NB: If you're not looking to have another baby, be sure to listen around 9 minutes in when Lyz shares something so valuable for everyone in this pelvic health space.

DESCRIPTION

Welcome to this week's episode of our podcast, where we are talking about having another baby after you've been with pelvic organ prolapse. 

We have the pleasure of speaking with two amazing women, Kimmy Smith and Lyz Evans, who together created the Empowered Motherhood Program. This is a program like no other. It was created over a period of two years when both Kimmy and Lyz were pregnant so they truly are on this journey with you.

While we explore this topic of second pregnancy with prolapse, we also take a deep dive into what it's truly like living with prolapse.

Lyz, a specialist women's health physiotherapist asks a question to women that I'd never heard before. Kimmy adds so much value to this conversation as an exercise specialist and also a mum of three who has lived experience with prolapse.

I encourage you to share this episode with the women you feel could feel supported during their next pregnancy with prolapse.

Be sure to check out the link below to the Empowered Motherhood program, where you can learn more about their work and connect with them personally.

And if you haven't already, head over to our YouTube channel and hit the subscribe button to watch this very episode. 

Links:

NEW ~ YouTube channel to watch The Lowdown with Bravemumma

The Empowered Motherhood Program: https://www.empoweredmother.com.au/

Podbean: Use code Bravemum30 for the first 30 days of podcast hosting for free.

Instagram: @bravemumma

Credits:

Host: Stephanie Thompson

Podcast logo artist: Khrystyna Lukashchuk

Brand Designer: Brodie-Rose

Original Soundtrack: Steven Robinson.

DESCRIPTION

Welcome to this week's episode of our podcast, where we are honored to bring you a conversation that is truly impactful.

We have the pleasure of speaking with two remarkable women, Dr. Bri and Kim Vopni, who combined have spent over 30 years working with women living with prolapse. Their own experiences living with prolapse have made them the perfect guests for this conversation about healing.

As we explore this topic of healing, we dive into the essential difference between fixing prolapse and healing, which we touched upon in our previous episode.

Both Dr. Bri and Kim provide invaluable insights and practical advice on how to begin your healing journey from prolapse. They offer outside-the-box and easy-to-follow steps that can help you take the first steps toward recovery when you're ready to explore this aspect of your journey.

We also delve into the importance of keeping an open mind and creating a safe space for yourself to discover your true and authentic self by being part of a healing retreat.

Kim and Bri share their expertise on just some of the possible positive things to come from allowing ourselves to be immersed in a retreat and discuss the potential for transformative experiences and those ‘aha’ moments that can be truly life-changing.

This conversation is filled with so much wisdom and practical advice that we are confident it will make a positive impact on anyone struggling with prolapse or interested in finding their authentic self.

Don't forget to check out the links to both Dr. Bri and Kim Vopni in the show notes, where you can learn more about their work and connect with them personally. And if you haven't already, head over to our YouTube channel and hit the subscribe button to watch our latest episodes.

Links:

NEW ~ YouTube channel to watch this episode

Kim Vopni: The Vagina Coach

Dr. Bri: Vibrant Pelvic Health

Podbean: Use code Bravemum30 for the first 30 days of podcast hosting for free.

Instagram: @bravemumma

Credits:

Host: Stephanie Thompson

Podcast logo artist: Khrystyna Lukashchuk

Brand Designer: Brodie-Rose

Original Soundtrack: Steven Robinson.

Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:01:38)

Welcome to this episode where we discuss the possibility of healing prolapse naturally. I invite you to approach this conversation with an open mind. I want to share my thoughts and experiences, and I hope you find them helpful. 

Storytime (00:01:38 - 00:03:52)

I want to start by sharing a personal story about a mindset shift that occurred during a family vacation. I didn't expect it to happen, but I observed that my prolapse symptoms were less evident when I was on vacation. This experience left me feeling unsure about the power of the mind and raised more questions than answers.

Healing vs. Fixing (00:03:52 - 00:06:15)

During this episode, I want to explain the difference between fixing and healing prolapse. Fixing prolapse involves reversing the symptoms and returning to the way things were before prolapse. In contrast, healing prolapse involves accepting the situation, understanding it, and feeling okay despite the physical symptoms. I encourage you to adopt a healing mindset and embrace the journey.

