In this episode, I interviewed Lauren Fleming, the founder of HEM Support Wear, a company pioneering the market of external support garments for women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse. Lauren shares her personal journey of discovering prolapse after having her first baby during the pandemic and her struggles with finding comfortable and effective support garments, which led her to create her own. 

We discuss the importance of pelvic floor health, the differences between internal and external support options, and the broader applications of HEM garments for postpartum women and those with conditions like vulvar varicosities. Lauren also addresses the need for aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-use support garments and her efforts to create a supportive community through storytelling and partnerships with healthcare professionals.

Find Lauren IG: @hemsupportwear

                      Facebook: Hem Support Wear


Timeline

00:28 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:51 Lauren's Journey to Founding Hem Apparel

01:38 Challenges and Solutions in Pelvic Health

04:15 Exploring External and Internal Support Options

07:23 Target Audience and Product Benefits

12:18 Building Community and Raising Awareness

15:30 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we explore the concept of voiding diaries—a vital tool for tracking bladder symptoms and understanding urinary habits. I explain how to document liquid intake and output, identification of bladder irritants, and methods for monitoring symptoms to aid in diagnosis and improve bladder health.

I'll discuss the importance of recognizing triggers through voiding and food trigger diaries and provide practical tips for creating and interpreting these journals.

Learn how this method can help manage incontinence issues and enhance your journey to better bladder health.

Get your FREE VOIDING & fOOD TRIGGER DIARY HERE


Timeline:
00:28 Introduction to Voiding Diaries

01:11 Understanding Voiding Diaries

02:34 Tracking Your Bladder Habits

03:09 Measuring Progress with Voiding Diaries

05:43 How to Keep a Voiding Diary

09:45 Analyzing Your Voiding Diary

12:46 Identifying Bladder Irritants

16:17 Using a Food Trigger Diary

18:17 Conclusion and Resources

This informative episode dives into recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). I highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and discuss common misconceptions. 

Many women experience symptoms that resemble UTIs but are actually due to other conditions like tight pelvic floor muscles or low estrogen levels, particularly during menopause or postpartum. 

The episode emphasizes the limitations of urgent care in managing recurrent cases and the necessity for a holistic evaluation. Various treatment options, including vaginal estrogen, prophylactic antibiotics, and physical therapy, are explored. The key takeaway is to ensure the correct diagnosis and consider broader medical evaluations for persistent symptoms.

00:28 Introduction to Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

01:34 Prevalence and Impact of UTIs

02:32 Challenges with Urgent Care Treatment

03:04 Defining Recurrent UTIs

04:38 Exploring Non-Bacterial Causes

06:58 Holistic Evaluation and Treatment

07:34 Advanced Diagnostic Procedures

08:41 Preventative Measures and Treatments

11:05 Alternative and Emerging Treatments

12:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this empowering episode, I dive deep into the world of bladder training and urge suppression techniques, specifically designed to support women struggling with Overactive Bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence. These practical, non-invasive methods are recommended by leading health authorities, including the American Urogynecology Society and JAMA.

Key techniques covered include Kegel exercises, urge suppression through pelvic floor contractions, and timed voiding strategies. These methods have improved symptoms in about 50% of women and are foundational even for those requiring additional treatments. 

Practical steps for implementing these techniques and the importance of a strong pelvic floor are emphasized, alongside tips to avoid panic and manage the urgency more effectively.

Join me as we uncover the secrets to taking control of your bladder health and improving your quality of life.

For More Information: Dive deeper into urge suppression strategies in my comprehensive blog post:https://thewomensbladderdoctor.com/urge-suppression/

Additional References:

• AUA Guidelines on Overactive Bladder
• Urinary Incontinence in Women - FPMRS
• PubMed Study on Urge Suppression

Tune in to this episode for a blend of expert insights and practical advice, all designed to empower you to live confidently and comfortably.

Timeline

00:28 Introduction to Bladder Training and Urge Suppression

00:56 Understanding Urgency Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder

01:29 Guidelines and Initial Recommendations

02:24 Techniques for Urge Suppression

04:32 Steps to Manage Urge Suppression

06:25 Timed Voiding Explained

07:09 Implementing Timed Voiding

09:06 Additional Tips and Conclusion

In this episode, I'll discuss the KNACK technique, a pelvic floor contraction method designed to help minimize stress urinary incontinence. I explain how this technique, also known as 'squeeze before you sneeze,' can reduce leakage by up to 80% in pregnant and non-pregnant women. 

This episode details the benefits of coordinating pelvic floor contractions with breathing and showcases the effectiveness of the KNACK through the paper towel test. Listeners are encouraged to try the technique and, if needed, improve the strength and coordination of their pelvic floor muscles. 

For more information, visit Dr. Janis Miller's website, MyConfidentBladder.com, "Bladder101" course available on my website at thewomensbladderdoctor.com, or my blog post the "KNACK" at https://thewomensbladderdoctor.com/?s=knack

00:28 Introduction to KNACK

00:54 Understanding Stress Urinary Incontinence

01:38 The Knac Technique Explained

04:58 Scientific Validation of the Knac

05:20 Paper Towel Test Demonstration

06:32 Effectiveness in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women

07:41 Challenges and Considerations

09:07 Additional Resources and Final Thoughts

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Leslie Sanchez-Goettler, the medical director of Radiance MD and an obesity medicine specialist, about her comprehensive approach to weight loss. Dr. Sanchez-Goettler emphasizes a holistic methodology, integrating the 'five pillars' of nutrition, physical activity, sleep, emotional and spiritual wellness, and appropriate medications. 

