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Recovering from a C-section can feel overwhelming for so many reasons, especially in a society that still largely treats it as “the easy way out.” 🙄 It’s major abdominal surgery (they go through seven layers of tissue), and then you go home with a newborn, often with limited instructions, and a lifting limit lower than the weight of the car seat. Plenty of people also labor for hours first, so they’re recovering from both the labor and surgery. In this episode, pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alex DiGrado and sex and relationship therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy talk through the realities of a C-section recovery, including how pelvic floor PT can be really helpful. They also discuss the emotional toll of a birth that didn’t go as planned, or of choosing a C-section and navigating all the unsolicited opinions that come with it. Dr. Alex also shares her own experience with a C-section and a VBAC, including both the empowering parts and the medical terminology that drove her crazy. We hope you leave this episode knowing that however you gave birth, there’s no shame in your choices, and your recovery deserves compassion and support. And if you had either a C-section, a VBAC, or both, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us at [email protected] if you’d like to share your story. What you’ll learn: How pelvic floor PT can help with C-section recovery, from scar work to pain management to rebuilding core function.How to retrain a numb or oversensitive scar with common household items.How to set up your home and prep your support person for the realities of early recovery from a C-section.A simple pillow-and-“shh” trick for bowel movements when your abs feel “turned off.”A helpful phrase to use when it feels like decisions are being made too quickly during labor and delivery.What a “gentle C-section” can look like, including ways to enhance early bonding with your baby.Tune in if you’ve ever thought: “I had a C-section, so I didn’t think pelvic floor PT applied to me.”“Will the ‘shelf’ above my scar ever go away?”“My birth didn’t go the way I had hoped, and I’m still working through it.”“I chose to get a C-section, and now I feel like I have to explain myself to everyone.”“I can’t tell if my provider is recommending a C-section because I need it or because it’s easier for them.”“If I had a C-section the first time, do I have to have it the next time?”Helpful resources: Reel: How Pelvic Floor PT can help with C-Section RecoveryBlog post: C-Section Recovery with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Blog post: How To Heal C-Section Scar Pain & SensitivityC-section scar massage how-tos HERE and HEREDr. Alex’s Healthy Pelvis Project Scar Healing Mini Course21:07: We could not find conclusive studies showing that pelvic floor physical therapy directly increases VBAC rates. But PFPT can help with several things that matter in labor. Research shows that prenatal pelvic floor training can shorten the pushing stage and lower the risk of severe tearing. A pelvic floor PT can also work with you on cesarean scar comfort, hip and pelvic mobility, relaxing the pelvic floor, and coordinating breath with pushing. Many different factors affect whether a VBAC is successful, and while more research is needed, pelvic floor PT may be a valuable part of preparing for a VBAC.Find a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryParents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard EudyConnect with us: Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com YouTube: @underthehooddocs If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. It takes just 30 seconds, but it’s one of the best ways to help Under the Hood grow and reach even more people. Thank you for listening!

Last week on Under the Hood, therapist, mindfulness teacher, and School of Mom founder Sarah Harmon joined sex & relationship therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy and pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alex DiGrado to break down the “mother bucket”—that core need for love and affirmation every child hopes their parent will fill (catch up on Part 1 here). This week, we’re diving into the underlying patterns that dictate how we show up in adulthood as partners and parents today. If you catch yourself doing the exact thing you swore you’d never do—and wonder why "knowing better" hasn't helped you stop—this episode is for you. What you’ll learn: Your Relationship Blueprint: How the way your parents handled conflict (whether they fought like crazy or never disagreed) shapes how you react to your partner today.Breaking Family Cycles: How to stop passing “the invisible baton” of generational patterns like guilt, shame, and defensiveness on to your kids.Living on Autopilot: Why most of your emotional reactions happen automatically without you even realizing it.Real-Life Parenting: The value of guiding your kids through hard emotions like anxiety and anger instead of trying to avoid them altogether.Tune in if you’ve ever thought: “I swore I’d never guilt trip my kid the way my mom guilted me…and yet here we are…”“I teach my kids that having ‘big feelings’ is ok… until they actually express them, and then I snap.”“Why does a simple comment about dishes in the sink make me feel like I’m failing at everything?”“I’ve talked about this in therapy a million times. Why am I still doing it?”“Does working on all of this ‘cycle-breaking’ stuff ever get any easier?”Helpful resources: Under the Hood Ep 49 (Part 1): The Mother Bucket with Sarah Harmon The School of MOM (Mothering Ourselves Mindfully)Mothering Ourselves Mindfully Podcast 🎧Check out Sarah’s interview with Dr. Alex on Ep 48: It’s Called a Vulva! (Sarah’s most downloaded episode to date!)Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlowellharmonFind a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryParents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard EudyConnect with us: Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com YouTube: @underthehooddocs If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. It takes just 30 seconds, but it’s one of the best ways to help Under the Hood grow and reach even more people. Thank you for listening!