The Healing Spectrum (00:06:15 - 00:08:05)

Now, let's talk about the healing spectrum and how it relates to prolapse. At one end of the spectrum, fixing prolapse involves surgery or using a pessary. At the other end of the spectrum, healing prolapse involves accepting the situation and working with it. It's important to note that everyone's journey is different, and it's essential to find what works best for you.

Next week on the show we will be continuing this healing conversation by speaking with two experts in this POP space. 

Links:

Instagram: @bravemumma

All promotional codes and support: https://linktr.ee/bravemumma

Podbean: Use code Bravemum30 for the first 30 days of podcast hosting for free.

Credits:

Host: Stephanie Thompson

Podcast logo artist: Khrystyna Lukashchuk

Brand Designer: Brodie-Rose

Original Soundtrack: Steven Robinson.

Description: 

This episode has a surprising plot twist that I think everyone in the Bravemumma community can relate to, regardless of their interest in birth control pills. This episode is about empowerment, self-discovery, and healing. So if you're looking for inspiration and support in your own journey, you won't want to miss it.

Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:00:28)

In today’s episode, we’ll discuss how I tried to alleviate the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse with my doctor's help and I’m going to share what I did, how I did it, and the results.

Tracking the Symptoms of Prolapse With Doctor’s Help (00:00:28 - 00:02:43) 

Mentally tracking the symptoms of prolapse is tricky. We think we know our POP symptoms can be felt more significantly just before and after your period.

The thought was prolapse symptoms could possibly go away if I didn't have a period. After sharing my observations and speculations with my GP, we discussed being on the contraceptive pill long-term without having a period (and therefore no symptoms). 

A Matter of Trial and Error (00:02:43 - 00:04:48)

My doctor advised me to take a certain type of birth control tablet from October to December. I had my period multiple times in November and December, with the same symptoms as a normal period (only more). I decided not to take the pill to stop my period after experiencing worse breakthrough bleeds and symptoms.

Mindset Shift and Prolapse: A Plot Twist (00:04:48 - 00:06:57)

Going on a family vacation and expecting to do a lot of walking, I observed one thing: prolapse symptoms were less evident when I was on vacation. At first, I thought it was because I wasn't doing all of the chores like I would at home. 

This led to thinking a lot about our mindset and left me with more questions than answers. Questions we are going to further explore on this show. I see myself as a strong-minded person and this experience left me feeling very unsure about the power of the mind - in a good way. 

If any of this is resonating with you right now and would like to discuss your own healing journey, you can reach out via Instagram. 

LINKS FOR YOU

1. Contact Bravemumma via Instagram: @bravemumma

CREDITS

Host - Stephanie Thompson

Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk

Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose

Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

Description 

Introduction (00:00 - 00:48)

In this episode, we explore how alcohol consumption affects prolapse symptoms and how quitting alcohol can make a positive difference. I share my personal experience of dealing with a prolapse diagnosis and how alcohol became my way of coping. 

The Negative Impact of Alcohol on Prolapse Symptoms (00:48 - 03:17)

While alcohol helped to cope with prolapse symptoms in the short term, it had a negative impact on symptoms the next day. Initially, a glass of wine with dinner, but it gradually turned into a bottle or two. Alcohol affected my bowel and bladder movements, leading to constipation and difficulty emptying my bowel completely.

Quitting Alcohol: Positive Changes (03:17 - 06:02)

The decision to quit alcohol entirely in early January 2022 wasn't easy. Since quitting, I've noticed several positive changes, including a reduction in prolapse symptoms. 

The Connection Between Alcohol and Prolapse Symptoms (06:02 - 08:05)

When drinking alcohol lowers inhibitions, it can lead to overeating sugary and processed junk food. This, in turn, leads to dehydration, which can cause constipation and exacerbate prolapse symptoms. By quitting alcohol, I've been able to break this cycle and take better care of my entire body.

If you have any questions about anything discussed in today's episode you can reach out via email or Instagram below. 

LINKS FOR YOU

1. Books mentioned: 'This Naked Mind' by Annie Grace and 'Less Wine, More Time' by Mim Jenkinson.  

CREDITS

Host - Stephanie Thompson

Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes

Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk

Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose

Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

Description

Introduction (00:00-01:16)

Join me, Steph Thompson, on a journey to learn about pelvic organ prolapse as we explore helpful information to support you, the listeners. Drawing from my personal experience with prolapse, I invite experts and guests to share their knowledge on the topic.

