Plus Mommy Podcast

Liesel Teen, well-known as Mommy Labor Nurse on Instagram, shares her journey to starting Mommy Labor Nurse and helpful insights on supporting plus size labor and delivery. She goes in-depth with options around fetal monitoring and how to advocate for yourself. Liesel also talks about cesarean birth for plus size moms.

Lori, well known as plus size model Loralyee on Instagram, tells her birth story. She shares the role her doula, Denise Bolds, played in helping her feel supported and empowered!

Meg Boggs went from creating content exploring motherhood and self-love to stepping into her authentic self as an athlete. With the highly-anticipated launch of her first book, Fitness for Every Body: Strong, Confident, and Empowered at Any Size, Meg helps people worldwide to find their inner athlete. This is her story!  

Lola, a short film by Ana Lydia Monaco, tells a story that’s all too familiar for many. Lola is a plus size woman of color who is not believed by her close friend, boyfriend, and care provider when having a medical crisis. Everyone only focuses on her weight. Listen as writer and director Ana Lydia Monaco and lead actor Marlene Luna share the behind-the-scenes story of making Lola.

What happens when all of your dreams are about to come true and overnight the world shuts down? Listen as two mom comedians, Shayna Ferm and Tracey Tee of Band of Mothers, share their stories. We talk about the toll 2020 took on so many and the vulnerability it takes to face an unknown future as entrepreneurs. We go deep, get a little woo, and reflect on the good that has come out of unimaginable loss. After all, we're in this together, as a band of mothers!

Courtney Stallworth is a plus sized Black American maternal-newborn nurse whose pregnancy and birth experiences forever changed her life. Courtney joins the show to share her first empowering home birth story and passion for birth work. Her mission is to decrease the growing maternal-newborn mortality rate for all, emphasizing on the BIPOC community.

Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani is a Health At Every Size inclusive doctor specializing in caring for people with eating disorders. She joins the show for a compelling conversation about disordered eating when you are plus size. We address why dieting is harmful and what approach can help people of all sizes to thrive.

Feeling supported by your care provider impacts how you look back on your pregnancy and birth experience. Whitney's story perfectly demonstrates that so listen-in as she shares her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum story.

Dr. Neel Shah, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School is committed to improving maternity care. This is a needed conversation about weight stigma in maternity care! Listen as we address weight bias and racial disparities in maternity care. Dr. Shah shares the biggest risk factor for having a cesarean birth and how his research is transforming patient outcomes.

The TLC reality series Hot & Heavy has faced a lot of criticism, but for Adrianna Harris, being featured on the show was a positive experience. Listen in as she talks about her participation on the show and her journey to motherhood.  

Farewell, 2020! As embarrassing as it is to admit, I spent most of 2020 sitting on my couch drinking wine. During this episode, I share when I hit my bottom and how I found my strength. By sharing my truth, I hope it helps others feel less alone and possibly even inspired as we head into the new year. I've got some big goals that I can't wait to share with you! Be sure to follow along over on Instagram @plusmommy 

Victoria Welsby, the founder of Fierce Fatty, shares her story of going from hating her body to standing proud on the TEDx stage dancing in a bikini!

Veronica chose to switch care providers at 26 weeks pregnant after her OB-GYN made assumptions about her body's ability to have a healthy outcome. With her wife's support, Veronica advocated for herself and found an outstanding care provider. You deserve to connect with a care provider who makes you feel heard and respected!

Have you ever thought about taking boudoir photos when you are plus size? During this episode, Jen shares her invigorating experiences and interviews photographer Melisa Mullins. Melissa's specialty is milk bath photography!  

Now that I’m in my 40s, I thought I’d drop some middle-aged wisdom by sharing nine things I want you to know before you turn 40. If you’re a fellow member of Club 40, I hope you’ll glean some familiar insights. If you’re in your 20s or 30s, buckle up, buttercup! (This episode includes strong language and a frank conversation about sex - not for the little ones to overhear.)

Morgan shares her three plus size cesarean birth stories. Her unique stories show how connecting with a size-friendly care provider can positively impact how people feel about their birth experiences.

Writer and full-spectrum doula Carrie Murphy joins the show for a thought-provoking conversation about how social justice and birth intersect. Listen in as we also tackle the pitfalls of pregnancy online support groups and examine the language we use when we talk about birth.

Twelve years following a traumatic birth, Salena knew next time would be different. She shares her and her wife’s journey to getting pregnant with their son and her healing home birth story as a plus size woman.

It’s common knowledge these days that dieting does not work. Yet, if you’re someone who has dieted their entire life, it can feel unclear how to approach nutrition. Registered Dietician Jenn Bryant joins the show to discuss why dieting does not work, how to practice mindful eating, setting up healthy habits, and fun tips for feeding our kids. 

Champion powerlifter Becci Holcomb deadlifted almost 600 lb when she was pregnant during a competition in Dubai. This unstoppable woman joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share her pregnancy and birth story. Becci wants everyone to know that you can do awesome things when you are pregnant!

Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins joins the show for an insightful conversation about plus size pregnancy with an OB-GYN. We dive deep into some tough topics surrounding the mistreatment of people of size during pregnancy. As well as answer questions, like should plus size people be automatically classified as high risk during pregnancy? It was a real honor to such a powerful conversation with an OB-GYN who wants to be size-inclusive.

