Brimful

Pamela Tessmann
  • 5.0 (3)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to Brimful, where your host Pamela Tessmann, IBCLC and former Doula & Childbirth Educator, explores the various paths of pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, infant feeding, and parenting. Each episode blends Pamela’s evidence-based guidance with rich conversations featuring guests who bring their own experience and expertise to the table. Together, they unpack the realities of early parenthood with curiosity and compassion. Tune in for episodes that inform, inspire, and celebrate new beginnings. Want to support the podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

  1. MAR 13

    S2 E7: Navigating the Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation with Dr. Sinead Dufour

    Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation: The Postpartum Symptom Nobody Talks About Episode Summary Many postpartum parents expect sleep deprivation and feeding challenges, but far fewer are warned about vaginal dryness, irritation, urinary symptoms, or discomfort with intimacy while breastfeeding. These symptoms are increasingly being described as Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (GSL), a condition linked to the hormonal shifts that occur during lactation. In this episode, Pamela sits down with pelvic health physiotherapist Professor Sinead Dufour to explore what’s happening in the body during the postpartum period and why so many breastfeeding parents experience changes in their pelvic and vaginal health. Together, they discuss how the hormonal environment of lactation (particularly lower estrogen levels) can affect vaginal tissue, lubrication, and urinary comfort. They also talk about how these symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed, leaving many parents feeling confused or unsupported. This conversation normalizes an experience that is far more common than most people realize and offers practical, evidence-informed guidance for parents navigating postpartum recovery while breastfeeding.   In This Episode What Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation is and why the term is gaining attention Why breastfeeding hormones can affect vaginal and urinary tissues Common symptoms, including dryness, irritation, pain with sex, and urinary discomfort How these symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed or overlooked The difference between normal postpartum healing and symptoms that need support Practical strategies that may improve comfort during the breastfeeding period The role of pelvic floor physiotherapy in postpartum recovery When it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider Why pelvic health conversations need to be part of routine postpartum care   About the Guest Sinead Dufour is an Associate Clinical Professor, Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, and a pelvic health physiotherapist who supports individuals through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and other pelvic health concerns. Her work focuses on helping people better understand their bodies while providing practical tools for healing, comfort, and long-term pelvic health.     Connect & Learn More:   Dr. Sinead Dufour, PhD: Website: https://experts.mcmaster.ca/people/sdufour Instagram: @dr.sinead  Embodia: https://embodiaapp.com   Pamela Tessmann, IBCLC: Website: www.brimfamilycare.com Socials: @brim.familycare Buy me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

    41 min

  2. JAN 19

    S2 E6 Rethinking Exercise After Baby with Dr. Davenport

    In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Margie Davenport, a leading Canadian researcher in perinatal physical activity and a professor at the University of Alberta. Dr. Davenport directs the Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Research Program, where her work focuses on how movement, rest, and recovery affect parents and babies from preconception through the first year postpartum. We begin by exploring how Dr. Davenport came to this work and why the postpartum period has long been under-researched despite being such a critical time for physical and mental health. From there, we dive into the newly released 2025 Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep During the First Year Postpartum. A major focus of this conversation is the relationship between exercise and breastfeeding. Dr. Davenport breaks down what the research actually shows about milk supply, milk quality, infant growth, injury risk, and the long-standing myths around lactic acid and “exercise ruining breast milk.” We also discuss nutrition, hydration, breast support during activity, and practical ways parents can move their bodies without pressure or unrealistic expectations. We then zoom out to look at mental health and sleep. Dr. Davenport shares compelling evidence that even small amounts of physical activity in the early postpartum period are associated with meaningful reductions in postpartum depression and improvements in sleep quality. Importantly, this episode reinforces that postpartum recovery is not linear, not universal, and not something to rush. This conversation is a grounding, evidence-based reminder that postpartum care must be individualized, compassionate, and supported at the family and societal level. Helpful Links & Resources Dr. Margie Davenport – University of Alberta Exercise & Pregnancy Program https://www.ksr.ualberta.ca/exerciseandpregnancy/ 2025 Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep During the First Year Postpartum https://csepguidelines.ca/postpartum/ General Information on Physical Activity During Pregnancy & Postpartum (Health Canada) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/healthy-living/physical-activity.html   Connect with host Pamela Tessmann www.brimfamilycare.com hello@brimfamilycare.com Support the Podcast If you value evidence-based conversations like this and want to support the ongoing work of Brim Lactation & Family Care and the Brimful podcast, you can do so here: Buy Me a Coffee – Brim Lactation & Family Care https://buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare Your support helps keep thoughtful, research-informed conversations about infant feeding, mental health, and family care accessible.

