In this episode of Skills for Moms, pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Becky Allen explains why pelvic floor dysfunction is rarely just a “down there” issue and why Kegels are not a universal fix. She walks through pelvic health across the lifespan, from kids’ constipation and bladder habits to puberty, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, prolapse, diastasis recti, and what actually happens in pelvic floor therapy. This conversation empowers women to stop normalizing leaks, pain, pressure, and shame, and instead seek whole-body, individualized care that helps them heal, advocate for themselves, and thrive long-term. Why “just do Kegels” is often incomplete advice, and sometimes the wrong advice. How the pelvic floor connects to breathing, the diaphragm, hips, feet, abdominal pressure, and the nervous system. Why pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause often reveal dysfunction that has been building for years. Common childhood habits that can contribute to later pelvic floor issues, including constipation, stool withholding, and “just in case” peeing. Simple constipation support discussed in the episode: more fiber, toilet posture with feet supported, blowing out instead of breath-holding, and talking with a pediatrician when symptoms persist. Guest Links: Genesis PT & Wellness website: https://www.genesisptwellness.com/ Meet Dr. Becky Allen: https://www.genesisptwellness.com/about/becky/ Genesis PT & Wellness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesisptwellness/ Genesis PT & Wellness Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesisptwellness/ The Pelvic Powerhouse: https://www.thepelvicpowerhouse.com/ Dr. Becky Allen professional Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckypelvicpt/ From the Ground Up with Dr. Becky Allen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-ground-up-with-dr-becky-allen/id1830204657 From the Ground Up with Dr. Becky Allen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4QMmH0LDL0CrCEvVpJaOzd Skills for Moms Links:Podcast on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skills-for-moms/id1862161546 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IXChj0Ex7CWWssO4ZiNFv?si=85a1b4de75844f61 Grace’s resources and Linktree: https://linktr.ee/skillsformoms Website coming soon: https://skillsformoms.com Note: This episode includes health education, not individualized medical advice. Listeners should consult their own physician, OB/GYN, pediatrician, or pelvic floor therapist for diagnosis and treatment decisions, especially before starting supplements or pursuing surgery.
