Pregnancy, Birth and Recovery: Kath Baquie from FitNest Mama

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What happens when you're a women’s health physio and you’re diagnosed with a prolapse? 

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the lovely Rosie Purdue of Hatched House—physio, mum of two, and hockey player—who shares her deeply personal journey of recovery, trial and error, and reclaiming her body after prolapse and pelvic pain.

Together we unpack what it’s really like to return to sport while managing prolapse symptoms—and how emotional recovery plays just as big a role as the physical.

In this episode we cover:

• Rosie’s personal experience with prolapse after a vaginal birth
• Managing pain from a coccyx fracture and its impact on pelvic floor recovery
• The emotional toll of prolapse—even as a physiotherapist
• Common prolapse symptoms: incomplete bowel emptying, stress incontinence, vaginal bulge
• How Rosie uses tools like splinting, Contiform, and pessaries
• The bother scale and what “worsening” symptoms really means
• Navigating sex, sport, and confidence after diagnosis
• How to know if surgery might be right for you—and when to seek a second opinion
• The difference between structural vs muscular recovery
• Encouragement for new mums navigating early prolapse symptoms

Book an appointment at Hatched House: 

https://www.hatchedhouse.com.au

12 week Return to Running Program:

https://www.fitnestmama.com/program/return-to-running-program/

https://www.fitnestmama.com

LINKS:

Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist

Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts

Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts

FitNest Mama Website

Instagram @kathbaquie.physio

1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. 

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A prolapse doesn't necessarily mean running is off the table.  There are many women who return to all sorts of sports with a prolapse!

And the right plan can definitely help.

This episode dives into what it really means to return to running after a prolapse diagnosis. Whether you're newly postpartum or months down the track, understanding your body's readiness is key to avoiding setbacks and regaining confidence in movement.

Here’s what’s covered in this episode:

• What pelvic organ prolapse is and why it may impact running
• Why the 12-week wait before running is about more than just time
• Functional benchmarks to assess if your body’s ready
• How prolapse symptoms (like heaviness or bulging) affect exercise
• What to know about pessaries and pelvic floor assessments
• The role of strength, stability, and gradual progression
• Red flags to watch for and when to seek professional support
• Why every woman’s recovery timeline is different—and that’s okay

Mentioned in this episode:

https://absolute.physio/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/returning-to-running-postnatal-guidelines.pdf

12 Week Return to Running Program: https://www.fitnestmama.com/program/return-to-running-program/

Book a pelvic floor assessment with Physio Kath:

https://www.hatchedhouse.com.au/katherine-baquie

LINKS:

Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist

Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts

Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts

FitNest Mama Website

Instagram @kathbaquie.physio

1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. 

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Looking for answers about lubricants, vaginal health, and what’s safe to use when pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive? This episode has you covered.

I chat with Dr Raelia Lew about everything from types of lubricants to their role in supporting comfort, intimacy, and pelvic health.

In This Episode We Cover:

• The difference between water, silicone, and oil-based lubricants
• When and why you might want to use a lubricant
• Safe lubricants for pregnancy and breastfeeding
• The best lubes when you're trying to conceive (TTC)
• Lubricants for vaginal dryness and vaginismus
• How the right lubricant supports vaginal health and pleasure
• The science behind Ellechemy – a luxury, evidence-based intimate wellness brand

About Dr Raelia Lew:

Dr Raelia Lew is a Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility Specialist, and Director of Women’s Health Melbourne. She holds a PhD in Reproductive Genetics and is a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne. She co-founded Ellechemy to elevate female pleasure through medically-formulated, customisable intimate products.

Common Questions Answered in This Episode:

• What’s the best lube for pregnancy?
• Can lubricant affect fertility when TTC?
• What lubricants help with vaginal dryness?
• Are oil-based lubes OK for sensitive skin?
• How do I choose a safe, effective lubricant?

LINKS:

• womenshealthmelbourne.com.au
• Instagram @womenshealthmelbourne
• ellechemy.com.au

https://www.fitnestmama.com

LINKS:

Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist

Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts

Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts

FitNest Mama Website

Instagram @kathbaquie.physio

1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. 

