Podcasts about pelvic

Your DNA is not your destiny. In this episode, Jen busts the myth that your family's health history seals your fate and shows you how epigenetics, the way your genes express themselves, can be influenced by the choices you make every day. From colourful whole foods to quality sleep, calming your nervous system, daily movement, and cutting back on ultra-processed foods, Jen shares her Bare Arse Minimum (BAM) tips to help you take control of your health. You can't change your genes, but you can change how they behave — starting today.LINKS: How to Build an Easy Wellness Routine (Without More Work) - Download Your Cheat Sheet ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/how-to-build-an-easy-wellness-routine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feed Your Body⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/feed-your-body-eguide/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pelvic floor prolapse doesn't have to hold you back. Learn how to regain control and improve your quality of life with my team of expert guidance.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/pelvic-floor-prolapse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have you checked out my new Healthy Life Hacks App? 

Pelvic binders have long been considered a standard intervention in the management of suspected pelvic fractures in the prehospital setting. However, recent guidance from the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) challenges some of the long-standing assumptions surrounding their use. In a recent FOAMfrat podcast episode, I spoke with Dr. John Lyng, editor-in-chief of the NAEMSP Trauma Compendium, to explore the evidence and rationale behind their newly released position statement on pelvic fracture management.

Bec thought she knew everything she needed to to have a smooth Home birth for her son- after all she'd been teaching prenatal yoga and birth classes for over 20 years at the time. But when her birth ended up in a hospital transfer and unplanned cesarean she started looking more deeply into what had happened, and where she might have missed something. In doing so she discovered a missing piece in how certain movements, actions, and practices are key to creating balance throughout the body, and how practicing this way not only better prepares the body for labor, but also balances the mind to ride the twists and turns of the birth process. Her approach is captured in her new book The Om Births Approach, and in her online pre and postnatal yoga programs available at www.ombirths.com The first 100 listeners interested in the Om Births Full Mama Membership or a day pass to either the pre or postnatal recorded libraries, enter BIRTHSTORY10 for a 10% discount 3 Key takeaways from the podcast that listeners will learn today: Point 1: Being flexible isn't the only thing for preparing for birth we need overall balance Point 2: Balance for birth means having strength as well as stretching Point 3: Even if we can't plan out every moment of birth, we are able to learn to ride the waves and still have a positive experience 3 Keywords that people would want to search when looking for content that you would provide in this episode: Point 1: Pelvic floor Point 2: Birth muscles Point 3: Balance Favorite baby product or new motherhood product? What would you buy for someone who was currently pregnant or a new parent?:  A gift card for doula services- Birth or Postpartum Summary of guest experience – Who are you? What are your credentials? Where do you live?  Bec Conant is a respected figure in Boston and New England for her expertise in prenatal care and yoga instruction spanning over two decades. Through her Om Births program, she empowers expecting individuals, guiding them through childbirth and easing their transition into parenthood. Bec is also the author of The Om Births Approach, which explores using yoga to prepare the body, mind, and spirit for birth. She is mother to her 7 yr old son who serves as her neverending teacher in meditation and life. Website: www.ombirths.com Instagram: @ombirths Facebook Group:/OmBirths YouTube Channel: Theyogadoula XOXO -Heids ___________________________________________________________________ We have seats available in Birth Story Academy. Join today for $20 off with code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND at https://www.birthstory.com/online-course Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides   I'm Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I've supported the deliveries of over one thousand parents in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I'll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy person on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will hear from many of the top experts in labor and delivery. Connect with Me! XOXO Heidi Instagram YouTube Birth Story Boutique Doula + Pregnancy Concierge Services in Charlotte, NC Birth Story Media™ Website Pinterest  

In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik, MD is joined by pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon to discuss practical ways to assess and improve pelvic floor health at home. They explore self-assessment techniques, address common issues like pain during examinations or intercourse, and highlight the impact of diet and hydration on bladder and bowel function. Listeners will gain actionable tips for maintaining optimal pelvic floor health and learn how strengthening these muscles can enhance both urinary and sexual function. Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content: renamalik.supercast.com Schedule an appointment with me: https://www.renamalikmd.com/appointments ▶️Chapters: 00:00 Assessing pelvic floor health 01:20 Self-evaluation techniques 01:39 Pain during self-assessment 02:33 Pelvic floor tension and exams 03:48 Dietary impact on pelvic floor 06:23 Bladder irritants and hydration 08:18 Tuning into body signals 08:28 Pelvic floor and sexual response 10:34 Pelvic floor and pleasure Floored: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage―A Comprehensive Guide for Women of All Ages https://amzn.to/3SpegmC or https://thevagwhisperer.com/floored/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/the.vagina.whisperer/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@thevagwhisperer YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2MllrS6zD974pxBFbVUHdA Online Workouts for your pelvic floor: 30 days of free workouts with preorder - https://thevagwhisperer.com/membership/ Find a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist: https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator https://pelvicrehab.com/ Buy a squatty potty https://amzn.to/4dCHLuM Let's Connect!: WEBSITE: http://www.renamalikmd.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD TWITTER: http://twitter.com/RenaMalikMD FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RenaMalikMD/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renadmalik PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/renamalikmd/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/RenaMalikMD ------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. The content of this podcast is my personal opinion, and not that of my employer(s). Use of this information is at your own risk. Rena Malik, M.D. will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered why you can sing every word of a 90s hit but forget what you had for breakfast? This episode dives into the power of spaced repetition, a brain-friendly technique that explains why song lyrics stick and to-do lists vanish. In this episode, Jen unpacks how your brain thrives on hearing things repeatedly over time, and how you can use that same method to improve memory, form habits, and beat the dreaded midlife brain fog.LINKS: How to Build an Easy Wellness Routine (Without More Work) - Download Your Cheat Sheet ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/how-to-build-an-easy-wellness-routine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feed Your Body⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/feed-your-body-eguide/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pelvic floor prolapse doesn't have to hold you back. Learn how to regain control and improve your quality of life with my team of expert guidance.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/pelvic-floor-prolapse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have you checked out my new Healthy Life Hacks App? 

Send us a textA calm, spontaneous birth, pelvic girdle pain tips, and a recovery journey led by intuition and support.In this episode, Ellen—a women's health physio and first-time mum—shares her positive birth story, offering real-life insight into pregnancy challenges, natural labour, and early postpartum life.Whether you're pregnant, preparing for birth, or newly postpartum, this episode is filled with wisdom, warmth, and practical takeaways.What we cover in this episode:Managing pelvic girdle pain in the second and third trimesterEllen's experience with perineal massage and pelvic floor preparationHow she used a TENS machine for labour pain reliefThe story of her spontaneous vaginal birth at 39+2 weeksBreathing techniques and movement during labourWhy mindset matters - and how she reframed painHow her husband supported her through birthEarly postnatal recovery and rebuilding strengthNavigating mastitis and a breast abscess in the fourth trimesterWhy Ellen joined FitNest Mama two weeks postpartum - even as a physio herselfLINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Could your pelvic floor be the hidden key to better sex, less pain, and more energy? In this empowering episode of Find Your Feminine Fire, I'm joined by pelvic health expert and creator of the Cooch Ball, Jana Danielson, to explore how reconnecting with your pelvic bowl can help you reclaim your vitality, confidence, and turn-on. We talk about what's really going on with pelvic floor dysfunction—and how healing this part of your body impacts everything from digestion to emotional regulation to intimacy. You'll learn: Why “tight” isn't the same as “strong” when it comes to your core The role of fascia, breath, and the vagus nerve in healing your pelvic floor How the Cooch Ball works (and how to know if it's for you) Simple ways to reconnect to your body—and your power—daily Whether you're craving more sensation, working through perimenopause, or simply curious about your core, this conversation will give you hope and tools.

Some triggers don't get talked about enough.   We focus a lot on food and lifestyle habits, but there are other pieces that often get overlooked.   They might not come up at your doctor's office, but they can still fill your trigger bucket… and eventually make it overflow.     Thank you to our partners: This episode is made possible with support from Ardelyx. FODZYME is the world's first enzyme supplement specialized to target FODMAPs. When sprinkled on or mixed with high-FODMAP meals, FODZYME's novel patent-pending enzyme blend breaks down fructan, GOS and lactose before they can trigger bloating, gas and other digestive issues. With FODZYME, enjoy garlic, onion, wheat, Brussels sprouts, beans, dairy and more — worry free! Discover the power of FODZYME's digestive enzyme blend and eat the foods you love and miss. Visit fodzyme.com and save 20% off your first order with code THEGUTSHOW. One use per customer. Gemelli Biotech offers trusted, science-backed at-home tests for conditions like SIBO, IMO, ISO, and post-infectious IBS.  Their Trio-Smart breath test measures all three key gases: hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide to detect different forms of microbial overgrowth. And for those with IBS symptoms, IBS-Smart is a simple blood test that can confirm post-infectious IBS with clinical accuracy. You simply order the test, complete it at home, send it back, and get clinically backed results in about a week that you can take to your provider!  Find out which tests are right for you at getgutanswers.com and use code ERINJUDGE25 to save $25 on your order!   Covered in this episode: Your trigger bucket [3:41] Stressors [4:55] Sleep [6:25] Hormones [7:21] What about eating too fast or too slow? [8:55] Processed foods vs whole foods [14:31] Carbonation [22:41] Added fibers [24:31] Scar tissue or adhesions [26:27] Pelvic floor dysfunction [29:38] Travel [34:31]  

In this empowering bonus episode of Please Me!, Eve sits down with Colette Fahr—licensed couples' therapist, and co-host of Insights from the Couch—for a candid and enlightening conversation about the intersections of sexual health, midlife, and total wellness. From painful sex and pelvic dysfunction to acoustic wave therapy and hormones, no topic is off limits. Together, Eve and Colette explore the physical and emotional challenges women face during perimenopause and menopause, while sharing practical solutions to reclaim pleasure, strengthen relationships, and embrace the beauty of this transformative season. With shared experiences, expert advice, and a whole lot of Big Clit Energy, this episode is a must-listen for women ready to prioritize their well-being and deepen their connection with themselves and their partners. What We Talk About: How Eve and Colette met serendipitously at PodFest The mission behind Insights from the Couch and Please Me! Pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, and how they affect intimacy Acoustic wave therapy and increasing blood flow for sexual wellness The real science behind vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction Hormone shifts, estrogen's role, and misunderstood HRT solutions The diverse experiences of menopause across different races Creating lasting change through habits and small steps Why midlife can be the most powerful and pleasure-filled chapter yet Connect with Eve: Support the Podcast: Become a ⁠Patreon⁠ member for ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and early access Website: Please Me Online - Reach Eve and stay connected. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation to talk about coaching for health or intimacy, or to explore physical therapy services for sexual health concerns? First, book your appointment here: calendly.com/pleasemebyevecreations/10-min-call-me-on-owwll. Then, download the OWWLL app and use my free call code EH576472 so we can connect directly on the platform. I look forward to supporting you on your personal intimacy journey! Subscribe for free to ASN Magazine so you can check out Eve's column Big Clit Energy: A Please Me! Series. Connect with Colette Fahr: Insights from the Cough Podcast Colette's Instagram Additional Episode Mentioned: Devita's Episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Real Food Recovery, a podcast created by two lifelong processed food addicts with over 100 years of addiction (and recovery) between them. Paige Alexander and Jamie Morgan Reno use their Real Food Recovery podcast and social media channels to share their struggles, lessons learned, tools, tips, and resources that freed them from decades of food addiction, obsession, and loss.   Join us as we dive into the topic of pain, healing and movement with Stacey Roberts PT, RN, MSN. Stacey has over 30 years of experience helping patients live pain-free while achieving their health goals. She is a Holistic Master's Prepared Registered Nurse, a Musculoskeletal Specialist, a Pelvic and Sexual Health Physiotherapist, and a Functional Medicine Specialist. Stacey owns the New You Health and Wellness Practice in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, combining cutting-edge technology, advanced manual therapy, and functional medicine to help patients attain optimal health.  Many of her patients, including herself, have avoided surgery, drugs, and injections. She is the author of the forthcoming book, The Pain Free Formula:  A Holistic Approach to Finally Getting Rid of Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs, or Injections (February 2025). Discover more at https://newyouhealthandwellness.com   In every Real Food Recovery episode, Paige and Jamie take time to answer viewer questions about processed food addiction, obsession, and recovery, be sure to submit yours on their YouTube Channel or Facebook Page. You can also follow Real Food Recovery on Instagram (@realfoodrecovery4u), TikTok (@realfoodrecovery) or at www.realfoodrecovery4u.com.  

Are you lying awake at 2am wondering why sleep seems to have packed its bags and left? You're not alone. For women in their 40s, 50s and 60s, broken sleep isn't just frustrating — it's exhausting. Hormones shift, stress piles up, and suddenly that deep, healing rest feels out of reach. In this episode, Jen dives into the sneaky sleep wreckers that creep into midlife and lays out a Bare Arse Minimum plan to help you reboot your sleep without needing a three-hour bedtime routine. If you're craving rest and ready to get back in sync with your body, this one's for you.LINKS: How to Build an Easy Wellness Routine (Without More Work) - Download Your Cheat Sheet ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/how-to-build-an-easy-wellness-routine/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feed Your Body⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/feed-your-body-eguide/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pelvic floor prolapse doesn't have to hold you back. Learn how to regain control and improve your quality of life with my team of expert guidance.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/pelvic-floor-prolapse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have you checked out my new Healthy Life Hacks App? 

