Functional Fourth Trimester Sun, 24 May 2026 05:05:11 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598452 en-us © 2026 Functional Fourth Trimester yes 88bd6c29-cbda-5169-acac-509586fe12f0 Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo episodic false Functional fourth trimester is a podcast series for new parents- covering common postpartum challenges, practical strategies, and featuring conversations with parents and healthcare professionals.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo https://storage.buzzsprout.com/qhm65et6rv4tqi57wksqapc70n25?.jpg Functional Fourth Trimester The Best Toy Is You: Simple Ways to Support Infant Development The Best Toy Is You: Simple Ways to Support Infant Development On today's episode we talked with guest speaker Sarah all about how to actually play with your infant in a way that supports their overall development. We talk about tummy time, toy recommendations, and specific ways you can interact with your infant at different months. 


Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]> On today's episode we talked with guest speaker Sarah all about how to actually play with your infant in a way that supports their overall development. We talk about tummy time, toy recommendations, and specific ways you can interact with your infant at different months. 


Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-19218693 Sun, 24 May 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1362 1 16 full false When Birth Doesn’t Go as Planned: Navigating Trauma and Healing After the Unexpected When Birth Doesn’t Go as Planned: Navigating Trauma and Healing After the Unexpected In this episode we talked with guest speaker Rachel about her traumatic birth experience due to preeclampsia. We talk about what it is like to navigate a traumatic birth and provide recommendations on how to cope and heal afterwards. If you are struggling to process an unexpected or traumatic birth, this episode is for you.

Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

]]> In this episode we talked with guest speaker Rachel about her traumatic birth experience due to preeclampsia. We talk about what it is like to navigate a traumatic birth and provide recommendations on how to cope and heal afterwards. If you are struggling to process an unexpected or traumatic birth, this episode is for you.

Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-19165579 Sun, 17 May 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1396 15 full false Exclusively Pumping: The Reality, the Challenges, and the Wins Exclusively Pumping: The Reality, the Challenges, and the Wins Exclusively pumping isn’t just a feeding method, it’s a demanding routine filled with unexpected challenges. In this episode, occupational therapist and mom Cassidy shares her personal journey, from navigating triple feeds to committing to exclusive pumping, along with the tools, logistics, and systems that helped her along the way. Whether you’re in the thick of it or simply want to understand the reality behind the schedule, this conversation offers honest insight, practical tips, and encouragement for every stage of the journey.


Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

]]> Exclusively pumping isn’t just a feeding method, it’s a demanding routine filled with unexpected challenges. In this episode, occupational therapist and mom Cassidy shares her personal journey, from navigating triple feeds to committing to exclusive pumping, along with the tools, logistics, and systems that helped her along the way. Whether you’re in the thick of it or simply want to understand the reality behind the schedule, this conversation offers honest insight, practical tips, and encouragement for every stage of the journey.


Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-19140814 Sun, 10 May 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1775 1 14 full false Postpartum & Beyond: The Hormonal Link to Longevity and Future Wellness Postpartum & Beyond: The Hormonal Link to Longevity and Future Wellness In this episode we talk with guest speaker Laura about how hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum are closely connected to perimenopause, highlighting that these phases are part of a continuous hormonal journey rather than isolated events. We discuss how hormone drops after birth can mirror perimenopause symptoms, and early experiences—such as high blood pressure—may predict future health patterns. By understanding these connections, individuals can take a proactive approach through lifestyle choices, body awareness, and early care to support long-term wellness.

Link to blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]> In this episode we talk with guest speaker Laura about how hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum are closely connected to perimenopause, highlighting that these phases are part of a continuous hormonal journey rather than isolated events. We discuss how hormone drops after birth can mirror perimenopause symptoms, and early experiences—such as high blood pressure—may predict future health patterns. By understanding these connections, individuals can take a proactive approach through lifestyle choices, body awareness, and early care to support long-term wellness.