Host Jen McLellan answers questions submitted by the Plus Mommy Instagram community about pregnancy when you are plus size. During this episode, we’re also joined by family nurse practitioner Flynn O'Neill to discuss the Myriad Prequel Prenatal Screen. This noninvasive prenatal screen produces highly accurate results for all patient types, regardless of BMI.

Going to the doctor when you are plus size can be a stressful experience. Physician Assistant Stacy Landers joins the show to have a heartfelt conversation about patient advocacy. We share tips and tricks to help plus size people navigate the healthcare system and feel empowered!  

As a medical assistant, Nia's plus size pregnancies challenged her view of the maternity care system. Listen as Nia shares her pregnancy and birth stories, along with changing her career path to becoming a doula!

Dr. Alisa Baer is a pediatrician, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, and a National Certified Child Passenger Safety Instructor. She joins the show to share what parents need to know about booster safety. We go well beyond the basics - even addressing how a child and parent's weight can impact the passenger safety choices families need to make. This is an informative episode that will hopefully change the way you think about booster safety.

At the age of 35, Corryn had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and a blocked fallopian tube. She knew her journey to becoming a mother was going to look different. Listen as she shares how she advocated for herself as a plus size woman in need of fertility support. You'll not only hear her experience with IVF but her full birth story!

Jill Dillner, a size-friendly doula with over 15 years of experience, joins the podcast to talk about how plus size parents can benefit from working with a doula.

Plus size fashion designer Ashley Nell Tipton tells the story behind becoming the winner of Project Runway Season 14. She digs in deep and shares what happened on and off-screen. As well as how her life has changed since winning the show!

Recovery advocate, Emily McAllister, opens up about her journey to sobriety. She shares how her addiction intertwined with an eating disorder that nearly broke her. This is a courageous story of what it takes to change the trajectory of your life.

At the age of 17, Kasey experienced an ectopic pregnancy that ruptured. She lost one fallopian tube and an ovary. She was a high school student at the time and decided to keep her loss a secret. Listen, as Kasey shares her story of pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy and the pain of holding onto secrets, we shouldn't have to keep.

Tennielle shares her experience of what it’s like to be pregnant when you are Black and plus size, along with her compelling birth story.

“Nearing the end of my pregnancy, I had a very intimate and pointed conversation with my OB; I told her to fight for me. I read too many articles for my own good about the maternal death rate for Black women. Not only was I Black but I was a plus size pregnant woman.”

This is an episode that care providers should listen to, and we can all learn a great deal from!

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, Jen McLellan shares the detours she experienced along her breastfeeding journey, and what she wishes she would’ve done differently. The reality is breastfeeding when you are plus size looks different! There are unique obstacles plus size people face while breastfeeding. From the lack of plus size nursing apparel to a delay in milk production and how plus size moms are sometimes mistreated in public - she talks about it all!

Beloved blogger, Tori Block, shares her VBAC story to encourage plus size women to know that having a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) is absolutely possible!

With over 1.4 million followers, Sarah Nicole Landry of The Birds Papaya takes storytelling and vulnerability to a whole new level. Sarah openly shares what drove her to lose a significant amount of weight, the realization she had an eating disorder, and the path she walks daily to self-love and acceptance. Sarah tells the story of her body – a body that is so much more than a before and after story!

Have you ever wanted to eavesdrop on two moms having a passionate conversation? That’s precisely what you’ll experience during this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast with special guest Sara Ahmed of Sugar Land Sara. We have an open and honest discussion about our bodies, mental health, and inclusion.

Have you ever wanted to eavesdrop on two moms having a passionate conversation? That’s precisely what you’ll experience during this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast with special guest Sara Ahmed of Sugar Land Sara. We have an open and honest discussion about our bodies, mental health, and inclusion.

Why isn’t there a Yelp for fat people? That’s the question Rebecca Alexander, the founder of the AllGo app, asked herself for many years. During episode 106 of the Plus Mommy Podcast, Rebecca shares her journey to self-acceptance, turning an idea into a business, and her new book, A Kid’s Book About Body Image.

Do midwives have BMI restrictions? Can I work with a midwife if I decide I want an epidural? Certified Nurse Midwife and author Aubre Tompkins joins the podcast to answer these questions and so much more about the midwifery model of care.

Pia Schiavo-Campo is the thought-provoking voice behind the blog Chronicles of a Mixed Fat Chick. Pia writes about how topics like fat acceptance and body image intersect with race. Pia was my guest for episode 13. We had such a meaningful conversation that I wanted to replay it now for episode 104 with a special message from Pia.

Christina Wells America’s Got Talent semifinalist believed for many years that she was too big to become a professional singer. That same woman received a standing ovation seconds into her America’s Got Talent audition in 2018! Christina joined the podcast to tell her story during episode 36. She comes on today for a brief but important message, and then we replay her inspiring episode.

With all that's currently happening, I didn't feel comfortable launching a regular podcast episode today. I also didn't want to remain silent. I'm sharing my story of recognizing my white privilege. I hope it helps others to understand their privilege, so we can all come together to create change.  

Plus size model Kat Stroud shares what it is like to be fat-shamed by your OBGYN, and how the mistreatment she experienced impacted the rest of her pregnancy. 

There are unique challenges when you're in a plus size relationship (especially in the bedroom). Let's talk about it! My husband, Chris, and I don't hold anything back during this episode of the podcast. We hope by being so open, we help others to feel less alone. We're also celebrating the second anniversary and 100th episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast!

