The Pelvic Pod

In this episode of The Pelvic Pod, we're talking about pelvic health during pregnancy, postpartum, and for active women including top athletes. Host Jen Bainbridge is joined by Pelvic Health and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Becs Dodson for a practical and engaging conversation about how pregnancy, childbirth, and exercise can affect pelvic floor health. Becs shares her expertise on common pelvic health concerns and the importance of seeking support early. We also discuss pelvic health for active women and athletes, including how to recognise when something isn't quite right, when to seek help, and why pelvic floor symptoms shouldn't be seen as a normal part of sport, pregnancy, or recovery. The episode reinforces an important message: pelvic health matters at every stage of life, and support is available. 🎧 Find The Pelvic Pod wherever you listen to your podcasts. Find support, information, and resources at www.continence.org.nz

In this episode of The Pelvic Pod, we're diving into treatment options for incontinence. Host Jen Bainbridge is joined by Dr John Short, Urogynaecologist, for a practical and informative conversation about the different ways incontinence can be managed – from behavioural approaches like pelvic floor muscle exercises, to medication options, through to surgical treatments. We talk about how treatment is tailored to the individual, what people can expect when seeking help, and why there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The episode also highlights the importance of prevention, and reinforces an important message: You don't have to put up with incontinence — there are things that can be done to help. 🎧 Find The Pelvic Pod on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube. Find support, information, and resources at www.continence.org.nz

Bladder and bowel issues don't just affect the person experiencing them — they also impact the people who care for them. In Episode 4 of The Pelvic Pod, host Jen Bainbridge explores the often-overlooked perspective of carers. She's joined by Laurie Hilsgen, co-founder and CEO of Carers NZ, to talk about the realities of caring for someone living with incontinence, the emotional and practical challenges carers face, and why support for carers is so important. Drawing on both lived experience and her work supporting thousands of carers across Aotearoa, Laurie shares insights into navigating the health system, finding support, and recognising the vital role carers play in the wellbeing of their loved ones. 🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube Find support, information, and resources at www.continence.org.nz

Bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor issues are common – but they're not always openly talked about, and many people don't realise that support and treatment are available. In Episode 3 of The Pelvic Pod, host Jen Bainbridge is joined by pelvic health physiotherapist Hannah Orr to explore what pelvic health physiotherapy is, how it can help with bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor concerns, and share practical tips to help people better understand their bodies, reduce stigma, and feel empowered to seek support. 🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube Find support, information, and resources at www.continence.org.nz

Living with incontinence can be isolating, especially when it's something people feel unable to talk about. In Episode 2 of The Pelvic Pod, Emma shares her personal story of living with incontinence for over 20 years. She speaks openly and honestly about the challenges, stigma, and impact on daily life, as well as the importance of being heard, supported, and understood. We were first honoured to share Emma's story back in 2019, and it's incredibly powerful to reflect on her journey again today. A heartfelt thank you to Emma for her courage, honesty, and willingness to share her story. 🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube Find support, information, and resources at www.continence.org.nz

Perimenopause and menopause can affect bladder, bowel, and pelvic health – but these changes are rarely talked about openly. In Episode 1 of The Pelvic Pod, host Jen Bainbridge is joined by endocrinologist Dr Megan Ogilvie and pelvic health physiotherapist Hannah Orr to explore how menopause can impact continence and pelvic health, share trusted insights, and empower people with knowledge to reduce stigma and support wellbeing through this stage of life. 🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube Find support, information, and resources at www.continence.org.nz