The POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily Muery

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery explores why comparison feels so loud during pregnancy and early motherhood — and why it’s not a personal flaw or lack of confidence.Rather than offering tips to “stop comparing,” this conversation looks at the psychology and nervous system patterns behind comparison. Dr. Muery explains how identity shifts, loss of internal benchmarks, and high-stakes decision making naturally push the brain to look outward for reassurance. What often starts as curiosity can quietly turn into comparison when internal certainty hasn’t formed yet.This episode is about understanding why comparison shows up, normalizing the experience, and creating space for self-trust to return — without shame or pressure. It also sets the foundation for next week’s episode, where Dr. Muery dives into parenting data and why no single decision determines a child’s outcome.Key topics include:Why comparison increases during pregnancy and postpartumThe role of curiosity, identity shifts, and nervous system vigilanceHow loss of internal benchmarks fuels external scanningWhy comparison feels convincing — even when conclusions are incompleteHow understanding comparison can be more regulating than trying to stop itThis episode is for any mom who has ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?” — and wants relief before advice.#pregnancycare #prenatalchiro #prenatalchiropractor #prenatalpodcast #postpartum #doula #comparisonculture #motherhood 

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery breaks down one of the most common — and misunderstood — physical changes of pregnancy and postpartum: Diastasis Recti.This conversation is designed to calm fear, clear confusion, and reframe what’s actually happening in the body.In this episode, you’ll learn:What diastasis recti actually is (and what it isn’t)Why abdominal separation is normal during pregnancyThe layered anatomy of the abdominal wall and why it mattersWhat doming and coning mean — and when they’re simply feedbackThe difference between normal adaptation and dysfunctionWhy diastasis recti doesn’t “just close” on its ownHow breath and pressure management influence healingPractical tools for postpartum recovery, including movement, support, and referralsWhen pelvic floor therapy, chiropractic care, or extra support may be helpfulWhy you are not broken — and why your core is capable of rebuilding functionThis episode offers a grounded, non-fear-based approach to understanding diastasis recti, empowering listeners to support their bodies through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond with clarity and confidence.#pregnancycare #prenatalchiro #prenatalchiropractor #prenatalpodcast #postpartum #doula #diastasisrecti #abseperation #doming #coning #coninginpregnancy #howtostopconing 

Transition into 2026 with  this episode of the POPPED Podcast, as Dr. Emily Muery pulls back the curtain and shares more of herself — not just as a prenatal and postpartum chiropractor or birth doula, but as the human behind the mic.Emily reflects on the evolution of the podcast throughout 2025, the lessons learned from showing up consistently, and the vulnerability that comes with creating long-form, education-forward content in the birth space. She shares how her work as a chiropractor and doula has shaped the way she views pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum — and why advocacy, education, and bodily autonomy sit at the heart of everything she does.This episode also explores what it means to support mothers and families without being a mother yourself, how that perspective has become a strength rather than a limitation, and why curiosity and humility continue to guide her work.To close, Emily offers a look ahead at what’s coming next for the podcast — including deeper dives, more solo episodes, and conversations with birth workers across disciplines — while honoring the growth, messiness, and magic of the year behind her.✨ A grounding, honest wrap-up for anyone who’s been listening along — or wants to know the why behind the podcast.#pregnancycare #prenatalchiro #prenatalchiropractor #prenatalpodcast #postpartum #doula 

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast Dr. Emily Muery explores relaxin — a powerful hormone that quietly shapes the pregnant and postpartum body. This conversation breaks down what relaxin actually does, when it rises throughout pregnancy, and why it plays such a critical role in pelvic adaptation, birth preparation, and recovery. Dr. Emily explains why relaxin doesn’t end at delivery, how it remains present during breastfeeding, and what this means for joint stability, pelvic floor healing, and the “wobbly” sensations many moms experience. From increased peeing and joint looseness to emotional sensitivity and lingering postpartum changes, this episode connects common symptoms to real physiology. The goal is simple: to help moms understand what their body is doing, why it makes sense, and how to work with these changes instead of fearing them. #Pregnancyhormones #relaxin #pregnancycare #prenatalchiro #prenatalchiropractor #prenatalpodcast #postpartum #relaxineffects

