When you're pregnant with twins, it can suddenly feel like you're juggling twice the excitement — but also twice the anxiety. And if at the top of your list of worries is “How is my body going to handle birth??” Don't worry, we’ve got all the answers for creating twin...
Top 5 Recommended Exercises for Improving Fertility
Originally published on The Ribbon Box Exercises for Fertility – Choose what works for you Moderate exercise has been known to provide numerous health benefits, including improvement to fertility through reducing cortisol levels and improving ovulation and circulation...
Fertility Exercise and Pelvic Health
Infertility is a tough topic, and if you’re struggling to conceive, please try to remember this is not your fault. Fault implies wrongdoing, and you’ve done nothing wrong. Though most fertility talk is centered around the person with the uterus, infertility is...
How to Create a Natural Birth Plan
Having a plan in place for bringing your child into the world can make you feel more confident, regardless of your chosen method. By learning how to create a natural birth plan, you will: Determine labor and delivery options Clarify your goals Document your care...
Exercises to Prepare for Natural Childbirth
Folks opting for an unmedicated or natural birth might use breathing techniques, hot and/or cold compresses, massage, counterpressure, aromatherapy, water therapy, meditation, labor tools like birthing balls, and other methods to manage the pain of labor and...
How to Prevent Tearing During Birth
Childbirth can feel intimidating. And we often come into labor and delivery with a lot of questions… How painful will this *actually* be? Am I going to poop? How to prevent tearing during birth? Perineal tearing during childbirth is a common fear—and something we’ve...
Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy
Pregnancy changes our bodies in extraordinary ways. But pain and discomfort in your pelvic floor during pregnancy aren’t inevitable! Pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy is one way we can proactively take care of our body. And the earlier we can start, the...
Pregnancy with Existing Prolapse: Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can feel like a daunting diagnosis. And combining pregnancy with existing prolapse may deepen your concerns… Is prolapse during pregnancy safe—for both you and your baby? Will your POP get worse? Will your pelvic floor ever recover? It may...
Exercises for Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
You’ve likely discovered that pregnancy isn’t all unicorns, rainbows, and “You’re positively glowing!” As if “morning” sickness, tender breasts, and round ligament pain weren’t enough, pregnancy can also be a real pain in the butt. Literally. Yes, my friends, today...
Round Ligament Pain Stretches to Use Right Now
Round ligament pain is a common occurrence during pregnancy and can make normal activities a minefield of discomfort. Listed below are some round ligament pain stretches to relieve you. What Does Round Ligament Pain Feel Like? Round ligament pain most often feels like...
How to Have a Successful VBAC
What exactly is a VBAC? VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean and is a delivery option for mothers who have had a cesarean delivery prior to their current pregnancy. While vaginal birth after cesarean was not always thought of as a safe option for moms, the most recent research shows that VBAC can be a great option when the patient is an appropriate candidate.
Sara Reardon’s Birth Story For Baby Number One: All’s Well That Ends Well
The exciting birth story of our first son from starting contractions to the final big push.
Running while pregnant
You can (and should!) exercise throughout your pregnancy as you are able. You should continue to exercise as you were before pregnancy and modify along the way as your pregnancy progresses to decrease intensity, avoid lying on your back after 14 weeks and avoid any exercises that contribute to pain or discomfort. Any new workouts or exercise regimes should first be cleared with your doctor and/or your pelvic floor PT.
Constipation During Pregnancy
A very common and often uncomfortable side effect reported during pregnancy is constipation. Signs and symptoms of constipation can be variable but can leave you looking for any source of relief! The good news is that a few lifestyle changes may help provide some relief of symptoms and get you back to a more regular pooping schedule. Check out our top tips for easing constipation during pregnancy.
What You Need To Know About Vulvar Varicosities
While this is a less common occurrence than morning sickness, back pain, or the constant urge to pee, vulvar varicosities can happen during pregnancy and can be a significant source of discomfort for women, especially in the last trimester.
How to do Perineal Massage During Pregnancy
Yes, “vagina massage” is a thing but it’s definitely more than just rubbing on some muscles down there! Here’s what it is, plus how it can help.
Stretches for Labor and Delivery Preparation
Helping prepare your body and vagina for childbirth. The deep squat helps relax your pelvic floor muscles and prepare your perineum to stretch.
5 Must Haves for Your Hospital Vag Bag
Essentials for labor and delivery as told by a pelvic floor physical therapist. Your five must-haves for your postpartum recovery!
Best Pelvic Supports for Pregnancy
Two must-have pregnancy supports and why they help relieve pain.
Everything to Know About SPD in Pregnancy
Pubic bone pain can happen during pregnancy and feels like sharp or shooting pubic bone or groin pain when you roll over in bed, take a step, stand on one leg getting dressed or get out of the car.
Leg Numbness During Pregnancy? It May Be Meralgia Paresthetica
Why you may have never heard of Meralgia parasthetica and what it means for thigh pain during pregnancy. Diagnosis, causes, and treatments explained here.
Third Trimester Tips
Looking back on my third trimester, (I’m now 7 weeks postpartum but finally getting a chance to write out my thoughts) I’m going to share with you a bit about what I loved, what I disliked, what I think helped, and my thoughts during week 40 an 41.
Jen’s Outdoor Birth Story
I learned that birth outcomes can truly improve if a person is in an environment they feel comfortable and respected in whether that be at home, at a birth center, or at a hospital. Whether that be with midwives, doulas, OBGYNS, family practice docs, just yourself, your family or anything in between.
Pregnancy Back Pain: Physical Therapist Recommended Exercises
Good posture is always important, but during pregnancy it is essential.
Second Trimester Tips
A pelvic health PT shares her tips for navigating second trimester.
First Trimester Tips
Top Five Tips to navigate your first trimester of pregnancy
Best Books for Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond!
My must reads for pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and your relationship after babies.