In this episode, I discuss with midwife Meghan Mackenzie and family physician with extra training in low risk obstetrics, Katie Armstrong:

• The term “natural birth”
• The difference between the terms “vaginal birth” and “natural birth”
• The problems with labelling cesarean birth or instrumented birth “unnatural”
• The influence of social media
• Ways your perinatal provider may be able to support you during your birth
• Ways your pelvic health physiotherapist may support you as you prepare for birth with your goals in mind
• Valuable messages for listeners

Meghan MacKenzie is a Registered Midwife with Maternity Care Westside and has been working with women and families in the Okanagan area for the past 10 years. She is the head of the department of midwifery at Kelowna General Hospital and is a clinical teacher as well. She loves supporting women and families through their pregnancy and birth journeys and feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside some amazing colleagues here in Kelowna.

Dr. Katie Armstrong is a family physician with additional training in low risk obstetrics. She is originally from Northern Ontario, and completed medical school at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine followed by residency training at the University of Toronto. She has locumed in various provinces and territories throughout the country, and is currently practicing in Calgary, Alberta. In her spare time she enjoys cross-country skiing, cooking and pottery.

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In this episode, I discuss with Sinead O’Donovan from SRC health :

• The evidence based benefits of compression
• The feedback I receive from clients
• The quality garments SRC has developed for incontinence, prolapse, back/pelvic pain and the perinatal population

To check out SRC products: www.srchealth.com

For 10% off your order: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT

Sinead O'Donovan's professional journey began with her qualification as a Registered Nurse, specializing in ICU and Cardio Thoracic medicine and Surgery. Subsequently, she achieved a BSc Hons in Podiatry and practiced in a private setting for a decade. In 2008, she took the significant step of founding SRC Health.

While recuperating in the hospital following the birth of her first child, Sinead O'Donovan, our founder, recognized the need for greater support for new mothers returning to their bustling lives. Leveraging her extensive medical and bio-mechanical expertise, she envisioned a garment that would provide comfort throughout the day while offering the necessary support for herself and other new mothers.

Like all transformative ideas, this concept underwent an extended development phase to align with Sinead's original vision. Adjustments were made to the panel design, and in the pursuit of perfection, custom fabrics were created to meet the high standards set by Sinead.

After two years of meticulous development and patient trials, the garment finally fulfilled all expectations. In 2008, the SRC Recovery Shorts were introduced, a unique and patented product that has since aided thousands of mothers worldwide in recovering more comfortably and savouring their time with their babies. The SRC Pregnancy range soon followed. SRC health now boasts an extensive range of medical compression garments.

www.srchealth.com

Instagram: @srchealth

LINKS Mentioned

75. Abdominal compression garments after c-section with Katie Kelly

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SRC Health: discount code and website: https://srchealth.com/?ref=Sto_l3PawmnH4. Discount Code: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT

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Here is where you can find out how to work with me: www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/

mel@pelvicfloorprojectspace.com

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In this episode, I discuss with researcher and associate professor at the University of Alberta, Dr Margie Davenport:

• 2019 Canadian guideline for physical activity throughout pregnancy
• The benefits of physical activity following childbirth
• The recommendations for how much activity and the importance of gradual progression
• Do we actually need to wait 6 weeks to do exercise postpartum?
• Do we all NEED clearance from our care provider to exercise?
• The impact of sleep and breastfeeding
• No two people are the same!

Dr. Davenport was the Chair of the 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy, and the 2025 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep throughout the First Year Postpartum. This work led to the development of the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy, Get Active Questionnaire for Postpartum and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology/American College of Sports Medicine Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization. Dr. Davenport leads the Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health (www.exerciseandpregnancy.ca), and has published more than 200 manuscripts related to physical activity and sport during preconception, pregnancy and the postpartum period. Over the last decade she has worked with a number of National/International organizations including FIFA, the World Health Organization, International Olympic Committee, Sport Canada, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, and the American College of Sports Medicine to support physical activity during and following pregnancy.

LINKS MENTIONED

2019 Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines throughout Pregnancy

2025 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour & Sleep Throughout the First Year Postpartum.

New Screening Tool: Get Active Questionnaire for Postpartum

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SRC Health: discount code and website: https://srchealth.com/?ref=Sto_l3PawmnH4. Discount Code: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT

IRIS: discount code and website: https://www.lovemyiris.com/ Discount Code: PELVICFLOORPROJECT

Thanks for joining me!
Here is where you can find out how to work with me: www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/

mel@pelvicfloorprojectspace.com

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In this episode, I discuss with EMDR Therapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor, Ashley Phillips about:

• How previous trauma can be related to your physical symptoms
• EMDR therapy and how it differs from talk therapy
• How EMDR therapy can be used to process various types of trauma (childhood, sexual, medical, PTSD etc)
• What you can expect in a session
• Proposed theories for why it works

Ashley Phillips is an EMDR Therapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor based in Kelowna, British Columbia. Originally from Nova Scotia, she holds a Master of Education in Counselling from Acadia University.

With over 15 years of experience, Ashley has worked with individuals, groups, and communities to foster meaningful, lasting change. She specializes in treating PTSD, perinatal trauma, phobias, recent traumatic events, binge eating, and ADHD.

Ashley is deeply passionate about EMDR therapy. She founded the Kelowna EMDR Clinic, where she leads a team of dedicated employees and contractors. A lifelong learner, she is currently on the path to becoming an Approved EMDR Consultant, further expanding her ability to support clients and fellow clinicians alike.

