Plus Mommy Podcast artwork

Plus Mommy Podcast

213 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 225 ratings

Plus Mommy explores plus size pregnancy, motherhood and body love. From bumps to bellies, we talk about it all!

Kids & Family Society & Culture motherhood bodyimage bodylove bodypositive fat jenmclellan plussizebirth plussizepregnancy pregnancy
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Episodes

Plus Size Couple Unscripted: Lessons from 15 Years of Love | 211

October 25, 2023 00:50 - 1 hour

We're back! After a little break, we hit the ground, recording an all-heart, no-holds-barred deep dive. In this super raw episode, my better half and I unpack the wild ride of our 15-year marriage. We're getting real about everything — the heart of our love story, the chaos of parenting, the hurdles we've jumped, and how we're rocking the body changes that come with age — all through the unfiltered lens of our life as a plus size couple. Hit play for real talk, tough truths, a lot of love, an...

Navigating Weight Bias at the Doctor’s Office: A Personal Account | 210

July 26, 2023 01:56 - 56 minutes

Join us for a moving and impactful conversation as host Jen McLellan interviews her mother, Kathryn. At 71, Kathryn has turned an encounter with weight bias at the doctor's office into a lesson on self-advocacy. Despite visiting a doctor for an eye infection, Kathryn found herself in an uncomfortable situation where the focus was shifted to her weight, overshadowing her immediate health concern. Determined to change this narrative, Kathryn shares her story. Then, she talks with Jen about stra...

Size-Friendly Trauma-Informed Healthcare: Why We Need It Now | 209

July 19, 2023 04:40 - 1 hour

Are you interested in navigating the path to size-friendly, trauma-informed healthcare? Special guest Mandy Irby is a board-certified labor nurse, educator, and expert in trauma-informed care. Throughout this episode, we share our experiences interacting with healthcare professionals, providing you with beneficial self-advocacy strategies. Mandy also offers insights into her proficient use of peanut balls during labor and birth. By tuning in to this episode, you'll gain the knowledge and conf...

The Truth About Diets and Weight Loss Drugs with Ragen Chastain | 208

July 11, 2023 09:12 - 1 hour

Renowned Health At Every Size® and weight stigma expert Ragen Chastain debunks diet myths and exposes the dangers of weight loss medications. We also uncover startling truths about the American Academy of Pediatrics support for weight loss interventions in children. Prepare yourself for a thought-provoking and eye-opening episode that will challenge your perspective on weight loss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fitness for All: How to Find Joy in Movement | 207

July 05, 2023 00:27 - 48 minutes

Let's celebrate fitness for all! As a plus size fitness instructor and the founder of Body Positive Barre, Natalie Sanders shares her top tips for starting or continuing your movement journey, connecting with size-friendly fitness instructors, and wholeheartedly embracing body positivity. With Natalie's expertise and warmth, you're all set for a fitness journey that suits your unique body and fills you with joy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early Menopause to Baby Bump: A Donor Egg Success Journey | 206

June 27, 2023 08:50 - 1 hour

Kasey's donor egg success journey began unexpectedly at 31, following a premature menopause diagnosis. Her story is unforgettable, filled with hope, loss, and love. It reinforces the notion that love, not genetics, establishes the foundation of a family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cycling for Change: Raising Awareness of Black Infant Mortality | 205

June 21, 2023 03:33 - 54 minutes

Mimi Seriki is a passionate midwife embarking on a remarkable cycling journey. Her mission? To shine a spotlight on the heartbreaking issue of Black infant mortality. Mimi's desire to cycle for change led to the creation of her organization, Womb Cycle. Tune into this thought-provoking episode as we celebrate Mimi's relentless determination and discover how Womb Cycle aims to improve health outcomes for Black infants across the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....

