Mom Strength

In this week's episode, Surabhi Veitch and Kim Vopni chat about how we can better educate women about the pelvic and hormonal considerations through our life. Kim shares her personal story, from her initial resistance to childbirth after a Grade 6 sex education class to her pivotal moment witnessing her sister-in-law's empowering birth experience.As an entrepreneur and the Vagina Coach, Kim has been at the forefront of integrating pelvic health into various stages of life. She co-founded Bellies Inc. and developed the Prepare to Push program.Join us for a candid conversation about breaking taboos, empowering women, and redefining pelvic health across all life stages..✨This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership..Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Ever wondered if your child needs speech therapy or are you curious about what your child really needs to know before entering kindergarten? Tune in for an engaging episode this week as Rebecca Drory, a speech language pathologist, dive into the unique world of speech pathology. As the owner and founder of Bespoke Speech, a distinguished private speech therapy practice in Midtown Toronto, Rebecca has made it her mission to empower parents and caregivers in supporting their children's communication skills. You don't want to miss this week's episode as we explore all you need to know about the field of speech therapy, including what role parents play in speech therapy, what speech sounds are, and who the ideal patient is for speech therapy..✨This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership..Connect with Rebecca:—Instagram @bespoke.speech—Website https://www.bespokespeech.ca/.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

The decline of estrogen during menopause can feel like your body has lost its armor, says Wanjira Njenga, a certified health, wellness and menopause coach. In this episode, Wanjira and Surabhi explore what really happens when estrogen declines during menopause and how to fill that gap—not with fear or fads, but with strength, science, and sustainable support.Wanjira breaks down why menopause feels like puberty all over again, and how to work with your body, not against it. From understanding your hormones to building a lifestyle that supports your body, sleep, and sanity, we're throwing out outdated advice and giving you tools rooted in real science and lived experience. From muscle-building, weight gain, hot flashes and heart health to busting extreme diet myths and managing stress, this episode unpacks the real tools people need to navigate menopause with confidence. It's time to stop powering through and start powering up!.✨This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership..Connect with Wanjira:—Instagram @studiowanjira—Website https://wanjira.com/—Menopause Made Manageable membership.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

What if our understanding of sex, especially in the medical world, is all wrong? In this passionate and unfiltered conversation, Surabhi Veitch is joined by pelvic health physical therapist, sexuality educator and counselor Dr. Uchenna Ossai, also known as Dr. UC. They explore how pleasure is more than just an orgasm, why goal-oriented sex is limiting, and how cultural identities shape our experiences with intimacy. From navigating sexual shame to being more present during sex across different life challenges like pregnancy and postpartum, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who works in healthcare or anyone who wants to elevate their intimacy. They also dive into the Pelvic Health Sexuality Counseling Certificate Program by Dr. Uchenna Ossai and Heather Edwards, a fellow pelvic physiotherapist, and they discuss why intersectionality must be central to how healthcare providers approach care..✨This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership..Connect with Uchenna: Instagram @youseelogic.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Still reaching for the ice pack after an ankle sprain or muscle strain? It's time to rethink everything you thought you knew about injury recovery. In this episode, we dive into the PEACE & LOVE method—a modern, evidence-based approach that goes beyond outdated advice like RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). You'll learn why inflammation isn't always the enemy, why rest alone can delay healing, and what you should be doing instead. Whether you're a new mama, weekend warrior, or just dealing with everyday aches, this episode will change the way you respond to pain and injuries..Helpful Links:—Book a physiotherapy or coaching consult: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca.Episode Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership.

Trouble navigating sexytime postpartum? Struggling with your sexual confidence since you became a mom? Tune into this week's episode of Mom Strength to learn how to reconnect with yourself, your pelvic floor and improve intimacy.You'll learn about:—Responsive desire vs spontaneous desire—Sexual brakes vs sexual accelerators in the postpartum phase—Pelvic floor strategies for pain, discomfort, or low libido—Sex frequency for parents and what the research says—How we are impacted by society's portrayal of “sexy”—Do Kegels help with painful sex?—Making sex work in your tired new mom life—Where to get help with pelvic floor or sexual health concerns postpartum..Helpful Links:—Book a pelvic physiotherapy or coaching consult: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi—Reclaim Your Pleasure Workshop: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/reclaim-your-pleasure-workshop.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca.Episode Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership.

Surabhi Veitch and Joanne Ukposidolo have a dynamic conversation on how to become a better and more successful pelvic floor physiotherapist, while respecting shared decision making, cultural humility and embracing your own identity..We discuss:—Creating a space where you and your Type A clients can release the pressure and stress of the day—The role of the physiotherapist in creating an environment where clients want to participate in their rehab—Empowering clients as the custodian of their own care—Getting better at understanding client's goals, identity and culture in order to better treat them—The importance of hearing people out and validating their concerns as a pelvic health physiotherapist—Cultural competence vs cultural humility—Understanding body shame and body confidence as a woman treading across multiple cultures—The hypervisibility and hyperinvisibility of being a visible minority (terms by Stephanie Lurch)—Embracing your culture, identity and parts that “stand out”—The importance of knowing yourself and respecting your own boundaries - “once you understand why something is important to you, nothing can touch you at that point”—The importance of critical thinking as a healthcare professional—Understanding how race and technology/AI can impact pain management and birth outcomes—Why it is crucial for healthcare professionals to take care of themselves in order to provide better client care.✨This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership..Connect with Joanne: Instagram @yourphysio_jo.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Surabhi chats with Dr. Yeni Abraham, pelvic physical therapist and creator of the Pelvic Rehab Fertility Specialist (PRFS) Certification Program, all about infertility, the importance of prioritizing sexual wellness, and using a holistic approach to supporting fertility.We discuss:—What is infertility and how to know when to get help?—The ideal age for fertility and impact of advanced maternal age—How lack of time impacts fertility especially for busy, Type A successful women—How the western medical and traditional cultural approaches both play a key role in fertility—How the search for economic stability can impacts an immigrant's experience with fertility—Importance of education on regular intercourse, pleasure, orgasms and sexual wellness as part of fertility treatment—When should genetic and reproductive testing come into play—The role of a pelvic floor physical therapist in supporting fertility—The importance of shared decision making rather than resorting to the patriarchal model of healthcare—Fibroids, premature ovarian failure and other fertility cases that keep Dr Yeni up at night—Dr. Yeni's services including mentorship, PRFS Certification Program, and masterclasses on endometriosis, adenomyosis, irregular periods—How Dr. Yeni prioritizes happiness and self-care as a mom and successful business owner.✨This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership..Connect with Dr. Yeni & Important Links:—Instagram @triggeredpt—Sign up for Dr. Yeni's courses and programs: https://www.triggeredacademy.com.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Surabhi chats with Dr. Sinéad Dufour, leading researcher and pelvic physiotherapist in a conversation all about incontinence, pelvic girdle pain and HIFEM technology..We get into:—The benefits of virtual and hybrid models of care when it comes to pelvic physical therapy—What the research says about pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP)—Reducing fear of movement and getting moms moving—Understanding physiologic vs structural pain—Pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence—High-intensity focused electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) like Emsella and other “Kegel chairs”.✨This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership..Connect with Dr. Sinéad & Important Links:—Instagram @dr.sinead—Work with Dr. Sinéad at Urospot and Compass Rose Wellness.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Pregnant, trying to conceive or planning a future pregnancy? Tune into this episode to learn why you should work with a pelvic floor physiotherapist. Whether you have pelvic symptoms like leaks, constipation or pain, other symptoms like lower back pain, sciatica, or maybe you don't have symptoms at all, you'll learn why it's a good idea to work with a pelvic physio in pregnancy. You'll also learn how to prepare for birth and minimize risk of tears..Helpful Links:—Book a pelvic physiotherapy or coaching consult: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi—Prenatal fitness - sign up for BASE fitness membership: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/base-membership.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca.Episode Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership.