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery takes you inside the womb to explore the rhythmic, vibrant sound world your baby experiences long before birth. From your heartbeat to your breath to the tone of your voice, your baby grows inside a soundtrack that shapes their brain, their nervous system, and their earliest sense of connection. We cover:What sound is actually like inside the wombWhy baby responds to rhythm, tone, and vibrationHow your voice becomes their earliest regulatorWhy newborns love shushing, humming, and heartbeat soundsGentle, natural ways to use sound during pregnancyA special segment for moms who feel awkward talking to their babyHow the womb’s soundscape becomes a newborn’s emotional anchor in the fourth trimesterThis episode is grounding, wonder-filled, and full of simple reminders that you don’t have to perform bonding — your baby has been listening to you from the very beginning. Recorded in our brand-new podcast studio! 🎉This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com#ThePoppedPodcast #BirthEducation #BabyLedBirth #LaborAndDelivery #ChiropracticForPregnancy #PregnancyPodcast #DoulaSupport #BirthWorkerLife #ExpectingMoms #BirthPrep #prenatalchiropractor #infantsounds #soundscape 

In this fifth and final episode of the Sleep Series, Dr. Emily Muery unpacks the complexities and controversies surrounding sleep training in early parenthood. As the final part of the five-part Sleep Series, this conversation dives into the cultural, emotional, and scientific sides of one of parenting’s most debated topics.Dr. Muery explores what “sleep training” actually means, breaking down the different methods—from gentle fading to full extinction—and what research says about each approach. She discusses why the topic is so emotionally charged, how cultural expectations shape our sleep philosophies, and what science really reveals about stress, attachment, and developmental readiness.Ultimately, this episode encourages parents to make informed, values-aligned decisions about their family’s sleep—without guilt, pressure, or comparison. The takeaway: there’s no single “right” way to help your baby sleep—just the one that keeps everyone rested, connected, and safe.This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com#ThePoppedPodcast #BirthEducation #BabyLedBirth #LaborAndDelivery #ChiropracticForPregnancy #PregnancyPodcast #DoulaSupport #BirthWorkerLife #ExpectingMoms #BirthPrep #prenatalchiropractor #cosleeping #bedsharing #roomsharing #infantsleep #newbornsleep #familysleeping #cosleep #sleeptraining #cryitout #sleeptrainingmethods 

This episode of The POPPED Podcast, is Part 3 of our 5-part Sleep Series — a deep dive into the realities of infant sleep. Each week, we’re breaking down a different stage or challenge so you can understand the biology, the emotions, and the practical tools that make this season easier to navigate.In this fourth episode, Dr. Emily Muery explores one of the most personal — and often polarizing — topics in early parenthood: where and how babies sleep. She unpacks the biological, cultural, and emotional factors that shape sleep choices, from cribs and bassinets to co-sleeping and family beds.Dr. Muery discusses what “safe sleep” really means, breaking down AAP guidelines while also addressing global perspectives that normalize sleeping close to baby. The conversation dives into the roots of fear-based messaging around bedsharing, what actually makes some setups unsafe, and how families can create safer, more intentional sleep environments that work for them.This episode offers parents practical tools, cultural insight, and reassurance — validating that there’s no single “right way” to sleep, only safe, informed, and supported ways that honor both baby’s biology and the family’s well-being.This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com#ThePoppedPodcast #BirthEducation #BabyLedBirth #LaborAndDelivery #ChiropracticForPregnancy #PregnancyPodcast #DoulaSupport #BirthWorkerLife #ExpectingMoms #BirthPrep #prenatalchiropractor #cosleeping #bedsharing #roomsharing #infantsleep #newbornsleep #familysleeping #cosleep 

This episode of The POPPED Podcast, is Part 3 of our 5-part Sleep Series — a deep dive into the realities of infant sleep. Each week, we’re breaking down a different stage or challenge so you can understand the biology, the emotions, and the practical tools that make this season easier to navigate.In this third episode, Dr. Emily Muery explores the reality of maternal sleep deprivation and its profound impact on both mental health and physical recovery. This conversation shifts the focus from baby sleep to the mother’s experience, highlighting how chronic exhaustion affects hormones, cognition, healing, and emotional well-being.This episode covers:The biological toll of sleep loss on hormones, healing, and cognition.How sleep deprivation heightens risk for postpartum depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts.The cultural gap between what mothers biologically need and what society expects.Why exhaustion is not a personal failing — it’s physiology.Practical strategies for rest, support, and navigating this season with compassion.Dr. Muery validates the lived experience of exhausted mothers while offering insight, context, and encouragement: you are not alone, and your need for sleep is real.This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com#ThePoppedPodcast #BirthEducation #BabyLedBirth #LaborAndDelivery #ChiropracticForPregnancy #PregnancyPodcast #DoulaSupport #BirthWorkerLife #ExpectingMoms #BirthPrep #prenatalchiropractor #newbornsleep #newmomsleep #newparentssleep #babysleep #babysleeppatterns #sleepregression #sleepprogression #3monthsleepregression #sleepdeprivation #maternalsleep #materalmentalhealth #mentalhealth 

