AUTO-GENERATED TRANSCRIPT

Brianna Battles  00:01

Welcome to the practice brave podcast. I am the host Brianna battles, founder of pregnancy and postpartum athleticism, and CEO of everyday battles. I’m a career strength and conditioning coach, entrepreneur, mom of two wild little boys and a lifelong athlete. I believe that athleticism does not end when motherhood begins, and this podcast is dedicated to coaching you by providing meaningful conversations, insights and interview topics related to fitness, mindset, parenting and of course, all the nuances of pregnancy and postpartum, from expert interviews to engaging conversations and reflections. This podcast is your trustworthy, relatable resource for learning how to practice brave through every season in your life. Hey everyone, welcome back to the practice brave podcast, and I’m really excited to have UFC fighter Caitlin serminara here, and she is a new mom, and I’m really excited to share about her process of getting pregnant and being a UFC athlete, and what is potentially on the horizon postpartum for her as an athlete, as a mom, and to share a little bit about this process. So Caitlin, thanks so much for being here. Thanks for

Katlyn Cerminara  01:17

having me. It’s so weird hearing you say a new mom.

Brianna Battles  01:19

I’m like, oh my god, it’s happening, I know, and you’re like, new, new, yeah, it was your baby

Katlyn Cerminara  01:25

four weeks tomorrow.

Brianna Battles  01:27

So amazing. And I can’t wait for you to tell everybody about, like, what your delivery process was like, and like, where you’re at now, but first, give us a little bit of background on who you are as an athlete and life prior to deciding to become a mom,

Katlyn Cerminara  01:44

yeah, I’d done martial arts my whole life. I started karate when I was four years old. I had an older brother that did it, so I kind of just always wanted to do whatever sport he did. I did that, and then, you know, I always did some form of martial arts. But as I got older, like high school, I started competing in kickboxing and boxing, a little bit of, like jiu jitsu here and there. I kind of did all the things of MMA, but just separately. And then, yeah, I started competing in college, a little bit more, still amateur, but not MMA, just everything separate. And then right after I was like, that’s kind of, you know, seven, I went, I’m bad with years eight, around 2012 like when I graduated college, that’s when, you know, MMA for women especially, was really growing, and it was becoming like thing. I don’t think it was, I don’t know if not, then it was, like, maybe a few years when they actually added the women into the UFC so I was like, Oh, my God, that would be cool. I could actually do this. But not thinking it would be my like career, I just kind of thought it would be like a hobby, and more of like a goal to become like a professional fighter. So when I graduated college, I figured, I was like, Okay, I’ll really just train and focus on this and do it and then see if I 25 if I’m professional or not, if not, I’ll just train for fun and I’ll get like, a, you know, a typical job, you know, using like my college degree that I just went for. And luckily, I turned pro at 25 and then it was like two, two and a half years later that I was in the UFC. I got signed with the UFC, and I’ve been with them. I think I’ve had like 20 UFC fights so far, so I’ve been with them time. And, yeah, that was it just feels like I’m kind of doing, like, after when I was a kid, I was going to karate after school, and I just kind of feel like I’m still doing that, but that’s my job now, and I’m and I’m

Brianna Battles  03:46

so, yeah, yeah. And I think it’s cool that you were like, of like, that first wave and first era of women coming into the UFC, pursuing MMA, and even, like, the possibility of that being a career, because that was not what the culture was like when we were kids, right? Like, that’s not what we saw on TV, necessarily. It was still very new. And you came up in that era of, like, really making a name for women pursuing like, MMA, and, you know, potential of being in the UFC, yeah.

Katlyn Cerminara  04:15

I mean, I didn’t have any like people when I first got into MMA. They’re like, Oh, who did you look up to? I was like, I don’t need to sound like, rude. But I was like, no one. There wasn’t anyone to look I mean, by the like, you know, Ronda Rousey and Gina carana Were going, like, I was like, you know, a couple I was like, a few years behind them, and I was definitely like, wow, that’s cool. But I was almost like, oh, I want to fight them, you know, almost like, like, a healthy competition. Like, I was like, Oh, that’s so cool. But when I was little, it was, there was it was just like, Oh, I like doing this, and I want to

Brianna Battles  04:48

keep doing it. Yeah, whenever I have women, like, who are involved in the UFC or like, wrestling on here, I always like to tell people, like, we are still living a very short history. Of women in combat sports like this is still relatively new. And then if we really narrow it down further to like moms in combat sports, moms in the UFC is a very, very short history, and small, like group of women that are doing that. So I always, I like to point that out for those that maybe don’t know who have not been involved in like the MMA world, for as long as maybe we, in both, both of us, have been paying attention to it because it’s just wild, like, how far we’ve come in a pretty short period of time, and where it’s headed.

