In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Gina and Roxanne continue their discussion of late labor stall causes and solutions, this time with a focus on the concept of “power stalls”, or issues with the strength of contractions. They highlight the importance of understanding what affects the strength of contractions—ranging from environmental distractions and psychological state to physical factors like rest, nutrition, and hydration. They share personal experiences, professional insights, and ...
Jul 16, 2025•28 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Gina, a perinatal fitness trainer and birth doula, and Roxanne, a labor and delivery nurse and student midwife, explore the topic of labor stalls specifically related to baby’s position and/or passage (aka your pelvis!). They dive deep into what labor stalls are, the signs to look out for, and strategies to resolve them. The discussion includes understanding the baby's position and the pelvic path, and offers practical solutions such as specific movemen...
Jul 09, 2025•44 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast Birth Stories, Feige shares her 2 birth stories, detailing her transition from an unplanned C-section in her first birth to preparing for a VBAC in her second pregnancy. Despite meticulous preparation involving choosing a different provider, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet, she faced an emergency C-section the day before her due date due to decreased fetal movement. Prompted by her husband and recalling advice from the podcast, she went to the...
Jul 02, 2025•48 min
In this episode of The MamasteFit Podcast, Gina, a perinatal fitness trainer and birth doula, shares her experience training for and completing a marathon just nine months postpartum with her fourth baby. Despite initial challenges, including being abandoned by her running partner Roxanne due to a surprise pregnancy, Gina details her journey from maintaining fitness during pregnancy to rebuilding her strength and endurance postpartum. She talks about the specific training regimen she followed, t...
Jun 25, 2025•54 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Gina and Roxanne reveal Roxanne's surprise pregnancy with Baby #4.... likely the final MamasteFit baby (though we've heard this before!). The sisters discuss the emotional and practical implications of this new development as they explore the challenges and adjustments Roxanne faces as a labor and delivery nurse and student midwife, preparing for a home birth for the first time, and the impact on her future career plans. They share personal experiences,...
Jun 18, 2025•42 min
Our girl, in-house pelvic floor physical therapist Hayley Kava, is back to discuss SI (sacroiliac) joint pain- a common issue during pregnancy! They delve into various types of discomfort associated with the SI joint, detail the joint's function, and explain how asymmetry in pelvic movement can cause pain. Hayley provides insight into how the pelvis supports movement, particularly the gait cycle, and suggests exercises and strategies to manage and alleviate pain. They also discuss the limited ef...
Jun 11, 2025•50 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast's Birth Story Friday, Grace Ann shares her experiences of having two home births, including dealing with a postpartum hemorrhage. Midwives expertly managed the situation, ensuring the safety of both mother and baby. Grace Ann highlights the importance of having midwives capable of handling emergencies and discusses her preparation, labor, and postpartum journeys. The hosts, Gina and Roxanne, perinatal fitness trainers, birth doulas, and healthcare profes...
Jun 06, 2025•47 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Gina and Roxanne discuss the impacts of hormonal imbalances on physical health, mental well-being, and appetite. Joined by Amber Romaniuk, an expert on emotional eating and hormone imbalances, they delve into the importance of identifying nutrient deficiencies, such as iron and B12, and practical self-care strategies to manage stress and improve overall health. The discussion also covers common symptoms of hormonal imbalances and approaches to effective...
Jun 04, 2025•52 min
In this episode of Moments With MamasteFit, we dive into understanding your postpartum period, its return timeline, and influential factors such as breastfeeding, weaning, stress, and nutrition. Hosts share personal experiences and discuss how lifestyle, mental health, and diet play roles in the resumption of menstrual cycles. They also provide practical tips, recommend nutritional advice, and discuss the benefits of using Pixie Cups for menstrual management. The episode includes insights on the...
May 30, 2025•28 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, hosts Gina and Roxanne dive into postpartum nutrition with registered dietician Ryann Kipping, known as @PrenatalNutritionist. Ryann shares her expertise on the importance of proper nutrition postpartum, explaining the elevated nutritional demands following childbirth, especially for mothers who are breastfeeding. Topics covered include the significance of macronutrients, necessary vitamins and minerals like choline and Omega-3s, and practical tips for ...
