Why does it feel like I'm holding up a bowling ball between my legs?

I love to hear birth stories and the aftermath that we are dealt! My personal story included walking out of the hospital wondering why I felt like I was holding a bowling ball between my legs... and why!? I talked to some other friends and they looked perplexed at that description, until finally I crossed paths with another mom on my way into a physical therapist. Thank goodness - she could relate! Makes me wonder if the others were just being shy or feeling like it was taboo to complain...

Let's start talking ladies! Our truth is what connects us...

I had a 28-hour labor, pushed for 2 hours, forceps and a big baby. Although my endurance held up...other (more private) parts of my body did not. I was left with a pelvic floor that was weak and prolapsed. To be honest, I'd never heard of a prolapse until my physical therapist told me I had a Grade 5 Rectocele and Cystocele. In mentioning this to friends and family they all said the same thing..."But you were so fit?" Doesn't matter...life happens…and to get my baby out artificial instruments were necessary and consequently pelvic damage occurred.

According to Australian Doctor magazine (5 Nov 2010) "pelvic organ prolapse is more common than previously thought. A mild prolapse can have no symptoms, but if severe, it can be uncomfortable or painful. Almost one in five Australian women will need surgery for prolapse during their lifetime. Researchers found 19% of women had pelvic organ prolapse by age 85, compared to the 11-12% previously reported in the USA. However, there are probably many more women who never talk to their GP about their symptoms, perhaps due to embarrassment, thinking nothing can be done, or that it is an inevitable part of the childbearing experience, says the Continence Foundation of Australia.”

So what did I do?

Well, I went to several pelvic floor physical therapists and mastered the Kegel!!! They are hard to do after childbirth and to be honest, not what you want to be thinking about in the middle of the day while settling your fussy baby to sleep. After 9 months of therapy...I still struggled - standing for long hours, walking too much and lifting too much weight was hard.

So...I modified all my workouts and did lots of research. I transitioned to light weights & high reps; low impact cardio versus high; short training sessions to allow for rest; and…most importantly, asked my husband to help with the groceries. ;)

Six years later, life has changed for me, but I still live an active lifestyle. Helping others with similar experiences is what benefits the most. We don't have to settle for surgery or a "new normal". We can come together and trade secrets on how to thrive - which is what I love to provide to my clients - a positive attitude with tools to support your body.