Not sure how to find a physio that's a good fit for you? The thing is: not all physical therapists are created equal. There are many factors to consider in choosing the right practitioner for you, including their training, work experience, life experience, cultural competence, ability to listen to you, ability to empower you, and ability to get you results! Listen to this full episode so you're empowered with information when finding the right person to support your needs..Helpful Links:—Book a physiotherapy or coaching consult: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi—Sign up for BASE online fitness membership: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/base-membership.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca.Today's Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership.

How does a physiotherapist who's not "tech-savvy" turn into an health tech entrepreneur and create a product that is used worldwide?! Tune in to find out!Surabhi interviews Maggie Bergeron, a physiotherapist with a drive to improve client care! We chat about the founding story of Embodia, a health tech platform that make it easier for healthcare professionals to schedule, bill, receive payment, chart, send exercises, send education, host a course and more!We discuss:—Maggie's journey as a physiotherapist and the story of how Embodia was founded—How to take risk as an entrepreneur—Build a business the slow way—Embrace change as a profession—Ways to get outside of your comfort zone—How Embodia has evolved—Maggie's fave features on Embodia.✨This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership.✨Click here to learn more about How I use Embodia as a Pelvic Physiotherapist!.Bio for Maggie Bergeron:Maggie Bergeron is a PT turned tech entrepreneur. 10 years ago she met a chemical engineer turned software developer at a dragon boat practice that changed the trajectory of her career. Like most healthcare professionals, Maggie was not particularly tech savvy, but deeply cared about helping her patients. Over a summer of dragon boat practices, the founding principles of Embodia were formed and in Oct 2014 Embodia was officially 'born' (ie incorporated), and thus began her journey into building, growing, and scaling a health tech company - with many ups, downs, and twists along the way..Connect with Maggie & Important Links:—www.embodiaapp.com —Instagram @embodia @maggiebpt.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Did you grow up learning about your private parts? Do you want to do better for your own kids? Or maybe you have nieces, nephews or family members that you want to empower. This episode, from the perspective of a pelvic physiotherapist and mom (me!), will teach you simple ways to reduce the awkward, and get comfortable having conversations about our bodies and genital area.You'll learn why it's important and how to actually teach your babies and young kids about their private parts. We also cover setting boundaries, teaching them about consent, and giving them respect and autonomy over their bodies. Having these conversations early on can help keep your kids safe, and also help them understand when to speak up and who to go to for help if they feel uncomfortable..Today's Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership.Helpful Links:—Book a free call to find out how pelvic physiotherapy can help you: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

If you're a physiotherapist working in pelvic health, if you struggle to navigate the biopsychosocial influences to pain and offer the most empowering care to your patients, you'll want to tune into this episode!Surabhi interviews Teresa Waser, physiotherapist, educator, clinic owner and mom, as we explore the TIIPPSS-FC framework for Reframing Pain, Pelvic Health, and Performance. We start with the Biopsychosocial Approach, discuss psychosocial influences on pain including asking the right questions on intake forms. We discuss the importance of experiential learning for patients. Teresa shares her journey into pelvic health, highlighting the pelvic floor's vital role. We touch on Diastasis Recti, addressing disordered eating, and the challenges of perfectionism in physiotherapy. Plus, we share exciting updates about upcoming courses and delve into self-care and pessary fitting for pelvic health. .We discuss:—TIIPPSS-FC framework for Reframing Pain, Pelvic Health and Performance—What is the Biopsychosocial Approach?—Addressing psychosocial influences to pain and symptoms as a physiotherapist—Intake Forms and Screening Questionnaires to include—Using experiential learning to show patients how they can move with less symptoms—Teresa's journey into pelvic health—Pelvic floor being the missing link in physiotherapy—Factors to consider in Diastasis Recti & Postpartum Recovery—Addressing Disordered Eating as a Physiotherapist—Balancing motherhood, business ownership and teaching—Perfectionism in Physiotherapy and Letting it Be Enough—TIIPPSS-FC Live-Online Course in October 2023 and in-person course in Ireland in March 2024 (links to register below)—Self-Care as a Mom & Business Owner—Pessary fitting for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.Today's episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership..Bio for Teresa Waser:Teresa Waser is a passionate educator driven to help healthcare and fitness professionals reignite their curiosity, challenge what they believe, and strive towards a truly biopsychosocial approach. She teaches online and in person courses, is a pelvic health and orthopedic physiotherapist, and owns RX Physiotherapy in Leduc, Canada. She is a former running & CrossFit coach and while she stepped away from group coaching a few years ago, she still works with clients in a 1 on 1 basis. Teresa is also a mom of 3, including a set of twins. She loves traveling, horseback riding, and lifting heavy-ish barbells repeatedly..Connect with Teresa & Important Links:—https://www.facebook.com/teresa.graysonwaser—https://www.facebook.com/rxphysiotherapy—https://www.instagram.com/rxphysio/ .Courses: —TIIPPSS-FC: Reframing our Approach to Pain, Pelvic Health and Performance Live online, Oct 21 & 22, 2x4hr sessions, plus 2hr recorded research review, hosted by Reframe Rehab, only $249CAD https://reframerehab.com/products/tiippss-fc-reframing-our-approach-to-pain-pelvic-health-and-performance-north-america-may-6—Beyond the Pelvis: Live online, Nov 4, 8hr course, extremely practical, Hosted by Pelvic Health Solutions, only $199CAD https://courses.pelvichealthsolutions.ca/products/beyond-the-pelvis-exercise-for-the-whole-body-and-the-everyday-person-online-november-2023 —TIIPPSS-FC Masterclass in Cork Ireland, March 23 & 24 Live in person, 2x8hr, plus 2hr recorded research review https://rxphysio.ck.page/products/tiippss-fc-masterclass-cork-ireland .Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Your period is your superpower!Let's dive into all things menstruation! From debunking the myth that painful periods are 'normal' to embracing the magic of your menstrual cycle, I'll guide you through better period health. Learn about primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, tackle the shame and stigma surrounding periods, and discover how to treat your menstrual cycle like a cherished friend. Explore remedies and approaches to alleviate PMS and menstrual pain.Dive deep into the connection between your beliefs and pain perception, and prepare your period toolkit to thrive throughout your entire cycle. From medications to nutrition, cravings to TENS machines, acupuncture to massages, and the choice of menstrual wear, I've got you covered. Uncover the benefits of nature time, exercise, orgasms, and learning to ask for help. Explore stress management techniques, including the wonders of pelvic physiotherapy. Discover the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and movement throughout your menstrual phases, and understand that women's health is not a one-size-fits-all concept. ..15 things to have in your period toolkit1. Medications for PMS2. Nutrition for menstrual health (fats, seeds, proteins, carbs), reduce caffeine and drink adequate water3. TENS machine for period pain (not an affiliate link, just a suggestion)4. Acupuncture for menstrual pain5. Massage for abdominal or pelvic pain6. Change your menstrual wear aka “feminine hygiene” eg try cup, tampon, period underwear, pads7. Breathe, Meditation and mindfulness – be where your feet are8. Yoga: Asana, pranayama and yoga nidra9. Plan ahead for different phases of menstrual cycle, look at calendar for next 4-5 weeks and plan more self-care and less stress in luteal/pre-menstrual phase. Women are not small men10. Nature time11. Movement – relaxation stretches, isometric exercises, ab exercises, glute med exercises, jogging, pelvic floor exercises, aerobic exercise, stretching – 8-12 weeks participation eg in my BASE fitness membership12. Orgasms, snuggling and being taken care of13. Do less and ask for help14. Stress management15. Pelvic physiotherapy.Today's episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership..Helpful Links:Helpful Links:—Strength and mobility workouts to support your menstrual health: sign up for my BASE fitness monthly membership—Pelvic physiotherapy (virtual or in-person in Toronto) to manage period pain and menstrual symptoms—Mom Strength Episode 33: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) with Dr. Whitney Baxter—TENS machine from Ortho Canada (not an affiliate link, just a suggestion).Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Surabhi Veitch chats with Divya Kumar, an Asian-American licensed psychotherapist. Divya specializes in perinatal mental health, trauma, and the life transitions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. Surabhi and Divya discuss parenting and the challenges of being a South Asian parent within Western society. Join the conversation as Divya explains how to manage your triggers when it comes to parenting and explores how race and culture impacts parenting.We discuss:—Forming Identity as an Immigrant—Sacrifice as a Parent—Intergenerational Healing—Strategies for Self Awareness—Dealing With Your Own Trauma & Triggers—Living in a White World—Cultural Appropriation—South Asian Food—The Namesake.Bio for Divya Kumar, psychotherapist:Divya Kumar, LICSW, PMH-C is a South Asian-American psychotherapist with a public health background who specializes in perinatal mental health, trauma, and the life transitions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. She is especially passionate about holding space for folks of color and folks who identify as first- and second-generation immigrants as they navigate the transition to parenthood and explore how race, racial identity, and culture intersect with parenting..Connect with Divya & Important Links:—Follow Divya on Instagram @bothbrownandtherapist—Work with Divya: www.divyakumarlicsw.com.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

