Expecting Expats

In our first Expat Experts episode, we interview Annie Ueyama, cofounder of FitnessWerkstatt and extensive expertise in pre- and postnatal fitness. We discuss the often-overlooked topic of pelvic floor health. We explore the importance of pelvic floor training for women at all stages of life, the impact of pregnancy and aging on pelvic floor health, and the benefits of postpartum rehabilitation programs. Annie shares her personal journey as an expat and how sports have helped her build community across different countries. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and proactive care for pelvic floor health, as well as the importance of developing a good relationship with one's body.Takeaways* Pelvic floor health is crucial for women of all ages.* Over one in three women over 55 experience urinary incontinence.* Pelvic floor training is standard care in some countries.* Annie's journey highlights the importance of sports in building community.* Pregnancy and aging significantly impact pelvic floor health.* A healthy pelvic floor supports core stability and overall well-being.* C-sections still require pelvic floor training and care.* It's never too late to start training your pelvic floor.* Understanding your body is key to maintaining pelvic health.Podcast recommendations: ​Pink pill RX: episode 40, Midwives, witches and Nazis ​Mel Robbins’ podcast ​Pelvic floor connection

In this episode, Amanda and CJ reflect on their personal journeys over the past year, discussing the challenges and triumphs they faced. They share a special ritual for setting intentions for the new year, emphasizing the importance of reflection and gratitude. The conversation delves into the power of manifestation and the significance of rituals in marking time and creating a sense of grounding, especially for those living as expats. They conclude with thoughts on their aspirations for the upcoming year and the importance of community and connection.Takeaways* Reflecting on the past year is essential for personal growth.* Setting intentions for the new year can provide clarity and direction.* Rituals help mark time and create a sense of grounding.* Manifestation can be a powerful tool for achieving goals.* Living intentionally can enhance the quality of life.* Gratitude is crucial in recognizing our privileges.* Being an expat presents unique challenges and opportunities.* Community and connection are vital for support.* Writing down wishes as if they are already true can aid in manifestation.* The journey of parenting is filled with ups and downs, and reflection helps navigate it.A special thanks to @thatglagowwitch for the inspiration!

CJ and Amanda shares their personal experiences and best tips for building your community abroad. Here’s the main takeaways: 1. Put yourself out there — community starts with brave first stepsBoth hosts emphasize that building a village doesn’t happen passively. You need to take initiative:* Say yes to “blind-date” coffees* Join meetups (e.g., InterNations, “new to Frankfurt” events)* Attend language classes or pregnancy/parent groups* Accept invitations even when it feels awkwardAlmost every friendship they formed began with taking a small social risk.2. Shared experiences create the strongest connectionsThe transcript shows that community abroad often forms fastest around common life phases or needs, such as:* Being new to the country* Learning the language* Having pets* Pregnancy classes or young-kids groups* Being an international living far from homeThese “we’re all in the same boat” situations naturally bring people together and make it easier to bond deeply.3. Build both international support and local integrationA balanced community abroad includes:* International friends who offer emotional familiarity, understand holidays, and “adopt” you like family* Local connections that help you integrate, navigate bureaucracy, learn the language, and support your kids in schoolEven though connecting with locals can be harder (language barriers, established circles), both hosts agree that learning the local language and making some local ties helps you feel truly rooted.Podcast links:Mel Robbins Podcast Episode 283- It's Not You: The Real Reason Adult Friendship is So Hard & 3 Ways to make it easier: https://open.spotify.com/episode/55RjbE6ffgz4hcsLnOkNW5?si=bc14dc28aab744aa

Amanda and CJ checks in, with a surprise recording from thanksgiving morning, where they talk about the different holiday traditions and why they find it important to keep them going, while living abroad. They also share what they are grateful for, and invite all their listeners to do the same.Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

In this episode of Expecting Expats, CJ and Amanda share their weekend experiences, discuss the complexities of family life, and delve into their breastfeeding journeys. They explore the emotional and physical challenges of breastfeeding, the societal pressures surrounding it, and the importance of support systems for new mothers. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in breastfeeding practices and the resources available in Germany to assist mothers in their breastfeeding journeys.Resources:Le Leche League The Womanly art of breastfeeding Your baby’s microbiome Podcast recommendations:Therapy Talk (Johanne Svensson)The Longest Shortest Time podcast (by Hilary Frank)

In this episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda and CJ welcomes back Kari to share her recent birth story of baby number 3! Kari discusses her experience giving birth to her third child, Solveig, where she barely made it to the hospital, and didn’t have time to get any pain medication. The conversation touches on the logistics of managing multiple children, answering work emails while having contractions, and the emotional aspects of childbirth, and the importance of advocating for oneself.

CJ and Amanda share the funny, shocking and emotional cultural surprises during their pregnancies in Germany. Podcast recommendations: The Positive Birth Story Podcast

In this episode, CJ and Amanda get personal—sharing the winding paths that brought them to Germany and the unexpected turns that shaped their lives as expat parents.

In this special episode, CJ and Amanda sit down with Kari, the original co-host of Expecting Expats, to reflect on her journey and share the reasons behind her decision to step away from the podcast.

After a long pause, we’re thrilled to relaunch the podcast with fresh energy, deeper conversations, and a brand-new co-host. In this heartfelt episode, CJ returns to the mic to reflect on life’s big transitions—from growing families to shifting careers—and introduces Amanda, a doula and fellow expat parent, who brings her own rich perspective to the show.

In this week’s episode, Kari and CJ discussed a book that CJ has read describing all the cool medical facts on what happens to mom‘s bodies after birth… From lowering cancer rates to growing part of your brain! tune in today ☺️ like and subscribe!

In this week’s episode, Kari and CJ chat about keeping the intimacy with your partner alive after having two kids! Tune in today and subscribe @expectingexpats

In this week’s episode, Kari and CJ, discuss how their identity has changed, either for the better or worse after having two kids and living abroad. Tune in and subscribe to @expectingexpats !

In this week’s episode, Kari and CJ discuss how their holidays went and how difficult they were with sick kids. Tune in today for the update and subscribe to @expectingexpats !

In this weeks episode, Kari and CJ, discuss more on their New Year’s resolutions, and what they’re planning on doing with their families while living abroad! Tune in today and subscribe to @expectingexpats

In this weeks episode, Kari and CJ discussed their New Year’s resolutions, both personally and professionally. Tune in today to hear what they’re planning on changing in the new year! @expectingexpats

In this episode, Kari and CJ, discuss their plans for Christmas, traditions they plan to have, and traveling with two! Tune in today and subscribe @expectingexpats!

In this weeks episode, Kari and CJ, discuss how they’re handling maternity leave with two kids! Tune in and subscribe today @expectingexpats

In this week’s episode, Kari and CJ discussed the first few weeks with having two kids - dealing with postpartum mental and physical changes While having a toddler to look after! Tune in today and subscribe @expectingexpats

In this weeks episode, CJ tells us her birth story when delivering her son, Oscar. Tune in to hear the highs and lows, and how CJ found out she had a boy! @expectingexpats