Let's Talk Pelvic Health: Common, But Not Normal with Dr. Brooke Kalisiak | 268

Let's Talk Pelvic Health: Common, But Not Normal with Dr. Brooke Kalisiak | 268

Author: Trish Ware, RN August 7, 2026 Duration: 37:27

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

Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off!

Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍

⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services


Ever find yourself scrolling through endless forums late at night, wondering about the real, unfiltered details of childbirth that no one seems to talk about plainly? The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama is here to change that. Hosted by Trish Ware, RN, this podcast draws directly from her years in the delivery room, where she’s helped bring thousands of newborns into the world. She knows the questions that keep you up at night, from the logistical-like how to effectively push or what Pitocin actually does-to the vulnerable fears about epidurals, VBACs, or those embarrassing but totally normal moments. Trish moves beyond clinical jargon to offer honest, compassionate, and evidence-based insights that feel like a conversation with a trusted friend who’s seen it all. Each episode tackles a specific aspect of pregnancy, labor, and early parenting, like navigating breastfeeding challenges or figuring out newborn care, with the goal of replacing anxiety with practical knowledge. Tuning into this podcast means getting a seasoned labor nurse’s perspective delivered with warmth and a deep understanding of what you’re going through, helping you feel more prepared and empowered for your own journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama
Podcast Episodes