How to restore your core + pelvic floor from postpartum through menopause with Mary Vidal

I think it's easy to dismiss the importance of core strength as something only for those who are young or oriented to body image. But the truth is, your core is the center of your body. And it's actually a place where a lot of your whole body strength (and overall wellness) radiates from. According to today's guest, Mary Vidal, having a strong core is an essential foundation to both treating and preventing everything from chronic pain, to prolapse, to incontinence, to diastases recti and beyond.It's something to bring our attention to at any phase of life, but especially as we move through childbearing years and navigate postpartum pelvic floor challenges and also navigate the hormonal shifts and changes of perimenopause and post-menopause. She shares about how to assess your core strength in an easy to understand (super simple) way, some ideas about what core exercises are better than others (hint: kegels are often NOT the answer), and even a quick breathwork practice to help you begin to connect to and feel your core. We also talk a little about bone health and why it's especially important not just to address it once you're menopausal, but actually start to intentionally tend to maybe even as early as your 30's. It's an episode packed with practical tips, professional knowledge, and personal story... a perfect one for you in any age and stage in life -- from fertile years all the way to menopause and beyond. Listen to learn:why supporting your core strength goes far beyond a six packhow caretaking your core + pelvic health can prevent future issueswhy Mary sees core health from a holistic, whole life wellness lensthe simple 3 P's for assessing your corehow to know if you're not doing core exercises correctlythe myth about kegelshow postpartum and perimenopause and menopause change our pelvic floorways to support your body to age well (bone health, muscle strength, etc)Resources:Today's episode: Grab Mary's links to her website, socials, etcEpisode 19: The importance of pelvic softening with Chaya LeiaEpisode 55: How to heal diastases recti with Dr Christine KleinEpisode 61: Pelvic wisdom w Dr Emily WilsonEpisode 95: How to tend the "root" of your body w Dr Rebecca CohenIf you loved this episode, share it with a friend, or take a screenshot and share on social media and tag me @herbalwombwisdom.  And if you love this podcast, leave a rating & write a review! It's really helpful to get the show to more amazing humans like you.  ❤️DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.Click here to send me a quick message :)