Beyond the 6-Week Mark: Why Postpartum Can Last Years

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Podcast

Laura Sandoval-Sweeney is back as a guest to discuss the postpartum period after birth. In today’s fast-paced world, the postpartum period is often misunderstood and underestimated. Many believe that six weeks is sufficient for recovery, but the truth is far more complex. In this episode, Ciarra dives into a compelling discussion with Laura Sandoval Sweeney, a mental health therapist, to explore the realities of postpartum experiences that can extend well beyond that six-week milestone.

Laura (pronounced Loud-ah) Sandoval-Sweeney is a mental health therapist and owner of Laura Sandoval Therapy in Austin, Texas. With over a decade of experience as a therapist, social worker, and educator, Laura now specializes in supporting high-achieving, anxious moms—particularly those navigating postpartum, trauma, and burnout. Known for her warm, no-BS approach, she helps moms feel more grounded, present, and connected in their everyday lives. Outside of the therapy room, she’s raising a fierce, sensitive toddler and sharing candid, relatable content on motherhood and mental health at @‌laurasandovaltherapy on Instagram.

Website: www.laura-sandoval-therapy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasandovaltherapy/

Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.
For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.
For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.

Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. 
Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy

This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.

Thank you for all of your support and don’t forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you’d like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com

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The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.

Ciarra Morgan:
www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com
www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly:
www.beautifullymadedc.com

Birth, Baby! Academy is for birth workers and parents to dive in and learn! Whether you're an aspiring doula, seasoned birth worker, or expecting parents, we have something for you. Birth doula training and certification, childbirth classes, sleep consulting help and more!
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It was shortly (but not soon enough) after becoming pregnant that I found this podcast, as I was scouring the internet. So much great contact with relevant information new moms need and/or want. Definitely recommend and highly suggest listing to the hot topics they cover. This podcast is “decline-phone-calls while-driving worthy!! 🙂

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This podcast has been so helpful to me in so many areas as a mom of 3, and I have been able to share it with so many of my friends who are pregnant or freshly postpartum, too! The heart of these ladies is so apparent as they share rich and essential knowledge for motherhood. Its one of my favorites!

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Every parent should listen to this series when preparing for a new born. My wife and I are preparing for our first baby and are so grateful for this podcast. Ciarra and Samantha are so thoughtful and helpful! All the episodes are helpful but really loved “Dude you need a doula”. Every partner should listen to dude you need a doula. Wow what a tough birth Natalie had! Jordan sounds awesome and your post visit story resonated a lot for me on some family trauma I have been stuck on. Thank you so much for this podcast 🙂

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This podcast is a gem! They provide information from both sides to help parents make the best choices for themselves!

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I wish I had a resource like this when I was a first time mom. Hearing directly from the experts who are sharing SO much valuable information is unbelievably helpful. Even knowing that these resources and different practitioners are out there and how they can help moms & babies is a gift! Thank you for making this happen! I share it with all my friends!

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Amazing resource

This is the podcast every expecting parent has been waiting for! So much great evidence based info and I love how they keep it real, but positive! This is also an amazing resource for birth workers to send to their clients. Thank y’all for bringing this to families!!

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Finaleeworkingout
Best In The Game

Ciarra and Samantha are truly some of the best birth resources in Austin! What a gift that they’re now sharing their knowledge through a podcast for everyone to enjoy/learn from. If you’re looking for a holistic and unbiased perspective about birth look no further!

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Love what Ciarra has created for moms looking for resources about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They are both fun and engaging and I can’t wait for them to release more content.

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These ladies are pros in the prenatal, birth and postpartum fields. I am so happy that they are offering this podcast. It’s been quite a few years since I was pregnant so I’m looking forward to re-learning and learning and new and exciting information about this magical time of life.

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