A Queer Plus Size Birth Story of Strength, Resilience, and Love | 204

June 13, 2023 09:27 - 1 hour

Maria and Erica’s journey to parenthood began with a focus on conception as a queer couple. However, once Maria became pregnant, she faced the challenges of navigating pregnancy, the healthcare system, and societal expectations as a fat and queer person with an emphasis on being fat. Their story is a remarkable blend of joy, advocacy, resilience, and love that is truly unforgettable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Wilson Takes on The AAP, Diet Culture, and Racism | 203

June 07, 2023 05:47 - 53 minutes

Jessica Wilson, MS., RD, is a dietitian, accomplished author, and dedicated community organizer. As a Black, queer woman, she championed much-needed conversations about racial inequities in the Health At Every Size® and Intuitive Eating communities. Join us as Jessica takes a stand against the American Academy of Pediatrics new guidelines on kids' weight and engages in a compelling discussion about the intricate connections between racism and diet culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Representation in Plus Size Romance Novels with Meaghan Pierce | 202

May 31, 2023 01:57 - 45 minutes

Plus size romance novels are crucial in shaping a more inclusive and empathetic literary landscape. Dark mafia romance author Meaghan Pierce discusses the need for more plus size heroines and plus size romance novels. In addition, we delve into a conversation about how representation leads to stronger self-advocacy and unpacking of internalized fat-phobia during this engaging episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Research is Revealing Fat Shaming in Maternity Care | 201

May 24, 2023 05:15 - 1 hour

The research conducted by Erin D. Basinger, Ph.D., and Dr. Margaret Quinlan on fat shaming in maternity care serves as validation for individuals who have personally encountered weight bias in healthcare. Listen as we delve into the research and explore how it can transform the treatment plus size individuals receive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can I Have An Unmedicated Hospital Birth? Yes – Here’s How! | 200

May 17, 2023 05:50 - 1 hour

Are you pondering the possibility of an unmedicated birth, particularly in a hospital setting? This episode is for you! With her experience of giving birth without pain medication and professional expertise as a childbirth educator, Jen McLellan offers invaluable advice, helpful tips, and motivation for having an unmedicated childbirth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My Big Fat Pregnancy: Facing Fatphobia and Finding Great Care | 199

May 03, 2023 04:41 - 1 hour

By facing fatphobia and advocating for size-inclusive care, expectant parents can feel empowered, supported, and respected throughout their pregnancy journey. Fat-positive coach, doula, educator, and founder of Big Fat Pregnancy, Christina Hughes, shares strategies for families navigating the maternity care system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ultimate Guide To Being Plus Size At Disney World | 198

April 19, 2023 04:12 - 1 hour

Are you ready for an exciting adventure at the happiest place on earth? Well, hold onto your mouse ears because we are thrilled to present the Ultimate Guide to Being Plus Size at Disney World! Our guest, Jess, has over 30 years of experience going to Disney World, and she's here to share her size-friendly tips for the Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Get ready to learn about the best size-friendly rides, attractions, and helpful insights for plus...

B Belly Pregnancy - What You Need To Know | 197

March 01, 2023 04:52 - 54 minutes

Are you having a B belly pregnancy? Jashina talks about what you need to know when embracing your bump. You'll learn tips for monitoring, maternity clothes, and more for having a B shaped belly! She also shares her birth story. And as a social worker who supports new parents, Jashina has a special message to pass along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All Things Plus Size Pregnancy and Postpartum with Doula Kaytee | 196

February 14, 2023 20:46 - 54 minutes

Kaytee Crawford is an educator, lactation consultant, craniosacral therapist, and birth and postpartum doula. She brings her skills and education to social media to help raise awareness and improve outcomes for birthing people. In addition, she’s incredibly passionate about supporting Black and plus size individuals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Shape Of A Mother - A Conversation About Postpartum Bodies | 195

February 01, 2023 07:09 - 44 minutes

Long before Instagram and hashtags celebrating postpartum bodies, there was the website "The Shape of a Mother." Founder Bonnianne Ratliff joins the show to discuss body image, feminism, and redefining how we talk about postpartum bodies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fighting To Improve Birth with Dawn Thompson | 194

January 25, 2023 05:07 - 1 hour

For over twenty years, Dawn Thompson has fought to improve birth. She shares her journey, changes and setbacks she has witnessed over the years, and a new vision for birth support. Listen as we discuss what it will take to reduce the high induction and cesarean birth rates and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus Size Pregnancy UK - Navigating The System For Better Care | 193