Changes for Season 3 (01:17-01:58)

Season 3 of The Low Down with Bravemumma brings changes, all focused on helping YOU prioritize self-care and self-improvement. Shorter episodes, ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, will make it easier for you to fit valuable information into your busy schedule.

In addition to the podcast, you can also access helpful information through our monthly newsletter and YouTube channel. Guest speaker interviews will dive straight into valuable information without lengthy introductions, and show notes will provide additional background on the speakers.

Thank You and Upcoming Event (01:59-03:15)

I want to express my gratitude to all our listeners for their patience as we prepare for season 3. I'm excited to announce an upcoming event: the Reawakened Mom Summit. As a speaker alongside 27 others, we'll discuss self-care and self-love, loving parenting at any age, and women and moms in business. The summit is free, and you can register for access through the link below. 

LINKS FOR YOU

1. The Reawaekend Mom Summit: https://linktr.ee/bravemumma

CREDITS

Host - Stephanie Thompson

Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes

Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk

Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose

Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

DESCRIPTION

Are you wondering how you're going to manage your prolapse during this Festive Season? Here are 3 top tips to help you. 

If you're new here, a very warm welcome to you! We suggest you go back to episodes #8, #12, and #43.

Click the link to join our free private Facebook support group, or search Tips and Tricks for Women Living with POP. 

LINKS FOR YOU

1. Join the private Tips and Tricks for Women Living with POP Facebook group

DESCRIPTION

In today's Season 2 final we have saved one of the most impactful episodes until last for a reason. 

While we are on a break from the show, we want you to continue the great work of our community by supporting other mummy's around the globe. 

Without giving too much away, I can promise today will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think. 

My favourite quote from this chat: "Motherhood should mark a beginning, not an end".

This episode is for you if you want to know more about:

• childbirth in Australia and in Africa

LINKS FOR YOU

1. Guest - Aminata Conteh-Biger - Foundation 

CREDITS

Host - Stephanie Thompson

Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes

Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk

Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose

Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

DESCRIPTION

Today we are sharing a sneaky bonus episode for Season Two.

Initially, this episode was only going to our private Tips & Tricks for Women Living with POP - Facebook group.

Then after listening through after production, I was like, how can I not share this with everyone who tunes into this podcast? Because you might find some things in here that are really helpful for you as a parent in terms of how to start conversations about pelvic sexual health with your own children. 

Our conversation with Psycho-Sexologist, Chantelle Otten is so important to anyone who is wanting to feel better about their sexual health, self-esteem, and communication.

If you're like many of us, talking about this may not come easy. This is why having conversations like this on a podcast is the best way to have access to this information without anyone needing to know! 

Please note: we are sharing a special announcement in this episode which means the introduction goes beyond our normal 3-4 minutes. If this is something that's not for you, simply skip to around 10 minutes in. 

My favourite quote from this chat: "Just go gently, it's not something you have to rush into".

This episode is for you if you want to know more about:

• pelvic floor dysfunction 

LINKS FOR YOU

1. Guest - Chantelle Otten - Sexologist

CREDITS

Host - Stephanie Thompson

Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes

Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk

Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose

Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

DESCRIPTION

Today we have invited Melissa to come and share her top tips for feeling the best you can as a mum (and human). 

Melissa is the host of the Reawakened Mom podcast, which focuses on putting yourself back on that priority list as a mum because she wants to help us feel less alone.

As a mum, there were so many things that Melissa shared that I too felt like, wow, I needed that nudge. I needed that reminder. So I hope by the end of this episode, you too get a little bit of a tap on the shoulder or a little jolt to help you feel lit up and good about yourself again, because we are so much more than just mums.

We are brave mamas here!  

My favourite quote from this chat: "Let's cut up the Supermum cape".

This episode is not to be missed for all mumma's. 

This episode is for you if you want to know more about:

• Becoming a step-mum

LINKS FOR YOU

1. Guest - Melissa Clampitt from 'The Reawakened Mom Podcast'

This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at the Continence Foundation. Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist for free confidential advice, Monday to Friday 8am-8pm.

CREDITS

Host - Stephanie Thompson

Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes

Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk

Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose

Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson