In this episode of the BirthLink Podcast, Colette speaks with Trapti Agarwal from TheraGurus about the importance of pelvic health in all stages in life, especially for women. They discuss the journey into women's health, the connection between ergonomics and pelvic floor health, and the significance of early pelvic floor therapy. TheraGurus emphasizes a holistic approach to pelvic health, including breathing techniques, postpartum care, and understanding conditions like prolapse. The conversation highlights the need for education and awareness to empower women in managing their pelvic health throughout their lives.

Takeaways

1. Pelvic floor therapy is essential for all women, regardless of their stage in life.
2. Understanding ergonomics can significantly impact pelvic floor health.
3. Early intervention in pelvic floor therapy can prevent long-term issues.
4. Postpartum recovery requires a focus on rest and self-care.
5. Breathing techniques play a crucial role in healing postpartum.
6. Prolapse is a common issue that can be managed with therapy.
7. Awareness of pelvic floor health is vital for overall well-being.
8. Stress can negatively affect pelvic floor function.
9. Education empowers women to take control of their health.
10. Holistic approaches to therapy can lead to better outcomes.

Find Trapti here:

http://theragurus.com

Instagram @thera_gurus

Chapters

00:00. Introduction to Pelvic Health and Therapy

00:56. Journey into Women's Health

01:55. The Importance of Ergonomics in Women's Health

05:02. Understanding Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy

08:00. When to Start Pelvic Floor Therapy

11:00. Preparing for Pregnancy and Birth

12:03. Postpartum Care and Recovery Tips

24:01. Understanding Pelvic Floor Issues Over Time

25:49. Prolapse: Signs, Symptoms, and Awareness

29:38. Navigating Prolapse: When to Seek Help

33:12. The Importance of Early Intervention and Education

36:06. Stress and Its Impact on Pelvic Health

40:13. The Role of Awareness in Pelvic Floor Health

41:39. Empowering Women Through Education and Support

Keywords: pelvic health, women's health, occupational therapy, ergonomics, postpartum recovery, pelvic floor therapy, prolapse, breathing techniques, holistic health, empowermen

Since starting as a nurse in labor and delivery I have heard that this is not a service industry, not a hotel or restaurant as we are made to feel like servers sometimes. We know best about their care and birth plans, we will take care of them and they should just let us do our jobs.

As more and more women speak up about trauma during hospital births, about the lack of support in labor and postpartum, I have to vent about my perception of what we are doing as nurses and doctors that is missing the mark.

How can we truly incorporate patient-centered care, treating the WHOLE person (persons) during their time in the hospital with us, while maintaining safety, autonomy and dignity?

Listen in as I question the hospital system we have and the mentality that so many nurses and doctors have around women in the maternity hospital system.

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In this episode, Colette Wagholikar and Nicole Lange discuss the intricate relationship between trauma, mental health, and fertility. They explore how acupuncture can aid in fertility treatments, the importance of open communication with partners, and the emotional challenges faced during the journey to parenthood. The conversation emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the significance of celebrating small victories along the way. Nicole shares her insights on navigating pregnancy after fertility struggles and the impact of IVF on pregnancy outcomes, advocating for a holistic approach to women's health.

Nicole Lange is an acupuncturist and thought leader who's pioneered trauma-informed fertility care since 2006. She's leading the conversation around the shocking reality that nearly 50% of people in fertility treatment develop PTSD—regardless of whether they get pregnant. Nicole's revolutionary salutogenesis approach focuses on preventing treatment-induced trauma while improving conception odds through her evidence-based integration of nervous system science and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Find Nicole:

https://lifehealinglife.com

https://www.youtube.com/@thebabyyouwant

https://www.instagram.com/notafixer/

Takeaways

• Trauma can significantly impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
• Acupuncture can help reset the body's hormonal balance and improve fertility.
• Mental health is crucial during fertility treatments and pregnancy.
• Open communication with partners is essential for navigating fertility struggles.
• IVF can lead to increased risks in pregnancy, but informed consent is key.
• Building a supportive community can alleviate feelings of isolation during fertility journeys.
• Celebrating small victories during the fertility process is important for mental well-being.
• Understanding the interconnectedness of physical and mental health can enhance fertility outcomes.
• Women often carry the emotional burden of fertility struggles, impacting their relationships.
• Education and awareness can empower women to make informed decisions about their fertility.

Chapters

00:00. Introduction to Fertility and Trauma

08:33. The Role of Acupuncture in Fertility

22:29. Understanding Trauma's Impact on Fertility

28:38. Understanding Salutogenesis in Fertility

30:54. Navigating IVF and Fertility Solutions

32:13. The Importance of a Holistic Approach

34:06. Emotional Challenges During Fertility Treatments

35:48. Radical Acceptance in Pregnancy After Infertility

39:01. Celebrating Small Wins in the Fertility Journey

43:19. Processing Emotions and Staying Present

46:17. Communicating with Partners During Fertility Challenges

52:39. Navigating Postpartum Challenges

54:45. Communicating Needs in Relationships

57:11. Setting Expectations for Parenting

59:15. Understanding Partner Dynamics

01:01:01. The Impact of IVF on Pregnancy

01:05:45 Balancing Evidence and Compassion in Care

01:08:25 Building a Supportive Environment for Parenthood

01:14:31 Outtro new edit.mp3

Keywords: fertility, trauma, acupuncture, mental health, IVF, pregnancy, women's health, support, community, holistic care