Functional Fourth Trimester

Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo

Functional fourth trimester is a podcast series for new parents- covering common postpartum challenges, practical strategies, and featuring conversations with parents and healthcare professionals.

Episodes

  1. 6D AGO

    Tummy Time and Milestones: What to Expect in the Early Months

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

    27 min

  2. MAR 15

    Beyond Outnumbered: Practical Survival Strategies for Parents of Multiple

    What is it really like to bring home triplets? In this episode, we sit down with occupational therapist and new mom of triplet boys, Kylie McClellan. She shares the challenges, lessons, and supports that have helped her navigate postpartum life with multiples, along with practical tips for parents of twins, triplets, or more. Link to our blog post with more information and resources: https://thepostpartumot.com/beyond-outnumbered-practical-survival-strategies-for-parents-of-multiple/

    29 min

  3. MAR 8

    The Power of Touch: How Infant Massage Supports Regulation and Bonding

    In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kimberly Day about infant massage. We discuss what it is, why it matters, and how it can support your baby’s development. We explore the benefits for babies, from improved digestion to bonding with caregivers. Dr. Day also shares how parents can learn simple techniques to safely practice infant massage at home.  Check out the blog post about this episode to learn more, access resources, and get more information about Dr. Day: https://thepostpartumot.com/the-power-of-touch-how-infant-massage-supports-regulation-and-bonding/

    24 min

  4. FEB 28

    From Chaos to Calm: Simple Sleep Strategies for New Parents

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

    19 min

  5. FEB 28

    Wired and Tired: How the Nervous System Shapes Infant Sleep

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

    18 min

  6. FEB 28

    More Than Baby Blues: Understanding Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders

    Postpartum mental health deserves more open and honest conversation. In this episode, we’re joined by occupational therapist and mom Caitlin Sparks to talk about postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Caitlin shares both professional insights and personal experience as we unpack the realities of navigating stress and anxiety in the postpartum season. We also discuss practical strategies and tools that can help when feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a new mom or supporting one, this episode offers validation, education, and hope. You are not alone, and support is available. Link to the postpartum OT website with a blog post about this episode and with more resources (such as Postpartum Support International): https://thepostpartumot.com/  Caitlin's instagram talking about her program Functional as a mOTher: @functionalasamother

    28 min

  7. FEB 28

    Welcome to Functional Fourth Trimester: Rethinking Daily Life After Birth

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

    6 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Functional fourth trimester is a podcast series for new parents- covering common postpartum challenges, practical strategies, and featuring conversations with parents and healthcare professionals.

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Functional Fourth Trimester
  • Show Website
    Functional Fourth Trimester