    28 min
  3. S2 E5 Navigating Holiday Feeding When Your Breastfed Baby Has Food Reactivity — with Dr. Trill

    2025-12-01

    S2 E5 Navigating Holiday Feeding When Your Breastfed Baby Has Food Reactivity — with Dr. Trill

    The holidays can be a joyful - and challenging - time for parents of breastfed babies, especially when food reactivity is involved. In this episode, I chat with Dr. Trill from Free to Feed, an expert in supporting families navigating infant food sensitivities. Dr. Trill walks us through: How to identify true food reactivity versus what might be latching difficulties What an elimination diet might look like Tips for managing your own nutrition and well-being Strategies to enjoy holiday meals without stress or guilt What to expect long-term This episode is full of evidence-backed, practical guidance to help you feel confident and supported. Be sure to share it with your support people or your friends and family who may be navigating these challenges. Connect with Dr. Trill: Website: https://www.freetofeed.com  Social Media: @free.to.feed Connect with Pamela: Website: www.brimfamilycare.com Social Media: @brim.familycare Support The Brimful Podcast: buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

    59 min
  4. S2 E4: Neurodivergent Care in the Perinatal Season with Doula Alix Meyers

    2025-11-21

    S2 E4: Neurodivergent Care in the Perinatal Season with Doula Alix Meyers

    In this episode, Pamela sits down with Alix Meyers, doula and founder of Tenderly, a practice dedicated to supporting neurodivergent families through fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Alix shares her path from a career in marketing to becoming a doula, the journey of discovering neurodivergence within her own family, and how her lived experience shaped the neuro-affirming lens she brings to her work. Together, Pamela and Alix explore the sensory, communication, and executive-function realities that can shape a birthing or postpartum experience, especially for those who may not yet realize they're neurodivergent. They discuss why so many birthing people don’t receive the support they need, how masking can disguise overwhelm, and how simple shifts in practice can help birth workers provide truly neuro-affirming care. Alex also shares how virtual doula support can be a powerful accessibility tool, what families can expect when working with her online, and the upcoming self-paced birth planning course she’s creating specifically with neurodivergent brains in mind. In this episode: • How Alix discovered her path into birth work • Why neurodivergence often goes unrecognized until the postpartum period • Sensory overload, executive functioning, communication differences, and how they shape the perinatal experience • What “neuro-affirming care” actually means • Tips for advocating for your needs with care providers • How virtual doula support creates accessibility for neurodivergent families • A peek into Alex’s upcoming neuro-affirming birth planning course If you or someone you support is navigating pregnancy or postpartum with a neurodivergent lens, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and tools for cultivating a more supported experience. Connect with Alex: Website - https://www.lovetender.ly/ Social Media - @lovetender.ly_doula Email - alix@alixmyers.com Support Brim Lactation & Family Care: If you’d like to support the podcast and ongoing educational work, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brimfamilycare More episodes, services, and offerings: www.brimfamilycare.com

    56 min
  5. S2 E3: Why We Don’t Give Permission to Quit, with IBCLCs Erin Dykstra & Pamela Tessmann

    2025-10-29

    S2 E3: Why We Don’t Give Permission to Quit, with IBCLCs Erin Dykstra & Pamela Tessmann

    In This Episode: How breastfeeding can lower stress hormones and inflammation — key factors linked to depression. How exclusive breastfeeding supports better sleep quality and quantity for mothers. The bidirectional link between mental health and lactation: each impacts the other. The protective effects of breastfeeding for trauma survivors. How poor or dismissive support increases depression risk, and positive support decreases it. Rethinking the idea of “permission to quit” through the lens of autonomy, respect, and real care. References Mentioned: Kendall-Tackett, K. A. (2015). Depression in New Mothers: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment Alternatives. Available via PubMed Central: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4842365/ Key findings: Breastfeeding reduces cortisol and inflammation, improves sleep, and protects against depression — especially in trauma survivors. Dennis, C.-L., & McQueen, K. (2016). The relationship between infant-feeding outcomes and postpartum depression: A longitudinal study. CMAJ Open, 4(1), E103–E109. https://www.cmajopen.ca/content/4/1/E103 Study of 380 mothers in Calgary: 88% experienced feeding difficulties. When support was perceived as positive, risk of postpartum depression dropped from 14.9% to 5.25%. Negative or dismissive support did not improve outcomes. Connect with us: Host: Pamela Tessmann, IBCLC www.brimfamilycare.ca Instagram: @brim.familycare Buy Me a Coffee to support the show: buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare Guest: Erin Dykstra, IBCLC Sweet Spot Lactation Instagram: @sweetspotlactation Find a Lactation Consultant in BC https://bclca.wildapricot.org/

