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Okay, did you know that you should NEVER be pushing anything out of your body? That includes when you go to the bathroom AND when you have a baby. When Dr. Katie Taylor, a pelvic floor physical therapist located here in Winston-Salem, shared that with me a few months ago, my brain exploded a little bit.
If you’re wondering why her recommendation is to avoid pushing when possible, you’re in the right place, and this podcast episode is for you.
The term “pelvic floor” was one that wasn’t at all on my radar during my pregnancy with my daughter Maggie back in 2016 and 2017, and unfortunately I know I’m not alone in being very undereducated about this important part of my body until relatively recently. Thankfully I WAS aware of my pelvic floor – and the importance of monitoring its health and strength – during my pregnancy with my son Vance in 2020 and 2021, and so after having him I met with Dr. Taylor to make sure everything was functioning optimally.
But even if you have never had a baby and don’t plan to, your pelvic floor health is something that’s so critical to be aware of. Without the right awareness, education, and provider (someone like Dr. Taylor), you might be living your life either now or down the road in a way that you THINK is normal but instead is just common. (And “normal” and “common” are two VERY different things.)
If you think peeing when you laugh or jump or sneeze after having a baby or once you get older is normal – think again.
If you think pain during sex is normal at some point in life – think again.
And if you have pain other places in your body and haven’t been able to pinpoint the source, that source might just be your pelvic floor.
I’m so grateful to Dr. Taylor for the work she’s doing to help women live healthier and happier lives, and a big part of that work is reducing the stigma when it comes to talking about this area of our bodies. After all, talking about incontinence or pain during sex can feel VERY uncomfortable, but those are also things that, if left untreated, can have a hugely negative affect on our lives. They are WORTH talking about, and it’s worth getting a pelvic floor physical therapist in your corner to help you address those things if you’re dealing with them. YOU are worth it.
Oh, and a quick plug to be sure to give Dr. Taylor a follow on Instagram. She shares SO much amazing information and education about the pelvic floor, so it’s a wonderful way to continue getting smart on this topic. You’ll benefit, and so will your friends, mothers, sisters, and daughters as you share what you learn with them!
Okay, ready to hear from Dr. Katie Taylor of Taylor Physical Therapy and Wellness? Here we go…