Content Note: This episode includes brief discussion of a parent’s acute mental health crisis, psychosis, and involuntary psychiatric hospitalization. Having kids has a funny way of kicking down the door on how we were raised. Whether your relationship with your own mom is complicated, nonexistent, or actually pretty good, becoming a parent brings up a lot of old habits and big questions. Our guest this week is Sarah Harmon, a therapist, mindfulness teacher, founder of School of Mom…and the one who first introduced Dr. Rebecca and Dr. Alex! Sarah has spent years navigating her own mother’s severe mental health crisis and their eventual estrangement. She shares what she’s learned both professionally and personally about filling your own "mother bucket," breaking old family patterns, and giving yourself the care you spend all day giving to everyone else. We get into a LOT in this conversation (enough to fill Pennsylvania alone, per Sarah), so this is Part 1 of 2. Look out for Part 2 next week. **What you’ll learn**: The double whammy of motherhood: Why loving your own kids deeply can trigger hard questions about what you didn't receive as a child.The "Mother Bucket": Why support from friends and partners can only go so far - and why the next best person to do it is you."Apples to Apples": The relief of finding community with other women who share a similar family dynamic or estrangement.Over-functioning as a survival strategy: How early beliefs like "I'm only worthy if I'm helping someone" turn into chronic people-pleasing and resentment in adult relationships.Why chaos feels comfortable: How our nervous system mistakes what is familiar for what is safe, even when it isn't healthy.**Tune in if you’ve ever thought**: "I snuggle my kid and then realize I can’t even remember the last time my own mom gave me a real hug."“My relationship with my mom is pretty good, so why do I still want to parent differently than she did?”“I made stuff for the bake sale, picked up the extra assignment, organized the carpool…and now I’m standing in my kitchen wanting to scream. Why do I do this to myself??Why am I so much better at handling a crisis than I am at just trying to sit down and relax on the couch?” **Helpful resources**: Rewire: Sarah’s seven-week life lab designed to help you close the gap between the mom you want to be and how you show up every day. Registration closes this Thursday, October 15, and the program begins October 27. UTH listeners get $50 off with code UNDERTHEHOODThe School of MOM (Mothering Ourselves Mindfully) Untethered: Sarah’s program for women with a difficult relationship with their mom. Not currently open for enrollment, but you can join the waitlist.Mothering Ourselves Mindfully Podcast 🎧Check out Sarah’s interview with Dr. Alex on Ep 48: It’s Called a Vulva! (Sarah’s most downloaded episode to date!)Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlowellharmon Find a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryParents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy**Connect with us:** Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com YouTube: @underthehooddocs *** If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. It takes just 30 seconds, but it’s one of the best ways to help Under the Hood grow and reach even more people. Thank you for listening!

