Let's Talk Pelvic Health: Common, But Not Normal with Dr. Brooke Kalisiak | 268 — The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama

I'm joined by Dr. Brooke Kalisiak, a pelvic physical therapist and owner of Legacy Physical Therapy in St. Louis. We’re diving into one of the most overlooked - but incredibly important - parts of your birth and postpartum journey: your pelvic floor.

Dr. Brooke Kalisiak helps women prepare for birth, recover postpartum, and overcome pelvic health issues like pain and bladder leakage so they can feel strong and confident without relying on medications or surgery. She’s passionate about educating women on what’s normal, what’s not, and how to take control of their pelvic health.

In this episode, we talk about:

The biggest misconceptions about pushing during labor
Why your pelvic floor needs to relax - not tighten - for birth
Common postpartum symptoms women are told to “just live with”
What actually happens during a pelvic floor therapy appointment
How pelvic floor health impacts pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, and even menopause
Why bladder leakage is common, but not normal
Simple breathing techniques that support your core and pelvic floor
When to see a pelvic floor therapist (hint: it’s never too early or too late)

If you've ever worried about tearing, leaking, painful recovery, or wondered whether pelvic floor therapy is right for you, this conversation is packed with practical information and reassurance.

Remember, mama: just because something is common doesn't mean it's normal. You deserve answers, support, and a body that feels strong and supported through every stage of motherhood.

More from Dr. Brooke Kalisiak:

legacytherapystl.com

Find her @legacyphysicaltherapystl on Instagram , FaceBook , & YouTube

Helpful Timestamps:

00:00 Pelvic Health
06:28 Practice Pushing Positions
09:57 Bladder Leakage And Stigma
12:21 When To See Pelvic PT
16:02 Pregnancy Core Breathing
20:59 Postpartum Visits Explained
29:21 Why a Baseline Matters
32:11 Hidden Pelvic Symptoms
34:40 Where to Find Dr Brooke

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Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services