#educatedhope

[leahbraun-blog1]

Would you walk around with a dumbbell in your hand all day to strengthen your bicep? Probably not. Also, it’s not practical. Same goes with your pelvic floor muscles. If you’re squeezing them (Kegels) alllll day perhaps it’s time to change your strategy. Listen to @birthkweens and Jaime from @lunaphysicaltherapy talk about some common symptoms associated with childbirth or women in general #commonnotnormal #womenshealth #educatedhope #podcast (at Murrieta, California)

[leahbraun-blog1]

Sometimes you have to put yourself out there. Share your real story not just the pretty, perfect stuff. That’s how I was introduced to @brianna.battles as she shared her story at a time when I needed her message (after the birth of my daughter). I reached out to her and she answered my messages personally. There were questions and concerns that my own doctors either ignored or said I was fine. She answered my list of emails and even checked back up on me. She cares. Becoming a Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach has provided me a community of like minded professionals like Bri for on-going support and education. I’ve learned stuff that in all honesty I wish I knew before my pregnancy. My goal is to go forward with each day and speak the sometimes uncomfortable truth and share the things that I wish I knew. That helps women to speak up and say, “hey, thank you for spreading this message as I thought this was normal.” #pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism #educatedhope #commonnotnormal #leahsprogram (at Mindful of Movement)

[leahbraun-blog1]

I had to share this quote from Dr Amy Tuteur, an obstetrician gynecologist from her site skeptical OB.com It's the reality of what women in the US face. After birth, they then go back to the same physician to be cleared for physical activity. She continues to say, "Vaginal birth (and to a lesser extent pregnancy itself) can stretch ligaments and muscles causing the bladder to fall. The sphincter is still intact so urine doesn’t dribble out. But when the pressure on the bladder is increased by coughing, sneezing or physical exercise urine may escape. This is known as stress urinary incontinence and is the most common form of incontinence in women of childbearing age." Australia and Canada make it protocol for women to be seen by a pelvic floor physical therapist (or physiotherapist) after birth. Many of us in the US have never even heard of this or our insurance doesn't cover it. Where does that leave us? 🤷‍♀️Although these injuries are common, it leads to life long disability and distress and are a subject of deep embarrassment for many women. #commonnotnormal #educatedhope #leahsprogram #pelvicpain #pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism (at Temecula, California)

[leahbraun-blog1]

Pelvic Health is not talked about enough and if it is, it's deemed taboo. Women need us to KEEP talking about it. I have a coach who unapologetically talks about it in his classes. Why? Because HE knows it matters. Maybe your message will help just one person today. That's enough for me. . . . #commonnotnormal #educatedhope #thereissomuchhope #pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism @dpt.melia @cpljake2004 (at Temecula, California)

[leahbraun-blog1]

Commonly prescribed by doctors if a person is leaking urine are kegel exercises. What does the individual kegel activity do?? Stop for a second and think about it. People need strong, but flexible muscles that tighten when they need to and relax when they need to. A person needs a well-functioning pelvic floor muscle GROUP, abdominal muscles, hip muscles, diaphragm and low back muscles. Check out Pelvic Guru.com for 10 Common Misconceptions About Pelvic Physical Therapy #educatedhope #pelvicfloor #incontinence (at Murrieta, California)

[leahbraun-blog1]

Absolutely agree!! How many times have you heard one of these statements: Oh you've had a kid & you pee involuntarily, that's normal 🙅🏻 Do Kegels...that will fix it 🤦‍♀️ You have diastasis recti, you'll need surgery 🙅🏻 You're pregnant, you can't do that workout 🤰🏼 Ladies! If you receive this response at any point please seek another opinion. Be your own advocate #educatedhope @juliewiebept @brianna.battles (at Murrieta, California)