Link to blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-19114078 Sun, 03 May 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1627 1 13 full false Movement Over Exercise: Small, Daily Shifts for Postpartum Mental Wellness Movement Over Exercise: Small, Daily Shifts for Postpartum Mental Wellness On this episode, we talk with guest speaker Abigail about the video resource she created for her capstone project. We discuss the benefits of movement postpartum on your mental health, how the term "movement" is different from "exercise", and ways you can start getting back to movement safely after birth to promote your mental wellbeing. 


Blog post with more information and resources: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]> On this episode, we talk with guest speaker Abigail about the video resource she created for her capstone project. We discuss the benefits of movement postpartum on your mental health, how the term "movement" is different from "exercise", and ways you can start getting back to movement safely after birth to promote your mental wellbeing. 


Blog post with more information and resources: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-19066455 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1356 1 12 full false C-Section Recovery: What to Expect Beyond the Hospital C-Section Recovery: What to Expect Beyond the Hospital Have you been discharged from the hospital after a c-section with no idea what to do or expect? On this episode, we talk with mom and occupational therapist Kristy all about her experience having 3 c-sections. We discuss the biggest challenges, the emotional impact, and what you can do to help your body heal. 

Link to blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]> Have you been discharged from the hospital after a c-section with no idea what to do or expect? On this episode, we talk with mom and occupational therapist Kristy all about her experience having 3 c-sections. We discuss the biggest challenges, the emotional impact, and what you can do to help your body heal. 

Link to blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-19021619 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1519 1 11 full false Pelvic Floor Recovery: Why "Just Rest" Isn't Enough Pelvic Floor Recovery: Why "Just Rest" Isn't Enough Have you ever been told to "just rest" after having a baby? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Lacy Woods all about pelvic floor recovery. We discuss what the pelvic floor is, how it is impacted by pregnancy and birth, and what you can be doing to help promote recovery. Link to our blog post with more resources and Dr. Wood's contact information below. 

https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]> Have you ever been told to "just rest" after having a baby? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Lacy Woods all about pelvic floor recovery. We discuss what the pelvic floor is, how it is impacted by pregnancy and birth, and what you can be doing to help promote recovery. Link to our blog post with more resources and Dr. Wood's contact information below. 

https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-18983032 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1767 1 10 full false Breastfeeding & Food Intolerances: How Mom’s Diet Affects Baby Breastfeeding & Food Intolerances: How Mom’s Diet Affects Baby On this episode we talk with guest speaker Maya about her experience with infant food intolerances and breastfeeding. We discuss how a mom's diet may affect her baby through breastmilk, and what you can do about it. We also introduce an app Maya created to assist mom's in tracking symptoms, called Map My Milk. See our blog post for more information and to access resources. 


Blog Post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]> On this episode we talk with guest speaker Maya about her experience with infant food intolerances and breastfeeding. We discuss how a mom's diet may affect her baby through breastmilk, and what you can do about it. We also introduce an app Maya created to assist mom's in tracking symptoms, called Map My Milk. See our blog post for more information and to access resources. 


Blog Post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog 

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-18958913 Sun, 05 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1695 1 9 full false Breastfeeding Challenges: Normalizing the Struggle Breastfeeding Challenges: Normalizing the Struggle On this episode, we talk with guest speaker Amy Wise all about her breastfeeding experience. We discuss triple feeding, oral ties, and common breastfeeding challenges. We also provide ways to help support new mom's as they learn the challenging task of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not always an easy and innate experience, and that's ok. 


Blog post: https://thepostpartumot.com/blog/ 

]]> On this episode, we talk with guest speaker Amy Wise all about her breastfeeding experience. We discuss triple feeding, oral ties, and common breastfeeding challenges. We also provide ways to help support new mom's as they learn the challenging task of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not always an easy and innate experience, and that's ok. 


