The Pelvic Floor Project

In this episode, I sit down with registered midwife, Erin Sloan to discuss:  The path baby needs to take during a vaginal birth How the pelvis and pelvic floor are related How different positions can help the baby’s descent and path How I incorporate birth positions into my practice as a pelvic health physiotherapist The benefits of practicing a variety of positions How different props can be used...

In this episode, I sit down with registered clinical counsellor, Haley Gershony to discuss:  The meaning of terms; baby blues, anxiety, depression and why “perinatal mood disorders” is preferred What symptoms are considered “normal” and “not normal" The many reasons expecting and new moms experience these feelings  The negative stigma around mental health  How your mental and physical healthy...

In this episode, I sit down with obstetrician gynaecologist, Dr. Joanna Baxter to discuss:  Local statistics on c-section vs vaginal birth. How is this trend changing? The negative stigma around c-section  Reasons why a c-section may be planned during pregnancy.  Can this be purely elective? Reasons why a planned vaginal birth needs to move to a c-section once labour has started How the decision i...

In this episode, I sit down with plastic surgeon,  Dr. Sheena Sikora to discuss: Why most clients seek out labiaplasty Reasons why this surgery is growing in popularity Differences in vulvar anatomy What does the procedure look like?  What you can expect for recovery Who performs this surgery besides plastic surgeons? Complications to be aware of How this labiaplasty relates to the pelvic floor Ke...

In this episode, I sit down with Vancouver urogynecoloist Dr. Roxana Geoffrion to discuss:  OASIS (obstetrical anal sphincter injuries) what the stats tell us about perineal tearing risk factors for perineal tearing how are perineal tears commonly managed in hospital and on discharge how to be proactive going into and during birth what follow up can new moms expect what signs and symptoms new moms...

In this episode, I sit down with fellow pelvic health physiotherapist Tamarah Nerreter, to discuss: How often should we poop Signs of constipation Why do we get constipated What does long term constipation mean for our body Physiotherapy approaches to treating constipation  What can we be doing to start our kids with good bowel habits Tamarah Nerreter, a physiotherapist since 2007 has a multitude...

In this episode, I sit down with fellow pelvic health physiotherapist, Laura Werner from Victoria BC to discuss:  what the terms vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, vaginismus mean How common it is for women to experience vulvogaginal pain and why it is so often undiagnosed messages these clients are given the common path of management  symptoms that commonly bring these clients in to see a pelvic health...

In this episode, I sit down with fellow pelvic health physiotherapist, Corinne Wade to discuss: Who is at risk for vaginal dryness? The main causes of dryness Symptoms of dryness The difference between vaginal moisturizers and lubricants What ingredients should be avoided Signs that there is an estrogen deficiency How you will know if a product isn’t right for you Corinne Wade is a registered phys...

In this episode, I sit down with family physician, Dr Alicia Power to discuss: How pregnant and postpartum women are feeling overwhelmed trying to find reliable information Dr. Sarah and Alicia’s mission to create an online platform with evidence based information for pregnant and postpartum women Their training in medical school and ways they are challenging their profession How they are working...

In this episode, I sit down with patient advocate, Laura Fry to discuss: Laura’s experience with a 4th degree tear during her first birth Why she started an online support group What physical symptoms are commonly experienced after 4th degree tear How the physical symptoms affect the life of a mom The benefits of educating yourself How to advocate for yourself How a pelvic health physiotherapist c...

In this episode, I sit down with perinatal fitness coaches,  Jamie Straker and Erica Friedman to discuss: How your fitness coach and physiotherapist can work together to support you How to find the right fitness coach for you When to seek out 1:1 guidance vs. group fitness The importance of your own fitness goals and finding someone to help you achieve them About Jamie Straker: Jamie is a Pregnanc...

In this episode, Gráinne Donnelly and I discuss: 2019 Postpartum return to run guidelines she was instrumental in creating Returning to running postnatal - guidelines for health, medical and fitness professionals managing this population (hyperlink with website below) https://www.absolute.physio/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/returning-to-running-postnatal-guidelines.pdf The anatomical and physiologic...