Katlyn Cerminara  05:31

Yeah, it’s, it’s definitely very wild, yeah. And, like, you’ve

Brianna Battles  05:35

had a really long career in the UFC too, which can also be rare for any fighter, like male or female.

Katlyn Cerminara  05:41

Yeah, definitely, like, you know, sometimes I don’t realize that, like, I still feel like, oh, it’s, I’m new in the UFC. And then, like, I think about it. And then sometimes, like, other girls are like, Oh, I watched you. I was like, wait what? I was like, that’s like, you’re making me feel old. Don’t say that. But, yeah, it just, it’s been so long, but at the same time it’s gone so fast, it’s crazy, right?

Brianna Battles  06:05

So what would your training typically look like again, prior to pregnancy? What was your training like? How often were you fighting?

Katlyn Cerminara  06:13

I definitely was a little bit more active than most fighters. I would try to fight as often as possible, just because I knew it’s such a short career. And like, one time, I think, after my second or third UFC fight, I tore my labrum, so that was, like, my first and luckily, like my only injury. So I was like, Oh, wow, you can get injured and then you can’t fight. So, like, when you’re not injured, like, I want to fight as much as possible. And, you know, take use the most out of that opportunity. So I tend to fight like, three times a year. I would do more, but usually, like, with girls, there’s just not as many, and you just can’t get fights that often. But yeah, I was very active. And I’m the type that, like, if I’m not in camp, my training isn’t told isn’t that much different than when I am in camp. I would see, I was shocked when I got more experience was around other fighters to see how many, like, top fighters train when they’re in camp, and then, like, don’t even work out when they’re not in camp. And that’s, like, insane. But, uh, I guess, like, I don’t know, maybe I’m not, like, naturally talented enough. I’m like, I can’t do that. I need to train like, all the time. But, yeah, I train all the time. It’s just, like, my lifestyle, like, what I like to do, you know, if I could never fight again, I would still probably train every day if I could. So, yeah, I’m a borderline, more of, like, the over trainer type of person, but I can relate.

Brianna Battles  07:41

And then I think, like, you said, like, when you grew up being the kid that would go to karate after school, that’s just, like, it’s programmed into you. And I feel like very similar, I would grow up and, like, go to swim practice, and then I go to water pool, or whatever it might be. And like, that was just what I did. And if I wasn’t doing that, then I was coaching that at that same time frame. And then now it just all comes full circle between my kids and my own training and everything. Like, it’s just part of what you do and what you know. And a lot of people think that it’s crazy, like, oh, you train so much. Well, first of all, it’s your job, but second of all, it’s just part of, like, your identity and your lifestyle.

Katlyn Cerminara  08:14

Exactly, I definitely agree. I’m like, just like, what, what they do and like, I said, couldn’t train even, like, when I was pregnant, I couldn’t train the like, husband and sit and watch and it’s like, I feel like I’m there, you know exactly.

Brianna Battles  08:28

And like, being involved still helps when you’re when you’re pregnant, and we’ll talk about that a little bit. So I want to talk to you about the decision of, like, when you and your husband were like, Okay, let’s, like, think about starting a family. What was that process like for you? I know you’ve shared a little bit of that on social media, but for those who don’t know you are not familiar with your story, what has your process to motherhood been like?