January 18, 2023 01:54 - 1 hour

Alice Keely, Registered Midwife, MSc, Ph.D., is a plus size-friendly UK midwife who believes guidelines are not rules. She helps people expect the best during pregnancy while providing self-advocacy tips. Learn about supporting plus size pregnancy in the UK and get helpful advice for people worldwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How To Learn About Wellness Without Focusing On Weight | 192

January 11, 2023 03:32 - 53 minutes

It's hard to know where to begin when having the desire to focus on wellness rather than weight. Ashantis Jones takes an intersectional approach to wellness by blending her background in education, counseling, mental health, and fitness. This episode will give you a new view of wellness and inspire you to approach it in a different light. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Attainable Resolutions?! Trying New (And Easy) Things In 2023 | 191

January 04, 2023 04:07 - 26 minutes

Let's chat about starting the new year with attainable resolutions by taking tiny steps that make a big impact. First, I open up about slight changes I've made. Of course, I'm talking about embarrassingly simple tasks many do without thinking but I've neglected. Then I dive deeper by discussing setting boundaries and focusing on mental health. So, if you want to start the year with positive intentions that are easy to implement, tune into this episode with yours truly, Jen McLellan. Learn mor...

Lipedema Surgery Before And After Story – Cara’s Fight For Care | 190

December 21, 2022 05:54 - 1 hour

Cara, known as Pale Ginger Pear on Instagram, shares her lipedema surgery before and after story. She spent years fighting for answers and care for her lymphedema and lipedema. Finally, Cara connected with a compassionate surgeon who changed her life forever. Now, she's telling her story to raise awareness and help others get support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dispelling Plus Size Pregnancy Myths - Camie's Story | 189

December 14, 2022 05:08 - 56 minutes

Camie joins the show to bust plus size pregnancy myths by sharing her three pregnancy experiences. From getting pregnant with ease, having unmedicated births to loving her postpartum body - Camie proves that there shouldn't be stereotypes about what plus size bodies are capable of during pregnancy and well beyond. We also discuss how things are sometimes different as plus size moms and share a reminder that we're not alone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Update: Did I Cancel Myself?! | 188

December 06, 2022 22:28 - 24 minutes

As of today, December 6th, 2022, I'm still locked out of my Facebook and Instagram accounts. But I now know why - my Facebook cover photo of a plus size mother and daughter was mass reported as inappropriate. Of course, it wasn't, but I'm still at risk of permanently losing the accounts I've built for over a decade. So I'm sharing all I know during this brief episode. And I miss you so much! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I Cancelled Myself | 187

November 18, 2022 21:55 - 13 minutes

As of the morning of November 18th, 2022, I no longer have access to my Plus Mommy and Plus Size Birth Facebook and Instagram pages - large communities I've spent over a decade building. And I sincerely apologize to the community! The loss is devastating, and I'm hopeful I'll be reinstated. I'm learning many lessons quickly and sharing what I know so far during this brief episode. Be sure to subscribe to the Plus Mommy newsletter so we remain in touch and you can be aware of the next steps....

Plus Size Twin Pregnancy And Empowering Vaginal Birth | 186

November 16, 2022 05:30 - 1 hour

If you’re experiencing a plus size twin pregnancy or enjoy hearing inspiring birth stories, you’re in for a treat! Sarah shares her twin pregnancy experience, from watching her belly expand to unpacking her relationship with food. And then you’ll hear about her empowering birth experience as she gave birth to her twins vaginally in the operating room! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fat Black Pregnant - Fiona's Powerful Story And Fight For Change | 185

November 09, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour

Fiona Houston, founder of Fat Black Pregnant, didn't find the representation she searched for throughout her pregnancy. So she's on a mission to help other fat Black pregnant womxn feel seen and have their stories told. Fiona joins us from London to tell her heart-wrenching and powerful story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jill Smokler Has Issues, And She's Unafraid To Talk About It | 184

November 02, 2022 01:36 - 46 minutes

Jill Smokler, New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur, is speaking up about her issues - and we are here for it! In 2008, during the height of mommy blogging years, Jill launched an authentic voice for millions of moms, Scary Mommy. Now in her 40s, Jill's back with the She's Got Issues podcast! We have a raw conversation about motherhood, body image, and fertility. And, through Jill's vulnerability, she helps us all feel less alone and reminds us that it's okay to be a little scary...