Blog post: https://thepostpartumot.com/blog/ 

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-18922813 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1511 1 8 full false Tummy Time and Milestones: What to Expect in the Early Months Tummy Time and Milestones: What to Expect in the Early Months On today's episode, we talk with guest speakers Christine Hernandez and Haydee Medrano all about infant development. We discuss what developmental milestones are, some key ones to be on the lookout for, red flags of development, and what you can do to help support your baby's development. The link below will take you to our blog post for this episode which has more information, resources, tools, and how to get in touch with our guest speakers. We will also be posting a handout on our social media platforms with more information about developmental milestones.


Blog: https://thepostpartumot.com/tummy-time-and-milestones-what-to-expect-in-the-early-months/ 


]]> On today's episode, we talk with guest speakers Christine Hernandez and Haydee Medrano all about infant development. We discuss what developmental milestones are, some key ones to be on the lookout for, red flags of development, and what you can do to help support your baby's development. The link below will take you to our blog post for this episode which has more information, resources, tools, and how to get in touch with our guest speakers. We will also be posting a handout on our social media platforms with more information about developmental milestones.


Blog: https://thepostpartumot.com/tummy-time-and-milestones-what-to-expect-in-the-early-months/ 


]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-18874912 Sun, 22 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1601 1 7 full false Beyond Outnumbered: Practical Survival Strategies for Parents of Multiple Beyond Outnumbered: Practical Survival Strategies for Parents of Multiple What is it really like to bring home triplets? In this episode, we sit down with occupational therapist and new mom of triplet boys, Kylie McClellan. She shares the challenges, lessons, and supports that have helped her navigate postpartum life with multiples, along with practical tips for parents of twins, triplets, or more.


Link to our blog post with more information and resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/beyond-outnumbered-practical-survival-strategies-for-parents-of-multiple/

]]> What is it really like to bring home triplets? In this episode, we sit down with occupational therapist and new mom of triplet boys, Kylie McClellan. She shares the challenges, lessons, and supports that have helped her navigate postpartum life with multiples, along with practical tips for parents of twins, triplets, or more.


Link to our blog post with more information and resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/beyond-outnumbered-practical-survival-strategies-for-parents-of-multiple/

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-18842974 Sun, 15 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0500 1716 1 6 full false The Power of Touch: How Infant Massage Supports Regulation and Bonding The Power of Touch: How Infant Massage Supports Regulation and Bonding In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kimberly Day about infant massage. We discuss what it is, why it matters, and how it can support your baby’s development. We explore the benefits for babies, from improved digestion to bonding with caregivers. Dr. Day also shares how parents can learn simple techniques to safely practice infant massage at home. 

Check out the blog post about this episode to learn more, access resources, and get more information about Dr. Day: https://thepostpartumot.com/the-power-of-touch-how-infant-massage-supports-regulation-and-bonding/ 

]]> In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kimberly Day about infant massage. We discuss what it is, why it matters, and how it can support your baby’s development. We explore the benefits for babies, from improved digestion to bonding with caregivers. Dr. Day also shares how parents can learn simple techniques to safely practice infant massage at home. 

Check out the blog post about this episode to learn more, access resources, and get more information about Dr. Day: https://thepostpartumot.com/the-power-of-touch-how-infant-massage-supports-regulation-and-bonding/ 

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-18802500 Sun, 08 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0500 1433 1 5 full false From Chaos to Calm: Simple Sleep Strategies for New Parents From Chaos to Calm: Simple Sleep Strategies for New Parents In part two of our sleep series, we continue the conversation with occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets to provide practical tools and strategies for better sleep. Building on our discussion about the nervous system’s role in sleep, this episode dives into ways to support regulation for both babies and parents. Kaili shares simple, realistic approaches you can begin using right away to create a more connected and restful sleep experience. If you’re looking for supportive, nervous-system-informed strategies, this episode is full of practical takeaways.


