The Hole Shebang

In this conversation, Dr. Sara Reardon, a pelvic floor physical therapist, shares her journey and insights into pelvic health, particularly focusing on postpartum care. She emphasizes the importance of pelvic floor therapy for anyone who has been pregnant, discusses common postpartum issues, and provides practical advice for new mothers regarding exercise, recovery, and intimacy. The conversation highlights the need for better support systems for postpartum women and the significance of education in pelvic health. In this conversation, Dr. Sara Reardon and Kristen Parise discuss the complexities of postpartum recovery, focusing on physical and emotional health. They explore the importance of addressing postpartum pain, particularly related to C-sections, and the role of pelvic floor therapy in recovery. The discussion also highlights the emotional challenges women face during this period and the need for supportive spaces to share experiences. They emphasize the significance of self-care and knowledge in empowering women to navigate their postpartum journey effectively. Takeaways

• Dr. Reardon is a pelvic floor physical therapist with extensive experience since 2007.
• Pelvic health therapy is crucial for anyone who has been pregnant or given birth.
• Postpartum individuals often face challenges like urinary incontinence and diastasis recti.
• Rehabilitation should focus on healing in the early weeks postpartum.
• Walking is an excellent low-impact exercise for postpartum recovery.
• It's important to address pelvic floor symptoms before returning to high-impact activities like running.
• The first postpartum poop can be challenging; proactive measures can help.
• Education on pelvic health is essential for new mothers.
• Returning to intimacy should be approached with care and awareness of potential discomfort.
• Support systems for postpartum women need significant improvement. Low estrogen levels can cause tissue adhesion and pain.
• Many women suffer in silence with postpartum pain.
• C-section recovery can lead to pelvic pain due to fascia tightness.
• Scar massage is crucial for healing after a C-section.
• Pelvic floor therapy can significantly improve sexual health.
• It's important to address emotional health postpartum.
• Women often feel shame discussing pelvic health issues.
• Supportive spaces can help women unpack their birth experiences.
• Self-care is essential for postpartum recovery.
• Knowledge about pelvic health empowers women.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pelvic Health and Dr. Reardon's Journey 05:23 Understanding Postpartum Pelvic Floor Health 12:33 Navigating Postpartum Running and Exercise 18:19 The First Poop: Tips for Postpartum Women 22:00 Returning to Intimacy: Postpartum Sexual Health 24:22 Understanding Postpartum Pain and Treatment Options 32:07 Connecting with Core Strength and Pelvic Floor 36:14 The Emotional Journey of Postpartum Recovery 42:07 Empowering Women Through Knowledge and Support

Sarah Murphy, owner of Everglow Sleep Consulting, shares her journey to becoming a sleep consultant and her passion for supporting moms' well-being. She offers personalized sleep plans and in-home support for newborns and children up to seven years old. Sarah's unique approach includes providing concrete next steps and empathetic support to families. She emphasizes the importance of creating an optimal sleep environment, understanding wake windows, and debunking myths about sleep training. In this conversation, Kristen Parise interviews Sarah from Everglow Sleep Consulting about the importance of sleep for new moms and babies. They discuss debunking common sleep myths, the role of intuition in parenting, common mistakes parents make when trying to improve their baby's sleep, and the impact of sleep on mental health. Sarah emphasizes the need for emotional, practical, and professional support for new moms and highlights the importance of sleep for maternal well-being. They also touch on the future of postpartum care and the potential for sleep consulting services to be covered as a national benefit. The conversation concludes with a discussion about sleep regressions and the significance of the theme song for Everglow Sleep Consulting. keywordssleep consultant, newborn care, personalized sleep plans, in-home support, mom's well-being, optimal sleep environment, wake windows, sleep training, sleep, new moms, babies, myths, intuition, mistakes, mental health, support, postpartum care, sleep regressions Takeaways

• Sarah Murphy became a sleep consultant based on her own experiences as a mother and her passion for supporting moms' well-being.
• Everglow Sleep Consulting offers personalized sleep plans and in-home support for newborns and children up to seven years old.
• Sarah's unique approach includes providing concrete next steps and empathetic support to families.
• Creating an optimal sleep environment, understanding wake windows, and debunking myths about sleep training are key factors in improving baby sleep. Debunk common sleep myths and trust your intuition when it comes to your baby's sleep.
• Recognize the signs of overtiredness in your baby to avoid sleep disruptions.
• Seek emotional, practical, and professional support as a new mom to prioritize your own well-being.
• Sleep is crucial for mental health, and getting enough rest can help alleviate postpartum mood disorders.
• The future of postpartum care should prioritize the needs of moms, including sleep support.
• Sleep regressions are often linked to developmental changes in babies, and consistency is key in managing them.

