In this episode, I sit down with physiotherapist, Lacey Forsyth to discuss: 

• What are hemorrhoids? 
• Symptoms
• Causes
• How hemorrhoids are related to the pelvic floor
• Treatment options

Lacey Forsyth is a Registered Physical Therapist, Mama of 2 and Founder of Bump Physio & Co.

Lacey graduated from the University of British Columbia’s MPT program (UBC) in 2014 after receiving her Master of Arts degree in Sociology from Simon Fraser University in 2010 and an Honours BA from UBC in 2007. She has a passion for teaching and helping others which drew her to the physiotherapy profession. 

Currently, Lacey is the Founder & CEO of Bump Physio & Co a boutique physiotherapy practice with locations in both Port Moody and Langley, BC. In her role, Lacey maintains an active clinical caseload and is involved in teaching and mentoring physiotherapists. She is also an active member within the profession though her ongoing membership with PABC, CPA and the Women’s Health Division as well as a teaching assistant with Pelvic Health Solutions.

Outside of work, Lacey is an active Mom of 2 tween boys so most likely you’ll catch her with coffee in hand either at the local ice rink or on the side of the soccer pitch or volleyball court. 

Links to contact Lacey:

Website: www.bumpphysioco.ca

Instagram

Links mentioned in episode:

1. Episode 28 - Constipation is crappy
2. Episode 1 - How well do you know your pelvic floor
3. Venixxa

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about this option

Not yet tested in pregnancy and breastfeeding 

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In this episode, I sit down with physiotherapist, Antony Lo to discuss:

• Common myths about the core:
  • “ I have a weak core”
  • “You need to actively engage your core all the time”
  • “Suck in your tummy”
  • “Maintain a neutral spine”
  • “Doming/coning = danger”
  • “Your TA isn’t firing”
  • “You need to master exercises on your back before progressing”
• How we as health care and fitness professionals should continue to question our knowledge base and adapt the messaging we are providing our clients to stay current
• Difference between what we think we know and what is true

Antony Lo is a physiotherapist from Australia and runs The Physio Detective service and My PT Education. He earned his degree from the University of Sydney and has been in practice since 1997 (old enough to see old things come back as new things!). He completed his post- graduate Master in Manual Therapy (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy) from the University of Western Australia and commenced his Specialisation training in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. He has been involved in ante-natal and post-natal education and management for his whole career. Through participation and through his work as a Physiotherapist at all levels of sport, coaching and education, he has developed a model of treatment that utilises the best from Sports Science, Musculoskeletal/Sports Physiotherapy, Pain Science, and Women’s Health research to provide a practical, realistic holistic model of care balancing the biopsychosocial model of healthcare with the best of historical assessment and management approaches. He is privileged to teach health and fitness professionals around the world in person and online in addition to his clinical work. Antony has a wife and 3 beautiful children in the best city in the world Sydney, Australia!

Links to contact Antony:

Email - [email protected] 

Websites
www.antonylo.com
www.physiodetective.com
www.mypteducation.com
www.womenshealthpodcast.com
www.diastasis.info 

Facebook
Antony Lo
Physio Detective
My PT Education
The Women's Health Podcast
The Diastasis Project

Instagram
Physio Detective
My PT Education
The Women's Health Podcast
The Diastasis Project

Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find more:my online course to walk you through pregnancy, birth prep and postpartum recovery: https://mommyberries.com

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In this episode, I sit down with registered midwife, Erin Sloan to discuss: 

• The path baby needs to take during a vaginal birth
• How the pelvis and pelvic floor are related
• How different positions can help the baby’s descent and path
• How I incorporate birth positions into my practice as a pelvic health physiotherapist
• The benefits of practicing a variety of positions
• How different props can be used
• How an epidural may affect positioning
• How you and your birth partner can advocate for different positions in your birth

Erin graduated from Laurentian University midwifery program in 2013 and has been working in Kelowna for 8 years at Maternity Care Westside. MCW is a collaboration between midwives, physicians and nurses and we aim to provide an informed, empowered and friendly experience. I love providing maternity care and can’t imagine doing anything else! 

