Bryony Deery: Postpartum Recovery, Hormone Crashes, Birth Preparation & Pregnancy Fitness | TUH #255

Bryony learned about the device independently and incorporated it into her last‑minute birth prep. She attributes her tear‑free delivery of an 8‑lb 6‑oz baby directly to this protocol, noting that even her doctor was impressed. She frames it not only as a physical aid but as ‘mental training for birth’—the balloon experience felt familiar when the real pressure arrived, allowing her to stay calm and work with her body.

Bryony explains that friends who received all the epidural in one go couldn’t feel their contractions and didn’t know when to push. She hypothesized that this disconnect causes longer, more forceful pushing that raises tear risk. Her own doctor noted that most patients want to feel nothing, but Bryony insisted on a lighter touch. Her pushing stage lasted only 21 minutes, which she attributes largely to this strategy combined with her Epi‑No work.

Bryony frames her approach as part of an ‘athlete mindset.’ She modified exercises heavily at first, focusing on deep core activation and avoiding direct abdominal work that could worsen diastasis. She believes being fit entering labor and staying active afterward allowed her body to recover faster. She contrasts the standard 6‑week blanket advice with individualized readiness, acknowledging that she has the knowledge and professional guidance to progress safely.

Bryony explains that this is not about ‘bouncing back’ but about rebuilding. She emphasizes nutrient density over calorie counting, and notes that the hormonal rollercoaster calls for steady blood‑sugar management through regular protein‑ and fat‑containing meals. She personally found that after giving birth she could tolerate dairy better, so she includes yogurt. She also attributes her eggs habit to Gary’s influence, calling them ‘nature’s perfect protein.’

Bryony highlights creatine for its noticeable effect on brain fog: ‘I feel much sharper taking creatine.’ She previously used creatine before pregnancy, stopped during pregnancy, and restarted postpartum. She uses the HCL form from Gary’s brand (he launched it in the UK). She also mentions methyl folate as crucial, a carryover from listening to Gary and Sage on a previous podcast.

Bryony’s husband, who is older and less accustomed to ‘mental health conversations,’ surprised her by taking the baby every morning so she could have her routine. She sees this as essential to her postpartum bounce‑back. He feeds the baby, and she does her Pilates, lifts, and headspace work. This mutual support not only aids physical recovery but also reinforces that both partners are equally responsible for the baby.

Gary shares that he and his former spouse brought their kids to restaurants, and the babies often fell asleep in noisy environments. He notes that first‑time parents often travel like a ‘ringing brothers circus’ with every possible item, while by the third child they relax. Bryony uses a predictable routine for her baby but intentionally keeps the sleeping area next to the kitchen where guests gather, so the baby acclimates to sound. She wants her child to be able to sleep ‘anywhere, anytime,’ which also gives her more freedom.

After deciding to switch from a planned C-section to a vaginal birth only 10 days before her due date, Bryony started using the Epi-No. Each day she inserted a balloon, inflated it, held it for 10–15 minutes while breathing, and then expelled it using her breath. She gradually increased the size. She describes it as both physical conditioning and a form of visualization—by the time she went into labor, the sensation was familiar. She delivered an 8‑lb 6‑oz baby without any tearing or stitches, something her doctor did not see with most first-time mothers. Bryony argues that it gave her mental confidence as much as physical readiness, and that it should be far more widely shared.

Bryony had heard from friends that a full epidural made them unable to feel contractions, which she suspected prolonged pushing and raised the risk of tearing. She theorized that if she could breathe and push in line with each contraction, the body’s natural reflex would do more of the work. She asked for very gradual top‑ups that dulled pain but preserved sensation. During labor she could tell her doctor ‘I’m pushing now because I have a contraction,’ whereas the doctor said most of her patients wanted to feel nothing. The result was only 21 minutes of active pushing, which she sees as a direct consequence of that approach, along with the Epi-No preparation.

Bryony describes the moments after delivery as a state of shock—processing the physical feat while suddenly being handed a baby. She initially felt disoriented rather than euphoric. She experienced intrusive thoughts in the early days (e.g., panicking about balloons falling into the crib) and a sense of ‘survival mode.’ She points out that love grew every hour as she got to know her baby, and that this does not mean she had postpartum depression or was a bad mother. She calls for women to give themselves and their partners grace, and to know that bonding can take time. She even recounts intrusive thoughts she later heard from other women, suggesting this is common but rarely discussed.

Bryony felt extreme highs and lows, describing going from elated to the worst she’d ever felt in a single minute. She was embarrassed and texted her OB/GYN, who suggested either an estrogen patch or stopping breastfeeding. She chose to stop, and ‘almost to the day’ the mood instability vanished. She urges women not to feel shame about such feelings and to know that a simple intervention can make a huge difference. She acknowledges that breastfeeding is a full‑time job and that every woman should choose what is right for her.

Gary observes that women often focus entirely on preparing the baby’s nursery while doing nothing to condition themselves for the massive physiological event they will endure. He compares it to training for a marathon. Bryony reinforces this by describing how she did Pilates and lifted heavy weights the day before delivery, and felt empowered. She believes that staying physically strong dramatically improved her labor (short pushing time, easier recovery) and contrasts her experience with friends who were less active and had harder labors. She stresses that the work you do during pregnancy pays off after birth, when you’re most depleted.

Bryony acknowledges the problematic side of the bounce‑back pressure but says that for her, fitness is her job and passion, and she had both performance and confidence goals. She started modified workouts 2 weeks after birth, rebuilding her core gradually, and by the time of the podcast she was back to her full routine of 4 Pilates classes and 2 weight sessions per week. She notes that this likely wouldn’t suit someone without a fitness background and that the standard 6‑week wait is wise for many, but those who know their bodies can proceed cautiously. She also shares a vulnerable moment of feeling insecure during a postpartum photoshoot, reminding listeners that it’s not all perfectly linear.