Tag Archives: pelvic floor

What’s the Big Deal About My Pelvic Floor?

Okay, mamas — we know that us birthy and yoga types are impassioned about the importance of a healthy pelvic floor. But what does that mean to you?

For starters, a toned pelvic floor could lead to better sex. (And who doesn’t want that?) More importantly though, think of a healthy pelvic floor as a sling or a bowl. It supports internal organs like your bladder and uterus.

Leslie Howard

Some women have pelvic floor muscles that are too tight (which need to relax for birth!) and some are not toned enough. Either way, a too-toned or under-toned pelvic floor can lead to issues like pelvic pain or incontinence.

At Blooma’s upcoming workshop (May 5-6) with pelvic floor expert Leslie Howard, both pregnant and postpartum women will learn ALL about the pelvic floor, how to tone or soften it, and how to figure out which yours is. More from Leslie:

The female pelvis and the pelvic muscles are an under appreciated region of the anatomy. Important not only for sexuality, the pelvic muscles are crucial for optimal functioning of the body…

In my workshops you will learn how to distinguish if you are lacking tone or have too much tone in the pelvic muscles and what you can do to start the road to recovery. You will learn how to distinguish the three layers of the pelvic floor and how to soften and strengthen these areas. You will learn that every pelvis has a story.

Take charge of your amazing body and come be inspired by Leslie. Sign up now!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

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Protect + strengthen those abs, girl!

Just because you’re pregnant or already a mom doesn’t mean you automatically have to say “so long” to your abs. I know, I know— the body changes with all that stretching and growing the belly does during pregnancy. Big time. But guess what? There is something you can do about it!

Karin Twigg, owner of Awaken Pilates, is offering her Abdominals: Pregnancy & Post Birth workshop designed to help both pregnant mamas and postnatal mamas. (Sign up for this Sept. 13, 7:30-9 p.m. workshop now, under the “workshops” tab; $25)

She’ll talk about how to prevent abdominal separation during pregnancy, how to identify it, and how to heal it after birth.

Sure, you want your tummy to look good again. But strong abs mean more than looking good. Your abdominals play a role in the entire alignment and comfort of your body. When your abs are weak, other parts of your body can quickly follow. Strengthening your core helps stabilize your back and pelvis, too. Come to Blooma-Edina Monday night, meet Karin, and learn techniques to bring strength to your abs, pelvic floor, and more.

And yes, I plan to be there. When my 2-year-old pushed on my tummy recently, smiled, and said “squishy,” I realized, um, something must be done!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

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Undies to strengthen your pelvic floor???

Hm, I’m not so sure about these. But I am getting a good laugh out of the idea! So what are these panties exactly? Called the “PantyO,” the makers say that a 1-inch silicone insert (yes, the insert goes IN THERE) provides women with a focal point while performing kegel exercises. Eh-hem.

While it’s true that kegel exercises (great to do while pregnant and after birth) are essential for strengthening the pelvic floor and making sure you don’t have any giggle- or sneeze-induced leaks, I’m pretty sure you don’t need to drop $125 on these panties to tighten everything up.

If you haven’t figured out the whole kegel thing yet, you can find and isolate the right muscles by stopping (or attempting to) the flow of urine. Once you figure it out, you can do kegels anywhere, without anyone having a clue what you’re up to. Try it while you’re stirring dinner or standing in line at the grocery store!

Or you could turn to yoga. Have you ever heard a teacher refer to mula bandha, or engaging your root? There is a great description of mula bandha on the Yoga Journal web site. I think I’d refer to this before picking up a pair of these little checkered panties, cute as they may be…

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

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