Carrie and Mark settle in to everyday life.by T. Foxal. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected.“Oh Mark. I have never been made love to like that ever. It was perfect. Everything you have done so far has been perfect for me. I don't think you have one selfish bone in your body. I need to know though, are you scared of all of this?”“Carrie, I have never been more scared in my life. Not even over in the sandpit, with bullets flying all around. Had you not said I love you back to me, when I made my declaration, I would have been crushed. I've never, ever let anyone into my heart, like I have let you in. Am I scared now? A little. I know you said it the other night. Well, you told me to catch up with you because you were already there. But over time, I thought you may have some misgivings for saying, since we were in the heat of the moment then. But all the little things you have been doing, or saying, led me to believe you really were. And, I wanted to make it special for you. This whole day when you weren't around me, all I could think of was you. I wondered what you were thinking when you took your bath before, or what you were doing and thinking when you left this morning. Let's face it, we haven't been alone with our own thoughts for a week now.”She leaned in and kissed me lightly on the lips, then said, “Mark. I knew from that first kiss. Then when we made love the first time, I was in heaven. It wasn't sex between us. It was more. Since that time, we have done nothing but make love and my heart races every time I see you. I was so scared when I said that the other night. Did I push you away from me? Would you just say, screw this, I'm outta here. But the big thing for me was when we were at the winery, and you went up to the bar to get us those samples. Your eyes smiled at me the whole time. You didn't even look at that girl, who I thought was really hot, but just kept looking at me. You made love to me right then. Am I scared. Yes. I want this more than anything, but I don't want to be hurt again. I lived that. But, you are not him. You are so much more than he could ever be. I was eye candy for him, and a fuck, and nothing more. My heart is now yours, please don't hurt it.”I rolled to my side and looked deep into her hazel eyes, then kissed her. “You know what turned me on the most today?” “No, Baby, I don't” “When I saw you after you came back from your day in town. My God, you looked so sexy and stunning to me. You are such a beautiful woman, and not just physically, but all around. I wanted to take you then, but then that would have downplayed this evening. I never tried to be romantic with anyone before, and I so wanted to seduce you tonight.”She giggled. “Well Mr. Marine. You succeeded in every way tonight. I'll tell you. When I saw the robe, then the candles lit by the bathtub, I got super horny. I wanted you so bad then. Then when I shaved down there, I felt incredibly sexy. I even came after that. But when we took off our robes and I saw you in those boxers, I damn near raped you. But dancing really did me in. I almost told you then I loved you. But I am glad I waited now.”As she talked, her hand was now on my cock, stroking it back to life. When I was hard again, she leaned in and kissed me, then pushed me to my back. She kneeled and straddled me and slowly sat down on me, engulfing me with her velvet like inner walls of her sex.“Baby?” she whispered. “This has been an amazing night. But now I need to be a little naughty. A couple should be able to let loose some and enjoy sex too. I love lovemaking, but I also love to fuck Mark. But only with someone I want to give myself too, completely. I want to fuck your beautiful cock. I want to feel your cum spray deep inside me and, I want cum all over it. Fuck me Baby. Make me your Lover.”I arched my back up and drove in deep in her. “Oh Fuck. You are so deep.” She started moving up and down, faster and faster. “Oh god I love this. My favorite position too.”She leaned down and started smothering me with kisses. Moaning as we fucked. I did too. Her head slipped to the side of mine and whispered. “You like my tight little cunt, don't you Babe. Your cock is a perfect fit for it. My cunt loves your cock. Oh God Mark. ““Oh God Babe. Your cunt is so tight. I love it and always will. Fuck me Carrie.”She sat up and started grinding hard on me now. Neither of us was going to last long. I sat up and took her one tit in my mouth and sucked hard.“Oh Christ. Suck my tits Baby. I Love that so much”She started pounding me harder now, as I continued sucking it, then switched to the other. Her arm went behind my head and pulled me in tighter. My hands were holding her luscious ass as I did this. My one hand went exploring and touched her ass, which made her moan really loud. I slipped it down to her cunt and got it wet as the finger rubbed against her lips and my cock. Then I brought it up to her brown hole and slipped it in.“Oh Fuck Baby. Yes. God I love you”She started cumming a minute later. Her head and body shook as she came hard, but somehow, she maintain the rhythm we had going. I was now getting close myself and could feel my balls tighten up, signaling my impending orgasm. “Oh Shit Carrie, I'm going to cum” I yelled out.She slammed down one last time, and then jumped off. Her mouth was over my cock in no time and was starting to suck me, when I erupted in her mouth. I had to have shot 5 or 6 good ropes into her hungry mouth. She didn't spill a drop, except at the end, a little dribbled out the side.She was kneeling now, getting ready to wipe her mouth, when I grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her to me and I licked it off of her face and then kissed her. The kiss was so hot and passionate. We were lost in that kiss for minutes, until she broke away, panting hard.We both lay on our backs now, still in a euphoric bliss from our love making. Carrie was very quiet. At first I thought she fell asleep, until I felt her hand grasp mine and squeeze it.“Are you  okay Carrie?”, I asked. “Actually, I am on cloud nine, as they say. I've never been made love too, like this, then opening up and letting go like that. I just hope you don't think I am some sort of slut. I want to explore all there is with you sexually and lovingly too.”“Babe. You are hardly a slut. Sex to me, is supposed to be fun too. You were amazing. But our love making, well, it's beyond words. To me, you are an angel. Quite the lady too. In bed, we can do whatever we please, as long as we both agree on whatever we do. One thing though, I can never share you with anyone. I don't believe I get jealous, but I could never share you with anyone, man or woman. I knew a couple in the service that did that. Got into swinging. No way. Not with someone I love and respect, like I do you. But just so you know, I really enjoyed the naughty Carrie. She is fun.”“Umm.. I may have to let her out more often then. Cuz naughty Markie, was turning me on too. But, you will never have to fear me wanting another. I am quite happy with who I am with. I will never deny you in bed either. Except, when I am sick, or you are sick. Sex just doesn't seem like fun then. But that's about it.”“Yeah, being sick and wanting sex, just doesn't seem to go hand in hand. I will never deny you as well. But, I'm a guy, so the prospect of me saying no is quite low.”She giggled, then said, “Well. Mister. You better never hold out in the oral department anymore. Oh Christ. That was unbelievable. I could take that all day long. And, I love giving too. I love how you taste.”“You're turning me on again Honey. How do you feel right now?” I asked“Horny” she giggled then. “Honestly. And don't freak when I say this. But I feel as though I am on a Honeymoon and you took your virgin bride to sexual highs she never knew existed.”I did chuckle. “Nothing wrong with that. To me, you are a virgin, or at least were. I don't care about your past. You are my first, and dare I say, only love for me.”“I like that” she replied. Then said, “Where do you see us in a year?”“Honestly. I never look to the future too much. But, I have been lately. I hope that you will be with me in a year, and maybe, just maybe, if you haven't tired of my Jarhead ass, we are right back here, spending it as a true honeymoon”She folded into my arms and kissed my cheek. “I think that could be a real possibility. This Squid actually has thought about it, and she doesn't think she'll ever tire of you. Piss me off at times, Yes, but never tire.”I then laughed, and she asked what was funny. “God, if your Dad could see us right now. He'd hang me.”“Nah. He knows I like you a great deal. He doesn't know we professed love yet. But he does like you, Mom told me that. Jenny knows too. I talked with her this morning. I sent her a selfie, after I got my hair done. She called right after seeing it. Then she starts out by saying, “Damn Mom, you look hot. I think someone is in love.” She's a pretty smart girl actually. I was supposed to face time with her earlier, but someone had me a tad busy. She wants to see you and talk with you.”“Oh great. She's the one person that scares me the most, and I want on my side. More so, than even your parents. Go ahead and call her now. It's only 10pm.”She giggled again. “Uh No. We better wait until tomorrow. This is the first time her and her boyfriend Alan have been alone for a long time. He was with his family last weekend. They have dated for a year now, so I am pretty sure, they are in the same place you and I are right now, naked and in bed.”“You  okay with that? I asked. “Oh yes. I like him a lot. He treats her with so much respect and I know they love one another. He's a good kid and dotes after Jenny. His world revolves around her. He is studying to become a food scientist. If they can last the ups and downs of college and still remain in love, I could easily see them married one day. Only time will tell. And don't worry about her liking you, she will. She knows I do, and so far have made me extremely happy.”She got up then and walked to the bathroom. Then came back with our robes. “Let's go cuddle on the couch, enjoy some wine and TV, before we call it a night.” And so we did.Chapter 15.It was morning now, almost 8:30. I never sleep this late. The only reason I was up was because I had to pee so bad. Carrie was still sound asleep. She was curled up and looked so peaceful. My thought was, “What in God's name does she see in me. I'm nobody special. Yes, I am in good shape and I do treat her with respect, but she is absolutely beautiful and had I known of her, somewhere else, I would have never even attempted to approach her. I wasn't in her league, or so I thought”But here I am, one week after meeting her, and totally in love. I could not even fathom life without her in it. But reality would soon be creeping up on us. I knew she would be leaving mid-week. Would this all end after she left, and had time to really think this through? Only time will tell.I padded to the kitchen and made coffee. As it brewed I stood looking out the back door window. The skies were an ugly gray. Rain was falling. We knew this was coming, after viewing the weather report last night. Today and tomorrow, rain.I then toasted a few bagels, and got out the cream cheese. Made us both coffee, and took it to the bedroom. As I walked in, Carrie was yawning and stretching. Her tit were in plain view, and look so delicious to me. She sat up, not bothering to cover up. “Good sign” I thought.“Good Morning Sweetheart. I thought you may enjoy some breakfast in bed” I said to her.“Oh Wow. I could definitely get used to this. Especially if you lose that robe.”We sat and enjoyed our breakfast. We also started talking about this coming week. Since it was raining today, we decided to go into town and take in a movie and then dinner at some restaurant. On Monday, we were to hike Algonquin Peak, but if it is raining, we'll need to find something else to do.She then said, “You know I leave Wednesday. I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday that I made months ago, and I can't reschedule. It just takes so long to get in to see her.”“I know you were leaving then. But, I also am going to leave that day, with you. No sense hanging around here. Be bored to death, and I know me, all I'll think of is you the whole time.”“Awe. You are so sweet to me. But this is your vacation and you had it all planned out. Stay and at least hike some more of these mountains. I'll feel bad if you miss out on that.” she said with a pouty face.I just smiled at her and told her no, it was best I do head home. I had some major cleaning to do at my place. The house I have is actually an older farm house that was my grandparents. My grandmother outlived my mom and when she died, it was left to me and Ann. Ann didn't want it, so to be fair, I paid her the half she would have received, if we had sold it.The house was nice, but very outdated. Even the furniture was from the 60's. To me, it was cool, but my needs are simple. Ann has been bugging me for almost a year now to at least get some new furniture, if not update the whole place. My office is actually the dining room.I tell you this because I have never brought anyone there, especially a date. So bringing Carrie there, as it looks right now, is totally out of the question. As I told her this, she just laughed. She asked if I keep it clean, or was I a typical guy, and let things go until I can't stand it anymore. I told her I always keep it clean, it's just very outdated.“You big lug, I don't care about stuff like that. I will care if it smells like the gym on board a ship smells like. That is so gross.” and we both laughed.We finished our coffee and bagels, and set our cups and napkins on the nightstand. She pulled the cover down and asked me to slide in. We started kissing and making out some, when her phone rang. “Perfect timing” I thought. She looked at the phone and said, “It's Jenny. Hope all is alright. She is never up this early.”“She hit some button and I saw Jenny's face appear on the screen. Luckily, Carrie had the sheet up above her tit, and I was safely off to the side.“Hi Sweetheart”“Hi Mom. Hope I am not disturbing you.”“No Sweetie. You're good. We were just having breakfast.”“Oh. In bed too. I take it Marine guy is nearby.”Carrie laughed, “If you must know young Jen, he is right here, and his name is Mark, not Marine guy. But you knew that” “Hey just giving you a hard time. Hi Mark.” Carrie moved the phone over to where I could see her and she see me. I had just put the robe back on, so I was decent.“Hi Jenny. Very nice to meet you. I must say, you are as pretty as your mother.”Jen smiled; “Thank you. I hope to get to meet you when you two get back from your little vacation.”“I would say that is a very good possibility, unless your Mom gets rid of me by then. Lots of mountain tops she could push me off of, up here.” I said with a laugh.Carrie turned the phone back to her and said, “What did you two do this weekend? Is Alan still there?”Jen smiled this sly smile “Yeah. He is still asleep. We went to dinner and a late movie, then came back here. The main reason I am calling is that Papa called a bit ago, or I'd be sleeping too. He and grandma are coming up next weekend”My eyes got real big, but Carrie just chuckled, “That's great. When are they coming in?”“Friday evening, and staying here for a few days, then going to aunty Bev's for a few days. And Mark. Papa had a message for you. “Don't crap where you eat son.” He said you'd understand completely.”I just shook my head. Great. He's gonna shit when he hears his daughter and I are now dating.Carrie was laughing now. Jen wanted to know what that was about. Carrie said she'd tell her when she sees her this week. They carried on for a few more minutes as Jen filled her in on stuff. Now Jen did look somewhat similar to her mom, from what I could see on the phone. That same light caramel color, with long flowing brown hair, and a gorgeous smile. Alan should consider himself a very lucky man. They signed off then after saying goodbye's and Jen saying bye to me too, telling me to take very good care of her mother, or else.I asked, “Are you sure she isn't your blood daughter? You two look so much alike.”“I wish she was. But No. Her parents were Puerto Rican, so the skin color is close. She shorted too, only 5 foot 3. She is an angel. You think Dad dotes over me? Wait till you see him around Jenny. I feel bad for Alan. He's met Dad twice now and is scared shitless of him. But Daddy wants only the best for his girls.”“Yeah, well, I am wondering now what is he going to say about us being together. He still scares the shit out of me.”She laughed, “Oh I don't know. I'll let you know after I tell him how you been having your way with me this whole week.” then laughed some more. She then opened his robe, grabbed his semi stiff member and stroke it.She giggled, the looked at him and stated, “Umm, I wonder what he'd say if he knew I was doing this.”, as she lowered her head to my manhood and sucked the head in.“Oh God Carrie.”The PromiseCarrie and Mark settle in to everyday life, once they return from their week and a half camping and hiking trip, after finding love in those mountains.I asked, “Are you sure she isn't your blood daughter? You two look so much alike.”“I wish she was. But No. Her parents were Puerto Rican, so the skin color is close. She shorter too, only 5 foot 3.. She is an angel. You think Dad dotes over me? Wait till you see him around Jenny. I feel bad for Alan. He's met Dad twice now and is scared shitless of him. But Daddy wants only the best for his girls.”“Yeah, well, I am wondering now what is he going to say about us being together. He still scares the shit out of me.”She laughed, “Oh I don't know. I'll let you know after I tell him how you been having your way with me this whole week.” then laughed some more. She then opened my robe, grabbed my semi stiff member and stroke it.She giggled, the looked at him and stated, “Umm, I wonder what he'd say if he knew I was doing this.”, as she lowered her head to my manhood and sucked the head in.“Oh God Carrie.”Chapter 16.The rest of that day, and into Monday, it did nothing but rain. So exploring any of the mountain tops was curtailed. We pretty much hung around the cabin in just our robes that day. The only time we dressed was to go to dinner, down into town. Neither of us felt like cooking. It was very hard for me to resist getting Carrie naked and just making love all day, but she needed to know that our relationship, that we both professed our love for each other, was more than just a physical thing, but also emotional.You see Carrie is a very beautiful woman. She is 5 foot 7, 130 pounds, with caramel colored skin, almost like Halle Berry skin tone. Her hair is short now too, with blonde highlights mixed in with her brown hair. Totally sexy in my eyes. She has amazing legs that are long and toned and a great ass. What turns me on the most is her tits. They are a large A, or small B cup. I love a woman with small tits.I am 5 foot 10, 175 pounds, and been told by many, a handsome man. I keep in shape, and that is because after spending 20 years in the Marines, you get used to working out. It's just ingrained into your fabric. I was single too, for all of those years. Never had a serious relationship, except for a semi one, back in my 20's, when I lived with a girl for a few months. But she didn't enjoy my deployments too much and wanted more. It was mostly a sex thing for us, and a place for us both to crash, when we were screwing.But now, a week and a half later, I am totally in love with this goddess, and she with me as well. What is funny too, I know her parents, or to be more specific, her father. He was a Master Chief in the Navy, and was on the aircraft Carrier Lincoln at the same time I was, years ago, when I was a Staff Sergeant in the Marines. Great guy too, but could scare the hell out of you. Carrie too, was in the Navy back then, but I do not think we ever crossed paths, since she worked on base, and, was also married back then to a Seal, which she now divorced from.Like I said earlier, we only got dressed that Sunday for dinner, then that Monday, a day we were supposed to visit another Adirondacks peak, it rained as well. We did go driving around and admired the countryside and had a fine dinner at the Italian restaurant we found the previous week.Then on Tuesday, we decided to go horseback riding. We found a place about 20 minutes from the cabin, near Lake Clear. We had a great time exploring the area by horseback. I have to admit, my ass was quite sore by the time we got through, as was Carrie's. There was a few times I would hang back, behind her and admire her ass as it bounced up and down in the saddle.She looked back one time and caught me. “God, don't you ever tire of looking at my big ass?”I just chuckled and told her, “Hell No. I love your ass, and it is hardly big. Remind me later to massage it for you, because if mine is sore, I know yours has to be.”“Maybe I will let you. Not sure if I want you touching it later. Now get up her next to me.” then whispered to me, after I got close, “You be a good boy, and I'll let you see it naked later.”, then laughed and rode away from me.After our ride, we stopped in this tavern that also featured home cooked meals. We both decided on burgers and fries. Normally, we both try to stay away from fried foods, but, as we both found out from talking, we like to cheat on occasion.By the time we got back to the cabin, nighttime was upon us and this was our last night together. I know we both pledged our love to one another, but after tonight, she may get a dose of reality when she got back home, and say, “No way” to being in a relationship. For me, I was all in. I never wanted anything more in my life, than to be with this beautiful, smart, witty and energetic woman.After getting into the cabin, I started a fire in the fireplace and Carrie went off to the bedroom, to get ready to shower. After I had a nice fire going, she came out in her robe and asked me to join her. As we washed each other down, removing the horse smell from our bodies, we kissed and held each other. We both took turns drying each other, then donned our robes and made our way to the couch. Before I sat down, I went and got us each a glass of wine.“Mark?” she said, and I looked at her. She had a tear on her cheek, for which I lightly brushed away. “What's wrong Honey?” I asked.“This is our last night here. This has been the best vacation I have ever experienced. Had you told me two weeks ago that I would meet the man of my dreams, I would have said you are so full of shit. But here I am, sitting next to you. I am so in love with you and I am also scared silly about tomorrow.” she explainedI knew what she meant, when she said she is scared. I am too. We get back to our real lives and the fantasy just fades away. She was deeply hurt all those years ago and opening up and allowing someone in, has to be tough for her to do. For me, it is a new experience. One I have never had before. If it does end, it will hurt, but I know I can move on from it, I think.“Carrie. I'm scared too. Once we are home and reality sets in for you, you may say, screw this. I have never opened up to anyone in my life, except for you. I just hope that you will grow with me. I'm going to make mistakes. You may want something, but I'm too stupid to know and understand, but like anything in life, you learn. One thing I will promise you and this is I will always be true to only you. I love you and will never do anything to hurt you.”“Oh Mark. No man has ever made me feel this way. We'll take each day as it comes and just know I will never hurt you as well. But be forewarned now, I can get bitchy. I don't mean to be, but it happens and when it does, just leave me be, and I will be fine. I think the hardest part of tomorrow is going to be not being with you, especially at night. After a week of sharing a bed together, and feeling so close to you, it is going to suck not having your arms around me tomorrow night, or this weekend. If I didn't have that appointment Thursday, I'd let you stay with me tomorrow, but I know us, we make love, and since this is a gynecologist I am seeing, sex wouldn't be the most prudent thing for me to do. And then this weekend, with my parents in town, I'm not sure what they'd say about us sleeping together.”I laughed, “Yeah, I could just see the look on your dad's face when we told them goodnight and padded off to bed. As for sex. We don't always have to have it you know. I mean I'll never turn it down, but I also know there is more to us than just sex. But tomorrow after we get home, and then at night, we'll probably both be too tired to do anything. Plus, like I said, I need to straighten up the place. One thing though. On Thursday, I would like to take you and Jenny to dinner, Alan too. That way, she has someone there who she is comfortable with, just in case she can't stand me.”“Oh Stop. She is going to love you. I'll call her tomorrow and set it up. Now! Take me to bed for the last time here and hold me Baby. I want to fall asleep in your arms.”Chapter 17.We got up early for some reason, and took a shower together. I still marvel at this exceptionally beautiful woman. She makes my heart race anytime I am near here. And when we are naked, it quadruples in magnitude. We did not have sex, but we did hold and caress each other until the water started turning cold.We were then packed and on our way home. She drove in front of me for the next 4 hours. We did talk on the phone a couple of times. The last time was just before my exit, which is a couple before hers. I called her and told her I would call her later and that I loved her. I could hear in her voice, a hitch, just like I had in mine. I missed her already and I had just exited from the roadway.Once I was home, I did a load of laundry, then went and started dusting and vacuuming the place. Not a thing I do a lot of. Of course my sister always comes over and does it at times, and bitches me out when she does. I then cut the grass, which was needed after two weeks of not touching it. It takes two hours to cut this lawn, and that's with a tractor. While I was cutting, I did miss a call from Carrie. She also texted me, just saying she was thinking of me and loved me. I texted back apologizing that I didn't answer her and explained why, and that I would call her later.We did talk around 6 that evening. She too was busy with housework and laundry. She strip the beds, not knowing which bed Jenny and Alan slept in. I had to laugh at that. She chuckled too but said, “It's one thing to sleep in our wet spot, but I'm surely not sleeping in theirs.” Which made me laugh hard.About 10 that night, I called her. She was lying in bed, reading a book. She conveyed to me that Jenny was ecstatic over meeting us for dinner and really happy I had included Alan. They were going to meet us at Carrie's at 6pm tomorrow. I told Carrie we would try Delmonico's Steakhouse, which was kind of close to her.She chuckled and said, “Oh fancy place. You know, you don't have to take us there. There's a nice restaurant right down the street from us.”“That's cool. But I want too. How many college kids can go to a place like this. Plus I have always wanted to try it, but, I'm not going alone. Ann said the food is excellent there.”“Speaking of Ann, did you call her and inform her that you are bringing someone Sunday?” she asked.“Oh yeah. She is so excited now. She can't wait to meet you. I told her that your parents were going to be in from Florida and I didn't know what plans they had that day. She said to bring them along too. The more the merrier.”Carried giggled, then said, “I don't know if your sister has a clue what Dad can be like. Just don't bring up politics. He thinks they are all thieves and liars.” which made me laugh.Then she got quiet. “Anything wrong? You are quiet now “ She sighed, “No, just missing lying next to you, with your arms around me. I feel so safe then. I love you Mark”“I love you too, Carolyn, and I do miss being with you. It was a very long day without you near me.” I told her.“It was a long day for me as well. I don't know how or why this happened between us, but I am so happy that you are in my life now. Maybe tomorrow night, you can spend it here with me, if you want too.” she said.“I think that can be arranged. You know what I do miss? You calling me Jarhead. When you say it, it means something to me.”“I told you, after last weekend, I was done calling you that, but if you insist, I'll just call you JH.”“I insist Squid. Now get some sleep. Just know, I love you Carrie and I am holding you in my dreams tonight.”Chapter 18.I knew Carrie had an appointment at 11am, so I didn't want to bother her, but did send her a text, after I got up and said good morning and I love you. She replied instantly to it, saying she was about to shower and get ready and she loved me too.I was pretty proud of myself. I dusted and swept the whole house. Not that I am a slob, but those are two jobs I really don't enjoy doing. Hell, living alone and never having people over, except for my sister, afforded me the luxury of not caring too much to do that. But with Carrie in my life, I guess I need to change my way of thinking.I then immersed myself in a project that I had been working on for this one company. I needed to do something to keep my mind occupied, since I would not be seeing her until later in the afternoon. I was surprised though, that by 3pm, I hadn't heard anything from her. I hope all went well with her doc appointment.I had told her that I would be over by 5:30, so we could spend some time alone, before Jenny and Alan showed up. By 4:30, I was shaved, and showered, then dressed for the evening. Since it was cool out, I wore dark blue pants, and lighter blue shirt, with a dark blue sport coat. I wanted to look good for when I met Jenny, and convey, I'm not some unkempt slob, who was dating her mother. I'm generally a jeans and t-shirt, or sweatshirt, kind of guy.I couldn't stand the wait any longer and decided to arrive a bit sooner. I got to her house at 5:15, so just a little bit early. After ringing the doorbell a few times, Carrie finally opened the door. Although she smiled when she let me in, I could tell something was amiss with her. After a brief hug and quick kiss on the lips, we stood back from one another.Carrie was wearing a burgundy pleated dress. It came to just above the knees. The neckline plunged just a bit, with white lace around the edges, with short sleeves as well. She looked radiant.“Wow. You look absolutely beautiful Sweetie.” I told her. She just said thanks, but that was it. Then said she had to finish getting ready. My antennae was now up. I could sense something was wrong. This girl was always so bubbly, and that definitely was not the case now. So I just walked around her living room, looking at pictures on the wall of Jenny, and her parents, and some people I had no clue of who they were. Then just took a seat and waited for her.For me, this was something new. I did not know what to say or do. Did I do something wrong, that may have upset her? Who knew, but this was not the Carrie I just spent almost two weeks with, had fun with, and made love too on many occasions. So I'm basically a fish out of water now. I made up my mind to just go with the flow, and when she is ready to talk, I'll be there, and hopefully, understand what is going on.Of course, my fear was she was going to end this between us. She had time to reflect and said that this wasn't worth it. If that is how she felt, then who was I to pursue it any further. I don't want to be with someone who did not want the same as me. Sitting there waiting, makes your mind think weird ass things, like I just did. Then again, maybe it wasn't anything and she is just having a bad day, or is nervous about me meeting Jenny.She finally emerged from wherever she was in her condo. When I saw her, she looked the same, so I have no idea what else she could have been doing. She walked into her kitchen and got a bottle of water, then asked if I wanted one too, which I kindly said no too.I finally got the courage to ask, “Is there something wrong?”She looked at me and had a sullen look on her face, then finally said “No. Guess I am just tired from all the prodding and poking today. I'm sorry I am not more upbeat.”I got up and went to her and wrapped my arms around her, “If you want to cancel tonight, that would be okay with me. We keep go out with them some other time, when you are feeling more up to it.”“No. No. I am fine. It will be fine. We'll go have a fun night with them. Jenny is so looking forward to meeting you.” she said, as she pulled away from me and went into the living room. “We'll talk later tonight, when we get back.”I knew from how she stated it, something was wrong. But, being a dumb man, I have no clue as to what. I didn't want to piss her off by asking questions. Maybe something at the doc's. I guess when she is ready, she will let me know. I walked up next to her and grabbed her hand, just to let her know I was there for her. At that point, her front door opened and in walked Jenny and Alan.Jenny was definitely a looker. I would say 5 foot 3, maybe 110 pounds, brown hair and eyes, and the cutest dimples. She did have bigger boobs than her mom, but since she was adopted, that made sense. But the irony of how much the two looked alike was uncanny. Alan was a good looking guy too. He had that German look to him. Blond hair, blue eyes, chiseled face and stood about 6 foot, but maybe weighed 170 pounds, if that.After making the introductions and some small talk, we left her condo and headed to dinner in my truck.At dinner, Carrie seemed to be her normal self. Well, at least the normal I had seen for the last two weeks. Jenny was regaling us with stories from her college life and some of things her and Alan had been doing of late, except for the sex part. I don't think Carrie, or myself, needed or wanted to know those details.As dinner was finally coming to an end, I had to admit, I was kind of quiet. I just let the three of them guide the evening and the conversation. Jenny did inquire what I actually did for a living, so I explained it to her. She was impressed, as was Alan. I tried not to let my concerns for Carrie, or our budding relationship ruin the evening. In my heart though, I had a bad feeling, this would be the last time I would see these three people.Near the end of dinner, Carrie announced that she needed to use the ladies room. Alan also said he need to use the facility, which then left just me and Jenny. I wasn't sure what to say to her, so I let her make the first move on talking.  “okay Mark. What's up with mom? Did you two have an argument or something?” Jenny asked.I shook my head, “Jenny. I have no idea what is wrong tonight. When I arrived this evening, she was down for some reason and won't tell me why. Yesterday we were fine, but ever since her doctor visit, she has changed. Maybe she has done some thinking and decided a relationship is not what she wants. Until she tells me, I am in the dark.”Jenny reached over and touched my arm. “I don't know either, but I do know that she and I talked last night for an hour and she is head over heels in love with you, and says you are with her as well. Are you Mark? Are you in love with my Mom?”“Nothing has changed for how I feel for your mother Jenny. I am in love with her. But, if she has had a change of heart, then I will abide by her wishes. Maybe we moved too fast. I don't know. To be honest Jenny. I have never been in love before, so this is a new territory for me. But if she had time to reflect now, and feels this isn't what she wants, well, I don't want to force anything like that on her. I just want her happy.”Jenny just shook her head, “I can't believe her mind could change like that. Something must be wrong and she just needs time to process it. Maybe you two can talk later. When we get back to my mom's, Alan and I are going to leave, and give you two some space to talk. Oh, and by the way, Papa really does like you. He thinks you are a good man.”Just as she said that, Carrie was walking back. Alan came a minute later. The waitress came around and asked if any of us wanted dessert, but we all begged off, since our meals were so filling.On the way home, Carrie was pretty quiet. In fact, you could probably cut the tension with a knife, that was between us. Jenny and Alan were pretty quiet too. I'd have done anything to hear some funny story either of them may have had right then.After arriving back at Carrie's condo, we all got out and Jenny said that they needed to get going. Carrie said she wished they could stay longer, but the kids said they had some homework they needed to finish up, but would see us this weekend. Of course my mind didn't think I would be involved with this family get together.As they left, Carrie turned and headed to her door, and I followed. Once inside, she asked if I wanted anything to drink, which I kindly declined. She went to the kitchen and got a bottle of water then rejoined me in the living room. I wanted to get this over with, so I started it off.  “okay Carolyn, please tell me what is wrong. I need to know.” I said in a somber voice.“Let's sit” she said, and we both did. She faced me and I could see a tear starting to form in her eye. My stomach became a knot now. My fears were now becoming reality, at least in my mind.“I wish I knew where to start, but I have to say, that no man has ever made me feel the way you make me feel. But I really think we need to step back and take a break for now.”, then she started crying. I reach for her, but she backed away. That made it feel like a knife was just plunged into my heart.“Carrie. How can you go from being so in love, to wanting to take a break, just like that. There is more than what you are telling me. So please tell me what has caused this sudden change in feelings.”She was still sobbing, trying to get her emotions under control, then finally looked at me and said, “Mark. They found a growth on one of my ovaries today. After the Pelvic exam, she did and ultrasound and found it. They want me to see a specialist next Tuesday then do some testing.” then started crying again. This time she let me pull her towards me. I knew this isn't good, but this is also something that can be taken care of. I had a cousin once have something similar to this and they removed a cyst the size of an egg from her, and she was fine then.“It's  okay Carrie. I'm sure it's nothing that medicine or an operation can't take care of.” I told her.“And what if it isn't Mark? What if it is cancer. Why should you be saddled with that in your life. We've known each other not even two fucking weeks. Although the best two weeks of my life. But this is not something you need to be part of. Your best bet is to turn around, walk away and get on with your life, like I never existed.” and started crying again.I pulled her into me again and held her tight. Her head was buried in my shoulder, and I caressed her hair and let her cry. I mean, if I was in her position, I'd probably tell her the same things. But I may not know her completely, but what I know of her already, she has a fierce loyalty to people she cares for and loves, and I know she wouldn't walk away either.After letting her sob some more, I gently moved her back, and away from me, so I could speak to her. “Sweetheart. There is no way I am letting you do this alone. Granted, we have only known each other for two weeks, but in these two weeks, you have captured my heart with every fiber of your being. I am in love with you Missy. People who love one another don't turn tail and run because of something traumatic happens to the other person. You stand with them, be their support and showed them love, for that is the only thing that can help get you through this. I have been a Marine for all of my adult life and one thing that is ingrained in us, from the time of our first day in boot camp, is that you never let the man next to you, or when you are a sergeant, your platoon, you never abandon them. No man is ever left behind. You're wounded Honey, so I will not leave you behind, so get used to that. When this is all over and you still feel this way, then you can tell me to hit the bricks.”She just stared at me, and while trying to compose herself, she gripped my hand in hers. “It's not fair to you Mark. What if it is cancer and it can't be fixed, then what? You going to just wait around and watch me die? You could be out finding that right person, instead of babysitting me.”“Stop it Carrie. You have no idea what it is. It could be a simple cyst, that meds could take care of. But one thing I do know, I will be with you this Tuesday, and any other day you need to have something done. I will be the first person you see when you wake up. But I will be there and I will always be there for you. I love you.”“Mark. It's not fair.” she shouted, then started crying again. “You're right. It's not fair. But who said life is. But I am not walking away. In fact I am more in love with you now, than I was 20 minutes ago. I don't know about you, but I have every intention of growing old with you. We have too much to do with our lives. So baby doll, I am not leaving you, Not ever.”“Carrie. Do you love me?” I asked. “Damn you Jarhead. You know I do.” she said. “Good. Don't you ever hold back something like this again from me. I won't either from you. But Babe, we can only help one another if we are open and honest with each other. Why don't you go get ready for bed. I'm not going home tonight, but I will sleep on the couch.”She shook her head and got up. As she did, she reached for my hand, “You are not, nor will you ever sleep on the couch. Your place is beside me in bed. I'm so sorry for ever thinking you would want out of this. I do love you Mark. More than you will ever know”She led me up the stairs to her bedroom. We both stripped off of our clothes. I had on the white silk boxers she got me. She put on this long t-shirt with a Minion on the front. She looked cute. We both used her bathroom then climbed into bed, where she snuggled up to me and let me hold her close. Her head rested on my chest.“Mark?” she said softly. “Carrie?” I answered back. “I am sorry. I promise never to do that to you again. I'm also sorry I was a Debbie Downer tonight at dinner, and even before. I'm sure Jenny could tell something was wrong.”“Oh yeah she could. She thought that you and I had an argument. Your daughter is quite perceptive. After meeting her now, I have to say, you two do favor one another. Alan is one lucky man and judging how he dotes on her, he knows it too. They do make a nice couple. I just hope I made a good impression with her. I wasn't to talkative tonight.”“Well, I think you'll get a few more chances this weekend to really win her over. But I can tell she likes you already. If she talks a lot, she likes you. Had she just sat there and not talked much, then that means she doesn't want anything to do with you.”“You know, last night, I was so lonely without you next to me. I hugged my pillow thinking it was you. Except your body is a bit more muscular. I had so many plans for tonight, with us ending the night in bed making love. I want too, but I don't want to do that until we know what is going on down there.”My hand was stroking her back, when I said, “I don't know about you, but this is making love Baby. I'm not in this for the sex. I'm in this because of love. Holding you close, telling our feelings to each other, that is true love making in my book. I'm not too good with stuff like this, but I have never felt this way for another human being. We'll have plenty of time for lovemaking, and dare I say, some naughty sex.”She snuggled even closer and let her hand rub on my chest and belly. “Thank You. You make me feel so loved. I love you Mark. Oh and I like what you wore under your pants. You do look sexy in these boxers.”“I love you too Carolyn. Now get some sleep. We have a long weekend ahead of us. That is if you want me around all the time.”“Of course I want you around the whole time. Not sure about sleeping together. Daddy may have a hard time with that one.” then giggled.Chapter 19.In the morning we agreed to take separate showers instead of together. We both agreed it would be too tempting, had we gone in together. She did tease me though by removing her shirt and slowly saunter into the bathroom, giggling the whole way. I would say My Carrie was back.Her parents flight was due in at 4pm. I told Carrie I needed to catch up on a few things at the house, but would be back in time to go with her to pick them up. She must have texted me twenty times, just saying I love you. That made me feel good.I picked Carrie up at 3pm and went to the airport to meet her parents. She was very happy today. A far cry from yesterday's somber mood she was in. She was wearing a maroon cashmere sweater and black slacks. I too had black slacks on and a blue crew neck sweater. The whole trip there she held my hand, as she did once we were there and waited.Like all airports now, you had to wait down in the baggage area. It took about 10 minutes after their plane arrived, before we saw them coming down the escalator. Once Carrie spotted them, she pulled me along until they were on top of us, and went and hugged her mom, then her dad.Then Mrs. Reynolds gave me a hug and a kiss, and said I still looked like I did when we met in Norfolk all those years ago. Chief shook my hand then said, “You ain't giving me no damn hug son.” I just laughed and told him, “Not in your life you crotchety old bastard.” which made us all laugh.After arriving back at Carrie's, we saw that Jenny was there waiting for us. Alan was with her, but I could see the tension in his face. The old man did scare the shit out of him. I took him aside and told him, just to relax, but show no sign of fear to the chief. He eats that shit up. He sort of laughed and said, oh sure, easier said than done Mr. Roberts. I told him for now on, call me Mark. Save the mister for the other guy.We all then went to dinner, after the couple relaxed a bit after their flight. It was one of those chain restaurants. We all had a good time and of course, Chief had to regale us with stories when I was aboard the Lincoln. That's when Jenny asked about the “don't shit where you eat comment”, but cleaned it up some because of her mom and grandma there. Chief went on to explain about this one newly appointed petty officer I had an eye on. After he finished, everyone laughed, only because he made sound more colorful than it actually was.After we got back to Carrie's, the girls busied themselves in the kitchen, leaving myself, Alan, and the Chief alone in the living room. I could see Alan was a bit apprehensive about being in there. I'm sure he was never prepared for anything like this in college.  “okay you two Shitbirds.” chief started out. “Those three fine ladies in there mean the world to me. And two of them, for some ungodly reason happen to like you two. All I ever wanted for those two is complete happiness. If you can't give them that, leave now, otherwise, I need a promise to never ever hurt them, no matter what.”“You have my word on that Chief. Never doubt that.” I said, as the chief then nodded once to me. Alan then looked at him and said, “Sir, my only intention is to make Jenny happy, so I promise.” Chief just glared at him. Alan was unsure of what he said, but knew he didn't like something. I looked at Alan and said, “Alan. Relax. Just don't call Mr. Reynolds sir. Non Com's, noncommissioned officers, like we both were, do not like getting called sir, by anyone. And Chief, chill out, he isn't military.”Chief just chuckled. “Yeah, and don't call me Mr. Reynolds. Makes me feel old. Call me John for now on, or at least until you guys make it legal between those gals in there, then we'll figure out what you call me then. And Alan, you did good kid. You didn't break, like so many Seaman have, right out of boot camp.” then just smiled.Just then the girls came back from the kitchen with drinks. From that point on, the mood was light and cheerful. I just sat back and watched how this family interacted. They are like most families, I guess. Since it is just my sister and myself, except for an uncle and aunt and three cousin's, I really couldn't tell you what a big family is like. Mine though, is quite boisterous and not afraid of speaking their minds on any subject.About an hour went by when Jenny and Alan said their goodbye's. They were going to the football game the next afternoon and wanted to get some sleep. We sat up a bit more with John and Connie, telling a lot of what we did up in the mountains. Well, not everything, or I am sure, he'd have killed me by now.I was getting up, so I could make my leave too, when Carrie asked me to join her in the kitchen. I had no idea what she wanted, but went with the flow and followed her in.“I don't want you going back to your place tonight. You are sleeping with me, unless you don't want too.” she said, giving me her little pouty face she likes to do now and then.“I'm not sure how your parents will feel about that. I don't want to cause any trouble for you, or me either.”Carried just chuckled, “Don't worry about them. I am 41 you know. Plus, me and mom talked out here. She knows you and I have slept together from almost the beginning of us meeting. She is fine with it, and she'll take care of dad. As she put it, “That boy is over the moon for you Honey. Treat him good and he'll treat you like a queen.” So don't worry. But, we can't play around. That would be too weird.” and we both laughed softly at that.Carrie then grabbed my hand and walked towards the stairs, to go upstairs. “Night you two” she said as she passed by them. Her mom said night, but Chief just grunted something. I am pretty sure I will get an earful, next time we are alone.Once in the bedroom, Carrie went to her dresser and opened a drawer, pulled out pajamas. They were blue, red, and white checkerboard style print. She said she went shopping today and got these. She is wearing the top and the bottoms were for me. She stripped down to just her panties, which for once, were not thong style. She still looked sexy as all get out. I stripped too to my boxers and t-shirt. She then went to the bathroom and came out a few minutes later. I followed suit and did my business. She let me know there was a toothbrush on the sink for me, that she just got too.When I came back out, she was already in bed and awaited me. I crawled in next to her. We kissed and held each other close. Like I said when the first time we slept in a bed together, I could definitely get used to this.“Mark Honey. I need to apologize for yesterday. I was so wrong to try and push you away from me. I would have been crushed had you just said  okay, and left. But you didn't. That told me right there how much you love me. So thank you for being here for me. I love you Mark. It grows stronger every minute of the day. I wish right now we could make love, but until I know what is really up with this, we're going to have to take a rest from that. I hope you understand.”I leaned in and kissed her forehead and pulled her tighter to me. God, I love the way she feels.“Sweetheart, you need not apologize for anything. It has to be a shock to you, that is for sure. But, I will always be there for you, no matter what. We'll see this through, together. As for making love right now. This is making love, I believe. The sex is just the icing on the cake, so to speak. Plus, if you think I would have sex with you, with your parents just down the hall, you are crazy.”Carrie was just about to say something, when we both heard a light thumping sound. I started to chuckle, but Carrie said shush. It was definitely a rhythm thump going on.I chuckled and said, “You're kidding right?” Carrie laughed quietly and said, “Oh yeah. I think dad and mom are doing the horizontal hula. Trust me Hun. As far back as I can remember, they are one horny couple. I hope when I am their age, I still want it that much.”Carrie's hand reached under the waistband of my bottoms and boxers and started playing with Mr. happy. “God, I wish this was inside me now. “ She stroked it a few times so it was now almost hard. Then she rolled over on her side, so we could spoon. I too lay on my side and pulled her into me, so our bodies melded together. My hardness nestled up against her beautiful ass, which she then wiggled a bit. My arm lay over her and rested on her tummy. She took that hand and brought up, and inside her top and placed it on her one tit. My hand instantly enveloped her tit and held it gently. “God. I love your hand there” she cooed. “Night Mark. I love you” “I love you too Carrie”To be continued, by T. Foxal.

Carrie and Mark settle in to everyday life.by T. Foxal. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected.“Oh Mark. I have never been made love to like that ever. It was perfect. Everything you have done so far has been perfect for me. I don't think you have one selfish bone in your body. I need to know though, are you scared of all of this?”“Carrie, I have never been more scared in my life. Not even over in the sandpit, with bullets flying all around. Had you not said I love you back to me, when I made my declaration, I would have been crushed. I've never, ever let anyone into my heart, like I have let you in. Am I scared now? A little. I know you said it the other night. Well, you told me to catch up with you because you were already there. But over time, I thought you may have some misgivings for saying, since we were in the heat of the moment then. But all the little things you have been doing, or saying, led me to believe you really were. And, I wanted to make it special for you. This whole day when you weren't around me, all I could think of was you. I wondered what you were thinking when you took your bath before, or what you were doing and thinking when you left this morning. Let's face it, we haven't been alone with our own thoughts for a week now.”She leaned in and kissed me lightly on the lips, then said, “Mark. I knew from that first kiss. Then when we made love the first time, I was in heaven. It wasn't sex between us. It was more. Since that time, we have done nothing but make love and my heart races every time I see you. I was so scared when I said that the other night. Did I push you away from me? Would you just say, screw this, I'm outta here. But the big thing for me was when we were at the winery, and you went up to the bar to get us those samples. Your eyes smiled at me the whole time. You didn't even look at that girl, who I thought was really hot, but just kept looking at me. You made love to me right then. Am I scared. Yes. I want this more than anything, but I don't want to be hurt again. I lived that. But, you are not him. You are so much more than he could ever be. I was eye candy for him, and a fuck, and nothing more. My heart is now yours, please don't hurt it.”I rolled to my side and looked deep into her hazel eyes, then kissed her. “You know what turned me on the most today?” “No, Baby, I don't” “When I saw you after you came back from your day in town. My God, you looked so sexy and stunning to me. You are such a beautiful woman, and not just physically, but all around. I wanted to take you then, but then that would have downplayed this evening. I never tried to be romantic with anyone before, and I so wanted to seduce you tonight.”She giggled. “Well Mr. Marine. You succeeded in every way tonight. I'll tell you. When I saw the robe, then the candles lit by the bathtub, I got super horny. I wanted you so bad then. Then when I shaved down there, I felt incredibly sexy. I even came after that. But when we took off our robes and I saw you in those boxers, I damn near raped you. But dancing really did me in. I almost told you then I loved you. But I am glad I waited now.”As she talked, her hand was now on my cock, stroking it back to life. When I was hard again, she leaned in and kissed me, then pushed me to my back. She kneeled and straddled me and slowly sat down on me, engulfing me with her velvet like inner walls of her sex.“Baby?” she whispered. “This has been an amazing night. But now I need to be a little naughty. A couple should be able to let loose some and enjoy sex too. I love lovemaking, but I also love to fuck Mark. But only with someone I want to give myself too, completely. I want to fuck your beautiful cock. I want to feel your cum spray deep inside me and, I want cum all over it. Fuck me Baby. Make me your Lover.”I arched my back up and drove in deep in her. “Oh Fuck. You are so deep.” She started moving up and down, faster and faster. “Oh god I love this. My favorite position too.”She leaned down and started smothering me with kisses. Moaning as we fucked. I did too. Her head slipped to the side of mine and whispered. “You like my tight little cunt, don't you Babe. Your cock is a perfect fit for it. My cunt loves your cock. Oh God Mark. ““Oh God Babe. Your cunt is so tight. I love it and always will. Fuck me Carrie.”She sat up and started grinding hard on me now. Neither of us was going to last long. I sat up and took her one tit in my mouth and sucked hard.“Oh Christ. Suck my tits Baby. I Love that so much”She started pounding me harder now, as I continued sucking it, then switched to the other. Her arm went behind my head and pulled me in tighter. My hands were holding her luscious ass as I did this. My one hand went exploring and touched her ass, which made her moan really loud. I slipped it down to her cunt and got it wet as the finger rubbed against her lips and my cock. Then I brought it up to her brown hole and slipped it in.“Oh Fuck Baby. Yes. God I love you”She started cumming a minute later. Her head and body shook as she came hard, but somehow, she maintain the rhythm we had going. I was now getting close myself and could feel my balls tighten up, signaling my impending orgasm. “Oh Shit Carrie, I'm going to cum” I yelled out.She slammed down one last time, and then jumped off. Her mouth was over my cock in no time and was starting to suck me, when I erupted in her mouth. I had to have shot 5 or 6 good ropes into her hungry mouth. She didn't spill a drop, except at the end, a little dribbled out the side.She was kneeling now, getting ready to wipe her mouth, when I grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her to me and I licked it off of her face and then kissed her. The kiss was so hot and passionate. We were lost in that kiss for minutes, until she broke away, panting hard.We both lay on our backs now, still in a euphoric bliss from our love making. Carrie was very quiet. At first I thought she fell asleep, until I felt her hand grasp mine and squeeze it.“Are you  okay Carrie?”, I asked. “Actually, I am on cloud nine, as they say. I've never been made love too, like this, then opening up and letting go like that. I just hope you don't think I am some sort of slut. I want to explore all there is with you sexually and lovingly too.”“Babe. You are hardly a slut. Sex to me, is supposed to be fun too. You were amazing. But our love making, well, it's beyond words. To me, you are an angel. Quite the lady too. In bed, we can do whatever we please, as long as we both agree on whatever we do. One thing though, I can never share you with anyone. I don't believe I get jealous, but I could never share you with anyone, man or woman. I knew a couple in the service that did that. Got into swinging. No way. Not with someone I love and respect, like I do you. But just so you know, I really enjoyed the naughty Carrie. She is fun.”“Umm.. I may have to let her out more often then. Cuz naughty Markie, was turning me on too. But, you will never have to fear me wanting another. I am quite happy with who I am with. I will never deny you in bed either. Except, when I am sick, or you are sick. Sex just doesn't seem like fun then. But that's about it.”“Yeah, being sick and wanting sex, just doesn't seem to go hand in hand. I will never deny you as well. But, I'm a guy, so the prospect of me saying no is quite low.”She giggled, then said, “Well. Mister. You better never hold out in the oral department anymore. Oh Christ. That was unbelievable. I could take that all day long. And, I love giving too. I love how you taste.”“You're turning me on again Honey. How do you feel right now?” I asked“Horny” she giggled then. “Honestly. And don't freak when I say this. But I feel as though I am on a Honeymoon and you took your virgin bride to sexual highs she never knew existed.”I did chuckle. “Nothing wrong with that. To me, you are a virgin, or at least were. I don't care about your past. You are my first, and dare I say, only love for me.”“I like that” she replied. Then said, “Where do you see us in a year?”“Honestly. I never look to the future too much. But, I have been lately. I hope that you will be with me in a year, and maybe, just maybe, if you haven't tired of my Jarhead ass, we are right back here, spending it as a true honeymoon”She folded into my arms and kissed my cheek. “I think that could be a real possibility. This Squid actually has thought about it, and she doesn't think she'll ever tire of you. Piss me off at times, Yes, but never tire.”I then laughed, and she asked what was funny. “God, if your Dad could see us right now. He'd hang me.”“Nah. He knows I like you a great deal. He doesn't know we professed love yet. But he does like you, Mom told me that. Jenny knows too. I talked with her this morning. I sent her a selfie, after I got my hair done. She called right after seeing it. Then she starts out by saying, “Damn Mom, you look hot. I think someone is in love.” She's a pretty smart girl actually. I was supposed to face time with her earlier, but someone had me a tad busy. She wants to see you and talk with you.”“Oh great. She's the one person that scares me the most, and I want on my side. More so, than even your parents. Go ahead and call her now. It's only 10pm.”She giggled again. “Uh No. We better wait until tomorrow. This is the first time her and her boyfriend Alan have been alone for a long time. He was with his family last weekend. They have dated for a year now, so I am pretty sure, they are in the same place you and I are right now, naked and in bed.”“You  okay with that? I asked. “Oh yes. I like him a lot. He treats her with so much respect and I know they love one another. He's a good kid and dotes after Jenny. His world revolves around her. He is studying to become a food scientist. If they can last the ups and downs of college and still remain in love, I could easily see them married one day. Only time will tell. And don't worry about her liking you, she will. She knows I do, and so far have made me extremely happy.”She got up then and walked to the bathroom. Then came back with our robes. “Let's go cuddle on the couch, enjoy some wine and TV, before we call it a night.” And so we did.Chapter 15.It was morning now, almost 8:30. I never sleep this late. The only reason I was up was because I had to pee so bad. Carrie was still sound asleep. She was curled up and looked so peaceful. My thought was, “What in God's name does she see in me. I'm nobody special. Yes, I am in good shape and I do treat her with respect, but she is absolutely beautiful and had I known of her, somewhere else, I would have never even attempted to approach her. I wasn't in her league, or so I thought”But here I am, one week after meeting her, and totally in love. I could not even fathom life without her in it. But reality would soon be creeping up on us. I knew she would be leaving mid-week. Would this all end after she left, and had time to really think this through? Only time will tell.I padded to the kitchen and made coffee. As it brewed I stood looking out the back door window. The skies were an ugly gray. Rain was falling. We knew this was coming, after viewing the weather report last night. Today and tomorrow, rain.I then toasted a few bagels, and got out the cream cheese. Made us both coffee, and took it to the bedroom. As I walked in, Carrie was yawning and stretching. Her tit were in plain view, and look so delicious to me. She sat up, not bothering to cover up. “Good sign” I thought.“Good Morning Sweetheart. I thought you may enjoy some breakfast in bed” I said to her.“Oh Wow. I could definitely get used to this. Especially if you lose that robe.”We sat and enjoyed our breakfast. We also started talking about this coming week. Since it was raining today, we decided to go into town and take in a movie and then dinner at some restaurant. On Monday, we were to hike Algonquin Peak, but if it is raining, we'll need to find something else to do.She then said, “You know I leave Wednesday. I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday that I made months ago, and I can't reschedule. It just takes so long to get in to see her.”“I know you were leaving then. But, I also am going to leave that day, with you. No sense hanging around here. Be bored to death, and I know me, all I'll think of is you the whole time.”“Awe. You are so sweet to me. But this is your vacation and you had it all planned out. Stay and at least hike some more of these mountains. I'll feel bad if you miss out on that.” she said with a pouty face.I just smiled at her and told her no, it was best I do head home. I had some major cleaning to do at my place. The house I have is actually an older farm house that was my grandparents. My grandmother outlived my mom and when she died, it was left to me and Ann. Ann didn't want it, so to be fair, I paid her the half she would have received, if we had sold it.The house was nice, but very outdated. Even the furniture was from the 60's. To me, it was cool, but my needs are simple. Ann has been bugging me for almost a year now to at least get some new furniture, if not update the whole place. My office is actually the dining room.I tell you this because I have never brought anyone there, especially a date. So bringing Carrie there, as it looks right now, is totally out of the question. As I told her this, she just laughed. She asked if I keep it clean, or was I a typical guy, and let things go until I can't stand it anymore. I told her I always keep it clean, it's just very outdated.“You big lug, I don't care about stuff like that. I will care if it smells like the gym on board a ship smells like. That is so gross.” and we both laughed.We finished our coffee and bagels, and set our cups and napkins on the nightstand. She pulled the cover down and asked me to slide in. We started kissing and making out some, when her phone rang. “Perfect timing” I thought. She looked at the phone and said, “It's Jenny. Hope all is alright. She is never up this early.”“She hit some button and I saw Jenny's face appear on the screen. Luckily, Carrie had the sheet up above her tit, and I was safely off to the side.“Hi Sweetheart”“Hi Mom. Hope I am not disturbing you.”“No Sweetie. You're good. We were just having breakfast.”“Oh. In bed too. I take it Marine guy is nearby.”Carrie laughed, “If you must know young Jen, he is right here, and his name is Mark, not Marine guy. But you knew that” “Hey just giving you a hard time. Hi Mark.” Carrie moved the phone over to where I could see her and she see me. I had just put the robe back on, so I was decent.“Hi Jenny. Very nice to meet you. I must say, you are as pretty as your mother.”Jen smiled; “Thank you. I hope to get to meet you when you two get back from your little vacation.”“I would say that is a very good possibility, unless your Mom gets rid of me by then. Lots of mountain tops she could push me off of, up here.” I said with a laugh.Carrie turned the phone back to her and said, “What did you two do this weekend? Is Alan still there?”Jen smiled this sly smile “Yeah. He is still asleep. We went to dinner and a late movie, then came back here. The main reason I am calling is that Papa called a bit ago, or I'd be sleeping too. He and grandma are coming up next weekend”My eyes got real big, but Carrie just chuckled, “That's great. When are they coming in?”“Friday evening, and staying here for a few days, then going to aunty Bev's for a few days. And Mark. Papa had a message for you. “Don't crap where you eat son.” He said you'd understand completely.”I just shook my head. Great. He's gonna shit when he hears his daughter and I are now dating.Carrie was laughing now. Jen wanted to know what that was about. Carrie said she'd tell her when she sees her this week. They carried on for a few more minutes as Jen filled her in on stuff. Now Jen did look somewhat similar to her mom, from what I could see on the phone. That same light caramel color, with long flowing brown hair, and a gorgeous smile. Alan should consider himself a very lucky man. They signed off then after saying goodbye's and Jen saying bye to me too, telling me to take very good care of her mother, or else.I asked, “Are you sure she isn't your blood daughter? You two look so much alike.”“I wish she was. But No. Her parents were Puerto Rican, so the skin color is close. She shorted too, only 5 foot 3. She is an angel. You think Dad dotes over me? Wait till you see him around Jenny. I feel bad for Alan. He's met Dad twice now and is scared shitless of him. But Daddy wants only the best for his girls.”“Yeah, well, I am wondering now what is he going to say about us being together. He still scares the shit out of me.”She laughed, “Oh I don't know. I'll let you know after I tell him how you been having your way with me this whole week.” then laughed some more. She then opened his robe, grabbed his semi stiff member and stroke it.She giggled, the looked at him and stated, “Umm, I wonder what he'd say if he knew I was doing this.”, as she lowered her head to my manhood and sucked the head in.“Oh God Carrie.”The PromiseCarrie and Mark settle in to everyday life, once they return from their week and a half camping and hiking trip, after finding love in those mountains.I asked, “Are you sure she isn't your blood daughter? You two look so much alike.”“I wish she was. But No. Her parents were Puerto Rican, so the skin color is close. She shorter too, only 5 foot 3.. She is an angel. You think Dad dotes over me? Wait till you see him around Jenny. I feel bad for Alan. He's met Dad twice now and is scared shitless of him. But Daddy wants only the best for his girls.”“Yeah, well, I am wondering now what is he going to say about us being together. He still scares the shit out of me.”She laughed, “Oh I don't know. I'll let you know after I tell him how you been having your way with me this whole week.” then laughed some more. She then opened my robe, grabbed my semi stiff member and stroke it.She giggled, the looked at him and stated, “Umm, I wonder what he'd say if he knew I was doing this.”, as she lowered her head to my manhood and sucked the head in.“Oh God Carrie.”Chapter 16.The rest of that day, and into Monday, it did nothing but rain. So exploring any of the mountain tops was curtailed. We pretty much hung around the cabin in just our robes that day. The only time we dressed was to go to dinner, down into town. Neither of us felt like cooking. It was very hard for me to resist getting Carrie naked and just making love all day, but she needed to know that our relationship, that we both professed our love for each other, was more than just a physical thing, but also emotional.You see Carrie is a very beautiful woman. She is 5 foot 7, 130 pounds, with caramel colored skin, almost like Halle Berry skin tone. Her hair is short now too, with blonde highlights mixed in with her brown hair. Totally sexy in my eyes. She has amazing legs that are long and toned and a great ass. What turns me on the most is her tits. They are a large A, or small B cup. I love a woman with small tits.I am 5 foot 10, 175 pounds, and been told by many, a handsome man. I keep in shape, and that is because after spending 20 years in the Marines, you get used to working out. It's just ingrained into your fabric. I was single too, for all of those years. Never had a serious relationship, except for a semi one, back in my 20's, when I lived with a girl for a few months. But she didn't enjoy my deployments too much and wanted more. It was mostly a sex thing for us, and a place for us both to crash, when we were screwing.But now, a week and a half later, I am totally in love with this goddess, and she with me as well. What is funny too, I know her parents, or to be more specific, her father. He was a Master Chief in the Navy, and was on the aircraft Carrier Lincoln at the same time I was, years ago, when I was a Staff Sergeant in the Marines. Great guy too, but could scare the hell out of you. Carrie too, was in the Navy back then, but I do not think we ever crossed paths, since she worked on base, and, was also married back then to a Seal, which she now divorced from.Like I said earlier, we only got dressed that Sunday for dinner, then that Monday, a day we were supposed to visit another Adirondacks peak, it rained as well. We did go driving around and admired the countryside and had a fine dinner at the Italian restaurant we found the previous week.Then on Tuesday, we decided to go horseback riding. We found a place about 20 minutes from the cabin, near Lake Clear. We had a great time exploring the area by horseback. I have to admit, my ass was quite sore by the time we got through, as was Carrie's. There was a few times I would hang back, behind her and admire her ass as it bounced up and down in the saddle.She looked back one time and caught me. “God, don't you ever tire of looking at my big ass?”I just chuckled and told her, “Hell No. I love your ass, and it is hardly big. Remind me later to massage it for you, because if mine is sore, I know yours has to be.”“Maybe I will let you. Not sure if I want you touching it later. Now get up her next to me.” then whispered to me, after I got close, “You be a good boy, and I'll let you see it naked later.”, then laughed and rode away from me.After our ride, we stopped in this tavern that also featured home cooked meals. We both decided on burgers and fries. Normally, we both try to stay away from fried foods, but, as we both found out from talking, we like to cheat on occasion.By the time we got back to the cabin, nighttime was upon us and this was our last night together. I know we both pledged our love to one another, but after tonight, she may get a dose of reality when she got back home, and say, “No way” to being in a relationship. For me, I was all in. I never wanted anything more in my life, than to be with this beautiful, smart, witty and energetic woman.After getting into the cabin, I started a fire in the fireplace and Carrie went off to the bedroom, to get ready to shower. After I had a nice fire going, she came out in her robe and asked me to join her. As we washed each other down, removing the horse smell from our bodies, we kissed and held each other. We both took turns drying each other, then donned our robes and made our way to the couch. Before I sat down, I went and got us each a glass of wine.“Mark?” she said, and I looked at her. She had a tear on her cheek, for which I lightly brushed away. “What's wrong Honey?” I asked.“This is our last night here. This has been the best vacation I have ever experienced. Had you told me two weeks ago that I would meet the man of my dreams, I would have said you are so full of shit. But here I am, sitting next to you. I am so in love with you and I am also scared silly about tomorrow.” she explainedI knew what she meant, when she said she is scared. I am too. We get back to our real lives and the fantasy just fades away. She was deeply hurt all those years ago and opening up and allowing someone in, has to be tough for her to do. For me, it is a new experience. One I have never had before. If it does end, it will hurt, but I know I can move on from it, I think.“Carrie. I'm scared too. Once we are home and reality sets in for you, you may say, screw this. I have never opened up to anyone in my life, except for you. I just hope that you will grow with me. I'm going to make mistakes. You may want something, but I'm too stupid to know and understand, but like anything in life, you learn. One thing I will promise you and this is I will always be true to only you. I love you and will never do anything to hurt you.”“Oh Mark. No man has ever made me feel this way. We'll take each day as it comes and just know I will never hurt you as well. But be forewarned now, I can get bitchy. I don't mean to be, but it happens and when it does, just leave me be, and I will be fine. I think the hardest part of tomorrow is going to be not being with you, especially at night. After a week of sharing a bed together, and feeling so close to you, it is going to suck not having your arms around me tomorrow night, or this weekend. If I didn't have that appointment Thursday, I'd let you stay with me tomorrow, but I know us, we make love, and since this is a gynecologist I am seeing, sex wouldn't be the most prudent thing for me to do. And then this weekend, with my parents in town, I'm not sure what they'd say about us sleeping together.”I laughed, “Yeah, I could just see the look on your dad's face when we told them goodnight and padded off to bed. As for sex. We don't always have to have it you know. I mean I'll never turn it down, but I also know there is more to us than just sex. But tomorrow after we get home, and then at night, we'll probably both be too tired to do anything. Plus, like I said, I need to straighten up the place. One thing though. On Thursday, I would like to take you and Jenny to dinner, Alan too. That way, she has someone there who she is comfortable with, just in case she can't stand me.”“Oh Stop. She is going to love you. I'll call her tomorrow and set it up. Now! Take me to bed for the last time here and hold me Baby. I want to fall asleep in your arms.”Chapter 17.We got up early for some reason, and took a shower together. I still marvel at this exceptionally beautiful woman. She makes my heart race anytime I am near here. And when we are naked, it quadruples in magnitude. We did not have sex, but we did hold and caress each other until the water started turning cold.We were then packed and on our way home. She drove in front of me for the next 4 hours. We did talk on the phone a couple of times. The last time was just before my exit, which is a couple before hers. I called her and told her I would call her later and that I loved her. I could hear in her voice, a hitch, just like I had in mine. I missed her already and I had just exited from the roadway.Once I was home, I did a load of laundry, then went and started dusting and vacuuming the place. Not a thing I do a lot of. Of course my sister always comes over and does it at times, and bitches me out when she does. I then cut the grass, which was needed after two weeks of not touching it. It takes two hours to cut this lawn, and that's with a tractor. While I was cutting, I did miss a call from Carrie. She also texted me, just saying she was thinking of me and loved me. I texted back apologizing that I didn't answer her and explained why, and that I would call her later.We did talk around 6 that evening. She too was busy with housework and laundry. She strip the beds, not knowing which bed Jenny and Alan slept in. I had to laugh at that. She chuckled too but said, “It's one thing to sleep in our wet spot, but I'm surely not sleeping in theirs.” Which made me laugh hard.About 10 that night, I called her. She was lying in bed, reading a book. She conveyed to me that Jenny was ecstatic over meeting us for dinner and really happy I had included Alan. They were going to meet us at Carrie's at 6pm tomorrow. I told Carrie we would try Delmonico's Steakhouse, which was kind of close to her.She chuckled and said, “Oh fancy place. You know, you don't have to take us there. There's a nice restaurant right down the street from us.”