This episode of The POPPED Podcast, is Part 2 of our 5-part Sleep Series — a deep dive into the realities of infant sleep. Each week, we’re breaking down a different stage or challenge so you can understand the biology, the emotions, and the practical tools that make this season easier to navigate.In this second episode, Dr. Emily Muery unpacks what’s really happening during the so-called 3–4 month sleep regression. Rather than a setback, this stage marks a massive leap forward in your baby’s brain and body.You’ll learn:The science behind the shift from newborn sleep to more adult-like cycles.Why babies wake more often at this stage — and why it’s a sign of progress, not failure.The emotional weight parents feel when sleep suddenly falls apart.Practical ways to support your baby (and yourself) through this transition.How frequent night waking serves an evolutionary and protective purpose.✨ Key takeaway: This isn’t a regression at all. It’s a normal, healthy progression — one that lays the foundation for more organized, restorative sleep in the future.This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com

This episode of The POPPED Podcast, kicks off a five-part deep dive into baby sleep. Dr. Emily Muery reframes the way parents think about newborn rest, showing why short stretches, frequent waking, and contact naps aren’t problems to fix — they’re exactly how babies are designed to sleep. Instead of chasing impossible expectations, this episode helps parents understand what’s normal, what’s not, and how to find support through the intensity of the newborn stage.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why newborn sleep cycles are biologically short and fragmented.How REM sleep fuels brain growth and protects infants.What’s developmentally appropriate in the first 0–3 months.Why “independent sleep” is more cultural than biological.How to respond to outside pressure and reframe sleep “success.”Practical ways parents can find rest, support, and perspective.This conversation is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself and start trusting that your baby’s sleep is working exactly as nature intended.This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery explores a critical — and often overlooked — moment in birth: when to cut the cord.She unpacks the physiology behind delayed cord clamping, why those extra minutes matter, and what happens when we rush a process the body isn’t done with. From oxygenation to iron levels, stem cell transfer to emotional bonding, the umbilical cord is still hard at work after birth — and honoring that process can change everything about your baby’s transition to life.Whether you're planning a hospital birth, home birth, or cesarean, this episode gives you the tools to ask better questions, build a birth plan that reflects your values, and understand the science behind one of the first decisions made after delivery.You’ll also learn:What the cord actually does after birth (and why it keeps pulsing)How early clamping became routine in modern medicineWhat the research says about delayed clamping and long-term outcomesHow to advocate for your preferences in different birth settingsWhat to do if early clamping is necessary — and how to support your baby afterwardPlus: Lotus birth, cord burning, and why this moment means more than we thinkIf you’ve never heard of delayed cord clamping — or thought it was just for “crunchy” parents — this episode will shift your perspective and leave you feeling informed, confident, and connected to your baby’s beginning.This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery dives into the power of visualization in preparing for labor and birth. Instead of a rigid checklist, she explores how visual birth plans can help expecting mothers connect with their bodies, their babies, and their desired birth experiences on a deeper level.The conversation highlights:The science of visualization and why mental rehearsal mattersHow visual birth plans differ from traditional written plansThe balance between holding a vision and releasing expectations of the journeyPractical ways to create your own vision—through affirmations, playlists, imagery, and sensory anchorsThis inspiring episode invites you to dream up your birth with intention while staying open to the unique path your labor may take.This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery breaks down the truth about pregnancy cravings — what they are, where they come from, and why they’re not as random as they might seem.Cravings during pregnancy are often chalked up to hormones or quirky stereotypes, but there’s more happening behind the scenes. Dr. Muery explores how biology, hormonal shifts, gut changes, and emotional imprints all play a role in shaping what (and when) we crave.From pickles to pastries, this episode dives into:Why some cravings are nutrient-driven… and some are nervous system-drivenHow hormonal changes can blur your hunger and fullness signalsThe surprising influence of your gut microbiome on what you want to eatThe feedback loop that affects your cravingsA breakdown of common cravings and what your body might actually be asking forWhether you’re constantly craving carbs or wondering why ice suddenly sounds amazing, this episode will help you decode the signal behind the snack — and feel more empowered in the process.This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery unpacks the experience of sensory overload during pregnancy (and postpartum) — when smells, sounds, lights, textures, and even food can suddenly feel like too much.She breaks down the biological and nervous system shifts behind these changes and explains why your body becomes more reactive to everyday input. From the pregnant nose to visual clutter to the feeling of being “touched out,” this episode explores each sense individually and offers tangible tools to help regulate your system.You’ll learn:* Why your senses are heightened * How sensory input impacts your nervous system (and emotions)* Practical strategies to soothe overwhelm in each of the five senses* Why this isn’t about being dramatic — it’s about being wise and responsiveThis episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling overstimulated, under-supported, or simply craving more space in a world that doesn’t slow down when your body says “enough.”This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery shares the most overlooked (and totally free) tool for supporting your baby’s development: floor time. From reflex integration to sensory exploration, she explains why giving babies space to move on their own terms is essential for brain-body development — and how modern parenting culture often complicates what should be simple.You’ll learn how movement wires the brain, what actually happens in baby gear like bouncers and loungers, and why floor time builds more than muscles — it builds focus, coordination, and confidence. Dr. Emily also debunks the myth that parents need to entertain their baby 24/7 and reframes independent play as a powerful step toward healthy development.Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned one, this episode will help you feel empowered, not overwhelmed — and remind you that the floor is enough.#ThePoppedPodcast #BirthEducation #BabyLedBirth #LaborAndDelivery #ChiropracticForPregnancy #PregnancyPodcast #DoulaSupport #BirthWorkerLife #ExpectingMoms #BirthPrep #prenatalchiropractor #independentplay #tummytime #babydevelopment #childdevelopmentThis episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery explores what recovery can look like after common birth interventions like epidurals, Pitocin, C-sections, antibiotics, magnesium sulfate, and more. While these tools can be necessary and even life-saving, they also impact how your body heals after birth—and that part is rarely talked about. If you’ve been asking yourself:How do I recover from birth interventions?How do I recover from an epidural?How do I recover from Pitocin?How do I recover from my C-section?How do I recover from antibiotics?How do I recover from magnesium?How do I recover from tears?How do I recover from scar tissue?How do I recover from birth trauma?THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU!Dr. Emily walks you through what your nervous system, fascia, gut, and hormones might still be processing weeks or even months postpartum. She breaks down how birth interventions can influence pelvic alignment, scar tissue, lymphatic flow, and even baby’s adjustment to life outside the womb. You’ll learn how to support your healing through gentle, natural tools like chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy, breathwork, movement, nourishment, and rest—without the pressure to “bounce back.”Whether you had one intervention or many, this episode reminds you that your recovery matters, that it’s never too late to start supporting your body, and that healing is always possible—with the right tools, the right awareness, and a whole lot of grace.This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com

