Pelvic Health
Our bodies are amazing and go through many changes as we grow, birth and nurture our babies. Changes to the pelvic floor and its function are common for Mums – 1/3 experience symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. This DOES NOT have to be your new normal. If you experience leaking, urgency to go to the toilet, pelvic pain, a feeling of heaviness or bulging in the vagina, painful sex or are just feeling uncomfortable with how your body has changed, I’m here to help.
After developing Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) after my second birth, I’ve made it my mission to educate and empower Mums about their pelvic floor. What was once a taboo subject – I’m now shouting about pelvic health from the rooftops. We deserve to to have the knowledge and understanding to a) prevent pelvic floor dysfunction in the first place, or b) better manage any pelvic floor symptoms, so we can seek the support we deserve and not have to ‘just put up with it’.
Your Pelvic Floor Guide
Your pelvic floor does a lot of the heavy lifting during pregnancy and childbirth, so gaining a better understanding of your pelvic health now, means you can reduce your risk of developing dysfunction or the severity of your symptoms now and for the future (hello menopause!). The postpartum period is a great time to learn more about your pelvic floor.
You may have heard of kegels or pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, but did you know you can also experience dysfunction with a pelvic floor that is too strong?
Click on the Understanding Your Pelvic Floor Image & download your 3 Steps to a Stronger Pelvic Floor Guide.
Women’s Health Physio
Every body is different, so that’s why at Empower Me Fitness, we recommend all women get checked by a women’s health physio during pregnancy and after birth. They are our ‘Eyes on the inside’ and can help you understand how your pelvic floor (and core) is functioning. You can see a women’s health physio either publicly (free) or privately ($). Here are your options in Dunedin.
Dunedin Hospital (Public) – Referrals from your GP or midwife.
The Core Centre – Ingrid, Ainslie & Jemma – https://www.thecorecentre.co.nz/
Pivotal Physiotherapy – Margie Campbell – https://www.pivotalphysio.co.nz/home
TBI Health – Rebecca McLeod-Singh – https://nzappts.gensolve.com/tbi/clinician/details/rebecca_mcleod—singh
A+ Physio – Gabby Arnott – https://www.aplusphysio.co.nz/
Gail Hyland – Mercy Hospital – physiotherapy@mercyhospital.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
I developed pelvic organ prolapse after my second baby. I had no idea that this was even a possibility. Having POP can have a huge impact on not only your physical capabilities but also your emotional well being.
I’ve been on my own POP journey for over a 8 years now and have spent hours and hours researching and studying it. I now love share my knowledge with other Mums so you too can feel understood and supported. Downlad the POP Guide for my top tips on managing POP.
Whilst your POP may limit you in some way, it doesn’t have to be the reason you don’t exercise. I work with Mums to build strength and be active in a safe and supportive way. If you’d like to find out more, book a discovery call.