The Lowdown with Bravemumma

DESCRIPTION What is empowerment anyway? What does it look like? And how can you start to feel empowered today?  Join us for this conversation with Women's Health Physiotherapist, Laura Callea (also known as Physio Laura), as we dive deep into what it means to feel (really) empowered.  Stick around until the very end to see if you can start to implement the three things suggested in the reflections of this episode. You can share your wins with us over on Instagram @bravemumma   This episode is for you if you want to know more about: the spectrum of childbirth pelvic organ prolapse incontinence pelvic floor physiotherapy breaking down barriers to women's health normalising anatomy terminology importance of ongoing health education finding balance in rehabilitating your body, and the 3 things you can do today to feel empowered   LINKS FOR YOU 1. Join the Bravemumma community 2. Book: The Day My Vagina Broke 3. Modibodi Code: BRAVEMUMMA22  This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at Modibodi. If you'd like to give Modibodi a go, use code BRAVEMUMMA22 for 15% off your first order excluding sale items, bundles, gift cards and Maxi-24hrs. Expires 31st of December 2022.   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

DESCRIPTION Welcome back to 'The Lowdown with Bravemumma' podcast.  If you are new here - hello - we are glad you found this safe and supportive community.  For our season 1 listeners, it's lovely to have you back.    This episode is for you if you want to know more about: what this podcast is about  how season 2 can continue to help you where to find support right now you can subscribe or follow this podcast and have a new episode sent to you each Wednesday   LINKS FOR YOU Join the Bravemumma online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tipsandtricksforlivingwithPOP The Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Day-My-Vagina-Broke-childbirth/dp/1925921344 Socials: https://www.instagram.com/bravemumma/   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson   

DESCRIPTION ~ Season Final ~ Join the discussion with Elaine Miller, Pelvic Physiotherapist, mother, and award winning comedian. Elaine experienced pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence following the birth of her children and was shocked about the lack of literature, resources and understanding of these very common health issues. Elaine is a breath of fresh air in her approach to all things relating to women's health and uses comedy as an educational tool in breaking down barriers for open and frank discussions. Sadly, many women tend to ignore symptoms of incontinence and POP due to being busy with young babies and children. Important not to accept POP as 'normal'. Elaine educates us that 25% of women in the UK do not seek help with incontinence and 1 in 2 women will experience POP. This episode is for you if you want to know more about: posterior vaginal childbirth  pelvic organ proplapse  vomiting in labour  sensational vaginal birth story incontinence pelvic floor physiotherapy breaking down barriers to women's health normalising anatomy terminology importance of ongoing health education how to use comedy to break the barriers to women's health  LINKS FOR YOU This is your last chance to grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code: BRAVEDR to receive 20% off, plus a FREE gift box of tea. Find Elaine here: www.gussetgrippers.co.uk Elaine's podcast is coming - Get A Grip, which is athletes/academics/clinicians/politicians/patient experts/performers/activists all talking on a single issue and figuring out who needs to Get A Grip to solve it.   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson  Special thank you to Lyn for these show notes. Great job mum!   

DESCRIPTION Kimmy Smith, exercise and yoga lover with expertise in the area of exercise throughout pregnancy and postnatal. Kim was an elite athlete with the Australian Netball Squad prior to having children and was also a Corporate Lawyer. Kim moved on from both representative netball and the corporate law world to concentrate on her passion for health and fitness. Kim has always maintained health and wellness through exercise however following the birth of her daughters realised there was little information available relating to birth injuries and how to improve your overall pelvic floor condition through exercise. Kim has teamed up with a Women's Health Physiotherapist, Lyz Evans and they've created the 'Empowered Motherhood Program'. This is an award winning exercise program for women during pregnancy and in postnatal. Kim draws upon her own birth experiences and discusses the need for more readily available information for women at all stages of their life to assist with strengthening their pelvic floors and understanding the functionality of their pelvic floor through specific exercise programs.   Many women have no idea what prolapse is or understand the impact it can have on your life. Following the birth of her first child Kim was diagnosed with POP and given pamphlets to go away and read. The lack of support and knowledge led to her passion to improve this area of women's health.   This episode is for you if you want to learn more about: improving and protecting the pelvic floor through exercise medical examinations during pregnancy by a qualified exercise physiotherapist to assist with protecting the pelvic floor building strength postnatally  understanding the signs of a weak pelvic floor prior to and after giving birth proactive strategies to assist with birth provide the tools and support for women to regain pelvic floor health through exercise struggles and balancing between motherhood and you (as a person) mother guilt  how to get the support you need from pre birth to post birth and beyond share this episode with your loved ones who are becoming a mumma soon or in the near future LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code: BRAVEDR to receive 20% off, plus a FREE gift box of tea.  The Empowered Motherhood Program Have a special offer for $30 off all of listeners Use the code EMPAPP. It is available through our website and includes instant access to the EMP App.    CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson  Special thank you to Lyn for these show notes. Great job mum!   

* Share this episode with your exercise and fitness professional *  DESCRIPTION A must listen to podcast with Mish Wright, change practitioner in the field of women's fitness, exercise and overall health. In acknowledging the importance of maintaining physical fitness and mental health through exercise it is also vital to understand that the 'one size fits all' philosophy does not apply to most women. Women of all stages of life have engaged in some level of fitness and exercise.  But have we been left feeling deflated due to inability to continue due to problems with incontinence, or pelvic floor issues such as prolapse, or general pain in the pelvic area?  Or perhaps feelings of shame or embarrassment in talking about these issues with fitness instructors or exercise professionals? There is a general lack of understanding in the fitness industry about women's health, particular as it relates to prolapse and incontinence. Mish is passionate about changing this and has developed many educational programs to inform women and fitness professionals. Has your fitness instructor ever discussed issues relating to pelvic floor or the importance of correct technique?  Most instructors will inquire if you have an ankle injury, back injury etc. prior the commencement of the course but do they ask whether you have an injury relating to pelvic floor injury or suffer with incontinence? In fact you may be causing more damage to your body without the essential knowledge and information relating to the right form of exercise for your body. This episode is for you if you want to know more about: what everyone can be doing now to help make change   exercise and Fitness with POP pelvic organ prolapse and avulsion incontinence shame and stigma associated with prolapse menstrual cycles, peri-menopause and menopause  hormones, Estrogen, Cortisol and bone density personal training and prolapse  prolapse surgery   LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code: BRAVEDR to receive 20% off, plus a FREE gift box of tea.  Find out more about Mich: www.mishwright.com EVEolution Coaches: Mishfit.com.au   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson  Special thank you to Lyn for these show notes. Great job mum! 

How do you know it’s time to have POP surgery?   This is a two part series with Sarah Prime, who talks in depth about her decision to have prolapse surgery. Sarah tells us why as a ‘younger’ woman she could no longer live a life like this. Sarah has done her research and has some top tips for the best chance of a positive outcome to navigate her new norm.   Women living with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are often presented with three options to manage daily life.  Physiotherapy Pessaries  Surgery  (4. Live with it the best way you can when the above 3 are not successful.) Generally surgery is the last option offered to women who’ve finished having children and are much ‘older’. We will check back in with Sarah for part two following her surgery and recovery.  This episode is for you if you want to know about;  childbirth  pelvic organ prolapse  jade eggs pessaries  POP surgery  incontinence   hysterectomy   sex with prolapse  invisible injuries and disability motherhood  LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code: BRAVEDR to receive 20% off, plus a FREE gift box of tea.    CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

