If you're a regular listener and follower of our Instagram account @She.Found.Motherhood , you know that every Sunday we do a Q&A with our community where we try to answer as many of your burning questions as we can—but we often don’t have the capacity to get through all of them! So we decided to answer your most frequently asked, crucial questions here on the podcast in what is part one of many in the series over the coming months. Enjoy! Check out the following for a bit of extra knowledge...
Jul 23, 2025•22 min•Ep. 190
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 t...
Jul 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 189
Let’s get straight to it - Drs. Alicia and Sarah have put together a list of 6 things nobody tells you about postpartum! Tune in to discover what to expect from the unexpected (yet completely normal). Be sure to check out the links they mention below for more helpful resources, guides, and tips. For more on some of the topics discussed, listen to our podcast episodes on Diastasis Recti in Pregnancy with Kim Vopni (The Vagina Coach) and Postpartum Pelvic Floor Recovery with Mel Desaulles from Mom...
Jun 25, 2025•21 min•Ep. 188
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 t...
Jun 11, 2025•27 min•Ep. 187
Maintaining some movement and exercise during pregnancy can help decrease aches & pains, prepares you for the physical act of labour, and can aid in postpartum recovery. But what about more intense work-out regimens or strength training? Dr. Alicia chats with Rebecca Tranter, registered massage therapist, Level 1 certified CrossFit trainer, and expectant mama-to-be about her pregnancy journey in strength training as well as an unexpected diagnosis in her 1st trimester. If you have any questi...
May 28, 2025•36 min•Ep. 186
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 an...
May 14, 2025•42 min•Ep. 185
As we've often said, education is a form of healthcare. When it comes to your pelvic health, the more you understand about the physiology of the area and the changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, the more empowered you’ll feel. Today, we’re speaking with Aliya Dhalla, a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, about the basic structure of the pelvic floor, how it changes during pregnancy, and how and when a physiotherapist can be helpful - even through remote consultations that equip you wit...
Apr 30, 2025•32 min•Ep. 184
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...
Apr 16, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 183
There is a lot doctors and scientists still don’t fully understand about what includes labour, both pre and at term. But we do know that there are treatments that can reduce your chance of having a preterm birth, especially if you have had one in the past. Preterm birth can be especially traumatic for those living in remote communities which is why in our guests on today’s podcast, Drs. Kirsten Duckitt and Jennifer Kask, developed a prevention of preterm birth pathway in Northern Vancouver Islan...
Mar 19, 2025•28 min•Ep. 182
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,...
Mar 05, 2025•47 min•Ep. 181
When is the best time to start introducing my baby to solid foods? How will I know they are ready? What kind of foods should I give them? Is it better to offer whole foods, or purées? How long do I wait between introducing them to new foods? What about allergens!? HELP! If any of these questions have crossed your mind, today’s podcast is necessary listening! Dr. Alicia and Nita Sharda, BSc, a Registered Dietitian, and co-founder of Happy Health Eaters discuss all of the above and help you demyst...
Feb 19, 2025•29 min•Ep. 180
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 preg...
Feb 05, 2025•17 min•Ep. 179
Here’s the big secret we’re revealing at the start of today’s episode - every baby is unique! When it comes to sleep, what works for one baby might not work for another, even within the same family. Our guest, Valerie Groysman, a Registered Social Worker, M.S.W., R.S.W., and Infant + Child Mental Health Specialist, learned this firsthand with her own two babies and through counseling hundreds of families. Tune in to hear Valerie’s Top 5 Newborn Sleep Tips and learn why creating connection and pe...
Jan 22, 2025•33 min•Ep. 178
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...
Jan 08, 2025•24 min•Ep. 177
In this insightful, heartfelt, and engaging episosde, Dr. Sarah is joined in conversation with Eileen March, a former midwife turned intuitive coach, wild medicine energy healer, and "slow living witch" - a title that reclaims the connection to feminine wisdom and creating a culture of care for community. They delve deep into the profound importance of rest, exploring how societal pressures and personal beliefs about productivity impact our ability to rest and rejuvenate. Eileen shares her journ...
Dec 25, 2024•39 min•Ep. 176
Today’s episode is necessary listening for every prospective or current parent, grandparent, caretaker or even anyone who might be looking to add life-saving to their list of life skills! Because as me and Holly Choi - our wonderful and extremely knowledgeable guest on today’s podcast - conclude at the end of the episode, it's so important that everyone has some life saving skills for their family. Holly Choi is the Co-Owner of Safe Beginning First Aid, a Lifesaving Society-Certified First Aid I...
Dec 11, 2024•36 min•Ep. 175
In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Alicia Power is joined by Dr. Ellen Forbes, a board-certified urologist with a specialty in male fertility and reproductive health. Together, they dive deep into the often controversial topic of newborn penile circumcision, discussing the reasons for and against the procedure, the risks and benefits, and the factors parents should consider when making this important decision. For more information, check-out this great resource: Circumcision of baby boys: Informat...
Nov 27, 2024•37 min•Ep. 174
What do a pregnant person and an athlete have in common? A lot, according to perinatal therapist, athlete, and mama herself, Janette Yee! Janette, who has a deep background in sports orthopedics and high-level rugby, shares her expertise on treating cesarean recovery akin to a season-ending - but not career ending - sports injury. She talks with Dr. Alicia about the importance of preparing mentally, physically, and your community for the chance (or certainty) of having a C-Section, including the...
Nov 13, 2024•33 min•Ep. 173
Dr. Sarah Lea chats with Dr. Brie Budlovsky, an emergency medicine physician and aesthetic medicine practitioner based in Victoria, British Columbia. Together, they explore skincare during pregnancy, including product safety, common dermatological concerns, practical advice for expectant mothers, and not least of all, answer those burning questions we have around the safety of newer treatments such as botox, fillers, and more! Be sure to check out Dr. Bri's Instagram , and the Canadian Cosmetic ...
Oct 30, 2024•41 min•Ep. 172
In this informative episode, Dr. Alicia Power is joined by Dr. Megan O'Connell, an experienced anesthesiologist, to discuss various pain management strategies for labor and delivery. They delve deep into both non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods to help women manage labor pain effectively. Tune in to know what to expect when you're expecting, when it comes to pain management options! Don't miss out on our Newborn Sleep 101 course where we share our experience supporting 1000's of fami...
Oct 02, 2024•14 min•Ep. 171
In this must-listen episode, Drs. Sarah and Alicia tackle the all-too-common challenge of morning sickness during pregnancy. Drawing on their experience as maternity doctors—and as moms who’ve been through it themselves—they dive into the numbers: how many women experience it and how long it usually sticks around. They’ll guide you through the causes of morning sickness, why treatment is so important, and share a range of effective remedies, from simple lifestyle and diet adjustments to medicati...
Sep 18, 2024•21 min•Ep. 170
You've likley heard the term "informed consent," but what does that mean in terms of navigating decisions in childbirth? In this episode, Drs. Sarah and Alicia dive deep into this crucial topic. They emphasize the power of being well-prepared through prenatal education, helping you feel confident and in control as you approach labor and delivery. With real-world case studies on epidurals, postpartum hemorrhage, Cesarean sections, and the use of forceps and vacuum during delivery, they shed light...
Sep 04, 2024•17 min•Ep. 169
Back to school is around the corner, and in that spirit we are revisiting some of our most listened to She Found Motherhood podcast episodes! Starting with this episode which originally aired in September of 2020, Drs. Sarah and Alicia answer your top 10 questions about early pregnancy, such as what bloodwork is needed, what does spotting mean, when to expect ultrasounds, and why you might be so gosh darn bloated! Be sure to download our free Preparing for Pregnancy Guide , and check out these o...
Aug 21, 2024•23 min•Ep. 168
You asked - we answered all of your burning questions about Cesarean Sections! Our discussion includes optimal time between pregnancies after a C-section, factors affecting type of wound closure post-C-section, and reasons why some people might choose an elective C-section even when not medically necessary. Consider downloading our Birth Preferences Guide or signing up for our free Birth Preferences Mini Course ! For a deeper dive into all things pregnancy, birth & labor, postpartum and thos...
May 01, 2024•20 min•Ep. 167
Today’s birth story comes from Heather in Victoria, British Columbia and long-time She Found Motherhood Podcast listener! Heather’s birth story starts off with a bit of a rocky pregnancy which lead to the preterm birth of her daughter and a rather long stay in the NICU. She describes the many challenges, and the small pieces of joy, she discovered on that journey. Part of the challenges she experienced included a significant amount of nausea in pregnancy. If you or anyone you know is suffering f...
Apr 17, 2024•45 min•Ep. 166
Today’s topic might be something that many of us haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about - what kind of changes can occur within our eyes during pregnancy? If you have a pre-existing condition, either physical or specifically ocular, are the eyes particularly susceptible to damage during pregnancy and should specific precautions be taken? Could your eyesight worsen? Or can it improve? What effects does breastfeeding have? Ophthalmologist Dr. Amaka Eneh joins Dr. Alicia to answer the above que...
Apr 03, 2024•36 min•Ep. 165
Sometimes it might seem like restricting certain foods in pregnancy is overkill, but once you listen to this episode, you’ll understand why! Keep in mind these two diseases are quite rare in pregnancy, but if you do contract them and pass them onto your baby, they can have dire consequences. There is no need to overly worry, but we think it’s important to be aware and just exercise a little bit more caution - as always, knowledge is power! As always, we’d love to hear from you if you have any th...
Mar 20, 2024•15 min•Ep. 164
Today Kelsey shares with us her birth story with an admirable openness and generosity of spirit, despite having to navigate a pregnancy and birth with more than one unexpected twist and turn. She speaks to Dr. Sarah about how her Birth Plan and birth education equipped her to anticipate various decisions she might encounter - and how she also had to embrace the unpredictable nature of childbirth when the “right” path became unclear. Tune in to hear her full story, including how therapy aided her...
Mar 06, 2024•34 min•Ep. 163
In this episode of the She Found Motherhood podcast, Drs. Sarah and Alicia dive into a topic that resonates with up to 80% of pregnant individuals – nausea and vomiting! Between simple lifestyle adjustments and lesser-known tricks, our top 10 tips to help manage these challenging symptoms cover everything from staying hydrated, to how modifying your vitamin intake, and even your dental routine, might help! Don't let nausea overshadow your pregnancy journey – empower yourself with these practical...
Feb 28, 2024•16 min•Ep. 162
Jen shares with us her two birth stories, the first a planned Cesarean section and the second, a very empowering Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Though Jen is a labor and delivery nurse professionally, going through childbirth herself has given her a multitude of valuable insights on both the process and the systems in place that support birthing people. Despite being intimately familiar with labor and delivery, she was surprised about what worked and what didn’t for her, and we’re so grate...
Feb 07, 2024•56 min•Ep. 161
