The Mother FIGRs Podcast

Katelyn Darkangelo

The Mother FIGRs Podcast is hosted by Katelyn Darkangelo, a dual-certified pregnancy and postpartum coach and founder of FIGR. This podcast is for women navigating the weights during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond —whether you're in it yourself, planning for it, or coaching this population. Each episode dives into strength and intensity training during these seasons, with real-life stories, expert interviews, and evidence-based strategies you can actually use. With over a decade of coaching experience and a degree in Exercise Science from the University of Michigan, I keep things practical, clear, and no-bs. No fluff, no hype—just smart training guidance and support for moms and coaches who want to do it right. New episodes drop weekly. Connect with me through the channels below! Website: www.fitisgettingreal.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/katedarkofit Email: fitisgettingreal@gmail.com I got you, Katelyn

  1. 2H AGO

    24. The 6 Week Postpartum Myth & What the 2025 Postpartum Guidelines Actually Show About Exercise

    In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most persistent misunderstandings in postpartum care: the idea that the six‑week checkup is a universal green light to jump back into exercise. Using the 2025 Canadian Postpartum Guidelines and the updated Delphi study on physical activity and contraindications, I walk through what the research actually supports—and what it doesn’t. I share my own six‑week postpartum experience, including what my appointment looked like, what was (and wasn’t) assessed, and how that aligned with the evidence. We talk about why the “cleared at six weeks” message has stuck around for so long, what the guidelines recommend instead, and how to think about returning to movement in a way that respects healing, capacity, and real‑life postpartum demands. This episode is meant to give you clarity, confidence, and a more realistic framework for rebuilding strength after birth—without fear‑based messaging, without arbitrary timelines, and without the pressure to “bounce back.” It’s about understanding your body, honoring your recovery, and using research—not myths—to guide your return to exercise. Research Links: 2025 Postpartum Guidelines: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/59/8/515 Physical Activity Contraindications for Activity: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40054885/ I love nothing more than chatting with you guys, so please reach out at any time! Below are my social links & website pages with more details: Instagram: @katedarkofit @fitisgettingreal Website: www.fitisgettingreal.com/moms Pregnancy Program: www.fitisgettingreal.com/pregnancy Postpartum Program: www.fitisgettingreal.com/postpartum Email: fitisgettingreal@gmail.com If this episode helped you, share it with a friend or leave a quick review—it helps more moms find the support they deserve! And as always, thank you for your continued support. I got you, Katelyn

    51 min
  2. JAN 20

    21. When Can You Workout Again After Baby? Your Guide to an Effective, Confident Return

    Returning to Exercise Postpartum In this episode, I’m diving into what it really looks like to return to exercise after having a baby. It’s highly individual—there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, and it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed by the idea of working out. That’s why I like to redefine exercise in this season as any activity that helps you reach a goal. It doesn’t have to look like your pre-pregnancy routine. We talk about how early movement is now encouraged in postpartum guidelines, and how walking is one of the best ways to start. Breath work is huge for reconnecting with your core and pelvic floor, and mobility and activation exercises are essential in those first few weeks. Structured bodyweight movements can come next, and yes—progressive overload still applies. You’re rebuilding strength and endurance over time. Most importantly, I want moms to have the tools to prioritize their health and well-being during this season. You deserve a plan that meets you where you are and helps you move forward with confidence, which is where my FIGR:Postpartum app program comes in! Here's a direct link to a 7 Day Free Trial so you can see it for yourself before committing. Where we can connect and where you can learn more! I love nothing more than chatting with you guys, so please reach out at any time! Instagram: @katedarkofit @fitisgettingreal Website: www.fitisgettingreal.com/moms Pregnancy Program: www.fitisgettingreal.com/pregnancy Postpartum Program: www.fitisgettingreal.com/postpartum Email: fitisgettingreal@gmail.com If this episode helped you, share it with a friend or leave a quick review—it helps more moms find the support they deserve! And as always, thank you for your continued support. I got you, Katelyn