Do I Have Vaginismus? Tara knew from a very young age that there was something different about her body. She didn’t dare try a tampon, and she told her partner she was saving herself for marriage. It wasn’t until after getting married that Tara would finally understand her condition. This is Tara's story! 

What is it like to seek out fertility treatments in a larger body? How hard is it to connect with a fertility specialist who is size-friendly? And is there anything you should know in advance? Annie, a woman who has undergone IUI and IVF fertility treatments in a larger body, talks about all the things she wishes she would’ve known. She shares insider tips that could’ve saved her a lot of time and grief.

Bryn Huntpalmer, the host of The Birth Hour podcast, knows the power of telling your birth story. With birth stories ranging from unmedicated to scheduled cesarean, her popular pregnancy podcast has over ten million downloads. If you're considering writing your birth story, this episode will provide you with helpful tips and beautiful insights. Every birth story matters, and it's never too late to write yours!

Allison Kimmey is on a mission to help moms change the way they view their bodies and talk to their kids about body image. Her messages have gone viral, including a conversation with her daughter about how her stretch marks are actually “glitter stripes!” Listen in as she shares her journey and inspirational messages.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to give birth with preeclampsia? From planning an unmedicated childbirth at a birth center to an unexpected diagnosis of preeclampsia, Emily shares her full story! As a plus size woman with preeclampsia, Emily went on an emotional and physical rollercoaster that you won't soon forget.

Let’s chat about the unique challenges we’re facing during this unprecedented time with a little help from my friends. Yes, I’ve brought on some friends to make this a fun and supportive conversation that will leave you feeling less alone. We’re sharing our tips for mental wellness, addressing concerns about binge eating, a response to the fat-shaming quarantine memes, and even navigating homeschooling. We are in this together!

Let’s chat about the unique challenges we’re facing during this unprecedented time with a little help from my friends. Yes, I’ve brought on some friends to make this a fun and supportive conversation that will leave you feeling less alone. We’re sharing our tips for mental wellness, addressing concerns about binge eating, a response to the fat-shaming quarantine memes, and even navigating homeschooling. We are in this together!

Ashley Dorough shares her journey from being in the TV and film costume industry to becoming an influential plus size fashion blogger.

Miranda, of the Plus Life Blog, shares her plus size fertility and birth story. After a long journey to get fertility support, she was surprised with twins! Sadly, her son passed near the end of her pregnancy, but Miranda had to remain strong for her daughter. Miranda's story is one of love, loss, and joy. Listen in as she openly shares with a trigger warning for stillbirth.

Before I became a mother, I envisioned postpartum to be me wearing a fluffy pink robe, holding a perfectly pink baby in a hospital room full of flowers. That’s the postpartum Hallmark prepared me to experience, but it’s not my postpartum story. I’m sharing my baby blues postpartum experience in hopes it helps to normalize that postpartum isn’t always what we expect it to be. And that’s okay!

In my search for body-positive books for kids, most books have some hardship to overcome - and while that's relatable, we need more messages of pure body-love. Her Body Can by Katie Crenshaw and Ady Meschke is a body-positive kid's book with unapologetic messages of self-love! Listen in as authors Katie and Ady talk about Her Body Can, and the future of Body Can Books.

At the age of 11, Sierra Holmes, founder of the blog Eclectic Kurves, first realized her body wouldn’t be celebrated by every retailer.

With a background in plus size fashion, her work was born out of necessity to see bodies that look like hers represented.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of sharing your story and the importance of representation. We also share messages of self-love and give practical plus size fashion tips!

Two moms whose lives are not Pinterest worthy, spend time musing on plus size motherhood. Join us for an honest conversation about motherhood, mental health, and body image with Aryn Hinton of Musings On Motherhood.

Do you want to go on a cruise as a plus size person but have concerns? Travel Agents and seasoned plus size travelers, Jimmy and Amanda of Chubby And Away, talk about going on a cruise while plus size. We’re covering all your concerns and bringing up some points you probably haven’t even considered! 

Movies and television shows have conditioned us to believe that giving birth is an excruciating experience that we should fear. Advanced birth doula, Adriana Lozada, joins us for an insightful conversation about how we can rethink childbirth by experiencing physiologic birth. Adriana talks about the physiology of childbirth. She shares how to tap into what our body is designed to do! Tune in as this episode isn’t just for those wanting an unmedicated birth!

Lauren shares her compelling story of surviving ovarian cancer, grieving the loss of her mom, and her journey to becoming a mother.

She hopes that by bringing her darkest moments to light, it will motivate others to be their own best healthcare advocate.

This is a painful and yet beautiful story that will stay with you!

I was stranded in New York due to a canceled flight and ended up having one of the best nights of my life.

Never allow your size to hold you back!

I’m not saying you should stay up all night in Times Square, but I am telling you to do whatever it is that you’ve dreamed of doing.

Stop waiting on your weight to be permitted to live your best life. Go after whatever it is that you genuinely want NOW and enjoy every minute of the adventure that awaits you!

Let's reframe how we set ourselves up for success at the beginning of the year. It's time for a fresh motto - New Year, Same You! Who you are today is pretty magnificent, but we can all set realistic intentions for growth.

How can I be a fat ally? A thin friend and a fat friend have an uncensored conversation about what it means to be a fat ally.

From bumps to bellies, we talk about it all - and we're doing just that during this ask me anything episode of the podcast with host Jen McLellan.