DESCRIPTION When an Intensive Care Nurse and Midwife has personal experience with birth trauma, she decides to ‘think outside the box’ and become a change-maker.  In our conversation with Dr Elizabeth Skinner, we dive deep into how women with prolapse go on to have another baby, or even be intimate again with their partners to become pregnant.  Find out how ‘health literacy’ can assist with making the changes we need to see in this birthing and prolapse space. You may be surprised to find out how the birthing culture of ‘natural’ birth method actually came to be.  This episode is for you if you want to know about; Birth Trauma and injuries for women and their partners  Pelvic Organ Prolapse  Prolapse and sex  Birthing centre  Birth Wars - how birthing is political  Vaginal birth  Cesarean birth  Forceps  How to have a baby when you have a prolapse  Prolapse as a disability  Diagnosing prolapse with 3D imaging Levator Ani  Pelvic Floor  Pessaries  How to make an informed decision in your birth   LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code: BRAVEDR to receive 20% off, plus a FREE gift box of tea.  Connect with Dr Elizabeth Skinner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizskinner/ Leave Your Review of the Podcast Here   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

How To Find The Clothes to Fit with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Many women living with POP, finding the right clothes to fit comfortably all day can be difficult. This episode could be helpful for you if you want to find out more about how to choose an outfit and shoes to help you feel more comfortable throughout the day.  If you have your own tip or trick when choosing an outfit with POP and would like to share it, leave a comment below or reach out via DM on Instagram @bravemumma LINKS FOR YOU Feet and Fannies Blog and Video demonstration  Join the Bravemumma-hood  Items mentioned in this episode: Kmart Overalls  Modibodi Underpants  Custom Nike Shoes   Frankie4

DESCRIPTION Lucy Bloom is an award-winning leader and speaker, with an epic birth story of her own. Her book 'Cheers to Childbirth' is a birthing guide for dads and birthing partners.  This episode explores the 'dream' image of what we expect our journey to motherhood to be. From having all the 'ducks in a row' before being pregnant, to birthing and trying to live two lives as both mum and professional. By the end of this episode we hope to have planted a seed for women and their birthing partners to learn all they can to be able to go into childbirth feeling prepared (with having a chance to work through any fears).  Lucy says; 'if your support person knows the right things to do, it will make birthing easier'. This episode is for you if you want to know about; how to support your partner during childbirth  epic birth stories  birth trauma  pelvic organ prolapse how to love being YOU and forget judgement  vaginal tearing with vaginal birth  how to stay away from birthing culture and birth politics  balancing being a parent and a working professional how dads and birthing partners can best support their birthing person  Beer and Bubs Childbirth classes men's (and birthing partners) perspective on childbirth  knowing when to advocate for your birthing mumma  cut through medical jargon in birth  midwifery care and obstetrician care  forceps births and cesarian section birth  birth trauma and systemic birthing failures  Favourite quote: 'There's no convenient time to have a baby'.  Language warning: a few f*bombs are dropped within this conversation.    LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code: BRAVEDR to receive 20% off, plus a FREE gift box of tea.  Grab a FREE copy of from ‘Lads to Dads’ which is a collection of birth stories by blokes: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/r4e2tqptw7 Find the book 'Cheers to Childbirth' here: https://cheerstochildbirth.com.au Leave Your Review of the Podcast Here CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

How To Manage Daily Housework with Pelvic Organ Prolapse  Many women leave their first diagnosis appointment with so much new information, but often they feel there was  nothing to help them to guide their daily lives. Sometimes this comes later on the road to recovery. For those who would like to fast track and get some tips now, this episode might be helpful for you.   If you have your own tip or trick for managing housework with POP and would like to share it, leave a comment below or reach out via DM on Instagram @bravemumma LINKS & CODES FOR YOU: To be in the running to win a 'New Parent Care Pack' Giveaway - ENTER HERE  Madame Flavour: Code: BRAVEDR for 20% off, plus free gift  Join the Bravemumma community  Book: The Day My Vagina Broke - what they don't tell you about childbirth

DESCRIPTION Are you one of those 50% of women suffering from pelvic organ prolapse (POP) looking for solutions to manage this condition through the use of pessaries? This conversation with Kaitlin Maier from REIA Health looks at this newly improved design and utilisation of pessaries for women suffering from pelvic organ prolapse (POP). REIA are hoping to achieve open availability of pessary for all women experiencing POP, worldwide distribution, with little to no practitioner intervention (following initial consultation) to enable women in remote locations self use of the pessary. This episode is for you if you want to know about; Pelvic Organ Prolapse POP Brief history of pessaries  Intergenerational family discussions on women's health Women's health anatomy Clinical trials  Inclusion for women with additional conditions  Innovation with pessaries  How to prepare for a pessary fitting LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code: BRAVEDR to receive 20% off, plus a FREE gift box of tea.  Sign up to the REIA Health Newsletter:  www.reiahealth.com CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson  Special thank you to Lyn for these show notes. Great job mum! 

