174: Prolapse, But Make It Functional: Returning to Lifting & Running
Show notes
Gina (perinatal fitness trainer/doula) and Roxanne (certified nurse midwife) share their very different pelvic organ prolapse stories—Roxanne’s symptomatic grade 2 rectocele postpartum (including heaviness, splinting, panic, PT, pessary, and symptom relief after weaning) and Gina’s mostly asymptomatic grade 1–2 prolapse discovered later in her chart. The sisters discuss how both returned to lifting, running, and having more babies without prolapse “getting worse every time.” They challenge the idea that one workout, one push, or one mistake causes prolapse, explain how symptoms can reflect tension, healing, load tolerance, constipation, or menstrual cycle changes, and outline practical supports (PT, pessaries, newer devices, supportive underwear/bands) and strategies (progressive return, walk-runs, breathing, mobility/release work, and strengthening).
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00:00 Welcome and Episode Setup
01:14 What Prolapse Really Means
02:24 Roxanne’s Postpartum Symptoms
05:16 PT Pessary and Recovery
07:17 Myths About What Causes Prolapse
08:05 Gina’s Silent Diagnosis
11:14 Reassurance About More Babies
12:55 Bad Advice About Exercise
14:16 Support Tools and Devices
17:34 Lifting Heavy With Prolapse
20:23 Running Mechanics and Pelvic Floor
22:11 Roxanne’s Return to Running
25:43 Managing Symptoms After Runs
27:41 Quick Symptom Relief
29:19 Cycle Related Flare Ups
30:45 Returning to Training
32:59 Marathon Reality Check
34:59 Training With Baby
37:06 Pelvic Floor Asymmetry
39:18 Release Then Strengthen
42:48 Choosing Better PT
45:59 Program Plus PT
48:54 Final Takeaways
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