She shares her personalized strategies, including hiking and weightlifting sessions, with her patients, highlighting the importance of psychological support and bio-composition tracking. She also discusses the challenges and benefits of weight loss medications, the significance of avoiding compounded drugs, and her dedication to building a compassionate, patient-centered practice.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Leslie Sanchez-Goettler

00:52 Holistic Approach to Weight Loss

01:56 Peer Support and Exercise

06:38 Personalized Nutrition Plans

08:15 Emotional and Spiritual Wellness

10:44 Medications and Hormone Replacement

13:16 Challenges and Solutions in Weight Loss

20:29 Insurance and Accessibility

22:29 Conclusion and Contact Information

Today, I'm speaking with Peyton Schmidt, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan, focused on the innovative 'Healthy Healing after Delivery' program. As the first of its kind in the U.S., this initiative offers specialized support to women dealing with various postpartum pelvic floor issues, such as lacerations, incontinence, and pelvic floor dysfunction, which often go unaddressed in standard postpartum care. The program was inspired by similar research in the U.K. and aims to provide comprehensive care, including education on pelvic floor health, tailored physical therapy, and the potential for surgical interventions if necessary. 

Peyton highlights the program's genesis, its implementation challenges, outcomes, and the broader implications for improving postpartum care. It also touches on future research areas and the importance of broader education and conversation around postpartum pelvic health to enhance women's recovery and quality of life after childbirth.

Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Healthy Healing After Delivery Program

00:39 Origins and Impact of the Program

04:20 Challenges and Successes in Referral and Acceptance

06:18 Clinic Operations and Patient Care Process

07:15 Educational Approach and Physical Therapy Integration

11:26 Research, Outcomes, and Future Directions

19:48 Expanding the Conversation on Pelvic Floor Health

23:55 Closing Thoughts and the Importance of Awareness

In this episode, I have the opportunity to speak with Dr. Kari Bo, a respected physical therapist and exercise scientist from Norway, known for her extensive research and education on the pelvic floor. 

Dr. Bo discusses the importance of pelvic floor muscle training, debunking myths regarding its effectiveness and emphasizing evidence-based practices. She highlights the necessity of supervised training for significant improvements, the adaptability of pelvic floor exercises to online formats, and the critical aspect of progressively increasing exercise intensity. 

Dr. Bo addresses common misconceptions about exercise postpartum and advocates for regular physical activity incorporating pelvic floor strength for aging gracefully, emphasizing the role of lifestyle, social connections, and nutrition.

00:28 Introduction to Dr. Carrie Bo: The Mother of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

01:43 The Importance and Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

02:03 Challenges and Misconceptions Around Pelvic Floor Training

03:45 Optimizing Pelvic Floor Training: Techniques and Maintenance

06:25 Incorporating Pelvic Floor Training into Regular Exercise Routines

15:00 Addressing Pelvic Floor Training Post-Vaginal Delivery

18:17 Exercise Classes and Pelvic Floor Strengthening: A Personal Approach

23:05 Aging Gracefully: Lifestyle, Exercise, and Nutrition

25:44 Cultural Differences in Diet and Portion Sizes

28:43 Closing Thoughts and Goodbye

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Rebeca Segraves, a leading physical therapist specializing in women's health, to explore the complexities of post-surgery rehabilitation. 

From her residency at Duke, where she honed her expertise in urogynecology, to her pioneering programs in early rehabilitation post-surgery, Rebeca shares her journey and insights into specialized care for women. Discover the critical role of early intervention after procedures like mastectomy, hysterectomy, and childbirth, and learn about the challenges and triumphs in implementing comprehensive care models. Tune in as Rebeca advocates for better postoperative recovery practices and addresses the pressing need for enhanced care for postpartum women.

You can find more information on Rebeca Segraves  at:

IG: @rebecasegraves_

X: @rebecasegraves

FB: @rebecasegraves

Linkedin: @rebecasegraves

00:28 Introduction to Rebeca Segraves and Her Mission

00:53 The Journey to Women's Health Physical Therapy

01:48 Collaboration and Early Intervention at Duke

03:20 Expanding Early Recovery Programs Beyond Duke

04:57 The Importance of Education in Post-Surgery Recovery

12:30 Challenging Traditional Post-Delivery Care Practices

23:17 Scaling Up Birth Recovery Services

29:17 Advocacy and Future Directions 

In this podcast, I answer frequently asked questions about urinary health, touching on the efficacy of D mannose for preventing urinary tract infections, the impact of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation on bladder health, the role of vaginal estrogen in treating urinary symptoms, and when to treat asymptomatic urinary tract infections. 

I'll also cover how to differentiate between urine leaks and sweat during exercise, the relationship between bladder issues and pelvic floor health, the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy postpartum, and managing bladder symptoms in the third trimester of pregnancy. I address misconceptions about the pelvic floor's role in urinary health and offer practical advice for women experiencing these common issues.

00:00 Welcome to the Q&A Session!

00:55 Exploring D Mannose and UTI Prevention

04:03 Vitamin D Deficiency: Impacts and Solutions

05:59 The Role of Vaginal Estrogen in Urinary Health

06:45 Addressing Asymptomatic UTIs: To Treat or Not to Treat?

08:27 Distinguishing Between Urine Leaks and Sweat

09:44 Bladder Issues vs. Pelvic Floor Problems

11:52 Postpartum Physical Therapy: Is It Ever Too Late?

14:22 Managing Bladder Symptoms During Late Pregnancy

15:18 Closing Remarks and Invitation for More Questions