The Importance of Pelvic Floor Health: Key Insights from Dr. Rachel

In this episode of Loving Lessons Sleep Solutions, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Rachel, a pelvic floor physical therapist, to talk about a topic that doesn’t get enough attention—pelvic floor health. If you're like me, you might have heard about pelvic floor exercises in passing but never really understood how important these muscles are, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. Rachel opened my eyes to how crucial it is to take care of your pelvic floor, and I’m excited to share what I learned.

Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Dr. Rachel started by sharing her own story of struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction as a young woman, dealing with everything from urinary incontinence to severe pelvic pain. What really struck me was how common these issues are, yet we rarely talk about them. 

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect women at any stage of life, but it’s especially common during pregnancy and postpartum. Many of us brush off these symptoms—thinking it’s just part of being a mom—but that’s far from the truth.

Dr. Rachel explained that pelvic floor issues don’t just go away on their own. The good news? There are ways to prevent and treat them, but it starts with understanding the problem and taking action early.

Why Prevention is Key

One of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Dr. Rachel was the importance of prevention. I’ll admit, before this, I never thought about my pelvic floor until after I had kids and started experiencing issues. But Dr. Rachel made it clear that the best time to start thinking about your pelvic health is before problems arise.

She reminded me of the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Dr. Rachel encourages women to get their pelvic floors assessed as early as possible, even if they’re not experiencing symptoms. Why? Because a proactive approach allows you to catch any weaknesses or coordination issues before they lead to more serious problems. Whether you’re pregnant or planning to be, a pelvic floor assessment could save you a lot of pain and discomfort down the road.

The Importance of Pelvic Floor Coordination

I’ll be honest—before talking to Dr. Rachel, I thought pelvic floor health was all about strength. But she explained that it’s just as much about coordination. Your pelvic floor muscles need to know how to work together to support your bladder, especially during activities like sneezing or exercising. Even women who are physically fit can struggle with coordination issues, leading to problems like urinary incontinence.

Why Kegels Aren’t Always the Answer

Like many women, I had always heard that Kegels were the go-to solution for pelvic floor problems. Dr. Rachel quickly debunked that myth. While Kegels can be beneficial, they’re not a one-size-fits-all fix. In fact, if you’re doing them incorrectly or if your pelvic floor is already too tight, Kegels can actually do more harm than good.

Dr. Rachel emphasized the need for professional guidance when it comes to pelvic floor exercises. Without proper assessment, you could be focusing on the wrong exercises for your specific needs. So, before you start doing Kegels every day, it’s a good idea to consult with a pelvic floor specialist to figure out what’s best for your body.

How Pelvic Health Affects Sleep

One thing that really hit home for me during this conversation was how much pelvic health impacts our sleep. As a mom, I know all too well how difficult it is to get a good night’s rest when your body is uncomfortable. Whether it’s pelvic pain, frequent trips to the bathroom, or just general discomfort, pelvic floor issues can seriously mess with your sleep.

Dr. Rachel pointed out that when your pelvic floor is healthy, you’re less likely to experience these nighttime disturbances. And let’s face it—when we sleep better, we feel better. Addressing pelvic health doesn’t just improve physical symptoms; it helps moms (and their families!) get the rest they need to thrive.
Talking to Dr. Rachel was eye-opening for me. I realized that I had been ignoring my pelvic floor for far too long, thinking that discomfort was just part of the “mom life.” But after hearing Dr. Rachel’s story and learning more about how our pelvic floors affect everything from our daily routines to our sleep, I realize I need to take action. 

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this post, it’s that pelvic floor health matters—whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or years into motherhood. Prevention, coordination, and the right exercises can make a huge difference, and it’s never too late to start caring for your pelvic floor.

Key Loving Lessons Learned in this episode: 

🟣 Early prevention of pelvic floor issues can prevent severe symptoms during and after pregnancy.

🟣 Coordination, not just strength, is crucial for pelvic floor health.

🟣 Kegels are not a one-size-fits-all solution and can sometimes worsen symptoms.

🟣 Pelvic floor dysfunction can be addressed years after giving birth, and it's never too late to seek help.

🟣 Pain, leaking, and a feeling of heaviness are common red flags signaling the need for pelvic floor therapy.

Resources mentioned to help you keep learning & growing: 

⭐ Learn more about Dr. Rachel with Durham Pelvic
⭐️ Pelvic Floor 101 Exercise Handout

By focusing on your pelvic floor, you’ll not only feel better physically, but you’ll also improve your sleep and be better equipped to handle the daily challenges of motherhood. Let’s stop ignoring this vital part of our health and start giving it the attention it deserves!

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