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In this chat with Brigid from the Kick Pregnancy Podcast, I chat about pelvic floor exercises that are used to strengthen your pelvic floor and why they may not be for everyone.

I also discuss my 5 star gold standard for caring for your pelvic floor during pregnancy, to help support an amazing postnatal recovery.

Listen to the Kick Pregnancy Podcast

Find Brigid on Instagram @thekickpregnancypodcast

https://www.fitnestmama.com

LINKS:

Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist

Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts

Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts

FitNest Mama Website

Instagram @kathbaquie.physio

1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. 

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Pelvic pain can sometimes be a misunderstood symptom of endometriosis—especially for women trying to conceive. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr Mei Cheah, a fertility specialist, obstetrician, gynaecologist, and laparoscopic surgeon who specialises in the management of endometriosis and fertility surgery.

Together, we dive into endometriosis, how it can affect fertility, and most importantly—what can actually help. From surgical options to pelvic physiotherapy, we explore the evidence-based approaches that support pain relief, improved function, and fertility success.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, are navigating unexplained pelvic pain, or are on a fertility journey and feeling unsure where to turn—this episode is full of compassionate, expert insight.

What is covered in this episode:

• What endometriosis actually is—and why pelvic pain is such a common symptom
• How endometriosis can affect your fertility and what red flags to watch for
• The latest treatment options: from surgery to lifestyle to physio
• When to consider seeing a fertility specialist
• The role of pelvic health physiotherapy in managing pain, improving sexual comfort, and supporting the body for conception
• The emotional toll of pelvic pain and fertility challenges—and how to build a multidisciplinary team around you

LINKS:

www.instagram.com/createfertility_aus
www.instagram.com/createhealth_aus
www.create-health.com.au
www.createfertility.com.au

https://www.fitnestmama.com

LINKS:

Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist

Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts

Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts

FitNest Mama Website

Instagram @kathbaquie.physio

1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. 

Send us Fan Mail

After a turbulent few years, in this second part of Brianne's birth story, Brianne shares her beautiful positive birth story.

In this episode today, Brianne discusses:

• IVF with genetic testing
• Pregnancy after loss
• Her positive birth story
• Recovery after birth

https://www.fitnestmama.com

LINKS:

Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist

Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts

Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts

FitNest Mama Website

Instagram @kathbaquie.physio

1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. 

Send us Fan Mail

Trigger Warning: This Episode Isn’t for Everyone

This episode of the Pregnancy, Birth & Recovery Podcast is a deeply emotional and raw conversation. If you are currently in a vulnerable place, please be aware that we discuss postnatal depression, the loss of a loved one, conception through grief, and termination for medical reasons. If this isn’t the right episode for you, please feel free to skip this one and join us for Part 2, where Brianne shares her beautiful birth story.

Navigating Grief, Loss, and Motherhood

In this powerful episode, Brianne shares her deeply personal journey of navigating motherhood through immense grief. Following the devastating loss of a family member to postnatal depression, she faced the emotional weight of conceiving through grief, only to be confronted with an incredibly difficult decision—terminating the pregnancy for medical reasons.

This conversation is filled with raw honesty, vulnerability, and important reflections on the intersection of loss and new beginnings. If you or someone you know has experienced grief while trying to conceive, or has faced the pain of making an impossible decision for medical reasons, Brianne’s story may provide comfort and connection.

Topics Discussed:

🔹 The emotional journey of conception through grief

🔹 Facing the heartbreaking decision of termination for medical reasons

🔹 Finding strength and support in difficult times

🔹 The impact of postnatal depression on families

If this episode resonates with you, know that you are not alone. And if today isn't the right time for this conversation, join us in the next episode as Brianne shares her beautiful birth story.

