Birth Healing Summit Podcast

Lynn Schulte, PT
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We are here for meaningful conversations that will transform how you work with pregnant and postpartum clients. Whether it is a new perspective, tool, or technique, you’ll be able to implement it into your practice today.

  1. Empowering Your Clients for Birth: The Missing Piece in Birth Preparation

    2d ago

    Empowering Your Clients for Birth: The Missing Piece in Birth Preparation

    Birth preparation involves far more than physical readiness. In this episode, Ama K. Karikari, Esq., joins Lynn Schulte, PT, to discuss how pelvic health therapists can help clients build self-trust, find their voice, and become active participants in their birth experience. While outcomes are unknown, clients who feel empowered, informed, and supported often navigate birth with greater confidence and less fear. Clinical Takeaways For Pelvic Health Practitioners Birth preparation should include emotional, relational, and physical readiness.Validating a client's experience builds confidence and self-trust.Self-advocacy begins long before labor starts.Understanding options and support systems can improve birth confidence.Partners, doulas, and advocates play a critical role during labor.Pelvic health therapists are uniquely positioned to help clients trust their body's wisdom. Ways Practitioners Can Help Clients Prepare for Birth Encourage clients to communicate their needs, concerns, and preferences.Help clients identify their birth goals and non-negotiables.Foster body awareness and trust in internal sensations.Discuss informed consent and available birth options.Role-play conversations with providers when appropriate.Support clients in building a strong advocacy team, including partners and doulas.Recognize emotional patterns or previous experiences that may influence labor and refer for additional support when needed. Resources & Links Mentioned Books A Silence to Soaring by Ama K. KarikariNo Bad Parts by Richard SchwartzConcepts Discussed Internal Family Systems (IFS)Inner Child HealingSelf-Advocacy in BirthBody WisdomBirth Autonomy Frequently Asked Questions Why is self-advocacy important during birth? Self-advocacy helps clients communicate their needs, ask questions, participate in decisions, and feel more empowered throughout labor. What should comprehensive birth preparation include? Effective birth preparation includes physical readiness, emotional support, communication skills, understanding birth options, developing self-trust, and creating a strong support system. About The Speaker Ama K. Karikari, Esq. is an author, transformational guide, community leader and founder of the Soaring Sisters Circle. She creates empowering spaces that support healing, resilience, and personal transformation.  Ama Karikari’s website: https://www.amakkarikari.com/ Access her free book: http://bit.ly/42eVDqe Message me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instituteforbirthhealing/ Message me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteForBirthHealing/ Email Me: support@instituteforbirthhealing.com If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treating your clients, find us on your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

    37 min
  2. Why Some Perineal Tears and Episiotomies Don't Heal: 3 Hidden Factors For Healing

    Jun 29

    Why Some Perineal Tears and Episiotomies Don't Heal: 3 Hidden Factors For Healing

    Why is your client's perineal tear or episiotomy still painful months after birth? Today, Lynn Schulte, PT, explores three commonly overlooked contributors to delayed healing: pelvic bone positioning, surrounding tissue restrictions, and unresolved trauma responses held within the tissues. Clinical Takeaways From This Episode • Assess for an Open Birthing Pattern when healing is delayed. • Approximate the ischial bones during scar treatment. • Evaluate tissues surrounding the scar, not just the scar itself. • Consider unresolved trauma when tenderness persists. • Prioritize circulation and tissue mobility to support healing. • Never force tissue release. Why do some perineal tears or episiotomies fail to heal completely? Lynn explains how an Open Birthing Pattern can create ongoing tension through the pelvic floor and perineum, placing stress on healing tissues. She shares practical assessment and treatment strategies, including approximating the ischial bones during scar work and addressing restrictions in the tissues surrounding the scar rather than focusing solely on the scar itself. The episode also explores why some scars remain extremely tender despite treatment. In certain cases, persistent sensitivity may reflect unresolved trauma responses that require a trauma-informed approach and interdisciplinary support. How can pelvic health therapists help create a full recovery? Through clinical case studies, Lynn demonstrates how improving tissue mobility, reducing tension, and restoring blood flow can help facilitate healing when traditional approaches fall short. Whether working with perineal tears, episiotomies, or C-section scars, pelvic health therapists can uncover the root of why some tissues fail to heal and what they can do to work with the tissue in a different way to promote full healing. What educational resources for pelvic health therapists can help you learn these skills? Holistic Treatment of the Postpartum Body: https://instituteforbirthhealing.com/postpartum-body/ Advanced Postpartum Techniques: https://instituteforbirthhealing.com/advanced-postpartum-techniques Learn More and Connect With Lynn Schulte Message me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instituteforbirthhealing/ Message me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteForBirthHealing/ Email Me: support@instituteforbirthhealing.com Learn More: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

    13 min
  3. Going Beyond Pregnancy in Pregnancy Pain Treatments: Hidden Structural Patterns in Prenatal Clients

