Dive into a thoughtful critique of "Floored," the bestselling pelvic floor health book by Dr. Sarah Reardon (The Vagina Whisperer). This episode unpacks both the groundbreaking achievements and potential shortcomings of this influential text that's reshaping how we talk about pelvic health.

As a pelvic floor physical therapist and researcher, I offer a balanced assessment of how this book succeeds brilliantly in making pelvic floor conversations accessible and shame-free. The conversational tone and clear explanations of complex anatomy deserve significant praise, especially in the excellent chapters on sexual function and pain management.

However, I challenge several recommendations around posture and exercise that don't align with current evidence. Claims suggesting crossing your legs or specific sleeping positions cause dysfunction aren't supported by research. Similarly, the advice to "always Kegel during resistance training" and "always exhale during exertion" oversimplifies the complex, integrated nature of how our bodies naturally function during movement.

Most concerning are statements suggesting women can cause "permanent pelvic floor dysfunction" by returning to exercise "too soon" after birth - language that inadvertently blames mothers for symptoms largely determined by genetics and birth trauma. These symptoms are expected parts of recovery, not indicators of failure.

Whether you've read the book or are curious about pelvic health, this episode offers valuable context for understanding how we can empower rather than frighten women with health information. Let's celebrate progress while continuing to evolve our understanding based on the best available evidence.

What pelvic health books or resources have you found most helpful? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about evidence-based approaches to women's health.

___________________________________________________________________________
Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here!

Have you ever wondered why certain pregnancy myths refuse to die despite lacking scientific evidence? The answer lies in how our digital ecosystem perpetuates misinformation through well-meaning but often unqualified influencers.

The motherhood space on platforms like TikTok has become a breeding ground for myths around labor induction and postpartum recovery. When desperate moms-to-be try curb walking or special teas before spontaneously going into labor, they create powerful mental associations between these activities and their outcomes. This saliency effect—attributing results to the most recent notable action—creates the illusion that these methods work, when in reality, baby was simply ready to arrive.

Even more concerning is the postpartum recovery space, where influencers showcase remarkable physical transformations while marketing simple programs as the secret to their success. What's conveniently omitted is the foundation that made their recovery possible: years of prior training, home gyms, supportive partners who prioritize fitness, favorable genetics, and fewer responsibilities (particularly with first babies). These privileged circumstances create the perfect environment for rapid recovery that most women simply don't have access to.

The fundamental problem is the conflation of personal experience with expertise. As fitness professional Claire from Barbell Medicine perfectly states, "Your experience does not equal your expertise." Without proper education and diverse client experience, these influencers create underdosed, one-size-fits-all programs that fail to deliver promised results for most followers. The consequence? Women blame themselves when they can't achieve influencer-like outcomes, despite diligently following recommendations.

This isn't about vilifying well-intentioned creators but encouraging transparency about scope of practice, program limitations, and the many factors beyond exercise that contribute to outcomes. We deserve nuanced conversations about pregnancy and postpartum fitness that acknowledge the complex interplay of genetics, training history, and life circumstances—something impossible to deliver in 15-second sound bites designed to sell programs.

Have you encountered fitness myths that seemed too good to be true in your motherhood journey? Share your experience or join us on TikTok @thebarbellmama for evidence-based information that respects the uniqueness of your path.

___________________________________________________________________________
Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here!

Groundbreaking research is reshaping what we know about pelvic health for active women. This episode dives into three significant developments that challenge conventional wisdom about incontinence, pregnancy exercise, and pelvic organ prolapse.

The first revelation? Athletes who experience leaking during exercise actually have stronger pelvic floors, not weaker ones as previously thought. Recent studies from both strength athletes and endurance runners confirm this surprising finding. The real culprits appear to be coordination deficits (the pelvic floor contracting too late during impact) and weak gluteal muscles that fail to properly support the pelvic floor system. This suggests we need to move beyond simple Kegels to address the entire core system.

Equally exciting is new research examining highly active pregnant women who exercise more than 300 minutes weekly in their third trimester. These women experience fewer delivery complications than less active counterparts, though they show slightly higher rates of diastasis recti postpartum. Rather than recommending exercise reduction, we should focus on strengthening these athletes' core muscles and considering external support options to help them safely maintain their preferred activity levels.

Perhaps most transformative is the medical community's reconsideration of pelvic organ prolapse definitions. With up to 50% of women having anatomical findings that would classify as prolapse but only 3-8% experiencing symptoms, we're questioning whether we're pathologizing normal anatomy. The vagina naturally moves and shifts throughout the day—it's not a rigid structure. Current assessment methods don't reflect real-world function, creating unnecessary fear for many women.

