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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

Humans are wired to make meaning out of what happens to us, so when something feels bad, we go looking for a reason (in an effort to avoid it next time). In relationships, that search often turns into blame…which devolves into criticism instead of the actual result we're hoping for. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy (relationship & sex therapist) and Dr. Alex DiGrado (pelvic floor physical therapist) explain why blame and anger are usually secondary emotions covering something else underneath, and how naming that feeling gets you closer to real accountability and change than pointing fingers ever will. Dr. Rebecca also shares how this all shows up with her own kids, plus a personal update on 40 days of yoga nidra that's changed how she handles the heated moments. What you'll learn: Humans being “meaning makers” is a survival instinct that sometimes goes awry.The difference between truly taking responsibility…and just taking the blame to keep the peace.Vulnerability will always get you further than blame.Kids learn to stop blaming each other by watching us take accountabilityTune in if you've ever thought: "Why do I get so defensive the second something comes up? Am I just being too sensitive?”"My kid blames everyone else for their behavior. Is that normal?""Why is it so hard to talk about how I feel instead of what they did wrong?" 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 Learn more about Ali Schmidt's yoga nidra practice; check her out on Insight Timer; and listen to our UTH podcast episode with Ali here! 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 *** If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Under the Hood, share with a friend, and leave a quick rating. It takes 30 seconds, but it is the best way to help our show grow and reach more people. Thank you for listening!

Many people think hemorrhoids are just a fiber and Preparation H problem, but there's a lot more going on. Dr. Alex DiGrado (pelvic floor physical therapist) and Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy (sex and relationship therapist) talk through the different causes, from chronic stress and jaw tension to how you're sitting and pushing on the toilet. Alex explains why your hemorrhoids keep coming back, and how you can fix the underlying mechanics instead of just managing the symptoms. If you've felt too embarrassed to bring this up with your doctor, and you're stuck in a cycle of Metamucil and creams that never really work, this one's for you. What you'll learn: The proper way to push during a bowel movement (most people are doing it backwards)How chronic stress and jaw tension can lead to hemorrhoidsWhat your stool consistency can tell you about your pelvic floor mechanicsTune in if you’ve ever thought: “Do hemorrhoids go away on their own?”“Can I treat hemorrhoids at home?”“How do I know if I have hemorrhoids or something else?”"Is surgery my only option?” Helpful resources: Find a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryDesert Harvest Relievium (check out our podcast interview with Desert Harvest CEO Heather Florio here) Anything Butt: 100% natural butt balm with CBD - helps with chafing, itching, dryness, rash, hemorrhoids, and more. Use code WELCOME15 for 15% on next order. Squatty Potty Bristol stool chart 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

You know that feeling when something is so good - your career, your relationship, a perfect spring afternoon - that almost immediately your brain starts bracing for when it ends?? In this episode, sex & relationship therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy and pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alex DiGrado explore this concept (coined by research professor and author Brené Brown) and unpack why so many of us reflexively push away joy, connection, and positive emotion, often without even realizing it. You'll learn how staying with joy can lead to deeper connection, greater ease, and a life that feels fuller instead of scarier. What you'll learn: Why rehearsing grief doesn't make loss easier, and what one patient's early pregnancy experience reveals about embracing joy instead of preparing for heartbreakHow the vulnerability flinch plays out in couples and what it costs the relationshipThe difference between oversharing and true vulnerabilityHow to distinguish healthy self-protection (like curating your media intake) from emotional disconnectionTune in if you've ever thought: "I literally cannot just enjoy something good without immediately thinking about how it's going to fall apart."“I've been hurt before and I'm not sure I can let my guard down again.”"I love my kids so much it scares me sometimes."Helpful resources: The Power of Vulnerability - TED Talk by Brene BrownFind 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 *** Enjoyed this episode? Please follow our show, share it with a friend, or leave a review to help more people discover these important conversations - thank you!

Dr. Rebecca had two nine-pound babies 18 months apart, and was told by a pelvic floor PT a few years back that her diastasis recti was pretty much just going to be that way. Dr. Alex respectfully disagrees (yes, even though the “babies” are now 10 and 11). In this episode, Dr. Alex and Dr. Rebecca dig into what diastasis recti is (and isn’t), why so much of the advice floating around online makes people afraid to move altogether, and what pelvic floor PT can do for the symptoms you've been managing on your own since your last kid was born…even if that was many years ago. If you feel your core doesn't work or look the way it used to, or worry you missed the window to do anything about it, this one's for you. What you'll learn: The link between diastasis recti, posture, and lower back pain (Dr. Rebecca originally came to PT for the latter)The size of your ab separation doesn’t tell the whole storySucking in your stomach is not the same thing as activating your coreYour core functions differently standing than lying down, and what that means for how you train itTune in if you've ever thought: "Every fitness influencer says something different and I don't know who to listen to.""My belly still looks like I'm pregnant and I don't understand why.""I was told not to do crunches or planks and now I'm afraid to do anything.""I can work out, but I don't feel “connected” to my core.""My kids are older now - is it even worth trying to fix things at this point?"Helpful resources Find a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryThe Postpartum Essentials Virtual Course: Heal from Your Pelvic Floor to Your CoreParents 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 ***If this episode was useful, please take a moment to leave a rating, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and follow us for future episodes. It's the best way to help us reach more people who could benefit from conversations like this one. Thank you!