Katlyn Cerminara  08:49

I’ve always known I for sure, I always like, wanted kids, and I knew that I wanted to be a mom. Obviously. Like, balancing that your career when you’re at a certain age is like, sometimes hard. Everyone’s like, I kind of grew up in, like, the generation where everyone’s like, focus on your career. Don’t worry about that. You’ll have time. You have time. You have time. And one thing like, and I don’t know if this is just my experience, I like, what I would like to tell like, younger girls is like, yes, you have time and do what you want. But also, if you know you want it, don’t wait too long. Just from my experience, I so it took me three and a half years to get pregnant, which isn’t like, doesn’t that. It’s so funny, now that I have a baby, I’m like, that doesn’t sound that long, but when you’re in it, it seems like a long, you know, trying to balance that out for me my career, it was like, Okay, I had, in an ideal world, I’d have a fight, and then my I would try to get pregnant right away and get pregnant the week after the fight, have the baby get back, and then fight again. So it’s like, I’ve limited time, like, off. As possible would be great. So like, plan that pregnancy out, like, after a competition that was in my mindset, I was like, Oh, well, that’s what I’m going to do. And then when it didn’t happen, I was like, Wait a minute. Okay. Well, everyone’s like, well, it takes a little bit. It’s okay. I’m like, no, no, but it can’t, because I need to fight again. And then, like, I’m ranked number, like, in the top five of the world, and I’m at this time. I was like, I’m 33 and everyone’s like, You’re You’re so young, you have time. I’m like, Yeah, but I also have this, like, so trying to out was was a little more difficult than I thought, just because, in my mind, I was just gonna get pregnant right away, and then I would, like, try for a little bit and I wouldn’t get pregnant. And then I was like, well, I could have took a fight, like, well, if you’re taking a fight and you can’t try as much, so pretty early on after trying, I think, like, three or four months, I went to a fertility clinic to get tested, and everyone’s like, You’re crazy. You’re crazy. So, or like, four months is nothing for trying. But I just wanted to go and make sure there was nothing wrong, and if there was, and I could go on it, and luckily, like, I was super thankful that we have really good health insurance and it covered it, so that think that was a great example, because that makes the decision a lot easier too. So I went, and they’re like, Yeah, everything looks good. You should be fine. And I still wasn’t getting pregnant. So I did four rounds of IUI, and then I did IV app. I did five transfers. I had two egg retrievals, five transfers. And so this was all like, and then I took a couple fights in between, because then for a while, I was like, I had a couple miscarriages, and then I was like, I’m gonna take a break, let my body heal. And for me, my break was taking a fight, which probably is the most ideal situation, but it worked out. So, yeah, then luckily, you know, last November, I finally, I finally got pregnant, and I just had my baby, and then, like, Okay, let’s get back to it. Like, I want to try. It’s just hard, balancing it all together. I just like to think I was always told, like, focus on your career, spend time. And I mean, it worked out for me, but I think that maybe I wish that that wasn’t the only like option that was like, kind of like, forced down, down. I think that if I do things differently, maybe I would have tried a little bit earlier and then went back to fighting and had more of, a lot more of a career after, after having a baby,

Brianna Battles  12:39

yeah, yeah. And it’s hard because it’s just like, you’re right. There’s so many things like we can’t control. Can’t control in that process, of like, what we assume, how things are going to go, versus the reality, right? Of like, what our body is doing, what it’s not doing. And I think for athletes, that’s extra hard because we’re used to like, process and control. If I do this and then on this timeline, then it’ll be like that, because that’s like, how you train, like you try to basically peak and like, have a whole, like, reverse engineer that process. And when it comes to fertility, when it comes to motherhood, it just does not always work out that way. And it is, you know, it’s like, can be so mentally overwhelming, yeah, and being

Katlyn Cerminara  13:19

a like, an athlete, especially an individual sport, it’s kind of, this is what I love about it is pretty much like, you get the reward of all the hard work you put in, and it’s all on you. So for me to have, like, do it dealing with fertility, and it’s like, oh, I’m doing all of these, like, going crazy, doing all the things that’s supposed to help with fertility, doing all, like, the right things, and it not having control, and it’s still not working out. Was something that, like, I really dealt with before, that was that, for me, that that was, that was, like, the hardest part of it.

Brianna Battles  13:50

No, absolutely, because then you’re questioning, like, because you’re making yourself crazy, trying to, like, track everything and do everything right, reading everything, and then obviously, everybody has lots of opinions. And I remember one post you shared where you were, like, like, just the the commentary on your body and just the fluctuations from, like, hormones and whatnot during your treatments, while you’re still, you know, like, people get to have opinions on you, like, for better, for worse, when you are a professional athlete, and in a sport, or, like, a combat sport, where there’s, like, dramatic weight cuts and people only see you at your leanest anyway, so that if you’re, like, not that, then it’s almost like, well, what’s wrong? Are you just getting fat or whatever? And I know that was really challenging when you’re also undergoing fertility treatments, yeah,

