In this feel-good episode, Annette and I chat about the wonderful and sometimes wobbly journey of getting back into fitness and sport (rugby) after having a baby.

We share our own experiences. We talk about the importance of having a postpartum check with a women's health physio before participating in any form of activity, listening to your body and ignoring the pressure to 'bounce back'. Instead its about relearning to trust your body's incredible ability to adapt, rebuild and shine in a brand new way. Because yes - your body has made a human and that my friend is a bloody big deal.

This episode is your reminder that you are stronger than you think and that progress isn't going to be linear. It will come with frustrations but you WILL make it through because postpartum power isn't about perfection, its about showing up one messy step at a time.

Here's a bit about Annette -

I’m Annette, a 33 year old mum of two who has returned to playing Championship rugby after 2 c-sections. It’s always been a goal of mine to return to play the sport I love, to demonstrate to my children and others around me that your passions and hobbies don’t stop after motherhood begins. Both times I’ve documented my postpartum journey back to playing on @postpartumrugbymum on Instagram, and in doing so, have connected with rugby mums and other sport mums from all over the world with a common goal. Most recently, myself and two friends have launched an invitational rugby team formed entirely of mums and we currently have a Facebook group of over 600 members!

You can follow Annette on Instagram @postpartumrugbymum

And don't forget to follow me too @me_myself_and_my_vagina

There is something very special when someone feels safe to share their story with you and that is exactly what happened today when Holly spoke openly, for the first time, about her prolapse. Talking about something so personal isn't easy and takes bravery and real guts. It was a real privilege that Holly felt she could do it on my podcast.

Like me, Holly wants to share her story so that women know that they aren't alone and with the right help, support and guidance know that your life doesn't have to stop because you have a prolapse.

So, come on ladies what are you waiting for, let's talk about our vaginas, the good, the bad and everything in-between.

Here's a bit about Holly -

Holly is a passionate midwife, with years of experience and a total worshiper of the pelvic floor, however never did she think she'd suffer a pelvic organ prolapse herself in her mid-20s! Since her experience, Holly has been inspired to share her story and increase awareness amongst her rugby community. This is preventable for female sportspeople at all levels and she is particularly passionate about supporting this prevention through education and open conversation amongst grassroots women!

You can follow Holly on Instagram - @theblossomingmidwife

And don't forget to follow me too @me_myself_and_my_vagina.

What does health mean to you? I believe it can mean a lot of different things to different people. For me, the meaning of health has changed so much over the years and what it meant to me in my 20's and 30's is completely different to what it means to me now.

Health is something that we take for granted which can be easily taken away from us. Health runs much deeper than physical, its emotional, sexual and mental and I believe its something that we need to appreciate more.

So tell me, has the meaning of health changed for you?

Happy Listening :-)

Don't forget you can follow me on Instagram @me_myself_and_my_vagina

I know what you are thinking - Breathing? Seriously? I've been doing it since I was born! But have you been doing it properly? Mastering the art of breathing well will help you feel amazing from the inside out and we all deserve that.

In this episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Harriette a Women's Breathing Coach and practitioner. She explains why breathing is so important for women, how we should breathe and what affects our breathing.

So, put aside any distractions for a moment and get ready to breathe your way into a happier, healthier life.

Here is a bit about Harriette -

Harriette is Women’s Breathing Coach and practitioner, helping women to breathe well, so they can sleep better, feel calm and energised every day. With many breathing modalities only using science based on male bodies, Harriette is breaking the mould using research and experience to build practices that are female focused. This includes education on how women’s physiology affects breathing and a deep focus on how hormones affect breathing patterns. Her work has seen her collaborate with major brands including Savills, Braze, Jordans Ryvita and a global sports brand. Harriette’s work with groups and individuals sees her combine ancient and modern breathing practices with her background in dance and theatre bringing her unique approach to breathwork to life.

For more information you can check out Harriette's -

Website: https://inexhale.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlybreathingcoach/

And don't forget you can follow me too on Instagram @me_myself_and_my_vagina

The fitness industry can be a bit of a crazy place where there is a lot of conflicting information - from diets and workout routines to miracle supplements and social influencers, its sometimes difficult to know what to believe and who to trust.

In this episode myself and Michael chat about the red flags to look out for, how to find reputable sources of information and practical tips for cutting through the BS so you can make informed choices for your own health and fitness journey.

Here's a bit about Michael -

Michael Ulloa is an online personal trainer and performance nutritionist based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is a speaker, podcaster, content creator and fitness writer. He has contributed to major fitness publications, such as Men’s Health Magazine, and has featured on LBC & BBC Radio Scotland.

Follow me on Instagram @me_myself_my_vagina
Follow Michael on Instagram @michaelulloapt

Happy listening 🎧

This episode is my little message to you...

Life doesn't have to stop when you have a prolapse, you just need to navigate around it.

With the right treatment, guidance and support network anything is possible and I am proof of that.

I'm here to tell you, you CAN live your best life with a prolapse and I will be here supporting you every step of the way.

YOU HAVE GO THIS!

Endometriosis is a b*tch! Around 1.5 million women are currently living in the UK with the condition and we know so little about it but Daisy and I are here to change that!

Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. These cells react to the menstrual cycle each month and also bleed but there is often no way for the blood to leave the body which causes inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue. With the right treatment, Endometriosis can be managed.

In this episode, Daisy opens up by sharing her story of living with Endometriosis.

Here is a little bit about Daisy -

Daisy is an advocate and expert in managing endometriosis and other chronic health conditions. With years of experience and a deep commitment to root cause healing which began after her own health and endo journey, Daisy made a commitment to support other women to take their health and healing into their own hands.

Daisy shares valuable insights and strategies for overcoming endo and living a full life

You can check out more from Daisy here:

www.coachdaisy.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @me_myself_and_my_vagina
Follow Daisy on Instagram @holistichealthdaisy

Our prolapse journey may not be the same but that doesn't matter. What matters is the knowing that you aren't alone which is why it is important that we share our stories.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting to Louise from Adore Your Pelvic Floor who shares her experience from both a personal and professional side.

Here is a little bit about Louise.

'I am a mum to 5 amazing boys – through all the chaos I count my blessings every day.

Eighteen months after my twins were born I experienced a bladder and bowel prolapse resulting in surgery. This impacted my job role, daily lifestyle, and intimacy.

As a fitness professional, I was surprised at how little information was available to support me, so my mission was upskill in pelvic health to enable to support my clientele. Speaking to many women, men, doctors, and I worked closely with Specialist Pelvic Health Physios across the UK and abroad.

This is why I have set up Adore Your Pelvic Floor where I now present training to Fitness and Health Professionals. I am hugely proud of our growing team of Coaches at Adore Your Pelvic Floor who share the same passion in reaching the population in enabling pelvic floor health to reach far and wide to women within the community. We offer health screening, tailored advice, combined together with functional exercises to enable management and help resolve pelvic health.'

Happy listening :-)

Follow me on Instagram @me_myself_and_my_vagina
Follow Louise on Instagram @adoreyourpelvicfloor