Resharing an episode from the Mindful Mama Podcast, on which Dr. Rebecca was a guest earlier this year: "From “Touched Out” to Turned On: Mindful Intimacy". Parenting can leave intimacy feeling impossible - but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy, sex therapist and author of Parents in Love, about navigating desire, connection, and pleasure in long-term relationships. **You’ll discover:**  • Why desire differences are normal, and not a sign something is wrong  • How parenting affects intimacy and touch  • Practical ways to nurture responsive desire without pressure  • How attachment patterns influence emotional and physical closeness  • The power of micro moments to keep connection alive If you’ve ever felt “touched out” or disconnected from your partner, this episode gives research-backed, realistic strategies to rediscover desire, cultivate connection, and bring intimacy back into your relationship. Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host of the Mindful Mama Podcast, global speaker, bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher, and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

When Dr. Katie Radermacher, pelvic floor physical therapist at Boston Pelvic PT, became pregnant for the second time, she was so sure she knew what to expect that she told her husband (a fellow PT) he could just skip the 12-week ultrasound. He moved his patients around and came anyway. Good thing…because then two heads appeared on the screen ("You guys didn't know that?" the US tech asked). In this episode, Dr. Katie sits down with Dr. Alex to talk about what pregnancy is like when you're a pelvic floor PT who still gets surprised by your own body. She also shares how this pregnancy motivated her to seek out the community she knew she'd need: other twin parents, a care team that supported her goals, and mom friends who offer middle-of-the-night support. Other twin parents’ stories helped Dr. Katie feel less alone as she navigated her own pregnancy, so now she’s sharing her story in hopes of doing the same for someone else. **What you'll learn**: Why it's absolutely okay to switch providers mid-pregnancy if something doesn’t feel right (Dr. Katie and Dr. Alex have both done it).Why pregnancy pain shouldn't be brushed off, including Dr. Alex's story of being sent home from the hospital three days in a row with 10/10 pain that turned out to be a placental abruption.What a pelvic floor PT does when she's the one who's pregnant, from managing nausea to SI joint pain.What makes mono-di twin pregnancies different, plus the best advice from other twin parents (no, you don't need two of everything).**Tune in if you've ever thought**: "These doctors have delivered hundreds of babies, so they probably know what they're doing... but something just feels off.""They just sent me back home again. Is my pain even real or am I going crazy?""I couldn't figure out what kind of exercise was safe, so I just stopped.""Between the ultrasounds and the specialist visits, my pregnancy appointments have basically become a second job.""I'm a planner. So how do I plan for something that's pretty much out of my control?"**Helpful resources**: Real Food for Pregnancy: The science and wisdom of optimal prenatal nutrition by Lily Nichols, RDN, CDE (Dr. Katie found that taking extra B vitamins and eating two Brazil nuts first thing in the morning was very helpful for managing her nausea - consult your PCP first).Serola SI belt for lower back, pelvic and hip painBelly Bandit Upsie Belly Pregnancy Support Band Love Steady supportive bloomers [10% off your first order]Kinesiology tape for sensitive skin [HSA/FSA approved]Vibe Chiropractic, Wakefield, MAMoms of Multiples Facebook groupFind a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global Directory**Connect with us**: Dr. Katie Radermacher Instagram: @drkathrynradermacher Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com YouTube: @underthehooddocs  *** If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. It takes just 30 seconds, but it's one of the best ways to help Under the Hood grow and reach even more people. Thank you for listening!

What does it take to be true friends with your romantic partner…and not just partners in bills, parenting, schedules, and the rest of daily life? Relationship & sex therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy and pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alex DiGrado explore the kind of friendship that helps a relationship feel safe, supportive, and connected over time. This conversation is a reminder that closeness and independence can co-exist - and that treating your partner with the same respect, generosity, and curiosity you offer a close friend can deepen romantic love.  What you'll learn: How to stay connected to your partner without taking on every feeling or problem as your own.What Twilight gets wrong about all-consuming love - and what a healthier kind of closeness can look like.How entitlement and self-sacrifice are often two sides of the same coin.How to root for your partner’s choices - without correcting or micromanaging them - even when they are not the choices you would make for yourself.Tune in if you've ever thought: “We used to actually hang out and do things, but now it feels like we’re just two roommates running a house.”“I feel completely drained whenever they’re in a bad mood, like I’m not allowed to be happy if they’re upset.”“I know it’s great that my partner has their own interests, so why do I still feel left out when they go out without me?”Helpful resources: Under the Hood Episode 20: The Wheel of Consent - How to Get Clear on What You WantUnder the Hood Episode 12: Resentment in Relationships (& why “letting it go” doesn’t work)Parents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard EudyFind a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryConnect with us: Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com YouTube: @underthehooddocs  *** If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. It takes just 30 seconds, but it's one of the best ways to help Under the Hood grow and reach even more people. Thank you for listening!

