Rethinking Exercise After Baby with Dr. Davenport

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Margie Davenport, a leading Canadian researcher in perinatal physical activity and a professor at the University of Alberta. Dr. Davenport directs the Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Research Program, where her work focuses on how movement, rest, and recovery affect parents and babies from preconception through the first year postpartum.

We begin by exploring how Dr. Davenport came to this work and why the postpartum period has long been under-researched despite being such a critical time for physical and mental health. From there, we dive into the newly released 2025 Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep During the First Year Postpartum.

A major focus of this conversation is the relationship between exercise and breastfeeding. Dr. Davenport breaks down what the research actually shows about milk supply, milk quality, infant growth, injury risk, and the long-standing myths around lactic acid and “exercise ruining breast milk.” We also discuss nutrition, hydration, breast support during activity, and practical ways parents can move their bodies without pressure or unrealistic expectations.

We then zoom out to look at mental health and sleep. Dr. Davenport shares compelling evidence that even small amounts of physical activity in the early postpartum period are associated with meaningful reductions in postpartum depression and improvements in sleep quality. Importantly, this episode reinforces that postpartum recovery is not linear, not universal, and not something to rush.

This conversation is a grounding, evidence-based reminder that postpartum care must be individualized, compassionate, and supported at the family and societal level.

Helpful Links & Resources

Dr. Margie Davenport – University of Alberta Exercise & Pregnancy Program

https://www.ksr.ualberta.ca/exerciseandpregnancy/

2025 Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep During the First Year Postpartum https://csepguidelines.ca/postpartum/

General Information on Physical Activity During Pregnancy & Postpartum (Health Canada) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/healthy-living/physical-activity.html

Connect with host Pamela Tessmann

www.brimfamilycare.com

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