why responsive feeding matters more than the method, this conversation is packed with real-life wisdom (and reassurance that you’re not doing it “wrong”).
In this episode you’ll find:
🥑 What developmental readiness for solids really looks like
🥄 Baby-led weaning vs. purees — pros, cons, and blending both
😳 Choking vs. gagging: how to tell the difference and respond
🥤 Sippy cups, straws, and open cups explained
🍼 Why responsive feeding is the thread through every approach
😅 Managing the anxiety (and the mess!) of mealtimes (although this could've been an episode on it's own!
Whether your baby’s first bite is avocado strips or mashed sweet potato, the “right” way is the one that feels safe and doable for your family.
Find us:
📧 podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt
🌐 Learn more at ladybirdpt.com
⭐ Leave us a review so more parents can find support
✨ Connect with Maggie & Laura from Nest Infant Support:
🌐 nestinfantsupport.com
📸 Instagram: @nestinfantsupport
👍 Facebook: Nest Infant Support, PLLC
And don’t miss their virtual Solids Class on October 22nd with Dr. Alex Florence of Happy Trails Pediatrics — combining feeding therapy expertise with pediatric insight.
Find it here: https://buy.stripe.com/cNi7sM5Tx0l40cv8klbZe04
In this catch-up episode, we’re talking all about life with our girls (who still babies in our minds, but really toddlers). From breastfeeding and pumping highs and lows, to picky eating battles, nap transitions, and the bittersweet feelings about leaving the baby stage behind — we would love to say we left nothing out, but true to ourselves we still have so much to catch up on! Don't miss our next personal update episode in a few weeks!
In this episode:
🍼 Breastfeeding vs. weaning
🥦 Toddler food wins (and fails)
😴 Nap transitions & sleep regressions
👶 Missing the itty-bitty baby stage
💪 Parenting through phases & finding perspective
Whether your toddler is eating blueberries for dinner or refusing to nap, we hope this episode makes you feel a little more seen in the chaos.
Connect with us: 📧 podcast@ladybirdpt.com📸 Follow us on Instagram @ladybirdpt🌐 Learn more about our services at ladybirdpt.com⭐️ Leave us a review — it helps other parents find us!
Announcements!
We've been nominated for 2 categories for Best In Birth and we are THRILLED! Please vote for us for Best Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists and Best Podcast. You don't have to be local to vote, just scroll through to categories 19 and 21 and vote for Lady Bird! We appreciate your support so, so much!
Vote HERE
If you’re local to Austin, check out our events page to see if you can make our Fall Prenatal Series. This three-part series at Lady Bird PT is designed to help you feel strong, supported and ready for birth and recovery. Each session will give you practical tools you can use right away, whether you’re looking to prepare your body for labor, keep moving safely during pregnancy, or learn strategies to reduce tearing and push confidently.
Pregnancy belly bands get recommended everywhere — but are they really worth it? In this episode, Becky and Jessica dig into what the research says, who actually benefits, and how these compressive bands differ from other support garments. We cover belly bands in pregnancy (think back pain, belly heaviness, and everyday discomfort) as well as the real role they play after birth, especially after a C-section. It’s a short, no-BS conversation with the evidence, clinical insight, and lived experience you’ve come to expect from us.
✨ General belly discomfort vs. true pelvic girdle pain
🔎 What the research actually supports (and what it doesn’t)
🙅🏽♀️ Diastasis prevention myths we can officially let go of
👶🏽 The one postpartum scenario where bands are clearly helpful
⚖️ Can a compression garment actually be too tight? (Spoiler - yes!)
🩺 Why a belly band is a “bandaid” — not a long-term fix (and why that’s not always a bad thing)
At the end of the day? Try it. If it feels good, amazing. If not, there are plenty of other options.
📧 podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt
💻 Services & booking: ladybirdpt.com
⭐ Leave us a review so more parents can find this info
We’re back with Dr. Amanda Horton for part two of our high risk pregnancy management deep dive — this time focusing on gestational diabetes. From how it develops (spoiler: the placenta) to diet, exercise, insulin, and what it means for labor and delivery, Dr. Horton walks us through practical management and long-term considerations.
✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:
🍬 Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes explained simply
🥦 Nutrition counseling and carb counting basics
🏃 Why movement after meals is a powerful tool
💊 Insulin, metformin, and when medication makes sense
👶 How gestational diabetes impacts delivery planning
🔄 The lifelong health implications after pregnancy
Call to Action:📧 podcast@ladybirdpt.com📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt and @amandahortonmd🌐 Services: ladybirdpt.com⭐ Leave us a review — it helps other parents find this resource!