For many, the holiday season isn’t the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time when we’re stressed out! We’re worried about seeing family members who make unsolicited comments about our weight. Or worse, people who say things about our kid’s weight. Let alone all the diet talk that will occur around the beautifully decorated table. I’m here to help with The Plus Size Girl’s Guide To Setting Healthy Boundaries!

Chaya Milchtein, an automotive educator, joins the show to talk about all things related to larger bodies and cars. She answers questions we might be too embarrassed to ask – like what to do if the seatbelt doesn’t fit when you get into a car and how to navigate car shopping when you have a large body.

If you’re plus size and planning to nurse, it’s reasonable to question, “Does being plus size make it harder to breastfeed?”

The answer is being plus size doesn’t automatically make breastfeeding harder. With that said, there are unique obstacles people of size face while nursing. From a lot of misinformation to a lack of plus size nursing bras and apparel – breastfeeding can suck (pun intended).

I’m joined by Suzanne of Plus Size Breastfeeding to dig into this topic with helpful tips and resources. We’re answering the most commonly asked questions about breastfeeding when you’re plus size.

A size-friendly labor and delivery nurse shares everything you need to know about plus size labor and delivery. Amy joins us with a background in fat advocacy and a passion for patient advocacy! During our time together, we not only address the unique needs of plus size patients but how people can be their own best advocate.

Award-winning filmmaker Ana Lydia Monaco talks about diversifying Hollywood. As a plus size woman of color, Ana Lydia has a passion for writing scripts and producing films that tackle social issues and represent the diversity we see in the world around us! She gives us a behind the scenes look at the work she’s creating and her hopes for the future of film.

All birth stories matter. Mikki's preeclampsia birth story is an honest look at how you can't set expectations for your birth and motherhood. Stories like Mikki's that aren't rainbows and sunshine teach us the great importance of listening to our bodies. To know, as Mikki did, when something is wrong.

When it comes to healthcare advocacy for women of size, our concerns are often unheard because care providers can't see past our size. We need to talk about Lipedema treatment to bring more awareness and support to the approximate 11% of women living with Lipedema. The number is probably much higher, and that’s why our voices need to become much louder. This is Tina's story! She shares her diagnosis, Lipedema treatment, and how her condition dramatically progressed after the cesarean birth of her son.

Plus size fashion designer Jen Wilder joins the podcast to share her journey from making her own clothes as a teen to designing the cloud leotards for the backup dancers who performed in Lizzo's unforgettable VMA performance.

I share the story of my family's terrible car accident, why I spoke up about booster safety, and how that message has gone viral. My nine-year-old son, Braeden, joins me briefly with a message for kids who don't want to be in boosters. As Braeden says, "Cool kids can also be safe kids!"

To the mom afraid of wearing a swimsuit - just wear the suit! Carly Anderson, the founder of Just Wear The Suit, shares her journey to self-love by putting on a bathing suit. Now she's building a massive community of moms of all sizes who are proudly rocking their bathing suits!

If you spend a few minutes Googling “plus size pregnancy risks,” it’s nearly impossible to believe that people of size can have a healthy pregnancy. But what does the evidence say? The facts might surprise you!

Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN, the founder of Evidence Based Birth®, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast for a needed conversation about the evidence behind plus size pregnancy risks.

Plus size moms speak out and share their stories of what happens when you do Weight Watchers as a kid. The result is not what Weight Watchers, now rebranded as WW, is marketing with its new Kurbo App for kids. Learn More. 

Disney magic is accessible to people of all sizes and ages. You just have to be a little strategic when you’re visiting Disneyland, as a person of size. Sam Reyes, a self-proclaimed Disney Dork, joins me in covering all things Disneyland for plus size guests. It’s our hope that the insights shared here, from preparing for your day to discussing what rides we absolutely love, will help you to plan your next trip to Disneyland and California Adventure. Learn more here.

This is Amy and her husband Chris' LGBTQ pregnancy and birth stories. After many failed IUIs and being fat-shamed by an OB-GYN, both Chris and Amy carried children into this world. Amy and I also have an important conversation about inclusivity during pregnancy for LGBTQ families. Learn More

As a society, we're quick to blame the mom if breastfeeding isn't established. Dr. Linda Dahl joins the Plus Mommy Podcast for a fascinating conversation about a breastfeeding complication we're not talking about enough. A baby's anatomical characteristics are far more often to blame than a mom's inability to produce milk! Learn more...

Former Broadway dancer, Amy Griffith joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share how she exercises balance. We talk about real self-care and how to take time to breathe as busy moms. Amy and I don't shy away from how messy motherhood can be but focus on how to reduce stress and find balance.

My husband, Chris, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast as we answer questions about marriage following our 11th wedding anniversary. We are completely transparent, sharing our struggles and how we've strengthened our marriage throughout the years. 

Tracie-Ann shares her two very different plus size birth stories. She explains how advocating for herself during her second birth made all the difference.

Author Virginia Sole-Smith ignited a needed conversation with her article, "When You're Told You're Too Fat to Get Pregnant." Virginia joins episode 62 of the Plus Mommy Podcast to talk about her New York Times published article and what fertility clinics don't want to admit about weight bias. Learn more.

Corissa Enneking joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share her journey to building Fat Girl Flow. She talks about the obstacles of having a loud voice in the body positive movement and her plans for the future. Learn more.

Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, and author of Real Food For Gestational Diabetes and Real Food For Pregnancy. She joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to talk about how we can rethink Gestational Diabetes and pregnancy nutrition when you’re plus size. Learn more.