Katlyn Cerminara  14:38

just being, you know, a woman in general, it’s like, you know, body image and all that stuff is something I think that we all deal with to some degree. And, yeah, just like, take some time off, and I would be doing like, IVF, and I would gain weight from all, like, the injections and all that. And like, people would just comment all the time, like, Whoa, you’re definitely moving up a weight class. You look huge. And I’m like. Thanks. I’m and it was like, I only put picture that I thought I looked really skinny in and people still commenting. I’m like, Oh my God, the One. Some someone said they were like, it was supposed to be a media comment, but it made me feel good. They were like, Oh well, she’s not getting pregnant because of all the steroids she takes. I was like, Oh my God. They think I’m jacked and I’m on stage. I was like, that’s, that’s like, the ever I was like, I never, I never got the accusation before. I love that. But oh my

Brianna Battles  15:29

gosh, yeah, the the comments can be so intense, especially when you’re a UFC fighter, it can be a really brutal everyone has opinions on your fight, what you look like, what should happen, what didn’t happen, what you’re doing, whether you’re in camp or out of it. And when you’re navigating fertility, like there’s just stuff that you keep private that you can’t, like, really defend to the world, or should you have to. But I know that was a lot to like, just navigate extra opinions when you’re already kind of like, more in a vulnerable state of

Katlyn Cerminara  16:02

mind, yeah. And then, like, in the beginning, I was, like, keeping it to myself, and then when I would get all the comments and stuff, and then I would just say, if I was taking time off for treatments, I was just like, Oh, I’m dealing with injuries or whatever. And then when comments and stuff, it got too much. And then people would be like, Oh, she’s pregnant. She looks pregnant. And then that’s when I was like, no, actually, it’s the complete opposite. And then I was just like, I’m gonna be honest, tell everyone I’m going through. Because I I feel this way. There’s definitely other people that feel this way, that are going through treatments and stuff and almost like a reality check for just people like, Hey, you don’t know what someone’s going through. So like, I’m okay, I’m pretty, like, mentally tough, and I can deal with it, but I definitely know there’s other people that this would like, really, it would still accept me, but there’s other people that it would crush. So I was kind of like, no, like, this is actually what I’m doing, but thank you. Just to kind of place, no, absolutely.

Brianna Battles  16:57

Like, it’s amazing how many people, like, suddenly feel really free to share their opinions when you are like, when you become a mom, or like, when you’re in the process of becoming a mom, whether it’s like, your body getting commented on, or what you do during pregnancy, what you’re not doing, how you choose to mother, like, there’s just you get a lot of unsolicited opinions. And you do, you do have like, the resiliency from, you know, being an athlete and already being subjected to that, but I think it’s just an extra sensitive layer when it’s stuff that, again, you don’t always have control over.

Katlyn Cerminara  17:27

Yeah, for sure.

Brianna Battles  17:29

So your pregnancy overall, you know, you got pregnant, and when was, like, your last fight prior to getting pregnant?

Katlyn Cerminara  17:37

I thought March 2024, okay. Yeah, March, 2024 and then I got the then I did an IVF transfer. Right after it didn’t work, I had a miscarriage, and then I changed clinics, did a whole nother egg retrieval, like last September. And then November, I did another transfer, and then that one worked. So from March to November 2024

Brianna Battles  18:04

was when I got pregnant. Yeah? So that’s like, I mean, you really went through it trying to get this baby?

Katlyn Cerminara  18:11

Yeah? For sure, definitely.

Brianna Battles  18:13

I know there’s a lot of rounds, a lot of loss, a lot of patience, and that’s something that, like, I don’t know, like that. I don’t know if there’s anything that can prepare you for navigating that kind of, like, heaviness of grief and of, like, just overwhelming, like, this is supposed to be easy. So they say, or like, you were made for this. So they say, Oh, you’re so healthy and fit. And then you’re like, What the hell? I don’t know why, you know, like, why is this so hard for me?

Katlyn Cerminara  18:41

Yeah, it was definitely tough. And then, like, I said, like, balancing fighting and trying to get pregnant at the same time was tough. Like, when I would take a break, and then I would fight the whole time. I’m like, training and cutting weight, and then I’m like, second guessing myself. I’m like, well, is putting my body through this weight cut and this training camp? Is that, like, maybe that’s the reason why I’m not getting pregnant. Maybe I need, like, a full year or two off of training. And because you hear things about that, and then I’m like, Am I worse? And you just never know. And it’s like, the battle back and forth, which kind of sucks. Oh yeah, it’s,

Brianna Battles  19:15

it’s relentless, and there’s so many different opinions on the internet. And even, like, just with the different professionals that you work with who are like, do this. Don’t do that. Some of it is like, you know, good information, and some of it is just like, it’s not practical for who you are as a person and who you are as an athlete, either.