Links mentioned in episode:

Episode 17 - Discussing epidurals with an anesthesiologist: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1722389/8746826

Spinning Babies: https://www.spinningbabies.com

A review and comparison of common maternal positions during the second-stage of labor

Huang et al - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31728401/

Effect of maternal birth positions on duration of second stage of labor: systematic review and meta-analysis

Berta et al - https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-019-2620-0

Effects of flexible sacrum positions during the second stage of labour on maternal and neonatal outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Zang et al - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32531856/

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Contact: [email protected]

Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find more:

my online course to walk you through pregnancy, birth prep and postpartum recovery: https://mommyberries.com

I offer online 1:1 appointments to help you address the physical symptoms holding you back from living your best life. 

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In this episode, I sit down with registered clinical counsellor, Haley Gershony to discuss: 

• The meaning of terms; baby blues, anxiety, depression and why “perinatal mood disorders” is preferred
• What symptoms are considered “normal” and “not normal"
• The many reasons expecting and new moms experience these feelings 
• The negative stigma around mental health 
• How your mental and physical healthy influence one another
• Actionable steps to address your symptoms
• Ways to be proactive during pregnancy

Haley Gershony is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who lives & works in Kelowna, BC.

Haley treats depression and anxiety, particularly in the postpartum period. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, and her Masters of Arts & Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from Columbia University in New York, NY.

Haley also has formal training in several counselling modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

Finally, Haley has three kids, all under 10 years of age. Her role as a mother informs her practice, and helps her connect with her clients. They say that the best way to learn is through experience-- and there is no experience quite like being a mother!

Links to contact guest:

Website: haleygershony.com

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Want more details on the small groups?
Contact: [email protected]

my online course to walk you through pregnancy, birth prep and postpartum recovery: https://mommyberries.com

I offer online 1:1 appointments to help you address the physical symptoms holding you back from living your best life. 

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In this episode, I sit down with obstetrician gynaecologist, Dr. Joanna Baxter to discuss: 

• Local statistics on c-section vs vaginal birth. How is this trend changing?
• The negative stigma around c-section 
• Reasons why a c-section may be planned during pregnancy. 
• Can this be purely elective?
• Reasons why a planned vaginal birth needs to move to a c-section once labour has started
• How the decision is made to have a forceps birth vs c-section
• Ways physiotherapists help women prepare for birth
• Each person is an individual 
• The benefits to being flexible in your thinking as you prepare for birth

Originally from the  Eastern Townships in Quebec Dr. Baxter graduated medical school from McGill, and completed her residency in Obstetrics and gynaecology in 2015 from UBC. Initially she practiced in the lower mainland before making the move to the Okanagan. 

Dr. Baxter enjoys the outdoors, and takes full advantage of the Okanagan life style. She is an avid backcountry camper, hiker, skier, mountain biker, wake surfer and paddle boarder.    

Dr. Baxter is a practicing OBGYN at KGH and her practice is highly varied with a special interest in high risk obstetrics, minimally invasive gynaecological surgery, and pelvic reconstructive surgery for prolapse. 

Looking for more info?

Listen to episode 8- Ways to prepare for a c-section 

Listen to episode 14 - Supporting your body the first 6 weeks after c-section 

Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find more:

To make a donation to offset the cost of production click donate:
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Want more details on the small groups?
Contact: [email protected]

my online course to walk you through pregnancy, birth prep and postpartum recovery: https://mommyberries.com

I offer online 1:1 appointments to help you address the physical symptoms holding you back from living your best life. 