Sex educator Meg Snyder joins us to talk about all things pregnancy and postpartum sex when you’re plus size. From communication, postpartum changes, plus size sex positions, to size-friendly adult toys – we’re talking about it all! Learn more.

IBCLC Laurel Wilson shares everything you could want to know about plus size breastfeeding. From preparing to nurse, the hormones behind breastfeeding, and why it takes longer for plus size people to lactate - we address it all! Laurel also goes into detail about how PCOS impacts breastfeeding during this episode. Learn more. 

During episode 57 of the Plus Mommy Podcast, Tiffany Reese from the show Something Was Wrong is my guest. We have an in-depth conversation about abusive relationships and share our own sexual assault stories. We understand the power of stories and how they help people to feel less alone. If you're struggling, we truly hope you'll speak up and get the support you need. You're worth it! Learn more. 

During episode 56 of the Plus Mommy Podcast, I share how a diagnosis of gluten intolerance created an internal tug-of-war with all I believe about Health At Every Size. I went from believing that fat girls shouldn’t eat cake for most of my life, to finally enjoying cake, and then realizing cake was making me sick. I’m joined by gluten-free food blogger Brianna Hobbs to talk about how to practice self-advocacy when you have food struggles. Learn more. 

One of the most powerful ways we create change is by telling our stories. By doing so, we normalize the experiences many face but feel too ashamed to discuss openly. This is Torii’s postpartum depression story! Learn more.

Episode 54 of the Plus Mommy Podcast, explores the topic of raising body positive kids. From a conversation, I recorded with my 8-year-old son to an interview with child and family therapist Amanda Edwards. Learn more.

When it comes to mom fashion, specifically plus size mom fashion, Maddy Guiterrez is my Instagram girl-crush! The way she rocks her mom jeans with confidence and style inspires me to think beyond my leggings. Maddy joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share her passion for plus size fashion and how access to plus size clothing impacts body image. We also talk about raising our boys to be body positive and our love for the TV show Shrill! Learn more.

Fat moms aren’t #RealMoms - that's the message Dove conveyed at an event where the chairs they provided for moms to be pampered were not sized inclusive. 

I spoke up, and Dove responded immediately! 

I never could’ve imagined that by being vulnerable myself, I’d change an experience for more than just me but for so many.

Hear the full story via this episode of the Plus Mommy podcast. You can view photos from the event and learn more here.

Is the medical community failing plus size moms? Hannah, a labor and delivery nurse, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to explore how common labor and delivery practices setup plus size women for failure to progress.

Being a plus size woman is different! We’re led to believe that the size of our jeans dictates our self-worth. The bigger the jeans, the less accepted we are by society and often by our own reflection.

My fellow curvy friend, Amanda Ervin, joins episode 50 of the Plus Mommy Podcast to talk about five things only plus size women understand. By sharing our frustrations, and helpful tips, we hope plus size women will feel less alone and more supported! Learn more. 

I’m fat, about to turn forty, and I’m floundering over my fertility. Will I ever be at peace with the fact that I only had one child? Can I have a healthy pregnancy being fat and forty? Am I too old to start all over again with a newborn?

All of these questions have played on repeat in my head so I hit record and poured out my uncertainties during this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast.

Experienced doula and author Megan Davidson joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to have a frank conversation about the misconceptions plus size women face during pregnancy. Megan talks about how plus size women can be empowered and prepare for their labor and birth. Learn more.

During this Plus Size Babywearing Q&A, we’ll talk about all things babywearing when you’re plus size! Our special guest is Cortney Baca, Executive Director of Babywearing New Mexico.

We cover all things plus size babywearing, talk about babywearing for babies with special needs, and the importance of accessibility to aesthetics. If you’ve ever been interested in babywearing, you’re going to love this episode! Learn more...

When you’re plus size and have fertility struggles, you feel invisible. Healthcare providers tell you to lose weight and fertility clinics have BMI restrictions. Fat fertility matters and let’s talk about it!

Fat fertility coach, Nicola Salomon, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to have a frank conversation about plus size fertility struggles. Learn more...

My husband, Chris McLellan, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share a dad's perspective on plus size pregnancy, birth, and miscarriage. 

Today’s episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast is a plus size pregnancy Q&A. Over the next hour, I’ll answer questions ranging from where to find affordable plus size maternity clothes to what are the increased risks when you’re plus size and pregnant. Find additional plus size pregnancy resources and articles mentioned in our show notes. 

Dani Adriana joins the Plus Mommy Podcast on episode 43 to talk about eating disorder recovery for those who exist in larger bodies and fat activism. Learn more. 

Kassey joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share her first birth story that ended with a cesarean, her journey to deciding to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) with her second, and her VBAC birth story as a plus size woman. Learn more.

Plus Size Yoga Instructor Amber Karnes reminds us that yoga is for every body during this week's episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast. Learn more. 

Marie Denee, the powerhouse behind The Curvy Fashionista, shares all things plus size fashion. Marie shares her journey to building a plus size fashion resource empire. We talk about how accessibility to fashion impacts body image and so much more! Learn more. 

Aubre Tompkins, a Certified Nurse Midwife for nine years, answers questions about being a fat-friendly midwife, the midwifery model of care, and how to connect with a size-friendly care provider. Learn more. 

Experienced doula Kira Kimble joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to talk about how doulas support plus size moms. We explore not only what a doula does but all the benefits of hiring one. Learn more.

Cortney joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share her home birth transfer story. Cortney transferred to the hospital for an internal tear after an empowering experience giving birth at home. What makes Cortney’s home birth transfer story unique isn’t that she wanted a plus size home birth – it’s that it’s illegal for midwives to support a person having a home birth in the state of North Carolina. Sadly Cortney’s transfer to the hospital resulted in her family having to deal with Child Protective Services. Now, this new mom is passionate about sharing her story, so others don’t have to endure all she did.  Learn more and see Cortney's maternity and home birth photos here. 

Christina Wells America’s Got Talent semifinalist believed for many years that she was too big to become a professional singer. That same woman received a standing ovation seconds into her America’s Got Talent (AGT) audition!

Christina joins the Plus Mommy podcast to tell her story. She talks about her journey to finding her voice again after rejection, takeaways from her America’s Got Talent elimination, and so much more. 

Having a plus size pregnancy with twins taught KC to appreciate her body unlike she ever had before. During this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast KC shares her journey to motherhood, including her plus size twins birth story. Learn More 

Heather Mae is a social-justice songwriter whose song "I Am Enough" has become a self-love anthem for many. With her second album, Glimmer, Heather Mae is helping people to know they aren't alone by writing music about mental health. Learn more.

If you think plus size women’s clothing is limited, wait until you hear about bigger guy fashion struggles. Bruce Sturgell, the founder of Chubstr, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share how he’s blowing up the plus size men’s fashion industry! Learn more 

From concerns about body odor to wondering if you should hold up your belly or not – let’s talk about everything you want to know but are too afraid to ask about having a plus size Brazilian wax! We’ll also talk about getting a Brazilian wax when you’re plus size and pregnant. Learn more about this topic and please note we go into a lot of detail so this episode is marked explicit. 

Perinatal psychologist, Dr. Kat, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to talk about supporting your mental wellness during pregnancy and postpartum. Learn more. 

Madeline Hawke, an Australian student midwife, joins the show to talk about anti-fat bias in midwifery care and her passion advocating for women of size. Learn more 

For many, the holiday season isn’t the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time when we’re stressed out! We’re worried about seeing family members who make unsolicited comments about our weight. Or worse people who say things about our kid’s weight. Let alone all the diet talk that will occur around the beautifully decorated table. I’m here to help with The Plus Size Girl’s Guide To Setting Healthy Boundaries! Lean more

Tywanda joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share her plus size c-section story! From conception to postpartum recovery, Tywanda doesn’t hold back. Learn more. 

On today’s episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast Jimmy and Amanda of Chubby And Away join me to share their story and plus size travel tips! Learn more.

The Pump and Dump Show creators, Tracey Tee and Shayna Ferm, pull comedy genius from their real-life motherhood struggles. Learn more.

The stigma surrounding postpartum depression is lifting as moms open up about their experiences. A lesser-known postpartum mental health struggle about 10% of women face is postpartum anxiety. Anna Hithersay, the host of The Post Party Podcast, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share her postpartum anxiety stories. Learn more.

Content warning for pregnancy loss and suicidal thoughts. During this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast, I share miscarriage story with complete vulnerability. From the joy of learning I was pregnant to the shock of experiencing a loss, I turned on my recorder and started telling my story.

The moment you become a mother everything changes in magnificent and challenging ways. Life will never be the same as part of your heart walks outside of your body. And yet finding yourself again in motherhood is critical.

Claire Hammill joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share her journey of building a life she loves. For Claire, after being an elementary school teacher for ten years, she started to question what she wanted her out of her life. During our time together Claire shares how becoming pregnant with her son changed how she saw her body and her life forever.

Claire found herself, and you can too!

Finding yourself again in motherhood starts with finding that thing that makes you feel authentically you! You can't be everything for everyone unless you're there for yourself first.

Learn more

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. PCOS and pregnancy are two words many long to see together because of how intertwined PCOS is to infertility.

Megan joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share her PCOS and pregnancy story. She hopes her story encourages other women with PCOS to feel less alone. Megan talks about her initial diagnosis at the age of 18, journey to get pregnant with PCOS and her birth story.

Learn more about PCOS and be sure to talk to your size-friendly care provider if you’re concerned you might have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. 

Filmmaker Lindsey Averill shares the story behind a new documentary making waves, Fattitude The Movie. Fattitude takes a hard look at how the media portrays fat bodies and how that perpetuates fatphobia in our society.

Fattitude’s co-creator is award-winning filmmaker Viri Lieberman. Lindsey and Viri have poured years of their lives into this film that is currently being screened around the world and will be released to the public in early 2019.

During our interview, we also dive into the topic of motherhood as Lindsey is a new mom. From body image during pregnancy to how society views fat moms, we address some taboo topics.

Hearing Lindsey share her passion and expertise is always a privilege and I hope you’ll enjoy this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast.

Studies show about 30% of people who have given birth report they’ve experienced birth trauma. People most often associate birth trauma with injury or the loss of an infant or mother. In recent years, however, the definition has broadened to include emotional harm. If a person feels stripped of their dignity during childbirth that is a form of birth trauma.

Cristen Pascucci, the founder of Birth Monopoly and the documentary Mother May I, joins my podcast for an in-depth conversation about birth trauma. She not only answers the question, what is birth trauma, but talks about how people can heal from traumatic birth.