Katlyn Cerminara  19:33

So, yeah, yeah.

Brianna Battles  19:34

So you were able to get pregnant and tell me a little bit about what your pregnancy has been like.

Katlyn Cerminara  19:39

My pregnancy was amazing. I mean, I think that, like, for me, I You just hear all negative things about pregnancy and, like, horror stories, how awful you feel and all that. And I know that everyone’s so different, and I don’t want to, like, brag and be like, That’s not that hard, because mine wasn’t bad, because then I’m like, watching me get pregnant. Me again and be like, karma. Be like, No, this one’s gonna be terrible, but it really wasn’t bad. And I don’t know, I think, like, mindset definitely has a little bit to do, to do with it. Like, I think struggling so much, trying to get pregnant that, like, I didn’t care how I felt and just like, because before I felt like shit and I wasn’t pregnant, so now I’m like, I don’t care if I’m tired, like, I’m so excited and so happy, but yeah, it was super easy. I The beginning of, like, the very beginning, because I did IVF, they were pretty strict. Like, the first six weeks of working out and taking it a lot easier than I think maybe I didn’t have to, but because you’re doing IVF, they’re like, chill, like, so at that, like, I didn’t do, I didn’t do much, but once they were like, you’re fine, and I made it like, you know, far, pretty far along. And then I, um, I just continued to, like, work out. And I pretty much did, like, like, high intensity training and, like, lift, heavy lifting. I did that, like, six days a week. And then I did, like, box. I worked out with my boxing trainer once a week. So, and with that, I was like, All right, I’m feeling a little slow, so I just went the whole pregnancy. I went left left handed, just to, like, make it interesting. I’m like, since I’m going slower, let me learn something new. So, but yeah, I felt really good. Like, I kept waiting for the pregnancy to go bad, because everyone’s like, it’s so bad, it’s so terrible. You feel like shit. But the only time I felt like shit was on like, we went away for a few days and I didn’t work out for like, three or four days. I was like, I feel like shit. I was like, as soon as I once used for me, at least once I stopped moving. Then it’s then it’s like, everything else settles in, right?

Brianna Battles  21:40

Well, girl, you paid your dues. You know what I you know what I mean, like you you had, like, the struggle on the front end of that process. And I think, like, you were owed, like, a really positive pregnancy. And, I mean, I know it doesn’t always work out that way, but we were talking before this podcast and say, like, you know, every, every mother experiences something that’s like, an element of fucked up. It’s just and then you experience something that’s an element of like, oh my god, this is amazing, but none of ours is the same. And so that’s just like, the dichotomy of of being a pregnant athlete, of being a postpartum athlete, if being a female athlete in general is like, there’s going to be things that you struggle with that I don’t, and vice versa. And so I think it’s just acknowledging that. Like, you know, there’s just so many things we don’t get to control, and so many other things that, like, the more adaptable you are, the more open minded you are, then the better off your overall process is going to be. When you get hit with something that’s really challenging, or when you can be pleasantly surprised,

Katlyn Cerminara  22:34

yeah, but it’s like, in the beginning, and people were like, how do you feel? Am I gonna feel that you are so lucky? I’m like, Yes, I’m so lucky. Like, it took me, like, three and a half, yeah, but my gear, right? I’m so lucky. But you never have any idea.

Brianna Battles  22:50

No, they never do. And you had a really interesting birth story. Tell us a bit about that.