These research developments collectively signal a more sophisticated approach to pelvic health—one that considers coordination, functional movement patterns, and individual variability rather than simplistic strength-focused solutions. For active women navigating motherhood, this evolution promises more effective support with fewer unnecessary restrictions.

___________________________________________________________________________
Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here!

Fear nearly kept me from motherhood. Growing up watching my mother battle severe mental health challenges that began in her postpartum period with twins left me terrified that history might repeat itself. That deeply personal story opens our candid exploration of postpartum depression and anxiety—conditions that affect countless women who suffer in silence.

What exactly distinguishes normal "baby blues" from actual mood disorders requiring intervention? When does typical new-parent worry cross the line into clinical anxiety? These questions remain frustratingly difficult to answer, particularly with postpartum anxiety, which lacks the research attention and screening tools that depression has received. Many high-achieving women dismiss their symptoms as merely being "type A" or having "perfectionist tendencies," missing opportunities for early intervention.

The most exciting development in this field comes from emerging research showing that exercise—specifically accumulating 120 minutes weekly of moderate activity—provides significant protection against postpartum mood disorders. This evidence helped transform international guidelines away from mandatory six-week exercise restrictions. When you're in a vulnerable low-estrogen state that predisposes you to depression, movement becomes more than physical rehabilitation—it's mental health medicine.

For mothers struggling with depression symptoms who can barely get out of bed, the standard exercise prescription can feel impossible. That's where "movement snacks" prove transformative—just 5-10 minutes of activity can provide immediate mood benefits. Starting small and building gradually creates momentum when traditional workouts seem overwhelming.

Most importantly, we must normalize asking for help. The cultural expectation that mothers should silently shoulder their burdens does immeasurable harm. As one poignant quote reminds us: "I want you to bother me." Your friends want to support you through difficult times, not just celebrate the happy moments. They want to sit with you in vulnerability without judgment.

Ready to break the silence around maternal mental health? Share this episode with someone who might need permission to reach out. Remember that no matter where you are in your motherhood journey, you never need to face these challenges alone.

___________________________________________________________________________
Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here!

The boundaries of female athleticism are expanding in thrilling ways, yet the research supporting women's unique physiological journeys lags significantly behind. From my recent experience at the Female Athlete Conference in Boston, I've returned brimming with insights about how we're finally beginning to address this disparity.

What makes this biennial gathering extraordinary is the spirit of collaboration. Sports medicine physicians, obstetricians, researchers, physical therapists, nutritionists, and coaches share knowledge freely, recognizing that advancing women's sports medicine requires collective effort rather than competition. This stands in refreshing contrast to the typically siloed approach in both healthcare and academia.

A powerful theme emerged around trusting athletes to tell their own stories. In the shadow of the USA Gymnastics abuse scandal, healthcare providers are recognizing how critical it is to center athletes in their care decisions. This parallels what we need in maternal healthcare – placing the birthing person at the center while providers serve as supportive guides rather than authority figures. The most successful approach appears to be multidisciplinary, as demonstrated by the US rowing team where two athletes had babies three months apart during Olympic training and returned to win medals with comprehensive support.

The conference revealed fascinating nuances about menstrual cycles, with research showing extreme variability in cycle length, ovulation timing, and hormone profiles among athletes. This variability makes generic cycle-syncing workout programs virtually impossible to implement effectively. More concerning were discussions around fertility risks in elite sport, where high training volumes combined with inadequate fueling can lead to anovulatory cycles even when menstruation appears regular.

Perhaps most exciting was the focus on previously neglected populations – particularly masters athletes navigating perimenopause and menopause. With some women transitioning directly from postpartum to perimenopause (especially those having children in their 40s), there's an urgent need for research in this area. Equipment design also emerged as a critical barrier, with revelations about cyclists undergoing labioplasty because bike seats weren't designed for female anatomy.

The most profound reframing questioned why we measure women's sporting advancement by how closely it approaches men's sports. What if instead, we focused on making women's sports the absolute best they can be without male performance as the benchmark? This perspective shift invites us to value women's sport for its unique contributions rather than as a perpetual game of catch-up.

Join me as we continue exploring how these emerging insights can support your journey as an active woman through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond!

___________________________________________________________________________
Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here!

Pregnancy doesn't have to mean suffering through pain until delivery day. In this myth-busting episode, pelvic floor physical therapist Christina Prevett tackles one of pregnancy's most common yet misunderstood challenges: pelvic girdle pain.

