Inside the Box

In this episode, Caitlin sits down with Ann Traeger-Spees, a titled pelvic health physiotherapist and sexual psychotherapist, to talk about the very real — and often misunderstood — world of Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD).

They unpack the clinical complexity of GPPPD, how pain is often not the only piece of the puzzle, and why pleasure deserves a far more prominent role in treatment and recovery.

Together, they challenge traditional physio frameworks and explore the layered intersection between psychosexual health, body literacy, and trauma-informed care.

But this conversation goes far beyond the clinic room.

Ann and Caitlin also dive into what it means to be a parent navigating open, shame-free conversations about sex, consent, and pleasure — especially with children assigned female at birth.

This episode is for you if:

• You’re a pelvic health physio seeking a more holistic, person-centred approach
• You’re a parent wanting to break generational patterns of shame around sex
• You’re curious about how our clinical and cultural lens on pleasure is evolving

In this raw and relatable episode, we sit down with Eli Moulton to talk about the messy, beautiful, and complex chapters of life as a mother and entrepreneur.

Eli opens up about navigating a challenging birth and postnatal period, launching a business while adjusting to new motherhood, and the emotional toll of multiple rounds of IVF. We also dive into the realities of mental health, relationship breakdowns, and the path to finding her person.

Now facing a surprise pregnancy, Eli shares what birth might look like this time around and how she’s approaching it differently. We also explore the importance of carving out time for yourself and why prioritising self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Whether you're a mum, a business owner, or just someone who appreciates honest conversations, this episode is a must-listen.

You can follow Eli’s story here @eli__moulton

Eli’s incredible business @plusone_dresshire

We’re kicking off Season 3 with a behind-the-scenes catch-up—new business ideas on the boil, evolving parenting approaches, and the values driving our next chapter. We also chat about what we’re seeing in clinic right now: the themes, challenges, and shifts that are showing up in women’s health. Think of this episode as a reset and a real talk, setting the tone for a big season ahead.

Tamara Woods is an experienced pelvic health and musculoskeletal physiotherapist dedicating more than 17 years to her career in physiotherapy. Tamara works at Southern Nest (Hurstville) or Anaria (Miranda) and hosts the online membership platform “The Pelvic Health Community” where she mentors and drives knowledge sharing for Women’s Health physiotherapists.  Tamara also co-created the birth education course “Born Ready” and teaches on the APA (Australian Physio Association). 

Tamara is a wealth of knowledge who is extremely passionate about providing comprehensive care for women. 

In this episode we talk about:

• Tam’s journey and career 
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), what is it and how do we define it 
• Conservative management strategies for POP
• What is a Pessarry and how do we use it 
• What is the future for POP management, particularly in the Pessarry space? 

You can find out more about Tamara and her Pelvic Health Community here:

https://www.pelvichealthcommunity.com.au/about

Dani is a mum of two young children and has a Master’s degree in Psychology.

Dani has her own practice -  The Mother Cup Psychology here in South Australia and works a little differently from your average psychologist – she views her clients from a growth mindset perspective – utilising their strengths to help them better navigate the motherhood journey. She aims to remove some of the barriers influencing women’s ability to seek help offering in-clinic sessions, sessions out in nature, telehealth sessions for people across Australia and home visits for those who have less capacity to get to appointments.

She believes that motherhood, and the associated matrescence period, have multiple transition points where a women can either struggle, or grow and evolve with the correct support.

Dani assists women to find themselves again, regain confidence, and help them negotiate the significant changes that come with parenthood.

In this episode we discuss: 

• Matresence and the transformative change of your identity takes during motherhood 
• Post partum depression, anxiety and rage - what’s normal when discussing mental health?
• When to seek help?
• Signs to look out for and who might be more at risk
• Self reflection strategies and finding space for ourselves 
• Practical tips to help you cope; and 
• How to lean on your partner and be vulnerable in times of need

Useful links and resources:

PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia - supports the mental health of parents in the first year of an infant’s life 

PANDA National Support line 1300 726 306

panda.org.au

Gidget Foundation Australia (Perinatal)- specialist support through face-to-face, telephone and telehealth counselling and group therapy for families suffering emotional distress during pregnancy and early parenting.

1300 851 758 

Gidgetfoundation.org.au

COPE  - Centre of Perinatal Excellence

Evidence based and timely helpful information available to parents by registration.

1300 726 306

Cope.org.au

Ready to Cope App – for antenatal mental health preventative support

Article on Matrescence https://www.npr.org/2021/08/08/1024674033/theres-a-name-for-the-ups-and-downs-of-new-motherhood-its-called-matrescence

Dr Carina Siracusa has been practising for over 18 years in the field of neurological and paediatric physiotherapy and is board certified in pelvic health physiotherapy and oncology physiotherapy. She is a professor at South College in Knoxville, Tennessee and treats neurological pelvic floor patients at OhioHealth in Columbus, Ohio. She has taught pelvic floor physiotherapy courses for the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy in the US and has developed multiple specialty pelvic floor courses, which she has taught all over the world.