Katlyn Cerminara  22:56

Yeah. So I was, I delivered two and a half weeks early, and I kept thinking. I was like, Oh, I’m definitely gonna go late because I had, like, I said, like, my, especially my third trimester. I felt no symptoms. Two days before delivery, I was working out. Felt totally fine. And I kept saying, I’m like, All right, be prepared to go past your due date. Because, like, I said, I just had no I felt totally fine. And they say a lot of times your first pregnancy goes further. So it was, I would think it was like 37 and a half weeks, and my family has a place at the Jersey Shore, and it’s like two and a half, two and a half hours from where I live on Long Island. So me and my husband went there for two days and didn’t think anything of it. You know, we were there for two days. This the day we left, we’re on the beach all day long. I was in the ocean, sitting on the beach. We, like, ate lunch of like, a like, kind of right near the water. Was super nice. And then we’re like, oh, we’re gonna head home tonight. So we left at like, 630 we were gonna and then during the second half of the day, I was like, I feel a little I didn’t even say anything to my husband, because I’m like, if I tell him, he’s gonna be like, freaking out, like, we need to leave, and he’s a little more of a hypochondriac than me. And I was like, I’m not even gonna say anything. But I was like, texting my friend. Was like, Oh, I kind of feel crampy and but totally didn’t think anything of it. We get in the car to leave. I’m like, thinking. I’m like, Man, my cramps are I’m like, Well, I guess this is what happens towards the end of pregnancy. You start to not I’m like, you know, cramps are normal. You’re gonna be a little uncomfortable for the last three weeks. And then we start driving, and then all of a sudden, I’m like, wow, these cramps are really bad. Like, I’m like, This is crazy, but I’m joking. Like, 15 minutes after we left the house, and then I start Googling. I’m like, difference between cramps and contractions, and then like, and then like, I’m like, saying my husband, I’m still saying cramps, I won’t say contractions. I’m like, because in my mind, I’m like, I’m didn’t think anything of it. I’m like, why cramps are really bad. This hurt. So much. And then they were, like, another 15 minutes. I was like, we’re stopping to get gas. And I was like, right before, I was like, sitting, and I had, like, big baggy sweatpants on. We have my dog in the car. I have a French old dog who’s like, not, doesn’t do good in car. So we blast the AC. So I’m all bundled up, and I’m like, I felt like some like, I felt like I started to get, like, wet. And I was like, that’s weird. What is it? But it kind of all dropped in my sweat pants. And then we stopped at a gas station. I was like, I gotta get out of this car. I’m like, I can’t sit down. And then we were pulling in. I’m like, I gotta get out now. Like, I can’t sit down anymore. My husband’s getting gas. I go into, like, the Wawa to go to the bathroom, and I’m like, I wonder if I have a big wet stain on my butt, but I had, like, a shirt covering it. And I go in the bathroom, and I’m like, I think my water broke. I was but I was still, like, in denial. I was like, I don’t know. And then we I come out, my husband was coming in because he was gonna buy, like, some some Zins. And I was like, Hey, he’s like, are you okay? You were in there for a while. I was like, I think my water broke. He’s like, are you serious? He’s like, All right, let’s go now. We’re like, two and a half hours from home, and I’m like, put in the hospital or at home Hospital. I’m like, if anything, we’ll see how I feel. If anything I can, we can go right to the hospital. And it was like, three hours away. I was like, okay, whatever. They always tell you not to rush to the hospital. And then, like, literally, 10 minutes later, I was like, oh my god, I can’t sit in the car for two hours. I’m like, This is bad. Call my midwives. I’m like, What do you think they’re like, You should probably stop at a hospital. We’re in a different state. I live in New York or New Jersey, and I’m like, they’re like, Well, if your contractions are three to four minutes apart, you should stop. And then I’m like, Okay, I timed them and they were like, a minute and 40 seconds apart, and I was like, I can’t talk, like, I couldn’t even make a phone call. So we stopped. Luckily, we’re like, I’m like, Googling hospitals. And I used to live in New Jersey, so I knew the towns, and I’m like, Okay, this is a nice town. They probably have a good hospital. We pulled up to the car at 830 because I remember seeing it on the GPS, and then I delivered at 1040 Oh my gosh. It was crazy. I was like, we have my dog in the car. Luckily, my brother lives in Jersey, like, 40 minutes away. I called him. I’m like, we’re stopping at this hospital. You need to come and get the dog. And he’s like, and thank God. He was like, okay, sure, I’ll be right there. And picked him up and stuff. It was crazy. Oh my gosh, no. Hospital bag luckily on before we went on our trip, I put the car seat in the car so we had that. But so you don’t need because I had nothing. You don’t really don’t need anything at the hospital,

Brianna Battles  27:41

they give you everything. Oh my gosh. And like, your doctor staff, was it like, that was all good? Yeah. I mean, they, like, you didn’t know anyone.

Katlyn Cerminara  27:49

It was the nicest hospital, like, I’ve ever been to. We walked in the, er, there was one, like, nice, like, old man that was like, you can go before me. And I was like, I er, it’s like, you know, like, craziness going. It was a nice face. All the nurses and the doctors were so nice. And it was like, I was like, this is probably way better than our hospital at home. So it worked out.

Brianna Battles  28:12

That’s so crazy. And how many weeks were you again?

Katlyn Cerminara  28:15

I was like, 37 and a half. Yeah, oh my gosh. Like, why would you say? I’m like, Well, we were driving distance away, and then though you were the nurse was like, You were out in the sun all day. I was like, yeah, she’s like, you’re dehydrated. I’m like, Well, I drank a gallon of water today, so I don’t know what to do.

Brianna Battles  28:34

Yeah, not that dehydrated. Oh, my god, yeah. What a crazy birth story. And like, I’m so glad that worked out. And I’m really glad that it was a really positive birth story for you again, like you, you were like, owed that by the like, fertility gods, you know, oh my gosh. And so you’re now four weeks postpartum with baby girl, yes. And how are you feeling?

Katlyn Cerminara  28:58

I feel really good. I mean, the first, like, maybe second or third day when I was at home, breastfeeding was a little bit harder than I was expecting. I just thought it was either I didn’t know anything about it. So I just kind of thought, like at the hospital, they either latch or they don’t, so you can either do it or you can’t. And I was doing good at the hospital, so I was like, Oh, this is so easy, whatever. And then I came home, and then like, day three was, like, I got boobs for like, two bowling balls. And I was like, that was the day where I think a lot of people that breastfeed can relate, where I’m like, have my husband and my mom in my room, and I’m just, like, topless crying, my mom, like, get me more hot towels, and she’s throwing them at me, but, like, so that day was bad. But other than that, it was like, All right, we I got through that day, and I’m like, we’re doing pretty good, yeah, no, it is physically like, down there and stuff like, how do you feel? I’m like, Oh, I forgot about that because I was so focused on my boo.

Brianna Battles  29:57

Yeah. Yeah, it is kind of crazy. Like the like, breastfeeding, you know, for some people, can be again, just like all things in birth and conception and whatever is like, can be really easy and natural for some, and it can be really challenging for others. I was certainly of that it was challenging for me. Camp for a while. I just remember being like, I got to do what with my boob and, like, I fold it in half and like, Oh my God. Like, that is not what they showed you in the movies or anything like that. And I just remember, like, this is so, like, I guess, so barbaric, you know, like, my husband had to help because my boobs were so big that I couldn’t even like, finagle anything it was. It was just like, we are, we’ve really hit a new level of of, like, intimacy. You know,

Katlyn Cerminara  30:45

it’s being like, shy and embarrassed and like, Oh, my God, don’t look and then I’m like, help me. I don’t care. Like, you go from zero to 100 fast in that situation.

Brianna Battles  30:56

Oh, absolutely. It’s so humbling. Yeah, so you’re four weeks postpartum, and I know you’re starting to dabble a little bit and working out, and you have hopes to go back to the Octagon postpartum.

Katlyn Cerminara  31:11

Yeah, that’s definitely, you know, that’s definitely what I want to do. I’m just, like, trying to, like, I said, not put a time timeframe, but also, like, I’m not wasting time. So, yeah, I mean, I feel really good. So I’m trying to force myself to, like, still ease into it, because that’s what everyone says to do. But I’m like, I feel totally fine. Like, sometimes I’m like, I forget that I, you know, gave birth four weeks ago. Like, that seems crazy. Like I don’t even, like, remember being pregnant. And that’s, like, it just so much changes so fast, and I’m so happy with that. But, um, but, yeah, just trying to, like, go forward in the, you know, smartest way possible. So I don’t, like, I don’t want to rush into things and then get time off because of, you know, if I’m, if I push myself far too soon, but, but, yeah, I feel really good.

Brianna Battles  32:00

Yeah, well, I’m obviously it is a delicate balance. I’m obviously here for you and can help with that process. I think it’s really exciting that we have, you know another woman in the UFC who is like, who, like, has navigated pregnancy, who’s navigated fertility treatments and still competed, and now is going to be making a run to come back again on your own, on your own timeline. And I think that’s just we we really need to see more representation in that in that capacity. And I think it’s going to be awesome to see what that process looks like for you.

Katlyn Cerminara  32:33

Yeah, and I’ve been lucky, because over the past few years, been a lot of other girls in the UFC that are fighting at the top level, have babies and then get back and because when you’re like, I was in, like, the top five, top 10 now, like, when I go back, they put you, I mean, I’m they you get removed from the rankings if you haven’t competed in a year. But, like, they’ll put you right back in there. They’re not like, Hey, here’s an easy fight. You could throw them right back in there, but also seeing other girls do it is really cool to see. And you know, being able to just, like, reach out to the other girls and talk to them and just get their advice and just hear how their experience was has definitely been helpful. So it’s just kind of a cool, like, camaraderie like we have, and like a little thing that, like, connects us right immediately, right away, which has been awesome.

Brianna Battles  33:23

Oh, absolutely. And I think, like, you know, because sometimes in different circles, like, there’s, there’s not always camaraderie among women in combat sports. And so when you now add in like, the mom element, I feel like that softens that and makes it a little bit more like, able to have conversations, engage and, like, have that kind of, like, support and camaraderie. Like, across the board,

Katlyn Cerminara  33:45

yeah, it’s definitely been, like, the mom camaraderie is super strong. I love it.

Brianna Battles  33:50

Thanks. Yeah, no, it’s so awesome to see. And, yeah, to just have, like, more women representing that. And, you know, I’ve said this for years, but that, like, athleticism does not end when motherhood begins, like there’s still so much potential to unlock, and it’s just it’s not over. And I think that it’s going to be really fun to watch how your process unfolds. And I’m absolutely here

Katlyn Cerminara  34:12

for you. Thank you. Yeah, I’m super excited. So where

Brianna Battles  34:17

can people follow along and just like, learn more about you and your process,

Katlyn Cerminara  34:21

um, pretty much anywhere, like on social media, my handles at blonde fighter, so, yeah, I been trying, like, now after postpartum, and just trying to put everything up on, um, on Instagram, just kind of like my journey back and like, how, how it goes, because I know, like when I was pregnant, and even now, Just seeing so my whole feet is all like, even if they’re not like professional athletes, just other women that like work out like professional athletes, because there’s a lot like, it’s crazy. How many, even just at, like my gym I go to, not my fighting gym, just like the gym I work out at, there’s like, a million girls I’m like, they’re so strong. So, so fast and everything, and they have like, three kids and, you know, three kids and a full time job, and they’ll be like, like, when I was pregnant, they would be like, Oh, wow, that’s so crazy that you’re working on, like, you know, this is my job, so I don’t do anything else. Like, you have kids and a full time job and you’re doing the same thing, like, so just seeing that is super motivating. And online, seeing, like other people post their journey. I’ve really enjoyed that, so I’m trying to, you know, just post my mind so other people could see it too. Yeah, girl,

Brianna Battles  35:29

you be in some good company. It’s it is like a great community to be part of. And there’s just so many women who are doing an incredible job of showcasing, like, the reality of it, that it’s not always like PRs and incredible comeback stories, there’s a lot of struggle, and also there’s a lot of reward for that struggle and just who you become throughout that process.

Katlyn Cerminara  35:51

Yeah, yeah, I’m definitely happy to be a part of that group now.

Brianna Battles  35:54

Yeah, you certainly are, and I absolutely like, love everything you shared today. Thank you for being really open and sharing your story and coming

Katlyn Cerminara  36:03

on this podcast. Thank you. Thanks for having

Brianna Battles  36:09

1. Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the practice brave podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review and help us spread the work we are doing to improve the overall information and messaging in the fitness industry and beyond. Now, if you are pregnant and you are looking for a trustworthy exercise program to follow, I have you covered. The pregnant athlete training program is a well rounded program for pregnancy with workouts for each week that are appropriate for your changing body. That’s 36 weeks of workouts, three to four workouts each week, and tons of guidance on exercise strategy. We also have an at home version of that program if you are postpartum and you’re looking for an exercise program to follow. The eight week postpartum athlete training program would be a really great way to help bridge the gap between rehab and the fitness you actually want to do from there, we have the practice brave fitness program, which is an ongoing strength conditioning program where you get new workouts each week and have a lot of guidance for myself and my co coach, Heather Osby, this is the only way that I’m really offering ongoing coaching at this point in time. If you have ever considered becoming a certified pregnancy and postpartum athleticism coach, I would love to have you join us. Pregnancy and postpartum athleticism is a self paced online certification course that will up level your coaching skills and help connect the dots between pelvic health and long term athletic performance, especially during pregnancy and postpartum, become who you needed and become who your online and local community needs by becoming a certified pregnancy and postpartum athleticism coach. Thank you again for listening to the practice brave podcast. I appreciate you, and please help me continue spreading this messaging, this information and this work.