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 floorWhat the evidence says about perineal massageWhy a second trimester physio visit helpsWhat prolapse feels like and how pessaries helpWhy 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.
