In this episode, I discuss with Naturopathic Doctor, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and the founder of IRIS, Dr. Dolores Fernandez: The unique benefits of vaginal moisturizer, lubricant and estrogenSymptoms that may indicate someone would benefit from a eachImportant factors when choosing (ingredients, cost, packaging)Suggestions for applicationSide effectsWhat many other products on the market are missing The factors that make IRIS uniqueDr. Dolores Fernandez is a Natur...

In this episode, I discuss with midwife Meghan Mackenzie and family physician with extra training in low risk obstetrics, Katie Armstrong: The term “natural birth”The difference between the terms “vaginal birth” and “natural birth”The problems with labelling cesarean birth or instrumented birth “unnatural”The influence of social media Ways your perinatal provider may be able to support you during your birthWays your pelvic health physiotherapist may support you as you prepare for b...

In this episode, I discuss with Sinead O’Donovan from SRC health : The evidence based benefits of compression The feedback I receive from clientsThe quality garments SRC has developed for incontinence, prolapse, back/pelvic pain and the perinatal populationTo check out SRC products: www.srchealth.com For 10% off your order: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT Sinead O'Donovan's professional journey began with her qualification as a Registered Nurse, specializing in ICU and Cardio Thoracic medicine and...

In this episode, I discuss with researcher and associate professor at the University of Alberta, Dr Margie Davenport: 2019 Canadian guideline for physical activity throughout pregnancyThe benefits of physical activity following childbirthThe recommendations for how much activity and the importance of gradual progressionDo we actually need to wait 6 weeks to do exercise postpartum?Do we all NEED clearance from our care provider to exercise?The impact of sleep and breastfeeding No tw...

In this episode, I discuss with EMDR Therapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor, Ashley Phillips about: How previous trauma can be related to your physical symptomsEMDR therapy and how it differs from talk therapyHow EMDR therapy can be used to process various types of trauma (childhood, sexual, medical, PTSD etc) What you can expect in a session Proposed theories for why it works Ashley Phillips is an EMDR Therapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor based in Kelowna, British ...

In this episode, I discuss with Jessica Adaszynski: The new Physiotherapy Association of BC Position statement released March 2025: Accessibility to Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Services for Residents of BC Evidence based benefits of pelvic health physiotherapyCurrent gaps and inequitable accessRecommendations for improved awareness, access, integration into the health care system, funding, Jessica Adaszynski is a Registered Physiotherapist practicing since 2011. Her early care...

This episode is meant to be listened to AFTER episode 110. In that episode, I discuss with urologist, Dr. Jeff Zorn, diagnosis and treatment options for prostate cancer. In this episode, I discuss with fellow pelvic health physiotherapist, Katie Hauck: The relationship between the prostate and the pelvic floor Symptoms commonly experienced after prostate cancer treatment (incontinence, erectile dysfunction, peyronie’s, bowel issues)What you may expect in a physiotherapy appointment...

In this episode, I discuss with urologist, Dr. Jeff Zorn: The prostate and age related changesSigns and symptoms of prostate cancerScreening in Canada Typical movement through the medical system if prostate cancer is suspectedTreatment options (active surveillance, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy)Risks for each treatment (incontinence, bladder/bowel, sexual health)Where does pelvic health physiotherapy come in?Dr. Jeff Zorn, Urologist, Comox BC. Joined North Islan...

In this episode, I discuss with medical student, Sara Perelmuter: What is genitourinary syndrome of lactation (GSL)?Reasons why the postpartum vulvovaginal tissues resemble those of a menopausal womanSigns and symptoms of GSLPostpartum hormone changes How to talk to your provider about this What we need to know as providersDoes using topical estrogen harm the baby?Dose, frequency and length of time one may expect to use estrogenSara Perelmuter is a medical student at Weill Cor...

In this episode I discuss with a previous client of mine, Fatima Al-Roubaiai: How do you know how many appointments to make with health care practitioners before and after birth?The degree of advice and appointments can be overwhelmingYou are the expert on what works for you The pros and cons of social mediaYour support “team” may be different before and after birthHow do know what YOU needFatima is a mother, daughter, sister, cousin, aunty, and friend. She joins us to share her personal...

In this episode I discuss with trained midwife and founder of the GentleBirth app, Tracy Donegan: The goal behind starting GentleBirth and the gap it filledReasons why meditation and mindfulness are helpful in preparing for birthHow the app may be used throughout pregnancy, birth and throughout motherhoodNOTE: 3 bonus episodes (meditations) will be released with this episode The GentleBirth Positive Birth app combines mindfulness, hypnosis, breathing techniques, affirmations, and ...

BONUS BIRTH MEDITATION 3 The GentleBirth Positive Birth app combines mindfulness, hypnosis, breathing techniques, affirmations, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help expectant moms feel calm, confident and prepared for birth. Unlike traditional childbirth classes, GentleBirth is brain training for birth - teaching moms (and partners) how to manage stress, reduce fear, and build resilience through daily guided practices. Content is included for partners also (male or female). With per...

BONUS BIRTH MEDITATION 4 The GentleBirth Positive Birth app combines mindfulness, hypnosis, breathing techniques, affirmations, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help expectant moms feel calm, confident and prepared for birth. Unlike traditional childbirth classes, GentleBirth is brain training for birth - teaching moms (and partners) how to manage stress, reduce fear, and build resilience through daily guided practices. Content is included for partners also (male or female). With per...

BONUS BIRTH MEDITATION 2 The GentleBirth Positive Birth app combines mindfulness, hypnosis, breathing techniques, affirmations, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help expectant moms feel calm, confident and prepared for birth. Unlike traditional childbirth classes, GentleBirth is brain training for birth - teaching moms (and partners) how to manage stress, reduce fear, and build resilience through daily guided practices. Content is included for partners also (male or female). With per...

BONUS BIRTH MEDITATION 1 The GentleBirth Positive Birth app combines mindfulness, hypnosis, breathing techniques, affirmations, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help expectant moms feel calm, confident and prepared for birth. Unlike traditional childbirth classes, GentleBirth is brain training for birth - teaching moms (and partners) how to manage stress, reduce fear, and build resilience through daily guided practices. Content is included for partners also (male or female). With per...

In this episode I discuss with Kelowna based midwife and clinical counsellor, Laura Cavaliero: Each person experiences their birth uniquely. What is beautiful to one may feel traumatizing to another. Labour and birth factors that may lead to trauma Possible signs and symptoms that may indicate one is experiencing the effects of birth traumaBenefits of revisiting birth or going through the events with care providerIf your provider doesn’t offer to review the details of your bir...

In this episode I discuss with fellow physiotherapist, Dr. Sinéad Dufour: Reasons we may be seeing more instrumented births and cesareans despite the goal for a physiological birthInternational clinical guidelines favour limited use of routine medical interventions BUT most labour and birth practices don’t align with this Impacts that stress, anxiety and fear have on birth outcomes New research: Brain training using strategies like mindfulness and providing pain education can help w...

In this episode I discuss with Physiotherapist, Fiona Rogers: What is TTNS (Trans tibial nerve stimulation) using a tens machine and how does it work?Why don’t we hear more about it? Where does it stand amongst other treatments for overactive bladderWhen in practice you may consider applying TTNS Suggestions for purchasing a TENS machineSettings/parameters ideal for overactive bladder How a patient would apply TTNS themselvesSuccess ratesSide effectsThe difference between ...

In this episode I discuss with UBCO Professor, Ali McManus: How we as parents model healthy eating and physical activity to our childrenThe guilt we may feel as parents when we prioritize our own physical activity and how we can rethink thisTrends in different areas of the world when it comes to childhood obesity and parent level of activityThe research Ali McManus and her team are conducting on sex and developmental-based differences in brain and cardiovascular health, and the imp...

In this episode I discuss with Board Certified Urogynecologist, Dr. Sarah Boyles: Types of incontinenceTypical patient flow through medical system Impact of incontinence on quality of life Reasons why incontinence may developWhat you can expect at a urogynecology appointment Treatment options (pessary, physio, bulking agents, compression, surgery) Description of surgical optionsSurgical risks Post operative instructions How effective are bladder slings? ...