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In this episode, I sit down with plastic surgeon,  Dr. Sheena Sikora to discuss:

• Why most clients seek out labiaplasty
• Reasons why this surgery is growing in popularity
• Differences in vulvar anatomy
• What does the procedure look like? 
• What you can expect for recovery
• Who performs this surgery besides plastic surgeons?
• Complications to be aware of
• How this labiaplasty relates to the pelvic floor
• Key takeaways for any listeners who are considering this procedure

Dr. Sikora completed medical school at the University of Alberta in 2010. Following this she completed Plastic Surgery training at the University of British Columbia in 2015. This was followed by a 1 year fellowship in Melbourne, Australia. She started her Career in Kelowna in 2016 with a focus on cancer reconstruction, upper limb and facial trauma/reconstruction and aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Sikora continues to teach medical students and residents at Kelowna General Hospital as a clinical professor with the University of British Columbia. Research has enabled her to present at many regional, national and international conferences. She is passionate about international medicine and has done multiple missions around the globe where her goal is to treat patients with traumatic and congenital deformities, and to provide skills, education and resources that are self sustainable.

“As your plastic surgeon, my goal is to individualize your care plan and ensure you feel confident about your decisions. You are unique, and thus your consultation and care plan should be. I look forward to meeting you and working together toward your goals”.

Sincerely,
 Dr.Sheena Sikora, M.D., FRCSC 

Kelowna Plastic Surgery

Podcast episode by At Your Cervix: Cliterally Speaking with Jessica Pin

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In this episode, I sit down with Vancouver urogynecoloist Dr. Roxana Geoffrion to discuss: 

• OASIS (obstetrical anal sphincter injuries)
• what the stats tell us about perineal tearing
• risk factors for perineal tearing
• how are perineal tears commonly managed in hospital and on discharge
• how to be proactive going into and during birth
• what follow up can new moms expect
• what signs and symptoms new moms should watch for at home
• ways to improve management of grade 3/4 perineal tears
• Be Pelvic Health Aware campaign

Dr. Roxana Geoffrion is an associate professor at the University of British Columbia and has been practicing urogynecology at the Centre for Pelvic Floor at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver for the past 12 years. Dr. Geoffrion completed her medical degree at McGill University and her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Ottawa.  She then pursued subspecialty fellowship training in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Calgary. 

 Dr. Geoffrion’s research interests include patient education and knowledge translation in the area of pelvic floor health and prevention of disease. She was recently awarded a grant from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, to build a website and initiate a social media campaign about the female pelvic floor. Since many pelvic floor issues start in pregnancy, the initial focus of the campaign was on disseminating evidence-based information on pregnancy and childbirth, and how these two life events impact pelvic health. With a group of colleagues, Dr. Geoffrion produced whiteboard animation videos in simple language, to describe various pelvic floor issues and preventative options. These can be viewed online, along with many other useful resources, at www.bepelvichealthaware.ca.  The campaign is on Instagram and Facebook.  Here is how you can find Dr Geoffrion.

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter @Dr_R_Geoffrion. 

Whiteboard animation video created by Be Pelvic Health Aware to explain OASIS

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my online course to walk you through pregnancy, birth prep and postpartum recovery: https://mommyberries.com

I offer online 1:1 appointments to help you address the physical symptoms holding you back from living your best life. 

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In this episode, I sit down with fellow pelvic health physiotherapist Tamarah Nerreter, to discuss:

• How often should we poop
• Signs of constipation
• Why do we get constipated
• What does long term constipation mean for our body
• Physiotherapy approaches to treating constipation 
• What can we be doing to start our kids with good bowel habits

Tamarah Nerreter, a physiotherapist since 2007 has a multitude of certifications in the areas of women’s health, perinatal care, diastasis, pediatric incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain and the list goes on. She believes in a holistic, whole body approach, empowering the individual through education, treatment and exercise. She practices at her own clinic, Bodynamics Physiotherapy in Vancouver/Delta BC Canada. 

Website: https://www.bodynamicspt.com

Instagram

Dimitriou et al 2015 - Defecating disorders: a common cause of constipation in women: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26238417

Forootan et al 2018 - Chronic constipation: Systematic review:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26238417

Videlock et al 2013 - Diagnostic testing for dyssynergic defecation in chronic constipation: meta-analysis Link between constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23421551/

Book:
 It's No Accident: Breakthrough Solutions To Your Child's Wetting, Constipation, UTIs, and Other Potty Problems by Steve Hodges (pediatric urologist) 

https://www.amazon.ca/Its-Accident-Breakthrough-Solutions-Constipation/dp/076277360X

Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find more:

my online course to walk you through pregnancy, birth prep and postpartum recovery: https://mommyberries.com

I offer online 1:1 appointments to help you address the physical symptoms holding you back from living your best life. 

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In this episode, I sit down with fellow pelvic health physiotherapist, Laura Werner from Victoria BC to discuss: 

• what the terms vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, vaginismus mean
• How common it is for women to experience vulvogaginal pain and why it is so often undiagnosed
• messages these clients are given
• the common path of management 
• symptoms that commonly bring these clients in to see a pelvic health physiotherapist
• what questions we ask as physiotherapists
• what does a physiotherapy assessment look like
• treatment options
• how to advocate for yourself

Laura Werner (she/her) graduated with a Master of Physical Therapy Degree from UBC in 2008. She has been practicing as a Registered Physiotherapist with specific training in the management and treatment of pelvic floor, abdominal, uro-gynecological and lumbopelvic dysfunctions since April 2010. Her passion for pelvic health physiotherapy was ignited during her women’s health practicum placement in her master’s program. Laura has also worked for the renowned Multidisciplinary Vulvodynia Program (now the Vulvar Pain Assessment Clinic) at Vancouver General Hospital. 

When not supporting her clients, Laura spends time with her three wonderful children. Although she no longer teaches, she is still an avid yoga student and takes any chance she can get to enjoy the outdoors.

Laura strives to grow and learn every day and is a self-proclaimed nerd. She is passionate about mental health, body positivity, and healthy sexuality.  

website: https://www.laurawerner.ca/

Resources mentioned in episode:

Vulvar Pain Assessment Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital: https://bcvulvarhealth.ca/

Edwards et al 2016 -Treating vulvovaginal atrophy/genitourinary syndrome of menopause: how important is vaginal lubricant and moisturizer composition? 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4819835/

Bornstein et al 2015 -  2015 ISSVD, ISSWSH, and IPPS consensus terminology and classification of persistent vulvar pain and vulvodynia

http://refhub.elsevier.com/S0889-8545(17)30081-5/sref1

Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find more:

my online course to walk you through pregnancy, birth prep and postpartum recovery: https://mommyberries.com

I offer online 1:1 appointments to help you address the physical symptoms holding you back from living your best life. 

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In this episode, I sit down with fellow pelvic health physiotherapist, Corinne Wade to discuss:

• Who is at risk for vaginal dryness?
• The main causes of dryness
• Symptoms of dryness
• The difference between vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
• What ingredients should be avoided
• Signs that there is an estrogen deficiency
• How you will know if a product isn’t right for you

Corinne Wade is a registered physiotherapist with 25 years' experience in pelvic floor physiotherapy.  She has worked in both the USA and Canada.  She is the proud owner of her own Pelvic Health clinic in Kelowna, BC called Kare Physiotherapy,   She treats conditions such as urinary/fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain and sexual health issues for all genders.  Corinne is passionate about mythbusting and breaking the taboos around topics such as poo, pee and sex!

Links mentioned in the episode:

Edwards, D., Panay, N.   Treating vulvovaginal atrophy/genitourinary syndrome of menopause: how important is vaginal lubricant and moisturizer composition? Climacteric, 2016. Vol. 19, No.2, 151-161

pH levels of water based lubricants infographic (Image credit to Smittenkittenonline.com Dr. Kara Dionisio

Osmolality of water based lubricants infographic (Image credit to smittenkittenonline.com)

Lubrications mentioned:

https://goodcleanlove.com/

https://sliquid.com/

https://www.uberlube.com/   

Menopause chicks hyaluronic acid moisturizer: https://purepharmacy.com/products/hyaluronic-acid

Find Corinne here:
Website
Instagram

Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find more:

my online course to walk you through pregnancy, birth prep and postpartum recovery: https://mommyberries.com

I offer online 1:1 appointments to help you address the physical symptoms holding you back from living your best life. 

Follow me on:

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Facebook

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Support the show