These conversations are not easy to have, and this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast is not for everyone. Yet, we need to continue to have uncomfortable discussions to bring awareness to birth trauma, postpartum depression, and PTSD.

Our stories are powerful, and they matter!

Instagram is a photo-driven platform, and most of the #momlife images we see are of thin women. When I came across Meg Bogg’s feed, a plus size woman sharing authentic messages about motherhood, I was hooked!

Meg joins my podcast to share her motherhood journey that led to her Instagram fame. She talks about her plus size pregnancy, 30-hour birth, becoming an Instagram Influencer, and the awe-inspiring This Is Postpartum project.

This Is Postpartum launched on September 8th, 2018. Meg invited twenty mom bloggers, including yours truly, to bare our bellies, and talk openly about postpartum.

As Meg shares, “Let’s stand up. Let’s embrace our postpartum bodies together. Whether you’re plus size, full of loose skin, stretch marked up or scarred. All of it is postpartum. All of it counts. All of it means something. Because all of it is part of you. And you, mama, are worthy.”

Learn more about This Is Postpartum 

Nicole’s plus size IVF success story was six years in the making. She tracked her regular cycle for years, but in the back of her head, she knew something was wrong. Other people in her family got pregnant right away, but she had been trying for so long.

When Nicole brought up fertility concerns to her gynecologist, the response she received was to lose weight and have more sex. 

This is a narrative many plus size women are used to hearing – just lose weight! Often there’s a lot more to infertility for plus size women than just weight. 

Nicole shares her plus size IVF success story in great detail during this week’s episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast. She encourages anyone struggling with fertility to be persistent and to connect with a fertility specialist who will be supportive.

Learn more

Five months into my pregnancy I switch care from an OB-GYN to a midwife, and the rest, as they say, is history. As you’ll hear in this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast, I had a perfectly healthy plus size pregnancy, and my 300 lb birth story ends by me giving birth on my knees. My body is not broken. My body is amazing!

I hope my story inspires others to believe in the strength and beauty their body possesses!

Read More

Canadian mom blogger, Just Jen P, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share her plus size pregnancy story and postpartum struggles.

It’s fascinating to hear stories from moms around the world. Jen, being a plus size Canadian mom blogger, shares how her access to Universal Healthcare and paid maternity leave is entirely different from what most families experience in the United States.

Jen left the hospital after giving birth with only a parking bill. As her daughter is taking her first steps, she is still on maternity leave.

While on leave, she has this time to focus on her family, body, and postpartum struggles.

Jen opens up about her postpartum anxiety. She shares how plus size model Tess Holliday helped her realize all she was experiencing was far more than baby blues. Jen’s now focusing on her mental health and tapping into her “mama mojo” (you’ll learn what this means during this episode).

Postpartum is such an important topic that we continue to cover on the Plus Mommy Podcast.

Read more about this story. 

The friendly skies can be quite intimidating when you’re flying while fat. Will I be able to fit in the seat comfortably with the armrests down? Can I handle the embarrassment of asking for a seatbelt extender if I need one? What should I do if people give me a dirty look? These are all entirely legitimate concerns that we’ll navigate through while we talk about flying while fat.

Let’s start by addressing the reality of flying while fat. Then share tips for planning ahead, and how to reduce your travel anxiety on the big day.

Between TSA and delayed flights, traveling is stressful enough. Here’s to less turbulence ahead when you apply these tips for flying while fat.

Every mother has a story. Every story matters! Sam Reyes, a body positive influencer, talks about her very personal experiences surrounding plus size pregnancy and breastfeeding.

More than one OB-GYN told Sam that she shouldn’t get pregnant because of her size. They made her feel terrible about her body and tried to extinguish her dream of becoming a mother.

After five years of trying, she became pregnant!

Sam’s plus size pregnancy and breastfeeding journeys are very relatable. For those of us who exist in larger bodies, our narratives hold common threads. From assumptions made about what our bodies are capable of to frustrations around finding clothes like plus size nursing bras.

Pregnancy and postpartum is a time in our lives that’s so exciting. It’s also a unique period that feels isolating and is full of many disappointments that most people don’t openly express. I’m thankful moms like Sam Reyes are willing to talk about their struggles and triumphs. By sharing, we learn tips and tricks that can benefit one another.

We help plus size moms to feel less alone!

Pia Schiavo-Campo joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to have a crucial conversation about race, adoption, motherhood and body image. From how to be an ally to people of color to letting go of perfection in motherhood, Pia generously shares!

She talks about the importance of reading diverse books to our children. How it’s okay to take up space as people of size and to stop apologizing for our bodies. As well as a reminder that we are enough! This interview will honestly stay with me, and I hope it impacts you as well.

Actress Reid Cox openly shares details about her struggles with body dysmorphic disorder and disordered eating. Reid and I share what it’s like to exist in bodies we’ve worked very hard to embrace. As well as how fat shaming and skinny shaming are equally harmful.

We need to stop allowing the media to pin fat and thin women against one another. People of all sizes struggle with body image and self-love! Let’s continue to share our stories, speak out when we see shaming, and support one another. Learn more!

It is possible to have a plus size VBAC if you’re a good candidate and connect with a care provider who will back your decision. Yet, finding a size-friendly and VBAC supportive provider can be extremely challenging.

Jen Kamel, the founder of VBAC Facts, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to talk about VBAC options. Jen shares not only the benefits but also the risks of considering a VBAC. We break down some common misconceptions and talk specifically about the unique struggles of having a plus size VBAC. 