If there's one thing we learn even less about than postpartum, it's menopause! This week on Mom Strength, Surabhi chats with menopause and midlife health coach, Samantha Montpetit-Huynh to discuss tips for dealing with menopause symptoms, how to embrace aging, as well as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).We discuss:Menopause & Perimenopause → 0:02:35Embracing Aging → 0:08:11Advice & Tips for Menopause → 0:11:48 What to Expect with Menopause → 0:19:40Hormones → 0:21:13Symptoms → 0:24:45Societal Pressures with Menopause → 0:35:22Coping with Menopause → 0:38:30Weight Loss → 0:45:37Meditation → 0:48:33Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace → 0:50:36Hormone Replacement Therapy → 0:52:32Additional Resources → 0:57:12.Samantha Montpetit-Huynh BioSamantha is founder of SamCoreTrainer where she coaches women 40+ with the most comprehensive online health management program for women during menopause and midlife. Samantha is a serial entrepreneur, media expert, speaker, teacher, mentor, course creator and author. She was featured on CBC's The National in January 2023 and more recently on CTV's Cityline in April 2023, talking about fitness in menopause with Tracy Moore. 

Samantha has been a recognized expert in her field for 2 decades and was awarded The Abundance 2019 Personal Trainer of the Year and CanfitPro's 2021, Specialty Presenter of the Year..Connect with Sam & Important Links:—Follow Sam on Instagram or Facebook @samcoretrainer—https://www.samcoretrainer.com/ —Book a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/samcore/30min—Books Sam recommends: Estrogen Matters, Estrogen Fix, The Hormone Cure.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Are you terrified to tear your pelvic floor during childbirth? Have you heard that your pelvic organs can hang outside your vagina after delivery? Instead of feeling afraid or stuck in fear, learn 10 tangible and actionable ways you can reduce your risk of pelvic trauma during birth. Improve your pelvic health during pregnancy so you can reap the benefits now and later!.What you'll learn in this episode:—.Helpful Links:Today's episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership.Helpful Links:—Grab my 90-minute Prenatal & Birth Prep workshop to prepare your pelvic floor and body for birth and postpartum: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/prenatal-birth-prep-workshop-replay—Sign up for my BASE fitness membership for pregnancy workouts to support your pelvic health and whole body: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/base-membership—Book 1:1 physiotherapy (virtual or in-person in Toronto) to manage symptoms and achieve your movement goals: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

A pessary is like a sports bra for your vagina! Surabhi interviews Cara McDougall, a pelvic health physiotherapist specializing in pessary assessment and fitting. We discuss how pessaries support people with pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence, who makes an ideal candidate, and the success rate. Let's debunk common myths and release the stigma around pessary use (it's been around forever!)..Specific Topics:—What is a Pessary?—History of Pessaries (it started in ancient Egypt!)—Helping Patients with Pessary Care → 0:03:32—Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)—Who is the ideal candidate & ideal timing for Pessary Use?—What are unsafe circumstances for Pessary Use?—Common Myths about Pessaries—Gaining relief of symptoms with a pessary—Trial Pessary—Sex & Pessary Use—Periods & Pessary Use—What are pessary fittings like?—Pregnancy & Pessary Use—Pessaries & Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI).Today's episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership..Important Links:—Follow Toronto Pessary Clinic on Instagram @torontopessaryclinic—www.torontopessaryclinic.com www.saskatoonpessaryclinic.com —Want pelvic floor strength? Join my BASE fitness membership!—Read my Blog for more on Pessaries and Prolapse: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/blog/vagina-sports-bra-pessary-prolapse and https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/blog/pelvic-organ-prolapse-top-questions-answered .Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Your ultimate guide to your pelvic floor exercises including strength and relaxation. Learn key visualization cues to help you contract (i.e., Kegel) and relax (i.e., Reverse Kegel) your pelvic floor muscles with ease and confidence!.What you'll learn in this episode:—02:00: What is the pelvic floor?—02:48: What is a Kegel? Who invented the Kegel?—04:20: Do Kegels solve pelvic symptoms like leaks, pain and prolapse?—05:05: Why Kegels don't lead to strong pelvic floor—07:55: What should pelvic floor contractions look like—08:20: Visual & tactile cues and analogies for Kegels including flower blooming, octopus/jellyfish, arcade game claw, milkshake, elevator riding, holding a fart and more!—11:45: What positions to practice Kegels?—12:42: What is a Reverse Kegel?—14:20: Why don't I feel my pelvic floor working?—17:20: Is sucking in your belly a problem?—18:20: Problem with excess pelvic tension—22:50: Ways you can access my support: Pelvic Strength workshop , BASE fitness membership , 1:1 physiotherapy (virtual or in-person)—23:35: Pelvic floor endurance vs strength—24:20: Power of intentional diaphragmatic breaths—26:20: What to do when pelvic physio doesn't work for you.Today's episode is sponsored by Embodia https://www.embodiaapp.com/ - use code momstrength to save $20 off your first month's Tier 3 membership..Helpful Links:—Learn more about Kegels on my Blog: Fix your Kegels and Reverse Kegels—Grab my 90-minute Pelvic Strength workshop to improve pelvic strength, stamina and endurance—Sign up for my BASE fitness membership for workouts to support your pelvic health and whole body—Book 1:1 physiotherapy (virtual or in-person) to manage symptoms and achieve your movement goals.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Part 2 of this conversation with Sarah Sayed talks about the guilt around precipitous birth, erasure of women in birth stories, societal views of birth, and exercising as a parent..Connect with Sarah:—Follow Sarah on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/saysarahnow/ and check out her art https://www.instagram.com/drawdemic/ —Kensington Midwives: https://kensingtonmidwives.ca/.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

This week's episode features Sarah Sayed who unexpectedly had a precipitous birth (which is a fast and short labour) while she was at home and ended up birthing her baby boy on her couch! It's such an incredible story. Tune in to hear all about Sarah's birth story, how she gave birth, alongside her husband, in her living room..We discuss —Midwifery → 0:04:55—Precipitous Birth—Genetics Role in Precipitous Labour and Births—Informed Consent—Birth Expectations—Postpartum—Co-sleeping—Returning to Exercise After Birth.Connect with Sarah:Sarah is an artist, a mom with ADHD, a pull-up enthusiast, and currently a fingerprint technician for the RCMP. —Follow Sarah on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/saysarahnow/ and check out her art https://www.instagram.com/drawdemic/ —Kensington Midwives: https://kensingtonmidwives.ca/.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