Link to blog post about this episode and more resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/

]]> In part two of our sleep series, we continue the conversation with occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets to provide practical tools and strategies for better sleep. Building on our discussion about the nervous system’s role in sleep, this episode dives into ways to support regulation for both babies and parents. Kaili shares simple, realistic approaches you can begin using right away to create a more connected and restful sleep experience. If you’re looking for supportive, nervous-system-informed strategies, this episode is full of practical takeaways.


Link to blog post about this episode and more resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-18762566 Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0600 1130 1 4 full false Wired and Tired: How the Nervous System Shapes Infant Sleep Wired and Tired: How the Nervous System Shapes Infant Sleep In this first episode of our two-part sleep series, we explore the powerful connection between an infant’s nervous system and sleep. We’re joined by occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets, creator of the Rooted in Regulation Map, a framework that helps parents understand how regulation impacts sleep challenges. Together, we discuss why sleep struggles aren’t just behavioral and how an overwhelmed nervous system can play a key role. This episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective to help parents better understand and support their baby’s sleep from the inside out.


Link to blog post about this episode and more resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/ 

]]> In this first episode of our two-part sleep series, we explore the powerful connection between an infant’s nervous system and sleep. We’re joined by occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets, creator of the Rooted in Regulation Map, a framework that helps parents understand how regulation impacts sleep challenges. Together, we discuss why sleep struggles aren’t just behavioral and how an overwhelmed nervous system can play a key role. This episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective to help parents better understand and support their baby’s sleep from the inside out.


Link to blog post about this episode and more resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/ 

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-18762518 Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0600 1089 1 3 full false More Than Baby Blues: Understanding Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders More Than Baby Blues: Understanding Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders Postpartum mental health deserves more open and honest conversation. In this episode, we’re joined by occupational therapist and mom Caitlin Sparks to talk about postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Caitlin shares both professional insights and personal experience as we unpack the realities of navigating stress and anxiety in the postpartum season. We also discuss practical strategies and tools that can help when feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a new mom or supporting one, this episode offers validation, education, and hope. You are not alone, and support is available.


Link to the postpartum OT website with a blog post about this episode and with more resources (such as Postpartum Support International): https://thepostpartumot.com/ 

Caitlin's instagram talking about her program Functional as a mOTher: @functionalasamother  

]]> Postpartum mental health deserves more open and honest conversation. In this episode, we’re joined by occupational therapist and mom Caitlin Sparks to talk about postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Caitlin shares both professional insights and personal experience as we unpack the realities of navigating stress and anxiety in the postpartum season. We also discuss practical strategies and tools that can help when feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a new mom or supporting one, this episode offers validation, education, and hope. You are not alone, and support is available.


Link to the postpartum OT website with a blog post about this episode and with more resources (such as Postpartum Support International): https://thepostpartumot.com/ 

Caitlin's instagram talking about her program Functional as a mOTher: @functionalasamother  

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-18762343 Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0600 1663 1 2 full false Welcome to Functional Fourth Trimester: Rethinking Daily Life After Birth Welcome to Functional Fourth Trimester: Rethinking Daily Life After Birth The fourth trimester is real and many new parents are left to navigate it alone. In this first episode, we introduce ourselves, share the heart behind Functional Fourth Trimester, and explain why we’re passionate about changing the postpartum experience. We’ll walk through the topics we’ll be covering and why the weeks after birth deserve far more support than they currently receive. If you’ve ever felt like postpartum care stops too soon, this podcast is for you.

Visit https://thepostpartumot.com/  for more information and blog posts accompanying each episode. 

]]> The fourth trimester is real and many new parents are left to navigate it alone. In this first episode, we introduce ourselves, share the heart behind Functional Fourth Trimester, and explain why we’re passionate about changing the postpartum experience. We’ll walk through the topics we’ll be covering and why the weeks after birth deserve far more support than they currently receive. If you’ve ever felt like postpartum care stops too soon, this podcast is for you.

Visit https://thepostpartumot.com/  for more information and blog posts accompanying each episode. 

]]> Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo Buzzsprout-18741604 Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0600 363 1 1 full false