Trish sits down with Crystal, a physical therapist and c-section recovery expert with 17 years of experience and a professor for over 11 years, to discuss crucial insights into recovering from a C-section. They emphasize the importance of not solely relying on hospital recovery instructions, as proper early care can significantly impact long-term healing and pain management. Crystal shares her personal experience, having had two c-section births, and professional expertise on common recovery mistakes, the value of early gentle movements, scar care, and strategies to regain core strength and mobility. This conversation is packed with essential tips, support options, and resources for moms navigating their C-section recovery journey.

More from Crystal Garnett:

• Follow her on Instagram @csectionphysio
• Visit  www.csectionphysio.com
• Enroll in Crystal’s program using the code “LABORNURSEMAMA’ and get Labor Nurse Mama’s Belly Birth Masterclass included for FREE!

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:35 Crystal's Personal C-Section Experience
• 02:33 The Shocking Lack of Post-Op Care Instructions
• 06:30 The Importance of Gentle Movements and Breathing Exercises
• 08:46 Managing Intra-Abdominal Pressure and Pain
• 11:07 Scar Care and Emotional Healing
• 15:12 The Role of Compression and Support in Recovery
• 18:15 Managing Pain and Mobility
• 21:03 Importance of Support and Assistance
• 22:19 Lifting and Handling Post-Surgery
• 26:02 Scar Massage and Healing Techniques
• 28:54 Silicone Tape and Scar Care

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🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

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For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Trish breaks down the often-overlooked issue of postpartum booty pain experienced by new mothers, sharing her personal journey and the critical lessons learned. From her startling experience with her first baby Ian, where a nurse referred to hemorrhoids as 'a patch of cauliflowers,' to understanding various causes, Trish offers insights into tailbone trauma, hemorrhoids, pelvic floor dysfunction, and other sources of pain.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

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She provides practical strategies and preventative measures to alleviate this discomfort, emphasizing the importance of proper birth positions, physical therapy, and self-advocacy. With her extensive experience as an online birth educator and 16+ years as a labor and delivery nurse, Trish aims to empower women with the knowledge to reduce postpartum suffering and enjoy a smoother recovery. Tune in to learn how to prevent and manage seven common causes of postpartum booty pain.

More from this episode:

• Grab this Donut Cushion
• Sitz Bath for Hemorrhoids
• Stool Softener

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:14 Understanding Postpartum Booty Pain
• 05:17 Tailbone Trauma: Causes and Solutions
• 07:59 Hemorrhoids: The Cauliflower Patch
• 13:25 Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: The Hidden Connection
• 16:35 Birth Positions: Preventing Tailbone Pain
• 20:21 Anal Fissures: The Sharp Pain
• 22:36 Muscle Strain from Pushing
• 25:29 Nerve Damage: The Rare Case
• 27:49 Conclusion: Empowering Your Recovery

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Feeling more energized and less nauseous? It's the perfect time to prepare for a smoother birth and postpartum. Trish shares a practical, no-fluff checklist of 11 actionable steps to take in the second trimester - from mobility exercises to crucial conversations with your provider - that can reduce interventions, ease labor, and boost your confidence. Whether you're a first-time mom or a seasoned parent, these tips are designed for real, busy mamas to help you feel prepared and in control.

Your Essential Second Trimester Checklist:

• #1: Anatomy Scan (Around 20 Weeks): Go beyond the gender reveal - understand checks for placenta location, baby's growth, heart, and fluid levels. Bring questions and follow up with your provider for clarity.
• #2: Gentle Pelvic and Mobility Routines: Dedicate 5-15 minutes daily to movements like pelvic tilts, squats, cat-cow stretches, and glute bridges to reduce tension, improve baby's positioning, and open your pelvis by up to 30% during labor.
• #3: Nutrition for Energy and Baby's Development: Focus on high-protein snacks, iron-rich meals, choline from eggs, DHA from supplements, and hydration. Balance cravings while preventing anemia and supporting brain growth.
• #4: Mindset and Breath Practice: Combat fear and tension with 5 minutes of daily breathing (inhale for 4, exhale for 6) and visualization to activate your parasympathetic nervous system for easier labor.
• #5: Build Your Birth Team and Define Roles: Educate your partner, family, and friends on your birth goals.
• #6: Screening Tests and Vaccine Timing: Research and discuss upcoming tests with your provider. Ask about alternatives and risks.
• #7: Fetal Positioning Moves: Adopt habits like forward-leaning positions, birth ball sitting, side-lying releases, and pelvic rocks to encourage optimal LOA (left occiput anterior) positioning and avoid back labor.
• #8: Maternity Leave and Logistics: Plan now - talk to your boss, HR, and insurance about leave, work handoffs, and paperwork to reduce third-trimester stress.
• #9: Baby Gear Essentials vs. Convenience: Prioritize must-haves like a car seat, safe sleep surface, diapers, thermometer, and basic clothes. Borrow or skip gadgets; survey mom friends for realistic advice.
• #10: Advocacy Scripts and Being Informed: Practice simple phrases like "What are the risks of waiting?" or "No, thank you" to navigate decisions calmly and firmly during labor.
• #11: The "What If" Conversation: Schedule a detailed chat with your provider about induction thresholds, failure to progress, pain management, VBAC policies, and newborn care like delayed cord clamping.

Share this episode with a pregnant friend, and tag @labor.nurse.mama on Instagram with your second-trimester wins. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review - your feedback helps more mamas prepare for the birth they deserve!

More episodes:

• Second Trimester Pregnancy: What To Expect | 31
• 11 Things to Do During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy | 82
• Second Trimester Pregnancy Testing | 165