To find out more about Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic Organ Prolapse is common, if not in the immediate post natal period, then later in life. It is when either the rectum, bladder or uterus prolapse into the vaginal wall, and sometimes out of the vaginal opening. If after reading this you still have any questions about where to go, feel free to message me and if I can help I will.
First step if you think you have POP- see your GP and make sure you get a referral to see a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, who will do a more thorough assessment and be able to advise you on treatment.
Sue Croft’s blog is a fantastic resource for this:
First, how to spot it and some causes, which include inappropriate exercises.
Pelvic floor strengthening (not just kegels!)
Moving, exercising and lifting safely.
Finally, there is a closed support group on Facebook here. If you think you have POP I suggest you head over there, it has loads of info and you’ll get plenty of advice and support.
To get help with incontinence
Sue Croft’s blog as above is invaluable for advice on incontinence. In addition there’s some great information here, in particular on managing over active bladder.
To learn more about Diastasis Recti
Dianne Lee has a wealth of information on this, and her website had presentations and up to date research. Nothing beats actually seeing a personal trainer or physio to get an experienced opinion though, so get in touch or find a trainer/ physio near you who can help.
Local Businesses
Hertfordshire Women’s Health
Erica is a Women’s Health Physio specialising in pelvic floor problems. She is based in St Albans and having seen her myself I can highly recommend her. See her if you have any issues such as incontinence with sneezing, coughing or jumping or you may have symptoms of a vaginal prolapse, such as a dragging, heavy feeling in the vagina and/or awareness of a bulge in the area.
Becky Aston Physiotherapy
Becky is an excellent Women’s Health Physio based in Chesham, who does pregnancy and postnatal packages. I have seen her myself and am confident that any pelvic or postnatal niggles or pains, however small or large, will be expertly assessed and treated.
Yoga with Mary
I recommend yoga to clients as a restorative activity, a stress reliever and a wonderful way to complement our exercise programme. Mary is a highly experienced yogi who is ante and postnatal qualified. She provides classes and 1:1 sessions.
Parents & co
For any new mums Parents & Co is a fantastic source of information. With courses for new mums and baby massage, and advice on weaning and baby products, Karen is wonderfully supportive. She also provides help for new mums, including overnight support, which can be invaluable (especially if you have twins, which many of her clients do)!
Natal Wellbeing
Laura runs pregnancy and postnatal pilates in Croxley Green, which beautifully complements personal training and can be done alongside my programmes. I highly recommend her classes.
Birth Story Healing
For mums, dads and birth workers who have been affected by a birth experience. If you’re holding emotions from a birth or who has depression or PTSD. Rachel is a former midwife who will help you to process and release the emotions that can cause symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, anger, relationship issues, flashbacks, not wanting more children or running events over and over. I can highly recommend Rachel, eitherface to face or via skype.
Kate Codrington Massage
Kate has over 20 years experience as a massage therapist, and I can highly recommend her. She is experienced in many forms of massage, including pregnancy and postnatal, so please visit her website for more information. Her belly massage in particular is not something many therapists offer, and is extremely beneficial.
Herts Osteopathy
Jo at Herts Osteopathy specialises in pregnancy and postnatal conditions, and I can highly recommend her from both personal experience and the results she has had with clinets. She does a thorough biomechanical assessment and works magic on painful pelvises!
Top Baby Photography
Samantha Devot is an award winning photographer who will ensure that you receive some beautiful images recording all the newness and little features of your baby. The end result will be some beautiful images that will make you smile every time you look at them.