In this episode, I sit down with Erin Stoneman, a doula and birth photographer to discuss: What is a doula? Why this profession is emerging Support provided during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period How doulas and pelvic health physiotherapists can work together  How to decide if a doula is right for you Erin Stoneman was a nurse before training to be a doula. It was when she was home with...

In this episode, I sit down with Trish Gipson, a fellow pelvic health physiotherapist with the goal to help you feel more confident with exercise progression postpartum.  Here is what we discuss: Are there actually good and bad exercises postpartum? Where to start with exercise postpartum How to approach progression Sign and symptoms to watch for When to see someone in person Trish graduated from...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Kim Daniels who happens to be a labour and delivery nurse. I asked Kim to speak about the most important messages she would like to voice as a nurse to moms planning a hospital birth. Her and her colleagues who also agreed on the topics included!  Here is what Kim said about herself: I’m a nurse and mother of two boys 15 months and almost 5.  I’ve been a...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sinéad Dufour, a physiotherapist, researcher and associate clinical professor in the faculty of Health Science at McMaster University to discuss how technology is being used to treat incontinence.  Technological devices to treat incontinence like Perifit, Elvie, Emsella chair, laser and apps like Tät use convincing messaging when it comes to addressing leaking....

I recently sat down with  anesthesiologist, Dr. Hardave Gill to ask some of your questions about epidurals. As a physical therapist, my focus is on helping women feel better connected with their body in order to help you feel in control during your birth. Here is what we covered: Is epidural use on the rise? What would make a labouring mom NOT a candidate The details around 'walking epidurals...

In this episode, I sit down with Jeanice Mitchell from MyPFM to discuss: What prolapse actually is and different types Why prolapse is common to experience postpartum  Risk factors for prolapse What symptoms you may experience How a physical therapist can help Our goal for this episode is to: Help you understand prolapse and make a plan for management so that your fear can take a back seat.  Jeani...

In this episode, I sit down with urologist Dr. Jennifer Locke to discuss: the relationship between the brain, bladder and pelvic floor what the research suggests as the first line of defence for treating overactive bladder how medications may/may not help when is surgery warranted the role of your family doctor, urologist and physiotherapist in treatment Dr. Jennifer Locke is a Royal College of Ph...

In this episode, I sit down with fellow pelvic health physiotherapist and new mom Kjersti Malinski shortly after her 2nd c-section.  The advice women are given after c-section is usually, “Don’t lift more than your baby and don’t drive”.  Our goal for this episode is to help fill it the gaps in information and guidance.  Here is what we discuss: What Kjersti learned from her first c-section and wh...

In this episode I sit down with Brittany Klingmann, fellow physiotherapist, CrossFit athlete and level 1 coach, weightlifter and mom.  We discuss: Brittany’s top 3 suggestions for pregnancy Learn what to listen and watch for Breathe through exercise Expect gradual deconditioning Brittany’s top 3 suggestions for postpartum Consider how we rehab from other injuries Watch for breath holding Have a pl...

In this episode, Malindi and I discuss: The difficulties she had finding postpartum guidance after her first birth in 2017 The symptoms she struggled with after her first was born What she learned and how she applied this to her 2nd postpartum recovery How she has built up to marathon and qualifying for the 2021 Olympics as a mom of 2. Her advice for new moms who want to return to high level activ...

There is an underlying belief that to address diastasis rectus abdominis, your options are physiotherapy OR surgery and that surgery is the easy way out.  I sat down with my surgeon Dr. Arko Demianczuk in this episode to dispel this myth and help listeners understand how physiotherapy and surgery can compliment one another and help you better understand the surgery itself.  Here are the topics we...

Pain is a common symptom that people experience. The most common that bring people in to see a pelvic health physio are: bladder pain pelvic pain (SI joint, pubic symphysis, hip) tailbone pain pain with intercourse pain associated with periods pain in the vagina, anus or vulva In this episode we talk about: What pain is and what it is trying to tell us Why pain sometimes doesn’t go away How our br...

In this episode I sit down with a client of mine named Elaine and her midwife, Vanessa. Elaine came to see me during her pregnancy with the goal to be proactive by knowing how to support her changing body during pregnancy, prepare for her birth and understand ways to recover successfully. I will never forget hearing her pride when telling me how she was able to apply everything she learned to her...