May 28, 2025•59 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Birth Story Friday, Mikala shares her experience of a planned home birth that necessitated a hospital transfer due to her baby's elevated heart rate. Mikala discusses her extensive preparation for an unmedicated home birth, her quick labor progression, and the challenging decision to transfer to a hospital. Despite the hospital transfer and some minor frictions, Mikala's story emphasizes the importance of preparation, flexibility, and surrendering to th...
May 23, 2025•42 min
Gina Roxanne discuss the myths and realities of dealing with pelvic pain during pregnancy. They break down different types of pelvic pain, such as pubic symphysis dysfunction (SPD) and sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, offering insights into their causes and effective exercises for relief. The hosts emphasize that pain is not a requirement of pregnancy and share professional advice, including recommendations for exercises, the use of belly bands, and consulting with specialists like pelvic floor physi...
May 22, 2025•43 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, hosts Gina, a perinatal fitness trainer and birth doula, and Roxanne, a Labor and Delivery nurse and student midwife, are joined by Andrea Syms-Brown, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). They discuss simplifying the breastfeeding journey, especially during the first month postpartum. Andrea shares practical tips on how to ensure that your baby is eating enough, identifying potential breastfeeding issues, and supporting an excl...
May 21, 2025•48 min
In this episode of Moments with MamasteFit, Gina, a perinatal fitness trainer, birth doula, and mom of four, shares her strategies for homeschooling her first grader, managing a full-time business, and primarily solo parenting as a military spouse. She emphasizes the importance of support systems, prioritization, and effective scheduling. Gina provides a detailed look into her weekly routines, homeschooling curriculums, and tips for maintaining a balance between personal time and work responsibi...
May 16, 2025•20 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, hosts Gina and Roxanne speak with Jo Robertson about the importance of talking to children about sex. Jo shares her extensive background in sex education, offering insight into when and how to introduce the topic to kids, especially in today’s digital age. They discuss the benefits of starting these conversations early and how it helps in building confident and knowledgeable children. Jo also emphasizes using anatomically correct terms and the significa...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Tina shares her transformative experiences of her three births. Tina's first two births were unmedicated and hospital-based, which she initially perceived as traumatic. However, after an unexpected Cesarean during her third birth, she found a newfound appreciation for her earlier experiences. Tina emphasizes the vital role of prenatal fitness in healing postpartum, sharing how staying active during her third pregnancy helped significantly with her Cesar...
May 09, 2025•51 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Gina sits down to discuss how she has safely and confidently navigated her return to running- most recently at 8 months postpartum after baby number 4! As a former collegiate athlete and ultra-marathon runner, Gina breaks down what she has learned about returning to the sport she loves after becoming a mom (multiple times over!). Get Your Copy of Training for Two on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VOTdwH📧 Download our free birth prep circuit guide with six ex...
May 07, 2025•38 min
Gina debunks the myth of maintaining a perfect posture during pregnancy. She explores common postural tendencies, impacts on baby's positioning, and the importance of movement and mobility. The episode provides exercises to release tension in muscles, improve pelvic mobility, and facilitate a smoother labor experience. Gina emphasizes that there is no single perfect posture, but rather the best position is the next one, highlighting the importance of dynamic movement throughout pregnancy. 00:00 ...
May 02, 2025•21 min
Gina sits down with Dr. Jen Fraboni, PT, DPT, FRCms, known as DocJenFit on social media. Dr. Jen, a physical therapist and mom of 2, discusses the significance of mobility, the fallacy of the 'perfect posture,' and how varying positions can benefit individuals, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. The conversation extends into addressing myths related to movement and posture, advocating for tailored fitness and mobility programs to ensure overall well-being. Dr. Jen also shares her person...
Apr 30, 2025•51 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Birth Story Friday, Roxanne sits down with joined by Allison, who shares her transformative journey through two births. Allison's first experience involved an induction that ended with a C-section during the peak COVID-19 shutdowns, where she felt like a passive participant in the birth process. Her second birth was a VBAC, highlighting the power of proper education, advocating for oneself, and the importance of building a supportive birth team. Allison...
