I started seeing Dr. Riley at Body Motion back in September 2020, about 10 weeks into my second pregnancy, and saw her weekly until I delivered a few weeks ago in early April 2021. I had experienced issues with incontinence since having delivered my son a couple of years prior, and I was terrified that my symptoms would become imminently worse as my pregnancy progressed. I was also noticing the first signs of bladder prolapse. I have a long-standing history of pelvic organ prolapse and post-partum incontinence in my family, and I knew I was going down that same path. Up until seeing Dr. Riley I practiced kegels religiously, and had no idea that was actually making things worse! My pelvic floor was in such a tight and contracted state that I had very little control over the muscles. Dr. Riley helps me to tune into my PF muscles and relax them, and gave me exercises to strengthen my transverse abs, which in turn have pulled my pelvic organs back up. An unexpected benefit I also experienced was more regular bowel movements that came without strain--something I've struggled with for my whole adult life.
Leading up to my due date, Dr. Riley helped me through breathing and visualization techniques to use during labor in order to keep my pelvic floor relaxed and help the baby move through the birth canal. My second birth experience and postpartum healing was SO different than my first and I credit it all to the PT and the time I invested into doing the exercises and stretches regularly throughout the last 6 months of my pregnancy. Some quick comparisons between my two birth experiences below:
-First birth: on high-dose of Pitocin for over 20 hours before pushing; Second birth: no Pitocin
-First birth: pushed for three hours; Second birth: never pushed! I was meditating on my breathing and relaxation exercises, and when I felt the urge to push I had a wave of nausea, I vomited and my baby shot out into the bed like it was nothing!
-First birth: 2nd degree tear, very swollen and could not be active for over 6 weeks; Second birth: still had a 2nd degree tear, but no swelling, and was taking trips to the zoo, long walks, and barre classes by 1 week PP. I credit this to the increased blood flow to my pelvic floor that comes with increased control.
-First birth: leaked urine EVERY single day up until my second birth; Second birth: have not leaked since having my baby!
-First birth: experienced constipation for three months PP and had to get a colon cleanse; Second birth: was regular again by 3 days PP.
TL/DR version: Dr. Riley and Body Motion have given me back my confidence and have empowered me in so many ways! It is the absolute best investment I have ever made in myself and would do it 10x over! I also have to mention the whole Body Motion team are just the sweetest! Devin, Isabelle, Dr. Victoria and Dr. Alison are so welcoming and personable and make every client feel so special! THANK YOU BODY MOTION!! read more