156: From Miscarriage to Motherhood: IVF, Postpartum Challenges, and Building Your Village with NAPS Mom Jenna

In this episode of the Unswaddled Podcast, Emily and Jamie chat with longtime client Jenna, who shares her incredible journey through miscarriage, IVF, postpartum recovery, and her experience of building a support system as a mom of two. Jenna’s raw honesty and humor provide both inspiration and practical takeaways for every parent navigating the highs and lows of motherhood.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Jenna’s Story: From early pregnancy loss to a complicated IVF journey and eventually becoming a mom to two boys under three years old.

• Postpartum Challenges: Jenna opens up about navigating pelvic floor issues, recognizing prolapse symptoms, and her journey to pelvic floor physical therapy.

• IVF Realities: The emotional and physical toll of multiple rounds of IVF and Jenna’s decision to take a break to prioritize her mental health.

• Building Your Village: How Jenna found her “mom tribe” through support groups, including NAPS, and why she believes every parent deserves a village—even if it looks unconventional.

• Pelvic Health Awareness: Jenna’s candid reflections on postpartum constipation, prolapse symptoms, and the importance of seeking help when something feels off.

• Parenting Wisdom: Why she says, "Don’t move your toddler to a big kid bed too early!" and other advice for navigating sibling dynamics with young children.

Resources Mentioned:

• Pelvic Guru: A resource to find pelvic floor physical therapists near you. www.pelvicglobal.com

• NAPS Groups: Jenna shares how her support groups became a lifeline and helped her feel less alone.

• Centrality Wellness: Jenna’s recommended pelvic floor PT in Guilford and New Canaan, CT.

• The Vagina Coach: An educational resource Jenna found helpful for learning about pelvic health. Key Takeaways:

• "It’s common, but it’s not normal." Jenna discusses the importance of addressing postpartum symptoms like leaking, constipation, or prolapse, and why they shouldn’t be ignored.

• Building an intentional village: Support doesn’t have to come from family - it can come from groups, friends, or even virtual communities.

• Taking care of yourself matters: Jenna shares how learning to prioritize her own health alongside her kids' needs was a game-changer.

This episode is packed with humor, relatability, and valuable advice for moms at any stage of their journey. Jenna’s openness about her challenges and triumphs will leave you feeling seen, heard, and inspired to take care of yourself.

Tune in now for an honest, unfiltered conversation about parenting, postpartum recovery, and everything in between. Link in bio!

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our fabulous sponsors:

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