The conversation continues in part two, where Surabhi Veitch and Aarti Inamdar, classical hatha yoga teacher, discuss the hierarchy in modern day yoga and how Aarti disrupts and challenges the status quo within the yoga space. We discuss:—Parenting & Yoga—Responsibility of Teachers—The Hierarchy in Yoga—Fighting Against Cultural Appropriation & Colonization—Disability & Yoga—Importance of Pelvic Physiotherapy—Prioritizing Mental & Physical Health as a Parent—Hindu Stages of Life—Identity Shift as a New Parent—Self Care—Serving Humanity—The Comfort Book—Changing Hearts & Minds of Political Leaders.Aarti Inamdar BioAarti, is a student and teacher of classical hatha yoga, trained by her elders and lineage teachers. Aarti shares the teachings of yoga as sacred ancestral wisdom traditions, and has been a guide and coach for over 15 years. She lives the teachings of yoga and enjoys sharing yoga as a way of life with her students. She teaches online yoga, meditation, and philosophy classes and courses; she runs corporate wellness sessions and retreats; and mentors individuals one on one to support them in their healing, wellness and health journeys. Her goals are to facilitate authentic wellbeing, mobility, and focus in her students using the tools that yoga provides..Connect with Aarti & Important Links:—Follow Aarti on Instagram @aarti.inamdar or Facebook: Yoga with Aarti—Website & Classes: https://www.aartiyoga.com/—Hatha Yoga 6-month Immersion: https://www.aartiyoga.com/immersion —Newsletter: https://www.aartiyoga.com/subscribe .Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