00:00 Introduction and Background 03:02 Supporting Moms' Well-being Through Sleep Consulting 05:59 Personalized Sleep Plans for Newborns and Children 09:20 Creating an Optimal Sleep Environment 15:51 Understanding Wake Windows for Better Sleep 19:44 Debunking Myths About Sleep Training 22:21 Debunking Sleep Myths and Trusting Your Intuition 24:31 Recognizing Signs of Overtiredness in Babies 27:45 Sleep and Mental Health in the Postpartum Period 36:06 Managing Sleep Regressions with Consistency If you would like to learn more about Blueberry Therapy or The Hole Shebang please click here Blueberry Therapy To learn more about Sarah Murphy and her services through Everglow Sleep Consulting click here Ever Glow Sleep Consulting

In this conversation, Dr. Giulia Muraca discusses her journey into perinatal epidemiology, focusing on the rising rates of cesarean deliveries and the implications of severe maternal morbidity. She highlights the importance of understanding obstetric trauma, the risks associated with various delivery interventions, and the need for informed discussions between healthcare providers and expectant mothers. Dr. Muraca emphasizes the significance of addressing postpartum mental health and the role of pelvic floor health in maternal care. takeaways

• Dr. Muraca was inspired by a perinatal epidemiologist during her studies.
• The cesarean delivery rate has been increasing globally.
• Severe maternal morbidity is a composite outcome of various complications.
• Obstetric trauma is often not included in severe maternal morbidity definitions.
• One in four first-time mothers may require an intervention during delivery.
• The risk of obstetric trauma is significantly high with forceps and vacuum deliveries.
• Episiotomy should not be routinely performed in spontaneous vaginal deliveries.
• Informed conversations about delivery options are crucial for first-time moms.
• Postpartum mental health is significantly impacted by obstetric injuries.
• Preventative care and pelvic floor health are essential for maternal well-being.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Giulia Muraca 04:15 Rising Cesarean Delivery Rates 08:43 Understanding Severe Maternal Morbidity 12:01 Defining Obstetric Trauma 14:07 Interventions in Labor: Forceps and Vacuum Deliveries 20:15 The Risks of Multiple Interventions 22:27 Informed Conversations for First-Time Moms 27:02 The Importance of Discussing Obstetric Trauma 32:16 Episiotomy Practices and Their Implications 39:41 Comparing International Guidelines 44:27 Future Research Directions 52:37 Connecting with Dr. Muraca For more information about this podcast please check out The Hole Shebang Podcast

In this conversation, Elisa Kurylowicz shares her journey from being a high-performance athlete to a wellness mentor. She discusses her struggles with identity after missing the Olympics, her path to mindfulness, and the importance of self-discovery. Elisa emphasizes the need to break down limiting beliefs, particularly around finances, and shares her personal experiences with fertility and growth. The conversation highlights the significance of mindfulness and intuitive awareness in achieving personal and professional success. In this conversation, Elisa Kurylowicz shares her deeply personal journey through infertility, exploring the challenges of navigating the medical system, the emotional toll of IVF and IUI, and the stigma surrounding these experiences. She discusses her radical health changes, the importance of community support, and the transformative power of grounding and connecting with nature. Elisa emphasizes the need for open conversations about women's health and the empowerment that comes from sharing these experiences with others. Takeaways