Yes, time management and the mental load are everywhere right now, and so it’s easy to tune out yet another conversation about how to do more with less. But we promise you, this episode isn’t a list of productivity hacks or a scorecard for who’s doing more. Our special guest today is Kelly Nolan, an attorney-turned-time-management strategist. Kelly left her career as a patent litigator to build the Bright Method, a time-management system for working women that started as something she needed herself after burning out. Now, as a mom of two young kids and married to someone with an unpredictable work schedule, she uses the same flexible system to manage the everyday demands of work, kids, home, hobbies, and everything else life brings. Sex and relationship therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy and pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alex DiGrado talk with Kelly about getting all the invisible work out of your head and onto the calendar so there’s more room for rest, connection, and the things you actually want to do with your life. Note: Dr. Alex DiGrado purchased and completed Kelly Nolan’s course independently. This is not a paid partnership or sponsored episode. What you'll learn: Why each partner in a couple often thinks they're doing more than halfWhy household roles fall into place early on in parenthood, and why a "one-year shakeup" can help see if they still make sense as your kids get olderA concept from Brene Brown that reframed how Kelly saw her frustration with her husband's free timeHow to divide tasks so they're fully off your plate, not just delegated to someone else while you still track it all in your head.Tune in if you've ever thought: "I was running around all day, so why does it feel like I got absolutely nothing done?”"Why did I just tell my boss I'd have this project done by tomorrow? He didn't even ask for it that soon."“Seriously? You need me to figure that out for you, too?" when your partner asks what they can do to help.“I need more time for myself, but I honestly don’t see where it would fit.”Helpful resources Kelly Nolan's websiteThe Bright Method PodcastInstagram: @_kellynolan_Fair Play by Eve Rodsky-Study Dr. Rebecca referenced: A.V. Whillans, E.W. Dunn, P. Smeets, R. Bekkers, & M.I. Norton, Buying time promotes happiness, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 114 (32) 8523-8527, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1706541114 (2017).Find a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryParents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard EudyConnect with us: Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com YouTube: @underthehooddocs  *** If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. It takes just 30 seconds, but it's one of the best ways to help Under the Hood grow and reach even more people. Thank you for listening!

Long-term relationships can offer trust, security, inside jokes, and the comfort of a partner you can count on...but the routines and daily logistics that come along with them can often bury the spark that first brought you together. In this episode, sex & relationship therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy and pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alex DiGrado explore why feeling bored in your relationship doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with you or your partner, but rather that it may be an opportunity for change. They discuss how *novelty* - whether it’s a new restaurant, a local adventure, a weekend away, or just trying something different together (even if it doesn’t go as planned!) can help couples feel more curious, playful, connected, and alive, in and out of the bedroom. What you'll learn: Why the differences that first attract us to a partner can feel more frustrating once daily life and logistics enter the picture.How to introduce more novelty without creating pressure or making it feel like a performance.How seeing your partner in a different setting, whether they’re charming the waiter or meeting your coworkers, can renew curiosity and attraction.Why a terrible interpretive-dance show or another imperfect adventure can still become a relationship-building shared memory.Tune in if you've ever thought: "We used to have so much chemistry...now we're just roomates.""I want more excitement in our relationship, but my partner seems fine with how things are.""Every time I try to plan a fun date night, I put so much pressure on it that it kind of ruins the fun.""I'm not going to have an affair, but I get why people do."Helpful resources: Find a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryParents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard EudyConnect with us: Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com YouTube: @underthehooddocs  *** If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. It takes just 30 seconds, but it's one of the best ways to help Under the Hood grow and reach even more people. Thank you for listening!

