In this episode, we meet Dr. Margo Kwiatkowski, a physical therapist specializing in orthopedic and pelvic floor therapy, who shares her personal prolapse story after giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Margo discusses the challenges of diagnosing and managing prolapse symptoms, including her experiences with bladder dysfunction, pelvic pain, and the emotional toll the condition took on her. She also highlights the importance of mental health support, the use of a pessary, and topical estrogen in her recovery. Margo has since founded a support group and created a tailored exercise program for women with prolapse, emphasizing the need for empathetic listening and factual information sharing. The conversation underscores the significance of community and professional support in navigating postpartum pelvic health issues. 

Want more information on Margo and her work, check out her:

Website https://www.p4moms.com/about

Instagram @postpartum_pop_pt

Timeline:

00:28 Introduction and Guest Introduction 

00:55 Margo's Background and Initial Prolapse Diagnosis 

02:41 Challenges and Symptoms Post-Delivery 

05:36 Mental Health and Support Systems 

08:55 Treatment and Recovery Journey 

10:00 Pessary and Estrogen Therapy 

13:32 Prolapse Staging and Long-Term Outlook 

16:13 Understanding Prolapse Dynamics 

16:31 Second Delivery Experience 

16:59 Decision for Elective C-Section 

18:53 Postpartum Recovery and Prolapse Management 

19:39 Living with Prolapse: Symptoms and Surgery 

21:26 Support and Advocacy for Women with Prolapse 

22:19 Creating a Prolapse Support Community 

23:20 Educational Resources and Visual Aids 

29:19 Joining the Prolapse Support Group 

30:10 Final Thoughts and Gratitude