DESCRIPTION Transitioning to parenthood can be complex, overwhelming and exhausting. Where do new parents go when they don’t know what they’re doing? (Truth - none of us really know what we're doing). Some new parents turn to friends or family members, Dr Google or mothers group - to find their village. But what happens when the village is non-existent or you can’t hear through all the noise of too many villages?  The Illawarra Early Parenting Centre is the place to find your village and get support as you transition to parenthood. This conversation may help you or someone you love.  This episode is for you if you want to know about; first time parents  why the need for the Early Parenting Centre  what are the signs you might need to call a service like this how are other family members involved  feed, play, sleep  co-sleeping and SIDS motherhood and judgment  when your instincts are not helping   postnatal depression and anxiety for families  why are new parents reluctant to ask for help how can we all be working together to help new families with the transition EDIT: Perinatal Mental Health Week 7th -14th November 2021 (not 8th-15th as stated in the intro).    LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code: BRAVEDR to receive 20% off, plus a FREE gift box of tea.  Website: Illawarra Early Parenting Centre To be in the running to win a 'New Parent Care Pack' Giveaway - ENTER HERE    CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

How To Have Another Baby Following a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Diagnosis  This is the number #1 question I'm asked by women living with prolapse.  Having lived through this very experience, I understand your fears and worries about falling pregnant, carrying for 9 months and birthing another baby with prolapse. I hope this personal recount helps you get to a place where you are able to; build your A Team, ask questions and become confident in your decision to move forward with another baby (or not). There is so much more to this conversation, like how to manage with two small children under 2, when you have POP. If you think this would be helpful, leave a comment below or reach out via DM on Instagram @bravemumma   LINKS & CODES FOR YOU: To be in the running to win a 'New Parent Care Pack' Giveaway - ENTER HERE  Madame Flavour: Code: BRAVEDR for 20% off, plus free gift  Bravemumma community  Book: The Day My Vagina Broke - what they don't tell you about childbirth EDIT: Perinatal Mental Health Week 7th - 14th November 2021 (not the 8th as stated in this episode). 

DESCRIPTION  If you have sustained injuries through childbirth, this discussion with Associate Hayley Collins - serves to be informative regarding the litigation process in receiving not only acknowledgement of the injuries incurred but also compensation. For the average person the area of law is unknown and there is a general lack of understanding regarding the different titles and levels of law professionals i.e differences between lawyer, solicitors, associates, barrister QC etc and each of their area of expertise. So when women find themselves wanting to explore options for taking on a claim following injuries as a result of birth trauma this field can be quite intimidating and unknown. What are some of the drawbacks or negatives in pursuing a law claim for birth injury? Financial constraints can be one factor as the process can be quite expensive. Another aspect is the process can take a long time before reaching court. Women are generally vulnerable following a traumatic birth and are daunted by the prospect of litigation. There are many positive aspects of working with people that have experienced birth trauma....success in receiving financial compensation for injury, acknowledgement of injuries, wanting to help other people that have experienced birth trauma.   This episode is for you if you want to know about: Legal terminology e.g. what is causation? Vaginal birth Compensation Forceps Breach of duty of care due to lack of consent prior to the use of forceps C Section Birthing Plan Midwifery profession promote vaginal birth C Section can be viewed as failing in the birth area Medical profession often normalise birth trauma Disbursements No win - no pay Settlement Upfront understanding and knowledge of the process involved taking on a claim for medical negligence. Prospects of success Statute of Limitation Health policies in relation to birth HCCC Birthing debrief Birthing Plan What is a Class Action? LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code: BRAVEDR to receive 20% off, plus a FREE gift box of tea.  Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support APOPS: https://www.pelvicorganprolapsesupport.org/   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson  A special thanks to Lyn for helping with these show notes. Great job mum! 

How To Prepare Daily Dinners With Ease  Just like the laundry, cooking and feeding your family are just one of those things you can not avoid - unless you're married to a chef, maybe?  So right now we're going to share the top tips to help you get through the 365+ meals you prepare each year.  For women living with pelvic organ prolapse, cooking and standing in the afternoon/night can be hard. The POP symptoms generally are at their worst after being mostly vertical all day long.  LINKS & CODES FOR YOU: Madame Flavour: Code: BRAVEDR for 20% off, plus free gift  YouFoodz Code: MEAL-DEAL Free Download - How To Build Your A-Team Bravemumma 

DESCRIPTION  In this Part 2 - Sherrie Palm shares her journey from her own POP diagnosis, mesh surgery and recovery to becoming an Author, Founder and CEO of Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support.  In this episode, we dive deep into the types of pelvic organ prolapse, causes and treatments for POP, plus Levator Avulsions.  This episode is for you if you want to know about; pelvic organ prolapse 101 5 types of pelvic organ prolapse  Levator Ani Avulsions  causes or contributors to developing POP join the APOPS support group for women with over 19K+ members     LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code: BRAVEDR to receive 20% off, plus a FREE gift box of tea.  Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support APOPS: https://www.pelvicorganprolapsesupport.org/ CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

Top Tips for managing Laundry Day with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) Laundry is something we just can't avoid. Living with POP, the simple things like laundry can feel like an enormous task that may contribute to your POP symptoms to feeling more noticeable.  LINKS FOR YOU: Watch this clip to demonstrate these tips mentioned in this episode: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CR5enRTDPWF/  Free Download - How To Build Your A-Team.    

The Lowdown with Bravemumma monthly LIVE format is to share conversations about women's health that are unscripted, because as we know sometimes the best things come from those unplanned experiences.  This conversation is for you if you want to know more about:  postnatal anxiety and depression postnatal exercise and fitness jade eggs pelvic organ prolapse  pelvic floor dysfunction/function healing with the power of the mind judgmental mummas healing your whole-self  LINKS FOR YOU: Bravemumma Co-host Sharny: https://www.sharnyandjulius.fit/home-page Podcast episode about how to talk to your children about sex: https://www.womenshealthweek.com.au/the-week/wednesday/#podcast-1 If someone you know, or yourself is looking for support with Post Natal Depression:  https://www.panda.org.au/ The Gidget Foundation Lifeline 13 11 14 for 24/7 Crisis Support    Thank you to Sharny for sharing her story LIVE and helping other mumma's wanting to feel inspired to be the best versions of themselves. 

DESCRIPTION  How does one woman accidentally become the 'Pioneer of POP'?   A self-confessed fitness fanatic, Sherrie Palm shares her journey from her own POP diagnosis, mesh surgery and recovery to becoming an Author, Founder and CEO of Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support.  As a woman who's had lived with pelvic organ prolapse, Sherrie Palm has such a wealth of knowledge and first hand experience in this POP space that we needed two episodes. In this first episode we introduce the reasons why the numbers are so high and yet it’s still taking us by surprise. In episode two, we dive deep into the types, causes, treatments and Levator Avulsions.  This episode is for you if you want to know about; pelvic organ prolapse 101 top tips for surgery recovery the book POP - ‘The Silent Epidemic’     vagina vs vulva   why we are seeing stats as high as 50%, yet we aren't talking about it how pornography has shaped our history of vaginal shame and taboo  sex with prolapse  how a support group went from 150 women to 17K+ (now 19K+)  LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code BRAVE20 to receive 20% off your first order.  Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support APOPS: https://www.pelvicorganprolapsesupport.org/   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

Your healing journey with pelvic organ prolapse - POP When you've just been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse you can feel so alone. The journey to heal, to move forward and be the best you can takes some time. The first thing you need to do is surround yourself with the right people who can support you, known as your A-Team.  Find out who needs to be on your team and how to find them.  These tips can be yours to download free - HERE