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Dear Subscriber First Name Pour yourself something warm and find a quiet corner—let’s catch up, friend. This week I completed my pelvic floor therapy. “You were in therapy for your pelvic floor?!” Yes, girl. And let me tell you…what a ride. Not because the sessions were hard, but because they were so eye opening. My therapist, Dr. Brie Coleman basically rewired my whole brain, not just my pelvis. I am amazed how much there still is to know about my own body even though I’ve been in it for 41 years. 😳The most shocking thing she told me was that nearly 70% of pregnant women will need pelvic floor support, yet we know 70% of women aren’t told that and aren’t given a direct line to that support. Just another reminder how the system is failing women. Just another reminder how women are left on our own to figure it out or just push through each new normal in the name of survival. Just another reminder of things lost with the loss of the wisewomen from genrations past and traditional wisdom that our ancestors carried. Honestly, I was feeling frustrated, angry, and a little sad for myself that I had to endure yet another thing in the name of motherhood—and kind of still am. The stretch marks, the weight gain, the abdominal gap, the hair lost, the flat boobs (and butt), and now pelvic floor issues???? When does it end? The cost of motherhood seems endless. Meanwhile, my husband maybe had sympathetic morning sickness for a week or two but his body—and abs—are firmly in place. How is this fair?😫 I will say I learned soooo much from Dr. Brie that in the end I am feeling more optimistic and in control of my body again. I could tell you everything now but let me not try to include it all here. Let me just tell you a few of the gems I’m taking with me (btw her practice is called The Pelvic Gem and everything is in hot pink!💎) 1️⃣First is that I 100% labored incorrectly—both times. Pelvic floor injuries can happen when you push that watermelon out—go figure. This is what I mean by lost wisdom, we aren’t being guided through the transitions of labor properly. What do you mean push like I’m popping?? 2️⃣Next, even if some disturbance to the pelvic floor is expected from carrying a pregnant belly and ultimately labor, you can learn how to protect and preserve your connection and control of those muscles for better/faster recovery. 3️⃣Lastly…STOP. SUCKING. IN. YOUR. STOMACH. Yes, I’m talking to you…and definitely myself—and while we’re at it stop clenching your butt cheeks 😆. Dr. Brie had so many perfect analogies and ways to describe how all of this stuff works that really helped me visualize and understand proper function and ultimately my current dysfunction. She described the pelvic floor as a trampoline, it should be strong but should give. Constantly holding in your stomach makes your ab muscles more rigid which puts more pressure on your pelvic floor. And pressure is no good. So let it go sis. Flat stomach culture is hurting us. I hope to do an interview with her in the very near future so you can hear her brilliance for yourself. She schooled me every week…and I may have even cried a time or two but she gave me so much encouragement and validation for my feelings because it really is ALOT. And now our time is over and Kae and I will miss seeing her every week, but now I know how to workout proper, pick up baby properly, and have at home PT to help get things back once I’m done breastfeeding (because those hormones are still working against me 🙄) 💌Write me back if you want to know more about my experience with therapy or if you are debating if it’s right for you—I’m going to mind my business, but if you think you need it your probably do. Or forward to a friend who might also enjoy. With love & a full cup, xoxo Ericka
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