In this episode we chat about:

• What is “normal” for how often you do a poo?
• Mechanics of the digestive system
• What is constipation and how to differentiate between slow transit and obstructed defecation
• What is the best poo consistency?
• How should you sit on the toilet for the best chance of pooing easily?
• The interplay of the pelvic floor muscles and opening your bowels 
• Constipation in kids and fears around using the toilet 
• Effects of constipation on bladder urgency and urinary incontinence 
• Top bowel habits 

Links: Some teaching and resources from Carina https://www.medbridge.com/educate/instructors/carina-siracusa-physical-therapy

Melissa Vranjes is a certified holistic sex and relationship coach from New Zealand. Melissa is deeply passionate about supporting women to feel liberated in their bodies and in the bedroom. Melissa has worked with hundreds of clients, developed online courses on sex and intimacy, and has witnessed the empowerment, fulfilment and freedom that women experience when diving into this work.

Her mission is to create safe and empowering spaces for women to come home to their bodies so that they can harness the power of their sexuality and experience more embodied pleasure in life.

In this episode we chat about:

• Libido, desire, pleasure and motherhood 
• Where do you even start with connecting with yourself when you are tired, in pain, stressed out, touched out
• The key to communicating with your partner around sex and readiness for intrcourse 
• Tips for health professionals working with women with pain, vaginismus, dyspareunia for bridging the gap between pain free and pleasurable sexual experiences 
• Practical tips women can do to step into their bodies and move them closer to an intimate relationship with themselves and their partners 
• Melissa’s favorite books for exploring female sexuality and connection with self (For patients and for health professionals) 
• Melissa’s own experience with sex and libido during pregnancy and post parutm 

Links: https://melissavranjes.com/

@melissavranjes (Instagram) 

Books we discussed in the episode:

Come as you are - Emily Nagoski

How to not let having kids ruin your sex life - Dr Karen Gurney

Quiara Smith is an Occupational Therapist with further speciality training and experience in paediatric pelvic health conditions. Quiara has worked in Occupational Therapy for over 13 years and currently practises from her private clinic Aloha Integrative Therapy in California. 

In this episode we cover:

• The top 3 presentations of pelvic health conditions in kids to her clinic: Constipation, withholding and incontinence 
• The common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction in children and how do we distinguish this from typical development timelines 
• The biggest misconceptions parents (and professionals) have about the role of Pelvic Health OT’s 
• The link between neurodivergence, sensory processing and continence issues 
• How common is faecal impaction? What are the short and long term management strategies?
• Bed wetting in the preschool/ school aged child
• A discussion around interoception - Can you train this? How do you train this?

We finish the conversation with Quiara’s take on how we can best support our children’s pelvic health as parents.

Links: @alohaintegrativetherapy
www.alohaintegrativetherapy.com 

In this episode Kat, Tash and Caitlin reflect on the year that was, discussing exciting things for 2025

Personal Journeys:

• Kat opens up about overcoming postpartum mental health challenges and the lessons learned from a business venture that didn’t go as planned.
• Tash reflects on juggling solo entrepreneurship while welcoming her second baby into the world.
• Caitlin shares her experience with postpartum anxiety, her first panic attack, and how she’s tackling the pressures of being a people pleaser.

Celebrating Wins & Setting Goals:

• Kat and Caitlin celebrate the magic of building a team with an incredible culture and share their commitment to nurturing it in 2025.
• Tash and Kat reveal their ambitious running goals, while Caitlin focuses on embracing team sports and progressing in lifting and gymnastics.

What’s Next for 2025:

• Kat shares her plans to expand her mentorship work and help others achieve their potential.
• Caitlin dives into launching her personal brand and building her online treatment presence.
• Tash explores the possibility of growing her team and what that might look like for her business.

This episode is a celebration of growth, resilience, and ambition. We’re so proud of the conversations we’ve shared this year and can’t wait to continue driving important discussions in women’s health in 2025.

Sage King (she/her) is a diversity-friendly naturopath and nutritionist, specialising in reproductive health including fertility & IVF optimisation, Endometriosis & Adenomyosis, PCOS, PMS & PMDD to name a few.

 As an educator and speaker, Sage contributes to practitioner education on topics such as preconception care, LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and reproductive health, the intersection between hormones & neurodivergence & alongside her colleagues runs monthly group mentoring on clinical foundations of reproductive health. Sage has contributed to research alongside NICM Health Research Institute investigating the impact of naturopathic interventions on premature ovarian insufficiency and pregnancy outcomes.

In this topic we discuss

• What is PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder) 
• Is it a hormone disorder? Is it a mental health disorder? How is it diagnosed?
• Can it be treated or cured?
• What are the main hormonal drivers for PMDD and how are they treated?
• Are these treatments effective in Endometriosis symptoms?

Links:

Website: www.rhreproductivehealth.com
Socials: @sagekingnaturopathy
Free 10-min discovery calls for patients: https://www.rhreproductivehealth.com/booking-calendar/free-10-minute-discovery-call?referral=service_list_widget
Patient resources: https://www.rhreproductivehealth.com/patient-education
Blog: https://www.rhreproductivehealth.com/blog