If you have found this episode useful and keen to work a little harder on your pelvic floor, then you can download my FREE 6 step guide to the pelvic floor workout here

or you can copy and paste this link.... https://mailchi.mp/fitfannyadams/6-step-guide-to-connecting-with-your-pelvic-floor

I hope you've enjoyed this episode, please do take a moment to rate and review!

Today we explore the post partum period for mum. Are we supporting our new mums well, in terms of restoration or are we expediting them back to their pre pregnancy activities without this magical piece of the jigsaw?

Today I explore:

- how that immediate focus on baby can leave some mums in the dark

- the pressure to start shifting baby weight V's restoring the post partum body

- the perception that everyone can jump right back in to 'normal' activities and exercise

I also get into the nitty gritty of daily functions... can we ask better questions to help with the more intimate, but often painful issues, of bowel movements, perineal trauma and returning to intimacy...

I hope you enjoy this episode and if you feel you need further guidance or support, please do contact your GP or feel free to contact me directly.

What is the best exercise for you to engage your core? We all want to get the most from what we are doing, but sometimes we look at core exercise too one dimensional. We need to move away from focusing on specific muscles, to the concept of working at dynamic unit... and in the non linear way that the world demands!

If you want to get back to basics and check you are engaging your core effectively, then access my free video here.... https://mailchi.mp/fitfannyadams/learn-how-to-engage-your-core-effectively

And if you want some on demand core classes , then you can access my members platform here, for a full library of core strengthening classes. https://fitfannyadams.clubright.co.uk/register

I hope you enjoy this episode !

Sarahjane

There has been so much coverage of covid admissions, Intensive Care and a reduction in NHS services over the global pandemic, but life across the maternity service has had to continue in a radically altered way. We are starting to assess that impact that these changes have had on pregnancy, the birth process and the post partum period.

This episode explores the consequences and impact of birthing in a high stress environment and explores what we can be learning from it, to better prepare our mums of tomorrow.

Trigger warning - this episode contains content and themes that you may find upsetting.

Mental health and the core (and therefore the pelvic floor!) are closely related.

Last week was Maternal Mental Health Awareness week, where I was truly honoured to be asked to talk about the ripple effect of birth trauma with the Perinatal Mental Health Partnership (https://www.facebook.com/PerinatalMHPartnershipUK/) and (https://www.instagram.com/perinatalmhpartnership/?hl=en). The talk between myself and their member Evie Canavan was open, raw and honest and I hope helps some women feel more able to talk, seek help and feel less isolated following birth trauma.

HRH Dutches of Cornwall, was also named as the Patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, which is such a significant statement of recognition and support - here is the link to watch HRH, The Dutches of Cornwall giving her support last week.

So if you tried the breathing practice that I went through in todays episode, but you feel that you want to take this a little further, then try out episode ! (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pelvic-floor-connection/id1612050360?i=1000631672263)

And for access to my members platform, where you can access loads of great stuff, including meditations, all for free, just register here https://fitfannyadams.com/MembersHub

Thanks for listening and please don't hesitate to get in touch if you feel you need any help or support on this subject. sarahjane@fitfannyadams.com

It was such an honour to be asked back to support Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, buy the Perinatal Mental Health Partnership.

This years theme was the power of connection and connecting is SO important for those who are struggling with the mental and/ or physical effects of birth trauma.

Birth trauma is poorly defined and poorly researched, but we know that it effects more first time mums and those affected by:

• long labour - particularly pushing phase
• fear and anxiety
• complications
• interventions
• lack of (perceived or actual) control
• pain
• large baby
• foetal position

In this episode, we explore how birth trauma affects women AFTER they have left the labour room, which is so rarely talked about.

The Perinatal Mental Health Partnership can be contacted via: Perinatalmhpartnershipuk@gmail.com or https://www.instagram.com/perinatalmhpartnership/

If you would like to get in touch with me after this episode, please email me at sarahjane@fitfannyadams.com

And if you want to focus on reconnecting with your pelvic floor, access my free guide at www.fitfannyadam.com/pelvicfloor

Trigger warning : This is a very open discussion which touches on incontinence after birth, pelvic floor health, birth injuries and stitches and so please practice self care when watching and step away if you need to.