Pelvic Floor Health After Birth: Recovery, Pain, and What Moms Need to Know

Why don’t we talk more about the pelvic floor? From postpartum recovery to long-term health, moms are often left in the dark about this essential part of their bodies. In this episode, we break the silence and explore what every mother should know about pelvic floor health. Pelvic health specialist and physical therapist Kirsten Desmarais, PT, DPT, OCS, shares her journey into pelvic health and explains the interconnectedness of our body systems to the pelvic floor. She details common reasons people seek pelvic floor therapy while debunking myths about what's normal versus common.• Kirsten's path to specializing in pelvic health began through working with perinatal patients• The pelvic floor connects to multiple body systems including hips, spine, and visceral organs• Common reasons for seeking pelvic health care include urinary leaking, pain, pressure sensations, and painful periods• Pain with intimacy is an undertreated issue that many people suffer with silently due to shame• The pelvic floor muscles provide stability, control openings, and play a role in intimacy and pleasure• Postpartum incontinence is commonly accepted as normal when it's actually treatable• Barriers to seeking care include resources, time, transportation, and insurance limitations• Pelvic floor function often happens unconsciously, making it easy to disconnect from this area until problems occurYou can find Kirsten through her clinical practice online at empowerorthoandpelvichealth.com or on Instagram at @kirstendesmaraisdptSupport the showKirsten's Physical Therapy websiteThe Nuture CollectiveMama You Belong InstagramKirsten's Instagram Molly's InstagramMolly’s music Sister Veery on bandcampMolly’s music website