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What happens when a patient walks into your pelvic health clinic carrying not only physical symptoms, but profound grief and trauma from pregnancy or infant loss? In this powerful conversation, Lynn Schulte, PT, talks with Noelle Moore, founder of the Finley Project, about what providers need to understand when caring for families after loss – and how our presence, language, and hands-on care can make a lasting difference. Key Discoveries from this Episode: Why grief and trauma can show up in the physical body. The power of giving a client permission. How to communicate when you don't know what to say. Why compassionate detachment matters for providers. Why grief isn't linear – or finished after one session.The importance of listening to the whole body. Why ongoing support matters. Clinical Takeaway For pelvic health practitioners, this episode is a reminder that our treatment room can become an important part of a patient's healing experience after loss. The goal isn't to fix grief. It's to create enough safety, compassion, and permission for the patient to have their experience while receiving the physical care they need. Frequently Asked Questions How can grief and trauma show up in the body? Grief and trauma aren't experienced only as emotions – they can also have physical effects. Patients may notice changes in tension, sensitivity, or sensation in the C-section scar, pelvic tissues, or other areas of the body. For pelvic health providers, this is a reminder to listen to the whole body rather than assuming the pelvis is the only place trauma is expressed. What can providers say or do when a patient is grieving? You don't need the perfect words. Slowing down, acknowledging what happened, and simply being present can be deeply supportive. Small statements that give a patient permission to cry, rest, pause, or stop treatment can help her feel safe, seen, and heard. Compassionate detachment is also important: providers can hold space for grief without taking it into their own bodies or trying to carry it for the patient.  Does grief have a timeline, and what kind of support is needed? Grief isn't linear, and it doesn't necessarily end after one session – or even after many years. It can resurface unexpectedly, which is why ongoing support matters. Families may need a combination of physical, emotional, practical, and community support rather than simply a referral to counseling and a quick return to “normal.” About Today’s Speaker Noelle Moore is the heart and strategic vision behind The Finley Project, a national nonprofit providing holistic support to mothers following the loss of an infant. After the devastating loss of her newborn daughter, Finley, Noelle recognized the lack of practical support available to mothers navigating life after loss. She founded The Finley Project to bridge that gap, creating a holistic 7-step program that supports mothers from hospital discharge through long-term healing. Based in Winter Park, Florida, Noelle serves mothers nationwide with compassionate, practical strategies for navigating trauma, grief, and healing. The Finley Project Programs: https://www.thefinleyproject.org/programs-all Ways to Get Involved: https://www.thefinleyproject.org/donate More Than I’m Sorry Book and Care Guide: https://www.amazon.com/More-than-Sorry-Step-Step/dp/1939237920 Connect With Lynn Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

What if the tissue you’re treating isn’t simply “tight” – but is holding onto an emotional or traumatic experience? In this episode, Lynn shares two clinical case studies that highlight the potential connection between emotions, trauma, the nervous system, and the physical tissues of the body. One case begins with something as seemingly straightforward as shoulder tension. But when Lynn follows what she feels in the tissues, the story takes an unexpected turn. The second case involves a woman preparing for another pregnancy after significant reproductive and surgical trauma. What Lynn discovers while working with her pelvic tissues raises some intriguing questions about how the body may continue to respond to an experience long after the event itself has passed. What You’ll Discover In This Episode: The link between emotion and changes in tissue tension and mobilityThe power of acknowledging an emotion or experienceA profound case involving pregnancy, surgery, trauma, and the uterusThe impact of past experiences in how we perceive and treat the pelvic tissuesThe importance of getting curious about the tissuesWhat we can do as therapists to help the body feel safe enough to let goThese cases invite us to look beyond the traditional question of “What structure is tight?” and consider another possibility: What is this tissue holding onto? If you work with pelvic health clients, especially those with birth, reproductive, surgical, or other significant trauma histories, this episode will give you some other ideas for what is impacting the body and what you can do about it. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear the details of these cases and what happened when the tissues finally began to release. Connect With Lynn Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast Don’t miss an episode! If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treatment sessions, find us on your favorite podcast app. Follow or Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast on: SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsBuzzsproutAmazon PodcastsTo learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

As pelvic health therapists, should we be focused on “How big is the gap?” or on “What can this person's abdominal wall do?” In today’s episode of the Birth Healing Summit Podcast, Dr. Nina Theodorsen, associate professor at the University of Bergen in Norway, practicing physiotherapist, and diastasis recti researcher, shares the latest on what current research tells us about exercise, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery. Her research discoveries challenge what practitioners have been taught to focus on with abdominal health, and she provides new insights on how we can better support clients to become stronger and more confident in their bodies after birth. Key Discoveries from this Episode: Diastasis during pregnancy may be adaptation – not pathology.We may be blaming exercise for something exercise doesn't cause.IRD measurements and “doming” do not tell the whole story.Large persistent diastasis may have less to do with what they did – and more to do with who they are.The clinical goal should shift to what can this person's abdominal wall do.Exercise should be encouraged, not restricted.You don't necessarily have to “close the gap” to improve strength and function.Using better language and updating your practice. Clinical Takeaway Treat the person, not the centimeter measurement. A large IRD does not automatically mean weakness, pain, dysfunction, or injury risk. Conversely, a relatively small separation can be highly distressing or functionally significant.  