It's more than just the blooming flowers and trees that are announcing Spring—it seems the whole world is waking up as well! I'm thankful for the science that has gotten us here, and look forward to the freedom and humanity of being together again with loved ones. 

 

Also, it's Earth Day tomorrow, Thursday, April 22. What does this have to do with the pelvic floor? Actually a lot! Many people who have bladder leakage use disposable liners, pads, and/or diapers to manage their leakage, which then make their way into landfills where they can take centuries to biodegrade. Reusable continence products can be a great alternative. See this excellent article to learn more about the many options we have for using washable incontinence products, to help lessen the environmental load. 

 

One things to keep in mind: The use of pads should only be a temporary stop on your journey to bladder and pelvic health. If leakage is a challenge for you, consider committing to finally addressing it, to eliminate your need for continence products altogether. If you need guidance for where to start, I'm happy to point you in the right direction. This will help the planet AND you!

 

Until next month—Happy April! 🌷🌷🌷

I recently had the privilege and opportunity to be interviewed by Dave Philistin, CEO of Candor, about how to ensure the best experience for clients while providing medical services via Telehealth. You can read the article and see the video here. If you receive any medical services via telehealth, or if you are a healthcare practitioner who provides care via telehealth, you may find some tips that are helpful to you 😊

With Mother's Day around the corner, what better time to pamper our new moms and moms-to-be? Because recovering strength after a birth can be daunting, I offer a wellness service to help get her postpartum recovery off on the right foot.  

 

Get 20% off a gift card for mom, good for one full hour of personalized pelvic floor and core instruction via a virtual and confidential Postpartum Wellness coaching session. Just enter code NEWMOMS20 at checkout to receive the discount. Through the end of May 2021. (Gift cards do not expire.)

While we have new moms on our mind, let's learn an exercise that can help prevent (or treat) any leakage with sneezing, coughing or lifting, a common complaint during the pregnancy/postpartum period.

 

By the way, no matter what your friends tell you or what you read, LEAKING IS NOT NORMAL. It is common, but it is not "normal", meaning don't just let it slide—get help and get rid of it! It's much easier to conquer leakage when you nip it in the bud. So let's get nipping...

This exercise helps to work on the coordination of your core and pelvic floor muscles when you sneeze, cough, or lift, to help make sure you're protected.

1. Sit up tall in a firm chair, feet flat on the floor.

2. Do kegel (pelvic floor muscle contraction) and pull your lower belly inward; hold as you clear your throat.

3. Relax.

4. Repeat 10 times.

The goal of this exercise is to practice pre-tightening the pelvic floor and core muscles quickly, prior to the pressure from above such as with a sneeze or clearing your throat. You should feel balanced at your pelvic floor—no downward pressure.

 

(Remember: it is important to check with your healthcare practitioner BEFORE starting any new exercise program. If you have just had a baby, your physician/healthcare provider will tell you when it is safe to return to exercise. If you are unsure if you are doing these exercises correctly or have any pain, stop and discuss with your healthcare practitioner, or schedule a free virtual appointment with me for help.)

What's new from around the Web:

 

See below for my latest blog entries

 

Thanks for reading! Are there other topics related to the pelvic floor and core that you would like to know more about? Hit reply and let me know! I just may include them next month 😊