• Elisa competed for Team Canada in high-performance sports.
• Missing the Olympics led to a downward spiral in her life.
• She gained almost a hundred pounds and faced severe challenges.
• Alisa emphasizes the importance of taking back one's power.
• Mindfulness is a crucial aspect of her teachings.
• Intuitive awareness helps in self-discovery and growth.
• Many people are conditioned to have a poor mindset about money.
• Money can contribute to happiness and opportunities.
• Alisa's fertility journey has been transformative.
• Personal growth often requires breaking down societal constructs. Elisa had a 5.8% chance of getting pregnant naturally due to her age.
• The medical system often overlooks personal factors like stress and diet in fertility treatments.
• IVF can be a deeply invasive and emotional process.
• Many women feel ashamed to share their IVF experiences due to societal stigma.
• Elisa's partner took accountability for his health, improving his sperm motility significantly.
• Grounding and connecting with nature can enhance overall health and well-being.
• Elisa emphasizes the importance of radical honesty in health journeys.
• Community support plays a crucial role in navigating fertility challenges.
• Women often avoid hard conversations, which can hinder personal growth.
• Elisa's journey highlights the need for holistic approaches to health and fertility.

Chapters 00:00The Journey of Elisa Kurylowicz 08:40Mindfulness and Its Importance 13:27Intuitive Awareness and Self-Discovery 19:20Breaking Down Beliefs and Mindsets 25:04The Financial Mindset and Its Impact 36:58Fertility Journey and Personal Growth 40:29The Journey Begins: Understanding Infertility 43:01Navigating the Medical System: A Personal Experience 49:45Breaking the Silence: The Stigma of IVF 53:10The Emotional Rollercoaster of IVF and IUI 01:01:52Radical Health Changes: A New Approach to Fertility 01:09:06Grounding and Healing: Connecting with Nature 01:16:19Empowerment Through Community: Joining the Sisterhood

In this conversation, Kristen Parise speaks with Stephanie Singh, a holistic nutritionist and menstrual coach, about the importance of understanding women's health, particularly in relation to hormonal balance and menstrual health. Stephanie shares her personal journey from experiencing severe menstrual issues to becoming a coach who helps women navigate their health challenges. They discuss the role of nutrition, the significance of gut health, and the need for personalized approaches to treatment. The conversation emphasizes the importance of patience, self-advocacy, and taking ownership of one's health journey. takeaways

• Stephanie's journey into holistic nutrition was driven by her own health struggles.
• Many women experience hormonal dysregulation, leading to various health issues.
• Nutrition plays a critical role in balancing hormones and overall health.
• Testing is essential for understanding individual health needs and creating personalized protocols.
• Healing the gut is a foundational step in addressing hormonal issues.
• Patience is key in the healing process; changes take time.
• Women must take ownership of their health and advocate for themselves.
• There is no one-size-fits-all approach to health; personalized care is crucial.
• Understanding the interconnectedness of health systems is vital for holistic care.
• Education and guidance from knowledgeable practitioners can empower individuals.

Chapters 00:00Introduction to Holistic Nutrition and Menstrual Health 05:20Stephanie's Journey: From Corporate to Coaching 11:29Understanding Hormonal Dysregulation 18:52The Role of Nutrition in Hormonal Health 25:58Testing and Personalized Protocols 32:12Healing the Gut: A Comprehensive Approach 38:13The Importance of Patience in Healing 42:34Taking Ownership of Your Health Journey 45:16Final Thoughts and Resources For more information about this podcast please check out https://www.blueberrytherapy.ca/general-7

In this conversation, Dr. Christina Prevett discusses the importance of exercise during pregnancy, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the need for strength maintenance. She highlights the 2019 Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, the implications of heavy lifting, and the significance of mental health in postpartum recovery. The discussion also covers pelvic floor health, the realities of C-sections, and the empowerment of women to make informed decisions about their fitness during pregnancy. takeaways

• Exercise should be encouraged until there's a reason to stop.
• Being postpartum is hard. Being postpartum weaker is harder.
• Heavy is in the eye of the beholder.
• Your fitness will come back.
• We need to remove unnecessary barriers to exercise.
• It's okay to be sad about changes in fitness.
• Strength training does not lead to bad heart outcomes.
• You can be too strong during pregnancy?
• Movement can help with anxiety and depression.
• The messaging has to be clear about exercise in pregnancy.

Chapters 00:00Introduction to Exercise and Pregnancy 05:04Understanding Exercise Guidelines During Pregnancy 10:28The Importance of Strength Maintenance 15:22Heavy Lifting and Its Implications 22:45Running During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know 28:35Mental Health and Exercise in Pregnancy 31:43Debunking Myths Around Postpartum Recovery 35:41Empowerment vs. Fear in Pregnancy 40:12Pelvic Floor Health and Strength Training 49:35C-Sections and Exercise: Myths and Realities For more information about Dr. Christina Prevett check out https://thebarbellmamas.com/about-us/ For more information about Blueberry Therapy check out https://www.blueberrytherapy.ca/ To read the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines throughout pregnancy click here https://csepguidelines.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/4208_CSEP_Pregnancy_Guidelines_En_HR.pdf

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Meghan O'Leary discusses the complexities of endometriosis, a condition affecting many women. She shares her journey into the field, the importance of recognizing symptoms, and the need for better advocacy and understanding within the healthcare system. The discussion debunks common myths surrounding endometriosis, including misconceptions about fertility, pregnancy, and the role of surgery. Dr. O'Leary emphasizes the importance of individualized care and the need for patients to advocate for their health, while also highlighting the evolving landscape of endometriosis treatment and diagnosis. takeaways

• Endometriosis is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
• Patients experience a long journey to diagnosis, often taking years.
• Pain associated with endometriosis is subjective and varies greatly.
• Advocacy is crucial for patients experiencing symptoms.
• Fertility issues are common but not guaranteed with endometriosis.
• Pregnancy does not cure endometriosis; it may only alleviate symptoms temporarily.
• Surgery can help but is not a definitive cure for endometriosis.
• The healthcare system needs to improve in recognizing and treating endometriosis.
• Pelvic physiotherapy can be beneficial for managing symptoms.
• Future research is needed to enhance diagnosis and treatment options.

Chapters 00:00Introduction to Endometriosis and Its Importance 03:01Megan O'Leary's Journey and Expertise 06:10Understanding Endometriosis: Myths and Realities 09:09Identifying Symptoms of Endometriosis 12:01Navigating the Healthcare System for Diagnosis 14:50The Role of Pelvic Physiotherapy 18:05Fertility and Endometriosis: Debunking Myths 20:56Pregnancy and Menopause: Misconceptions 24:13Surgery for Endometriosis: What to Expect 27:02The Pathway to Diagnosis and Treatment 29:55Future Directions in Endometriosis Care If you are interested in learning more about Blueberry Therapy check out www.blueberrytherapy.ca.

Dr. Tina Fetner, author of Sex and Canada, discusses her research on Canadian sexuality and the importance of studying sexual behavior. She explains how she became interested in the sociology of sexualities and the lack of data on Canadian sexual behavior. Dr. Fetner also explores topics such as sexual identity, the frequency of sex, pleasure, pain, and the gender gap in orgasms. She highlights the need to break down social norms and taboos around sex, especially when it comes to discussing topics like anal sex, sex toys, and sexual consent. Dr. Fetner emphasizes the importance of open conversations about sexuality and the need for comprehensive sexual education. keywordssexuality, Canadian sexuality, sexual behavior, sociology, sexual identity, frequency of sex, pleasure, pain, gender gap in orgasms, social norms, taboos, anal sex, sex toys, sexual consent, sexual education takeaways

• Dr. Tina Fetner conducted a survey on Canadian sexual behavior and wrote the book Sex and Canada to provide a comprehensive overview of Canadian sexuality.
• There is a lack of data on Canadian sexual behavior, which motivated Dr. Fetner to conduct her own survey and fill this gap.
• Social norms and taboos around sex, especially in relation to topics like anal sex, sex toys, and sexual consent, need to be broken down to promote open and honest conversations about sexuality.
• There is a gender gap in orgasms, particularly in heterosexual relationships, which is influenced by societal norms and expectations.
• Comprehensive sexual education is crucial in addressing issues related to sexual pleasure, consent, and sexual health.
• Parents and couples with children actually have slightly more sex than those without children, challenging the myth that parenthood negatively impacts sexual activity.
• The frequency of sex has decreased in recent years, particularly among young people, possibly due to increased time spent on video games and social media.
• There is a need for more research and conversation around the gray areas of sexual consent and the complexities of sexual encounters.
• Monogamy continues to be the dominant relationship structure, with most Canadians organizing their sexual relationships according to monogamy.
• There is a need to address the sexual needs and experiences of older adults, as well as provide resources and support for sexual pleasure and satisfaction in this population.