In this two-part episode, host Surabhi Veitch sits down with Aarti Inamdar, a yoga teacher and student of classical hatha yoga. With over 15 years of experience, Aarti has a passion for sharing the teachings and wisdom in the sacred ancestral traditions of yoga. You won't want to miss these episodes as we discuss spiritual healing in yoga, inclusivity within the yoga space, and how the practices of yoga can make you a better parent. We discuss:—Yoga as a Way of Life—Inclusivity: Any Body is a Yoga Body—Body Shame—Parenting & Yoga—Spiritual Healing Through Yoga.Aarti Inamdar BioAarti, is a student and teacher of classical hatha yoga, trained by her elders and lineage teachers. Aarti shares the teachings of yoga as sacred ancestral wisdom traditions, and has been a guide and coach for over 15 years. She lives the teachings of yoga and enjoys sharing yoga as a way of life with her students. She teaches online yoga, meditation, and philosophy classes and courses; she runs corporate wellness sessions and retreats; and mentors individuals one on one to support them in their healing, wellness and health journeys. Her goals are to facilitate authentic wellbeing, mobility, and focus in her students using the tools that yoga provides..Connect with Aarti & Important Links:—Follow Aarti on Instagram or Facebook: Yoga with Aarti—Website & Classes: https://www.aartiyoga.com/—Hatha Yoga 6-month Immersion: https://www.aartiyoga.com/immersion —Newsletter: https://www.aartiyoga.com/subscribe.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Surabhi Veitch interviews board-certified pelvic physical therapist Dr. Darshana Naik about vaginismus, religion, shame and how to overcome painful sex.We discuss:—Meeting Patients in the Middle—Painful Intimacy—Sexual Shame and how it influences Vaginismus—Painful Sex—Religion & Sex—Psychology of Painful Sex—Pleasure Matters—Girlfriend's Guide to Pain Free Sex—Growing Your Small Business.Dr. Darshana Naik BioDr. Darshana Naik is a pelvic physiotherapist who has a passion for helping busy women with a variety of issues such as sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain and pregnancy aches. Listen to this week's episode as Dr. Naik talks about the cultural barriers around pleasure and sex and the importance of getting helpful with vaginismus or painful sex. .Connect with Dr Darshana & Important Links:—Follow Dr Darshana on Instagram , YouTube or TikTok @pelvicptgyan—https://drdarshanapelvicpt.com—Buy Dr. Darshana's book Girlfriend's Guide to Pain Free Sex on Amazon—Text PSA 33777 for free guide: pelvic PSA.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Mothers are often admired for how much they do for their kids. But how about how much you do for yourself? Traveling without kids, either for business or for pleasure, can be an important way to fill your cup.I share my experience from my 6-day trip to LA for Boss Up - a conference put on by Dr. Shanté Cofield aka The Movement Maestro and Jill Coleman aka JillFit. I also share how and why we need to release mom guilt when we take the time to do things for ourselves..Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Join Surabhi Veitch and registered dietitian Maiya Ahluwalia as they discuss diet culture and debunk the “bounce back” culture for postpartum bodies. We discuss:—Nutrition Tips for Postpartum Folks—Diet Culture—Bounce Back Culture—Lack of Education About Women's Health—Endometriosis—Diet Trends During Pregnancy & Postpartum—Sugar Cravings—Providing Clients with Culturally Targeted Advice—Nurse Practitioner at Nourishing Balance—What the Actual Fork: Maiya's Favourite Podcast—Dismantling Diet Culture.Maiya Ahluwalia BioMaiya Ahluwalia, RD is a registered dietitian with a Bachelor's in Applied Human Sciences and Masters of Nutrition from the University of Guelph. Maiya works with a variety of clients and specialize in working with women and children. Whether you are seeking a dietitian for preventative reasons, digestive issues, beginning a new chapter in life (pregnancy, introducing solids to your toddler), or need support with a new diagnosis (PCOS, Endometrosis, Thyroid Disease etc.) - Maiya is here to support you. Additionally, coming from a South Asian background Maiya is also passionate about supporting her clients in embracing their cultural foods. She believes you can enjoy all foods while still supporting your health history and dietary requirements..Connect with Maiya & Important Links:—Follow Maiya of Nourishing Balance on Instagram @nourishingbalance.women.kids—Nourishing Balance Website: www.nourishingbalance.ca https://nourishingbalance.ca/free-health-resources/ —Book an Appointment with Nourishing Balance: https://nourishingbalance.ca/book-with-us/ .Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Surabhi Veitch interviews intimacy coach Shamaree Brissett on intimacy, sex, and relationships. We explore how to build sexual confidence, and discuss Sharmaree's 5 categories to build sexual confidence, ditch shame, and kickstart intimate conversations with your partner..We discuss:—Shamaree's Motivation to Become a Therapist—Shedding Shame & Guilt Barriers Around Sex—Building Sexual Confidence—5 Categories For Building Sexual Confidence: Body Confidence, Open-mindedness, Knowing Pleasure, Expressing Your Needs and Self-efficacy—Intimacy—Sparking Intimacy in a Relationship—Earning Pleasure as a Woman of Colour—Myths around Sex—How to work with Shamaree—Better Sex Course—Self Care—Helping BIPOC Women Find Confidence—Erasure of Social Rules.Shamaree Brissett BioShamaree Brissett is a Marriage & Family Therapist turned Intimacy Coach and Relationship Expert. She specializes in empowering women to be fully uninhibited and fulfilled in their intimate and sexual relationships. Shamaree believes that everyone deserves genuine confidence, relationship satisfaction, and unlimited orgasms (if they want them!). She started Shamaree L.A.B. LLC in 2021, in order to expand her reach as a provider. At Shamaree L.A.B., she combines reliable support, evidence-based knowledge and experience along with accountability to help you obtain all that you deserve in relationships. As a sexual assault survivor, a modern Black woman, and a therapist she combines personal and professional experience to best serve her clients..Connect with Shamaree & Important Links:—Follow Shamaree on Instagram @shamareelab or email: shamaree.brissett@gmail.com—Free guide: 69 Sex Questions to get you going and having better conversations with your partner: https://winning-knitter-7538.ck.page/6c495d03e9—Better Sex Course: https://shamareelab.samcart.com/products/bettersexguide—Better Sex Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSZXHK13?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Join Surabhi Veitch as she sits down with Nidhi Sharma. Nidhi is a pelvic physiotherapist with 15 years of experience, and is a board-certified women's health and orthopaedic specialist in Westchester, New York. Tune in as they discuss the journey into motherhood, Nidhi's identity crisis as an immigrant and find out what Nidhi says is the most important thing to do before becoming a parent..We discuss:—Nidhi's Journey into Pelvic Physiotherapy—Transitioning from Pregnancy to Motherhood—Moving to the USA from India—Finding Community Away From Home—Maternity Benefits & Support in the US—Postpartum Depression & High Maternal Death Rates in the US—Mat Leave in India—How Motherhood Changes a Person—Patient Advocacy.Connect with Nidhi & Important Links:—Follow Nidhi on Instagram @pelvis.andbeyond—Find Nidhi at: www.pelvisandbeyond.org—Connect with Nidhi: nidhisharmadpt@gmail.com—Nidhi treats in person patients in Westchester NY and virtual worldwide. .Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Dive into part two of this episode where Surabhi interviews Jesal on the cultural appropriation of yoga, racism, power imbalance and Jesal's pregnancy journey. We talk about compassion, therapy, parenting and ways to unlearn cultural appropriation..We discuss:—New Parent Anxiety—Self Care—Lack of compassion in the world—Childhood trauma—Couples therapy—Original Godmothers of Yoga ebook—Act Against Appropriation Seminar —True Harm of Cultural Appropriation.Jesal Parikh Bio:Jesal Parikh is an Indian American yoga teacher, movement educator, and podcaster. She is also an author and disruptor, who works on creative solutions for equity and yoga. She co-hosts the Yoga is Dead podcast and offers movement education through the lens of social justice. Jesal's aim is to uplift those who are feeling isolated and marginalized by the yoga industry. You may know Jesal best from the podcast, Yoga is Dead, with episodes like White Women Killed Yoga, the podcast explores power, race, and cultural appropriation..Connect with Jesal & Important Links:—Follow Jesal on Instagram @yogawalla—Find Jesal at https://www.yogawallanyc.com/ Resources from Jesal:—Yoga is Dead Podcast: https://www.yogaisdeadpodcast.com/episodes —Act Against Appropriation Seminar: https://www.yogaisdeadpodcast.com/shop/aaa —Original Godmothers of Yoga Ebook: https://www.yogaisdeadpodcast.com/shop/original-godmothers-of-yoga-by-yoga-is-dead —Yoga is Dead Resources: https://www.yogaisdeadpodcast.com/resources —Decolonized Yoga Playlist: https://yogawallaplaylist.ck.page/6788b37607.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Dive into part one of this episode where Surabhi interviews Jesal on the cultural appropriation of yoga, racism, power imbalance and Jesal's pregnancy journey. Learn about Jesal co-hosting the Yoga is Dead podcast. .We discuss:—Creation of Yoga is Dead podcast—Is Yoga a religion?—Spirituality in Yoga—Cultural Appropriation of Yoga and South Asian Culture—Experiencing racism as a child—Pregnancy, Gestational Diabetes Test and more.Jesal Parikh Bio:Jesal Parikh is an Indian American yoga teacher, movement educator, and podcaster. She is also an author and disruptor, who works on creative solutions for equity and yoga. She co-hosts the Yoga is Dead podcast and offers movement education through the lens of social justice. Jesal's aim is to uplift those who are feeling isolated and marginalized by the yoga industry. You may know Jesal best from the podcast, Yoga is Dead, with episodes like White Women Killed Yoga, the podcast explores power, race, and cultural appropriation..Connect with Jesal & Important Links:—Follow Jesal on Instagram @yogawalla—Find Jesal at https://www.yogawallanyc.com/ Resources from Jesal:—Yoga is Dead Podcast: https://www.yogaisdeadpodcast.com/episodes —Act Against Appropriation Seminar: https://www.yogaisdeadpodcast.com/shop/aaa —Original Godmothers of Yoga Ebook: https://www.yogaisdeadpodcast.com/shop/original-godmothers-of-yoga-by-yoga-is-dead —Yoga is Dead Resources: https://www.yogaisdeadpodcast.com/resources —Decolonized Yoga Playlist: https://yogawallaplaylist.ck.page/6788b37607.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Surabhi Veitch interviews pelvic physical therapist, Dr. Janelle Howell aka the Vagina Rehab Doctor on sexual pain, pelvic health, clitoris and vaginal health. We discuss the importance of a vagina that is mobile, strong and has good endurance to achieve orgasm. We also discuss the importance of mothers caring for themselves and prioritizing their own sexual satisfaction..We discuss:—Growing up in a sex positive household—Common causes & contributors to pelvic dysfunction—Tight vagina isn't the goal—What makes a good vagina?—How mental health impacts the pelvic floor—Orgasms, pelvic floor mobility, strength and endurance—Orgasms in postpartum and early motherhood—Weak orgasms and pelvic floor laxity or looseness—Sexual self-esteem and feeling like your body is failing you—Vaginismus, vulvodynia and dyspareunia (sexual pain)—How sexual pain and dysfunction impacts relationships—It's time for mothers to stop putting up with pain and dysfunction—The pressure to do it all and always putting kids first—All about the clitoris—Sexual satisfaction is the biggest predictor of your sex drive—Sexual health is health—PCOS, diabetes and sexual function—The importance of carbohydrates and fibre for vaginal health—Low libido—Get your bloodwork checked postpartum—Constipation and the low bar for health in North America—Stop aiming for "normal" - aim to feel good in your body instead—Your vagina is a mental health organ—The importance of mental health support—Looking at your work as a divine calling—Hood feminism—Janelle's hope for Christians—Importance of avoiding cultural appropriation.Dr. Janelle Howell BioDr Janelle Howell is the Vagina Rehab Doctor and spreads the vagina gospel. She's a pelvic physical therapist and a board certified women's health specialist, and she has over 193,000 followers on social media. Her primary audience are vagina CEOs, which is a term she coined, allowing folks who do not identify as women to also feel welcome. Jer content is focused on open, honest, and inspirational awareness regarding vaginal health, pelvic floor health, and reproductive health. Her self-proclaimed job is to create a global culture of radical vaginal health and unapologetic self-love and care through top-notch quality education and entertainment..Connect with Dr Janelle Howell—Follow Dr Janelle on Instagram @vaginarehabdoctor—Vagina Rehab Doctor Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vagina-rehab-doctor-podcast/id1687579005 —Women of Color Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Directory: https://www.vaginarehabdoctor.com/woc-pfpt-directory/ .Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Surabhi Veitch interviews fellow pelvic/ortho physiotherapist, Jane Bai, who knows all too well that asking for help isn't easy. During her 20s, Jane had pelvic floor health issues, including dyspareunia, UTIs, and bladder pain symptoms. Despite being in school to become a physiotherapist, she didn't get help right away. Find out in this episode how Jane got the help she needed and is using her experience to advocate for others..We discuss:—Jane's pelvic health issues during physiotherapy school—Dyspareunia and relationship challenges—Shame around sexual dysfunction—Barriers to seeking help—Patience and motherhood—Prioritizing self-care .Connect with Jane & Important Links:Follow Jane on Instagram @pelvicproFind Jane at: https://www.pelvicpro.ca/ or at Step Up Massage and Rehab in downtown TorontoVideo Library: Movements for Better Bowel Movement https://www.pelvicpro.ca/products/video-library-movements-for-a-better-bowel-movement.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

What does it mean when pain or pelvic floor symptoms like leaks return? Does it mean you stop whatever the aggravating activity is and hope for the best? Do we just stop exercising, stop lifting weights, and just rest until it gets better? Not usually!Symptoms don't always mean stop. I share 4 things your symptoms could mean including:—stop what you're doing—do something different (in the words of Antony Lo, The Physio Detective)—take a break—pay attention to meTake a listen to this episode, and see what resonates. If you need help troubleshooting your symptoms, book a consult below and let's get you feeling better in your body!.Links & Resources:—Through virtual physiotherapy and coaching, I help you resolve pelvic floor symptoms like leaks, manage prolapse and pain, and return to exercise with confidence! Book your virtual consultation: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi—If your pelvic floor feels tight or sore, and you want simple ways to release your own pelvic floor, buy my Release your Pelvic Floor e-guide: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/release-pelvic-floor-e-guide.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Join Surabhi Veitch as she chats with Nita Sharda, a registered dietician located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to explore how to alleviate the stress of mealtime by incorporating fun and how to start your baby on solids with ease. We discuss transitioning from breastfeeding to solids, baby-led weaning, and go-to meals to try!We discuss:—When to start solids —How to tell if baby is ready for solids —First solid food options for your baby—Baby-led weaning —Introducing finger foods—Transitioning from breastfeeding —How to have fun at mealtime—Go-to meals to try —Happy Healthy Eaters.Nita Sharda BioNita Sharda is a mom of two boys, a Registered Dietitian and co owner of Happy Healthy Eaters which is an online community dedicated to helping parents feeding their child. She's really passionate about recipe development and helping people relax around food so that mealtime can be a little less stressful and a lot of fun..Connect with Nita & Important Links:—Follow Nita of Happy Healthy Eaters on Instagram @happyhealthyeaters—Shop Start Solids Confidently https://happyhealthyeaters.com/?ref=6864 15% Discount - with code surabhi15.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Do I need to do Kegels? Should I stop doing Kegels? Join me for this chat and learn 5 things you need to actually be doing for your pelvic floor instead!5 tips to boost your pelvic strength:1. Drink 2-3 litres of water daily2. Sleep 7-9 hours daily (including naps, rest and meditation, when unable to sleep/nap)3. Practice mindfulness and cultivate presence in your body4. Let go. Let go of your belly, butt and pelvic floor. Let go of societal pressures and expectations.5. Strengthen your pelvic floor! Make sure to sign up for my Pelvic Strength Workshop Thurs, Apr 13 to learn all the strength moves for your pelvic floor, booty, inner thighs and core. The goal is to help you have better orgasms, more confidence trying various sex positions, have fewer leaks, and better pelvic fitness! https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/pelvic-strength-for-pleasure-workshop Links & Resources:—Register for Pelvic Strength Workshop Thurs, Apr 13 (replay included): https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/pelvic-strength-for-pleasure-workshop —Purchase the recording of my Reclaim your Pleasure workshop to release your pelvic floor tension, ditch shame, fire up your libido, and get in touch with your sexual self! https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/reclaim-your-pleasure-workshop —Need one-on-one support with pregnancy, postpartum or pelvic floor symptoms? Book your virtual consultation: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Join Surabhi Veitch as she sits down with Dr. Jacqueline Sherman (aka Dr. Jac) to chat sexual confidence, how to discuss difficult topics with your partner, and ways to boost body image and intimacy after major life transitions, experiencing loss or miscarriage.We discuss:—Dr Jac's experience with miscarriage and her call to become an intimacy coach—Self-reflection, journalling and why the brain is where you start sexual self-care—Having conversations around sex—How body image and insecurities impact sex drive—The orgasm gap—How men feel about their partner's body-image struggles (in cisgender heteronormative relationships)—Unlearning sexual scripts we've learned from society—Spontaneous desire and responsive desire—Making intimacy a priority again eg after taking a break in the postpartum phase or beyond —Radical acceptance of body changes is work for each partner to do—What is sexual confidence?—Performing sex as an obligation even if it hurts or you don't want it—Why faking it is so detrimental—Surabhi's Self-Love and Pleasure Calendar—Connect with Dr Jac, free guide and Sexfirmation Cards®—Intimacy Coaching offered virtually worldwide—Final Thoughts with Dr Jac (on self-care, passion and strength).Dr. Jac BioDr. Jacqueline Sherman (aka Dr. Jac) is a licensed clinical psychologist, intimacy coach, and relationship expert based in Jacksonville, FL. She is passionate about helping women build confidence, and teaches couples all over the world how to have better relationships, and mind-blowing intimacy! In 2022, she released Sexfirmation Cards®, the first sexual wellness card deck for women. The deck helps women boost their sex confidence and enhance their intimacy by developing a practical sexual self-care practice!.Connect with Dr. Jac & Important Links:—Follow Dr. Jac on Instagram @drjacphd—Shop Sexfirmation Cards®: https://www.drjac.co/shop 15% Discount - Use Code SURABHI15—Visit Website at https://www.drjac.co/ for FREE GUIDE on 5 Ways to Have Better Sex—Interested in 1:1 or couples Intimacy Coaching Visit https://www.drjac.co/oneononecoaching—Contact Email: hello@drjac.co.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

There are so many reasons why your arousal and orgasms may be weaker postpartum, and they're not all related to your pelvic floor!Here are 5 (of many) reasons why:1. You're staying too quiet because of a baby sleeping/kids around2. Pelvic floor muscle injuries from birth or trauma3. You're holding your breath or shallow breathing4. Your pelvic floor is too tense5. Your pelvic floor is too weak or lacks endurancePurchase the recording of my Reclaim your Pleasure workshop to release your pelvic floor tension, ditch shame, fire up your libido, and get in touch with your sexual self!.Links & Resources:—Have tightness or tension in your pelvic floor? Purchase replay of Reclaim your Pleasure workshop: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/reclaim-your-pleasure-workshop —Need help managing pelvic floor symptoms? Book your virtual consultation: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Let's talk about sex, baby! Or in this case, dyspareunia or painful sex. We go over:1. Find out what dyspareuia is and the different types and categories (superficial vs deep, primary vs secondary)2. How common is dyspareunia and how many people are impacted by painful intercourse postpartum3. How dyspareunia impacts mental, physical and sexual health4. Learn why you do not need to rush to have sex at 6 weeks postpartum5. How postpartum sexual health declines across all domains6. Why painful sex is not just the responsibility of the woman or vulva-owner7. Purchase the replay for my Reclaim your Pleasure workshop to help you release tension, pain and welcome in more pleasure (even if you deal with painful intercourse!).Links & Resources:—Reclaim your Pleasure workshop replay: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/reclaim-your-pleasure-workshop —Need help managing pelvic floor symptoms? Book your virtual consultation: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Pleasure is defined as the feeling of happy satisfaction or contentment. If you want more pleasure in your life and in your sex life, we need to cultivate it. Here are 4 tips to cultivate more pleasure and have better orgasms:1. Presence: being mindful and aware of the sensations in your body during daily activities can help you be more tuned in during sex2. Breathe: your breath is your superpower and directly impacts your pelvic floor, blood flow and orgasms. Breathing can also help you relax and release tension, allowing you to fully feel the sensations in your body.3. Foreplay: longer the better!4. Belief: you have to believe that great sex and great orgasms are available to you. If you have a history of painful sex, trauma, or body image issues, this can be especially hard, but keep holding onto hope.Reclaim your Pleasure workshop replay: practice presence and breath, release negative self-beliefs, and move your body to unlock more pleasure! https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/reclaim-your-pleasure-workshop .Links & Resources:—Need help managing pelvic floor symptoms? Book your virtual 1:1 consultation: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Surabhi Veitch discusses the topic of shame surrounding pleasure and sex. The shame people feel when discussing sex is not uncommon and is often a result of societal taboos and cultural upbringings. I share my own experiences growing up in an Indian household where the topic of sex was never discussed and how being shamed by one of my first boyfriends impacted me long-term.Reclaim your Pleasure workshop - purchase replay: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/reclaim-your-pleasure-workshop 60-minutes of breathwork, visualization and movement to unleash the pleasure within you! 40-minutes of recorded Q&A about pelvic health, sexual shame, and more!.Key points:—The topic of sex and pleasure is still considered taboo and awkward in many households around the world.—The shame that people feel when talking about sex and pleasure is not uncommon and is often a result of upbringing and cultural values.—Many people struggle to comfortably use the proper names for body parts related to sex and pleasure.—The lack of open and appropriate education about sex and pleasure contributes to the shame and discomfort people feel.—The first step in dismantling shame around sex and pleasure is to educate ourselves and our children about the proper names for body parts and to talk about sex and pleasure openly.Reclaim your Pleasure workshop replay: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/reclaim-your-pleasure-workshop.Links & Resources:—Reclaim your Pleasure workshop Feb 23/23 at 8:30 PM ET (there's a replay if you can't make it live): https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/reclaim-your-pleasure-workshop —Need help managing pelvic floor symptoms? Book your virtual consultation: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Join Surabhi Veitch as she sits down with the extraordinary Selam Debs - a beacon of strength, healing and grace - for a heart-to-heart conversation about her personal journey as a Black single mother navigating the complexities of raising a Black son in a white supremacist society. Selam opens up about the struggles she faced, the power of owning her story and her journey towards healing. Together, we delve into the impact of adultification of Black children, the harm of white supremacy culture on body image and parenting, and the necessary pain and joys of waking up to the truth. We explore the transformative power of motherhood and how it has shaped Selam's healing journey and her unwavering commitment to creating a better world for future generations..We discuss:—Selam growing up, from Ethiopia to so-called Canada—Moving to Kitchener-Waterloo and facing racism—Having her son at 21 was the greatest blessing—Facing stereotypes as a young, Black single mother—Selam's journey to healing—Raising her son to feel proud of his culture while surrounded by white supremacy—Her Black son being targeted by teachers from a young age—Stop adultifying Black children - see them as the children that they are—The violent harm of white tears—The transition and transformation in becoming a mother—The power in owning every part of your story—Body Image and harmful Eurocentric standards based on white supremacy—White women co-opting Black features and traits while Black women are dehumanized for the same traits—How parenting shifts as your child gets older—How insidious white supremacy culture is—The necessary pain you have to face when waking up to the truth—The joy in Black, brown and Indigenous cultures—How white supremacy culture and colonial violence makes people disconnected from humanity—Things you need to teach a Black boy as a parent—Healing practices and vision for a better future.Selam Debs BioSelam is a Black Ethiopian queer woman, an antiracism educator, an anti-oppression coach, a social justice advocate, a student in dismantling anti-Black racism, an accomplice in dismantling anti-Indigenous racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and an advocate in 2SLGBTQ+ & disability rights through an intersectional lens. She is the founder of her recently closed studio, Juici Yoga, a yoga and meditation instructor, a restorative yoga teacher trainer, a holistic life coach, a reiki master, and a Lululemon Ambassador. Selam is first and foremost, A MOTHER, a singer and a songwriter, a poet and a practitioner of self-acceptance, self-love, and radical compassion. Selam's Antiracism work is rooted in the understanding that we must acknowledge and identify the insidiousness of white supremacy before we can dismantle colonial belief systems. The process of undoing, unlearning and re-educating is necessary for white communities to embark on, to support the healing journey for our racialized communities. Selam is also a board member of Project UP, Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASCW) and Women's Entrepreneur Centre of Laurier University..Links/Resources—Follow Selam on Instagram @selamdebs—Selam's website and Antiracism Course: https://www.selamdebs.com/antiracism-course .Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Surabhi Veitch interviews repeat guest, fitness and nutrition coach, and anti-racism educator, Inemesit Graham, for a conversation all about healing, joy and returning to your authentic self. Inemesit lives Audre Lorde's message: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” We get into how reconnecting to her beautiful Afro hair has been a way to celebrate herself and to heal from years of being bullied for her hair. We also discuss white supremacy and how it plays out with Karens, double standards, tone policing and immense pressures on Black, brown and racialized peoples..We discuss:—How treading water can be just as hard as swimming against the current—The history of white supremacy, slavery and arbitrary rules for segregating Black peoples—Prioritizing self-care as an act of self-love—Healing through reconnecting with and celebrating her Afro hair—Connecting with her kids and herself via art—How white supremacy culture shows up in clothing, loss of cultural languages, pressure to assimilate and double standards—Queen Elizabeth's death and why we don't mourn it—What the term “Karen” actually means and why any white woman can be a Karen—The Civil Rights Movement, the violence of white women, and Emmett Till's murder —Tone policing in the workplace—Defining empathy and why so many people have trouble with it—Being African is not a monolith. Being BIPOC is not a monolith. Being Asian is not a monolith.—The pressure for exceptionalism as a way of survival.Inemesit Graham BioInemesit is a personal trainer and nutrition coach specializing in pre and postnatal fitness. Inemesit's goal is a decolonized approach to fitness based on body liberty and not body oppression.Links/Resources:—Follow Inemesit on Instagram @mummy_fitness—Inemesit's website: https://www.mummy-fitness.com/ —Sign up for Get R.E.A.D.Y: https://www.mummy-fitness.com/fitnessprograms/p/country-feast-set-3nybt-t73yr .Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

In this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to do a pelvic floor self-examination and check if you're doing Kegels properly. Contrary to popular belief, you do NOT need someone to insert their fingers inside you in order to confirm whether or not your pelvic floor works. Trust yourself and your body. Just like you don't need someone to hold your elbow while you do a bicep curl, you don't need someone to confirm that your pelvic floor is contracting properly. You can check for yourself using your senses! I teach you how to use your eyes to look, your nose to smell, your hands to feel, and your ears to listen while you breathe and perform pelvic floor contractions and relaxations.For other pelvic physiotherapists and practitioners: I am not against internal examinations. While they can give you a lot of information, and are often considered the gold standard, we have to acknowledge that they are not accessible to most people. We can't leave people without support just because they don't live near an in-person pelvic physiotherapist, because they cannot afford care or because they don't want an internal examination. We need to remember that many people don't have the interest in getting an internal examination (cultural reasons, religious reasons, personal reasons, history of trauma etc.). And frankly, most people don't need an internal check from someone else to tell them whether or nothing something works or hurts in their body. Let's start trusting the humans we work with. Each person knows their own bodies the best. My philosophy is that we need to educate and empower our clients so they can be the experts of their own bodies..Links & Resources:—Through virtual physiotherapy and coaching, I help you resolve pelvic floor symptoms like leaks, manage prolapse and pain, and return to exercise with confidence! Book your virtual consultation: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi—Are you a practitioner wanting mentorship? Book your mentoring session here: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/book-with-surabhi—If your pelvic floor feels tight or sore, and you want simple ways to release your own pelvic floor, buy my Release your Pelvic Floor e-guide: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/release-pelvic-floor-e-guide-Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

