The Lowdown with Bravemumma

69: Mind-Body Connection and Healing, with Trauma-Informed Care in Women’s Pelvic Health with Dr. Sarah Woodward.

Description:
Welcome to this week's conversations with to Dr. Sarah Woodward, a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist, who works to break the taboo surrounding pelvic organ prolapse by providing women with the community and resources they need to overcome their condition and regain control of their lives.
Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:01:49)
In this episode, we'll talk about Dr. Sarah's physiotherapy practice and how she helps women who have pelvic organ prolapse by healing more than just their physical symptoms. 
 
Others may disregard their experience (00:01:49 - 00:04:00)
Dr. Sarah discovered after many years in practice that patients are aware of their own internal states. A lot of people don't believe them when they say their experience doesn't line up with the truth about their bodies.
 
The stigma and taboo of pelvic organ prolapse (00:04:00 - 00:10:28)
Pelvic organ prolapse carries with it a heavy social stigma. Women are stereotypically portrayed in popular media as being overly sensitive and prone to hysteria. They can't be trusted with the truth about their bodies, including knowledge concerning prolapse and the location of other anatomical features.
 
The obstacles to obtaining the necessary assistance and support (00:10:28 - 00:18:37)
Exposing the taboo of pelvic organ prolapse and the necessity of normalizing it in order to seek help and feel better are two steps in overcoming the stigma associated with the condition. Depending on where you are in the world and how you plan to gain access to a pelvic health physical therapist, your first step should be to discover one. These professionals can instruct you on how to properly use your muscles.
Discussing holistic treatment and financial and emotional support (00:18:37 - 00:26:57)
An examination of the significance of holistic care as well as the requirement for proper financial and emotional support for women who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. It is really beneficial to become involved in a community, and there are a great many things from which you can benefit. This is due to the fact that you possess many resources that you are able to share with others, which in turn can help people become involved.
 
Prolapse makes no distinctions (00:26:57 - 00:31:58)
Your issues with your pelvic floor shouldn't be kept so close to your chest. It is imperative that we begin sharing our experiences with one another in order to provide mutual support and feel as though we are not alone.
In this Bravemumma community, you never need to feel alone. 
If you are loving this podcast leave your review.
Here's a short clip on 'how-to': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzDB6Wl21D0
LINKS FOR YOU
Get more support with your prolapse via the Empowered Motherhood Program App.Receive 10% off the lifetime of your membership with The Empowered Mothers Program: Use the code BRAVE10
Special Guest: Dr. Sarah Woodward: https://luminousphysio.com/
Contact Bravemumma via email: stephanie@bravemumma.com
Get the first 30 days of podcast hosting for free from Podbean: Use Your Special code Bravemum30
 
CREDITS
Host - Stephanie Thompson
Podcast logo artist: Khrystyna Lukashchuk
Brand Designer: Brodie-Rose
Original Soundtrack: Steven Robinson.

68: The Decision to Not Proceed with Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Insights and Experiences from Bravemumma

DESCRIPTION
Welcome to this week's episode of our podcast, where I'm sharing my personal experience with pelvic organ prolapse and the decision not to have surgery to 'fix' or repair the damage during childbirth.  
I start by letting you know some of the key medical professionals I've seen, the outcomes of those conversations and where I'm at now, as well as where I'm looking to the future. 
We're also excited to share The Empowered Motherhood App is supporting our Bravemumma Community by providing 10% off the lifetime of your membership when you use the code BRAVE10. 
*This needs to be purchased via their website (not the app). 
Links:
The Empowered Motherhood Program: https://www.empoweredmother.com.au/
Podbean: Use code Bravemum30 for the first 30 days of podcast hosting for free.
NEW ~ YouTube channel to watch The Lowdown with Bravemumma
Instagram: @bravemumma
Credits:
Host: Stephanie Thompson
Podcast logo artist: Khrystyna Lukashchuk
Brand Designer: Brodie-Rose
Original Soundtrack: Steven Robinson.

67: Is Having Another Baby Possible After being diagnosed with Pelvic Organ Prolapse? with Lyz Evans and Kimmy Smith

NB: If you're not looking to have another baby, be sure to listen around 9 minutes in when Lyz shares something so valuable for everyone in this pelvic health space.
 