Resources:

Baby loss: 

- Red Nose Australia

- Pink Elephants 

Perinatal well-being:

- Gidget foundation 

- PANDA

Suicide:

- StandBy

Previous episode with Brianne:

https://www.fitnestmama.com/podcast/birth-story-spilling-the-milk-with-brianne/

https://www.fitnestmama.com

LINKS:

Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist

Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts

Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts

FitNest Mama Website

Instagram @kathbaquie.physio

1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. 

Send us Fan Mail

As a physiotherapist specialising in pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and pelvic floor health, I’m a huge advocate for pelvic floor exercises— I love them, I live them, and I quite literally breathe them (haha!). 

But, with so much information online, it’s important to ask: Are pelvic floor exercises right for everyone?

In this episode, I dive into:

• The benefits of pelvic floor exercises in reducing the risk of incontinence and pelvic health issues
• Why traditional pelvic floor strengthening might NOT be appropriate for some women
• How factors like overactive pelvic floor, anxiety, athletic training, and birth trauma need to be considered
• My gold standard approach to pelvic floor recovery—before, during, and after pregnancy

What does an ideal pelvic floor care plan look like?
✅ 33/34 weeks pregnant – Pelvic floor assessment + birth prep
✅ 2 weeks postpartum – Telehealth check-in
✅ 6 weeks postpartum – Full pelvic floor assessment
✅ Beyond 6 weeks – Individualized return-to-exercise plan based on birth recovery

After working with hundreds (if not thousands) of women, I know first-hand that one size does NOT fit all when it comes to pelvic floor health.

Tune in to learn how to best support your body during pregnancy and postpartum—without falling into the “one-size-fits-all” trap!

LINKS:

Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist

Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts

Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts

FitNest Mama Website

Instagram @kathbaquie.physio

1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. 

Send us Fan Mail

What makes some women feel strong, happy, and confident in their postpartum recovery, while others struggle to find their rhythm? 

In this episode, we’re diving into the three key traits that set strong mamas apart when it comes to postnatal recovery. These are not about being perfect but about building habits and mindsets that support your body and well-being.

Whether you're a new mama or further along in your journey, these insights will help you create a smoother, more sustainable recovery—without relying on fleeting motivation.

What You’ll Learn:
💪 Why motivation isn’t enough—and what to focus on instead
💪 How to stay consistent while being realistic about life’s unpredictability
💪 The power of support and how to build it into your recovery journey

Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ They don’t rely on motivation alone.

• Instead, they build accountability into their lifestyle—whether that’s scheduling workouts, leaning on a partner or friend, or setting reminders.

2️⃣ They are adaptable but consistent.

• Strong postpartum recovery isn’t about an “all or nothing” approach. If life gets in the way, they adjust and keep going instead of giving up.

3️⃣ They get the support they need and build up gradually.

• Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional and progressing at a sustainable pace leads to better long-term results.
  
  

LINKS:

Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist

Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts

Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts

FitNest Mama Website

Instagram @kathbaquie.physio

1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this beautiful and honest birth story, I’m joined by Noni, a midwife, sonographer, and FitNest Mama member, who shares her personal journey from pregnancy to birth and beyond. 

Noni takes us through her vaginal birth, how she prepared mentally and physically, and how the TENS machine became a key tool for managing contractions during labour.

As a midwife herself, Noni brings a unique perspective to birth preparation, labour strategies, and the emotional and physical changes of postpartum recovery. 

Whether you’re preparing for birth or simply love hearing real stories from other mums, this is an episode filled with wisdom, warmth, and practical advice.

What We Cover:

•  Noni’s pregnancy journey — managing pelvic girdle pain and adapting her exercise routine
• How Noni prepared for birth using affirmations, hypnobirthing principles, perineal massage and more
• The story of her vaginal birth — from stretch and sweeps to an artificial rupture of membranes (ARM)
• Using a TENS machine for pain relief and how it helped her stay active and in control during labour
• Navigating an unexpected heart rate drop and the quick decision to move things along
• Post-birth recovery — returning to running, pelvic floor challenges, and finding a new sense of self as a mum
  
  

https://www.fitnestmama.com

LINKS:

Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist

Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts

Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts

FitNest Mama Website

Instagram @kathbaquie.physio

1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.