How Jeanie Wright is Redefining Postpartum Recovery: From Pain to Empowerment
Interview by Heather Anderson
After spending over two decades helping women heal through movement, Jeanie has become a beacon of hope for moms struggling with postpartum challenges. What started as a personal journey to find peace and connection has transformed into Happy Mama Body, a transformative coaching program helping moms reclaim their strength and confidence after childbirth. We sat down with Jeanie to learn about her approach, her journey, and why she’s on a mission to make postpartum care accessible and empowering for every mom.
What first drew you to yoga and Pilates back in 2002, and how did those early years shape your approach to helping others heal their bodies?
In college, I was juggling full-time work, full-time school, and a tumultuous relationship. I felt like I was losing myself. One day, I walked into a yoga class and felt something I hadn’t in years—peace. It was like coming home to my body. Over time, yoga helped me feel safe and grounded in myself, something I had never fully experienced.
Pilates came later, after I was in a car accident and couldn’t exercise without severe neck pain. A Pilates instructor taught me how to activate my core without straining my neck, and it completely changed the way I approached movement. That ability to feel safe and capable in my own body became the foundation of my work with others.
“Scar tissue needs attention. Core strength needs rebuilding. These aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities for long-term health.”
You’ve said you no longer teach yoga and Pilates but focus on postpartum recovery. How did that transition happen?
When I became a mom in 2014, everything changed. Yoga and Pilates had always helped me manage pain, but after childbirth, my body felt completely foreign. I had diastasis recti, but the care I sought out didn’t address it effectively. I had to research and DIY my own healing. I started teaching classes for other moms, but I quickly realized I needed more training to support women with complex postpartum issues like prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction.
In 2016, I studied under Dr. Sarah Ellis Duvall, a leading expert in postpartum recovery, and that changed everything. I gained the tools to help women not just survive but thrive—to reconnect with their bodies and live pain-free.
Your recovery journey after childbirth seems like a pivotal moment. What did it teach you about the gaps in postpartum care?
It was frustrating to see how little support there was for postpartum women. Doctors would give me generic advice like “just go exercise,” but no one explained how to do that safely when my body felt so disconnected. Even specialists minimized my diastasis and told me surgery was the only option. It wasn’t true. What’s missing is education and proper guidance. Scar tissue needs attention. Core strength needs rebuilding. These aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities for long-term health.
What does a typical client journey look like when they come to you for help?
Every client’s journey begins with a thorough assessment. We look at their history, goals, and current lifestyle, then evaluate how their body is functioning—from pelvic alignment to muscle activation. The first phase focuses on releasing tension and preparing the body for movement. By the second week, they’re already feeling better.
Over three months, we work together virtually through one-on-one sessions, group classes, and a tailored home practice. It’s not about generic exercises; it’s about finding what works for their unique body. By the end, many moms say they feel stronger and more connected than they did even before having kids.
What misconceptions do people often have about postpartum recovery, and how does your approach challenge those beliefs?
A big misconception is that if you’re not in pain, you can jump straight back into high-impact exercise. Doctors often give the green light at six weeks postpartum without explaining the prep work needed to avoid injury or long-term issues. My approach focuses on rebuilding the foundation first—addressing the core, pelvic floor, and alignment before anything else. It’s not like anything they’ve done before, and most moms tell me they wish they’d learned these things sooner.
You’re known for helping women even when other methods have failed. What makes your program different?
It’s my ability to see the subtle imbalances that most people miss. I’ve had to learn how to navigate a body with anomalies—from being in a car accident to recovering from childbirth—so I understand what it’s like to need a different approach. My work is highly relational, too. There’s a lot of trust and vulnerability involved, and I make sure every client feels seen and supported throughout the process.
Trauma plays a significant role in many women’s recovery journeys. How have your experiences shaped the way you guide others through healing?
Trauma leaves an imprint on the body, and it’s something I’ve experienced firsthand. I create a space where women can feel safe to reconnect with their bodies without shame or judgment. We don’t have to relive the trauma to heal; it’s about finding autonomy and strength again. I’m always mindful to ask permission and respect boundaries, ensuring they feel in control of their journey.
Many moms struggle with the time and motivation to prioritize their recovery. What advice would you give to a mom who feels overwhelmed?
Start small. Recovery doesn’t have to mean hours of effort every day. I design programs that fit into busy lives, and I’m always ready to adjust if a mom feels like she’s struggling. Consistency, even in small doses, makes a huge difference. The key is finding doable steps that help you feel good and build momentum.
If there’s one thing you want every mom to know about postpartum recovery, what would it be?
It’s never too late to heal. Whether you’re six weeks or six years postpartum, your body has the ability to recover and thrive with the right care. Don’t settle for feeling stuck or in pain. You deserve to feel strong, confident, and at home in your body.
What’s the next step for moms who want to heal and feel their best?
Healing doesn’t have to be overwhelming or lonely. Whether you’re dealing with diastasis, prolapse, incontinence, or just feeling disconnected from your body after childbirth, I’m here to guide you with simple, effective steps to reclaim your strength and confidence.
Here’s how you can get started:
Download Jeanie’s Free Guide: Start your healing journey today with Jeanie’s exclusive 5 Essential Steps to Postpartum Recovery guide. This resource is packed with practical tips you can implement at home. Download here.
Join Jeanie’s Supportive Facebook Group: Connect with a community of moms who understand your journey. Inside, you’ll find encouragement, expert advice, and exclusive resources. Join the group.
Schedule a Discovery Call: Ready to take the next step? Book a free, no-pressure call with Jeanie to discuss your unique needs and explore how her programs can help you thrive. Schedule now.
Explore Jeanie’s Signature Program: Learn more about Jeanie’s high-touch, virtual coaching program designed for busy moms ready to heal and live pain-free. Discover the program.
Connect with Jeanie Wright on Instagram or LinkedIn.
You can also find Jeanie on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect with her inside The Club, our membership for women founders.