Shows
The POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryProdromal Labor: More Than a “False Start”In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery unpacks one of the most misunderstood phases of birth: prodromal labor. Often labeled “false labor” and brushed off as insignificant, this early phase is anything but false. It’s real work — quiet, essential, and deeply physiological.Dr. Emily explores:The difference between pre-labor, prodromal labor, and early laborWhat’s really happening when labor starts and stopsThe role of cervical ripening (and why dilation isn’t the only thing that matters)The emotional and hormonal shifts that prepare the body for birthWhat you can do to support this phase —...2025-06-0933 minThe POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryProgesterone in Preconception: The Hormone That HoldsIn this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery explores the quiet powerhouse of preconception: progesterone. Often overlooked and rarely explained, progesterone plays a vital role in ovulation, implantation, early pregnancy, and emotional balance.Rooted in real-life conversations from her chiropractic practice, this episode dives into how progesterone works, what disrupts it, and how to support it naturally—with simple, nourishing steps you can begin today.You’ll learn:Why progesterone is essential for conception—and what your luteal phase can revealWhat spotting, short cycles, or anxiety after ovulation may be trying to tell y...2025-06-0253 minThe POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryWired to Thrive: Your Baby’s Cranial Nerves ExplainedIn this episode of The Popped Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery dives into one of the most overlooked but essential systems in a newborn’s body — the cranial nerves. These tiny-but-mighty nerves control everything from latching and swallowing to bonding, calming, and early movement.The episode opens with a fun “POP Quiz” to test what’s innate and what’s learned in early baby development — and uses those questions as a guide to explore how babies are wired to survive, and how those reflexes can sometimes need a little extra support.Dr. Emily breaks down:What cranial n...2025-05-2657 minThe POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryGolden Hour Magic: What Happens Right After BirthIn this episode of The Popped Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery dives into the powerful—and often overlooked—golden hour after birth. This sacred window, the first hour after delivery, is more than just a sweet moment—it's a biological necessity for both baby and parent.Dr. Emily breaks down the physiological magic of uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact, from stabilizing baby’s vitals to initiating breastfeeding and bonding through a surge of oxytocin. She explores what’s happening neurologically in both baby and birthing parent, how hospital routines can unintentionally disrupt this critical time, and—most importantly—...2025-05-191h 03The POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryDue for a Change: Why It’s Time to Rethink the Due DateIn this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery unpacks the due date myth — where it came from, why it’s misleading, and what actually determines when labor begins.You’ll learn how the traditional 40-week countdown is based on outdated math, why only 5% of babies arrive “on time,” and how labor is triggered not by a calendar, but by a signal from your baby’s lungs — a protein that kicks off the cascade of labor hormones.This episode is rooted in the simple truth that all babies grow, develop, and arrive at their own pace. Dr...2025-05-1935 minThe POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryThe 4th Trimester from Baby’s POVIn this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery explores the fourth trimester—through the eyes of your baby.We talk about what it’s really like to be born into a brand new world, why your presence matters more than your perfection, and how your nervous system helps regulate theirs. You’ll learn how co-regulation works, why some babies are more sensitive than others, and what’s really happening when your baby seems overwhelmed.We also cover sensory overload, reflex integration, and how to support your baby during those intense early weeks—not with doing...2025-05-121h 02The POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryTeamwork Makes the Birth Work: Baby’s Epic Role in LaborIn this episode of The POPPED Podcastt, Dr. Emily Muery flips the script on labor by spotlighting someone who rarely gets credit — the baby.We explore the powerful, instinctive ways babies actively participate in the birth process, from cardinal movements and head molding to reflexes, descent, and positioning. You'll learn how your baby twists, tucks, and rotates through the birth canal, how they help initiate labor, and what fetal “stations” really mean.We also dive into common concerns like decelerations, shoulder dystocia, and what happens when babies need a little help — all while reframing labor as a bea...2025-05-0539 minThe POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryPlacenta Party: Building, Birthing, and Letting GoIn this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery shines a light on the placenta — the often-forgotten organ that makes pregnancy possible. She unpacks how the placenta forms, what it actually does, and the common complications that can arise, like previa, accreta, abruption, and calcification. You’ll also learn why calcification is more tied to how long you’re pregnant than how old you are. Dr. Emily also explores how Indigenous communities have long monitored pregnancy health without ultrasounds. Plus, she dives into practices like delayed cord clamping, lotus birth, and placentophagy, including new research on microplastics found in the...2025-04-2847 minThe POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryHeld Close: The Truth About Baby Carrying and BabywearingIn this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery explores the powerful practice of babywearing—why it matters, how it works, and what it really means for both baby and parent.You'll hear how carrying your baby isn’t just sweet—it’s biologically hardwired. Dr. Emily unpacks the science behind babywearing, including its impact on bonding, brain development, digestion, and emotional regulation. She also breaks down common cultural myths (like “you’ll spoil the baby”) and contrasts human babies with other mammals to highlight just how natural it is to keep our babies close.Expect pract...2025-04-1437 minThe POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryEmbrace Your Power: Trusting Your Body and Mom InstinctsIn this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery dives into the profound journey of motherhood, highlighting the incredible innate strengths and intelligence that women possess throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Through a blend of storytelling and evidence-based insights, she reveals how the female body is naturally designed to nurture, protect, and heal – even in the nuanced and unpredictable moments of pregnancy and motherhood.Dr. Emily also tackles common myths about maternal instincts, empowering listeners to trust their bodies and intuition. Plus, she shares practical tips on building community support and practicing mindfulness as essential components of...2025-04-0741 minThe POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryPain Relief, Peace, and Power: Natural Labor ToolkitIn this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery dives into the ultimate natural labor toolkit, sharing essential tools and techniques to help manage labor pain and enhance the birthing experience. From hands-on methods like the comb and TENS unit to mind-body practices like guided meditation and affirmations, Dr. Emily covers it all. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the causes of labor pain, staying mentally grounded, and building a supportive birth environment. Tune in to discover practical tips and empowering strategies to feel more in control during labor and create a positive, peaceful birth experience.2025-03-311h 03The POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryPostpartum Is A Healing Process, Not A DeadlineIn this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery dives into the deeply misunderstood reality of postpartum recovery. While most women are told they’re “cleared” at six weeks, the truth is: healing takes much longer — and it runs much deeper. She unpacks the full-body recalibration that happens after birth, from hormonal crashes and nervous system shifts to core instability, pelvic floor dysfunction, and why true musculoskeletal recovery can take 9–12 months.She also shares what postpartum care could include, how to recognize common but not normal symptoms, and why support systems matter more than ever in this seaso...2025-03-2447 minThe POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryFetal Ejection Reflex: When Your Body Births For YouIn this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery explores the Fetal Ejection Reflex (FER), a natural and involuntary response during childbirth that can occur under optimal conditions. She discusses the mechanics of FER, common misconceptions, the importance of the birthing environment, and how to optimize conditions for this reflex to occur. The episode emphasizes the significance of understanding FER for expecting mothers and their support teams, aiming to empower them with knowledge for their desired birthing experience.References:* Odent, M. (1987). The Fetus Ejection Reflex. Birth, 14(2), 104-105* Kitzinger, S. (2003). Rediscovering Birth. Little, Brown.* Smith, J., et al. (2019). Spontaneous...2025-03-1745 minThe POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryWater Breaking Myths vs. Reality: What Really Happens?In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery discusses the realities of water breaking during labor, contrasting the dramatized portrayals in media with the actual experiences of women. She explains the anatomy and function of the amniotic sac, the different types of membrane ruptures, and the implications of each on labor. The episode also addresses common misconceptions, the signs of water breaking, and the importance of being prepared for various scenarios during childbirth.2025-03-1034 minThe POPPED Podcast with Dr. Emily MueryBreech Presentation and The Webster TechniqueIn this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery discusses the Webster technique, a chiropractic approach to addressing breech presentations during pregnancy. She explains the causes of breech presentation, the importance of pelvic alignment, and how chiropractic care can help facilitate optimal fetal positioning. The episode also covers preventative care, when to start chiropractic care, and shares success stories of Moms who benefited from the Webster Technique. Dr. Emily emphasizes the empowerment of mothers in their birthing choices and the importance of seeking chiropractic care throughout pregnancy.Resources:-The Village Sessions Podcast with Molly Peralta, Michale C...2025-03-0339 min