Core and pelvic health is a hugely important, and deeply under-respected aspect of health - but especially women’s health, and especially for post-partum women who have undergone drastic changes during pregnancy and childbirth. While pelvic physical therapy SHOULD be a standard of care for women who have given birth, more often we’re just told that women who have had babies will “pee a little” when they sneeze or exercise, and to deal with it; while this is common, it’s not normal and doesn’t have to be a life sentence.   In today’s episode with pelvic health physiotherapist Anita Lambert, Ashleigh asks her about:

• What it means to have diastasis recti, pelvic organ prolapse, or other pelvic dysfunction issues
• Why pelvic health isn’t JUST a pregnant woman’s issue
• How to minimize pelvic issues before, during, and after pregnancy and child birth
• Why the common advice for women to “just do kegels” isn’t a good idea
• How to improve pressure management and core strength for everyone
• And much more!

Anita is a Registered Physiotherapist (Pelvic Health and Orthopaedic) with a focus on women’s health, specifically prenatal and postpartum care as well as a Certified Pilates Instructor and Certified in Acupuncture. She graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Masters of Science in Physiotherapy in 2009. Anita is passionate about helping pregnant clients connect more with their body including pelvic floor plus keep you active and comfortable during pregnancy while you prepare for birth which will give you a head start on your postpartum recovery. She enjoys helping postpartum clients navigate their recovery and return to activities they love including exercise, sports and dance without pain and pelvic floor symptoms.   Learn more or work with Anita - check out her website https://www.holistichealthphysio.com/about and listen to her on the To Birth and Beyond Podcast https://tobirthandbeyond.com/podcast/   Please check out our newest show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make my new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn’t cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy!   Learn more about Ashleigh, suggest an idea for the podcast, or sign up for one of her health coaching programs at ashleighvanhouten.com