Apr 25, 2025•57 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Gina and Roxanne talk with James Hogue from Fathers Assisting Mothers (thatfam.org). James shares valuable insights on how partners, especially fathers, can support mothers throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. The discussion covers various topics including creating a birth plan, understanding medical terminology, providing physical and emotional support, and the importance of advocacy. James also talks about the unique role of ...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Welcome to Moments with MamasteFit! In this mini episode Gina and Roxanne explore the fascinating world of the placenta! They discuss its development, function, and how it ages throughout pregnancy. Learn about what the placenta does, how it acts as a filtration system for the baby, and the signs of its maturation. They also share insights on what influences placental health, discuss common prenatal tests, and offer tips on maintaining healthy placental function. Whether you're expecting or simp...
Apr 21, 2025•22 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Gina and Roxanne dive into the complexities of labor induction. They discuss whether elective and medical inductions are advisable, focusing on personal preferences, medical necessity, and patient autonomy. The conversation includes detailed insights into various methods of labor induction, potential risks and benefits, and strategies for maintaining comfort and confidence during the process. The episode also covers the importance of shared decision-mak...
Apr 16, 2025•59 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast's Birth Story Friday, Kelsey shares her memorable experiences with two C-sections, emphasizing the importance of maternal intuition and listening to one's body. Kelsey, a former gymnast and physical therapist, discusses how her athletic background and CrossFit prepared her for pregnancy. She narrates how listening to her gut lead her to seek medical help at crucial times, leading to the delivery of two healthy boys. The first birth a C-Section at 37 week...
Apr 11, 2025•52 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Gina and Roxanne discuss their experiences as military spouses, focusing on the challenges and benefits of solo parenting, frequent deployments, and the importance of community and support systems. They share personal stories, coping techniques, and the unique aspects of being part of a military family. The episode also touches on mental health, the importance of having a personal creative outlet, and strategies for balancing multiple responsibilities, ...
Apr 09, 2025•59 min
In this mini episode of Moments with MamasteFit, the focus is on how a baby's position, particularly the occiput posterior (OP) or occiput anterior (OA), can impact the second stage of labor, known as pushing. The episode breaks down the rotational positions of babies, the challenges posed by an OP position, and the potential need for instrument-assisted delivery such as forceps or vacuum. The show shares insights from a doula and labor nurse, including signs of an OP baby, intervention strategi...
Apr 04, 2025•20 min
Gina and Roxanne discuss the crucial stage of pushing during labor. They break down key concepts such as the fetal ejection reflex, the Ferguson reflex, and laboring down, providing insights on how to determine the right time to push. The episode delves into spontaneous bearing down versus laboring down strategies, comparing the benefits and potential risks. They also discuss the nuances of pushing with or without an epidural, aiming to equip listeners with the knowledge needed to make informed ...
Apr 02, 2025•47 min
This episode of the MamasteFit Podcast's Birth Story Fridays features Georgia sharing her two birth experiences. Her first pregnancy involved a breech baby that ended in a C-section after extensive efforts for a vaginal birth. The second pregnancy was a successful VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) at home. Georgia discusses her emotional and physical journey through both pregnancies, the importance of informed decision-making, and how she prepared differently for her VBAC. The episode highligh...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this episode of the MamasteFit podcast, Gina and Roxanne is once again joined by pelvic floor physical therapist Hayley Kava to discuss diastasis recti (DRA) during pregnancy and postpartum. They explain what diastasis is, how it occurs as a natural adaptation during pregnancy, and various approaches to minimize its severity and support healing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding body positioning, breathing patterns, and asymmetry, as well as the necessity of loading ...
Mar 26, 2025•48 min
In this episode of 'Moments with MamasteFit,' we delve into optimal spacing between pregnancies and its impact on pregnancy and birth outcomes. The discussion covers research and professional experiences regarding interpregnancy and birth-to-birth intervals, especially in the context of vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC). Key recommendations include a minimum of 18 to 24 months between pregnancies to reduce risks such as uterine rupture, maternal mortality, and infant complications. The episode...
Mar 21, 2025•24 min