    Jun 22

    Going Beyond Pregnancy in Pregnancy Pain Treatments: Hidden Structural Patterns in Prenatal Clients

    This episode pulls you into two pregnant client case studies that seem straightforward at first – until the bodies start telling a very different story. A 35-week first time pregnant client arrives with pelvic pain, leg symptoms, and nighttime disruption, and what unfolds reveals a layered map of old surgical history, a snowboarding injury, and a spine that never developed typical curves. Each piece of her history quietly shapes how her pregnancy is unfolding. Then a second case at 25 weeks looks like “typical” postpartum carryover and hypermobility … until subtle clues in the sacrum, ischium, pelvic floor, and even whiplash history begin pointing to a much deeper structural narrative than expected. As each layer is uncovered, what initially looks like isolated pelvic dysfunction turns into a full-body story spanning cervical spine, cranium, pelvis, and past trauma – none of which would be obvious from standard assessment alone. This episode leaves you questioning how many of your own clients are carrying hidden layers you have not been taught to see yet. ✨ Key Takeaways for Practitioners: Two prenatal case studies that unravel far beyond typical pregnancy presentationsHidden impacts of past trauma (surgery, whiplash, birth injury) on current symptomsUnexpected full-body connections between cervical spine, pelvis, and pelvic floorHow subtle bone and tissue cues completely shift clinical reasoning in real timeA challenge to rethink what you’re missing when you “follow protocol” too closelyHave a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treating your clients, find us on your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. To learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

    19 min
  4. Understanding Resistance: From Force to What Actually Works

    Jun 15

    Understanding Resistance: From Force to What Actually Works

    Ever find yourself stuck in resistance – knowing what you “should” be doing, but unable to actually do it? In this episode, Lynn shares a personal post-Birth Healing Summit moment where overwhelm, exhaustion, and guilt led to total shutdown, procrastination, and scrolling instead of working. What shifted everything wasn’t more discipline – but a simple question from a loved one that revealed the hidden pressure underneath the resistance. Once she gave herself permission to fully step away from work, the guilt dissolved, the energy shifted, and creativity came flooding back. By Monday, she returned to her projects refreshed, focused, and reconnected to her purpose. ✨ Episode Highlights: Why resistance often shows up after intense periods of productivity and burnoutThe surprising question that broke through procrastination and guiltHow giving yourself permission not to work can unlock motivationThe connection between emotional avoidance, resistance, and creative blockWhy rest, play, and spaciousness are essential for high-quality, inspired workHave a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treating your clients, find us on your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. To learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

    12 min
  5. What Happens When You Finally Trust Yourself as a Practitioner

    Jun 8

    What Happens When You Finally Trust Yourself as a Practitioner

    What if the thing you’re waiting for … is simply the courage to begin? In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Lynn Schulte sits down with Occupational Therapist Stephanie Smith to talk about the unexpected journey that led Stephanie from being a new mom experiencing leaking postpartum … to launching her own thriving pelvic health practice. Stephanie shares the vulnerable story of the moment she realized something in her own body wasn’t right after childbirth – she never expected it would become a major turning point in her life. That single experience eventually introduced her to pelvic health therapy and awakened what she now calls her true calling. But this episode goes far deeper than business-building. Together, Lynn and Stephanie dive into: Why so many practitioners feel stuck or disconnected from traditional treatment modelsHow intuition and presence can completely transform clinical outcomesThe importance of truly listening to the body instead of forcing protocolsThe profound shifts that happen when practitioners trust themselves enough to begin before they feel “fully ready”One of the most powerful moments comes when Stephanie shares the story of sitting at an airport gate after attending Lynn’s live Holistic Treatment of the Postpartum Course. She kept hearing an internal nudge to “just do it” and posted a simple offer for free sessions in a local moms group. She boarded her flight with no expectations … and landed to 15 women asking for help. This conversation is packed with encouragement for: Pelvic Health PractitionersOTs and PTs considering starting a practiceClinicians struggling with imposter syndromeAnyone longing to practice in a more intuitive, holistic, and deeply effective wayIf you’ve ever questioned whether you’re ready… If you’ve ever felt the pull toward something bigger… Or if you simply want to hear an incredibly honest and inspiring story about following intuition and creating meaningful impact – this episode will stay with you. Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treating your clients, find us on your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. To learn more visit:InstituteforBirthHealing.com About Today’s Speaker Stephanie Smith, OTR/L Stephanie Smith is a pelvic floor occupational therapist and the founder of Everbloom Pelvic Health in Sanford, North Carolina. She specializes in pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic health care through a trauma-informed, whole-body approach. Her work focuses on helping women reconnect with their bodies, improve core and pelvic floor function, and feel confident through every stage of womanhood. She created Everbloom to be the kind of care she wishes existed-where women feel seen, supported, and educated in their bodies. Through a blend of hands-on therapy, movement, and nervous system support, Stephanie provides deeply personalized care that goes far beyond traditional pelvic floor therapy. Website: https://www.everbloompelvichealth.com/ Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

