Your pelvic floor supported your baby for months, and the aftercare plan was a quick "do your Kegels". With so many experiencing leaking and prolapse, postpartum recovery deserves a far bigger conversation.
From protecting your body in pregnancy and birth to rebuilding strength afterwards, there’s evidence-based guidance that can change how recovery feels. Knowing what’s common, what’s treatable, and when to ask for support helps you feel steady and supported.
In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White chats with Jess Jenkins, women’s and pelvic health physiotherapist, founder of the Move App, and known as The Mama Physio, to explore what an informed relationship with your pelvic floor looks like. Together they cover pelvic floor relaxation, perineal massage, prolapse and pessaries, and the postpartum myths that delay support.
This is Part 1 of the six-part Postpartum Series.
You’ll Hear About:
- How to relax and strengthen your pelvic floor
- What the evidence says about perineal massage
- Why a second trimester physio visit helps
- What prolapse feels like and how pessaries help
- Why leaking and pain after birth are treatable
Your pelvic floor responds to the right care, and you’re allowed to ask for that care at any stage. Whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or further along in your recovery, support is available and there’s nothing to feel embarrassed about.
Send this to a friend who’s pregnant or newly postpartum and would love clear answers about her pelvic floor. And subscribe so you don’t miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to Part 1 of the Postpartum Series
03:06 Meet Jess Jenkins, The Mama Physio
04:53 Kegels and the Role of Relaxation
07:29 When Your Pelvic Floor Can’t Relax
12:21 Pelvic Floor and Bowel Health in Pregnancy
16:56 Perineal Massage, the Evidence, and What to Use
23:30 Diastasis Recti and Those Burning Ribs
26:46 How Common Prolapse Is and What Stage One Means
31:28 Prolapse Symptoms and Perimenopause
33:39 Prolapse Rehab and Pessaries
38:09 Pelvic Floor Myths, Leaking, and Painful Sex
43:15 How Motherhood Changed Jess’s Practice
48:23 Jess’s Final Takeaway and Where to Find Her
Resources & Links
Connect with Renee on Instagram:
@fillyourcup_
Connect with Renee on LinkedIn:
Renee White
Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services
Treat yourself with our
Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies
Connect with Jess Jenkins
Website:
themamaphysio.com.au
Instagram:
@the.mama.physio
Move App Instagram:
@movewiththemamaphysio
This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.
Disclaimer
The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.