“That's cool. But I want too. How many college kids can go to a place like this. Plus I have always wanted to try it, but, I'm not going alone. Ann said the food is excellent there.”“Speaking of Ann, did you call her and inform her that you are bringing someone Sunday?” she asked.“Oh yeah. She is so excited now. She can't wait to meet you. I told her that your parents were going to be in from Florida and I didn't know what plans they had that day. She said to bring them along too. The more the merrier.”Carried giggled, then said, “I don't know if your sister has a clue what Dad can be like. Just don't bring up politics. He thinks they are all thieves and liars.” which made me laugh.Then she got quiet. “Anything wrong? You are quiet now “ She sighed, “No, just missing lying next to you, with your arms around me. I feel so safe then. I love you Mark”“I love you too, Carolyn, and I do miss being with you. It was a very long day without you near me.” I told her.“It was a long day for me as well. I don't know how or why this happened between us, but I am so happy that you are in my life now. Maybe tomorrow night, you can spend it here with me, if you want too.” she said.“I think that can be arranged. You know what I do miss? You calling me Jarhead. When you say it, it means something to me.”“I told you, after last weekend, I was done calling you that, but if you insist, I'll just call you JH.”“I insist Squid. Now get some sleep. Just know, I love you Carrie and I am holding you in my dreams tonight.”Chapter 18.I knew Carrie had an appointment at 11am, so I didn't want to bother her, but did send her a text, after I got up and said good morning and I love you. She replied instantly to it, saying she was about to shower and get ready and she loved me too.I was pretty proud of myself. I dusted and swept the whole house. Not that I am a slob, but those are two jobs I really don't enjoy doing. Hell, living alone and never having people over, except for my sister, afforded me the luxury of not caring too much to do that. But with Carrie in my life, I guess I need to change my way of thinking.I then immersed myself in a project that I had been working on for this one company. I needed to do something to keep my mind occupied, since I would not be seeing her until later in the afternoon. I was surprised though, that by 3pm, I hadn't heard anything from her. I hope all went well with her doc appointment.I had told her that I would be over by 5:30, so we could spend some time alone, before Jenny and Alan showed up. By 4:30, I was shaved, and showered, then dressed for the evening. Since it was cool out, I wore dark blue pants, and lighter blue shirt, with a dark blue sport coat. I wanted to look good for when I met Jenny, and convey, I'm not some unkempt slob, who was dating her mother. I'm generally a jeans and t-shirt, or sweatshirt, kind of guy.I couldn't stand the wait any longer and decided to arrive a bit sooner. I got to her house at 5:15, so just a little bit early. After ringing the doorbell a few times, Carrie finally opened the door. Although she smiled when she let me in, I could tell something was amiss with her. After a brief hug and quick kiss on the lips, we stood back from one another.Carrie was wearing a burgundy pleated dress. It came to just above the knees. The neckline plunged just a bit, with white lace around the edges, with short sleeves as well. She looked radiant.“Wow. You look absolutely beautiful Sweetie.” I told her. She just said thanks, but that was it. Then said she had to finish getting ready. My antennae was now up. I could sense something was wrong. This girl was always so bubbly, and that definitely was not the case now. So I just walked around her living room, looking at pictures on the wall of Jenny, and her parents, and some people I had no clue of who they were. Then just took a seat and waited for her.For me, this was something new. I did not know what to say or do. Did I do something wrong, that may have upset her? Who knew, but this was not the Carrie I just spent almost two weeks with, had fun with, and made love too on many occasions. So I'm basically a fish out of water now. I made up my mind to just go with the flow, and when she is ready to talk, I'll be there, and hopefully, understand what is going on.Of course, my fear was she was going to end this between us. She had time to reflect and said that this wasn't worth it. If that is how she felt, then who was I to pursue it any further. I don't want to be with someone who did not want the same as me. Sitting there waiting, makes your mind think weird ass things, like I just did. Then again, maybe it wasn't anything and she is just having a bad day, or is nervous about me meeting Jenny.She finally emerged from wherever she was in her condo. When I saw her, she looked the same, so I have no idea what else she could have been doing. She walked into her kitchen and got a bottle of water, then asked if I wanted one too, which I kindly said no too.I finally got the courage to ask, “Is there something wrong?”She looked at me and had a sullen look on her face, then finally said “No. Guess I am just tired from all the prodding and poking today. I'm sorry I am not more upbeat.”I got up and went to her and wrapped my arms around her, “If you want to cancel tonight, that would be okay with me. We keep go out with them some other time, when you are feeling more up to it.”“No. No. I am fine. It will be fine. We'll go have a fun night with them. Jenny is so looking forward to meeting you.” she said, as she pulled away from me and went into the living room. “We'll talk later tonight, when we get back.”I knew from how she stated it, something was wrong. But, being a dumb man, I have no clue as to what. I didn't want to piss her off by asking questions. Maybe something at the doc's. I guess when she is ready, she will let me know. I walked up next to her and grabbed her hand, just to let her know I was there for her. At that point, her front door opened and in walked Jenny and Alan.Jenny was definitely a looker. I would say 5 foot 3, maybe 110 pounds, brown hair and eyes, and the cutest dimples. She did have bigger boobs than her mom, but since she was adopted, that made sense. But the irony of how much the two looked alike was uncanny. Alan was a good looking guy too. He had that German look to him. Blond hair, blue eyes, chiseled face and stood about 6 foot, but maybe weighed 170 pounds, if that.After making the introductions and some small talk, we left her condo and headed to dinner in my truck.At dinner, Carrie seemed to be her normal self. Well, at least the normal I had seen for the last two weeks. Jenny was regaling us with stories from her college life and some of things her and Alan had been doing of late, except for the sex part. I don't think Carrie, or myself, needed or wanted to know those details.As dinner was finally coming to an end, I had to admit, I was kind of quiet. I just let the three of them guide the evening and the conversation. Jenny did inquire what I actually did for a living, so I explained it to her. She was impressed, as was Alan. I tried not to let my concerns for Carrie, or our budding relationship ruin the evening. In my heart though, I had a bad feeling, this would be the last time I would see these three people.Near the end of dinner, Carrie announced that she needed to use the ladies room. Alan also said he need to use the facility, which then left just me and Jenny. I wasn't sure what to say to her, so I let her make the first move on talking.  “okay Mark. What's up with mom? Did you two have an argument or something?” Jenny asked.I shook my head, “Jenny. I have no idea what is wrong tonight. When I arrived this evening, she was down for some reason and won't tell me why. Yesterday we were fine, but ever since her doctor visit, she has changed. Maybe she has done some thinking and decided a relationship is not what she wants. Until she tells me, I am in the dark.”Jenny reached over and touched my arm. “I don't know either, but I do know that she and I talked last night for an hour and she is head over heels in love with you, and says you are with her as well. Are you Mark? Are you in love with my Mom?”“Nothing has changed for how I feel for your mother Jenny. I am in love with her. But, if she has had a change of heart, then I will abide by her wishes. Maybe we moved too fast. I don't know. To be honest Jenny. I have never been in love before, so this is a new territory for me. But if she had time to reflect now, and feels this isn't what she wants, well, I don't want to force anything like that on her. I just want her happy.”Jenny just shook her head, “I can't believe her mind could change like that. Something must be wrong and she just needs time to process it. Maybe you two can talk later. When we get back to my mom's, Alan and I are going to leave, and give you two some space to talk. Oh, and by the way, Papa really does like you. He thinks you are a good man.”Just as she said that, Carrie was walking back. Alan came a minute later. The waitress came around and asked if any of us wanted dessert, but we all begged off, since our meals were so filling.On the way home, Carrie was pretty quiet. In fact, you could probably cut the tension with a knife, that was between us. Jenny and Alan were pretty quiet too. I'd have done anything to hear some funny story either of them may have had right then.After arriving back at Carrie's condo, we all got out and Jenny said that they needed to get going. Carrie said she wished they could stay longer, but the kids said they had some homework they needed to finish up, but would see us this weekend. Of course my mind didn't think I would be involved with this family get together.As they left, Carrie turned and headed to her door, and I followed. Once inside, she asked if I wanted anything to drink, which I kindly declined. She went to the kitchen and got a bottle of water then rejoined me in the living room. I wanted to get this over with, so I started it off.  “okay Carolyn, please tell me what is wrong. I need to know.” I said in a somber voice.“Let's sit” she said, and we both did. She faced me and I could see a tear starting to form in her eye. My stomach became a knot now. My fears were now becoming reality, at least in my mind.“I wish I knew where to start, but I have to say, that no man has ever made me feel the way you make me feel. But I really think we need to step back and take a break for now.”, then she started crying. I reach for her, but she backed away. That made it feel like a knife was just plunged into my heart.“Carrie. How can you go from being so in love, to wanting to take a break, just like that. There is more than what you are telling me. So please tell me what has caused this sudden change in feelings.”She was still sobbing, trying to get her emotions under control, then finally looked at me and said, “Mark. They found a growth on one of my ovaries today. After the Pelvic exam, she did and ultrasound and found it. They want me to see a specialist next Tuesday then do some testing.” then started crying again. This time she let me pull her towards me. I knew this isn't good, but this is also something that can be taken care of. I had a cousin once have something similar to this and they removed a cyst the size of an egg from her, and she was fine then.“It's  okay Carrie. I'm sure it's nothing that medicine or an operation can't take care of.” I told her.“And what if it isn't Mark? What if it is cancer. Why should you be saddled with that in your life. We've known each other not even two fucking weeks. Although the best two weeks of my life. But this is not something you need to be part of. Your best bet is to turn around, walk away and get on with your life, like I never existed.” and started crying again.I pulled her into me again and held her tight. Her head was buried in my shoulder, and I caressed her hair and let her cry. I mean, if I was in her position, I'd probably tell her the same things. But I may not know her completely, but what I know of her already, she has a fierce loyalty to people she cares for and loves, and I know she wouldn't walk away either.After letting her sob some more, I gently moved her back, and away from me, so I could speak to her. “Sweetheart. There is no way I am letting you do this alone. Granted, we have only known each other for two weeks, but in these two weeks, you have captured my heart with every fiber of your being. I am in love with you Missy. People who love one another don't turn tail and run because of something traumatic happens to the other person. You stand with them, be their support and showed them love, for that is the only thing that can help get you through this. I have been a Marine for all of my adult life and one thing that is ingrained in us, from the time of our first day in boot camp, is that you never let the man next to you, or when you are a sergeant, your platoon, you never abandon them. No man is ever left behind. You're wounded Honey, so I will not leave you behind, so get used to that. When this is all over and you still feel this way, then you can tell me to hit the bricks.”She just stared at me, and while trying to compose herself, she gripped my hand in hers. “It's not fair to you Mark. What if it is cancer and it can't be fixed, then what? You going to just wait around and watch me die? You could be out finding that right person, instead of babysitting me.”“Stop it Carrie. You have no idea what it is. It could be a simple cyst, that meds could take care of. But one thing I do know, I will be with you this Tuesday, and any other day you need to have something done. I will be the first person you see when you wake up. But I will be there and I will always be there for you. I love you.”“Mark. It's not fair.” she shouted, then started crying again. “You're right. It's not fair. But who said life is. But I am not walking away. In fact I am more in love with you now, than I was 20 minutes ago. I don't know about you, but I have every intention of growing old with you. We have too much to do with our lives. So baby doll, I am not leaving you, Not ever.”“Carrie. Do you love me?” I asked. “Damn you Jarhead. You know I do.” she said. “Good. Don't you ever hold back something like this again from me. I won't either from you. But Babe, we can only help one another if we are open and honest with each other. Why don't you go get ready for bed. I'm not going home tonight, but I will sleep on the couch.”She shook her head and got up. As she did, she reached for my hand, “You are not, nor will you ever sleep on the couch. Your place is beside me in bed. I'm so sorry for ever thinking you would want out of this. I do love you Mark. More than you will ever know”She led me up the stairs to her bedroom. We both stripped off of our clothes. I had on the white silk boxers she got me. She put on this long t-shirt with a Minion on the front. She looked cute. We both used her bathroom then climbed into bed, where she snuggled up to me and let me hold her close. Her head rested on my chest.“Mark?” she said softly. “Carrie?” I answered back. “I am sorry. I promise never to do that to you again. I'm also sorry I was a Debbie Downer tonight at dinner, and even before. I'm sure Jenny could tell something was wrong.”“Oh yeah she could. She thought that you and I had an argument. Your daughter is quite perceptive. After meeting her now, I have to say, you two do favor one another. Alan is one lucky man and judging how he dotes on her, he knows it too. They do make a nice couple. I just hope I made a good impression with her. I wasn't to talkative tonight.”“Well, I think you'll get a few more chances this weekend to really win her over. But I can tell she likes you already. If she talks a lot, she likes you. Had she just sat there and not talked much, then that means she doesn't want anything to do with you.”“You know, last night, I was so lonely without you next to me. I hugged my pillow thinking it was you. Except your body is a bit more muscular. I had so many plans for tonight, with us ending the night in bed making love. I want too, but I don't want to do that until we know what is going on down there.”My hand was stroking her back, when I said, “I don't know about you, but this is making love Baby. I'm not in this for the sex. I'm in this because of love. Holding you close, telling our feelings to each other, that is true love making in my book. I'm not too good with stuff like this, but I have never felt this way for another human being. We'll have plenty of time for lovemaking, and dare I say, some naughty sex.”She snuggled even closer and let her hand rub on my chest and belly. “Thank You. You make me feel so loved. I love you Mark. Oh and I like what you wore under your pants. You do look sexy in these boxers.”“I love you too Carolyn. Now get some sleep. We have a long weekend ahead of us. That is if you want me around all the time.”“Of course I want you around the whole time. Not sure about sleeping together. Daddy may have a hard time with that one.” then giggled.Chapter 19.In the morning we agreed to take separate showers instead of together. We both agreed it would be too tempting, had we gone in together. She did tease me though by removing her shirt and slowly saunter into the bathroom, giggling the whole way. I would say My Carrie was back.Her parents flight was due in at 4pm. I told Carrie I needed to catch up on a few things at the house, but would be back in time to go with her to pick them up. She must have texted me twenty times, just saying I love you. That made me feel good.I picked Carrie up at 3pm and went to the airport to meet her parents. She was very happy today. A far cry from yesterday's somber mood she was in. She was wearing a maroon cashmere sweater and black slacks. I too had black slacks on and a blue crew neck sweater. The whole trip there she held my hand, as she did once we were there and waited.Like all airports now, you had to wait down in the baggage area. It took about 10 minutes after their plane arrived, before we saw them coming down the escalator. Once Carrie spotted them, she pulled me along until they were on top of us, and went and hugged her mom, then her dad.Then Mrs. Reynolds gave me a hug and a kiss, and said I still looked like I did when we met in Norfolk all those years ago. Chief shook my hand then said, “You ain't giving me no damn hug son.” I just laughed and told him, “Not in your life you crotchety old bastard.” which made us all laugh.After arriving back at Carrie's, we saw that Jenny was there waiting for us. Alan was with her, but I could see the tension in his face. The old man did scare the shit out of him. I took him aside and told him, just to relax, but show no sign of fear to the chief. He eats that shit up. He sort of laughed and said, oh sure, easier said than done Mr. Roberts. I told him for now on, call me Mark. Save the mister for the other guy.We all then went to dinner, after the couple relaxed a bit after their flight. It was one of those chain restaurants. We all had a good time and of course, Chief had to regale us with stories when I was aboard the Lincoln. That's when Jenny asked about the “don't shit where you eat comment”, but cleaned it up some because of her mom and grandma there. Chief went on to explain about this one newly appointed petty officer I had an eye on. After he finished, everyone laughed, only because he made sound more colorful than it actually was.After we got back to Carrie's, the girls busied themselves in the kitchen, leaving myself, Alan, and the Chief alone in the living room. I could see Alan was a bit apprehensive about being in there. I'm sure he was never prepared for anything like this in college.  “okay you two Shitbirds.” chief started out. “Those three fine ladies in there mean the world to me. And two of them, for some ungodly reason happen to like you two. All I ever wanted for those two is complete happiness. If you can't give them that, leave now, otherwise, I need a promise to never ever hurt them, no matter what.”“You have my word on that Chief. Never doubt that.” I said, as the chief then nodded once to me. Alan then looked at him and said, “Sir, my only intention is to make Jenny happy, so I promise.” Chief just glared at him. Alan was unsure of what he said, but knew he didn't like something. I looked at Alan and said, “Alan. Relax. Just don't call Mr. Reynolds sir. Non Com's, noncommissioned officers, like we both were, do not like getting called sir, by anyone. And Chief, chill out, he isn't military.”Chief just chuckled. “Yeah, and don't call me Mr. Reynolds. Makes me feel old. Call me John for now on, or at least until you guys make it legal between those gals in there, then we'll figure out what you call me then. And Alan, you did good kid. You didn't break, like so many Seaman have, right out of boot camp.” then just smiled.Just then the girls came back from the kitchen with drinks. From that point on, the mood was light and cheerful. I just sat back and watched how this family interacted. They are like most families, I guess. Since it is just my sister and myself, except for an uncle and aunt and three cousin's, I really couldn't tell you what a big family is like. Mine though, is quite boisterous and not afraid of speaking their minds on any subject.About an hour went by when Jenny and Alan said their goodbye's. They were going to the football game the next afternoon and wanted to get some sleep. We sat up a bit more with John and Connie, telling a lot of what we did up in the mountains. Well, not everything, or I am sure, he'd have killed me by now.I was getting up, so I could make my leave too, when Carrie asked me to join her in the kitchen. I had no idea what she wanted, but went with the flow and followed her in.“I don't want you going back to your place tonight. You are sleeping with me, unless you don't want too.” she said, giving me her little pouty face she likes to do now and then.“I'm not sure how your parents will feel about that. I don't want to cause any trouble for you, or me either.”Carried just chuckled, “Don't worry about them. I am 41 you know. Plus, me and mom talked out here. She knows you and I have slept together from almost the beginning of us meeting. She is fine with it, and she'll take care of dad. As she put it, “That boy is over the moon for you Honey. Treat him good and he'll treat you like a queen.” So don't worry. But, we can't play around. That would be too weird.” and we both laughed softly at that.Carrie then grabbed my hand and walked towards the stairs, to go upstairs. “Night you two” she said as she passed by them. Her mom said night, but Chief just grunted something. I am pretty sure I will get an earful, next time we are alone.Once in the bedroom, Carrie went to her dresser and opened a drawer, pulled out pajamas. They were blue, red, and white checkerboard style print. She said she went shopping today and got these. She is wearing the top and the bottoms were for me. She stripped down to just her panties, which for once, were not thong style. She still looked sexy as all get out. I stripped too to my boxers and t-shirt. She then went to the bathroom and came out a few minutes later. I followed suit and did my business. She let me know there was a toothbrush on the sink for me, that she just got too.When I came back out, she was already in bed and awaited me. I crawled in next to her. We kissed and held each other close. Like I said when the first time we slept in a bed together, I could definitely get used to this.“Mark Honey. I need to apologize for yesterday. I was so wrong to try and push you away from me. I would have been crushed had you just said  okay, and left. But you didn't. That told me right there how much you love me. So thank you for being here for me. I love you Mark. It grows stronger every minute of the day. I wish right now we could make love, but until I know what is really up with this, we're going to have to take a rest from that. I hope you understand.”I leaned in and kissed her forehead and pulled her tighter to me. God, I love the way she feels.“Sweetheart, you need not apologize for anything. It has to be a shock to you, that is for sure. But, I will always be there for you, no matter what. We'll see this through, together. As for making love right now. This is making love, I believe. The sex is just the icing on the cake, so to speak. Plus, if you think I would have sex with you, with your parents just down the hall, you are crazy.”Carrie was just about to say something, when we both heard a light thumping sound. I started to chuckle, but Carrie said shush. It was definitely a rhythm thump going on.I chuckled and said, “You're kidding right?” Carrie laughed quietly and said, “Oh yeah. I think dad and mom are doing the horizontal hula. Trust me Hun. As far back as I can remember, they are one horny couple. I hope when I am their age, I still want it that much.”Carrie's hand reached under the waistband of my bottoms and boxers and started playing with Mr. happy. “God, I wish this was inside me now. “ She stroked it a few times so it was now almost hard. Then she rolled over on her side, so we could spoon. I too lay on my side and pulled her into me, so our bodies melded together. My hardness nestled up against her beautiful ass, which she then wiggled a bit. My arm lay over her and rested on her tummy. She took that hand and brought up, and inside her top and placed it on her one tit. My hand instantly enveloped her tit and held it gently. “God. I love your hand there” she cooed. “Night Mark. I love you” “I love you too Carrie”To be continued, by T. Foxal.