DESCRIPTION
Welcome to this week's episode of our podcast, where we are talking about having another baby after you've been with pelvic organ prolapse. 
We have the pleasure of speaking with two amazing women, Kimmy Smith and Lyz Evans, who together created the Empowered Motherhood Program. This is a program like no other. It was created over a period of two years when both Kimmy and Lyz were pregnant so they truly are on this journey with you.
While we explore this topic of second pregnancy with prolapse, we also take a deep dive into what it's truly like living with prolapse.
Lyz, a specialist women's health physiotherapist asks a question to women that I'd never heard before. Kimmy adds so much value to this conversation as an exercise specialist and also a mum of three who has lived experience with prolapse.
I encourage you to share this episode with the women you feel could feel supported during their next pregnancy with prolapse.
Be sure to check out the link below to the Empowered Motherhood program, where you can learn more about their work and connect with them personally.
And if you haven't already, head over to our YouTube channel and hit the subscribe button to watch this very episode. 
Links:
NEW ~ YouTube channel to watch The Lowdown with Bravemumma
The Empowered Motherhood Program: https://www.empoweredmother.com.au/
Podbean: Use code Bravemum30 for the first 30 days of podcast hosting for free.
Instagram: @bravemumma
Credits:
Host: Stephanie Thompson
Podcast logo artist: Khrystyna Lukashchuk
Brand Designer: Brodie-Rose
Original Soundtrack: Steven Robinson.

66: Healing Beyond the ’Fixes’: A Conversation with Dr. Bri and Kim Vopni on Pelvic Organ Prolapse and How To Maximise Your Wellbeing Journey

DESCRIPTION
Welcome to this week's episode of our podcast, where we are honored to bring you a conversation that is truly impactful.
We have the pleasure of speaking with two remarkable women, Dr. Bri and Kim Vopni, who combined have spent over 30 years working with women living with prolapse. Their own experiences living with prolapse have made them the perfect guests for this conversation about healing.
As we explore this topic of healing, we dive into the essential difference between fixing prolapse and healing, which we touched upon in our previous episode.
Both Dr. Bri and Kim provide invaluable insights and practical advice on how to begin your healing journey from prolapse. They offer outside-the-box and easy-to-follow steps that can help you take the first steps toward recovery when you're ready to explore this aspect of your journey.
We also delve into the importance of keeping an open mind and creating a safe space for yourself to discover your true and authentic self by being part of a healing retreat.
Kim and Bri share their expertise on just some of the possible positive things to come from allowing ourselves to be immersed in a retreat and discuss the potential for transformative experiences and those ‘aha’ moments that can be truly life-changing.
This conversation is filled with so much wisdom and practical advice that we are confident it will make a positive impact on anyone struggling with prolapse or interested in finding their authentic self.
Don't forget to check out the links to both Dr. Bri and Kim Vopni in the show notes, where you can learn more about their work and connect with them personally. And if you haven't already, head over to our YouTube channel and hit the subscribe button to watch our latest episodes.
Links:
NEW ~ YouTube channel to watch this episode
Kim Vopni: The Vagina Coach
Dr. Bri: Vibrant Pelvic Health
Podbean: Use code Bravemum30 for the first 30 days of podcast hosting for free.
Instagram: @bravemumma
Credits:
Host: Stephanie Thompson
Podcast logo artist: Khrystyna Lukashchuk
Brand Designer: Brodie-Rose
Original Soundtrack: Steven Robinson.

65: The Power of Healing: Embracing a New Mindset for Accepting Living with Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:01:38)
Welcome to this episode where we discuss the possibility of healing prolapse naturally. I invite you to approach this conversation with an open mind. I want to share my thoughts and experiences, and I hope you find them helpful. 
Storytime (00:01:38 - 00:03:52)
I want to start by sharing a personal story about a mindset shift that occurred during a family vacation. I didn't expect it to happen, but I observed that my prolapse symptoms were less evident when I was on vacation. This experience left me feeling unsure about the power of the mind and raised more questions than answers.
Healing vs. Fixing (00:03:52 - 00:06:15)
During this episode, I want to explain the difference between fixing and healing prolapse. Fixing prolapse involves reversing the symptoms and returning to the way things were before prolapse. In contrast, healing prolapse involves accepting the situation, understanding it, and feeling okay despite the physical symptoms. I encourage you to adopt a healing mindset and embrace the journey.
The Healing Spectrum (00:06:15 - 00:08:05)
Now, let's talk about the healing spectrum and how it relates to prolapse. At one end of the spectrum, fixing prolapse involves surgery or using a pessary. At the other end of the spectrum, healing prolapse involves accepting the situation and working with it. It's important to note that everyone's journey is different, and it's essential to find what works best for you.
Next week on the show we will be continuing this healing conversation by speaking with two experts in this POP space. 
Links:
Instagram: @bravemumma
All promotional codes and support: https://linktr.ee/bravemumma
Podbean: Use code Bravemum30 for the first 30 days of podcast hosting for free.
Credits:
Host: Stephanie Thompson
Podcast logo artist: Khrystyna Lukashchuk
Brand Designer: Brodie-Rose
Original Soundtrack: Steven Robinson.