Clinical decision-making should be driven by symptoms, strength, function, goals, and patient concerns – not IRD or abdominal appearance alone. Today’s conversation challenges the fear-based approach many women have been given around lifting, abdominal exercise, and movement with pregnancy. Instead of treating a measurement, we can help women become stronger, more capable, and more confident in their bodies. Frequently Asked Questions Does abdominal exercise cause or worsen diastasis during pregnancy?  Current evidence does not support the idea that normal abdominal exercise causes or meaningfully worsens pregnancy-related diastasis. Nina's research found no significant difference in diastasis development between women who performed abdominal exercises and those in a control group. Exercise should generally be encouraged rather than restricted solely because of concern about diastasis. Should clinicians measure interrectus distance? IRD can provide useful information, but it shouldn't be the primary measure of whether someone has a clinical problem. A measurement alone doesn't tell us whether someone has pain, weakness, functional limitations, or distress. The more important question is: What is this person experiencing, and what do they want to be able to do? What should postpartum rehabilitation focus on? For people with persistent symptoms or functional limitations, progressive strengthening and loading may be more valuable than trying to mechanically “close” the separation. The goal is to improve capacity, strength, confidence, and function. Persistent large diastases also warrant more research into who may benefit from rehabilitation, surgery, or a combination of both. Studies Mentioned Theodorsen, N.-M., Donnelly, G., &. Bø, K., (2026). Diastasis Rectus Abdominis: Time to Reconsider Our Approach. A Scoping ReviewJournal of Women's & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy https://doi.org/10.1097/JWH.0000000000000383Theodorsen N-M, Moe-Nilssen R, Bø K, Haukenes I. Associations with the inter-recti distance at gestation week 37: a prospective cohort study among healthy pregnant women. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025 May 29;25(1):630. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07741-7. PMID: 40442641; PMCID: PMC12123851.Marander V, Råheim M, Haukenes I, Theodorsen N-M. Mothers` experiences living with diastasis recti abdominis-an interview study. BMC Women`s Health. 2024 24-292. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03131-xTheodorsen N-M, Bø K, Fersum, K V, Haukenes I, Moe-Nilssen R. Pregnant women may exercise both abdominal and pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy without increasing the diastasis recti abdominis: a randomised trial. J Physiotherapy. 2024/03/11 2024; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2024.02.002Theodorsen N-M, Moe-Nilssen R, Bø K, Haukenes I. Effect of exercise on the inter-rectus distance in pregnant women with diastasis recti abdominis: an experimental longitudinalstudy.Physiotherapy.2023/12/01/2023;121:13-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2023.08.001Theodorsen, N., Strand, L-I., Bø, K. Effect of pelvic floor and transversus abdominis muscle contraction on inter-rectus distance in postpartum women: a cross-sectional experimental study. Physiotherapy 2018;https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2018.08.009 About Today’s Speaker Dr. Nina Theodorsen, PhD, is a physiotherapist, researcher, and Associate Professor at the University of Bergen in Norway. Her work focuses on women’s health, with expertise in pregnancy, postpartum care, pelvic floor dysfunction, and musculoskeletal health. Her PhD research on diastasis recti has challenged common misconceptions about exercise during pregnancy and helped shape evidence-based clinical practice. Nina is an internationally recognized educator and speaker passionate about translating research into better care for women. Connect With Lynn Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast Don’t miss an episode! If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treatment sessions, find us on your favorite podcast app. Follow or Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast on: SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsBuzzsproutAmazon PodcastsTo learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

What’s the connection between ribcage and diaphragm tension when it doesn’t originate in the ribcage? In this episode, Lynn Schulte, PT walks through a recent pregnancy case where she saw just how interconnected the growing uterus, uterine ligaments, diaphragm, and ribcage can be – even before the baby is large enough to physically push upward into the ribs. A pregnant client of approximately 17 weeks presented with a painful, “vice-like” sensation around the left anterior ribcage. As Lynn assessed her body, she discovered something unexpected: the uterus was growing significantly toward the right side. Key Discoveries from this Episode: How looking for connections rather than isolated restrictions can help you find the cause of pain and dysfunctionWhy the position and direction of uterine growth may be an important clinical clueWhat to watch for when comparing ribcage mobility side-to-sideWhy pregnancy can reveal or amplify pre-existing movement and tissue restrictionsThe importance of re-assessment after every meaningful intervention Clinical Takeaway Sometimes the ribcage restriction you feel may be responding to what is happening much farther down in the pelvis. An expanding uterus may be contributing. When you find a rib cage or diaphragm restriction in a pregnant client, don't automatically treat it as a rib cage problem. Check what is happening below it. If the uterus is growing or being pulled toward one side, assess the tissues that may be influencing that position – including the uterine ligaments and surrounding abdominal/fascial tissues. Then reassess the rib cage after addressing the pelvic restriction. Frequently Asked Questions Can the uterus affect the rib cage before the baby is large enough to reach it? Potentially, yes. The uterus begins expanding well before the third trimester, and its changing position can alter tension through its supporting tissues and surrounding abdominal structures.  