Why You Feel Puffy, Stiff, or “Off” (It’s Not What You Think)

The Identity Shift No One Prepares You For in Motherhood

Motherhood changes more than your schedule.It changes how you see yourself. In this episode, we explore the identity shift that happens during motherhood and why so many women feel disconnected from who they used to be. We talk about: * grieving old versions of yourself * changing relationships * asking for help * postpartum emotions * setting boundaries * performance pressure * and learning how to give yourself grace during seasons of change Meet the Speaker: Kirsten Davis is a licensed mental health counselor specializing in maternal mental health. She supports women through pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood, helping them navigate identity shifts, emotional overwhelm, anxiety, boundaries, and self-compassion. Connect with Kirsten Website: CarolinaCommunityCounseling.org Email: kirsten@carolinacommunitycounseling.org Social Media: @womenswellnessauthority Website: www.womenswellnessauthority.com [http://www.womenswellnessauthority.com] Connect with Diana:Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. Women’s Wellness Authority and its guests do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual circumstances.

Why You Still Don’t Feel Like Yourself After Pregnancy

Most women are told their symptoms after pregnancy are “normal.” But many of them aren’t. In this episode, we explore pelvic floor health, postpartum recovery, and why so many women feel like something is “off”, but don’t know where to turn. Dr. Rebba Kipp is a pelvic floor physical therapist, birth doula, and the owner of Tranquility Pelvic Health. She specializes in supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and chronic pain, with a focus on symptoms that are often dismissed as “normal” , including urinary leakage, constipation, low back pain, and pain with sex or exercise. Rebba holds her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is a Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise Specialist (PCES). Her approach is rooted in education, empowerment, and reducing the fear-based messaging that often surrounds women’s health. She is passionate about making pelvic health conversations more accessible and less taboo, helping women better understand their bodies and feel supported in their healing. Through Tranquility Pelvic Health, Rebba offers pelvic floor physical therapy, birth support, and a compassionate, collaborative approach to care. She also hosts a monthly “Moms Move” walking group at Freedom Park, creating space for connection and community among mothers. You can learn more or connect with Rebba on Instagram at @tranquilitypelvichealth. Connect with Rebba:Instagram: @tranquilitypelvichealthhttps://www.tranquilitypelvichealth.com [https://www.tranquilitypelvichealth.com]  Connect with Diana: Social Media: @womenswellnessauthoritywww.womenswellnessauthority.com [http://www.womenswellnessauthority.com]  Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. Women’s Wellness Authority and its guests do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual circumstances.

Why You Feel Anxious or Depressed (It Might Be Your Gut)

In this episode of Women’s Wellness Authority, Diana Ruszkowski sits down with Nurse Practitioner Noel Treglia to talk about whole brain holistic care and the connection between the brain, gut, and overall health. Most people think symptoms like anxiety, depression, or OCD start in the brain. But in many cases… they don’t. In this episode, we discuss: • The gut-brain connection • Why symptoms aren’t random • How toxins, infections, and nutrient deficiencies impact mental health • Functional testing and what it reveals • Why individualized care matters • The difference between conventional and root-cause approaches This conversation helps you understand what’s happening beneath the surface, so you can start asking better questions and finding real answers. Noel Treglia, NP is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatry and neurology, with over 10 years of experience in both conventional and functional medicine. Her work focuses on identifying root causes, supporting the body’s natural systems, and creating individualized care plans that honor both science and the uniqueness of each patient. Her approach is deeply informed by both professional training and her personal journey as a mother navigating her daughter’s complex health challenges. Connect with Noel: Instagram & Facebook: @wholebrainholistic www.wholebrainholistic.com  [www.wholebrainholistic.com ] Meet the Speaker:Connect with Diana: @womenswellnessauthority www.womenswellnessauthority.com [http://www.womenswellnessauthority.com] Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. Women’s Wellness Authority and its guests do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual circumstances.

Hashimoto’s & Thyroid Health: Symptoms, Testing & Root Cause Healing

In this episode of Women’s Wellness Authority, Diana Ruszkowski speaks with Kathy Feser about thyroid health, Hashimoto’s, and why so many women feel dismissed when their labs come back “normal.” This conversation explores how the thyroid functions within the larger endocrine system, how stress and inflammation impact hormone balance, and why symptoms are often misunderstood. In this episode, we discuss: • Thyroid basics and hormone function • Hashimoto’s vs hypothyroid vs Graves • Common symptoms and why they’re overlooked • The connection between stress, cortisol, and thyroid health • Lab testing and how to advocate for yourself • The difference between normal and optimal ranges • The role of food and inflammation • Where to start without feeling overwhelmed This episode is a reminder that your body is always communicating and learning to listen is the first step. Connect with Diana: @womenswellnessauthoritywww.womenswellnessauthority.com [http://www.womenswellnessauthority.com]  Connect with Kathy: Instagram: @kathy_hashimoto_coach Youtube: @kathyfeser Facebook: Kathy Feser LinkedIn: Holistic Nutrition & Wellness Website: www.holisticnutritonandwellness.ca [http://www.holisticnutritonandwellness.ca] Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. Women’s Wellness Authority and its guests do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual circumstances.

Why You Feel Puffy, Stiff, or “Off” (It’s Not What You Think)

In this episode of Women’s Wellness Authority, Diana Ruszkowski sits down with therapeutic body worker Megs Bugden to talk about the lymphatic system and why it plays such a major role in how you feel day to day. Most people don’t realize this system exists. But when it’s not functioning properly, you might feel: • Puffy • Inflamed • Stiff • Or just… off One of the biggest takeaways? Your lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump, which means it depends on movement, breath, and daily habits to function. In this episode, we discuss: • What the lymphatic system does • Why fluid gets stuck • The connection between stress and physical symptoms • Fascia, circulation, and the “traffic jam” effect • Simple ways to support your body This conversation helps you understand what’s happening beneath the surface, so you can start supporting your body in a way that actually works. Meet the Speaker: Megs is a Rhode Island, based therapeutic body worker specializing in whole-body wellness. Her work focuses on restoring balance through a combination of modalities including polarity therapy, craniosacral therapy, traditional Thai bodywork, cupping, fascia release, and lymphatic drainage. She works with clients both in her studio in Middletown, Rhode Island, and through traveling sessions, helping people move beyond symptom management and get to the root of what’s happening in their bodies. Connect with MegsInstagram: @goodenergywellnesscowww.goodenergywellnessco.com [http://www.goodenergywellnessco.com] Connect with Diana: @womenswellnessauthoritywww.womenswellnessauthority.com [http://www.womenswellnessauthority.com] Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. Women’s Wellness Authority and its guests do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual circumstances.