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Amanda Horton, a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist, to dig into what MFMs actually do and why their expertise matters in complex pregnancies. We focus on hypertension in pregnancy, from preexisting high blood pressure to gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. Dr. Horton shares clinical insights, patient stories, and practical takeaways for providers and parents alike.
✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:✨
👩⚕️ What maternal-fetal medicine is
💉 The most common conditions MFMs manage
🩺 Why blood pressure control in pregnancy matters for lifelong health
⚡ How hypertension impacts both parent and baby
🧠 The challenge of educating without fear-mongering
❤️ Patient-centered ways to support health literacy and compliance
Hypertension may sound scary, but with the right care and education, pregnancy can be managed safely — and knowledge really is power.
Find us!
📧 podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📸 Instagram: @ladybirdpt and @amandahortonmd
🌐 See us in person or virtually: ladybirdpt.com
⭐ Leave us a review — it helps other parents find this resource!
Today, we're sharing Jessica’s birth story — a positive, hospital induction that brought baby Colleen into the world to the soundtrack of Taylor Swift. From burnt eggs, to pitocin contractions, nitrous regrets, and that sweet epidural bliss, this one’s real, funny, and full of heart.
In this Episode: 🗞️ Big feelings about SCOTUS and queer rights 💧 Foley bulb, Pitocin, and all the juicy labor details 🚿 Shower coping + Greta’s adductor power 🙃 Nitrous oxide (spoiler: she hated it) 💉 Top 5 naps - thank you epidural! 👶 What Jess talks about with every patient - pushing and tearing! 🍼 Early breastfeeding + Tamagotchi parenting 🎶 Colleen’s birth to “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift
Resources and Episodes Mentioned: 🎧 Episode 21: Induction of Labor, an Interview with Dr. Romy Ghosh🎧 Episode 27: Becky’s Birth Story🎧 Episode 29: An interview with Sunayna Weber, IBCLC for information about breastfeeding, feeding your baby and more !🌈 Connecting Rainbows — Legal resources for LGBTQ+ families @connectingrainbowsorg on Instagram
Have a question? 📧 Reach out at podcast@ladybirdpt.com 📸 Follow us on Instagram @ladybirdpt 🌐 Book a session or join our email list at ladybirdpt.com ⭐ Leave us a review - it helps people find us!
In this episode, we’re joined by our own lactation consultant, Sunayna Weber, IBCLC and founder of It’s More Than Milk. Sunayna brings an empathetic and practical perspective on preparing for, navigating, and sometimes struggling through your baby-feeding journey. We talk about what to do during pregnancy to set yourself up for feeding success, how to tell when something’s off, and finish the conversation talking about common myths and problems that she hears on a day to day basis. Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, combo-feeding, or figuring it out in real time—this episode is full of validation, real answers, and zero judgment.
In this episode:
🍼 What to do during pregnancy to prep for feeding
🤱 Why "breastfeeding is natural" is misleading
⚠️ Red flags to look out for in the early days
🌙 Hormonal shifts at 6 and 12 weeks
🍪 The truth about lactation cookies
💗 How she handles hard discussions on sensitive situations (like deciding to no longer breastfeed)
🔥 If you're feeding your baby, you’re a badass bitch
Feeding your baby can be hard, emotional, empowering, messy—and you don’t have to do it alone.
To find Sunayna and her amazing team:
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @itsmorethanmilk
🌐 Book a visit: www.itsmorethanmilk.com
Links Mentioned today regarding medication and breastmilk
E-lactancia - for resources in Spanish
To talk to your Lady Bird’s:
📩 Email us: podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @ladybirdpt
🌐 Book a visit or join our email list: ladybirdpt.com
💬 Leave a review — it helps others find the show!
Let’s talk about everybody’s favorite taboo topic: poop. In this clinical episode, we break down what normal bowel function actually looks like, why constipation is so common in pregnancy and postpartum, and what you can do about it. We share practical tips for that dreaded first postpartum poop, how your pelvic floor plays a role in all of it, and what to do if you’re struggling with gas leakage weeks after delivery. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or just curious — this episode is full of surprisingly helpful bowel talk.
In this episode:
💩 What counts as normal poop (yes, there's a chart)
🍌 Why pregnancy slows things down
🤰 Pelvic floor tension + pooping = a bad combo
🧻 Tips to prep for your first postpartum bowel movement
🥤 Hydration, magnesium, and the power of a squatty potty
👃 Gas leakage (why it happens + what to do)
🫧 Why chewing gum might help post-cesarean recovery
Some episodes are just full of sh*t — and this is one of them (in the best way).
Stay connected with us!
📧 podcast@ladybirdpt.com
📸 Follow us on instagram: @ladybirdpt
💻 Book in-person or virtual visits
💬 Leave us a review to help others find us