060: Connecting with Your Pelvic Floor Health During Pregnancy

In our February love fest we are focusing today on your "nether regions" as we dive into the importance of maintaining a connection with your body during pregnancy. Our guest, Dr. Lauren from Thrive Physical Therapy, shares her experience and expertise on pelvic floor health, from understanding its role and how to keep it flexible and functional, to discussing prenatal pelvic floor therapy. The visuals will best be seen on our YouTube channel. You will see the full scope of the pelvic floor model and see what is done in your first appointment. This is a great baseline for helping you choose a local therapist in your area. As birth educators, we suggest that you get an evaluation of your pelvic floor either before or during pregnancy. It is so important but many don't make the time. Your pelvic muscles bear extra weight from holding your baby for 10 months and then have to push that baby out. Is your pelvic floor it ready? Are you balanced on all sides? Do you have an old tailbone injury from high school cheer that you never addressed? Books and podcasts may tell you to do kegels during pregnancy but so many of us are not connected to what they are supposed to be doing, and how that feels. Having an evaluation ahead of time can make all the difference for your recovery in the postpartum period.  We also touch on the significance of pleasure, consent, and the ways to prepare your body for birth. Join us for an informative session that focuses on body awareness, reducing fear, and enhancing your body literacy as you prepare for childbirth. You can find Lauren at ThrivePhysicalTherapy in San Diego(SDThrive.com). And on IG @Thrivephysicaltherapysd. Book reference: "Come As You Are," Emily Nagoski Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode? [email protected]   Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204   Join us on Socials: Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter FB: @BirthEducationCenter LinkedIn: @CareMesser   Online Courses: OMG I'm Pregnant Induction 101 Mental Health  Newborn Procedures Epidurals Explained Meditations/Journal   For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization   https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/