 this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery unpacks one of early parenthood’s most stressful (and misunderstood) challenges: the carseat meltdown.From the lens of nervous system development and primal instincts, you'll learn why many infants struggle with containment and separation during car rides—and why it has nothing to do with being a “bad sleeper” or “fussy baby.” Dr. Emily explores how sensory processing, vestibular immaturity, and the innate need for proximity contribute to carseat distress, and she shares practical tools to help ease the tension for both baby and parent.Whether you’re dreading your next road trip or simply looking for a little peace between errands, this episode will leave you feeling validated, informed, and empowered to navigate carseat chaos with confidence.This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery gives a peek inside her doula bag and walks you through the go-to tools she brings to every birth so you can build your birth bag, hospital bag, or something in between! From hands-on comfort measures to energy-shifting items like affirmation cards and battery candles, Emily shares the what and—more importantly—the why behind each item.You’ll also hear:Her must-haves for labor supportHow she personalizes her bag for each birthWhat partners can pack to feel prepared, confident, and supportiveWhether you're a doula-in-training, a birth partner getting ready for game day, or just love a good behind-the-scenes breakdown, this episode offers practical insights with heart.This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast Dr. Emily Muery breaks down a common — but often dismissed — source of pain in pregnancy: Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).She kicks things off with a Popped Quiz to help listeners recognize what’s normal versus what’s just common (and not okay to ignore). Then, she dives deep into what SPD actually is, why it happens, and how to tell the difference between “normal discomfort” and dysfunction.From the anatomy of the pubic joint to the emotional toll pelvic pain can take, this episode is packed with validation, education, and practical tools. Whether you’re currently pregnant, supporting someone who is, or preparing for birth, you’ll walk away with insights that matter — and the reminder that you don’t have to suffer through pain just because it’s “part of the deal.”This episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery dives into the powerful, invisible world of the infant microbiome—and how it lays the foundation for lifelong health.From birth method to breastfeeding, she unpacks how a baby’s gut is colonized, why it matters, and what parents can do to support it. You’ll learn the difference between gut issues and normal newborn behavior, the role of skin-to-skin and delayed bathing, and why spit-up doesn’t always mean a microbiome problem. The episode also explores vaginal seeding, water birth, and what to know if antibiotics are part of your story.Whether your baby was born vaginally, via C-section, en caul, or into a tub, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and equipped with simple, practical ways to support your baby’s gut health—no perfection required.Mentioned in this episode:Infant probiotics to explore: B. Infantis, L. Reuteri, and L. Rhamnosus GG—ask your provider if they’re appropriate for your babyThis episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com