HOW TO CONTACT ASHLEY

www.kelownaemdr.ca

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SRC Health: discount code and website: https://srchealth.com/?ref=Sto_l3PawmnH4. Discount Code: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT

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Here is where you can find out how to work with me: www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/

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In this episode, I discuss with Jessica Adaszynski:

• The new Physiotherapy Association of BC Position statement released March 2025: Accessibility to Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Services for Residents of BC
• Evidence based benefits of pelvic health physiotherapy
• Current gaps and inequitable access
• Recommendations for improved awareness, access, integration into the health care system, funding,

Jessica Adaszynski is a Registered Physiotherapist practicing since 2011. Her early career was mostly in adult neurological rehabilitation, however since 2018 her clinical focus has been on pelvic health and persistent pain. Jessica works both in public health and in a private fee-for-service model. Her private practice is located in Coquitlam, B.C. She believes strongly in Pelvic Health Physiotherapy being accessible throughout the healthcare continuum. Jessica supports labs as a lab assistant at UBC Master of Physical Therapy program and Pelvic Health Solutions. She loves taking Physiotherapy students or interdisciplinary students who want to learn more about Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.

HOW TO CONTACT JESSICA:

www.fullcirclephysiotherapy.com

PABC POSITION STATEMENT:

Accessibility to Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Services for Residents of BC (Published March 11 ,2025)

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SRC Health: discount code and website: https://srchealth.com/?ref=Sto_l3PawmnH4. Discount Code: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT

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Here is where you can find out how to work with me: www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/

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This episode is meant to be listened to AFTER episode 110. In that episode, I discuss with urologist, Dr. Jeff Zorn, diagnosis and treatment options for prostate cancer.

In this episode, I discuss with fellow pelvic health physiotherapist, Katie Hauck:

• The relationship between the prostate and the pelvic floor
• Symptoms commonly experienced after prostate cancer treatment (incontinence, erectile dysfunction, peyronie’s, bowel issues)
• What you may expect in a physiotherapy appointment after prostate cancer treatment
• The benefits of seeing a physiotherapist BEFORE your treatment
• Incontinence clamps and penis pumps

Katie Hauck brings over a decade of experience as a registered orthopedic and pelvic health physiotherapist, having earned her Honours Degree in Biomedical Science and her Master of Science in Physical Therapy. As the owner of Black Mountain Physio, Katie provides specialized care for individuals of all genders, addressing a wide range of pelvic health conditions. She has a special interest in helping clients navigate the effects of cancer treatments on pelvic health, including the impacts of radiation, surgery, and hormonal therapies for prostate and breast cancer. Katie is also dedicated to helping clients manage pain during intimacy, navigate endometriosis and painful periods, and prepare for pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery, offering tailored support for both vaginal and cesarean births.

HOW TO CONTACT KATIE:

blackmountainphysio.com

Instagram- @blackmountainphysio

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SRC Health: discount code and website: https://srchealth.com/?ref=Sto_l3PawmnH4. Discount Code: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT

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Here is where you can find out how to work with me: www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/

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In this episode, I discuss with urologist, Dr. Jeff Zorn:

• The prostate and age related changes
• Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer
• Screening in Canada
• Typical movement through the medical system if prostate cancer is suspected
• Treatment options (active surveillance, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy)
• Risks for each treatment (incontinence, bladder/bowel, sexual health)
• Where does pelvic health physiotherapy come in?

Dr. Jeff Zorn, Urologist, Comox BC. Joined North Island Urology, in August of 2014, after completing his urology residency training at the University of Alberta. Originally from Tisdale, Saskatchewan, Dr. Zorn has an interest in Urologic Oncology, minimally invasive surgery, in addition to general urologic practice and surgical volunteer work abroad.

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SRC Health: discount code and website: https://srchealth.com/?ref=Sto_l3PawmnH4. Discount Code: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT

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Here is where you can find out how to work with me: www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/

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In this episode, I discuss with medical student, Sara Perelmuter:

• What is genitourinary syndrome of lactation (GSL)?
• Reasons why the postpartum vulvovaginal tissues resemble those of a menopausal woman
• Signs and symptoms of GSL
• Postpartum hormone changes
• How to talk to your provider about this
• What we need to know as providers
• Does using topical estrogen harm the baby?
• Dose, frequency and length of time one may expect to use estrogen

Sara Perelmuter is a medical student at Weill Cornell in New York city and is already innovating the field of sexual medicine. She has over 7 scientifically peer reviewed publications and is currently the president of the Sexual Medicine Research Team. She is a passionate advocate for women's reproductive and sexual health and is on track to become an OB/GYN. Her prior research experience exposed her to the profound gap in research on women’s sexual health and her clinical work exposed her to the prevalence of medical gaslighting and the dismissal of women's pain. Paired with her feminist values, this has motivated her to pursue a career dedicated to improving women's sexual health. Sara believes education, accessibility, and awareness are vital to break the barriers and help empower women to take control over their own bodies.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Genitourinary syndrome of lactation: a new perspective on postpartum and lactation-related genitourinary symptoms

Website link of my Sexual Medicine Research Team with GSL info

Survey Information Sheet

Survey link

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SRC Health: discount code and website: https://srchealth.com/?ref=Sto_l3PawmnH4. Discount Code: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT

Thanks for joining me!
Here is where you can find out how to work with me: www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/

Support the show