Beyond the Six-Week Checkup: Redefining Postpartum Wellness
Welcome back to the Dr. Kinney Show! In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by my colleague and longtime friend, Dr. Ana Rodriguez. A licensed naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist, Dr. Ana brings a deeply integrative approach to women’s health, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She shares her personal experience with home births and postpartum recovery, and offers her clinical insights on how to truly support mothers during this critical phase.
We dive into the physiology and emotional shifts that happen after birth, how long the postpartum phase actually lasts (hint: it’s way longer than six weeks), and practical ways women can advocate for themselves and get the support they deserve. Dr. Ana also explains how therapies like craniosacral and visceral manipulation can be powerful tools for healing and recovery.
Dr. Ana Rodriguez is a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Acupuncturist. She received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University. She completed a two-year accredited residency at Brannick Clinic of Natural Medicine in Chicago with a focus on primary care and women’s health, and has advanced training in craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulation. She is also a registered yoga teacher and passionate about health equity, integrative care, and reconnecting the body, mind, and spirit.
Tune in to hear:
What postpartum support really looks like—physically, emotionally, and hormonally
Why the six-week postpartum checkup isn’t nearly enough
The value of doulas, midwives, and supportive care teams
How craniosacral and visceral manipulation support healing in postpartum women
The importance of labs (like ferritin and thyroid) during and after pregnancy
Boundary setting, advocacy, and preparing for postpartum as a holistic experience
This conversation is filled with insights, humor, and heartfelt honesty about one of the most transformative stages in a woman’s life. Whether you’re a new mom, expecting, or supporting someone through postpartum, this episode is packed with tools and guidance to help you feel seen, heard, and cared for.
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