This is a super special episode with Sharon Fan, who I have the pleasure of knowing for many years now, and also got to support her in her postpartum recovery and return to fitness. Sharon and I discuss her experience as an athlete, ultra-marathoner and runner, and having an unexpected C-section in the middle of the pandemic. We talk about burnout in motherhood, how being Type A actually drove her to being more chill as a parent, and the importance of adequate maternal and parental support and leave. We discuss how being career driven often takes away from the joys of motherhood, and why it is really difficult to “have it all.”We discuss:—Giving birth during the pandemic in Taipei, Taiwan—Why 6 weeks postpartum is just the start—Pressure to bounce back and hating her body—The unexpected benefits of motherhood in the pandemic—How she went from Type A to super chill after experiencing burnout—Outsourcing parenting—Social judgement for taking maternity and parental leave—How a society treats their mothers and why USA is failing moms—Unsupportive jobs and unfair preference for men—Why women treat each other like sh*t—Forgiving yourself for making mistakes—Our work together through virtual physiotherapy—Sharon's advice to the average or high achieving athlete—Choosing career vs parenting.Sharon Fan Bio:I'm a stay-at-home working mom with a 15 month old and a lover of spontaneous adventures, either in the mountains or in career. Motherhood has been THE greatest challenge of my life and I am still learning every day about myself, my relationships with my partner & family, and the world at large. I am Taiwanese-Canadian and my husband is Iranian-German, so we are also keen on exposing our child to as many cultures, languages, and perspectives as possible..Links/Resources:—Follow Sharon on Instagram @shFantastic.Connect with Surabhi:—Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio—Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Come join this conversation where Emma Jack & I discuss burnout in healthcare, what self-care looks like, why no one else is thinking of you (because they're too busy thinking about themselves), and what soulful business means. We also discuss how to inject more fun into your life!We discuss:- Introducing Emma Jack and how we met- Why Emma became a physio - Hitting burnout, anxious and not wanting to go to work - How clothing impacts how you feel - How your environment sets the tone and mood - Fear of failure and fear of judgement (from yourself)- Most people are thinking about themselves- Soulful business - Why self-care is integral - Why labels like business coach aren't fully accurate- Evaluate your life every quarter - How pole dancing helped her tap into her feminine energy.Emma Jack, Physiotherapist and CoachEmma is a sport and orthopaedic physiotherapist and own her own practice Press Play Physiotherapy and Pilates in London, Ontario, Canada. She holds a Masters of Physiotherapy as well as a Masters of Clinical Science, has her Sport Physiotherapy Diploma, is a Fellow of the Academy of Manual and Manipulative Physical Therapy and is a lead therapist with the Canadian National Women's Hockey Team. Sounds pretty cool, right? While those accomplishments and credentials do bring a sense of pride, Emma also recognizes that many of those things are ultimately what left her feeling intense anxiety, chronic stress, overwhelmed and burnt out. Her credentials may span two lines on a business card but in recent years Emma has totally transformed her practice and life in order to ensure that her accomplishments no longer define her. Now, much of her time is spent working as a Co-Active coach helping other women show up fully for their lives and careers in a way that feels authentic, sustainable and most importantly, fun!.Links/ResourcesFollow Emma on Instagram @PressPlayPhysiohttps://www.emmajack.com/Emma's journalling guide is a great option for anyone! https://emmajack.ck.page/products/press-play-journaling-guide.Connect with Surabhi:Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysioWebsite: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Surabhi Veitch interviews dietician Anika Dhalla on diet culture growing up as the only Indian family within a rural Canadian community. They discuss how diet culture impacts communities, how fat or weight isn't the whole picture when it comes to health, and why genetics need to be considered in chronic conditions. We discuss:- How genetics plays into chronic health conditions like diabetes-Why weight isn't really the issue-Why a “decolonized” approach to food is important (healthy doesn't equal salads)-How diet culture comes out in Canada and in India-Anika's experience doing her senior thesis in India-Are sugar-sweetened beverages the problem?-Colorism in India-How to respond to family and friends making self-depreciating or fat-phobic comments?-How diet culture and misogyny also impacts men.Anika Dhalla, Registered DieticianI'm a Registered Dietitian out in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. My practice focuses around chronic illnesses from diabetes out to Crohn's disease. I work a lot with individuals who have IBS and perceived food fears. My ultimate goal for my clients regardless of their condition is to heal their relationship with food, and find food freedom..Links/ResourcesFollow Anika on Instagram @Nourishingbalance.peskyveggieshttps://nourishingbalance.ca/ for workshops, resources, our blog, and if you want to book an appt!.Connect with Surabhi:Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysioWebsite: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Kegels, or pelvic floor contractions, are a strength exercise often recommended for people with pelvic floor concerns like leaks, prolapse or pain. The problem is, Kegels often make these symptoms WORSE, and can be really problematic. Kegels can worsen pain with seggs, exacerbate leaks and even create more symptoms of heaviness.Tune into this episode so learn why NOT to do Kegels!.Links & Resources:-Want help with your pelvic floor strength or symptoms? Book your free alignment call to get started!- Connect with me on Instagram @thepassionatephysio-Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/

Surabhi Veitch interviews Sophia Dhrolia, where they discuss their journey into parenting. From meeting their wife (on Plenty of Fish!) to their Bollywood romance, we talk about how they had kids as a queer couple. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll learn so much from this incredible human. This is an absolute must-listen and one of my all-time favourite interviews.Here's what else you'll find:-Why their kids have an unintentional age gap-Why you should use Google to arm yourself with information (instead of asking queer folks to do the work)-Finding a sperm donor (that isn't white and blond)-Their wife's IUI and feeling like they didn't belong in the process-How queer couples get treated different at fertility clinics-Meeting your baby: love at first sight-Devastated about their own infertility-In vitro fertilization (IVF), high costs, a heterosexist system and fertility clinics-Why partners may not understand fertility challenges in the same way-Coming out to their family-Their incredible pregnancy journey-Parenting a young child while dealing with infertility and depression-Pregnancy as a non-binary person, dealing with body changes and clothing-Postpartum preeclampsia and importance of advocating for oneself-Why diversity and representation in healthcare matters-Intersectionality and bias in healthcare-Importance of advocating for yourself in healthcare-Raising kids and the importance of inclusive language-What allyship means-Repairing relationships and apologizing to kids.Sophia DhroliaSophia Dhrolia (she/they) is a non-binary parent to two who struggled with infertility for years and advocates, where possible, for a more inclusive fertility process, inclusive language and experiences for kids growing up with different families. Professionally, they are a diversity, equity, and inclusion specialist who focuses on helping organizations create cultures of belonging to ensure people are seen, heard, valued, and given equitable opportunities to thrive.- Follow Sophia on Instagram @sd.apper.Connect with Surabhi:- Find Surabhi on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysio- Website: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca

Are before and after pictures representative of a person's health? Should we celebrate someone when we see these pictures? Does it make you feel less than or ashamed of yourself? What are we not seeing when we see these photos? Do health and fitness coaches also show photos of their clients who don't have drastic changes in their body?Check out this episode to hear my thoughts on why I think before and after pictures are sad. Especially if you're postpartum or a new mom, please don't assume that a smaller body is healthier either. Health is not determined by your size and neither is happiness. .Links & Resources:Free Optimize Postpartum Recovery Guide: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/freebie-optimize-postpartum-recoveryRegister for Postpartum Return to Exercise Program (PREP): https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/prepWant individualized support? Book your 1:1 online consult!Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysioEmail me surabhi@thepassionatephysio.caWebsite: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/

When someone asks if you're pregnant and you're not, when someone points out you must be going out for a run because you're trying to lose weight, when someone says you've put on a lot of weight, what do you do? How do you respond?If you've been shamed for your body or had inappropriate comments from family, friends or perfect strangers, this episode is for you.Remember this is not a YOU problem, this is a THEM problem. The problem is not your body, it's the systems that enable people to constantly objectify women and our bodies. It's the systems that enable white woman more power and privilege over Black, Indigenous, Brown, Asian and other racialized folks. Listen to this episode to hear 2 body-shaming incidents that happened in the past couple days, my thoughts around it, and 12 truths I want you to know about your body. Lots of love to you, and remember that the power is within you..Links & Resources:Need 1:1 support getting active? Book your 1:1 online consult!Want fitness that supports health and strength at any size? Join BASE Fitness Membership.Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook @thepassionatephysioEmail me surabhi@thepassionatephysio.caWebsite: https://www.thepassionatephysio.ca/