Are postpartum workouts empowering or just another pressure on moms to “bounce back”?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re diving deep into postpartum fitness culture—and calling out the unrealistic, unhelpful, and often harmful messaging that’s flooding social media. From snapback culture to sleep deprivation, mineral depletion, and the mental load of motherhood, we explore why pushing women into high-intensity training just weeks after giving birth is not just misguided—it’s dangerous.

Whether you’re a practitioner, a mom, or both, this conversation offers validation, education, and a whole lot of real talk.

In this episode, we cover:

• 02:43 The harsh reality of postpartum recovery (even with “healthy” pregnancies)
• 05:29 How clinicians can better support postpartum women
• 09:51 Why sleep and recovery must be non-negotiables
• 14:24 Depletion during pregnancy: what most women don’t know
• 17:58 Exercise and body image struggles postpartum
• 19:16 Therapy, identity, and realistic expectations
• 23:25 The role of support systems in healing
• 27:47 What real postpartum fitness can look like
• 30:18 Practical, compassionate advice for postpartum movement

Links and resources:

• Brianna Battles: https://www.instagram.com/brianna.battles/
• MamasteFit: https://www.instagram.com/mamastefit/
• Expecting and Empowered: https://www.instagram.com/expectingandempowered/
• Nourish Move Love: https://www.instagram.com/nourishmovelove/

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.