    29 min
  6. Lymphatics in Pelvic Health: What Pelvic Health Practitioners Need to Know

    Jun 1

    Lymphatics in Pelvic Health: What Pelvic Health Practitioners Need to Know

    Pelvic health clinicians are trained to assess muscles, fascia, joints, and organs – but one powerful system influencing pelvic function is often overlooked: the lymphatic system. In this episode, Lynn is joined by pelvic health therapist and certified lymphedema specialist, Mary Ellen Kramp, to discuss why lymphatic function deserves more attention in pelvic health care. The lymphatic system plays a critical role in fluid balance, immune function, and tissue health, yet it’s rarely emphasized in traditional PT training. When lymphatic flow becomes impaired in the abdomen or pelvis, it may contribute to symptoms clinicians commonly see – such as bloating, pelvic heaviness, tissue congestion, and urinary urgency. Mary Ellen shares how practitioners can begin recognizing lymphatic involvement through tissue quality, palpation findings, and clinical patterns, particularly during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and after surgeries like C-sections. This conversation invites clinicians to expand their lens and consider how lymphatic congestion may be influencing pelvic symptoms they treat every day. Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treating your clients, find us on your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. To learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

    36 min
  7. An Assessment that Can Lead to an Easier Birth: A Case Study on Baby’s Position

    May 25

    An Assessment that Can Lead to an Easier Birth: A Case Study on Baby’s Position

    In this episode, Lynn explores how a baby’s position in the maternal body can directly influence pain patterns during pregnancy and impact the progression of labor. Through a compelling case study of a client at 39 weeks with a high, mobile fetal head, this conversation highlights how skilled palpation and targeted bodywork can help facilitate engagement into the pelvis. Lynn shares the common areas of tension that may prevent the baby from descending and how to address these restrictions to support more efficient labor mechanics.  Learn the importance of palpation skills and understand fetal positioning to improve the success of your own work with pregnant clients. ✨ Key Takeaways for Practitioners Palpating the fetal head and how it reveals why some labors stall before they even begin.Look beyond the pelvis - learn what else can quietly prevent a baby from engaging in the pelvis.Learn why the pelvic floor may act like a “stoplight” for the baby’s descent.Discover the hands-on treatment that can shift outcomes.If you work with pregnant clients, this episode offers practical clinical insights into how assessing and addressing fetal positioning can influence both pain presentations and birth outcomes. Learn more in Pregnancy Pain and Beyond. Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treating your clients, find us on your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. To learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com YouTube:  Pregnancy Pain and Beyond: https://instituteforbirthhealing.com/pregnancy-pain-and-beyond/ Message me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instituteforbirthhealing/ Message me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteForBirthHealing/ Email Me: support@instituteforbirthhealing.com If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treating your clients, find us on your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

    11 min
  8. Hidden Birth Injuries: The Pelvis–Hip Link Behind Chronic Pain

    May 18

    Hidden Birth Injuries: The Pelvis–Hip Link Behind Chronic Pain

    In this episode, Lynn explores an intriguing postpartum case that reveals how birth mechanics can influence hip pain decades later. A clinician shares the story of a colleague whose leg was tractioned off the bed during an epidural birth – creating long-term pelvic alignment changes that eventually led her to consider a total hip replacement. The discussion highlights how unresolved pelvic positioning from birth can alter hip mechanics, including internal rotation and load through the acetabulum. This episode encourages pelvic floor and orthopedic practitioners to look beyond symptoms and evaluate how birth and postpartum pelvic alignment may be driving chronic hip dysfunction. ✨ Key Takeaways for Practitioners Birth mechanics can have lifelong effects: Traction on the leg during epidural births may contribute to sacral flexion, ischial splay, and ilial outflare that affect hip function years later.Pelvic alignment influences hip mobility: Ischial splay and ilial outflare can change acetabular orientation, limiting internal rotation and contributing to chronic hip pain.Assess more than the pelvic floor: TFL tension, pelvic bone position, and sacral mechanics can all play a role in postpartum hip symptoms.Address both tissue and experience: Combining pelvic mobilization with trauma-informed approaches to unresolved birth experiences may unlock lasting changes for clients.This episode offers clinical insights that may change how you assess chronic hip pain in postpartum clients – and why evaluating pelvic alignment after birth can be essential for long-term outcomes. Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treating your clients, find us on your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. To learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

    13 min
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About

We are here for meaningful conversations that will transform how you work with pregnant and postpartum clients. Whether it is a new perspective, tool, or technique, you’ll be able to implement it into your practice today.

Information

  • Creator
    Lynn Schulte, PT
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Birth Healing Summit Podcast
  • Show Website
    Birth Healing Summit Podcast

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