I am so glad I went to a pelvic floor physical therapist!  I went into the appointment with not much wrong – occasional back pain but nothing chronic that kept me from activities.  After having 4 kids I wasn’t having leakage, pain or prolapse, so no real symptoms that would get me sent there.  However, after my conversation with Anna Scammell about pelvic floor health, I knew I needed to go.  I’ll share more about my conversation with her in just a moment, but back to my appointment.

My pelvic floor physical therapist appointment

I got a referral from my midwife to see a pelvic floor physical therapist.  Getting the appointment on its own was tricky asking for a referral without anything really wrong.  But I got there!  Then in the waiting room I had to fill out a couple of form, which didn’t really apply because again, not much going on with me.  The physical therapist (who was great!) started with an assessment on my range of movement, strength in muscles including my core and seeing where imbalances are in my body.  Not related to my pelvic floor, but my right leg is shorter than my left (which I’ve know since I was a teenager), which is ultimately what’s probably contributing to my low back pain (makes sense!).  Also, my gluteus medius needs lots of strength built up, so something to work on!

After that we got into the internal exam – similar to a pelvic exam…. ya know, finger up the vagina.  She had me perform kegels to see how long I could hold them and if I could fire my pelvic muscles properly.  Good news – I could activate them!  Bad news – they are pretty week and fatigue after about 2 seconds.  So it was really good that I went because even though I didn’t go in with symptoms, had I not went for this preventative check later down the road it could lead to issues.  And now I’m on a plan of 20 minutes of pelvic floor exercises a day.

Yay for kegels!

I go back 4 more times over the next few months and I’ll be sure to share an update on the podcast when I’m all through with physical therapy.  I have to say this – I am SO proud of myself for going!  I wish that my midwife would have suggested I go, I mean, I’ve had 4 babies!  I am not surprised that my pelvic floor needed some work.  I was pretty active through all my pregnancies and with only 2 years between each pregnancy that is a heck of a lot of pressure on my pelvic floor muscles with not much attention given to them postpartum.

And I have to give a HUGE thanks to Anna Scammel for encouraging me to go get checked out!  Anna joins me on this week’s podcast episode and ladies, you are not going to want to miss this!

Pelvic floor health with Anna Scammell

In episode 63 of Fit Mama Real Food Radio I am joined by Anna Scammell, a Masters-trained Women’s Health & Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist in Australia and the creator of www.thewholemother.com!  Anna break down all things pelvic floor.  I was so encouraged to see a pelvic floor specialist after our conversation and I know you will get so much out of this episode.

Anna breaks down what the pelvic floor is, what happens with the pelvic floor during pregnancy, how to support your pelvic floor during pregnancy and postpartum, kegels and what to expect when seeing a pelvic floor specialist.  So much great information in this one for you!

If you’ve been loving the content that I’ve been putting out, I would love a rating and review in apple podcasts!

Links from the show

• Connect with Anna: Website, Instagram
• Thanks to our podcast sponsor Seattle Elderberry!

You can find the episodes and subscribe in apple podcasts, stitcher, tunein, google play and also listen directly below!  If you’ve been enjoying the show, I would love for you to rate and review it in Apple Podcasts –> HERE.

XO

Heather