My Pulmonary Embolism Story: What I Learned After a Life-Threatening Postpartum Emergency Artwork

Greenletes Podcast

The Greenletes Podcast is hosted by Registered Dietitian Natalie Rizzo and features experts from the sports nutrition and fitness industry. Each episode provides plenty of practical nutrition and fitness information for everyday athletes, with a plant-based twist. Natalie interviews dietitians who work with pro athletes, editors for health & wellness magazines, pro trainers, plant-based athletes and more. Whether you're interested in learning how to use nutrition to maximize performance, you're looking for tips on going plant-based or you want to up your fitness game, the Greenletes Podcast has you covered.

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Greenletes Podcast

My Pulmonary Embolism Story: What I Learned After a Life-Threatening Postpartum Emergency

October 13, 2025 • Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD

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🎧 Trigger warning: This episode contains descriptions of childbirth and medical emergencies.

In this deeply personal episode of the Greenletes Podcast, host and plant-based sports dietitian Natalie Rizzo opens up about her unexpected health journey following the birth of her second child. Despite a healthy pregnancy and active lifestyle, Natalie experienced a series of complications after a planned C-section, including a severe uterine hemorrhage and a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE).

In honor of World Thrombosis Day (October 13), Natalie shares the full story of what happened, from the warning signs she missed to the lifesaving medical care she received. She discusses her emotional recovery, how she managed treatment while caring for a newborn, and what it took to return to running and regain confidence in her body.

This episode is a reminder that even the healthiest among us can face unexpected medical emergencies and that recovery, both physical and mental, is possible with time, support, and awareness.

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