Between 50-75% of pregnant individuals experience muscle aches and pain, particularly around the pelvis. But the common advice to "just wait until the baby comes" or dismissing it as "normal pregnancy discomfort" prevents many from finding the relief they deserve. Christina systematically dismantles four harmful myths about pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, including the widespread misconception that the hormone relaxin is solely to blame.

What's really happening when pregnancy causes pelvic pain? Christina explains how pregnancy shifts the balance between our body's static supports (ligaments) and dynamic supports (muscles), requiring our hip, inner thigh, and pelvic floor muscles to work harder. This understanding transforms how we approach treatment—instead of resting completely, strategic strengthening becomes crucial.

Through practical modification strategies, supportive equipment recommendations, and specific strengthening exercises, Christina provides a comprehensive approach to managing pain during pregnancy. She shares her personal experience with pelvic girdle pain during both her pregnancies, demonstrating how active management rather than passive waiting led to quick relief.

Whether you're currently pregnant and struggling with pain or a fitness professional working with pregnant clients, this episode delivers actionable strategies to transform the pregnancy experience from one of endurance to empowerment. Your pregnancy journey doesn't have to include unmanaged pain—there are evidence-based solutions waiting for you.

___________________________________________________________________________
Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here!

For active women who've experienced that embarrassing leak during a heavy lift, this episode challenges everything you thought you knew about pelvic floor function. Diving deep into the science of bracing mechanics, Christina Previtt unravels the fascinating relationship between breath, core tension, and pelvic health that revolutionizes how we approach strength training.

Forget the simplistic advice to "just do more Kegels." Research reveals a surprising truth: women who experience incontinence during lifting often have stronger pelvic floors than those who don't. Christina explains why coordination—not weakness—is frequently the real culprit, and how understanding the entire core canister system transforms both rehabilitation and performance.

The Valsalva maneuver (that instinctive breath hold during heavy efforts) has been unnecessarily vilified, especially for pregnant and postpartum women. Christina presents compelling evidence that this natural bracing strategy isn't inherently problematic—it's a trainable skill that, when properly executed, can actually support pelvic health while enhancing performance.

Whether you're an expecting mother concerned about safe lifting, a postpartum athlete working to rebuild your foundation, or simply someone who wants to lift without leaking, this episode provides actionable insights that bridge the all-too-common gap between rehabilitation and performance training. By understanding how proper bracing distributes pressure throughout your core system rather than directing it downward, you'll discover how to protect your pelvic floor while still challenging yourself in the gym.

Ready to transform both how you think about and how you feel during your lifts? This episode might just be the missing piece in your training and recovery puzzle. Subscribe to Barbell Mamas for more evidence-based conversations at the intersection of motherhood, strength, and pelvic health—where we're redefining what's possible for athletic women through every stage of life.

___________________________________________________________________________
Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here!

The comparison trap is real, and it's especially potent in the pregnancy and postpartum space. As someone who's been both celebrated and criticized for weightlifting through pregnancy and competing just months after giving birth, I've witnessed firsthand how social media creates unrealistic expectations.

When that ultramarathon runner went viral for nursing her baby throughout a 100-mile race, I saw the same pattern unfold again: celebration quickly followed by a wave of women feeling inadequate about their different journeys. While I'll always celebrate these extraordinary athletic feats, there's something critical we're missing in these conversations.

Nobody's sharing the full picture online. That runner who makes postpartum recovery look effortless? She might be managing prolapse symptoms. The CrossFit athlete back at the gym three weeks after birth? She might be there because exercise is keeping severe postpartum depression at bay. I know because that was my story – competing while managing hypertension, incontinence, and painful intercourse. The highlight reel never shows these struggles.

The beautiful paradox is that these extreme cases have actually expanded possibilities for all mothers. Five years ago, I was told lifting weights would harm my baby. Today, because boundary-pushers documented their journeys, medical professionals can offer personalized approaches rather than one-size-fits-all restrictions. When we normalize various exercise intensities during pregnancy and postpartum, everyone benefits – from the yoga enthusiast to the competitive weightlifter.

What looks like symptom-free recovery is often strategic movement as rehabilitation. Current research increasingly supports earlier return to activity for both physical healing and mental health benefits, particularly in preventing postpartum depression and anxiety. Instead of assuming exercise indicates a "perfect" recovery, consider that it might be someone's medicine.

If you've felt the sting of comparison when your journey hasn't matched those perfect Instagram posts, you're not alone. Your timeline is valid whether it's three weeks or three years. Mute accounts that trigger you, find guidance that meets you where you are, and remember – behind every social media success story is a complex reality we're never fully seeing.

___________________________________________________________________________
Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here!