Community Highlights: Meet Dr. Kaitlyn Kakar of Thriving Mommas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Kaitlyn Kakar.

Hi Dr. Kaitlyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thriving Mommas was born out of a passion and necessity. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy for 8 years as well as a new mom, I saw a massive lack of education, support, and resources when it came to taking care of the mom during pregnancy and postpartum. I was thankful that I had the knowledge and experience to navigate my own pregnancy and postpartum. However, in talking to countless other moms and patients, this was, unfortunately, not their experience.

I gained a unique insight after living in Sydney, Australia, working as a physiotherapist. This is where my passion for treating pre- & post-natal women started. And that passion grew even deeper after giving birth to my daughter there. When my family returned back to the US, I knew I needed to make a change. My passion for wanting to help other moms during this time of their life, far outweighed the unknown of starting my own business.

I’ve always been a hard worker and give 110% to whatever I do. I knew this wouldn’t be an easy journey caring for a baby and starting a business, but I knew in my heart this burning passion would see me through.

Throughout my career, I have learned that my patients thrive when I treat them from a holistic perspective. In order to do this, I have taken post-graduate continuing education courses in order to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a Yoga Teacher, a certified Nutrition Coach, and most recently, pursuing a Certification in Pelvic Health. I will continue to learn and grow in order to best treat my patients. Mommas deserve more, and I strive to be that resource and support.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
When I first started my business, I dove head first into learning everything I could about starting a business. However, with anything new, there is always a learning curve. Luckily, my husband is my number one supporter and my business advisor. I couldn’t have done it without him and his expertise. It’s also been a challenge being a mom to a toddler while juggling this business, and I’ve learned it’s a delicate balance. I continue to grow in ways I never thought possible. Some days I feel like I could conquer the world, and other days it’s stressful and overwhelming. But at the end of the day, I know where my heart and passion lie.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My goal and mission when I first started my business was to educate moms about how to best care for their bodies during pregnancy and postpartum.

I started writing educational blogs and posting helpful information on my Instagram page such as effective exercise ideas and the proper way to hold your toddler without back pain. I also wanted this education and my services to be accessible, so I offer virtual wellness consults to moms across the county so they can have this information right in the comfort of their own homes. I, also, saw a need in my community, so I started offering in-home Physical Therapy consults to newly postpartum moms. Most recently, Thriving Mommas has been growing and is now offering in-office Physical Therapy consults in Scottsdale. I want to continue making this accessible and convenient for moms.

Thriving Mommas treat a variety of conditions including pre and postnatal musculoskeletal conditions such as low back, neck, hip, and wrist pain, etc. as well as Diastasis Recti, Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions including Incontinence, provide labor/delivery preparation, postpartum healing and recovery, and even postpartum return to running assessments/programs. Mommas deserve more, and I strive to be that resource and support for moms everywhere.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I wouldn’t say I’m a “risk taker” by nature, yet I do take calculated risks when necessary. I’m more of a planner, so if I can prepare and research, I know I can take risks with more certainty. These are the types of calculated risks I have taken to grow my business. When we moved back to the states, I could have worked at the clinic I was working before treating a variety of patients, but I knew in my heart that moms needed more, and I could help them. This is why I took the risk. Even when it’s scary or out of my comfort zone, it has been worth it to be able to help moms on their journeys.

Some might even say going to a Pelvic Floor PT is a risk, but I like to say it will be a risk worth taking!

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@thrivingmommas.com
• Website: www.thrivingmommas.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thriving.mommas/

Image Credits
Lauren Smyth
Dani Macedo
BNLove Studios