Podcast Summary: Pursuit of Wellness – "Birth Plans, Postpartum, and the Real Pressure to Bounce Back w/ Samantha Christine"

Host: Mari Llewellyn
Guest: Samantha Christine, Certified Nutrition Coach, Personal Trainer, Marathon Runner, Host of the Empower Podcast
Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Pursuit of Wellness, host Mari Llewellyn welcomes Samantha Christine, a multifaceted wellness expert specializing in women's health, nutrition, and fitness. The conversation delves deep into Samantha's personal journey through pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum challenges, and building a blended family, all while maintaining a demanding career and fitness regimen.

Guest Background and Introduction

Mari introduces Samantha as a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer who excels in women's health, strength training, and clean eating. Samantha's experience as a marathon runner and her role as the host of the Empower Podcast make her an ideal guest to discuss the complexities of motherhood and wellness.

Notable Quote:
Mari Llewellyn [00:00]: "She's incredible. Such an inspiration, and I'm so excited for you guys to hear this episode."

Pregnancy and Birth Experiences

First Pregnancy and Hospital Birth

Samantha discusses her first pregnancy shortly after her marriage in 2018. She describes it as an "easy pregnancy" due to her active lifestyle, though her approach wasn't as intentional as it became later.

Notable Quote:
Samantha Christine [02:26]: "The whole pregnancy I felt really good. I made sure to get my steps in. Did not lift really. But just try to be healthy."

She opted for a hospital birth, which went smoothly, contrasting with her second experience.

Second Pregnancy and Home Birth

Samantha's second pregnancy marked a shift towards a more natural birth plan. Influenced by her friend, a doula, she initially intended a natural hospital birth but eventually opted for a home birth after facing complications during membrane sweeping.

Notable Quotes:
Samantha Christine [05:05]: "I wanted a more natural birth... But it didn't go as planned, but that was okay."
Mari Llewellyn [05:34]: "But going through IVF and being on the super medical side of it, my doctor's like, please just go the medical route... But in me, I feel this, like, want to have a natural experience."

Mari relates to Samantha's desire for a natural birth despite medical advice, highlighting societal norms favoring medical interventions.

Experiences with Epidurals and Natural Birth

Samantha contrasts her experiences with epidurals during her first birth and her natural approach in the second. She emphasizes feeling more in tune with her body without medication, leading to a smoother delivery without tearing and a more empowered birth experience.

Notable Quotes:
Samantha Christine [21:58]: "I quite literally felt out of control... I didn't feel like, super in tune with my body in that sense."
Samantha Christine [22:36]: "I wish I had talked about it to people more, because it would have been nice to not go through that alone."

Postpartum Experiences

Samantha opens up about her postpartum challenges, including undiagnosed postpartum anxiety and physical issues like mastitis. She reflects on the importance of seeking support and the impact of an unhealthy marriage on her postpartum journey.

Notable Quotes:
Samantha Christine [25:04]: "I wish I had talked about it to people more, because it would have been nice to not go through that alone."
Samantha Christine [25:22]: "We try to do it in a very healthy way and communicate on both sides."

Mari and Samantha discuss the varying experiences of postpartum, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations and support systems.

Managing Pressure to "Bounce Back"

Both Mari and Samantha address the societal pressure on new mothers to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy bodies. Samantha advocates for patience and self-compassion, stressing that every woman's recovery timeline is unique.

Notable Quote:
Samantha Christine [35:34]: "There's too much pressure around that term. It takes almost 10 months for your body to build human life and create this baby."

Building a Blended Family

Samantha shares her journey of building a blended family after her divorce, highlighting the challenges and joys of integrating children from previous relationships. She emphasizes the importance of communication and creating a loving environment for all children involved.

Notable Quotes:
Samantha Christine [47:32]: "We took things very slow because we don't want to date. We just want to be friends... It was really a beautiful thing."
Samantha Christine [49:11]: "It feels that way. It's so beautiful."

Mari commends Samantha's openness about her blended family, recognizing its impact on listeners who may be navigating similar paths.

Balancing Fitness and Motherhood

Samantha discusses how motherhood has influenced her fitness routine. She emphasizes listening to her body, gradual progression in workouts, and integrating her children into her fitness activities. Her participation in Hyrox competitions and marathon training demonstrates her commitment to maintaining her fitness amidst parenting responsibilities.

Notable Quotes:
Samantha Christine [38:25]: "It took me a solid year with both boys before I felt, like, strong again."
Samantha Christine [40:26]: "Hyrox is a fitness race that combines both running and functional workouts."

Mari expresses enthusiasm for Samantha's fitness endeavors, suggesting potential collaboration and recognizing the inspirational aspect for listeners.

Nutrition and Children

Samantha highlights the importance of leading by example in nutrition with her children. She ensures that the family consumes balanced meals rich in protein, fostering healthy eating habits from a young age.

Notable Quotes:
Samantha Christine [55:54]: "We try to lead by example at our house. So we never cook them anything different than what we're eating."
Samantha Christine [59:02]: "They can have those moments too. And it's going to be okay."

Mari and Samantha discuss strategies for maintaining nutritional standards for children, even in social settings, reinforcing the significance of consistent healthy habits.

Time Management and Time Blocking

With multiple responsibilities, Samantha employs time blocking to manage her schedule effectively. She plans her days meticulously, prioritizing workouts, family time, and professional tasks to maintain balance and productivity.

Notable Quotes:
Samantha Christine [52:33]: "Time blocking has been a huge help. I plan the night before so it's like I wake up and know what I'm doing versus having to look at it."
Samantha Christine [53:55]: "He works with me now. He's a Navy SEAL and so he's all about structure and discipline."

Mari shares her own experiences with time blocking, creating a relatable dialogue on managing busy schedules during pregnancy and beyond.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of support systems, self-care, and realistic expectations in the journey of motherhood and wellness. Samantha encourages women to prioritize their health, communicate openly with partners, and embrace their unique paths without succumbing to societal pressures.

Notable Quote:
Samantha Christine [54:14]: "I believe in prioritizing yourself so you can perform better in all aspects of your life."

Mari thanks Samantha for her candid conversation, emphasizing the valuable insights shared and encouraging listeners to apply these lessons to their own lives.

Notable Quote:
Mari Llewellyn [60:35]: "Thank you for joining us on the Pursuit of Wellness podcast."

Conclusion

This episode of Pursuit of Wellness offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted challenges and triumphs associated with pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and blending families. Samantha Christine's honest and empowering narrative provides listeners with relatable experiences, practical advice, and the motivation to pursue their own wellness journeys with authenticity and resilience.