#commonnotnormal

Would you walk around with a dumbbell in your hand all day to strengthen your bicep? Probably not. Also, it’s not practical. Same goes with your pelvic floor muscles. If you’re squeezing them (Kegels) alllll day perhaps it’s time to change your strategy. Listen to @birthkweens and Jaime from @lunaphysicaltherapy talk about some common symptoms associated with childbirth or women in general #commonnotnormal #womenshealth #educatedhope #podcast (at Murrieta, California)

Sometimes you have to put yourself out there. Share your real story not just the pretty, perfect stuff. That’s how I was introduced to @brianna.battles as she shared her story at a time when I needed her message (after the birth of my daughter). I reached out to her and she answered my messages personally. There were questions and concerns that my own doctors either ignored or said I was fine. She answered my list of emails and even checked back up on me. She cares. Becoming a Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach has provided me a community of like minded professionals like Bri for on-going support and education. I’ve learned stuff that in all honesty I wish I knew before my pregnancy. My goal is to go forward with each day and speak the sometimes uncomfortable truth and share the things that I wish I knew. That helps women to speak up and say, “hey, thank you for spreading this message as I thought this was normal.” #pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism #educatedhope #commonnotnormal #leahsprogram (at Mindful of Movement)

I had to share this quote from Dr Amy Tuteur, an obstetrician gynecologist from her site skeptical OB.com It's the reality of what women in the US face. After birth, they then go back to the same physician to be cleared for physical activity. She continues to say, "Vaginal birth (and to a lesser extent pregnancy itself) can stretch ligaments and muscles causing the bladder to fall. The sphincter is still intact so urine doesn’t dribble out. But when the pressure on the bladder is increased by coughing, sneezing or physical exercise urine may escape. This is known as stress urinary incontinence and is the most common form of incontinence in women of childbearing age." Australia and Canada make it protocol for women to be seen by a pelvic floor physical therapist (or physiotherapist) after birth. Many of us in the US have never even heard of this or our insurance doesn't cover it. Where does that leave us? 🤷‍♀️Although these injuries are common, it leads to life long disability and distress and are a subject of deep embarrassment for many women. #commonnotnormal #educatedhope #leahsprogram #pelvicpain #pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism (at Temecula, California)

Pelvic Health is not talked about enough and if it is, it's deemed taboo. Women need us to KEEP talking about it. I have a coach who unapologetically talks about it in his classes. Why? Because HE knows it matters. Maybe your message will help just one person today. That's enough for me. . . . #commonnotnormal #educatedhope #thereissomuchhope #pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism @dpt.melia @cpljake2004 (at Temecula, California)

Have you ever peed in your Lululemons's? (Or insert any brand here) A lot of women just assume it's childbirth that causes you to pee (incontinence) but pregnancy itself puts a strain on the bladder (so a c-section won't necessarily save you) and that most women, as they get older--whether they've had children or not--will likely experience problems with incontinence. So even if your answer to my 1st question is NO, please stay tuned on the great Kegel debate this week. #commonnotnormal #incontinence #pelvicfloor #leahsprogram

Ok I'm sorry that I'm posting a lot about this issue lately but this week alone I connected with at least 5 women that experience this. Like my respost by @juliewiebept said #commonnotnormal that's absolutely spot on. This picture is from @brianna.battles Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism course that I'm taking in hopes to help others recognize pelvic health issues but also get themselves help. I've been collaborating with @dpt.melia based out of San Clemente who is just a wealth of knowledge and support. Ladies, don't give up. Maybe you don't necessarily have this issue but something else that just seems "off" but you've been told by a Dr "oh you're fine!" There are other doctors/practitioners out there that will listen and help #youmatter #pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism #womenshealth (at Murrieta, California)

#Repost @juliewiebept (@get_repost) ・・・ This. This is from a recent intake form from a new patient. I ask…anything else you want to share as my last question. Answers vary, often this is blank. But this sort of blew my mind. Not that this was news to me…but how clearly and fiercely she articulated the emotional side/toll this issue takes on the women that experience it. How clearly and fiercely she articulated the seeming juxtaposition of the incredible physical feat that is delivery (and for her without meds)…she did that. So how could that same body be so easily felled by a sneeze or trying to chase her kid. But the best part was how clearly and fiercely she drew her line in the sand. This IS unacceptable. It really doesn’t have to be “just how it is”. Ladies…we have strategies to help and it isn’t just Kegels. It isn’t just lose weight. It isn’t just meds. It isn’t just dehydrate yourself so you won’t pee during exercise. And it isn’t just wear a pad. Draw your own line in the sand, ladies. Reach out, find help. #Idontaccept #commonnotnormal #dryandstrong (at Temecula, California)