Core 4 Momentum: Empowering Women in Pelvic Health

Happy Women's History Month! As we close out our Black Girl Magic Edition of the Core 4 Podcast, Jessica interviews Dr. Ijeoma Nwankpa, PT, DPT. Dr. Ijeoma is helping black mamas as they navigate the transitions of pregnancy and postpartum. She even gracefully shares her own experiences as a pregnant mom having to advocate for her health equity.  Dr. Ijeoma has her own practice, COPE PT, located in north Dallas, TX. She serves folks as a pelvic physical therapist, lymphedema therapist, oncological therapist, and sexual health counselor. Please follow her on IG @dr_pelvicbella and email info@copept.com with any questions.  Link to the Core 4 Momentum T shirt shop where all proceeds go towards expanding pelvic health access to those in need:  Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health  Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians 

In the fourth episode of our Black Girl Magic Edition in celebration of Black History Month, Cailey Rash, a certified DONA International Birth Doula and a certified Postpartum & Infant Care Doula through ProDoula AND Founder/Owner of BabyCakes Birth Services in Wilmington, NC teaches us about how she helps mothers prepare for birth by creating birth preferences and how she support mothers during labor and delivery! We also will talk about the racial disparities in maternal healthcare with women of color.  Cailey is also involved in the Novant Health New Hanover Community Healthworker program, which provides grant funded doula services to Wilmington and the surrounding area. The program aims to serve women of color who are considered high risk in their pregnancies. She is a member of Cape Fear Area Doulas, Port City Urban Birth Collective, and is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. Connect with Cailey on Instagram: @babycakesbirth or https://www.instagram.com/babycakesbirth/ Website: https://babycakesdoula.com/

In the third episode of our Black Girl Magic Edition in celebration of Black History Month, Dr. Constance Foreman, MD teaches us about standing up for ourselves in healthcare. She delves into what it means to advocate for your own health in our healthcare system, barriers to standing up for yourself that she has seen and experienced, disparities in race with healthcare advocacy, and strategies to implement in your own health journey to stand up for yourself.   Dr. Foreman is a Family Medicine Physician in Wilmington, North Carolina and the Owner/Founder of Beyond Clinic Walls Wellness, a company focused on empowering through health education and wellness coaching for disease prevention to promote practical and sustainable lifestyle changes to promote healthy living beyond the walls of your doctor's office!  Connect with Dr. Foreman on Instagram: @BeyondClinicWallsWellness or https://www.instagram.com/beyondclinicwallswellness/  Website: http://beyondclinicwallswellness.com/ If you are in Wilmington, meet with Dr. Foreman for her monthly walks in the park for health and wellness. The first walk for the year will be on March 12th at 8pm. Email Dr. Foreman to sign up: Info@beyondclinicwalls.com

In the second episode of our Black Girl Magic Edition in celebration of Black History Month, Lashonda Jones, PT, CPT, PPCES is schooling us on postpartum recovery. Lashonda is a mom of two as well as both a personal trainer and a physical therapist who specializes in helping women safely return to exercise postpartum. Is getting your body back quickly postpartum safe? Do waist trainers help or hurt? How can you heal DRA? Listen to find out. Need help with your postpartum recovery and want to connect with Lashonda? Follow her on instagram @ptrainershonda and head to her website coreelevationfitness.com. Link to the Core 4 Momentum T shirt shop where all proceeds go towards expanding pelvic health access to those in need: https://core-4-mom-entum.myshopify.com Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

Kicking off the "Black Girl Magic" edition of our podcast this black history month with Jessica interviewing Dr. Mamawah Bourque, PT, DPT. She is a pelvic floor physical therapist with the unique opportunity to work in a practice with sex, marriage and family therapists. Listen to learn about how what we've learned/not learned about sex in our religious, home, and school settings can manifest negative psychological feelings about sex that can present as physical pelvic floor symptoms like pain with intercourse or penetration. Thank goodness for physical therapists like Dr. Bourque, who can treat these symptoms and help women have the pleasurable intercourse they deserve. You can connect with Dr. Bourque at Houston Relationship Therapy. Follow her on Instagram @drmamawahborque, and check out her services on her website awarenesspelvichealth.com. For more about sexual education and resources for Christians check out themarriagebed.com and for Muslims follow @sexualhealthformuslims on Instagram. Click here to purchase Dr. Viviana's book The 4 Intimacy Styles: The Key to Lasting Physical Intimacy. Link to the Core 4 Momentum T shirt shop where all proceeds go towards expanding pelvic health access to those in need: https://core-4-mom-entum.myshopify.com Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

