No More Snapbacks: Real Talk on Postpartum Weight, PPD Tests & Gut-Brain Checks

In Today's Issue:

🔒 A Behind the Scenes Look at Challenging the “Lose the Baby Weight” Narrative

🧪 Hot Topic: A New Blood Test for PPD?

🔗 Gut Check: This Month’s Must-Read!

I just dropped a brand-new podcast episode on postpartum weight loss—and let me tell you, it wasn’t the easiest topic to tackle. Even as I was recording, I found myself stepping into the role of “heretic,” the one ruffling feathers and questioning the systems we’ve all been taught to follow. (Fun fact: I literally just wrapped filming for a documentary, and my entire segment focused on challenging the systemization of postpartum care—so yep, I’m living up to that label!)

Why was this episode so challenging? Because as providers, we’re called to meet our clients where they are. And let’s be real: there’s a huge societal push to “get your body back,” drop the baby weight, and conform to an unrealistic timeline of postpartum recovery. Most of us see that daily—whether it’s a mom agonizing over her scale or a well-meaning friend suggesting a strict diet plan.

The problem is, none of that truly supports a mother’s holistic health. In fact, it often does the opposite. So this episode digs into two main points:

1. Exposing a Harmful Industry—Without Shame
   There’s a whole market profiting off postpartum weight-loss programs, banking on societal pressures that tell moms they must look a certain way—fast. And guess what? Early in my own business journey, I was told over and over by coaches and mentors to use that angle to “make it big.” Let me be clear: you never have to compromise your beliefs for sales. If you’ve felt any nudge in that direction, know there’s zero shame here. We’re simply naming the problem, so we can all continue rising above it.

2. Equipping You with Better Tools and Language
   How do we talk about postpartum health and vitality without fueling shame or unrealistic expectations? In the episode, I share strategies to help you refocus on true nourishment, supportive movement, mental well-being, and body trust—so you can guide mamas toward feeling strong and whole, rather than just “thin.”

Listen in to get the full story: The Truth About Postpartum Weight Loss & The Dangers of "Bouncing Back

If you do give it a listen, I’d love your honest thoughts. Did you ever feel pressured to market quick-fix weight loss to ‘make it’ in this industry? Hit reply and let me know—I’m always open to your perspective as we work together to shift postpartum care in a healthier direction.

🧪 Hot Topic: A New Blood Test for PPD?

Over on Instagram, I’ve been getting a flood of questions about the potential future blood test that promises to detect postpartum depression (PPD). Listen, I’m thrilled that science is finally paying closer attention to PPD and exploring ways to improve outcomes for mothers. But here’s the thing:

We can’t overlook the fact that biomarkers—like mRNA found in these new tests—are **downstream indicators** of deeper systemic issues such as nutrient depletion, sleep deprivation, toxin exposure, unresolved trauma, and lack of support. It’s also worth noting that we already have biomarker tests that accurately predict depression and anxiety by measuring levels of inflammation in the body—this isn’t entirely new territory. If we rely solely on pinpointing who’s “at risk” for PPD without confronting the root causes of inflammation and nervous system disruption, we risk a rush to symptom-suppressing medications rather than sustainable, holistic solutions. Sure, this test might flag potential cases earlier, but real progress hinges on addressing the why behind a mother’s distress—ensuring she’s not just diagnosed and medicated, but truly nourished, rested, and supported at every level.

🔗Gut Check: This Month’s Must-Read!

Looking for a read that will fire up your understanding of just how intertwined our brains and bellies are? This month, I’m spotlighting The Mind-Gut Connection by Dr. Emeran Mayer—a game-changing look at how the constant dialogue between our gut, brain, and microbiome shapes everything from our moods to our long-term health.

Key Takeaways:

• Gut-Brain Axis in Focus: Explains why “gut feelings” aren’t just a figure of speech—they’re backed by real science influencing our mood, choices, and mental health.
• Mental Health Impact: Reveals how gut health can help fend off or minimize issues like fatigue, anxiety, depression, and even neurological diseases.

I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the postpartum experience—so much of what Dr. Mayer explores lines up with what I teach in our Postpartum Gut-Brain Axis Training inside the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Program. If you’re curious about why postpartum depression and anxiety arise (and what really needs to be done to address them at the root), this book is a must-read. Grab your copy here: The Mind-Gut Connection

Quick Note: If you’re not already on the waitlist for the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Program, join now! We’re launching again in March and you want to make sure you're on the list! --> Join the Waitlist Here

As we continue to debunk the myths around postpartum, remember this: we’re shaping a new paradigm for postpartum care. Every time you question the status quo and advocate for whole-person healing, you become a catalyst for lasting change. Thank you for being part of this unstoppable community—together, we’re revolutionizing how the world supports mothers. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, celebrating breakthroughs, and lighting the path for healthier, happier families everywhere.

With you 1000%,
Maranda Bower
CEO & Founder of Postpartum University®
www.PostpartumU.com

Current Ways You Can Work With Postpartum University®
🔔Sign up for the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Waitlist
🎒FREE Provider's Postpartum Nutrition Toolkit
🧠Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training