Sound Bites

• "Sex in Canada, the who, why, when, and how of getting down up north"
• "Sexuality is just a regular, everyday part of our lives"
• "I think that the thing that I would say related to this study in my book is that sexuality is just a regular, everyday part of our lives"

Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 03:10The Importance of Open Conversations about Sexuality 06:15Exploring the Gender Gap in Orgasms 10:08Breaking Down Taboos: Anal Sex, Sex Toys, and Sexual Consent 16:46Parenthood and Sexual Activity 19:04The Impact of Video Games and Social Media on Sexual Frequency 22:48Navigating the Gray Areas of Sexual Consent 27:00Monogamy and Alternative Relationship Structures 32:01Addressing the Sexual Needs of Older Adults For more information on Blueberry Therapy check out www.blueberrytherapy.ca To purchase Damiva Cleo use discount code shebang15 on the Blueberry Therapy Shop https://blueberrytherapyshop.ca/

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Maureen Slattery, an obstetrician and gynecologist, shares her journey into sexual health counseling and discusses the complexities of menopause and its impact on sexual health. She emphasizes the importance of education, communication, and understanding the physiological and psychological aspects of sexual health. The discussion covers various topics including perimenopause, vaginal dryness, the role of estrogen therapy, and practical tips for enhancing sexual well-being. Dr. Slattery advocates for open conversations about sexual health and encourages women to seek help and support during this natural phase of life. takeaways

• Dr. Slattery transitioned from obstetrics to sexual health counseling due to her interest in sexual health.
• Perimenopause can last several years and is characterized by hormonal chaos and various symptoms.
• Many women experience sexual health issues during menopause, including pain during intercourse and low libido.
• Vaginal dryness is a common issue that can be treated with topical estrogen therapy.
• Recent studies show that vaginal estrogen is safe for women with a history of breast cancer.
• Low sexual desire is a complex issue influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
• Communication with partners about sexual health is often lacking but essential for intimacy.
• Engaging in self-care and hobbies can enhance sexual well-being.
• Resources and education about menopause and sexual health are crucial for women.
• Women should seek healthcare providers who listen and validate their experiences.

Chapters 00:00Introduction to Dr. Maureen Slattery 02:30Journey from Obstetrics to Sexual Health Counseling 08:50Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause 12:44Sexual Health Issues During Menopause 20:49Addressing Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort 26:10Vaginal Estrogen and Breast Cancer Concerns 31:05Exploring Low Sexual Desire 40:22Practical Tips for Enhancing Sexual Health 44:39Resources for Menopause and Sexual Health 49:39Final Thoughts and Encouragement

For more information or to work with Kristen Parise

https://www.blueberrytherapy.ca/general-7

Dr. Lori Brotto discusses mindfulness and its role in improving sexual desire and function. She shares her background in animal and human research, the lack of pharmaceutical treatments for female sexual problems, and the importance of addressing distressing low desire. Dr. Brotto explains the use of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness as effective treatments for low desire. She also discusses her research on virtual reality exposure therapy for sexual pain and the benefits of mindfulness in managing pain. Dr. Brotto emphasizes the holistic nature of sexual health and the need for multidisciplinary approaches.

Takeaways

Mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective treatments for low desire. Virtual reality exposure therapy shows promise in treating sexual pain. Mindfulness can help manage pain and improve sexual function. Sexual health is a holistic concept that involves the mind, body, and spirit. A multidisciplinary approach is important in addressing sexual health issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 03:11 Animal Research and Transition to Human Research 05:29 Understanding Low Desire 10:19 Effective Treatments for Low Desire 14:19 Mindfulness and Pain Management 16:44 Mindfulness Practice and Customization 20:04 Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Sexual Pain 27:31 Future Directions and Research 33:26 Dr. Brotto's Personal Mindfulness Practice 36:35 The Holistic Nature of Sexual Health 39:14 Staying Connected with Dr. Brotto

For more information or to work with Kristen Parise

https://www.blueberrytherapy.ca/general-7

For more information about Dr. Lori Brotto

https://brottolab.med.ubc.ca/about/dr-lori-brotto/