You might not think of light as a healing tool, but red and near-infrared light can do some pretty amazing things, especially when it comes to pelvic health. From easing perimenopause struggles to helping your body bounce back after birth, this kind of light therapy is opening up a whole new world for women dealing with pain, discomfort, or intimacy issues. I had such a good conversation with Dr. Genevieve Newton (Fringe's Scientific Director) and Elizabeth Frey (Pelvic Health Physiotherapist) about how this all works, and why more women need to know about it. If you've been dealing with stuff “down there” that no one seems to talk about… this is your episode.   We broke down how light therapy works on a cellular level, why the pelvic region responds so well to it, and how vibration and frequency add even more benefits. Liz shared some powerful stories from her practice, real women seeing real results, like less pain, better intimacy, and more confidence in their own bodies. And Dr. Gen? She brings the science in a way that totally makes sense. Plus, we got into the details of the Pelvic Wand, a little device doing big things for women's health.   We also touched on what the latest research is saying about all this (spoiler: it's pretty exciting), and how to know if this therapy might be right for you. Whether you're healing, curious, or just want to feel more connected to your body again, there's something in this conversation for you.   And quick side note: there's a new Mighty Maca flavor in town! I'm loving the Mango version lately. I mix it with sparkling water over ice or even make it into popsicles—it's a refreshing little boost with all the benefits. Check it out at dranna.com/fringe, use code DRANNA for 10% off.   Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:01:34] Pelvic light therapy breakthrough. [00:04:54] Wavelengths in light therapy. [00:10:11] Women's health and light therapy. [00:13:00] Genitourinary syndrome of menopause. [00:14:27] Red light therapy benefits. [00:18:45] Recommended usage of light therapy. [00:24:28] Red light therapy for scars. [00:27:10] Prolapse and pelvic floor therapy. [00:30:08] Quality of life improvements. [00:32:20] Pelvic health and prevention. [00:38:17] Vaginal Intimate Moist product launch. [00:39:14] Water-based lubricant and pelvic health. [00:42:34] Home lighting devices and health. [00:46:30] Ancient healing meets modern science.   Memorable Quotes: "It's fascinating because it's been mapped out really on a cellular level, how when you expose tissue to light therapy, there's really a very dramatic response." [00:28:04] – Dr. Genevieve Newton "We combine red and near-infrared light benefits with vibration therapy and home exercise for the postmenopausal woman. It is like I'll say magic. It really is. It's a great combination. And I'd say that's where I'm seeing the most success in my practice." [00:15:07] – Elizabeth Frey   Links Mentioned: Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca Fringe's Pelvic Wand: https://dranna.com/fringe   Connect with Dr. Genevieve Newton & Elizabeth Frey: Website: https://fringeheals.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fringeheals/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinfringe   Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca: Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca   Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

This episode I'll be talking with Dr. Brittney Ellers, a Projector woman from the USA who uses Human Design in her work as a Physiotherapist with a specialty in Pelvic issues.    I invited Brittney to talk on my podcast after having her as a student in my Differentiated Development program where it was clear she was sensing more from the other students than they were sharing openly.   This episode is honest, raw, hilarious, direct, bold, and full of feminine openness. We speak shamelessly about taboo and explicit subjects while weaving in our designs and our extrasensory gifts.   This conversation is even better if you listen to part 1 on Brittneys podcast - Pelvic Pulse   Brittney is a 2/4 Splenic Projector with the Channels of Struggle, Alpha and the Prodigal.      You can find Brittney - https://www.brittneyellers.com/  https://www.instagram.com/b.ellers/   You can find Sam - https://www.samzagar.com/ https://www.instagram.com/samzagar/  https://www.youtube.com/@SamZagarHumanDesign 

In this episode of the RWS Clinician's Corner, Margaret Floyd Barry sits down with Kim Vopni, widely known as the “vagina coach.” Kim is a certified fitness professional and menopause support practitioner with over two decades of experience educating women—and the clinicians who serve them—about the vital but often overlooked world of pelvic health. In this episode, we get into the nuts and bolts of pelvic floor physiology, what every clinician should be screening for, and why pelvic health is central not just to continence but to bone health, athletic performance, and overall quality of life.   In this interview, we discuss:      -The obvious and less-obvious symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction    -Clinical assessment and clues for pelvic floor dysfunction    -Pelvic floor health and broader health issues (e.g., low back pain and bone health)    -Common misconceptions about pelvic floor health and interventions (e.g. pelvic floor PT)    -Pelvic floor issues across life stages (from younger women into perimenopause & menopause)      -Management strategies and self-care recommendations The Clinician's Corner is brought to you by Restorative Wellness Solutions.  Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/restorativewellnesssolutions/    Join us for a FREE 3-Part Fertility Masterclass Series: Precision Nutrition for Fertility Grab your spot now!    Connect with Kim Vopni: Website: https://www.vaginacoach.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VagCoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaginacoach/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vaginacoach/videos   For a FREE copy of Kim's book, The Inside Story - click here. For The Buff Muff Method/App, click here.    For pelvic floor physical therapy, check out these directories: American Physical Therapy AssociationPelvic Global    Timestamps: 00:00 "Pelvic Health Insights with Kim" 07:22 "Pelvic Floor's Role in Stability" 14:10 "Pelvic Floor and Constipation Cycle" 17:00 Pelvic Floor Muscle Adaptations 22:57 Finding a Pelvic Floor Therapist 30:01 Fertility Masterclass for Practitioners 33:54 Runner's Pelvic Floor Challenges 40:23 Bladder Habits and Sleep Disruption 44:19 "Transition to Minimal Footwear" 51:41 Collagen's Role in Pelvic Health 56:58 Enhancing Pelvic Floor Relaxation Techniques 57:56 Improving Posture for Pelvic Health 01:07:59 Pelvic Health Through Life Stages 01:09:38 "Clinician's Corner: Join & Share" Speaker bio: Kim Vopni is a certified fitness professional and menopause support practitioner known as The Vagina Coach. She became passionate about spreading information on pelvic health after the birth of her first child over 20 years ago. Kim is a sought-after speaker, a women's health educator, and the author of 3 books. She began her work with the prenatal and postpartum population where she founded her own business and co-founded a 2nd company called Bellies, Inc. She now works primarily with women in the perimenopause and post menopause phases of life. Doctors and Physical Therapists are always referring their clients to her Buff Muff Method as the go-to pelvic health resource that allows women from around the world find support through workouts, challenges, and group coaching. Kim also certifies other fitness and movement professionals to work with women with core and pelvic floor challenges through her Buff Muff Method Practitioner Certification. You can find her online through her website, social media, and her podcast Between Two Lips. Keywords: pelvic floor health, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, perimenopause, menopause, pelvic floor physical therapy, Buff Muff Method, pelvic floor exercises, Kegels, pelvic health assessment, constipation, low back pain, posture, hydration, vaginal estrogen, pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain, sexual health, pelvic floor relaxation, core strength, women's health, bone health, stress and anxiety, vaginacoach, pelvic health screening, pelvic floor tightness, bladder health, postpartum recovery, pelvic health practitioners, movement therapy Disclaimer: The views expressed in the RWS Clinician's Corner series are those of the individual speakers and interviewees, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC. Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC does not specifically endorse or approve of any of the information or opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician's Corner series. The information and opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician's Corner series are for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC is not liable for any damages or injuries that may result from the use of the information or opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician's Corner series. By viewing or listening to this information, you agree to hold Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC harmless from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with your participation. Thank you for your understanding.  

Send us a textThe first 48 hours after giving birth can feel like a blur—you're tired, emotional, and suddenly responsible for a tiny human. And if you're planning to breastfeed, you might be wondering:Am I doing this right?Is this supposed to hurt?Why won't my baby latch?In this episode, I'm joined by the lovely Nicola Batkin—a midwife, nurse, and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. Together, we unpack the practical things you can do right after birth to get breastfeeding off to the best possible start. Whether this is your first baby or you're doing it all again, this conversation is filled with helpful, reassuring advice.Nicola's Instagram: @nurtured_bynicolaNicola's website: https://nurturedbynicola.com.au/Hatched House: https://www.hatchedhouse.com.auhttps://www.lcanz.org/find-a-lactation-consultant/** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. LINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

The Pelvic Wellness Center opened in October 2024 to support both women and men's pelvic health. The center offers specialized treatment for pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. Mary Hitt, Director of the Pelvic Wellness Center at SIU Medicine, and Kaylie Caswell, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and Sexuality Counselor at SIU Medicine, spoke with Community Voices about common reasons people visit the center, as well as topics related to pelvic health and sexual health counseling and education. They emphasized the importance of normalizing conversations around sexual health and discussed how social media has influenced public perceptions of traditionally "taboo" topics. For more information about the Pelvic Wellness Center, click here.Listener discretion is advised.

Send us a textIn this podcast episode, I discuss something incredibly important - and personal - that affects far too many women but isn't talked about enough: postnatal pelvic floor issues, even after a so-called ‘perfect' or ‘textbook' birth.After being a physio for pregnant women for nearly 2 decades, and having birthed 3 children myself, I'm still suprised we are not discussing this more...As a pelvic floor physiotherapist and mum of three, I've seen first-hand how the right information at the right time can change a woman's recovery—and her entire experience of motherhood. And that's exactly why I started the Pregnancy, Birth and Recovery Podcast.If you are pregnant, or newly postnatal, I trust you will love this episode.** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. LINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Orthobullets Podcast.Today's show is Foundations, where we review foundational knowledge for frontline MSK providers such as junior orthopaedic residents, ER physicians, and primary care providers. This episode will cover the topic of⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pelvic Ring Fractures, from our Trauma section at Orthobullets.com.Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Orthobullets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube

Hello and welcome to this week's episode of the podcast, which is not suitablefor younger ears!I am delighted to chat with Talli Rosenbaum, a pioneer in both pelvic rehab and latterly in psychosexual health. I have had the pleasure of knowing Talli for many years; I took one of my first psychosexual trainings with her in Cambridge a decade ago. Talli initially worked as a PT in the US before changing directions and becoming a leader in psychosexual therapy, both clinically and from a research perspective. In this conversation we talked about the similarities, overlaps and also the differences in the two professions, and how setting boundaries for ourselves clinically and professionally can benefit not only the people we work with, but also our own professional stress levels.We also talked about various topics related to sexual health, pelvic rehabilitation, and trauma-informed care, emphasizing the importance of a more psychologically informed approach in these fields. We also explored the complexities of working with patients, particularly those experiencing pelvic floor issues, and the need for additional psychological support. The conversation also included discussions on the importance of sexual health and intimacy for cancer patients, as well as the changes in intimacy and libido after childbirthTalli talked about how pelvic health physiotherapists often have stronger interpersonal skills and empathy, which can lead to boundary challenges - and while we must be psychologically informed, we don't have to do it all by ourselves - multidisciplinary care is gold!Talli has lots of great resources on her website, tallirosenbaum.com and you can find her on instagram as well - I'm there too as @michellelyons_muliebrityWant to learn more about female sexual health, managing dyspareunia, contraception & fertility? I've got a course for that! All of my online courses, from female pelvic pain to menstrual through menopausal health, oncology rehab to bowel health & femalecentric approaches to back pain, can be found at my website, CelebrateMuliebrity.com. If you're a pelvic health clinician, make sure you're part of the conversation in my facebook group, Global Pelvic Physio - we have rich clinical conversations with pelvic health nerds from all over the world - over 11k of us! Until next time, Onwards & Upwards, Mx #celebratemuliebrity

Bladder leaks, dryness, and low libido aren't exactly dinner table topics… but maybe they should be. These issues are way more common than we think, especially during and after menopause, and they have a huge impact on how we feel day to day. That's why I sit down with Dr. Rena Malik, a Board-Certified Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist who's made it her mission to talk about the things most people won't. We talk about everything from pelvic floor problems to how hormones like estrogen and testosterone affect our sexual health and bladder function. Dr. Rena shares why stress makes things worse (yep, even your bladder feels it), and how simple things like breathing or pelvic floor therapy can help you get back in tune with your body. She also breaks down what options are really worth exploring—like vaginal estrogen, testosterone therapy, and a few new treatments you may not have heard of yet. If your body's been sending signals you've been ignoring, consider this your sign to tune in and start listening. And hey, if you're in the mood to give your body a little extra support, I've been loving the new Mighty Maca Mango lately. It's refreshing, light, and packed with all the superfood goodness—plus, it tastes amazing in sparkling water (or turned into a popsicle). You can check it out at dranna.com—it's been my go-to pick-me-up lately!   Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:06:28] Improving quality of life. [00:08:15] Pelvic floor health issues. [00:10:45] Bladder health myths debunked. [00:13:48] Neuromodulation treatments for bladder issues. [00:19:17] Hormones for pelvic floor health. [00:22:06] Restoring sexual function and orgasm. [00:26:22] Testosterone's role in women's health. [00:33:10] Effects of stress on the bladder and how to reverse it. [00:36:27] Clenching during orgasm. [00:39:47] Enjoying the journey in sex. [00:42:08] Scheduling intimacy for connection.   Memorable Quotes: "One of the other myths is that incontinence is normal or leakage is normal. Like everyone just leaks after they have babies. That's a normal thing. And it's not. And same thing with UTIs. They're not normal." [00:11:45] – Dr. Rena Malik "I would argue that scheduling intimacy is probably one of the underrated tools that people use. We schedule date night to go have dinner and talk. We should schedule time for intimacy." [00:41:58] – Dr. Rena Malik   Links Mentioned: Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca Sexual CPR: http://sexualcpr.com/   Connect with Dr. Rena Malik: Website: https://www.renamalikmd.com Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RenaMalikMD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RenaMalikMD   Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca: Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca   Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Today on the She Found Motherhood podcast, we're joined by one of our favourite returning guests - Melissa Dessaulles (BScPT, BScKin), pelvic physiotherapist, founder of The Pelvic Floor Project Space, and mom of two! Dr. Alicia and Mel dive into what pelvic physio actually is, breaking down common misconceptions and shedding light on what happens during both prenatal and postpartum care. From back pain and hemorrhoids to the role of rest and early intervention, they explore why you don't have to wait until six weeks postpartum to start healing - and how virtual sessions can make recovery more accessible than ever. Whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode is a must-listen. It's not as scary (or invasive!) as you might think. Listen now and explore Mel's work: Podcast: The Pelvic Floor Project Website: pelvicfloorprojectspace.com Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood! *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: August 24, 2022.

Today on the She Found Motherhood podcast, we're joined by one of our favourite returning guests - Melissa Dessaulles (BScPT, BScKin), pelvic physiotherapist, founder of The Pelvic Floor Project Space, and mom of two! Dr. Alicia and Mel dive into what pelvic physio actually is, breaking down common misconceptions and shedding light on what happens during both prenatal and postpartum care. From back pain and hemorrhoids to the role of rest and early intervention, they explore why you don't have to wait until six weeks postpartum to start healing - and how virtual sessions can make recovery more accessible than ever. Whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode is a must-listen. It's not as scary (or invasive!) as you might think. Listen now and explore Mel's work: Podcast: The Pelvic Floor Project Website: pelvicfloorprojectspace.com Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood! *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: August 24, 2022.

Stacey Roberts, PT, RN, MSN will be back on the podcast, this time to discuss pelvic pain, sexual health, and intimacy. Stacey has over 30 years of experience helping patients live pain-free while achieving their health goals. She is a Holistic Master's Prepared Registered Nurse, a Musculoskeletal Specialist, a Pelvic and Sexual Health Physiotherapist, and a Functional Medicine Specialist. Stacey owns the New You Health and Wellness Practice in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, combining cutting-edge technology, advanced manual therapy, and functional medicine to help patients attain optimal health. Many of her patients, including herself, have avoided surgery, drugs, and injections. She is the author of the book, The Pain Free Formula: A Holistic Approach to Finally Getting Rid of Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs, or Injections. Stacey Roberts Website | https://newyouhealthandwellness.com Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/newyouhealthandwellness Health Solutions Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/HealthSolutionsPodcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/health_solutions_shawn_needham/ Moses Lake Professional Pharmacy Website | http://mlrx.com.com/ Shawn Needham X | https://x.com/ShawnNeedham2 Shawn's Book | http://mybook.to/Sickened_The_Book Additional Links https://linktr.ee/mlrx

Pelvic pain can be a common pregnancy symptom and... it hurts! I see this type of pain cause a lot of pregnant mamas to slow down and stop exercising, which is actually the opposite of what will help. In this episode I share what types of pelvic pain you might experience, why it happens, and some simple steps you can take right away to prevent or manage the pain so you can stay active and comfortable!LinksPregnancy Fitness Program: Empowered PregnancyWork with me 1-on-1: Learn more and applyFREE Guide: Pregnancy Exercise Modifications by Trimester⁠⁠⁠Follow along on Instagram: @strongmamawellnessLearn more about my work on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠Just Ingredients 10% off: Click Here and use code STRONGMAMA

Full show notes & Connect with Jenn here >>If you've ever leaked a little when you laugh, sneeze, or lift something heavy — or felt pressure “down there,” this episode is for you.Pelvic floor dysfunction affects over 52 million women in the U.S. alone. But most women don't realize that's what it is. They assume it's just a normal part of getting older, or something that happens after kids or during workouts — and they quietly live with it. Pee pads get tossed in the shopping cart, and they try not to think about it.But here's the truth: Any kind of leakage is a red flag.In this episode, I sit down with Jenn Lormand, a pelvic floor specialist, to discuss the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and what to do about it.What We Cover in This Episode:What prolapse actually is — and how it develops over timeHow perimenopause and menopause contribute to these problemsWhy Kegels and core bracing are not the answerWhy leaking during workouts, sneezing, or laughing is not normal — and why you shouldn't ignore itHow some simple, targeted exercises can help retrain and strengthen your pelvic floorBONUS: 5 tips to reduce your risk of bladder infections in midlifeSend me your thoughts

Get a free demo of our back pain cure “Centralization Process”, by clicking here! ⁠https://bit.ly/sciatica-fix⁠Submit an application to work with us 1:1 and learn how to fix your low back! ⁠www.therehabfix.com/low-back-program⁠To view hundreds of free low back videos please follow us on instagram at @rehabfix ⁠www.instagram.com/rehabfix⁠In this video, Dr. Grant Elliott dives deep into the common misconceptions about lower cross syndrome and anterior pelvic tilt, showing you why they're not the true causes of your low back pain. If you've been told that a tilted pelvis is the source of your discomfort, this video will provide you with the real facts backed by evidence!What you'll learn in this video:The myth behind lower cross syndrome and its impact on low back pain.Why anterior pelvic tilt is actually normal and does not cause back pain.The real reasons for your low back pain and how to address them.A simple and effective 3-step routine to start feeling relief from low back pain.How proper core engagement and pelvic control can help you avoid pain flare-ups.Dr. Grant Elliott, the founder of RehabFix and a leading expert in low back rehabilitation, is here to help you see lasting pain relief through evidence-based practices. Don't let outdated myths dictate your health—get the facts and start your healing journey now!

Feeling flat, unmotivated, or like your mojo's gone walkabout? You're not alone — and you're definitely not lazy. If you're a woman in your 40s or beyond wondering why you're so tired all the time (even when you're not doing “that much”), this episode is your wake-up call — and your permission slip to stop pushing through.In this episode, Jen unpacks the truth about midlife fatigue, why your energy isn't broken (just hijacked), and how to reclaim your core vitality without relying on hype-fuelled tactics like caffeine and panic productivity. She explains how your hormones, adrenals, and nervous system are all playing a part — and shares her signature BAM (Bare Arse Minimum) fixes to help you reset, recharge, and rise strong.If you've ever whispered “Maybe I'm just lazy now,” this is the reminder you didn't know you needed. You're not lazy. You're just bloody brilliant — and long overdue for some recovery.LINKS: How to Build an Easy Wellness Routine (Without More Work) - Download Your Cheat Sheet ⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/how-to-build-an-easy-wellness-routine/⁠⁠⁠ Feed Your Body⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/feed-your-body-eguide/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pelvic floor prolapse doesn't have to hold you back. Learn how to regain control and improve your quality of life with my team of expert guidance.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/pelvic-floor-prolapse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have you checked out my new Healthy Life Hacks App? 

Click here to send me a quick message :) It's so easy to overlook the power of pleasure, especially in challenging times. But it is SUCH an essential part of how we can bring our best selves to the world.When we feel better, we are better able to weather the ever-changing terrain of our lives, and we have more capacity to share our gifts, too.In today's medley episode, I combine three episode snippets to support your pathways to pleasure:1) the importance and practice of cultivating receptivity, and some ideas on how to encourage this in your life2) Laura Rowan (an occupational therapist) shares about how linked the brain, nervous system, pelvic pain and pleasure are 3) how milky oats can support libido, pleasure and overall hormonal healthIt's the final in this medley series from the past few weeks, honoring the solstice, and I hope it brings you some insights and tools to help you embody your pleasure in this season of buoyancy and radiance (amidst all the uncertainties in the world).Resources:Grab the free guide: Track your cycle with FAM (and symptom tracking)Today's shownotes: Pathways to pleasureEpisode 17: How stress messes with your hormonesEpisode 64: Vagus nerve and arousalEpisode 68: Herbal spotlight on milky oatsEpisode 80: Cultivating receptivityEpisode 87: From pelvic pain to sexual pleasure w Laura RowanIf you loved this episode, share it with a friend, or take a screenshot and share on social media and tag me @herbalwombwisdomAnd if you love this podcast, leave a rating & write a review! It's really helpful to get the show to more amazing humans like you.  ❤️DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I'm an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal concerns.Support the show

In this episode, Cherie Hoeger (CEO & co-founder of Saalt) breaks down the “reusable revolution” in period care—menstrual cups, discs, and patented leak-proof underwear—and shows how a B-Corp can combine product innovation with a global mission to end period poverty. You'll hear practical how-tos, pelvic-floor tips, and a candid look at building a fast-growing fem-tech brand while raising six kids.Timestamps00:00 – 01:00 | Why disposable pads can't solve period poverty01:00 – 04:00 | Meet Cherie & Saalt's reusable mission04:00 – 08:30 | From “diaper-feel” to patented thin-dry underwear08:30 – 17:30 | Live demo: folding, inserting & removing cups vs. discs17:30 – 21:00 | Pelvic-floor support, prolapse & bladder leaks21:00 – 25:30 | 1 % give-back, 130 k donations in 50 countries25:30 – 33:00 | Founder life: in-office preschool & work-life integration33:00 – 38:00 | Hanky Panky collab, retail rollout (Target, Whole Foods, REI)38:00 – 44:00 | Packaging that makes periods “cart-worthy”44:00 – end | Vision: bring Saalt to every girl & end period povertyKey Points• Reusable > Disposable – Cups & discs hold 3-6× a tampon, last 10 + years, and slash monthly costs and waste. • Patented Period Underwear – Saalt spent 3½ years engineering the thinnest, driest tech on the market—now powering Hanky Panky's Confidence Panty line. • Pelvic-Floor Friendly – Discs sit in the posterior fornix (no suction), making them ideal for prolapse, IUDs, heavy lifters, and “sneeze leaks.” • Life-Changing Donations – 130 k products placed in 50 countries; cups keep girls in school and women at work for 10 years on a single purchase. • Customer “Saalt Coaches” – Real humans (not chat-bots) guide users through fit, folds, leaks, PCOS, endo, and more. • Family-First Startup – Cherie & her husband built an on-site preschool and a strict 90-minute “power morning” to juggle six kids and a scaling brand. • Retail Proof – Instagram-worthy packaging helped Saalt hit Target shelves in year 2; now also in Whole Foods, REI, Walmart Teens, and Walgreens.Deep DivesThe Cup & Disc Advantage12-hour wear, medical-grade silicone, hypoallergenic.Discs allow mess-free period sex and added pelvic support.“It's not bigger than a baby's head—yes, it fits!”Underwear Tech & Hanky PankyUltra-thin absorbent gusset keeps the surface bone-dry.Holds 3–6 pads' worth yet feels like everyday lace lingerie.Launched on International Women's Day; sold out first run.Ending Period Poverty—Reusable or BustDisposable donations create endless cost and waste cycles.Cups + education end absenteeism for a decade on ~$30.Saalt targets eight high-need regions; 95 % adoption rate.Pelvic-Floor & Athletic UseDisc + period underwear combo recommended for marathoners.Cups can even outperform pessaries for some bladder-support users.Work-Life Integration BlueprintReplace “balance” with optimization.Morning ritual: reading, strength training, two mission-critical tasks before email.In-office preschool boosts retention & gender equity.Future VisionGlobal accessibility—“Saalt in every country.”Scale 1 % give-back to eradicate period poverty.Keep innovating where stigma once stalled progress (packaging, education, tech).Notable Quotes“Period poverty will never be solved by disposable products.” – Cherie Hoger“We're not selling pads or cups—we're selling confidence.”“A cup in your purse means no more emergency tampon runs.”Find Saalt: saalt.com | Amazon | Target | Whole Foods | REI | Walmart (Teen line)

You're tired of being tired. Tired of starting, stopping, and constantly feeling behind in your own life. But the thought of burning it all down just to feel better? No thanks. In this episode, Jen shares her Rise Strong Method — a simple, sustainable approach to rebuilding your energy, confidence, and routine, one Bare Arse Minimum step at a time. If you're in midlife, burnt out, and craving change that actually sticks, this one's for you. No overhauls. No pressure. Just real tools to help you come back to yourself — stronger, wiser, and more grounded than ever.LINKS: How to Build an Easy Wellness Routine (Without More Work) - Download Your Cheat Sheet ⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/how-to-build-an-easy-wellness-routine/⁠⁠⁠ Feed Your Body⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/feed-your-body-eguide/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pelvic floor prolapse doesn't have to hold you back. Learn how to regain control and improve your quality of life with my team of expert guidance.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/pelvic-floor-prolapse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have you checked out my new Healthy Life Hacks App? 

Pelvic floor disorders can wreak havoc on your well-being, especially as a woman who wants to run, jump, hike, bike, and otherwise enjoy an active life. Unfortunately, pelvic floor dysfunction is extremely common, with about half of us experiencing urinary incontinence alone (let alone painful sex, constipation, prolapse, and so forth). But we don't have to live with all these pelvic floor problems that are sometimes painted as just “normal aging.” This week we take an illuminating deep dive into what you need to know about pelvic floor health and function (spoiler: it's way more than Kegels) with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, author The Musculoskeletal Mystery: How to Solve Your Pelvic Floor Symptoms. Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, BCB-PMD, is a board-certified women's health physical therapist with over 40 years of experience, including nearly three decades specializing in pelvic health. During her tenure at Duke University Health System, she treated patients across urogynecology and physical therapy clinics, co-directed the Women's Health Residency Program, and contributed to national pelvic floor research through the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. A recognized leader in her field, Ingrid has served on committees for the APTA and AUGS, is a Medical Advisory Committee member for the National Menopause Foundation, and authored both scholarly articles and the book The Musculoskeletal Mystery: How to Solve Your Pelvic Floor Symptoms. Through her clinical work, writing, speaking, and “The Pelvic Detective” YouTube presence, she's helped demystify pelvic floor dysfunction—addressing conditions like incontinence, prolapse, pain with sex, and menopause-related changes—while empowering people with the knowledge to advocate for better care.ResourcesThe Musculoskeletal Mystery: How To Solve Your Pelvic Floor Symptoms hereGet 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

America Out Loud PULSE with Dr. Vaughn & Dr. Tankersley – As Dr. Jordan Vaughn has identified and treated in many patients, the large veins in the pelvis can cause a myriad of problems. He has been working closely with one of the world's preeminent radiologists for over a year on this issue, and Dr. Brooke Spencer, a renowned expert, has now published her initial findings on the...

Ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Where the hell did I go?” You're not alone. Burnout doesn't just drain your energy — it chips away at your confidence, your voice, your spark. In this episode, Jen dives deep into the hidden ways midlife burnout dulls your brilliance and how you can start reclaiming your confidence today. No reinvention required. Just small, Bare Arse Minimum steps to reconnect you with the woman who's still in there — wise, fierce, and ready. If you're tired of feeling invisible and are ready to feel like yourself again, this episode is for you.LINKS: How to Build an Easy Wellness Routine (Without More Work) - Download Your Cheat Sheet ⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/how-to-build-an-easy-wellness-routine/⁠⁠ Feed Your Body⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/feed-your-body-eguide/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pelvic floor prolapse doesn't have to hold you back. Learn how to regain control and improve your quality of life with my team of expert guidance.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/pelvic-floor-prolapse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have you checked out my new Healthy Life Hacks App? 

America Out Loud PULSE with Dr. Vaughn & Dr. Tankersley – As Dr. Jordan Vaughn has identified and treated in many patients, the large veins in the pelvis can cause a myriad of problems. He has been working closely with one of the world's preeminent radiologists for over a year on this issue, and Dr. Brooke Spencer, a renowned expert, has now published her initial findings on the...

Feeling constantly drained no matter how much sleep you get or how many tasks you tick off your list? You're not alone — and you're not broken. That bone-deep exhaustion you're feeling isn't because you're not trying hard enough, it's because your body is screaming for a break. In this episode, Jen dives into what's really going on beneath the surface of your burnout. She unpacks why your to-do list isn't the main culprit and how your nervous system, hormones, and adrenal glands are working overtime to keep you functioning. If you're ready to stop blaming yourself and start truly understanding your fatigue, this one's for you.LINKS: How to Build an Easy Wellness Routine (Without More Work) - Download Your Cheat Sheet https://jenniferjefferies.com/how-to-build-an-easy-wellness-routine/ Feed Your Body⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/feed-your-body-eguide/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pelvic floor prolapse doesn't have to hold you back. Learn how to regain control and improve your quality of life with my team of expert guidance.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/pelvic-floor-prolapse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have you checked out my new Healthy Life Hacks App? 

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to have the perfect morning routine, this episode is your permission slip to simplify. Forget the three-hour rituals and influencer-approved habits. In this episode, Jen is sharing how you can take back your mornings with the BAM approach — Bare Arse Minimum. These simple, nervous-system-loving rituals are designed to reset your day without the fluff. You'll learn what a BAM Morning really looks like, why it works, and how to create your own — even if your hair's a mess and the dog's already barking. It's not about perfection. It's about powerful, consistent choices that bring you back to yourself.LINKS: How to Build an Easy Wellness Routine (Without More Work) - Download Your Cheat Sheet ⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/how-to-build-an-easy-wellness-routine/⁠ Feed Your Body⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/feed-your-body-eguide/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pelvic floor prolapse doesn't have to hold you back. Learn how to regain control and improve your quality of life with my team of expert guidance.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/pelvic-floor-prolapse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have you checked out my new Healthy Life Hacks App? 

It's our weekly round up! The best of the week from our National radio show THE PICKUP. What's on the show: Using the 'Occasion Theory' to test if you're dating a Narcissist Producer Grace's Cactus DIY Fail Britt & Laura unpack the new Height Filter on Tinder Laura has reached a new pregnancy milestone (peeing herself) Britt & Ben were attacked by goats in New Zealand Julia Morris chats about campaigning for a Gold Logie win this year Do you do the voices when you read in your head? Britt does. You can watch us on Youtube Find us on Instagram Join us on tiktok Every week we live across the country at 3pm on the KIIS Network. You can listen live on iHeart radio, or catch up here each week!For more follow @THEPICKUP on socials.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Girl! You know those moments that just make life feel so full circle? Well, that's what this episode felt like when I was interviewing my special guest for the show this week! Almost 8 yrs ago, I was just like you, searching instagram and social media for “Pelvic floor Exercises”, “Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy”, “Pregnancy Safe Exercises”,  “Prenatal Pelvic Floor” and more! Coming Fresh out of Grad school, pregnant with my second baby and now aware that Pelvic Floor PT exists and that guess what… I didn't need to pee my pants the last 6 years?! So I was motivated to keep my leaking from getting worse during the pregnancy and starting diving more into Pelvic Floor Health. At the time, I knew the “What” and some of the “Why” leaking and other pelvic issues occurred and that they were not normal, but I had yet to learn the “How” to fix it.     So after searching for reliable sources on social media (yes they exist but you have to do your research), I found the one and only Vaginal Whisperer, Dr. Sara Reardon. Wearing a Vulva costume and talking about taboo topics like poop and sex, she caught my attention immediately.  I started doing some of the exercises she talked about on her page and started to really see a difference and ultimately healed all of my incontinence! She was and is, a trailblazer for Pelvic health and Women's Health in general as she continues to educate, empower and support women all over the world while breaking down cultural barriers. With that being said, I am so thrilled to have Dr. Sara Reardon on the show this week to dive more into her story and how she continues to elevate the standard of care for women in the US and inspire clinicians (like me) to do the same!    Dr. Sara Reardon is a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist with over 18 years of experience helping individuals prevent and overcome pelvic floor issues including, urinary leakage, painful sex, prolapse and discomfort during pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. Sara has been featured in Time, Yahoo, Harper's Bazaar, Romper, InStyle, Today, and numerous other podcasts, publications, and professional conferences about her advocacy and educational work as a pelvic floor therapist. She is also a TED presenter on Rethinking Postpartum Care. Sara is the Founder of The V-Hive, an online, on-demand pelvic floor fitness platform for pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, painful sex and pelvic floor strengthening. Sara lives in New Orleans with her husband and two sons. FLOORED: A Complete Guide to Women's Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage is her first book.   To connect with Sara or order her book Floored, see links at bottom of show notes.   If you want more support from me, reach out for 1:1 or group coaching, join my FREE and Private support group below and DOWNLOAD my new APP Pelvic Floor, Core & More that has my on demand 12 wk program, tracking features, pelvic floor 101 masterclass and more!    RESTORE is my first 12 wk online signature program hosted inside my new platform that will be an APP soon Pelvic Floor, Core & More! Inside that program I walk you through the basics of healing, restoring your breathing, posture, core function and overall strength and return to impact and intensity.  All with the guidance of me, a Pelvic Floor PT, in your pocket making sure that you are getting individualized support and feedback through the program during our weekly group coaching calls! This option is great for those that can't afford a one-on-one session for $200-$240, those that don't have access to a pelvic floor PT in person or those that want to have a structured organized program with support as they are phasing out of acute therapy treatments and working more independently.    

In this episode, board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon, a.k.a. The Vagina Whisperer, spills the truth about why so many women are disconnected from their pelvic floor—and how tuning in can supercharge your life. Her new book, FLOORED, is out now!  Ahead, Dr. Sara breaks down how pelvic floor health actually impacts everything from orgasms to your energy and even your confidence, highlighting the links between physical wellness and the emotional healing journey many of us are craving.  Packed with practical tools, juicy stories, and spiritual reminders to treat yourself with grace, this episode will help you understand the basics of your body and release deep-seated shame around your most sacred space.  We also talk about: -The surprising connection between pelvic floor health + mental health -How stress, trauma, and even watching reality TV can show up in your body -Why “power peeing” + constant core workouts might be sabotaging you -The truth about orgasms, libido, and spiritual self-exploration -Empowering tools (like Squatty Potties, lubricants, and mirror work) for body love -The link between jaw tension, breathwork, and pelvic relaxation -Pelvic floor tips for better periods, less leaking, and next-level confidence -How to break generational shame + heal your relationship with your body -What to expect from a pelvic floor therapy appointment (spoiler: it's not scary!) -Playful wisdom on waxing, self-care, and normalizing “taboo” convos with girlfriends -Get the book: FLOORED: A Complete Guide to Women's Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage -Website: https://thevagwhisperer.com/ -Instagram: @the.vagina.whisperer -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevagwhisperer/ -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2MllrS6zD974pxBFbVUHdA -TikTok: @thevagwhisperer -Get our book, Almost 30: A Definitive Guide To A Life You Love For The Next Decade and Beyond, here: http://bit.ly/Almost30Book.  Sponsors: Cymbiotika | Go to Cymbiotika.com/Almost30 for 20% off + free shipping.  BetterHelp | This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/almost30 and get on your way to being your best self with 10% off your first month. IQ Bar | Get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. Just text ALMOST to 64000 to get your discount. To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com or go to https://advertising.libsyn.com/almost30.  Resources -⁠⁠almost30.com/learn⁠⁠ -⁠⁠almost30.com/morningmicrodose⁠⁠ Learn More: -⁠almost30.com/courses⁠  Join our community: -⁠facebook.com/Almost30podcast/groups Podcast disclaimer can be found by visiting: ⁠almost30.com/disclaimer⁠.  Find more to love at ⁠almost30.com⁠! Almost 30 is edited by Garett Symes and Isabella Vaccaro.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pelvic floor issues are common but not normal. Help is available so women can take back their bodies, says board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon in her new book, FLOORED: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage (pub date June 10, 2025). Dr. Sara has built a robust community online as “The Vagina Whisperer” (664K Instagram followers; 13 Million TikTok Views) teaching women how to prevent as well as overcome pelvic floor issues at every stage of life with simple tips like “squeeze before you sneeze” to more advanced protocols to prepare for childbirth or navigate changes during menopause.In this episode of Last First Date Radio:How Sara became known as “The Vagina Whisperer”What is the pelvic floor, and what are the common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction?What a woman should do if her doctor tells her her pelvic pain or leakage is essentially a normal part of being a woman, aging, pregnant, postpartum, menopause, etcSome of the most common pelvic floor problems and what women do to treat themTop tips any woman can do right now to take care of her pelvic floorWhy there's a stigma around talking about women's health “down there”How pelvic floor problems evolve over time if left untreatedHow women's partners can help them with their pelvic floor painWhat a woman can do if she can't find a pelvic floor therapist near her►Please subscribe/rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts http://bit.ly/lastfirstdateradio ►If you're feeling stuck in dating and relationships and would like to find your last first date, sign up for a complimentary 45-minute breakthrough session with Sandy https://lastfirstdate.com/application ►Join Your Last First Date on Facebook https://facebook.com/groups/yourlastfirstdate ►Get Sandy's books, Becoming a Woman of Value; How to Thrive in Life and Love https://bit.ly/womanofvaluebook , Choice Points in Dating https://amzn.to/3jTFQe9 and Love at Last https://amzn.to/4erpj7C ►Get FREE coaching on the podcast! https://bit.ly/LFDradiocoaching ►FREE download: “Top 10 Reasons Why Men Suddenly Pull Away” http://bit.ly/whymendisappear ►Group Coaching: https://lastfirstdate.com/the-woman-of-value-club/ ►Website → https://lastfirstdate.com/ ► Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lastfirstdate1/ ►Get Amazon Music Unlimited FREE for 30 days at https://getamazonmusic.com/lastfirstdate  #pelvicfloor #vaginalhealth #sexualhealth

Have you ever gone from totally fine to full-blown meltdown in under three minutes? One second you're folding washing and humming along, and the next, you're hurling socks at the wall because someone yet again left crumbs on the bench. If you're over 40 and feeling like your moods have a mind of their own, you are so not alone. In this episode, Jen unpacks the real reasons midlife can feel like an emotional rollercoaster and it's not just hormones. She shares her signature BAM (Bare Arse Minimum) approach to help you understand what's really going on behind the mood swings and gives you simple, doable strategies to get back to feeling like you again. Don't miss this one.LINKS: Feed Your Body⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/feed-your-body-eguide/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pelvic floor prolapse doesn't have to hold you back. Learn how to regain control and improve your quality of life with my team of expert guidance.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjefferies.com/pelvic-floor-prolapse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have you checked out my new Healthy Life Hacks App? 

“Look at the symptoms you thought were just 'normal for being a woman'—they're actually related to your pelvic floor health,” explains Sara Reardon, PT, DPT.  Reardon, doctor of physical therapy and board-certified pelvic floor specialist, is on a mission to normalize pelvic floor conversations and revolutionize the care we receive—at every age and stage. In this episode we cover everything from how to strengthen and support your pelvic floor to the truth about kegels and so much more:   - Misconceptions about the pelvic floor (~1:40) - Assessing pelvic floor health (~2:22) - How to improve pelvic floor health (~4:20) - The truth about Kegels (~6:30) - Strengthening vs relaxation (~8:10) - Breath, resistance training, & the pelvic floor (~10:35) - Pelvic floor health by decade (~14:15) - Optimal bathroom habits (~17:00) - What to avoid for your pelvic floor health (~18:45) - Eye-opening statistics (~20:20) - Reardon's story (~24:15) - Hormone replacement therapy (~26:15) - Data that deserves more attention (~30:30) -  Integrating pelvic floor therapy into healthcare (~32:45) - Strength training & pelvic floor exercises (~34:30) Referenced in the episode:  - Follow Reardon on Instagram (@the.vagina.whisperer)  - Check out her website (https://thevagwhisperer.com/)  - Pick up her book Floored  This episode of the mindbodygreen podcast was created in partnership with MassMutual. MassMutual believes in helping people live well—so they can live more. Learn more at MassMutual.com/Wellness. We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout life, we all face changes in our body that impact how we experience pleasure with sex. Laura Glazebrook PT, DPT, specializes in neurological injuries and all manner of pelvic health concerns. She joins me to talk about adaptations, tools, toys, and positional aids - for all bodies. Whether you're post surgery, post injury, or navigating change, this conversation is full of practical tips, products, and resources for all of life's seasons.Visit our episode sponsor Uberlube and use code CINDY for 15% offLaura Glazebrook, PT, DPT spent ten years specializing in neurological injuries at world-renowned Shepherd Center in Atlanta, and has specialized training to evaluate and treat a variety of pelvic health concerns for all genders and ages.More on this topic:Pelvic health and painful sex with Heather JeffcoatStretched out vaginas and other myths with PT Heather JeffcoatTips from my physical therapist Anna from Mad Hatter Wellness: Sex Ed for all abilitiesTips for talking to a provider about sexual healthGuide to lubeErectile dissatisfaction vs Erectile dysfunctionMedications and sexual healthSSRi's and your sex lifeThe HandyIntimate RiderBumpin JoystickSexuality after SCISexuality and DisabilityNew Mobility: Quest for accessible sex toysOhnut ringsORDER my Book Permission for Pleasure: Tending Your Sexual GardenJOIN my Newsletter: Good Education for Good SexFOLLOW on Instagram @cindyscharkeyVISIT my website and blog

Ladies, if you lift, run, jump—or even just sneeze—this is an episode you need to hear. Pelvic floor dysfunction isn't just a postpartum or aging issue; it affects active women of all ages and often goes unaddressed…until it becomes a problem. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Courtney Johnson, DPT—aka The Female Athlete Doc—a pelvic floor physical therapist who gets the gym. She speaks the language of lifting and doesn't believe in sidelining women from the barbell. Instead, she's all about keeping you active, strong, and leak-free. We dig into the real function of the pelvic floor, why Kegels aren't a one-size-fits-all solution, and how every lift is a chance to train your core and pelvic floor—if you know how to use it. You'll walk away from this conversation feeling empowered, educated, and maybe even rethinking how you brace for your next set of squats. Ready to lift smarter (and leak less)? Let's jump in.Find show notes at bicepsafterbabies.com/374Follow me on Instagram and Tiktok!Links:Dr. Courtney Johnson's Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, YouTube

1 in 3 women experience a pelvic floor disorder at some point in their lives. And if you've gone through pregnancy, menopause, or recent weight gain, this risk is even greater.  So what can you do about it? Sadly, most doctors will tell you pelvic floor problems like leakage and pain with intercourse are just a normal part of aging.  When in reality, there are tools that can help you take back your pelvic floor health and feel confident in your body at any age!  Pelvic floor physical therapist and expert in the field Dr. Sara Reardon joins the podcast today to shed light on the importance of pelvic floor health and how to prevent and overcome pelvic floor issues at every stage of life.  We're covering it all, from addressing potential pelvic floor problems to offering practical advice for improving your pelvic floor ASAP. Tune in and learn how to confidently prioritize your care… down there!  Dr. Sara Reardon Dr. Sara Reardon is a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist with over 18 years of experience. She works with patients to help them prevent and overcome pelvic floor issues, including urinary leakage, painful sex, prolapse, and discomfort during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Dr. Sara is the founder of The V-Hive, an online, on-demand pelvic floor fitness platform for pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, painful sex, and pelvic floor strengthening. IN THIS EPISODE Re-educating ourselves on the importance of pelvic floor health  Raising awareness about the pelvic floor and what it does  Common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction  The benefits of seeking guidance from a pelvic floor therapist  Lifestyle adjustments for a stronger pelvic floor  Understanding how your hormones fluctuate during your cycle  Easy ways to improve your pelvic floor strength immediately About Dr. Sara's new book, Floored  QUOTES “This is amazing to be able to help other people better understand their bodies and to help them with these kind of embarrassing, intimate issues they didn't even know they could get help for.” “I'm just so grateful that I've had this knowledge, and I want everyone to have this knowledge and awareness of how to take care of our bodies.” “50% of women over the age of 65 leak urine. So we're living until we're 80 and half of us are gonna be in pads or diapers. I just think there's so much potential to change that statistic for the better.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Pre-order Dr. Sara's book: Floored Dr. Sara's Website Dr Sara's Socials:  Instagram TikTok Facebook YouTube The Perimenopause Revolution + $500 bonus → drmariza.com/book Just Thrive Website:  ⁠⁠GET 20% off sitewide with code: DRMARIZA RELATED EPISODES  #634: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Leaky Bladder, UTIs, Low Libido and the Many Benefits of Orgasms with Dr. Rena Malik #570: Is This Normal? Peeing Your Pants, Painful Sex and Pelvic Pain + How to Optimize Your Pelvic Floor in Midlife with Dr. Sara Reardon #420: Owning Your Pelvic Power and Healing from Chronic Pelvic Pain with Isa Herrera #331: How Pelvic Floor Affects Our Overall Health with Erica Ziel

Most women don't realize just how much menopause messes with their pelvic floor—until they're leaking when they laugh or feeling like their body just isn't working the way it used to. These changes can feel confusing, isolating, and even a little embarrassing—but they're more common (and more fixable) than you think. This week, I sat down with my friend Kim Vopni—aka The Vagina Coach—to talk about what's really going on with your body during this phase of life. Kim's a certified personal trainer, menopause support practitioner, CEO of a Global Pelvic Health company, and the powerhouse behind a global pelvic health movement helping women ditch the pads and feel like themselves again. We talk about the stuff your doctor probably didn't mention—like how hormones impact your pelvic floor, why Kegels aren't the only answer, and how things like hydration and breathing actually matter more than you'd think. Kim breaks it all down in a way that's clear, real, and honestly... kind of freeing. We even get into prolapse (yep, that's a thing) and how recovery doesn't have to mean surgery or silence. Her Buff Muff Method makes pelvic health feel doable—and even fun. If you've ever crossed your legs when you sneeze or planned your errands around the nearest bathroom, this one's for you. You deserve to feel strong, supported, and in control of your body again. Oh—and speaking of support, I've been loving the new Mighty Maca Mango lately. It's a super refreshing twist on my favorite hormone-supporting drink, and it's perfect over ice or blended into summer popsicles. You can check it out at dranna.com.   Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Welcome to The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast [00:04:17] Buff Muff: Pelvic health program. [00:07:48] Pelvic floor dysfunction awareness. [00:11:53] Kegel exercises and misconceptions. [00:14:46] Pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation. [00:18:26] Pelvic floor importance for wellness. [00:22:18] Pelvic floor and core strength. [00:23:04] Pelvic floor regimen recommendation [00:27:54] Constipation awareness and solutions. [00:30:39] Pelvic floor activation techniques. [00:34:41] Pelvic floor muscle training benefits. [00:38:59] Hypopressives for pelvic organ prolapse. [00:44:02] The Buff Muff Course   Memorable Quotes: "95% of women with low back pain have some form of pelvic floor dysfunction." [00:26:56] – Kim Vopni "Showing up for yourself consistently for 10 minutes, that's all you need, 10 minutes a day, can make a huge difference in the rest of your life." [00:34:45] – Kim Vopni   Links Mentioned: Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca   Connect with Kim Vopni: Website: https://www.vaginacoach.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaginacoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VagCoach Twitter/X: https://x.com/VaginaCoach Pinterest: https://ca.pinterest.com/kimvopni/   Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca: Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor ikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca   Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Hey Heal Squad! Get ready for a major education moment with Dr. Sara Reardon, board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist, TED presenter, and founder of The V-Hive platform. Dr. Sara (aka the Vagina Whisperer) is here to break down what the pelvic floor really is, why it matters WAY more than we've been taught, and how you can prevent and treat common issues like painful sex, urinary leakage, prolapse, constipation, and discomfort during pregnancy or menopause—without shame or mystery. She shares why so many of us were never taught about this essential part of our anatomy, how to know if you're experiencing tension vs. weakness, and how to start caring for this powerful part of your body through breath, awareness, and simple daily shifts (like stop pushing when you pee!). From taboo topics to everyday tips, this conversation will change how you view your pelvic floor—and give you the tools to reclaim your health at every stage of life! HEALERS & HEAL-LINERS:  Painful sex is a signal, not something to ignore. Pain with intimacy is a sign your body needs attention, not something to normalize. Pelvic floor therapy can address the root causes and help you reconnect with your body without fear or shame. Stop pushing when you pee. Straining during urination or bowel movements can weaken your pelvic floor over time. Practicing proper mechanics helps preserve pelvic health through every life stage. Tight isn't strong. A tight pelvic floor often mimics weakness, leading to pain, leaks, or dysfunction. Learning how to relax your pelvic floor is just as important as strengthening it. -- HEAL SQUAD SOCIALS IG: https://www.instagram.com/healsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healsquadxmaria HEAL SQUAD RESOURCES: Heal Squad Website:https://www.healsquad.com/ Heal Squad x Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HealSquad/membership Maria Menounos Website: https://www.mariamenounos.com My Curated Macy's Page: Shop My Macy's Storefront Prenuvo: Prenuvo.com/MARIA for $300 off Delete Me: https://bit.ly/43rkHwi   code: SQUAD EMR-Tek Red Light: https://emr-tek.com/discount/Maria30 for 30% off Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/  Join In-Person Heal Retreat Waitlist! https://mariamenounos.myflodesk.com/heal-retreat-waitlist GUEST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.vagina.whisperer/?hl=en Website: https://thevagwhisperer.com/  Pre-Order Her Book!: https://thevagwhisperer.com/floored/  ABOUT MARIA MENOUNOS: Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos' passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life. ABOUT HEAL SQUAD x MARIA MENOUNOS: A daily digital talk-show that brings you the world's leading healers, experts, and celebrities to share groundbreaking secrets and tips to getting better in all areas of life. DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content (published or distributed by or on behalf of Maria Menounos or http://Mariamenounos.com and http://healsquad.com) is for informational purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company's Podcast are their own; not those of Maria Menounos or the Company. Accordingly, Maria Menounos and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. This podcast is presented for exploratory purposes only. Published content is not intended to be used for preventing, diagnosing, or treating a specific illness. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment.