78: The Bounce Back Lie and What Postpartum Recovery Actually Looks Like with Michelle Gauvreau

Michelle Gauvreau is a certified nutrition coach, fitness instructor, published writer, product developer, public speaker, and trusted television nutrition correspondent with nearly two decades of experience in the health and fitness industry. She began her career as Assistant Editor at RK Publishing for MuscleMag and Oxygen Magazine, later serving as Advertising Director and health writer with Inside Fitness and IFM Media. She has competed at the provincial and national level in bikini fitness representing Ontario and Canada, and is the founder of The Michelle Method, a philosophy built on sustainable nutrition, self-love, and helping women build a lifestyle they can maintain for life. She is a mom of three and a dedicated fur mama. In this episode, Michelle and Kristen dig into the real story of postpartum recovery. Michelle had her first son at 30 and her second at 41, following a complicated delivery that required both a C-section and a surgical repair at 36 weeks. Her recovery the second time was dramatically faster, and she attributes it entirely to what she did differently. What listeners will learn: Why consistent movement and clean nutrition during pregnancy is the most powerful investment in postpartum recoveryHow to build back postpartum in phases from zero to two weeks through to four to five months, including when to add impact and how to listen for warning signsWhat postpartum nutrition should focus on, including protein, fiber, hydration, collagen, and the breastfeeding-specific adjustments that are often overlookedHow postpartum and perimenopausal symptoms can overlap for women having babies in their late 30s and 40sThe truth about C-section overhang and why pelvic floor physio plus nutrition addresses it far more effectively than surgery Resources and References Mentioned: Dr. Margie Davenport's postpartum return to exercise guidelines: Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for PostpartumInner Wealth amino acid supplements (mentioned by Michelle for perimenopause symptom support): search Inner Wealth on Instagram Theme Song: I'm Every Woman by Chaka Khan Connect with Michelle Gauvreau: The Michelle Method website@themichellemethod on Instagram Connect with Kristen and Blueberry Therapy: Blueberry Therapy websiteThe Hole Shebang Podcast@blueberrytherapypelvichealth on Instagram