In this episode with Ashleigh and her special guest, postpartum fitness and kettlebell expert Melissa Paris, the two moms discuss the importance of the postpartum period for long-term health and healing, the kinds of breathwork that help improve core stability, the best way to support and strengthen core and pelvic health both before and after birth, how to navigate fitness "as a mom" while juggling all the new responsibilities and distractions, and the number one thing women should do in the weeks after birth...you'll have to listen to find out what it is!

Follow Melissa on Instagram @melissaparisfitness

If you want to learn more about my thoughts on pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, check out my ebook.

If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Check out our new program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop.

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women.

And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans.

They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more here and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!