This case suggests that uterine position and tissue tension may influence rib cage and diaphragm mechanics earlier than we typically expect. Why would the uterus grow more toward one side? There can be many reasons for uterine asymmetry, including the position of the uterus, surrounding soft-tissue tension, ligamentous restrictions, abdominal/fascial relationships, and fetal positioning. A uterus favoring one side isn't automatically pathological. The clinical significance comes from the overall pattern – pain, restriction, asymmetry, tissue tension, and how the body responds when those restrictions are addressed. Why assess the rib cage when a pregnant client presents with pelvic or uterine restrictions? Because the pregnant body is an interconnected system. Changes in the position and mobility of the expanding uterus can influence tension through the abdomen and trunk, while diaphragm and rib cage mechanics can also influence how the client moves and breathes. Assessing both regions can help you identify which restriction may be driving the other – or whether they're responding to a shared underlying asymmetry. How can I learn to work with the uterus and the pregnant body? If you want to expand your clinical toolbox for treating the uterine ligaments, abdominal tissues, ribcage, and diaphragm, check out the Holistic Treatment of the Pregnant Body live training or online course. Connect With Lynn Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast Don’t miss an episode! If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treatment sessions, find us on your favorite podcast app. Follow or Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast on: SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsBuzzsproutAmazon PodcastsTo learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

How does labor actually get started? Labor isn't simply something the uterus does, but a coordinated neurological and hormonal cascade involving the baby, placenta, maternal brain, cervix, pelvic floor, and nervous system.  Today, Lynn Schulte sits down with Dr. Carly Cameron, a pediatric and perinatal chiropractor, to explore the neurophysiology of physiologic birth and why this process is important for pelvic health providers. Key Discoveries from this Episode: The hidden neurological cascade of birth: How the fetal brain, cortisol, hormones, and maternal nervous system work together to initiate and support physiologic labor.The cervix-to-brain connection: A closer look at the Ferguson reflex and how cervical pressure communicates with the maternal brain through the sacral pathways.The pelvic floor’s role in the birth cascade: How the pelvic floor, sacrum, fascia, fetal positioning, and descent may influence this intricate neurological communication.Why safety matters physiologically: How parasympathetic regulation, fear, and previous birth experiences can influence the hormonal environment and progression of labor.Oxytocin’s bigger role in birth: Why this powerful hormone influences far more than contractions – including pain, fear, bonding, and maternal behavior. Clinical Takeaway The pelvic floor does not exist in isolation during birth. It participates in a complex system involving the fetal brain, hormones, placenta, cervix, sacral pathways, oxytocin, uterus, and maternal nervous system. Understanding this cascade can change how we approach birth preparation as pelvic health therapists – considering pelvic mechanics, fetal positioning, sacral mobility, pelvic floor adaptability, nervous-system regulation, and emotional safety as interconnected pieces. Listen to the full episode to dive deeper into the neurophysiology of birth and discover how the pelvic floor may be participating in the conversation in ways you never realized. Frequently Asked Questions Why Does Fetal Positioning Matter? If pelvic, fascial, or ligamentous restrictions interfere with fetal positioning or descent, the baby may have a harder time providing the cervical stimulus involved in the Ferguson reflex. Proactive pelvic preparation before labor can help resolve these restrictions to better prepare the body and baby for birth. Why Does Safety During Birth Matter? Addressing fear, processing previous birth experiences, nervous-system regulation, and helping patients build confidence and trust in their bodies allows the body and the body’s hormones to work more optimally to support labor and birth. What Role Does Previous Birth Trauma Play in a Subsequent Birth? Previous traumatic birth experiences can shape fear and protective responses during a subsequent pregnancy. Pelvic PTs and OTs can help patients identify those fears, process previous experiences, and build a greater sense of safety before labor. What Can Pelvic Health Therapists Do to Support a Smoother Birth? Pelvic health therapists can work with clients to help them process fear and trauma in their system from previous experiences and build a greater sense of safety before labor. They can help address pelvic, fascial, or ligamentous restrictions in the body to get the baby into a better position for birth as well as help clients build confidence, trust and connection with their body. Resource Mentioned Oxytocin: The Biological Guide to Motherhood by Kerstin Uvnäs Moberg About Today’s Speaker Dr. Carly Cameron, D.C., CACCP, is a pediatric and perinatal chiropractor and founder of Nervology Chiropractic and Neurodevelopment in Raymore, Missouri, serving the greater Kansas City area. Her work focuses on the critical window from preconception through the first three years of life, supporting mothers, babies, and growing families through chiropractic care and a deep understanding of nervous system function, neurodevelopment, pregnancy, and birth physiology. Inspired by her father, a chiropractor and sports medicine physician, Dr. Carly is passionate about honoring the body’s innate design and helping families build a strong foundation for lifelong health. Speaker’s Website: https://mynervology.com/ Connect With Lynn Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast Don’t miss an episode! If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treatment sessions, find us on your favorite podcast app. Follow or Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast on: SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsBuzzsproutAmazon PodcastsTo learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com YOUTUBE LINKS: Oxytocin: The Biological Guide to Motherhood by Kerstin Uvnäs Moberg: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1939807808?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Speaker’s Website: https://mynervology.com/ Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

Internal pelvic health work can be incredibly valuable – but are we truly teaching clinicians how to do it safely, skillfully, and effectively? In this candid conversation, Lynn Schulte, PT, and Laura Rowan, OT, challenge the way pelvic health clinicians are being trained and explore what the gold standard for intravaginal education should really look like. In this episode, we explore: What success with internal work looks likeThe importance of trauma-informed education and true consentThe must-haves in intravaginal education that every practitioner needsWhy knowing how to assess is only half the equationWhat to treat beyond the pelvic floor musclesHow to turn clients from passive recipients to active participants in their treatment The Clinical Takeaway Internal work is a tool – not the entire treatment. The real skill is knowing when to use it, how to create safety, how to interpret what you find, and how to turn those findings into effective treatment. If you've ever taken a pelvic health course and thought, “I know how to assess it…but what do I actually DO with it?” – this episode is for you. Press play and rethink what is needed to support a gold standard in pelvic health education. About the Speaker:  Laura Rowan, OT/L, is a Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist, educator, mentor, and advocate dedicated to advancing Occupational Therapy and expanding access to pelvic health care. As founder of Essential Pelvic Health, LLC, an Upstate New York pelvic health practice, Laura takes an innovative, collaborative, whole-person approach to helping people of all gender identities experiencing persistent pelvic pain and bladder, bowel, or sexual dysfunction return to meaningful activities. Laura also advances the field through clinician education, mentorship, and advocacy. Essential Pelvic Health offers continuing education courses, including PR-MATT and Cr-MATT, as well as workshops, free resources, and EPH Mentor Creative, a mentorship community supporting ongoing professional growth. Speaker’s Website: https://www.essentialpelvichealth.com/ Speaker’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/27VFGUfoj3XbVtXMZ8LbME Essential Pelvic Health Education FB group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DMxYG7U8y/ Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

As pelvic health providers, we often see patients who are trying to conceive, recovering from pregnancy loss, or navigating the emotional weight of infertility. But how much do we really know about what happens before a patient ever walks into an IVF clinic? In this fascinating conversation, Lynn Schulte sits down with internationally recognized fertility expert Gabriela Rosa, who has spent more than 25 years helping couples with complex infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. Together they challenge common assumptions about fertility care and explore why so many patients may be missing critical pieces of the puzzle. This episode isn't about quick fixes – it's about asking better questions, looking deeper, and understanding how pelvic health providers can become valuable members of a patient's fertility team. Key Takeaways from this Episode: Why infertility should be viewed through a whole-body health lensWhy both partners must be included in fertility conversationsHow preconception preparation impacts fertility outcomesThe connection between muscle health, insulin sensitivity, and fertilityWhy miscarriage and infertility often share common root contributorsHow practitioners can help clients become proactive participants in their fertility journeyRather than focusing solely on reproductive organs, Gabriela explains why whole-body health, lifestyle, and individualized investigation deserve a much larger place in fertility care. Clinical ApplicationPelvic health providers are uniquely positioned to support patients long before assisted reproductive technologies are considered. This conversation is a reminder that fertility is influenced by far more than the uterus and ovaries. By recognizing systemic contributors – including metabolic health, inflammation, lifestyle factors, and the importance of involving both partners – we can help patients ask better questions, advocate for more comprehensive care, and become stronger members of their fertility healthcare team. Whether you regularly treat fertility patients or simply want to better understand the bigger picture behind infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, this conversation will challenge your thinking and leave you with new perspectives to bring into clinical practice. Frequently Asked Questions What are the biggest overlooked factors affecting fertility? Many fertility challenges are influenced by factors beyond reproductive anatomy, including metabolic health, insulin resistance, inflammation, nutrition, environmental exposures, egg quality, sperm quality, and overall cellular health. Optimizing these areas before conception may improve fertility potential. Why is male fertility an important part of infertility care? Fertility involves both partners. Sperm contributes half of the embryo’s genetic material, and sperm quality – including DNA fragmentation – can influence fertilization, embryo development, implantation, and miscarriage risk. Why should pelvic health practitioners understand fertility care? Pelvic health professionals frequently work with clients before, during, and after pregnancy. Understanding fertility, preconception health, and whole-body contributors allows practitioners to better support clients navigating reproductive challenges and collaborate within a multidisciplinary care team. About The Speaker Gabriela Rosa, DrPH (Harvard University), is a Harvard-awarded fertility specialist, founder of The Rosa Institute, and author of Fertility Breakthrough: Overcoming Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage When Other Treatments Have Failed. A pioneer in integrative fertility care, she brings evidence-based reproductive solutions to individuals and couples worldwide. Creator of The Fertility Challenge and the F.E.R.T.I.L.E. Method®, Gabriela has supported more than 204,000 people across 111 countries. Published research on her program demonstrates a 78.8% live birth rate among patients experiencing infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and failed treatments. Speaker’s Website: https://fertilitybreakthrough.com/ Connect With Lynn Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast Don’t miss an episode! If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treatment sessions, find us on your favorite podcast app. Follow or Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast on: SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsBuzzsproutAmazon PodcastsTo learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

What do you do when a pregnant client presents with tailbone pain, SI joint dysfunction, painful intercourse, and persistent uterine cramping – but nothing quite explains the full picture? In this fascinating case study, Lynn walks through the clinical reasoning behind treating a first-time pregnant client whose symptoms continued to evolve over multiple visits. As the pieces slowly came together, an unexpected finding challenged assumptions and reinforced the importance of following the tissues rather than chasing symptoms. This episode explores how careful assessment, respectful hands-on treatment, and clinical curiosity uncovered a restriction that could have had significant implications for both comfort during pregnancy and preparation for birth. Key Takeaways from this Episode: Why persistent tailbone pain and painful intercourse may be connected to much more than pelvic floor muscle tension.How following tissue restrictions over multiple treatment sessions can reveal the true source of dysfunction.The relationship between the sacrum, uterine support structures, and changing symptoms throughout pregnancy.Clinical reasoning behind treating complex pregnancy presentations while respecting the safety of both mother and baby.Why stepping back and reassessing the entire kinetic chain can change the direction of treatment.Clinical ApplicationSometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from listening to what the tissues are telling you rather than forcing a diagnosis to fit the symptoms. This case is a powerful reminder that pregnancy-related pain often requires ongoing reassessment, thoughtful clinical reasoning, and  If you enjoy complex case discussions that challenge your thinking and help refine your clinical reasoning, you won't want to miss this one. Frequently Asked Questions Why does tailbone pain happen during pregnancy? Pregnancy tailbone pain can result from changes in pelvic alignment, ligament tension, muscular guarding, and altered mobility of the sacrum and coccyx. This case demonstrates why evaluating the entire pelvic system may provide more answers than focusing on the tailbone alone. Is painful intercourse during pregnancy always caused by tight pelvic floor muscles? Not necessarily. While pelvic floor muscle tension may contribute, this case illustrates how restrictions involving connective tissues, uterine support structures, and pelvic mobility may also influence symptoms. Why is reassessment important throughout pregnancy? As pregnancy progresses, tissue tension, biomechanics, and symptom patterns continually change. Regular reassessment helps clinicians refine treatment as new findings emerge and supports better clinical decision-making. Where can I learn more? Download the Institute for Birth Healing’s FREE Pregnancy Pain Treatment Guide to learn more about working with the pregnant body. About The Speaker Lynn Schulte, PT is a pelvic health physical therapist with more than 30 years of experience helping practitioners understand the biomechanical, myofascial, and nervous system influences affecting pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Through the Institute for Birth Healing, she teaches evidence-informed continuing education courses focused on practical techniques that help clinicians achieve meaningful outcomes for their clients. Connect With Lynn Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast Don’t miss an episode! If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treatment sessions, find us on your favorite podcast app. Follow or Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast on: SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsBuzzsproutAmazon PodcastsTo learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

What if your client has done everything right – pelvic floor PT, stretching, exercise, therapy, nutrition – and they're still struggling more than a year postpartum? In this episode, Lynn sits down with former client Samantha to unpack a complex postpartum recovery that many pelvic health therapists will recognize. After two very different births, Samantha was left with persistent pelvic floor tension, low back pain, bowel dysfunction, urinary symptoms, painful intercourse, and overwhelming emotional distress. Despite months of treatment elsewhere, her symptoms remained unchanged. This conversation explores the clinical reasoning behind looking beyond isolated muscles to assess the pelvis as a whole – including birth patterns, pelvic bone positioning, compensatory movement strategies, nervous system regulation, and unresolved trauma. For those who have had postpartum clients that plateau despite doing "all the right things," this episode offers valuable clinical insights for how you assess and treat these challenging cases. Clinical Takeaways The importance of learning the birth history – even when symptoms don't appear until months later.The long-term effects of prolonged labor versus precipitous birth on the postpartum body.How previous orthopedic injuries can influence pelvic alignment years later.Recognizing common postpartum pelvic bone patterns that often perpetuate pelvic floor tension.Why persistent urinary, bowel, and sexual dysfunction may have structural contributors beyond muscle tightness.The role of the central nervous system in clients who remain "stuck" despite appropriate treatment.How emotional beliefs and nervous system regulation can influence physical recovery.Why individualized assessment is essential when previous pelvic floor therapy hasn't produced results. From Treatment to Recovery: A Clinician and Client Perspective This episode isn't simply another postpartum success story. It's a detailed clinical discussion that walks through the therapist's reasoning from evaluation to treatment, while hearing directly from the client's perspective about how unresolved pelvic tension affected every aspect of her life – including motherhood, relationships, and mental health. If you treat postpartum clients with persistent symptoms, this conversation will encourage you to think differently about assessment, treatment sequencing, and the interconnected