    29 min
  3. JAN 13

    20. Redefining Postpartum Fitness: Inside My First Three Weeks Postpartum

    In this episode, I walk through my first three weeks postpartum and what those early days of recovery actually looked like for me. I talk about how I approached core engagement, pelvic floor activation, and the slow, intentional progression back into movement and daily activities. I also share why I’ve had to completely redefine what a “postpartum workout” even means and how I’m thinking about recovery differently this time around. I get into the importance of listening to my body’s signals, the factors that have shaped my recovery so far, and how nutrition and basic self‑care have played a role. More than anything, I highlight how much rest and recovery matter in this season, and how external factors can influence the pace and feel of postpartum healing. TakeawaysPostpartum fitness progressionCore engagement and early recoveryListening to my body’s signalsThe importance of rest and recovery in postpartum fitness I love nothing more than chatting with you guys, so please reach out at any time! Below are my social links & website pages with more details: Instagram: @katedarkofit @fitisgettingreal Website: www.fitisgettingreal.com/moms Pregnancy Program: www.fitisgettingreal.com/pregnancy Postpartum Program: www.fitisgettingreal.com/postpartum Email: fitisgettingreal@gmail.com If this episode helped you, share it with a friend or leave a quick review—it helps more moms find the support they deserve! And as always, thank you for your continued support. I got you, Katelyn

    49 min
  4. 12/17/2025

    17. My Breech Baby + Successful ECV: What Research, Professionals, and Real Moms Want You to Know

    In this episode, I’m sharing my full story of navigating a breech baby and ultimately having a successful External Cephalic Version (ECV). This isn’t just my personal experience—I’m weaving in what the research actually says about breech presentation and ECV success rates, plus insights from the professionals who work with these situations every day. You’ll hear perspectives I've gathered from OBs, midwives, nurses, chiropractors, and massage therapists, along with stories from other moms who’ve been through breech pregnancies and ECVs themselves. My goal is to give you a grounded, realistic understanding of your options, what the process can look like, and how to advocate for yourself with confidence. In this episode, we cover:What it means when your baby is breech and how common it really isThe evidence behind ECV: success rates, timing, risks, and what research recommendsMy personal breech journey and what led to my decision to attempt an ECVWhat the ECV procedure felt like, step‑by‑stepProfessional insights from OBs, midwives, nurses, chiros, and bodyworkersWhat other moms shared about their breech and ECV experiencesPractical considerations if you’re deciding whether to try an ECVHow to prepare your body and mind for the procedureWhat I wish I had known earlierWho this episode is for:Anyone currently navigating a breech baby, considering an ECV, or wanting to understand their options with more clarity and confidence. I love nothing more than chatting with you guys, so please reach out at any time! Below are my social links & website pages with more details:Instagram: @katedarkofit @fitisgettingreal Website: www.fitisgettingreal.com/moms Pregnancy Program: www.fitisgettingreal.com/pregnancy Postpartum Program: www.fitisgettingreal.com/postpartum Email: fitisgettingreal@gmail.com If this episode helped you, share it with a friend or leave a quick review—it helps more moms find the support they deserve! And as always, thank you for your continued support. I got you, Katelyn

    49 min

About

The Mother FIGRs Podcast is hosted by Katelyn Darkangelo, a dual-certified pregnancy and postpartum coach and founder of FIGR. This podcast is for women navigating the weights during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond —whether you're in it yourself, planning for it, or coaching this population. Each episode dives into strength and intensity training during these seasons, with real-life stories, expert interviews, and evidence-based strategies you can actually use. With over a decade of coaching experience and a degree in Exercise Science from the University of Michigan, I keep things practical, clear, and no-bs. No fluff, no hype—just smart training guidance and support for moms and coaches who want to do it right. New episodes drop weekly. Connect with me through the channels below! Website: www.fitisgettingreal.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/katedarkofit Email: fitisgettingreal@gmail.com I got you, Katelyn