    40 min
  6. S2 E2: Gentle Cesarean Recovery with Janelle Fontaine, RMT

    2025-10-23

    S2 E2: Gentle Cesarean Recovery with Janelle Fontaine, RMT

    In this episode, I’m joined by Janelle Fontaine, Registered Massage Therapist and founder of Nurturing the Mother. Janelle's practice focuses on perinatal and postpartum bodywork, helping parents heal, reconnect, and restore balance after pregnancy and birth. Through her hands-on work and teaching, Janelle is transforming how we understand postpartum recovery. She offers specialized post–cesarean and scar tissue massage, and she also trains other RMTs and health professionals to provide this essential care in their own practices. We talk about what real postpartum recovery looks like, the often-overlooked impact of c-section scars, and how compassionate touch can help rebuild trust and connection within the body after birth. Whether you’re a new parent, a perinatal professional, or someone passionate about holistic healing , this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and deeply seen. What inspired Janelle to create Nurturing the Mother The power of bodywork in postpartum and cesarean recovery Common misconceptions about c-section scars and healing timelines The emotional side of postpartum touch and body reconnection How Janelle teaches other RMTs to support postpartum clients Why postpartum recovery deserves the same care and attention as birth itself Website: www.nurturingthemother.ca Instagram: @nurturingthemother Courses and Resources: The Cesarean Recovery Guide (for parents and clients): nurturingthemother.thinkific.com/courses/the-cesarean-recovery-guide NTM: Cesarean Massage & Rehab for Health Care Providers (for RMTs and professionals): nurturingthemother.thinkific.com/courses/NTM-CesareanMassage&RehabforHCPs Connect with Pamela Tessmann, IBCLC: Website: @brim.familycare Support the Brimful Podcast: buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

    52 min
  7. S2 E1: Lactation for the Rest of Us: A Conversation with Jacob Engelsman, IBCLC

    2025-10-17

    S2 E1: Lactation for the Rest of Us: A Conversation with Jacob Engelsman, IBCLC

    In this episode of Brimful, Pamela sits down with Jacob Engelsman, IBCLC, (He/Him) - lactation consultant, educator, and author of Lactation for the Rest of Us - to talk about making infant feeding support more inclusive, accessible, and rooted in real-life experiences. Jacob shares what inspired his book, the gaps he sees in traditional lactation education, and how we can move toward care that celebrates diversity and meets families where they are. Together, Pamela and Jacob discuss breaking down barriers in the field, centering compassion over perfection, and building a culture of feeding support that truly fits the rest of us. Whether you’re a parent, perinatal professional, or advocate for family-centered care, this episode offers insight, honesty, and a refreshing perspective on what inclusive lactation support can look like. Learn more about Jacob’s (He/Him) work: Website: @lactationfortherestofus Connect with Pamela (She/Her) (Host): Website: @brim.familycare Support this podcast and the work we do: buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

    46 min
  8. S1 Ep. 6 Unlocking Restful Nights with Cayla Solomon

    2024-12-17

    S1 Ep. 6 Unlocking Restful Nights with Cayla Solomon

    In this episode, we sit down with Cayla Solomon, the compassionate and knowledgeable founder of Sleeping Beauties. Cayla is dedicated to transforming sleep for individuals and families through her unique, holistic approach. Her philosophy centers on addressing the root causes of sleep disruptions while considering family dynamics and paramedical factors, offering a truly bespoke and sustainable path to better rest. The Science of Sleep: Cayla shares key insights into why sleep challenges occur and how they impact overall well-being. Holistic Solutions: Discover how Cayla’s approach goes beyond conventional sleep training to address every aspect of a family’s life, ensuring no root issue is overlooked. Empowering Families: Hear real-life stories of how Cayla has supported families in regaining control of their sleep and mental health. Practical Advice: Get tips and actionable strategies for improving sleep, even in complex or unique situations. Parents struggling with their child’s sleep patterns. Individuals experiencing personal sleep challenges. Anyone curious about the connection between sleep, mental health, and family dynamics. Cayla Solomon is a sleep expert with a difference. Through Sleeping Beauties, she offers unbiased, tailored support that avoids one-size-fits-all solutions. Cayla’s dedication to empowering families and addressing the deeper causes of sleep disruption has made her a trusted guide for achieving long-lasting change. 🌐 Visit her website: Sleeping Beauties 📸 Follow her on Instagram: @OfficialSleepingBeauties 📧 Connect with Cayla: Send her a message A downloadable sleep progression guide: Get Your Free Guide Here Workbook: Transform Contact to Independent Sleep. Get yours for only $27 Here We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Join the Conversation: Share your sleep challenges or breakthroughs by tagging us on Instagram @brim.familycare Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, rate and review our podcast! Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to listeners like you. Follow Us: Stay connected for more episodes on perinatal mental health, parenting, and wellness: Instagram: @brim.familycare Website: brimfamilycare.com Tune in now and unlock the secrets to a good night's sleep! 🌙

    54 min
See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Brimful, where your host Pamela Tessmann, IBCLC and former Doula & Childbirth Educator, explores the various paths of pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, infant feeding, and parenting. Each episode blends Pamela’s evidence-based guidance with rich conversations featuring guests who bring their own experience and expertise to the table. Together, they unpack the realities of early parenthood with curiosity and compassion. Tune in for episodes that inform, inspire, and celebrate new beginnings. Want to support the podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

Information

  • Creator
    Pamela Tessmann
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brim Lactation and Family Care
  • Show Website
    Brimful