Women Helping Women

In honor of Women’s History Month, I wanted to highlight local women who are currently making history by being successful in their respective fields.  Each of these women has also helped to lift me up and help me succeed in launching my own solo career.  It shows that building each other up so that we are all successful is so much better than tearing others down.  We can also think of it as: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” -Aristotle.  When everything is working correctly together, we can achieve great things.  

We can use this visualization when we think of the pelvic floor.  If everything in our body is working effectively, then we should not have pelvic floor dysfunction since the PF is part of a system.  If we do experience pelvic floor dysfunction, then we need to address each of the parts that make up the whole.  

So here’s where this wonderful village of women comes in.  Each of their professions contribute to the pelvic floor in some way.  Let me explain:

1.  Michele Wrobleski, Registered Dietician Nutritionist.  There are many foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder which can contribute to urinary leakage and increased frequency.  Fiber is key when it comes to preventing constipation to reduce incidences of straining which can lead to pelvic organ prolapse. Michele can help guide you in the right direction.

2. Dr. Stephanie Lipnicki, DACM, LAc, Acupuncturist.  Numerous studies have shown the benefits of acupuncture for pain reduction, including myofascial pain and lower back pain.  If these become chronic, they can contribute to pelvic pain leading to dysfunction.

3. Michelle Tamakloe, Doula.  Offering both support while pregnant, during labor and postpartum, a doula inadvertently protects the pelvic floor.  They use breathing techniques and positioning to improve the labor and delivery process.  

4. Michelle Gerdes, Postpartum Doula, Yoga Instructor, Level-2 Reiki practitioner.  Yoga is an incredibly beneficial way to gain strength, flexibility and stability.  Bringing awareness to the pelvic floor will help you be able to actively relax it and release stress throughout the body.

5. Cassie Stevens, Strength & Conditioning Specialist.  As a personal trainer, Cassie focuses on the importance of proper form with each client.  In pelvic health, I often see muscle imbalances contributing to dysfunction.  Having a specialist correct your technique would ultimately prevent injury. 

6. Chelsea Wargo, Perinatal Fitness Specialist.  The benefits of exercising while pregnant are numerous.  Chelsea’s years of experience working with pregnant and postpartum women helps her provide a safe environment for strengthening when women feel their most vulnerable.  

Just like the pelvic floor, these women support me and I support them.  “Empowerment is not a one woman show; it’s a group effort.” -Unknown

Yours in Pelvic Health,

Danielle