Letting Go Of My Fertility Journey And Finding Peace | 183

October 25, 2022 23:42 - 33 minutes

For years, I've wondered when I'd find peace with letting go of the dream of having more children. So, as I did three years prior, during episode 49 (Fat, Forty, And Questioning My Fertility), I turned my recorder on and talked openly about my fertility. And this time, the process of letting go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Best Fertility Tips For PCOS From A Nurse Midwife | 182

October 19, 2022 00:58 - 59 minutes

Are you searching for fertility tips for PCOS? So many people struggle to find helpful information and providers to support their fertility journey. Katrina Rollins is trying to change that! Katrina Rollins, CNM, ARNP, MPH, is a Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner who shares tips for getting pregnant with PCOS. She has over seven years of experience diagnosing and treating people with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Type 1 Diabetes with Twins – Sara’s Plus Size Pregnancy Story | 181

October 12, 2022 02:21 - 1 hour

This is Sara's type 1 diabetes with twins pregnancy and birth story. She had a healthy high-risk pregnancy and wants others to know how to advocate for themselves throughout pregnancy and beyond. Sara also shares helpful tips for people who experience pregnancy with diabetes and wisdom for twin parents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finding Freedom In Fashion With Christina Wells | 180

October 04, 2022 22:06 - 55 minutes

America's Got Talent Semifinalist, Christina Wells, comes back on the show to share her passion for fashion and sewing knowledge. From daily wear to gowns worn while performing in front of thousands, Christina crafts custom designs. She refuses to allow her size to limit her accessibility to style. And now, she's encouraging others to find the same freedom in fashion by picking up a needle and thread. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Incompetent Cervix Story To Raise Awareness And Honor Loss | 179

September 28, 2022 05:52 - 1 hour

Jeannie knew she could develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy or have other complications. But nothing prepared her for an incompetent cervix and giving birth to her daughter Marion at 22 weeks. This story of love and loss raises awareness about having an incompetent cervix and honors Marion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How To Make Mom Friends - 5 Tips For Quality Friendships | 178

September 20, 2022 07:05 - 46 minutes

Learning how to make mom friends is one thing, but finding mom friendships that can last a lifetime is another. Here are five steps for making quality mom friends, and the first one might surprise you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Supporting Black Families Improves Care For All – ShiShi Rose | 177

September 13, 2022 23:07 - 46 minutes

ShiShi Rose is a writer, doula, postpartum and birth educator, and advocate. Her work centers around supporting Black families. She joins the podcast to discuss how supporting Black families improves care for all families! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnant And Plus Size - 7 Things No One Prepares You For | 176

September 06, 2022 10:09 - 43 minutes

Talking about being pregnant and plus size is becoming normalized, as evident by the #plussizeandpregnant hashtag reaching nearly 25 million views on TikTok. Even with access to supportive information becoming readily available, there are some questions people secretly ponder. Jen McLellan, certified childbirth educator, founder of Plus Size Birth, and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast, answers seven questions people mull over but might have trouble openly discussing. From facing internalized ...

Plus Size Pregnancy With Triplets – Lorrie’s Story | 175

August 08, 2022 22:39 - 1 hour

Lorrie shares her plus size pregnancy with triplets journey! From spending four years trying to conceive to navigating pregnancy while in recovery from an eating disorder – this is a story, you won’t soon forget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everything You Want To Know About Plus Size Breastfeeding - Replay | 174

August 01, 2022 08:46 - 57 minutes

We're replaying our popular interview with IBCLC Laurel Wilson for World Breastfeeding Week. She shares everything you could want to know about plus size breastfeeding/chestfeeding. From preparing to nurse, the hormones involved, and why it takes longer for plus size people to lactate - we address it all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How To Manage High Stress In Pregnancy With Parijat Deshpande | 173