If you’ve been told a genital rash or intense itching is “just a yeast infection,” but the typical treatment hasn’t worked, this episode is for you. Pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alexandra DiGrado and relationship & sex therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy sit down to talk about lichen sclerosus, a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes patches of skin to become thin, white, crinkled, or scarred. It most commonly affects the genital and anal areas, but can also appear on other parts of the body. Lichen sclerosus is often misdiagnosed and mistreated because its symptoms can look and feel a lot like a yeast infection. This is a shorter episode, but an important PSA if you’ve been dealing with symptoms that won’t clear up, especially if they’re affecting your body image, sex life, and day-to-day comfort. What you'll learn: The autoimmune connection: Lichen sclerosus frequently overlaps with conditions like Hashimoto's, Graves' disease, and vitiligo.Who it impacts most: The average age of diagnosis is 51, most often in people with vulvas, although it can affect people of all ages and sexes.Impact on intimacy: How muscle guarding and scarring can affect sexual health, and tips to get relief.Finding the right care: Where to locate knowledgeable providers and support networks if your primary doctor lacks experience with the condition.Tune in if you've ever thought: "This itching and burning feels like a yeast infection, but Monistat isn't doing anything.”"Am I going crazy, or is my skin down there actually changing?”"I’m so self-conscious about how I look there - I can’t even imagine having sex right now.”Helpful resources The Lost Labia Chronicles: Your one-stop shop for all things lichen sclerosus - Education and support resources for all your needs.Lichen Sclerosus Support NetworkDr. Jill Krapf and Dr. Andrew Goldstein’s free lichen sclerosus webinar, via The Center for Vulvovaginal DisordersFind a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryConnect with us: Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com YouTube: @underthehooddocs  *** If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. It takes just 30 seconds, but it's one of the best ways to help our show grow and reach even more people. Thank you for listening!

When a relationship is struggling, the real question might be less "How do we fix this?" and more "What's the best next step?"  Inspired by an essay from a writer who felt couples therapy prolonged a failing marriage instead of helping her see it was over, Dr. Rebecca and Dr. Alex take a hard look at the expectations around relationship counseling. Is “success” defined by staying together or by reaching clarity…even if that clarity leads to parting ways? Whether you're navigating a crossroads in your own relationship or supporting someone else through theirs, this nuanced and compassionate conversation will help you approach either reconciliation or separation with greater care, honesty, and respect. What you'll learn:  What Dr. Rebecca always asks a couple before therapy even begins.Why some couples therapists avoid bringing up divorce directly, even when it's clearly on a client's mind.How many people end up communicating better during their divorce than they ever did as a married couple. Tune in if you've ever thought: "Is our relationship even worth saving?”"We've stopped fighting. Is that a good sign or a bad one?" "It feels like my therapist and partner are ganging up on me.”"If we do end up splitting up, how do we not ruin our kids in the process?" Helpful resources: Find a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryParents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Connect with us: Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy  Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Dr. Alexandra DiGrado  Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Under the Hood Podcast  Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com YouTube: @underthehooddocs

You cough and your belly button doesn't go back in after it pops out. Or you’re lifting heavy at the gym and suddenly feel a weird bulge in your groin. Both can be signs of a hernia, when fat or part of an organ pushes through a weak spot or opening in the muscles or connective tissue of the abdominal wall (it may look or feel like a soft lump under the skin). When a hernia needs repair, surgery is the only way to fix the opening itself (some small hernias that don’t cause symptoms may just be carefully monitored instead). However, pelvic floor PT can still play an important role in preparing for surgery and supporting recovery afterward. In this listener-requested episode, pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alex DiGrado and sex & relationship therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy discuss how pelvic floor physical therapy fits into hernia care - from retraining how your diaphragm and core work together to addressing toilet straining and improving breathing mechanics. As Dr. Alex points out, nobody gets knee surgery and skips PT afterward - a hernia repair deserves the same care and follow-through. What you’ll learn: Why hernias aren't just a “weightlifter problem”The difference between an ordinary postpartum “outie” belly button and a possible umbilical herniaThe connection between hernias, prolapse, constipation, and bloatingHow hernias affect two opposite ends of the movement spectrum: “Grippers" and "Deconditioned"Tune in if you've ever thought: "My hernia pain comes and goes. Does that mean it's not a big deal, or should I still see someone about it?”"I've had chronic constipation for years. Could that be connected to this weird bulge I'm noticing?""I've heard the term 'strangulated hernia. ' What does that mean? How do I know if I have one?”Helpful resources: Find a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryConnect with us: Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com YouTube: @underthehooddocs