Being fat-shamed by your doctor is not okay and yet many people feel as if they must accept this substandard level of care. We need to talk about not only what’s occurring behind closed doors but what people who have been fat-shamed by their care providers can do about it. 

Writer and nurse, Joni Edelman, is my special guest this episode. She speaks from her experience as not only a nurse but also as a fat patient. We talk openly about what it feels like to be fat-shamed and how to be your own best advocate. 

Know that you’re worthy of proper medical care and should always receive dignified care! Learn more here. 

There’s a lot of misinformation about what it’s like to be plus size and pregnant. If you spend a few minutes on Google, you’ll be led to believe that you can’t have a healthy outcome for you and your baby. The truth is most plus size people have perfectly healthy pregnancies!

For the past seven years, I’ve supported thousands of plus size pregnant people. Here are the top 7 things every person should know about being plus size and pregnant.

1. Your body is incredible!

2. There are many plus size pregnancy misconceptions.

3. Hire a size-friendly care provider!

4. From nutrition to being physically active – take great care of your body!

5. Plus size maternity clothes do exist!

6. Your bump will probably take longer to pop.

7. Body image struggles are normal, and you’re not alone.

Learn more about each of these topics here! 

Suiting up for summer fun can be difficult when you don’t feel like you have a summer body. Guess what? Put a bathing suit on your body, and you have a summer body! Let’s navigate the tricky waters of summertime and body image, together. Stop depriving yourself of fun experiences for fear of what others might think of your body.

This is the body you have today, and this is the body you’ll have this summer season. Regardless of how many advertisements you come across that lead you to believe that your body is something you should cover up – it’s perfectly okay to embrace your body!

There are swimsuits out there for people of nearly every size so don’t feel limited.

Learn more! 

When it comes to babywearing, there’s a misconception that plus size babywearing options don’t exist. The reality is carrier companies are far more inclusive than most maternity clothing companies. There are babywearing options for people of all sizes!

Babywearing is just one small piece of helping to set yourself up for postpartum. Planning for postpartum success is critical at this time in your life that can feel very isolating.

Laura Brown is a babywearing expert and postpartum doula. She’s our special guest during this episode! We talk not only about plus size babywearing but how to set yourself up for the postpartum period.

We laugh about the realities of parenthood and address the real need for more postpartum support in our society. 

Find our tips for plus size babywearing and postpartum support here. 

When you’re plus size and pregnant it’s easy to feel invisible since the outside world can’t tell you’re growing life within you. Mia joins the podcast to share her plus size pregnancy struggles and journey to finding self-love during pregnancy.

“Pregnancy gave me a great gift of teaching me how to take care of myself through love.”

Mia’s guest post on the Plus Size Birth website, My Invisible Plus Size Pregnancy, perfectly expresses what it’s like to have plus size pregnancy struggles. She goes deeper into these obstacles as well as how she treats her body with kindness in this 6h episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast. Mia also emphasizes the importance of connecting with a size-friendly care provider and opens up about postpartum.

For anyone who has experienced a plus size pregnancy or is about you, you’ll relate to everything Mia shares!

There’s so much pressure from society telling us that we’re not good enough. Today I grant you permission to start blocking out those messages and begin to love yourself and your body. If you’re wondering, ‘how can I learn to love my body?’, here are seven tips that will help transform your body image.

Body positive activist Amy Pence-Brown bravely wore a black bikini and a blindfold in the middle of a farmer’s market. A video of her Stand for Self-Love went viral and has gained over two hundred million views. She joins the show to share that experience and tips for raising body positive kids. Learn more here. 

This is part two of talking to my mom about the topics we cover on the Plus Mommy Podcast – plus size pregnancy, motherhood and body love. Here we continue our conversation about motherhood and then dig in deep with body image. My mother shares her over 60-year journey of struggling with body image and how things were much different during the Twiggy Era.

You’ll hear me jump on my soapbox about body image, chairs without arms and capturing motherhood. This is one of those episodes that I hope reminds everyone listening that they are worthy of self-love!

Don't forget to subscribe and explore the Plus Mommy website!

Ever wonder what being plus size and pregnant was like nearly 40 years ago? What about body image issues? In this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast, I brought the woman who gave me life on as my very first guest to talk about it all!

When I dreamed up the Plus Mommy Podcast, I knew I wanted my mother, Kathryn Rue, to be my first guest. We have a special bond and I know how lucky I am to be able to say that. Talking to my mom about plus size pregnancy and motherhood was a fascinating experience and a lot of great wisdom came out of this episode.

My mom not only talks about pregnancy and body image but reiterates the messages we hear today about the importance of building a strong community of support throughout motherhood. I hope you’ll enjoy this episode as much as I’ll cherish having this recording for the rest of my life.

Don't forget to subscribe and explore the Plus Mommy website!

Welcome to the Plus Mommy Podcast! Here we celebrate living fulfilled lives without focusing on weight loss and body shame. We address the struggles and joys of plus size pregnancy and motherhood. As well as embarking on a journey to body love!

From bumps to bellies, we talk about it all on the Plus Mommy Podcast!

I'm your host, Jen McLellan, and seven years ago I started the blog Plus Mommy (formerly Plus Size Mommy Memoirs). After all of these years of being a blogger, certified childbirth educator, and public speaker, I'm excited to start this new chapter of Plus Mommy with a podcast.