64: Revealing the Surprising Results of My Birth Control Pill Experiment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms & The unexpected twist

Description: 
This episode has a surprising plot twist that I think everyone in the Bravemumma community can relate to, regardless of their interest in birth control pills. This episode is about empowerment, self-discovery, and healing. So if you're looking for inspiration and support in your own journey, you won't want to miss it.
Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:00:28)
In today’s episode, we’ll discuss how I tried to alleviate the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse with my doctor's help and I’m going to share what I did, how I did it, and the results.
Tracking the Symptoms of Prolapse With Doctor’s Help (00:00:28 - 00:02:43) 
Mentally tracking the symptoms of prolapse is tricky. We think we know our POP symptoms can be felt more significantly just before and after your period.
The thought was prolapse symptoms could possibly go away if I didn't have a period. After sharing my observations and speculations with my GP, we discussed being on the contraceptive pill long-term without having a period (and therefore no symptoms). 
A Matter of Trial and Error (00:02:43 - 00:04:48)
My doctor advised me to take a certain type of birth control tablet from October to December. I had my period multiple times in November and December, with the same symptoms as a normal period (only more). I decided not to take the pill to stop my period after experiencing worse breakthrough bleeds and symptoms.
Mindset Shift and Prolapse: A Plot Twist (00:04:48 - 00:06:57)
Going on a family vacation and expecting to do a lot of walking, I observed one thing: prolapse symptoms were less evident when I was on vacation. At first, I thought it was because I wasn't doing all of the chores like I would at home. 
This led to thinking a lot about our mindset and left me with more questions than answers. Questions we are going to further explore on this show. I see myself as a strong-minded person and this experience left me feeling very unsure about the power of the mind - in a good way. 
If any of this is resonating with you right now and would like to discuss your own healing journey, you can reach out via Instagram. 
 
LINKS FOR YOU
Contact Bravemumma via Instagram: @bravemumma
Get the first 30 days of podcast hosting for free from Podbean: Use Your Special code Bravemum30
 
CREDITS
Host - Stephanie Thompson
Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk
Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose
Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

63: How to Protect Your Pelvic Floor: Understanding the links between Prolapse and Alcohol Consumption.

Description 
Introduction (00:00 - 00:48)
In this episode, we explore how alcohol consumption affects prolapse symptoms and how quitting alcohol can make a positive difference. I share my personal experience of dealing with a prolapse diagnosis and how alcohol became my way of coping. 
The Negative Impact of Alcohol on Prolapse Symptoms (00:48 - 03:17)
While alcohol helped to cope with prolapse symptoms in the short term, it had a negative impact on symptoms the next day. Initially, a glass of wine with dinner, but it gradually turned into a bottle or two. Alcohol affected my bowel and bladder movements, leading to constipation and difficulty emptying my bowel completely.
Quitting Alcohol: Positive Changes (03:17 - 06:02)
The decision to quit alcohol entirely in early January 2022 wasn't easy. Since quitting, I've noticed several positive changes, including a reduction in prolapse symptoms. 
The Connection Between Alcohol and Prolapse Symptoms (06:02 - 08:05)
When drinking alcohol lowers inhibitions, it can lead to overeating sugary and processed junk food. This, in turn, leads to dehydration, which can cause constipation and exacerbate prolapse symptoms. By quitting alcohol, I've been able to break this cycle and take better care of my entire body.
If you have any questions about anything discussed in today's episode you can reach out via email or Instagram below. 
LINKS FOR YOU
Books mentioned: 'This Naked Mind' by Annie Grace and 'Less Wine, More Time' by Mim Jenkinson.  
Contact Bravemumma via email: stephanie@bravemumma.com
Modibodi 15% off sleep set: Your special code link and use BRAVE2023 at the checkout. T&C's - with a minimum spend of $100, excluding sale items, bundle packs, PUMA, gift cards and Maxi.
CREDITS
Host - Stephanie Thompson
Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes
Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk
Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose
Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

62: Revamp Your Self-Care: A Sneak Peek into Season 3 of The Low Down with Bravemamma for Living with Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Description
Introduction (00:00-01:16)
Join me, Steph Thompson, on a journey to learn about pelvic organ prolapse as we explore helpful information to support you, the listeners. Drawing from my personal experience with prolapse, I invite experts and guests to share their knowledge on the topic.
Changes for Season 3 (01:17-01:58)
Season 3 of The Low Down with Bravemumma brings changes, all focused on helping YOU prioritize self-care and self-improvement. Shorter episodes, ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, will make it easier for you to fit valuable information into your busy schedule.
In addition to the podcast, you can also access helpful information through our monthly newsletter and YouTube channel. Guest speaker interviews will dive straight into valuable information without lengthy introductions, and show notes will provide additional background on the speakers.
Thank You and Upcoming Event (01:59-03:15)
I want to express my gratitude to all our listeners for their patience as we prepare for season 3. I'm excited to announce an upcoming event: the Reawakened Mom Summit. As a speaker alongside 27 others, we'll discuss self-care and self-love, loving parenting at any age, and women and moms in business. The summit is free, and you can register for access through the link below. 
LINKS FOR YOU
The Reawaekend Mom Summit: https://linktr.ee/bravemumma
Contact Bravemumma via email: stephanie@bravemumma.com
CREDITS
Host - Stephanie Thompson
Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes
Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk
Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose
Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson