A common question I get asked is whether a certain core exercise is safe – especially for things like diastasis recti or pelvic organ prolapse.

And there are so many ideas floating around the interwebs on what core exercises are “mom safe”.

I get how easy that makes things.

You can put certain exercises in a box labelled “safe” and other exercises in a box labelled “unsafe”.

But the truth is that it’s not that black and white. There’s a whole lot more grey going on.

And another truth is that, if you want to feel stronger, faster, then you’ll actually want to avoid this idea of only doing mom safe core exercises.

Here’s why…

[Read more…] about The Fastest Way to Feel Stronger After Baby is to Stop Doing “Mom Safe” Core Exercises, And Do This Instead

Let’s talk about the guilt game going on right now.

You see, we’re in the middle of a pandemic, that swung right into a human rights revolution, that’s caused so many people (myself included) to re-evaluate how we’re doing life, parenting and business.

And this has probably brought up a lot of stuff for you.

Like guilt.

We feel guilty for

… not exercising enough because life feels overwhelming right now

… turning to food, Netflix binges, and hour-long Instagram scrolls to try to distract ourselves

… trying to be the present parent while working a full-time job at home and feeling like we’re failing at both

… not talking about racism with our friends, family, and kids sooner

… making unhealthy choices that we know aren’t good for us but we choose them anyway

… feeling exhausted, burned out, and just done (even though we have so much privilege and nothing to complain about compared to so many other people in the world right now so who are we to feel these feelings anyways, right?!)

And none of this is helping you feel good.

None of this is helping you show up for yourself and your family in a positive, powerful way.

So what do you do? How can you move forward? What steps can you take to feel less overwhelmed, make healthy choices that you know are going to make you feel better, and let this guilt go?

[Read more…] about Here’s the Plan Going Forward

I’ll be honest, I had a whole different post planned for today but I decided you probably need this. I know I sure do.

I don’t know about you but the past couple months have been challenging (and that’s putting it mildly, isn’t it?)

And I sometimes catch myself wondering if this whole pandemic situation would be easier if I wasn’t a mom.

Would I be less stressed?

Would it feel less hard?

Would I have more patience?

Would it feel less painful if I didn’t have to worry about trying to get work done without childcare support?

Would I just get to sit down and relax for more than 5 minutes without needing to get someone a snack, wipe a bum, or attempt to be a Pinterest-worthy Mom and make some elaborate craft out of popsicle sticks and glitter glue that they’re only going to play with for five minute anyways?

And then as soon as I think these thoughts I immediately feel guilty.

[Read more…] about Does It Feel Like Things Are Extra Hard Right Now?

There’s one thing I recommend every single one of my clients do.

Go see a pelvic health physiotherapist (or sometimes called a physical therapist).

If you have the option and ability to get even one appointment with a pelvic health physio, you’re going to learn so much about recovering from birth, healing and strengthening your core and pelvic floor, and getting help with any issues you might be dealing with (like leaking, prolapse, diastasis recti and more).

And you know what?

With the COVID-19 pandemic happening right now pelvic health physiotherapy has never been so accessible.

Many clinics are offering telehealth sessions where you can have a virtual session with a physio.

Now before you ask, let me make it very clear that you don’t have to get naked from the waist down and expose yourself on camera to get great physio care through telehealth sessions.

So what exactly does it look like? What should you expect from a pelvic health assessment? Who should book an appointment?

[Read more…] about What to Expect From a Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Telehealth Session

Do you have a friend who you can talk with about sex, orgasms, pleasure and how to get more of what you actually want out of your sex life?

If you don’t, I have a friend you can borrow.

Her name is Janna Denton-Howes (I know, the similarities in our names is crazy! Still makes me laugh 😆).

And I asked her to have a chat with me about the frustration, guilt and worry that surrounds a low desire for sex.

Maybe you’re under a lot of stress right now and that’s tanking your sex drive.

Maybe you used to want sex, but since baby came you’re kinda over it.

Maybe you’ve never really been into sex, it’s always just been something on your to-do list that you’ve never really enjoyed.

Whatever the case, I can’t wait for you to check out this interview with Janna.

[Read more…] about Want to Want & Enjoy Sex More? Do This (Pro Tips From a Sex Coach)

The other day Avery, my four year old, had just watched over 3 hours of Netflix and she turned to me and said, “Mom can I watch one more?”

I could feel that tight, sick feeling somewhere between my stomach and chest as I said, “Sure. One more. But this will actually be the last one.”

I’m pretty sure I’d already said that twice, maybe three times already.

I just really wanted to get one last thing done and then I’d have time to play with her – at least that’s what I told myself.

Meanwhile the mom guilt began to eat me up as I struggled to remind myself that it’s okay, I’m still a “good mom”.

And I have a feeling I’m not alone.

[Read more…] about How to Handle Stress and Mom Guilt Right Now