Listen to Dr. Terri Elder, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA and co-host Dr. Amy Newberry, PT, DPT discuss pelvic organ prolapse (AKA "POP"). Dr. Terri covers the following topics surrounding pelvic organ prolapse: what is POP, who is at risk, treatment for POP, and the emotional impact of POP. Dr. Terri even shares about her personal experience as well! Be sure to check this interview out because Dr. Terri shares awesome knowledge bombs! You can connect with Dr. Terri through her Instagram @terri.elder.dpt https://www.instagram.com/terri.elder.dpt/ Dr. Terri recommended the following resources to check out if you are dealing with POP: POPUp: An Uplifting Resource - https://www.instagram.com/popuplift/ Gentle Birth: https://www.instagram.com/gentlebirthofficial/ Link to the Core 4 Momentum T shirt shop where all proceeds go towards expanding pelvic health access to those in need: https://core-4-mom-entum.myshopify.com Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

Listen to this week's episode where Dr. Yeni Abraham, PT, DPT discusses how physical therapists have the tools to treat patients with mechanical infertility to increase chances of future pregnancy, debunks myths related to fertility, and advocates for all those dealing with infertility. Follow Dr. Abraham's physical therapy practice @triggeredpt on instagram and checkout her website https://www.triggeredpt.com/ .  She's located in the Dallas Fortworth area, but she has options for those who aren't local! Reach out! Email: Info@triggeredpt.com Call: 817-310-9577 Link to the Core 4 Momentum T shirt shop where all proceeds go towards expanding pelvic health access to those in need: https://core-4-mom-entum.myshopify.com Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

Elysia Douglas is a labor doula, postpartum and infant care doula, childbirth educator, and doula trainer based in metro Atlanta. In this episode, she overviews what doulas are, how they serve women during pregnancy and postpartum, and how the pandemic affected her practice. Listen to learn more about why it's so beneficial for women to have a doula on their maternal healthcare team. COVID-19 has not stopped their work! In many ways, it has increased the need of their support! We also believe that black women could especially benefit from having a doula present during labor, delivery, and beyond as an additional advocate to combat inequity and implicit bias from birthing providers that could lead to increased risks of maternal morbidity and mortality. Connect with Elysia and her business North Atlanta Concierge Doulas! Visit her website www.natlconciergedoulas.com today. Follow @N.atlconciergedoulas and @n.atlprofessionaldoulatrainer on Instagram and TikTok. You can also call her at 470-384-9330 or email info@natlconciergedoulas.com. Link to the Core 4 Momentum T shirt shop where all proceeds go towards expanding pelvic health access to those in need: https://core-4-mom-entum.myshopify.com Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

In this episode, listen to Elizabeth Couture's experience with postpartum and the challenges she faced during that time. Elizabeth shares honestly the struggles of postpartum, but also the joy she has found. Be sure to tune in to find out more about how you can prepare yourself for postpartum! Find Elizabeth online: lilliebeth016.wixsite.com/thenotsocouturemomma Instagram: @notsocouturemom Here are some resources she recommends that guided her: https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting/dp/1501122983 Link to the Core 4 Momentum T shirt shop where all proceeds go towards expanding pelvic health access to those in need: https://core-4-mom-entum.myshopify.com Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

In this episode, listen to Elizabeth Couture's first birth story and how she prepared for delivery mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Elizabeth shares nuggets of wisdom and is so genuine and open about her journey through motherhood, so be sure to tune in!! Find Elizabeth online: lilliebeth016.wixsite.com/thenotsocouturemomma Instagram: @notsocouturemom Here are some resources she recommends that guided her: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-about-pregnancy-birth/id1447449586 Link to the Core 4 Momentum T shirt shop where all proceeds go towards expanding pelvic health access to those in need: https://core-4-mom-entum.myshopify.com Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

Episode 14 shines a light on urge incontinence. Our host, Dr. Jessica Thompson, PT, DPT, interviews co host, Dr. Amy Newberry, PT, DPT, on what urge incontinence is, what common triggers are, and the science behind the brain and bladder connection. Amy also gives us a step by step guide to utilize to help decrease urge incontinence. Listen to the end to hear both Amy and Jessica share childhood incontinence stories. Do you or someone you know need help from a pelvic health physical therapist? Find one near you at https://pelvicrehab.com/, https://ptl.womenshealthapta.org/ Links to meditation apps mentioned in this episode: https://headspace.com , https://calm.com Follow and connect with Amy on instagram @amypelvicpt Link to the Core 4 Momentum T shirt shop where all proceeds go towards expanding pelvic health access to those in need: https://core-4-mom-entum.myshopify.com/ Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

In this episode, officially meet Dr. Jessica Thompson, the co-host for the Core 4 Momentum podcast. Learn about Jessica's journey to becoming a pelvic physical therapist and where she is today! Could being a pelvic physical therapist be your calling too?? Listen to this episode to find out! To connect with Jessica, follow her instagram @drjt_thepelvicpt! To find a pelvic physical therapist, check out the links below: https://ptl.womenshealthapta.org/ https://pelvicrehab.com/ Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

As women, mothers, and professionals, we wear many hats and often find a hard time prioritizing simply taking a break. This episode highlights the importance of rest in our lives. Sometimes overworking ourselves can be detrimental to our health. Hear Phalia's story about a potentially fatal health scare related to her busy lifestyle and how she made the necessary lifestyle modifications to stay alive and thrive! She hosts her own podcast where she empowers others to take care of themselves. Listen and subscribe to Phalia's podcast, How to Take a Break, on all major platforms. Follow her on instagram @pmkester. Use this link to go directly to her affordable Etsy shop to purchase the resources to help organize your day to include breaks https://www.etsy.com/listing/912252780/journal-pages-printable-instant-download?ref=hp_rv-1. Want to learn more about the science behind why we all need to take breaks and keep our autonomic nervous system in balance? Check out this article by Dr. Smulders, a naturopathic medical doctor. http://drsmulders.com/blog-1/2018/12/11/balance-your-brain. This episode was hosted by Dr. Jessica Thompson, PT, DPT. Follow her on IG @drjt_thepelvicpt. Join our Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group and follow our IG @Core4Momentum to stay connected and empowered.

In this episode, our host, Dr. Jessica Thompson, PT, DPT interviews co-host Dr. Amy Newberry, PT, DPT about what pelvic physical therapy is, what conditions pelvic physical therapists treat, and what you can expect in your first appointment. Listen to this episode to the end to accept the CHALLENGE! To connect with Amy, follow her instagram @amypelvicpt! To find a pelvic physical therapist, check out the links below: https://ptl.womenshealthapta.org/ https://pelvicrehab.com/ Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

Tinkle when you're tickled? Sprinkle when you sneeze? Pee when you pounce? In this episode, Dr. Qualls, physical therapist and certified pelvic rehab practitioner, discusses stress urinary incontinence. She overviews what it is, why it happens, who is more susceptible, and how physical therapists treat it. Dr. Qualls has her own practice, and she is happy to consult with anyone. Please contact her by phone at 301-246-2353, her website www.qualitytouchpt.com, or social media @qualitytouchpt.

In this episode, you will learn all about infertility from Dr. Eliza Cait, PT, DPT. She discusses some factors that may contribute to infertility, the challenges of experiencing infertility, and who to have on your team while you navigate your journey. Learn about being more conscientiousness about what you put in and on your body and much more! Connect with Dr. Eliza Cait, PT, DPT at https://elizacait.com/ and check out her blog! Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

In this week's episode, Core 4 Momentum tribe member, Jennifer, opens up about her experience with having a home birth with her third child. Having a hospital birth with her first two daughters, Jennifer has gained a lot of insight on her personal pros and cons of both. She shares how she made the decision to try home birth, the preparation leading up to deliver, and the intimacy and intricacies of her baby's birthday! We also discuss the prevalence of certified midwives in the country and barriers that some women have when seeking out of hospital births. Jennifer is an aspiring doula and an amazing mom, who is willing to help anyone who has questions about choosing home birth. Connect with her through our Core 4 Momentum private Facebook group or email her @jenw1023@gmail.com.

Today the FIRST of our many "Birth Stories" edition is available! Listen to Diane Butler talk about her birth stories with each of her three girls, including our very own, Dr. Tori Butler, PT, DPT as our host! You will learn about how every pregnancy, labor, and delivery are unique experiences. Know that you are NOT alone in what you feel and experience through your pregnancy and delivery. If YOU have a birth story you want to share, join our online community at the link below and let us know! Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

Listen as Child Birth Educator, Doula, and Certified Lactation Consultant, Kacey Widmeyer, IBCLC, MA debunks the age old breastfeeding myths to help us all distinguish the truth from the not true at all! She also provides tips on getting the best latch, breastfeeding schedules, and tools to help the process be as comfortable as possible. You will finish this episode feeling empowered because ALL women have what it takes to breastfeed with the proper education and resources. You can connect with Kacey at atenderbeginning.com or message her directly in our Core 4 Momentum Facebook group! Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

In this episode, we interview Rayann Sprenkle, an Exercise Scientist who specializes in working with CrossFit athletes, but also has tremendous experience working with Division 1 collegiate athletes, weekend warriors, and women who are pregnant and postpartum. Some of the topics covered in this episode include how to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy, how to maintain fitness during pregnancy, postpartum health and wellness, safe exercises during pregnancy, and which exercises to avoid during pregnancy! Find Rayann Sprenkle on Facebook or Instagram @sa_valkyrie_ to follow her journey! Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

In this episode, our Core 4 tribe will be informed by Dr. Katherine Sylvester, PT, DPT on what C- Sections are, the risk factors for having one, the risks that come along with having one, what women can do to prepare, and how physical therapy is a vital part of the road to recovery. If you want to know when to start desensitizing and mobilizing your scar and why it's important to do so, that information is in this episode as well! You will also learn the importance of patient education/advocacy throughout the journey. Connect with Katherine through her website rediscoveryourmusic.com. Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

In this episode, we interview Laurel Guimaraes, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Certified Doula, and Birth Educator. Laurel discusses what a doula's role is on the birth team, hypno-doula training, the importance of pre-natal/pregnancy/post-partum nutrition, and why she became a RDN, Certified Doula, and Birth Educator! Check out Laurel's page here for more information: https://www.facebook.com/zenjourneydietitian Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

In this week's episode, our host, Dr. Julia Smeltz, PT, DPT, interviews modern-day shaman, Tara Reitz. We define trauma, overview the anatomy of the autonomic nervous system as it relates to trauma, discuss Tara's role as a shaman, how she treats patients, the process of healing from personal and ancestral trauma, and how women can benefit from seeing a shaman in addition to physical therapy postpartum. We also talk about the 7 energy centers and how they relate to healing. There is a brief meditation session led by Tara at the end of the episode as well! Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467

In this short episode, Dr. Jessica Thompson, PT, DPT and Dr. Amy Newberry, PT, DPT discuss how the Core 4 Momentum team transformed from one trailblazer to six passionate pelvic health professionals excited to advocate about pelvic health education. We talk about our goals for this podcast and the various topics we plan to cover through multidisciplinary interviews with PELVIC HEALTH EXPERTS. Link to the Core 4 Momentum Facebook Group for women interested in learning more about their pelvic health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/core4momentum Link to the Pelvic Health Kickstarters Facebook Group for Pre-PT/SPT/Entry-level clinicians interested in becoming pelvic health clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1186501018369467