July 25, 2022 08:39 - 54 minutes

Parijat Deshpande is an expert in high-risk pregnancy. As a trauma-informed health strategist, she helps people balance their nervous, endocrine, and immune systems to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and preterm delivery. Listen as we have a fascinating conversation about managing high stress during pregnancy, backed by 70 years' worth of data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My Plus Size Pregnancy With Gestational Diabetes | 172

July 18, 2022 08:38 - 1 hour

Plus size blogger, Aleesha Wiest, shares her experience of having a plus size pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes following a PCOS diagnosis. She wants people to know that having Gestational Diabetes doesn't mean you can't have the pregnancy and birth you envisioned. This is her empowering birth story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting Pregnant With PCOS - Helpful Tips You Need To Know | 171

July 05, 2022 03:51 - 48 minutes

Getting pregnant with PCOS is possible for many, but it can also be challenging. Angela Grassi, the founder of PCOS Nutrition Center, is a registered dietician and an internationally known nutrition and health expert on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). She takes a Health At Every Size® approach to her work. Angela shares helpful information for getting pregnant with PCOS and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Same Love To Body Liberation With Mary Lambert | 170

June 27, 2022 20:04 - 1 hour

Within a year, Mary Lambert went from bartending to singing on stage at the Grammy’s next to Madonna. Mary is a triple-platinum artist, queer singer-songwriter, poet, and activist for mental health, fat liberation, and the LGBTQ+ community. And this is her story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Claudia Ramos Shares The Beauty Of Diversity With Latinx Illustrations | 169

May 09, 2022 23:19 - 51 minutes

Illustrator Claudia Ramos draws the Latinx characters she longed to see as a little girl growing up in Los Angeles, California. Her cute designs with Hola Mijas Bonitas bring inclusivity and diversity to people who don't often see themselves represented in stationary. Claudia is a go-getter entrepreneur whose passion is contagious, and you'll feel inspired by her story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pushing Against Induction For Advanced Maternal Age - Heather's Story | 168

May 03, 2022 01:49 - 56 minutes

Heather shares what it was like pushing against routine induction for advanced maternal age during her plus size pregnancy and birth story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giving Birth At 35 Weeks – Katie’s Story | 167

April 25, 2022 07:26 - 1 hour

Giving birth at 35 weeks wasn’t Katie’s plan, but birth often unfolds in unexpected ways. Listen as she shares her birth story and what it was like having a baby in the NICU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giving Birth As A Plus Size Woman In Scotland | 166

April 18, 2022 07:07 - 1 hour

Elizabeth tells her story of giving birth as a plus size woman in Scotland during the pandemic. She also shares what it was like to receive prenatal care at a medical facility specifically designed to support people with a high BMI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy Ultrasounds - 7 Things To Know During A Plus Size Pregnancy | 165

April 11, 2022 06:43 - 34 minutes

Paulina, an experienced OB-GYN ultrasound technologist, supports patients of all sizes. She answers questions and shares insights to help plus size patients feel informed and empowered when receiving pregnancy ultrasounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lynneah's Raw And Unfiltered Twins Plus Size Pregnancy And Birth Story | 164

April 04, 2022 07:08 - 1 hour

Lynneah openly shares the complex parts of pregnancy and motherhood during her twins plus size pregnancy and birth story. She openly talks about her struggles during her pregnancy with fraternal twins and experiencing postpartum depression. Her transparency will leave many feeling less alone during vulnerable times in their lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What The Media Gets Wrong About Plus Size Pregnancy Risks | 163

March 28, 2022 10:29 - 38 minutes

A recent health alert on Good Morning America by ABC's Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jen Ashton spread misleading information about the increased risk of stillbirth for plus size people. ⁠News reports like these leave people feeling scared and further perpetuate a false narrative that plus size people don't have healthy outcomes during pregnancy.⁠ We need to hold the media accountable and stop the fearmongering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How To Navigate A Broken System with Dr. Christine Sterling, OBGYN | 162

March 21, 2022 07:58 - 48 minutes

Dr. Christine Sterling, a board-certified OBGYN, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to discuss how the healthcare system fails patients and providers. She shares tips on how to advocate for yourself and addresses fat-phobia in the medical community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices