Raising Parents: The Parenting Science Insights podcast · Life Management Science Labs

Simone Holligan: Beyond Stigma — Postpartum Health For Diverse Bodies | Raising Parents #70

·1 hr 11 min·5 clips

Dr. Simone Holligan reveals why gaining 30 pounds during pregnancy is actually healthy and necessary.

This episode features host Dina Sargent and applied health researcher Dr. Simone Holligan discussing postpartum body image and health. Dr. Holligan holds a PhD in applied human nutrition and focuses on translating scientific research into practical public knowledge. The conversation aims to move beyond media-driven stigmas about post-pregnancy bodies. Dr. Holligan explains the physiological changes during a 40-week pregnancy, breaking down the typical 30-pound weight gain into components like breast tissue, placenta, amniotic fluid, and maternal blood expansion. She references using Hugh Jackman's Wolverine physique as a teaching example to illustrate how actors achieve extreme looks temporarily for roles. Holligan describes her cultural background rooted in Bantu philosophy, emphasizing the concept of "Ubuntu" and being raised by a village. She cites role models Maya Angelou and Ruby Bridges, the latter being the subject of Norman Rockwell's painting "The Problem We All Live With." A key insight is Holligan's view of body fat as a functional organ, especially vital for maternal metabolism in the latter half of pregnancy. She connects societal pressure to return to a pre-pregnancy body to a potential loss of perceived power and desirability for women. Holligan argues this preoccupation can mirror body dysmorphia and risks leading to restrictive eating or excessive exercise during pregnancy. She stresses that much of the weight gain is from necessary physiological changes, not just fat, and calls for greater awareness of mental health alongside physical health in this life stage. The discussion highlights how media and film perpetuate unrealistic ideals, making immediate post-pregnancy "bounce back" seem normal. Holligan advocates for education from diverse sources, including medical professionals, family, doulas, and midwives, to prepare expectant parents. She frames parenting as a bidirectional, skill-based relationship where both parent and child learn and grow. The tone is conversational and educational, blending personal anecdotes with scientific explanations. Listeners interested in holistic health, postpartum wellness, and challenging societal beauty standards would appreciate this episode. Those seeking a purely clinical or debate-driven format might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A calm challenge to bounce-back myths and a practical case for asking for help.

The episode pushes back on the easy bounce back story around pregnancy and early parenthood. It keeps its focus on stigma, body image, and the plain fact that this transition can feel confusing and heavy.

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Why you'd press play

You want a calmer take on the pregnancy-to-parent transition and the stigma around body image.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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