nature of physical and emotional healing. Don't Miss This Episode If You Treat Clients With: Persistent postpartum pelvic floor tensionUrinary dysfunctionBowel dysfunction, fissures, or hemorrhoidsPainful intercourseChronic low back pain after childbirthClients who plateau despite previous pelvic floor physical therapyComplex postpartum presentations involving both physical and nervous system factorsRecovery isn't always about doing more exercises. Sometimes it's about uncovering the hidden patterns that have been preventing the body from healing all along. Connect With Lynn Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. About the speaker:  Samantha Dove is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and LBA living in Mead, Co. She has over 16 years of experience working with children and adults in a multitude of settings. She has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for 8 years, but before that, she worked as a Special Education teacher in the public-school setting. She has a passion for advocating and helping individuals with disabilities accomplish their goals. She loves to go camping, paddleboarding, and spending time with her family.   Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

Could your postpartum client's neck pain actually begin in the pelvis? In this episode, Lynn Schulte, PT, explores the often-overlooked relationship between pelvic stability, upper cervical mechanics, shoulder function, and the physical demands of caring for a newborn. Learn why headaches, neck pain, thoracic outlet symptoms, and shoulder tension may be driven by postpartum compensation patterns – not just local tissue dysfunction. You'll discover how birth biomechanics influence the entire body, why first rib mobility and scalene function matter, and practical assessment strategies you can immediately integrate into your postpartum evaluations. If you're a pelvic health therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, bodyworker, or birth professional looking to improve outcomes for postpartum clients, this episode offers valuable clinical insights you won't want to miss. Subscribe for more evidence-informed education designed to help you transform the way you practice and help your clients recover more completely after birth. About The Speaker Lynn Schulte, PT is a pelvic health physical therapist with more than 30 years of experience helping practitioners understand the biomechanical, myofascial, and nervous system influences affecting pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Through the Institute for Birth Healing, she teaches evidence-informed continuing education courses focused on practical techniques that help clinicians achieve meaningful outcomes for their clients. Open Birthing Pattern: https://instituteforbirthhealing.com/open-birthing-pattern-signs-symptoms/ Institute For Birth Healing Courses: https://instituteforbirthhealing.com/all-courses/ Message me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instituteforbirthhealing/ Message me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteForBirthHealing/ Email Me: [email protected] If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treating your clients, find us on your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

Pelvic floor health has long been overlooked in sports medicine – but that's changing. In this episode, Lynn sits down with internationally recognized pelvic health physiotherapist and researcher Gráinne Donnelly to discuss her groundbreaking new textbook, Sports Medicine in the Pelvic Floor: Science to Practice. Together, they explore why pelvic health deserves a place in every athlete's care, how this ambitious project came to life, and the exciting future of research that will shape the next generation of clinicians. If you're passionate about helping athletes perform at their best, this episode will leave you inspired and thinking differently about the pelvic floor. In This Episode You'll Discover: Why pelvic floor health should be a routine part of sports medicine – not just pregnancy and postpartum care.The surprising research changes how we think about urinary incontinence, load capacity, and athletic performance.How psychology, biomechanics, and pelvic health all intersect to improve patient outcomes.The importance of individualized assessment when guiding athletes back to sport.Why research is essential for moving innovative clinical ideas into mainstream practice. Clinical Takeaways Screen every athlete for pelvic floor symptoms. Pelvic floor screening shouldn't be reserved for postpartum clients or those with urinary leakage – it's relevant across all ages, sexes, and athletic populations.Think beyond incontinence. Pelvic floor dysfunction encompasses much more than leaking. Pain, pressure, bowel symptoms, sexual function, and performance all deserve consideration during assessment.Load capacity matters. Return to sport isn't determined by a timeline alone. Assess each athlete's individual capacity, symptom response, and readiness to progressively increase load.Sport-specific demands influence risk. Different sports – and even different positions within the same sport – place unique demands on the pelvic floor, requiring individualized clinical reasoning.Stay curious and evidence-informed. Emerging research continues to reshape our understanding of pelvic floor biomechanics, anatomy, and rehabilitation. Remaining open to new evidence helps improve patient outcomes. Why You Should Listen Whether you treat elite athletes, postpartum moms, or active individuals, this conversation offers fresh perspectives that challenge traditional thinking. Gráinne shares the vision behind creating one of the most comprehensive pelvic health resources available today while Lynn explores how emerging research could transform postpartum rehabilitation. You'll walk away with new ideas, renewed curiosity, and plenty of inspiration to elevate your own clinical practice. 🎧 Tune in now and discover why the future of sports medicine can't ignore the pelvic floor. About The Speaker Gráinne Donnelly is an Advanced Practice Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, doctoral researcher and international educator based in Northern Ireland. She is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (JPOGP) and editor of the Elsevier textbook Sports Medicine and the Pelvic Floor – Science to Practice. Her work bridges research and clinical practice, advancing evidence-based pelvic health care for women in sport and postpartum recovery. Speaker’s websites: https://absolute.physio/ and https://www.sportsmedicineandthepelvicfloor.com/ Connect With Lynn Have a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. [Don’t include for YouTube/Buzzsprout] Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast Don’t miss an episode! If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treatment sessions, find us on your favorite podcast app. Follow or Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast on: SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsBuzzsproutAmazon PodcastsVisit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

Many obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) are missed immediately after birth, leaving women to unknowingly compensate for years until hormonal changes, aging, or menopause expose underlying dysfunction. In this eye-opening conversation, Lynn Schulte sits down with urogynecologist and pelvic floor surgeon Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya to discuss obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS), why they are often missed, and the lifelong consequences they can create for women. From the realities of birth trauma to missed diagnoses to pudendal nerve injuries, this episode dives into the complex factors influencing bowel control, pelvic floor function, hormonal shifts and postpartum recovery. Dr. Dubinskaya also shares treatment options that many practitioners may not be familiar with, including neuromodulation and surgical interventions. This conversation will provide pelvic health practitioners with practical insights to better recognize, educate, and support clients in postpartum and throughout their lifespan Clinical Takeaways from this Episode What qualifies as an obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) and how third and fourth-degree tears are classified.Why sphincter injuries are frequently underdiagnosed or missed immediately after birth.The critical role of the pudendal nerve in bowel control, sensation, and pelvic floor function.The differences between neuromodulation and sphincteroplasty as treatment options.Common postpartum symptoms that may indicate an undiagnosed sphincter injury.Why menopause frequently exposes previously compensated pelvic floor injuries.How pelvic health therapists can help restore function and improve quality of life after birth trauma.The patient education you can offer your clients to improve birth outcomes and postpartum recovery. Frequently Asked Questions What is an obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS)? OASIS refers to third- and fourth-degree perineal tears involving the anal sphincter muscles, with fourth-degree tears extending into the rectal mucosa. Why are OASIS injuries often missed? Diagnosis can be difficult because birth occurs in a dynamic environment with tissue swelling, bleeding, variable anesthesia, limited visualization, and urgent clinical priorities. What symptoms may suggest a missed sphincter injury? Practitioners should be alert for fecal urgency, bowel leakage, decreased anal sensation, difficulty controlling bowel movements, urinary symptoms, and persistent pelvic floor dysfunction. Why do symptoms sometimes appear years later? Women often compensate for mild injuries for years. Hormonal changes during menopause, age-related muscle loss, and reduced tissue resilience may uncover previously compensated dysfunction. How can pelvic floor physical therapy help? Pelvic floor rehabilitation can improve muscle coordination, restore neuromuscular awareness, optimize bowel mechanics, reduce muscular guarding, address scar tissue, and improve quality of life while helping determine when additional medical referral is appropriate. About Today’s Guest Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya is a nationally and internationally recognized Urogynecologist and Sexual Medicine specialist based in Beverly Hills. Her innovative, whole-person approach blends cutting-edge science with deeply compassionate care, empowering women to reclaim their bodies, confidence, and pleasure at every age. Born and raised in Russia, Dr. Dubinskaya moved to the United States with a singular goal: to transform women’s health. Today, she is a rising voice in the field, serving as Chair of the Communication Committee for the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM), where she leads global efforts to elevate sexual health literacy and dismantle the silence surrounding conditions women have been told to “just live with.” Dr. Dubinskaya’s expertise spans urinary and pelvic floor disorders, sexual pain, libido concerns, menopause care, and the modern science of pleasure. Her research is featured in top medical journals and textbooks, and her growing social media platforms are reframing long-ignored conversations with evidence, empathy, and a touch of humor. She is sought after for her ability to translate medical knowledge into compelling, relatable storytelling—whether on stage, on camera, or behind a microphone. Fiercely dedicated to women’s wellbeing, she is on a mission to rewrite the cultural narrative around pelvic, sexual, and menopausal health, empowering women everywhere to feel seen, validated, and in control of their bodies. YouTube: Drurogyn IG: Drurogyn Alexdubinskaya Why This Episode Matters Birth recovery doesn't end at six weeks postpartum, and neither should our clinical thinking. Obstetric anal sphincter injuries remind us that the effects of childbirth can extend across decades, influencing continence, function, confidence, and quality of life long after delivery. Through earlier recognition, collaborative care, patient education, and skilled rehabilitation, pelvic health practitioners have the opportunity to change outcomes – not only in the postpartum period, but throughout every stage of a client's life.  Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast Don’t miss an episode! If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treatment sessions, find us on your favorite podcast app. Follow or Subscribe to the Birth Healing Summit Podcast on: SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsBuzzsproutAmazon PodcastsTo learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

Birth preparation involves far more than physical readiness. In this episode, Ama K. Karikari, Esq., joins Lynn Schulte, PT, to discuss how pelvic health therapists can help clients build self-trust, find their voice, and become active participants in their birth experience. While outcomes are unknown, clients who feel empowered, informed, and supported often navigate birth with greater confidence and less fear. Clinical Takeaways For Pelvic Health Practitioners Birth preparation should include emotional, relational, and physical readiness.Validating a client's experience builds confidence and self-trust.Self-advocacy begins long before labor starts.Understanding options and support systems can improve birth confidence.Partners, doulas, and advocates play a critical role during labor.Pelvic health therapists are uniquely positioned to help clients trust their body's wisdom. Ways Practitioners Can Help Clients Prepare for Birth Encourage clients to communicate their needs, concerns, and preferences.Help clients identify their birth goals and non-negotiables.Foster body awareness and trust in internal sensations.Discuss informed consent and available birth options.Role-play conversations with providers when appropriate.Support clients in building a strong advocacy team, including partners and doulas.Recognize emotional patterns or previous experiences that may influence labor and refer for additional support when needed. Resources & Links Mentioned Books A Silence to Soaring by Ama K. KarikariNo Bad Parts by Richard SchwartzConcepts Discussed Internal Family Systems (IFS)Inner Child HealingSelf-Advocacy in BirthBody WisdomBirth Autonomy Frequently Asked Questions Why is self-advocacy important during birth? Self-advocacy helps clients communicate their needs, ask questions, participate in decisions, and feel more empowered throughout labor. What should comprehensive birth preparation include? Effective birth preparation includes physical readiness, emotional support, communication skills, understanding birth options, developing self-trust, and creating a strong support system. About The Speaker Ama K. Karikari, Esq. is an author, transformational guide, community leader and founder of the Soaring Sisters Circle. She creates empowering spaces that support healing, resilience, and personal transformation.  Ama Karikari’s website: https://www.amakkarikari.com/ Access her free book: http://bit.ly/42eVDqe Message me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instituteforbirthhealing/ Message me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteForBirthHealing/ Email Me: [email protected] If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treating your clients, find us on your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

Why is your client's perineal tear or episiotomy still painful months after birth? Today, Lynn Schulte, PT, explores three commonly overlooked contributors to delayed healing: pelvic bone positioning, surrounding tissue restrictions, and unresolved trauma responses held within the tissues. Clinical Takeaways From This Episode • Assess for an Open Birthing Pattern when healing is delayed. • Approximate the ischial bones during scar treatment. • Evaluate tissues surrounding the scar, not just the scar itself. • Consider unresolved trauma when tenderness persists. • Prioritize circulation and tissue mobility to support healing. • Never force tissue release. Why do some perineal tears or episiotomies fail to heal completely? Lynn explains how an Open Birthing Pattern can create ongoing tension through the pelvic floor and perineum, placing stress on healing tissues. She shares practical assessment and treatment strategies, including approximating the ischial bones during scar work and addressing restrictions in the tissues surrounding the scar rather than focusing solely on the scar itself. The episode also explores why some scars remain extremely tender despite treatment. In certain cases, persistent sensitivity may reflect unresolved trauma responses that require a trauma-informed approach and interdisciplinary support. How can pelvic health therapists help create a full recovery? Through clinical case studies, Lynn demonstrates how improving tissue mobility, reducing tension, and restoring blood flow can help facilitate healing when traditional approaches fall short. Whether working with perineal tears, episiotomies, or C-section scars, pelvic health therapists can uncover the root of why some tissues fail to heal and what they can do to work with the tissue in a different way to promote full healing. What educational resources for pelvic health therapists can help you learn these skills? Holistic Treatment of the Postpartum Body: https://instituteforbirthhealing.com/postpartum-body/ Advanced Postpartum Techniques: https://instituteforbirthhealing.com/advanced-postpartum-techniques Learn More and Connect With Lynn Schulte Message me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instituteforbirthhealing/ Message me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteForBirthHealing/ Email Me: [email protected] Learn More: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE

This episode pulls you into two pregnant client case studies that seem straightforward at first – until the bodies start telling a very different story. A 35-week first time pregnant client arrives with pelvic pain, leg symptoms, and nighttime disruption, and what unfolds reveals a layered map of old surgical history, a snowboarding injury, and a spine that never developed typical curves. Each piece of her history quietly shapes how her pregnancy is unfolding. Then a second case at 25 weeks looks like “typical” postpartum carryover and hypermobility … until subtle clues in the sacrum, ischium, pelvic floor, and even whiplash history begin pointing to a much deeper structural narrative than expected. As each layer is uncovered, what initially looks like isolated pelvic dysfunction turns into a full-body story spanning cervical spine, cranium, pelvis, and past trauma – none of which would be obvious from standard assessment alone. This episode leaves you questioning how many of your own clients are carrying hidden layers you have not been taught to see yet. ✨ Key Takeaways for Practitioners: Two prenatal case studies that unravel far beyond typical pregnancy presentationsHidden impacts of past trauma (surgery, whiplash, birth injury) on current symptomsUnexpected full-body connections between cervical spine, pelvis, and pelvic floorHow subtle bone and tissue cues completely shift clinical reasoning in real timeA challenge to rethink what you’re missing when you “follow protocol” too closelyHave a comment or question about today’s episode? Message Lynn on Instagram or Facebook, or Email Lynn. If you enjoyed today’s podcast and are interested in more topics to support your clinical practice and treating your clients, find us on your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. To learn more visit: InstituteforBirthHealing.com Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE