A informal Q&A session at a local yoga studio to talk about pelvic floor issues in an open, safe environment. Discussion about yogic applications, especially breath, for pelvic floor as well.

On March 17th a local yoga studio, Blue Nectar Yoga, invited me to do a workshop for pelvic floor PT and use of medical therapeutic yoga. I set it up as a question and answer session to allow for open and safe conversation. This all came about after I met with one of the pre-natal yoga teachers who was interested in having PTs she could refer her clients to if needed. When I met with her I offered the workshop idea because I have a true passion for postnatal care and women’s health issues in general. I wanted to start the conversation for these women and give a safe space to talk about often taboo subjects. This is the second time I have done this type of presentation, the one previously to a group of moms from a local stroller strides group, and both times I found myself talking for 1 ½ hours. In general, I greatly dislike presenting to a group, but it appears that on the subject of women’s health, I don’t have as much trouble. I truly enjoy educating women and empowering them with information to be their best selves. There is so much incorrect information and lack of information out there for women, it is terrible. I want women to have the information and then feel confident in it so they can help themselves as well as friends and family. I think I helped this group of 12 women do just that. In reflecting on how the workshop/presentation went, and comparing the 2 I have done so far, one of the best parts of this last presentation, and one I would do again, was that I brought a list I had made with topics 4 topics, bladder, bowel, sexual function, and other, and used as a jumping off point for discussion. This was helpful in organizing my thoughts as well as providing a platform for questions to arise. Most of the women arrived early enough to read the points on the handout which started a conversation even before we were supposed to begin. I allowed some of this, but addressed these early questions later so everyone could hear. After an introduction of who I am, how I came to work as a pelvic floor physical therapist, what pelvic floor PT is and what a PT session of this type looks like, I went through each point on the handout - I explained each point and then opened it up to questions. The participants had thoughtful questions, especially about how to do a kegel, should you kegel, etc. With ongoing reflection, I have decided that it would have been good to have started with some breathing and centering. I could have started with everyone getting comfortable, closing their eyes, and doing some abdominal breathing, maybe 3 part breath, dirga pranayam. We could have brought focus to the pelvic floor and tried to feel the movement of the pelvic floor muscles as the breath moves in and out. I might have used color and chakras during this to bring in even more focus and awareness. I think I would then have switched to TATD breath to feel the power and strength of the pelvic floor and help feel how to properly engage pelvic floor and TA together. I think in using breath and bringing awareness to the pelvic floor, it would have helped to set the tone and mood as well as get people into their own bodies. It also would have helped to bring to light the importance of breath for pelvic floor health as well. I think overall, more movement could have been incorporated to allow them to understand how to feel the pelvic floor in different yoga poses. I talked about these, but should have had them move into them and experience them in their own bodies. It was mostly a sit and talk program and it might have been nice to get up and move more. We did only have 1 hour (which ended up being 1 ½ hours) so there was not much time for it, but some movement might have been good. The end of the presentation did not go as I had planned. I was hoping to re-iterate the importance of seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist, no matter who or where (not just selling myself) to address any issues. I had hoped to do a closing centering activity, maybe even an Om. However, one of the participants started asking more questions about labor and delivery. It was already getting late, and many of the participants were not interested in the labor talk, so they started to grab a business card, say a quick thank you, and walk out. This was disappointing and, looking back, I could have told the participant asking about labor that I would happily stay and answer those questions but would first like to close the talk. That would have allowed me to do a close, say thank you, etc. I did email everyone after the class to do this and offered to answer any lingering questions via email. I think the participants enjoyed the talk. They all seemed surprised by much of what I had to say, especially about avoiding “just in case” urination and avoiding hovering over toilets. These are both things most women don’t know and are habits they have adopted a long time ago. They were also intrigued by our discussion of how to do a kegel. I use the analogy of “picking up a blueberry” and this always gets a laugh and makes people think. After the email I received a few emails back saying thank you and reiterating how much they enjoyed the talk and learned from it. Overall, I was really happy with the way the workshop went. I think the women left with new information to stay healthy or to get healthy. My hope is to do more presentations to multiple yoga studios in my area. Spread the pelvic floor word and help women (and men) to feel empowered to live their best lives!