Content note: this episode includes brief references to sexual assault. "Arousal non-concordance" is the nerdy, clinical term for when your physical arousal signs (like blood flow, lubrication, or erections) don't line up with what you're actually desiring. In real life, that can look like feeling super turned on mentally while your body shows zero physical signs of it...OR your body reacting physically to something you have absolutely no interest in. This mismatch is fairly common and affects people of all ages and gender expressions, but that doesn’t make it any less confusing or distressing for those going through it In this episode, sex & relationship therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy and pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alex DiGrado explain why this physical-mental disconnect pops up during key life transitions in particular; that it’s not a reflection of true attraction to your partner; and how to stay deeply connected even when your physical hardware isn't cooperating like you had hoped. What You'll Learn: Lube begets lube: How using a high-quality lubricant (like Slippery Stuff or Uberlube) can break the anxiety-pain cycle.Navigating trauma and bodily responses: How the body can respond with signs of arousal during a non-consensual encounter, which may leave SA survivors feeling ashamed and embarrassed.Healthier communication: The key difference between checking in using a "yes, no, maybe" approach versus anxious second-guessing.Pre-planning for non-concordance: How agreeing on a game plan before intimacy lowers anxiety and takes the pressure off both partners.Redefining intimacy: The power of expanding what "counts" as intimacy way beyond just penetration. Tune in if you've ever thought: "I usually have no problem getting turned on - why is this happening to me now?""Does this mean I'm just not attracted to my partner anymore?""How do I bring this up to my partner without it turning into a whole ordeal?”“Why did I still get hard, even though I said no? Does that mean some part of me wanted it?” Helpful Resources: Under the Hood Episode 27: Let’s Talk About…*Talking* About SexUnder the Hood Episode 9: Vaginismus: What It Is and Why “Just Relax” Doesn’t WorkParents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard EudyLet’s Talk About Sex (After Baby) mini e-course by Dr. Alex and Dr. JuliannaFind a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryRAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.HOPE (4673), or online chat at rainn.org — the largest anti-sexual-violence org in the US, free and confidential, 24/7 Connect with us: Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com YouTube: @underthehooddocs

You snapped at your kid, felt bad, and then “apologized” with, “I’m sorry, but you should have listened the first time.” Or your partner says, “I’m sorry you feel that way” mid-argument, and it makes things even worse…. In this episode, couples & sex therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy and pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alexandra DiGrado talk through why so many apologies miss the mark and what genuine repair looks like in parenting, partnerships, and everyday life. Dr. Rebecca also shares the story of a public blowup with a school crossing guard that still makes her cringe and what she did afterward to make it right. Not all apologies are created equal. Tune in to learn the difference between a "sorry" that just clears your own conscience (...we’re all guilty of it) and one that actually protects your relationships for the long term. You’ll learn: Why  a “but…” totally cancels out your apologyWhy over-apologizing (especially as women) can make your words lose their meaningWhy a “forced march” doesn’t teach kids empathy (and what does)How shame just keeps you stuck instead of helping you repairWhy modeling repair, not perfection, is what actually shows your kids how to handle their own conflictsWhy feeling guilty about losing your cool doesn't mean you're a bad parent. It means you care enough to try better Tune in if: Your partner says, 'I'm sorry you feel that way' mid-argument, and you want to hit the ceilingYou lost your temper recently and aren't sure whether to move on or address itYou’re stuck between “I shouldn’t have yelled” and “but that behavior wasn’t okay either” when it comes to your kids You didn’t grow up with parents who apologized, and you're trying to figure out how to do it differently Helpful resources: Parents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy — including more real-life rupture & repair storiesFind a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global Directory Connect with us: Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com YouTube: @underthehooddocs

Just hearing the word "prolapse" is enough to make many people panic because it sounds like their organs are going to just fall out. Thankfully, that's not what's actually happening. In this episode, pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alex DiGrado and couples & sex therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy discuss what pelvic organ prolapse is and isn't; the different types, stages, and treatment options for prolapse; and what it all means for your sex life. Whether you're newly postpartum, noticed something concerning in the shower, or were recently diagnosed with prolapse with zero explanation, this conversation will give you honest answers and practical strategies so you can keep living the vibrant, active life you deserve. What you'll learn: The 3D "suspension system" holding all your pelvic organs in place (you definitely didn't get this information in health class).Why prolapse affects athletes, people who've never been pregnant, and postpartum parents alike.Non-surgical treatment options like compression wear and pessaries (including the type that looks like fuzzy car dice).Realistic surgery success rates—and why surgery isn't always the first step. Tune in if you've ever thought: "Something feels like it's bulging or heavy down there—is that normal?""I felt okay after having my baby, so why did this come out of nowhere weeks later?""Is dealing with a rectocele as messy as it sounds?""I don't want surgery. Are there other options?""Will sex make things worse? Will my partner notice?" Helpful resources: Some links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to purchase. We only recommend products we love and use ourselves. Boston Pelvic PT offers pessary fittings. Book a 15-minute connection call to learn more: https://bostonpelvicpt.comIf you're not in the Boston area, you can find a pelvic floor PT near you: https://pelvicrehab.com or https://pelvicglobal.comFemmeze Device for Rectocele & Constipation Relief: https://femmeze.comRevive Bladder Support Pessary for Women: https://www.revivebladder.comSRC Restore Support Leggings – Uterine Prolapse & Continence Treatment: https://srchealth.comParents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683738551? Connect with us: Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: https://rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: https://substack.com/@parentsinlove  Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: https://bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: https://bostonpelvicpt.myflodesk.com/underthehood  Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/underthehooddocs Website: https://underthehoodpod.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@UndertheHoodDocs *** If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. It takes just 30 seconds, but it's one of the best ways to help our show grow and reach even more people. Thank you for listening!

If you live with IBS, you already know it's not "just" a stomach issue. It's the mental math of always knowing where the bathroom is, the trips you don't book, and the memories you miss out on. In this episode, pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alex DiGrado and relationship/sex therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy sit down with Megan Mountcastle, a licensed social worker who specializes in the gut-brain connection, to talk about how IBS touches so many parts of everyday life, and what you can control. Megan walks us through the "brain gut loop," explains why anxiety can act like a "cult leader," and why the goal of treatment isn't perfect symptom control. This is a conversation about learning to live a full life again, even when your gut doesn't always cooperate. What you’ll learn: How to acknowledge a symptom without letting it take over (also see Episode 22: “It’s Not Just a Bad Period” — A PT’s Personal Endometriosis Journey (with special guest Dr. Alyssa Demeule)Why people go so long without a formal diagnosisThe surprising link between childhood trauma and gut issues later in lifeHow a simple device helped a patient feel confident enough to travel the world again Tune in if you've ever thought: "I canceled the trip because I just couldn't risk it.""I've researched everything and know my triggers, so why can't I get this under control?"“Am I the only one dealing with this?”“How do I get my life back and do all the things I want to do?” Helpful resources: Megan Mountcastle, LCSW — individual therapy (licensed in MA and CT), the Calm Gut, Calm Mind program, webinars, and provider consultation. Email [email protected] with questions or to schedule a free consultation call.Find a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryParents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Connect with us: Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Website: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love Substack Dr. Alexandra DiGrado Website: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the Hood Under the Hood Podcast Instagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.com